AirlinesLatvia Backs AirBaltic Cash InjectionLatvia's parliament has backed an EUR€80 million (USD$85 million) cash injection for AirBaltic, removing a potential hurdle for the state-owned flag carrier to complete the purchase of Bombardier CSeries aircraft. The green light follows a government decision to prevent the state-owned airline separately importing jets from Russia's Sukhoi, a possibility that had threatened to put the airline at odds with the Baltic state's hawkish policy against Moscow.
Link Alaska to offer service from LAX to Colo. ski destinationAlaska Airlines plans to launch a new route this month from Los Angeles to the Gunnison–Crested Butte Regional Airport in Colorado for skiers and other passengers. Alaska will also resume seasonal flights to other top ski towns such as Steamboat Springs, Colo., and Sun Valley, Idaho.
Link Cargolux, pilot talks going in ‘right direction’Luxembourg-based Cargolux pilots, represented by the ALPL and the LCGB unions, said that latest negotiations have shown signs of positive developments. However, ALPL executive secretary Dirk Becker told ATW that even though the talks are going “in the right direction,” there are still some unclear points to be worked out. Cargolux management and its trade unions OGBL and LCGB announced earlier this week that it had achieved a “major breakthrough” in negotiations on a new collective work agreement (CWA) for airline staff, on crew-related items, and clears the road to financial sustainability, securing sustainable growth and prosperity at Cargolux.
Link Etihad Bookings Dip After Paris AttacksEtihad Airways had a dip in bookings for travel from Europe to the Middle East after the November 13 Paris attacks and said it has stepped up vigilance for potential security threats. The Abu Dhabi-based airline has seen reservations rebound in the past week ahead of the peak travel period around the Christmas and New Year holidays, Hogan said.
Link Hawaiian forecasts higher profits next yearHawaiian Airlines officials forecast a higher profit next year during an investor conference. Analysts also predict the carrier will post an 8% increase in profit for 2016. For this year to date, Hawaiian has earned $144.7 million.
LinkLufthansa, ground staff sign labor agreementLufthansa and German trade union Verdi have signed a collective labor agreement on pay increases for about 30,000 staff from Lufthansa, Lufthansa Cargo, Lufthansa Technik and LSG Sky Chefs. The agreement is effective through the end of 2017. The comprehensive labor package also included a new corporate pension scheme.
LinkBoth MH370 engines flamed out; search narrowedAustralian investigators believe both of Malaysia Airlines flight MH370’s engines flamed out, suggesting the Boeing 777-200 was not intentionally ditched. Also, new analysis has narrowed the search area for MH370, giving officials renewed hope of finding the aircraft. The Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB) has issued a new report on MH370 based on research and analysis conducted by the Australian Defense Science and Technology Group that confirms the search for the missing 777 is generally being conducted in the right area of the southern Indian Ocean. But it narrows the search area to the southern portion of a search area that spanned 120,000 sq km.
LinkForeign investors ‘interested’ in buying MerpatiThe Indonesian government has received inquiries from two foreign-owned airlines for the remaining assets of failed government-sponsored regional carrier Merpati Nusantara Airlines. Indonesia’s Minister of State Owned Enterprises, Rini Soemarno, said the possibility of a sale was still in the cards, but would have to be made “without burdening state finances.” The airline is 93.8% owned by the Indonesian government, with the remainder owned by flag carrier Garuda Indonesia.
LinkPhilippine Airlines expands into OceaniaPhilippine Airlines (PAL) is adding three new international routes across Oceania with the launch of its first schedule to New Zealand via Cairns, Australia, and a new Papua New Guinea service from mid-December. The addition of three new international routes within one month is part of what PAL CEO Jaime Bautista said is the result of a “robust investment climate and upsurge of business travel” within the Oceania region.
LinkRyanair in Boeing 737 delivery ramp-upRyanair’s fleet is set to swell from 320 Boeing 737s this year to around 360 in 2016, as the Irish budget carrier begins its aircraft-delivery ramp up. “This is the first year of significant aircraft deliveries, running at 40-50 per year,” Ryanair CEO Michael O’Leary told journalists at a London press briefing on Dec. 1. The aircraft will be used to open 84 new routes this winter.
LinkSpring Air Agrees 60 Jet Airbus DealSpring Airlines has signed an agreement to buy 60 Airbus A320neo-family jets, worth USD$6.3 billion at list prices, to meet surging Chinese demand for air travel. The order, comprising 45 A320neo and 15 A321neo planes, extends Airbus's lead against Boeing for the fast-growing upgraded narrow-body aircraft segment.
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