NEWSREDjet ceases operations blaming subsidised rivalsCaribbean carrier REDjet has grounded its fleet, blaming state-subsidised rivals for slashing prices to such a degree that it was unable to compete.
The Barbados-based airline suspended flight operations "until further notice" from 23.59 local on 16 March, it says in a statement posted on its website. Although passenger numbers had been rising, it claims, and it was "willing and able" to continue its services, it adds that "we cannot".
LinkDiscuss HereAirlines warn of Olympic airport chaosThe heads of four UK airlines have warned the British government there could be chaos at London's airports during this summer's Olympic Games, which would cause major embarrassment to the country unless a deal can be reached over their concerns. In a blunt letter to transport chiefs, British Airways, bmi, Virgin Atlantic and easyJet said time was running out to tackle the expected surge in air traffic and its impact.
LinkKuwait cuts more flights on day 2 of strike
State-run Kuwait Airways cancelled more flights on Sunday as a strike by workers calling for better pay went into a second day, in the latest round of industrial action to hit the tiny Gulf state. The carrier was forced to cancel seven flights on Sunday, spokesman Adel Boursli told state-run agency KUNA. It cut nine flights on Saturday after employees started their walkout.
LinkCathay’s 2011 profit plunges on fuel prices, weak cargo demand
Cathay Pacific Group posted a net profit of HKD5.5 billion ($709 million) for 2011, down 62% over net income of HKD14.05 billion in 2010. The airline said the results were affected by “persistently high jet fuel prices” and weak cargo demand due to “instability and uncertainty in the world’s major economies.” Operating revenue climbed 9.9% to HKD98.4 billion while operating expenses jumped 19.4% to HKD92.9 billion. Fuel costs rose 37.5% to HKD38.88 billion.
LinkDemand growing for regional aircraft in RussiaRussian carriers are turning to Western-built regional aircraft as they replace Soviet-built fleets. Russian regional carrier Saravia Airlines (6W) will lease three Bombardier Q400s, the company said in a statement. Ilyushin Finance Co will finance the deal. The Q400 is expected to receive certification from Russia’s Interstate Aviation Committee Aviation Register (IAC AR) in May.
LinkICAO looking at four options for potential emissions accordICAO council president Roberto Kobeh Gonzalez told Reuters last week that the UN body is considering four options to manage carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions produced by aviation.
LinkAirbus sees years of dealing with A380 cracks
Airbus will need years to get past problems with wing cracks on its flagship A380 passenger jet, an executive vice president at Airbus told a German magazine. "This problem will keep us busy for years," weekly Der Spiegel quoted Tom Williams as saying in an article published on Sunday. European air safety regulators last month ordered checks for A380 wing cracks for the entire superjumbo fleet after safety engineers found cracks in almost all planes inspected.
LinkNorwegian, Boeing ink 787 GoldCare agreement
Norwegian Air Shuttle signed a 12-year GoldCare maintenance agreement with Boeing for the six 787-8s it has on order. The airline selected GoldCare Enterprise, which encompasses the complete parts, engineering and maintenance solution.
LinkSouthwest takes delivery of first 737-800 
Southwest Airlines on March 8 took delivery of its first Boeing 737-800; it plans to receive 33 -800s by the end of the year. The aircraft, which took its first flight Feb. 23, will begin service for SWA April 11 on Flight #1717 from Chicago Midway to Ft. Lauderdale, Fla.
LinkLufthansa introduces first 747-8I on US, India routes
Lufthansa will take delivery of five Boeing 747-8 Intercontinental aircraft this year as part of its biggest fleet modernization program in its history. The remaining 15 747-8I aircraft will be delivered at a rate of five aircraft per year.
LinkGOL applies for US route
Brazil’s GOL has submitted a route right request to the National Civil Aviation Agency (ANAC) to operate a 5X-weekly São Paulo-Miami, Fla. service, its first US route. GOL, the largest low-cost carrier in Latin America, has a fleet of 123 Boeing 737-700 and -800 aircraft to 63 domestic and 13 international destinations. The airline will operate the Miami service via Caracas. The service will become its largest long-haul route.
LinkWidebody freighters could be piloted remotely within 15 years Civil freight aircraft will be flown by either a single pilot on board with a remote co-pilot on the ground, or no on-board crew at all within 10 to 15 years, delegates of the ATC Global conference in Amsterdam were told. The extraordinary prediction came from Steve Pennington, executive director of the US policy board on federal aviation, who spoke at the event earlier this month.
LinkSpaceX readies upgraded enginesSpaceX is on track to fly the first upgraded Falcon 9 in early 2013. The upgraded Falcon 9 launch vehicle will include a number of new features, chief among them being the nine Merlin 1D first stage engines.
LinkAir Berlin outlines plans for €200m earnings improvement
Germany's Air Berlin is aiming for more than €200 million ($261 million) in earnings improvements during 2012, after posting huge losses for last year. The carrier has indicated that it plans to source this from €70 million in yield and revenue management - by optimising distribution channels and improving sales platforms - and €55 million in cost initiatives, such as fuel savings.
LinkAustralia confirms 6th C-17Australia will acquire a sixth Boeing C-17A Globemaster III aircraft in a Foreign Military Sales (FMS) deal valued at Australian dollars 280 million ($297 million). "The purchase of the sixth C-17A will double the number of C-17A aircraft available for operations at any one time from two to four," said minister for defense Stephen Smith in a statement.
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