NewsAmerican targets Q3 for full basic economy roll-outAmerican Airlines expects to complete the roll-out of basic economy fares to its entire domestic network by end-September, as it continues to aggressively price-match its rivals. The Oneworld carrier, which began selling the no-frills fares in March on some routes, now offers it in 78 markets.
LinkA321 wake upsets 737 departing Los AngelesCanadian investigators believe wake turbulence caused control problems on a WestJet Boeing 737-800 just after it lifted off from Los Angeles. The aircraft experienced turbulence, from a departing Airbus A321, as it climbed through 500-900ft during a service to Calgary on 24 July.
LinkAirAsia Group considers revamped structure, new listingAirAsia wants to restructure itself, creating a regional holding company that in turn holds the group's regional assets. "We are working to create a group company, which is pending board approval," says AirAsia chief executive Tony Fernandes in a television interview.
LinkIAG confident on full-year profit after 'strong' second quarterBritish Airways and Iberia parent IAG has generated a 37% rise in operating profit to €975 million ($1.14 billion) for the first half, before exceptional items of €77 million. This includes an adverse foreign exchange impact of €44 million.
LinkGaruda's first half loss swells to $215mGaruda Indonesia's operating loss in the first half of 2017 saw a nearly sixfold increase to $215 million, compared to the same period a year ago. Revenue for the six months to 30 June grew 7% to $1.89 billion, but this was outpaced by a 16.7% jump in total operating expenses to $2.1 billion, says the SkyTeam carrier in its financial statements.
LinkLeap production still chasing CFM56 declineSafran handed over 147 CFM International Leap engines during the first half, but the figure has yet to offset the drop in CFM56 deliveries. The propulsion specialists's figures indicate that it delivered 81 engines in the first quarter but only 66 in the second.
LinkUSMC grounds 12 KC-130Ts after fatal crashThe US Marine Corps is grounding 12 of its Marine Forces Reserve-operated Lockheed Martin KC-130T tanker/transports indefinitely, following a 10 July crash which left 16 service members dead. An investigation into the fatal accident is ongoing, and the USMC will not comment on its potential root cause at this time. Its grounding order will not affect other variants of the C-130, the service confirms.
LinkDoD issues interim contract for international F-35sThe US government obligated $2.18 billion in funding from Foreign Military Sales (FMS) customers and international partners in the Joint Strike Fighter programme for an interim contract to Lockheed Martin to continue F-35 production. The award funding 50 international aircraft was expected, following a 7 July agreement known as an "undefinitised contract action" (UCA) that continued domestic aircraft production.
LinkBoeing completes KC-46 electromagnetic testingBoeing, the US Air Force and US Navy completed electromagnetic effects (EME) testing on the KC-46A tanker during July, checking off another step before the manufacturer can deliver its first of the 767-based aircraft to the USAF at the end of this year. The EME test process evaluated the tanker’s ability to fly through electromagnetic fields produced by radars and radio towers. Boeing tested its second low-rate initial production aircraft in the full tanker configuration, including the type's Cobham wing aerial refuelling pods. During simulation, the aircraft received pulses from a large transformer positioned above it, which tested the KC-46A’s electromagnetic pulse protection in flight.
LinkWill USAF's light-attack trial rekindle warrior spirit?As it follows the elevation from Western Front trenches to air corps fame – or infamy – of German corporal Bruno Stachel, the 1966 film The Blue Max debunks many myths of chivalry and aerial combat. By means fair and foul, Stachel (George Peppard) tramples friend and foe alike in relentless pursuit of the 20 “kills” that would secure him the medal of the film’s title.
LinkSouthwest to launch Omaha, Neb.-Tampa, Fla., seasonal serviceSouthwest Airlines will start weekly seasonal service in March 2018 between Eppley Airfield in Omaha, Neb., and Florida's Tampa International Airport. Southwest is the only airline offering nonstop service on the route.
LinkAmerican Airlines updates mobile app with baggage trackingAmerican Airlines updated its mobile app on Thursday to notify passengers if their bags will arrive late. If luggage will be severely delayed, app users can fill out a form telling the airline where to deliver the bags, saving them a trip to customer service.
