NewsJAL to launch long-haul LCC in 2020Japan Airlines will establish a new Tokyo Narita-based low-cost unit focused on long-haul routes that will start operations in 2020. The Oneworld carrier says the as-yet unnamed carrier will operate two Boeing 787-8s and fly to destinations in Asia, Europe and the Americas.
LinkDisruptive Norwegian facing its own upsetFox hunting, as Oscar Wilde characterized it, was the unspeakable in pursuit of the uneatable. How, then, to characterize
IAG's as-yet unrequited moves for low-cost rival Norwegian?
LinkSukhoi assessing engine options for 'Russified' SuperjetSukhoi's civil aircraft division has yet to decide on the crucial powerplant issue for its proposed 'Russified' Superjet 100. The current Superjet fleet is fitted with the Franco-Russian PowerJet SaM146, with Snecma as the manufacturer's Western partner in the venture.
LinkAirbus finance chief Wilhelm joins management exodusAirbus chief financial officer Harald Wilhelm is to step down from his position next year, when chief executive Tom Enders is due to leave his post. The airframer says that Wilhelm is leaving "in agreement with the board of directors".
LinkAmerican Airlines to add new nonstop Miami-Barbados serviceOn Dec. 19, American Airlines will launch a third daily nonstop flight between Miami and Barbados. "We're thrilled to continue growing our presence in Barbados this coming December with a new seasonal frequency, further strengthening our more than 40-year commitment to this key destination in the Caribbean," said American Airlines executive Alfredo Gonzalez.
LinkJetBlue, ALPA reach agreement in principle on contractJetBlue Airways and the Air Line Pilots Association have reached an agreement in principle on a contract for the carrier's 3,500 union-represented pilots. "We appreciate our pilots' continued professionalism and commitment to safety and look forward to continuing to work together to deliver the JetBlue experience every day," said JetBlue's Warren Christie.
LinkAmerican Airlines adds dining choices in airport loungesAmerican Airlines is adding more food options in its Admirals Club airport lounges, including sliders and pasta dishes. The new choices are available at lounges in Chicago, Phoenix and Houston and will soon be introduced in other airports, along with a wine program to be launched this summer.
LinkRunway Girl reviews United Airlines' PolarisRunway Girl Network contributor Paul Thompson writes about flying between Hong Kong and San Francisco as a United Airlines Polaris-class passenger, detailing the amenities, comfort and attentive service he received. "On both flights, I experienced more than just 'customer service,' but true hospitality," he wrote.
LinkUS-UAE Open Skies terms reaffirmed, including fifth freedom rights All sides are claiming a “win” in the
US agreement with the United Arab Emirates (
UAE) on their Open Skies aviation agreement, but the agreement stays fully intact and the document drawn up by the two governments indicates
US carriers American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, and United Airlines have achieved very little in their three-year campaign to clip the wings of the major Gulf carriers.
LinkRussia’s second MC-21-300 completes first flight Irkut Corp.’s second
MC-21-300 prototype completed a maiden flight on May 12 from the Russian manufacturer’s Irkutsk airfield, a year after the first test aircraft took to the air for the first time. Irkut reported the first flight lasted 1 hour and 7 minutes, at an altitude of up to 3,000 m (9,842 ft.) at a speed of up to 400 km per hour (249 mph).
LinkChina’s Sichuan Airlines weighs alliance options Chengdu-based Sichuan Airlines is considering joining an alliance to pave the way for rapid international expansion. According to a company source, Sichuan has set up a task force to conduct feasible studies on whether to join an international alliance and, if so, which one.
LinkLatvia to develop 2019-25 aviation strategyLatvian aviation stakeholders have signed a memorandum of cooperation, which will lead to the industry and government jointly creating an aviation strategy for 2019-25. The wide-ranging memorandum was signed by the Aviation Association of Latvia, which represents more than 40 aviation companies, and Latvian transport minister Uldis Augulis during the 2018 International Riga Aviation Forum (
RAF 2018).
LinkUS lawmakers propose bill to expand aviation maintenance workforceA group of bipartisan lawmakers in the
US House have introduced a bill to expand the ranks of skilled aviation maintenance technicians in the
US. The bill, called the Aviation Maintenance Workforce Development Pilot Program Bill, is intended to stave off a looming shortage of maintenance workers by launching a pilot program that would allocate $500,000 in grants to aviation workforce development programs run by governments, industry and academia.
LinkRussia’s Utair 2017 net profit down 55.4% in 2017Russia’s Utair Aviation reported 2017 annual net income of
RUB 2.4 billion ($42.2 million), down 55.4% from a RUB5.5 billion in the year-ago period. Revenue for the year rose 0.5% to RUB75.8 billion year-over-year (
YOY), while operating profit grew 27%
YOY to RUB7.6 billion.
LinkNigerian startup Green Africa Airways names management teamNigerian startup Green Africa Airways has appointed Caribbean Airlines
VP-operations Jag Singh as
COO and former JetBlue Airways
VP-flight operations Bart Roberts as safety review board chairman. Lagos-based Green Africa Airways has secured its air transport license and is working toward its air operator’s certificate. The airline initially plans to operate flights within Nigeria using leased mid-sized jets.
LinkWestJet details 737 premium-economy retrofitsWestJet’s premium-economy trial has paid off, convincing the Calgary-based
LCC to launch a fleet-wide retrofit that will see new, larger two-by-two seats replacing the current three-by-three test configuration that uses a blocked middle seat.
LinkAirbus presents ‘Day & Night’ first-class concept designAirbus Interiors Services is introducing a new concept in first class where the passenger is given both a seat and a private sleeping area. In a new way to exploit cabin space, the “Day & Night” layout features a 2 m (6.6 ft.) long “real bed,” Airbus said. The “night” area also has stowage space and an entrance.
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