NewsUnited Airlines orders A321XLRs for transatlantic expansion United Airlines has ordered 50 Airbus A321XLRs to replace Boeing 757s and possibly launch more long-range, thin intercontinental routes, the airline said late Dec. 3. Deliveries are slated to start in 2024. “The new Airbus A321XLR aircraft is an ideal one-for-one replacement for the older, less-efficient aircraft currently operating between some of the most vital cities in our intercontinental network,” United EVP and CCO Andrew Nocella said.
LinkUnited defers A350 deliveries to 2027United Airlines is deferring its order for 45 Airbus A350-900s to 2027. The move would "better align" with its operational needs, says the Star Alliance carrier, alongside a separate order for 50 A321XLRs. United first signed an order for 25 A350-900s in March 2010, firming up a commitment made in December 2009. It then adjusted the order to 35 A350-1000s in June 2013, converting to the larger model and adding 10 aircraft.
LinkBranson reverses plan to sell 31% of Virgin Atlantic to Air France-KLMVirgin Atlantic chairman Richard Branson has scrapped plans to sell 31% of the airline to Air France-KLM as originally agreed as part of the transatlantic joint venture (JV) among the two companies and Delta Air Lines. Branson holds 51% of the UK-based long-haul specialist, with Delta holding the remaining 49%. Under the JV, Branson was to sell a 31% stake to Air France-KLM.
LinkTransavia to enter Brussels market with several routesAir France-KLM's budget carrier Transavia is to open services from the Belgian capital Brussels next summer, with initial routes to nine destinations. Transavia believes there is a "gap" in the Brussels market for low-cost leisure travel, and has identified several sectors for budget services.
LinkMesa Airlines expands United partnership as American pulls backPhoenix-based Mesa Airlines is deepening its partnership with United Airlines at the same time the regional carrier is running up against problems in its relationship with American Airlines. The contract for 42 United-owned Embraer E175s in Mesa’s United Express fleet will be extended five years through 2024, with rights to extend through 2027, the airlines announced Dec. 3. The 18 Mesa-owned E175s in the United Express fleet will be contracted through 2028.
LinkCondor restores bird logo as it separates from Thomas CookGerman leisure carrier Condor has reverted to a previous corporate logo for its fleet, distancing the airline from its collapsed former parent Thomas Cook Group. Condor has unveiled the scheme on a Boeing 767-300ER (D-ABUF) and says all the aircraft in its fleet – including the Boeing 757s and Airbus A320 family – will carry the new livery.
LinkFastjet to restructure by February 2020African LCC fastjet needs to restructure by February 2020, if it is to continue as a going concern, with the disposal of fastjet Zimbabwe forming part of its survival plan. “The group will have sufficient resources to meet its operational needs until February 2020,” fastjet CFO Kris Jaganah said in a Nov. 27 trading statement. “However, the headroom of available cash resources is minimal, and the projections are very sensitive to any assumptions not being met. If the group is unable to carry out the restructuring proposal by the end of February 2020, it would be unable to continue trading as a going concern.”
LinkHainan Airlines cleared to take $567 million syndicated loanHainan Airlines' board has approved a proposal to take a CNY4 billion ($567 million) loan from a syndicate of eight Chinese state-owned banks. The loan will have a three-year tenure and two-year grace period. Its interest rate is fixed at 4.75% per annum. Funds raised will be used to finance the operations of carriers within the HNA Group, says Hainan Airlines in its Shanghai Stock Exchange disclosure.
LinkWTO dismisses US anxiety over possible A380 revivalUS trade representatives have questioned whether Airbus is fully committed to terminating the A380 program, which is set to close with the final deliveries in 2021. Airbus disclosed in February this year that it would cease production of the A380 following delivery of a certain number of aircraft to Emirates.
LinkJetstar Asia maintains fleet discipline while growing networkSingapore-based LCC Jetstar Asia will continue to operate its fleet of A320ceos rather than take in new aircraft as it looks to tap transfer passengers from parent Qantas Group while extending its network beyond Southeast Asia. While LCC competitors such as AirAsia, Lion Air and Vietjet Air have placed large narrowbody orders, Jetstar Asia said it is taking a more disciplined approach with its fleet, with new aircraft going to its sister companies instead.
LinkVirgin A350-1000 sale influenced by subsidies: WTOVirgin Atlantic's order for 12 Airbus A350-1000s has played a central part in the World Trade Organization's latest assessment as to whether subsidies influenced the competitive field against Boeing in the commercial aircraft market. The UK carrier placed an order for eight A350-1000s in July 2016, with plans to lease a further four.
LinkSIA Cargo 747 freighter involved in engine pod strikeThe Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB) is investigating an engine pod strike involving a Singapore Airlines Cargo freighter that occurred on the evening of 28 November. The Boeing 747-400F, registered 9V-SFO, was performing a missed approach procedure at Sydney Airport, when the number 1 engine pod struck the ground during the go-around. Responding to FlightGlobal's queries, SIA says the subsequent landing was uneventful.
LinkAirAsia Group sees $15.9 million loss in 3Q on fleet restructuringDespite a MYR3.1 billion ($741.8 million) in revenue, an increase of 18% year-on-year (YOY), AirAsia Group Berhad still ended the 2019 third quarter with a MYR67 million net loss, reversing the MYR804 million profit in Q3 2018. The company’s net operating profit also fell 97% YOY to MYR2 million.
LinkFinnair to launch premium economy class on US routesFinnair will initially introduce its new premium economy class cabin on services to the US, the company said Dec. 2. The first premium economy cabin will be installed in one of the airline’s Airbus A330-300s in 4Q 2020, with all refurbishments to be completed by 2022. Finnair currently flies to six US destinations—New York JFK, Chicago, Miami, Los Angeles, San Francisco and Las Vegas—with the last of these operated with oneworld partners.
LinkSpirit AeroSystems completes first assembled 767 forward fuselageSpirit AeroSystems has assembled its first Boeing 767 forward fuselage, a milestone for a company that has previously produced, but not assembled, sections of the 767's forward fuselage. Wichita-based Spirit unveiled the first assembled section, which it calls an "integrated 767 forward fuselage", on 3 December.
LinkMi-171A2 gains certification in India, ColombiaThe Mil Mi-171A2 has attained certification in both India and Colombia, setting the stage for exports of the type for civilian use in both countries. The certificates were issued by the Civil Aviation Authority of India and the Special Administrative Unit of Civil Aeronautics of Colombia, according to Russian Helicopters.
LinkRomania to take five more F-16s from PortugalRomania plans to acquire another five surplus Lockheed Martin F-16s from Portugal – and will upgrade the 12 examples of the fighter already in its fleet. Under a draft law passed by the government on 28 November – still to be ratified by the country’s parliament – four aircraft will arrive in 2020, with the final example to follow in 2021.
Link 
