AirlinesAir France Cabin Crew Start Week-Long StrikeA week-long strike by cabin crew at Air France has caused the cancellation of around 13 percent of the carrier’s flights planned for Wednesday. For Thursday, the airline will cancel around 30 percent of short and medium-haul flights from Paris Charles de Gaulle, while keeping around 90 percent of long-haul flights running. Around 80 percent of domestic flights will also operate, it said.
LinkAF-KLM Group improves 1H earnings, but warns of turbulence aheadAir France-KLM Group recorded a 2016 first-half net loss of €114 million ($125 million), compared to a deficit of €638 million in the year-ago period. First-half revenue was down 2.6% at €11.8 billion. The Franco-Dutch company said there had been a “clear deterioration” in the financial situation in 2Q with revenue down 5.2% to €6.22 billion, as a result of increasing pressures on unit revenues. There was also a negative effect because of the weakening of several currencies against the euro, including those of the UK, Canada, China and South Africa.
LinkAir Malta names Joseph Galea as acting CEOAir Malta has appointed deputy CCO Joseph Galea as acting CEO, succeeding CEO Philip Micallef, as the airline concludes strategic partnership talks. The change in management comes at the end of Micallef’s two-year term, as Air Malta negotiates a possible investment from Etihad Group carrier Alitalia.
LinkAmerican's $3 billion investment into superior travel experienceAmerican Airlines has multiple options for sports fans in the UK who want to experience the 2016 Summer Olympic Games in Brazil. Those travelers will benefit from the $3 billion investment the carrier has made into amenities that customers want, such as live television broadcasting, fully lie-flat seats, international Wi-Fi, more in-flight entertainment options and power outlets.
LinkJetBlue posts 18.5% net income growth for second quarterJetBlue Airways generated net income of $180 million in the second quarter, an 18.5% increase over 2015. Revenues jumped to $1.6 billion for the period, a 2% increase. JetBlue CEO Robin Hayes said the carrier will build off yet another great quarter by continuing to grow its transcontinental market with the Mint premium service. "Mint has surpassed our expectations on every customer and financial measure," Hayes said.
LinkMalaysia Air Orders 25 Boeing 737 MAX 8sMalaysia Airlines has ordered 25 Boeing 737 MAX 8s, and purchase rights for another 25, in a deal worth up to USD$5.5 billion at list prices. The new aircraft will reduce operating costs and their longer range will allow the airline to fly to more destinations, chief executive Peter Bellew said in a statement. This is the first major decision by the ailing carrier since Bellew took over from former chief executive Christoph Mueller on July 1.
LinkCanada’s NewLeaf Travel starts serviceCanada’s new low-cost travel company, NewLeaf Travel, flew its inaugural flights July 25. Flights from the company’s home base at Winnipeg James Armstrong Richardson International Airport (YWG) to Kelowna and Hamilton began July 25. The ultra low-cost carrier will soon be flying to Abbotsford, Victoria and Edmonton from YWG with 12X-weekly flights. Other Canadian cities served will be Halifax (July 28), Moncton, Regina, Saskatoon and Kamloops.
LinkPhilippine Airlines may move flights out of Ninoy Aquino AirportPhilippine Airlines (PAL) is looking to move some of its regional schedules from chronically congested Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) in Manila to Clark International Airport in Pampanga. PAL CEO Jaime Bautista has indicated the airline is considering moving some operations to Clark, 50 miles outside Manila. The move is part of a government-and-industry drive to ease congestion at NAIA, driven by recently elected Filipino president Rodrigo Duterte.
LinkXiamen Airlines To Buy Six Boeing 787sChina Southern Airlines subsidiary, Xiamen Airlines, has signed an agreement to buy six Boeing 787-9s worth USD$1.4 billion at list prices.
LinkUS airfares drop by 8% in first quarterFor the first three months of 2016 airfares in the US hit lows not seen since 2010, according to data collected by the US Department of Transportation. Average ticket prices were down almost 8%. "Customers are benefiting from lower fuel prices and increased competition every day, as flying is affordable and accessible to the many, not just the elite few, as evidenced by the record number of people flying over the summer travel period," said Vaughn Jennings, a spokesman for Airlines for America.
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