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ATR's Deliveries And Orders Dipped In 2015
Regional turboprop plane-maker ATR delivered 88 planes last year, two short of its target, and received 76 firm orders. ATR had a target of 90 orders for the year, and blamed the short fall on low fuel prices. It also said it received 81 options on planes, for a total of 157 orders.
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Boeing announces 747-8 rate cut, $885M charge
Boeing will reduce 747-8 output for the fourth time in less than two years and record a $885 million pre-tax charge when the company releases fourth quarter financial results on 27 January. Starting in September, the 747-8 assembly line will complete 0.5 aircraft per month, down from 1.3 currently. Boeing has already announced plans to reduce the rate to one per month in March.
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Alaska Airlines posted strong Q4 results
Alaska Airlines posted strong financial performance, reporting $191 million in net income for the fourth quarter. Alaska also boosted passenger revenues by 6% for the quarter and 5% during 2015. "These record results reflect our strong performance in the areas that drive long-term value for our business," said Brad Tilden, Alaska CEO.
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Alaska to order 30 large regional jets in first quarter 2016
Alaska Air Group expects to place an order for up to 30 large regional jets in the first quarter of 2016, with deliveries expected to begin in 2017. The new aircraft will likely have about 76-seats and be operated by regional partner Horizon Air, says the Seattle-based carrier's chief financial officer Brandon Pedersen during an earnings call today.
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American Airlines to boost LAX domestic flights
American Airlines plans to add 25 additional daily flights to US cities from Los Angeles International Airport in June. The flights, including service to Seattle and New Orleans, will lead to a 10% increase in domestic flights at LAX. The carrier will also hire 200 more workers because of the expansion.
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Gulf Air announces Airbus, Boeing orders
Bahraini flag-carrier Gulf Air has announced major new and adjusted orders, as expected, at the Bahrain International Air Show. The new deals will see the airline expand again in coming years after a period of retrenchment. Speaking on the first day of the Bahrain International Air Show, acting CEO Maher Salman Al Musallam said the carrier would switch its original plan to buy “12 to 16” Boeing 787-8s for an order of 16 larger -9 versions, in a deal worth $4.2 billion at list prices.
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Oman To Establish First Budget Airline
Oman plans to establish its first budget airline to boost tourism as the drop in global oil prices encourages the country to diversify its economy beyond oil and gas production. Muscat National Development and Investment (MNDIC) - a venture involving the Muscat municipal government and several state funds including the State General Reserve Fund - said it had been awarded an air services operator license by the Public Authority for Civil Aviation.
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Southwest Airlines reports Q4 profit
Southwest Airlines posted a profit of $536 million for the fourth quarter on revenue of $4.98 billion. Southwest earnings per share of 90 cents met expectations of Wall Street analysts.
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United still considering a CSeries or E2 order
United Airlines is still out shopping for a new 100-seat mainline aircraft, following its order for 40 new Boeing 737-700s today. “We are continuing to pursue additional aircraft to continue upgauging and meet our capacity plans,” says Gerry Laderman, acting chief financial officer of the Chicago-based carrier, during an earnings call today.
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United adding larger aircraft to its fleet
United Airlines announced plans to purchase 40 Boeing 737-700s, which feature almost 120 seats, for entry into United's fleet by next year. By 2019, United aims to phase out some of the 50-seat aircraft in its fleet. "Our customers have a preference for an improved travel experience, including first-class seats, Economy Plus and Wi-Fi," said Gerry Laderman, acting chief financial officer for United.
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United Reaps Benefit Of Cheaper Fuel
United Airlines reported a fourth-quarter profit of USD$823 million, up from USD$28 million a year ago. Net profit for the full financial year was USD$7.34 billion, up from USD$1.132 billion the previous year.
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Oil price, weak currency challenge Norwegian F-35 buy
The low price of oil and a weak currency have led to speculation Norway is questioning its purchase of the costly Lockheed Martin F-35 Joint Strike Fighter, the first example of which was handed over to Oslo in September 2015. A 52-aircraft requirement for the type, to replace the Royal Norwegian Air Force’s 56 Lockheed F-16A/Bs was seemingly a done deal for Norway last October, as defense chief Adm Haakon Bruun-Hanssen revealed a strategic defense review that committed to the full acquisition. This was followed by a proposed 9.8% real-term defense budget increase for 2016, which would see a near doubling of funding for the conventional take-off and landing F-35A, plus an authorization request for six more.
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Aviation Quote
Don't be a show-off. Never be too proud to turn back. There are old pilots and bold pilots, but no old, bold pilots.
— E. Hamilton Lee, 'Ham' Lee began his long and distinguished career as an instructor pilot during World War I. After leaving the Army Air Corps, he flew the airmail for United Air Services, later United Airlines. The —old pilots, bold pilots— statement was made on his retirement from United Air Lines in 1949. 'Ham' Lee did indeed become an old pilot. On his 100th birthday he fly a restored United Airlines DC-3.
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