NEWSTAAG places firm order for three 777s
TAAG Angola Airlines has finalized an order for three Boeing 777-300ERs. The order is valued at $895 million at list prices. TAAG also has options for three more 777s. The aircraft will be used to grow its route network and route expansion, including direct routes to Rio de Janeiro and Sao Paulo, Brazil, Lisbon and Oporto, Portugal and other European destinations.
LinkChina Southern’s 2011 profit drops 11.8% on fuel prices, weak cargo growth
China Southern Airlines reported a 2011 net income of CNY5.11 billion ($805.7 million), down 11.8% from CNY5.79 billion in 2010, due to high fuel prices and weak cargo growth.
Operating revenue increased 18.2% to CNY90.39 billion while expenses climbed 23.2% to CNY87.06 billion. Fuel expenses increased 39% to CNY32.67 billion.
LinkMalaysia, AirAsia X ink accord
Malaysia Airlines (MAS) and AirAsia X (D7) have signed a re-accommodation agreement following the cancellation of four D7 routes to Mumbai, New Delhi, London and Paris. D7 will use excess capacity on MAS flights as it begins to tackle its extensive financial problems.
LinkKenya signs up for GE engines on 787s
Kenya Airways (KQ) has selected the GE Aviation GEnx-1B engine to power its Boeing 787-8s. KQ has nine firm 787-8s on order, plus four options for four additional aircraft. The firm engine order is valued at $380 million at list prices, GE said. Airlines can select between the GEnx and the Roll-Royce Trent 1000 for the 787.
LinkUTair ATR-72 crashes in Siberia, killing 31A UTair ATR-72 aircraft crashed Monday morning shortly after taking off from Tyumen in Siberia on its way to Surgut with 39 passengers and four crew members. The BBC has reported that 31 of the 43 people onboard were killed. According to the Itar-Tass news agency, the crew of two pilots and two flight attendants were among those who died.
LinkKingfisher’s Mallya to employees: ‘Stand by me’
Struggling Kingfisher Airlines said it has moved into a “holding plan” in which it will operate only about 120 flights daily (around a quarter of its full schedule) while it awaits a much-needed recapitalization.
LinkPinnacle Airlines files for Chapter 11 bankruptcyPinnacle Airlines filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy on Sunday. The regional carrier, based in Memphis, Tenn., plans to restructure its agreement with Delta Air Lines through bankruptcy. Pinnacle also plans to halt flying for United by Aug. 1. Pinnacle listed $1.5 billion in assets and $1.4 billion in liabilities in the filing.
LinkFlight attendants at US Airways vote against contract
US Airways flight attendants have voted against a tentative contract agreement. US Airways and America West flight attendants continue to operate under separate contracts after a merger in 2005. US Airways Chairman and CEO Doug Parker said the carrier will meet with the union and the National Mediation Board to "to determine the best steps going forward to one day reach a ratified agreement."
LinkAirlines' performance is bouncing back, study showsU.S. carriers on average showed improved performance in 2011 on four key customer service metrics: on-time arrivals, denied boardings, baggage handling and consumer complaints, a new study by private researchers shows. "Airlines are finally catching up with what their promise is, which is getting you there on time 80% of the time with your bags," said Dean Headley, a co-writer of the report and a professor at Wichita State University.
LinkAnalysts disagree on existence of aircraft order "bubble"Analysts disagree on whether there is a bubble for aircraft orders. Adam Pilarski, senior vice president at aviation consulting firm Avitas, said the years-long wait for new aircraft is a "sign of a bubble." On the other hand, Heidi Wood, Morgan Stanley's senior aerospace and defense analyst, said she sees solid demand for 12 months without a bubble.
LinkAmerican's 777-300ER fleet will get complete cabin redesign
American Airlines is working with JPA London to totally redesign the cabins on its new fleet of Boeing 777-300ERs. JPA London has transformed first class, business class, main cabin and galley areas. "Through the excellent design work and 'can do' approach of JPA, we are elevating the onboard travel experience," said Alice Liu, American's managing director of Onboard Products.
LinkAirbus A350 comes with more seating optionsAirbus is giving buyers of its A350 planes three more seat choices. Airbus has added selections from Jamco America, EADS Sogerma and Sicma Aero Seat. Despite the additions, Airbus says it is "trying to reduce complexity and customization levels to avoid the installation issues it has faced on the A380," this feature notes.
LinkU.S. will pursue sanctions against EU over aircraft subsidiesThe U.S. plans to seek sanctions against the European Union for subsidies to aircraft manufacturers such as Airbus. "The European Union's aircraft subsidies have cost American aerospace companies tens of billions of dollars in lost revenue, which has cost American workers their jobs and hurt their families and communities," said U.S. Trade Representative Ron Kirk said in a statement.
LinkHome-built drones are new hobby for aviation enthusiastsHome-built drones are taking off as a hobby across the U.S. Software engineers Mark Harrison and Andreas Oesterer built a lightweight foam drone, equipped with a tiny video camera. "It's just like flying without all the trouble of having to be up in the air," Harrison said.
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