NewsA330neo arrives at Lisbon as route-proving begins Airbus's third test-flight A330-900, carrying the colours of launch operator TAP Portugal, has landed in Lisbon after commencing the initial stage of route-proving flights. For the first state of route-proving, MSN1819 is set to fly on to Brazil, visiting cities including Recife, Sao Paulo, Rio de Janeiro and Miami.
LinkCathay Pacific receives its first A350-1000Cathay Pacific has taken delivery of its first Airbus A350-1000, making it the variant's second operator after Qatar Airways, which received its initial example in February. The Hong Kong carrier has ordered 20 A350-1000s and already operates 22 A350-900s, Airbus says. The airline has another six -900s on order and holds four options.
LinkMost Air France unions cancel planned June strikes Most Air France unions have called off strikes planned for June 23-26 in the latest twist in a months-long conflict with staff over pay that has so far led to 15 strike days, the resignation of the former Air France-KLM group CEO and a financial cost of around €400 million ($462 million). The unions said their threat of further strikes had led to off-the-record negotiations with management, but added: “Strikes are not an end in themselves but a means. “Air France’s unions are convinced it will be more efficient to wait to speak to the right person and therefore takes the decision to suspend its planned strikes for June 23-26.”
LinkFedEx to take 24 more Boeing freighters in $6.6 billion order FedEx Corp. has ordered 24 more Boeing freighters, comprising 12 767Fs and 12 777Fs. The Memphis-based cargo carrier said the 767Fs will be delivered between June 2019 and May 2022, while the 777Fs will be delivered between June 2020 and May 2025. The total order is valued at $6.6 billion at list prices.
LinkUAV incidents close runways at Oslo airport Two incidents involving dangerous use of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) near Oslo Gardermoen Airport (OSL) have led to a stiff warning from Norwegian airports authority Avinor. On June 13, two instances of UAVs being flown illegally near the airport forced air traffic controllers to close runways, diverting several flights to Torp, north of the Norwegian capital.
LinkAlaska Airlines increases Hawaii service with Sacramento-Kona route Seattle-based Alaska Airlines—fortifying its US west coast-Hawaii presence and ramping up competition in Northern California—plans to launch nonstop service between Sacramento and Ellison Onizuka Kona International Airport (KOA) this December.
LinkFlybe narrows net loss on business plan, new management Flybe, Europe’s largest regional airline, recorded a reduced net loss for the 2017-18 financial year, with the company CEO reporting most parameters improving. The Exeter, UK-based company turned in a reported net loss of £9.4 million ($12.4 million), narrowed from a loss of £55.3 million for 2016-17. The latter figure was restated from £26.7 million as a result of a non-cash onerous lease provision on aircraft and impairment of related assets.
LinkLufthansa CEO: Airlines are facing a crisis of growth Lufthansa CEO Carsten Spohr has called for greater cooperation between airlines and airports in the face of the upcoming capacity crunch, likening current strained relations to sibling rivalry.
LinkKorean Air to expand CSeries, 787 fleet this yearKorean Air is on track to increase its Bombardier CSeries fleet to 10 aircraft this year, and is preparing to debut the type on short-haul international routes.
LinkAmerican regional PSA Airlines stabilizes computer systemsPSA Airlines, a wholly owned American Airlines subsidiary, has “stabilized” its computer systems and plans to steadily ramp up its schedule following nearly a week of disruptions that triggered cancellations throughout the regional carrier’s network, including its entire June 19 morning schedule, American said.
LinkRussian regional UVT aero begins international flightsRussian regional UVT aero has launched its first international routes to Batumi (Georgia) from Kazan, Ufa and Perm. All services are 2X-weekly and use Bombardier CRJ200 aircraft. The Kazan-based carrier will operate flights to Georgia through the end of September; Batumi is one of the main summer travel destinations in the country.
LinkSaudi Arabian Airlines resumes Vienna services Saudi Arabian Airlines (Saudia) relaunched direct flights to Vienna June 16, after an eight-year gap. The year-round 4X-weekly Jeddah-Riyadh-Vienna Airbus A320 service should become daily within one year, when the carrier considers switching to a widebody aircraft.
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