AirlinesAirAsia X switches remaining A330s to re-engined variantLong-haul low-cost operator AirAsia X has cancelled 11 Airbus A330-300s in favor of taking 11 re-engined A330neo jets. Airbus has revealed the agreement in its full-year order and delivery data for 2015, released during a briefing in Paris.
LinkAir Malta silent on Etihad claimsAir Malta has declined to comment on reports that it is in discussions with Etihad Airways over a link-up with the fast-expanding Abu Dhabi carrier. Reports in the Maltese press have spoken of negotiations between the two carriers; Etihad has previously taken equity stakes in several European carriers such as airberlin, Air Serbia and Switzerland’s Darwin Arline, which now operates as Etihad Regional.
LinkAllegiant to enter Southwest stronghold BWI as part of expansionLas Vegas-based ultra low-cost carrier (ULCC) Allegiant Air is adding three new airports to its route network, notably including Baltimore/Washington International Airport (BWI). BWI is the US East Coast stronghold of Southwest Airlines. The Dallas-based carrier, the US’s original LCC, is by far BWI’s largest carrier with about a 70% market share at the airport.
LinkAmerican Writes Off Cash Trapped In VenezuelaAmerican Airlines has written off more than half a billion dollars in revenue stuck in Venezuela because of currency controls. American said it will include a USD$592 million special charge in the just-ended fourth quarter "due to continued lack of repatriations and deterioration of economic conditions in Venezuela." The South American country had compelled carriers to sell tickets in bolivars but made converting the sales into US dollars difficult. Globally, airlines have around USD$3.7 billion trapped in Venezuela as a result of its 12 year currency control system, IATA said in June.
LinkANA to take 8.8% stake in Vietnam AirlinesStar Alliance-linked ANA Holdings has signed a memorandum of understanding to acquire an 8.8% strategic investment in SkyTeam member Vietnam Airlines, valued at VND2.4 billion ($107 million). The planned “business and capital partnership” between the two airlines, which remains subject to finalization and regulatory approvals, was announced to the London Stock Exchange on Jan. 12.
LinkCargolux expected to establish China joint ventureLuxemburg-based Cargolux is expected to finalize a shareholder agreement to establish a joint venture (JV), “Cargolux China,” next week. A Cargolux spokesperson confirmed it will hold a board of directors meeting Jan. 19. “After this meeting we will be able to give more details” about the planned JV, the spokesman added.
LinkAir Travel Demand Tempered By Transaero, LufthansaDemand for air travel slowed in November from the previous month, muted by the halt of operations by Transaero and strikes at Lufthansa, IATA said. Demand for air travel, measured in revenue passenger kilometers, rose 5.9 percent in November, compared with a 7.1 percent gain recorded in October.
LinkSouthwest Airlines flew more passengers in Dec.Southwest Airlines transported 8.6% more passengers in December on a year-over-year basis. The carrier also boosted load factor by 0.3% from the same month of 2014 to 83% for December.
LinkUnited to offer more East Coast destinations from DIAUnited Airlines plans to launch nonstop service between Denver and two East Coast cities. United will offer daily service from Denver International Airport to Hartford, Conn., and Richmond, Va. "With these new flights to Hartford and Richmond, United now proudly serves 125 nonstop destinations across the US from our Denver hub," said Randle Loveland, director of regional sales for the carrier.
LinkUnited boosts customer service with new lost-and-found systemUnited Airlines returned 50,000 lost items to travelers in 2015 after installing a new system designed to bolster customer service. The lost-and-found items returned ranged from technology such as tablets to personal items such as dentures.
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