AirlinesAlaska Airlines debuts "Honoring Those Who Serve" aircraftAlaska Airlines has unveiled an aircraft dedicated to military veterans and their families. The aircraft was conceived by a group of maintenance technicians and features red, white and blue colors with the phrase "Honoring Those Who Serve." The company said the plane is "dedicated to the brave men and women of the US military, as well as veterans of the armed forces and their families."
LinkAllegiant posts $46 million 3Q net profitLas Vegas-based Allegiant Travel Co., parent of low-cost carrier Allegiant Air, posted third-quarter 2016 net income of $45.5 million, up 2.2% over the company’s $44.5 million net profit in 3Q 2015. Allegiant’s third-quarter operating revenue increased 11.2% year-over-year (YOY) to $333.5 million. Expenses were up 15.2% YOY to $256.6 million, resulting in a $76.8 million operating profit, down 0.3% YOY. Allegiant’s total ancillary revenue (for air-related charges and third-party products) for the quarter was $138.6 million, up 18% YOY.
LinkAmerican, United lead international business class overhaulAmerican Airlines and United have recently announced new seat designs for international business class. American has already deployed B/E Aerospace Super Diamond on parts of its fleet while United will debut its Polaris cabin before year's end. Both airlines offer unique options for their new cabins, such as American's 18-inch entertainment screens and menus designed by James Beard Award-winning chefs, and United's remote-controlled privacy dividers and Saks Fifth Avenue custom bedding.
LinkEuropean Union to probe Brussels Airlines-TAP Portugal codeshareEuropean Union (EU) regulators have formally raised antitrust concerns over a codeshare between Brussels Airlines and TAP Portugal, but have dropped a similar probe against Lufthansa and Turkish Airlines. The EU inquiry into the Brussels Airlines and TAP Portugal codeshare on flights between Brussels and Lisbon was started in February 2011. On Oct. 27, the European Commission said it has issued a statement of objections to the airlines.
LinkChina Eastern reports 3Q net profit up 95.5% China Eastern Airlines reported a third-quarter net profit of CNY3.5 billion ($517 million), up 95.5% over a net income of CNY1.8 billion in the year-ago quarter. Third-quarter operating revenue rose 5.2% to CNY29.1 billion while operating expenses increased 8.4% to CNY22.2 billion.
LinkFinnair to cut back on Asian routes to accommodate A350 trainingFinnair will suspend or cancel services on two Asian routes as it seeks to accommodate pilot training for its new Airbus A350s. The Finnish flag carrier plans to halt flights between Helsinki and Chongqing, China, from Jan. 11 to May 2, 2017 as it ramps up its A350 fleet, which will become the carrier’s main long-haul aircraft. This requires A350 training for Finnair’s existing pool of A330 pilots.
LinkIcelandair joins Airlines for Europe Icelandair has joined Airlines for Europe (A4E), the rapidly growing lobby group that was formally set up in January 2016. This latest addition takes A4E to 13 airline groups, representing more than 550 million passengers and €100 billion ($109 billion) in revenue, or more than 70% of the continent’s passenger journeys.
LinkKenya Airways narrows net losses in 1HKenya Airways recorded a first-half net loss of KSh4.8 billion ($47 million), narrowed from a loss of KSh12 billion in the same period last year. It made the loss on slightly lower turnover of KSh54.7 billion, compared to KSh56.7 billion a year ago. The national carrier has been fighting to recover from the heaviest loss in Kenyan corporate history. Under its Operation Pride turnaround plan, the Kenyan flag carrier has embarked on a number of efficiency measures, including reducing its fleet by selling and wet-leasing surplus aircraft.
LinkQantas reveals 787 layout and brand tweakQantas has unveiled a premium-heavy layout for its Boeing 787-9s and a refresh of its iconic ‘flying kangaroo’ livery. The Oneworld carrier says that the 787s, which will start arriving in 2017 with 236 seats across business, premium economy and economy classes.
LinkRepublic SEC filing confirms CSeries deferralsIndianapolis-based Republic Airways Holdings, which filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in February, has confirmed in an SEC filing that it has reached agreement with Bombardier to defer delivery of CSeries aircraft it ordered in 2010. The parent company of regional carriers Republic Airlines and Shuttle America had an order for 40 CS300s as well as options on 40 more. The deferral had already been acknowledged by Bombardier, which earlier this year removed the Republic aircraft from its production schedule.
LinkSouthwest will stick to complimentary checked bags policyOffering complimentary checked baggage has become part of Southwest's brand, and the policy won't change, CEO Gary Kelly says. While sticking to its guns on not adding baggage charges, executives say they will continue to build on the company's other successful programs, such as its Business Select and EarlyBird Check-In.
LinkUPS orders up to 28 Boeing 747-8 freightersUnited Parcel Service (UPS) has ordered 14 Boeing 747-8 freighters and placed options on 14 more of the type. The aircraft will be used to support the cargo carrier’s fleet expansion plans. UPS Airlines president Brendan Canavan said the aircraft “are a strategic investment for increased capacity for UPS customers around the globe. The 747-8 will allow UPS to upsize our network in both new and existing markets.”
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