AirlinesAer Lingus adds Miami route; issues tender for 7 A321neosIrish flag carrier Aer Lingus plans to add Dublin-Miami service in 2017 and seeks to add seven long-range Airbus A321neos to its fleet. “We can confirm that Aer Lingus has issued a request for proposals (RFP) for seven Airbus A321neo LRs,” an Aer Lingus spokesperson told ATW, declining to give details on the timing of the tender and whether the aircraft would be either leased or purchased.
LinkAir Arabia boosts 3Q net profit despite overcapacityUnited Arab Emirates (UAE)-based low-cost carrier (LCC) Air Arabia has posted third-quarter net profits of AED297 million ($80.8 million), up 26% from a net profit of AED235 for the same period last year. The Sharjah-based LCC achieved the result on revenues of AED1.12 billion, roughly similar to a year ago.
LinkAlaska Airlines makes first commercial flight using wood-based biofuelSeattle-based Alaska Airlines made the first commercial flight utilizing alternate jet fuel made from forest residuals—the limbs and branches that remain after a forest harvest—on Nov. 14, with Alaska Airlines Flight 4, a Boeing 737-800 bound for Washington Reagan National Airport carrying 163 passengers. The flight departed from Seattle-Tacoma International (Sea-Tac) Airport and was fueled by 1,080 gallons of biofuel, developed in association with the Washington State University-led Northwest Advanced Renewables Alliance (NARA). The biofuel used is chemically indistinguishable from regular commercial jet A fuel, Alaska Airlines said.
LinkAmerican Airlines gives thanks to Alaska town with turkey dinnersAmerican Airlines delivered 100 turkey dinners to Cold Bay, Alaska, to thank the community for its hospitality.
LinkFuel shortage forces Arik Air to reduce operationsNigeria’s largest airline Arik Air was forced to cut back operations Nov. 16 because of a fuel shortage. In a statement, the carrier said aviation fuel rationing began during the week beginning Nov. 7, causing delays and cancellations. Arik Air, which operates around 100 daily flights, requires about 500,000 liters of fuel a day. As a local operator, it has been badly affected by the fuel shortage, which it said is the fourth this year.
LinkEtihad Airways Engineering, Airbus develop A380 MRO services Abu Dhabi-based Etihad Airways Engineering and Airbus have agreed to work jointly on developing a new Airbus A380 MRO services offering. Starting in 2017, turnkey heavy-check and upgrade services will be under one roof in Abu Dhabi to provide third-party support for A380 fleets.
LinkGOL reverses losses with $20 million net profit in 3QSão Paulo-based low-cost carrier (LCC) GOL posted a third-quarter net profit of BRL65.9 million ($20.4 million), reversing a BRL2.1 billion net loss in 3Q 2015. GOL said the result reflects operational improvement at the company as well as the Brazilian real’s appreciation during the quarter. GOL’s third-quarter operating revenue was BRL2.4 billion, down 3.5% year-over-year (YOY), which the LCC attributed to lower demand reflecting Brazil’s struggling economy. Operating expenses for the quarter fell 12.6% to BRL2.2 billion.
LinkJetBlue to expand Mint premium service in 2017JetBlue Airways will expand its premium Mint service next year to flights between New York City and San Diego, Calif., offering passengers lie-flat seats, shoe storage space, USB ports and 15-inch flat-screen TVs, among other premium amenities. The carrier launched its Mint product in 2014.
LinkLufthansa Group, Singapore Airlines extend codeshare agreementsStar Alliance members Lufthansa, Singapore Airlines (SIA) and Swiss International Air Lines (SWISS) are expanding their codeshare agreements as part of a commercial joint venture (JV) that was concluded in November 2015. SWISS and Lufthansa will add its code on SIA’s recently launched services via Singapore to Canberra (Australia) and Wellington (New Zealand).
LinkMalaysia Airlines plans IPO in 1Q 2019Oneworld member Malaysia Airlines plans to launch an initial public offering (IPO) in 2019 as it makes progress toward profitability. Over the past few years Malaysia Airlines has undergone a serious of setbacks, including two aircraft accidents in rapid succession.
LinkPegasus Airlines aims to reduce costs as tourism slumpsTurkish low-cost carrier (LCC) Pegasus Airlines is undertaking a major cost reduction program as it battles to offset the continuing effect of slumping inbound tourist traffic to the nation. The LCC is revisiting existing contracts, reducing staff numbers and taking a careful look at marketing activities as it focuses on reducing costs.
LinkQantas to launch flight tests for onboard Wi-Fi serviceAustralia’s Qantas Airways, which is rolling out Wi-Fi across its domestic Airbus A330 and Boeing 737-800 fleet over the next two years, has finished installing Wi-Fi on the first of its aircraft—a 737-800. However, before passengers can begin trialing it in early 2017, Qantas and California-based technology partner ViaSat will carry out a range of ground-based and inflight tests.
LinkSaratov Airlines receives first Antonov An-148Russia’s regional Saratov Airlines has taken delivery of its first Antonov An-148 aircraft. A second aircraft will be delivered before the end of the year. The aircraft were previously operated by Aeroflot subsidiary, Saint Petersburg-based Rossiya Airlines, which grounded six An-148s in April 2015 because of “decreasing passenger traffic,” the carrier had said.
LinkUnited Airlines unveils strategies for earnings growthUnited Airlines announced several strategies for earnings growth, which are expected to improve earnings by $4.8 billion by 2020. The carrier also plans to maximize the fuel efficiency of its fleet.
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