AirlinesAeromar takes delivery of first ATR 42-600Mexico City-based Aeromar took delivery of its first ATR 42-600, out of a contract for eight firm ATR -600s (six 72-600s and two 42-600s) and options for six additional 72-600s announced in November. With this first delivery, Aeromar starts progressively replacing its previous generation fleet of nine ATR 42-500s and four ATR 42-300s. The airline already operates two ATR 72-600s, introduced in 2013.
LinkLufthansa, Etihad finalize codeshare, wet lease of 38 airberlin aircraft Germany’s Lufthansa Group and Abu Dhabi-based Etihad Aviation Group have finalized a codeshare deal and wet-lease agreement for 38 airberlin Airbus A319/A320 aircraft operating for Eurowings and Austrian Airlines. The codeshare deal, which is subject to government approval, is set to begin in January 2017. The six-year wet-lease agreement, effective February 2017, is also subject to regulatory requirements. Of the 38 former airberlin aircraft, Eurowings will operate 33 and Austrian Airlines will operate five.
LinkAlaska Airlines agrees to Virgin America, Alaska pilots contract talksElected leaders of Alaska Airlines and Virgin America pilots, represented by the Air Line Pilots Association (ALPA), voted Dec. 15 to accept a transition and process agreement (TPA) with Alaska Airlines management to define the process for negotiating a joint collective bargaining agreement. Negotiations are scheduled to begin January 2017.
LinkAlaska Air Group’s Utilization Steals the ShowLoad factor is the most commonly used measure of an airline’s capacity utilization. It’s calculated as revenue passenger miles divided by available seat miles. A higher load factor indicates better utilization of aircraft capacity. If traffic growth lags behind capacity growth, utilizations will fall, which has been the case with Alaska Air Group (ALK) since January 2015 (except March 2016, April 2016, and May 2016 when utilizations improved). For the last three months, Alaska has seen a continuous improvement in utilization.
LinkANA takes delivery of its first Airbus A320neoJapan’s All Nippon Airways (ANA) has taken delivery of its first Airbus A320neo, which it plans to place into regular revenue service in mid-January. ANA ordered seven A320neos powered by Pratt & Whitney PW1100G geared turbofan (GTF) engines in 2014. It also has 26 A321neos on order.
LinkAmerican Airlines Cargo takes rescue pups home for ChristmasAmerican Airlines Cargo is working with the Society for Companion Animals to finds homes for abandoned dogs this holiday season. American Airlines transported 61 rescue dogs over a two-day period. "Our team puts in a lot of effort to ensure these animals receive the same level of attention and care a human passenger would," said American Airlines' Chuck O'Connell. "And it's all worth it knowing each will make it safely to a new home for the holidays."
LinkEurowings Cabin Crew Talks Fail - UFO UnionContract talks between German cabin crew union UFO, Eurowings and the Verdi union have broken down. UFO and Verdi have been negotiating new contract agreements with the Lufthansa-owned low cost carrier for almost two years. Verdi announced an agreement earlier this month, but UFO has not accepted the terms.
LinkHawaiian Airlines launches mechanics apprenticeship programHawaiian Airlines has brought eight student mechanics from Honolulu Community College into its apprenticeship program. The program was launched with the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers.
LinkJetBlue could add transatlantic destinations from BostonJetBlue is mulling the addition of transatlantic destinations out of Boston, according to executives who participated in the carrier's investor day. Europe is seen as a potential unserved market for JetBlue.
LinkLufthansa, pilot union agree to arbitration Lufthansa and the Vereinigung Cockpit (VC) pilot union have agreed to arbitration by the end of January 2017, in an effort to resolve a pay dispute that has resulted in repeated strikes. VC has agreed to maintain industrial peace until then.
LinkSAS, Singapore Airlines extend codeshare agreement Star Alliance members SAS Scandinavian Airlines and Singapore Airlines (SIA) are expanding their codeshare cooperation as part of a joint venture (JV) agreement that was signed in 2012. tarting May 30, 2017, SAS will place its code on 5X-weekly Airbus A350-900 flights between Stockholm Arlanda and Singapore via Moscow.
LinkYangtze River Airlines eyes international expansionHNA Group subsidiary Yangtze River Airlines looks toward international expansion in 2017 as China’s outbound passenger travel continues to grow. The Shanghai-based carrier plans to take delivery of two Boeing 787 aircraft, which Hainan Airlines expects to introduce in 2017. Hainan Airlines raised its stake in Yangtze River Airlines from 0.37% to 11.6% in July.
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