NewsAmerican lowers 2Q RASM guidance on reduced domestic yieldsFalling domestic yields and several one-time items will hit American Airlines’ bottom line this quarter, the carrier revealed July 11. The Dallas/Fort Worth-based airline, updating investors ahead of its second-quarter earnings release on July 26, said total revenue per available seat mile will go up 1%-3% year-over-year (YOY), rather than 1.5%-3.5%, per its April guidance. “This change from previous guidance is due to lower-than-anticipated domestic yields,” American said.
LinkItaly signs deal paving the way for Virgin Galactic flights Virgin Galactic has signed a framework agreement to bring commercial space flight to Italy, following two years of business discussions, regulatory analysis, studies on potential operations and market assessment. “This partnership could see Virgin Galactic launch the first person in history into space from Italian soil—and in fact from any European territory,” Virgin Group founder Richard Branson said.
LinkJetBlue’s A220 decision based on flexibility, economics JetBlue’s choice of the just-rebranded Airbus A220 gives the airline significant operational flexibility starting next decade, but the New York-based airline insists it intends to keep its focus-city strategy and leverage the new aircraft’s economics to help drive bottom-line improvements without changing its growth plan.
LinkThai Airways to order 23 aircraft this year Thai Airways will reportedly order 23 aircraft this year, in a move the airline has signaled for several months. The expected order total was revealed by the Thai transport minister, according to Reuters. This aligns with previous comments by Thai Airways executives to ATW’s sister publication Aviation Daily that the airline wanted to order up to 30 aircraft, comprising narrowbody and widebody types.
LinkSIA to boost US network with Los Angeles, San Francisco flights Singapore Airlines (SIA) has said its second nonstop route to the US using Airbus A350-900ULRs will launch Nov. 2, with the flight from Singapore to Los Angeles (LAX) replacing one of its two one-stop services between the cities.
LinkUK pilot seeks retirement age reviewA pilot has lodged a legal challenge against the UK CAA, seeking a judicial review of commercial-pilot age restrictions. Former TUI Airways captain Wayne Bailey, represented by law firm DMH Stallard, has served the UK CAA with legal papers through the Administrative Court.
LinkFrench leisure carrier Aigle Azur goes long-haulFrench leisure airline Aigle Azur has operated its first long-haul flight, linking Paris Orly with São Paulo in Brazil. Throughout its 71-year history, Aigle Azur has focused on short- and medium-haul routes. However, in December 2017 the French carrier ordered two Airbus A330-200s to branch out into long-haul.
LinkHi Fly to show off A380 at FarnboroughPortuguese wet-lease specialist Hi Fly’s first Airbus A380 is set to make an appearance at the Farnborough air show. The jet, which is undergoing painting in Malta ahead of being introduced to Hi Fly’s operation, will be shown in the static park.
LinkPorter joins industry in selling 'basic' economy faresCanadian niche carrier Porter Airlines has rolled out its own version of basic economy, unveiling a new, discounted fare class that requires passengers pay more for services previously included in the price of the ticket. The Toronto-based airline, which has long sought to differentiate itself through customer service and free amenities, is now offering a "basic fare" on several routes, following a path well-worn by airlines worldwide.
LinkPassengers with bags slowed WestJet 737 evacuation: TSBThe Transportation Safety Board of Canada (TSB) has again called attention to the problem of passengers carrying luggage during emergency aircraft evacuations. Passengers on a WestJet Boeing 737-800 slowed an evacuation earlier this year by bringing bags, says the TSB, marking the latest in a string of similar incidents that caught safety investigators' attention.
LinkVistara commits to 13 A320neos, six 787-9sIndian carrier Vistara has signed letters of intent to order 13 Airbus A320neo family aircraft, as well as six Boeing 787-9s that will be deployed on long-haul routes. The cumulative value of the deals is $3.1 billion at list prices. The Airbus LOI includes options for seven additional A320neo family jets, while the Boeing LOI includes purchase rights for four additional 787s.
LinkChina Eastern in $2.3 billion private share saleChina Eastern Airlines will conduct private share placements that will see Juneyao Airlines and two other entities become shareholders. In a Hong Kong stock exchange disclosure, the SkyTeam alliance member says it will issue up to 1.61 billion worth of A-shares, valued at CNY11.8 billion ($1.78 billion), and up to 517.7 million of H-shares valued at HK$3.56 billion ($533.9 million).
LinkNew livery features on second MC-21Irkut has unveiled a new paint scheme on the second flight-test airframe of the MC-21-300 program. The aircraft conducted a 3h 7min flight on 11 July from the Irkut plant’s airport.
LinkAmerican Airlines is latest to ax plastic straws, stir sticksAmerican Airlines has become the latest big company to say it’s axing plastic straws in the name of environmentalism. The world’s largest carrier announced on Tuesday that it will eliminate plastic straws and stir sticks from its flights and lounges. American’s move comes amid growing global concern about the impact that single-use plastics are having on the environment. In particular, many environmental watchdog groups have sounded the alarm about how much plastic is making its way into the planet’s oceans.
LinkUnited Airlines to deploy Boeing 777-300ER on Mumbai-New York/Newark route from OctoberUnited Airline today said it will operate its latest Boeing 777-300E aircraft to service its Mumbai and New York/Newark rout from October. The new wide-body plane, which features the all-new United Polaris business class seats, will replace the 777-200ER, which is currently being used to operate the route United Airlines said in a release.
LinkSouthwest Airlines selects San Antonio for latest expansion phaseSouthwest Airlines added two new services to San Antonio (SAT) this week, launching daily flights to the Texan city from its Fort Lauderdale (FLL) and Oakland (OAK) bases.
Link 