LinkFedEx ramp agent recognized for 40 years of perfect attendanceKen Peddicord began working at FedEx in 1977 and since then has not missed a single day of work. "Being at FedEx that long, you also get an extended family. You develop special bonds with those people. ... We all get along and our goal is to deliver the Purple Promise to our customers."
LinkReview: Flying business class on American Airlines, Los Angeles to SydneyReviewer Andrea Black describes her experience flying from Los Angeles to Sydney on an American Airlines 777-300. Black appreciated the lie-flat seats with easy aisle access, complimentary pajamas and slippers, generous entertainment options, Wi-Fi and attentive service.
LinkAmerican 2Q net profit down 15.5%; Parker emphasizes long-term valueAmerican Airlines posted a 2017 second-quarter net profit of $803 million, down 15.5% from net income of $950 million in the 2016 June quarter, and chairman and CEO Doug Parker continues to argue the company is significantly undervalued in the stock market.
LinkAir France-KLM reverses losses in 1HAir France-KLM saw a turnaround in its financial results in the 2017 first half, delivering a group net profit of €151 million ($176.8 million), reversed from a loss of €114 million in the same period a year ago. First-half revenue rose 4.2% year-over-year (YOY) to €12.3 billion, up from €11.8 billion in 1H 2016.
LinkNew venture can accept more airlines, says KLM CEOThe coalition of airlines behind a new transatlantic joint venture (JV) is open to accepting more partners into the arrangement, KLM CEO Pieter Elbers said July 28. Air France-KLM, Delta Airlines and UK long-haul specialist Virgin Atlantic announced July 27 they were creating the new JV, with the Franco-Dutch group taking a 31% stake in the UK carrier.
LinkChina Eastern to expand Sino-Europe routes with AF-KLM stake China Eastern Airlines chairman Liu Shaoyong said the carrier’s role in the new transatlantic joint venture (JV)—between Air France-KLM, US-based Delta Air Lines and the UK’s Virgin Atlantic—is to enhance its position in the Sino-Europe market. The deal, announced July 27, includes Air France-KLM acquiring a 31% stake in Virgin and Atlanta-based Delta taking a 10% stake in Air France-KLM.
LinkBombardier posts $296 million 2Q net lossBombardier reported a $296 million net loss for the 2017 second quarter, narrowed from the Canadian manufacturer’s $490 million net loss in 2Q 2016. Bombardier’s consolidated revenue for the quarter totaled $4.1 billion, down 5% from $4.3 billion in the year-ago quarter. Bombardier said its revenue performance was mainly a result of production rate adjustments in the company’s aerospace segments “consistent with market demand” combined with modest growth in its transportation (mass transit) segment.
LinkEmbraer swings to $69.5 million 2Q net profit; E2 testing progressingEmbraer earned a net profit of $69.5 million in the 2017 second quarter, reversed from a net loss of $101.5 million the 2016 June quarter, as revenue increased 28.6% year-over-year (YOY) to $1.8 billion. The Brazilian manufacturer’s second-quarter expenses increased 36.4% YOY to $1.5 billion and gross profit was $317.1 million, up 11.8% from a gross profit of $283.7 million in the prior-year quarter. Embraer delivered 35 commercial aircraft to seven customers during the quarter, a 35% increase over 26 deliveries in the year-ago quarter.
LinkSkyWest attributes $51 million 2Q net profit to fleet transitionUtah-based SkyWest Inc., parent of regional carriers SkyWest Airlines and ExpressJet Airlines, reported a $50.5 million net profit for the 2017 second quarter, up 25.4% over $40.2 million net income in 2Q 2016.SkyWest’s second-quarter revenue increased 1.1% year-over-year (YOY) to $809.8 million while expenses fell 2% to $703.2 million, producing $106.6 million in operating profit, a 26.7% rise.
LinkChorus Aviation Capital buys two more Aeromexico Connect E190 leasesHalifax-based Chorus Aviation Capital (CAC), the leasing arm of Chorus Aviation, will acquire two more Embraer E190s with attached leases, CAC said July 27. The aircraft are now on lease to Mexico’s Aerolitoral, operating as Aeromexico’s regional subsidiary Aeromexico Connect. CAC said its acquisition of the two E190s is expected to be finalized in the third quarter and will be subject to fulfillment of conditions precedent to closing, including novation of the existing leases.
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