AirlinesAir NZ to phase out last 737s in SeptemberAir New Zealand will phase out its final two Boeing 737-300s in September, completing the transition of its domestic jet fleet to Airbus A320s. “We’ll be out of the 737s next month, so we are on an A320 cost base with a well configured aircraft, [with] lower unit costs,” chief executive Christopher Luxon says. He was speaking during a briefing after the carrier revealed a 39% rise in operating earnings to NZ$548 million for the financial year ended 30 June.
LinkAir New Zealand Reports Strong Profit IncreaseAir New Zealand forecast strong earnings growth in the current year as it posted record annual net profit thanks to more passengers and lower fuel prices. The national carrier, which is 52 percent state-owned, announced a net profit of NZD$237 million (USD$153.22 million) in the year to June 2015, up 24 percent from the previous year.
LinkAmerican Airlines hires Ron DeFeo as a vice presidentAmerican Airlines has hired Ron DeFeo as vice president of global communications. DeFeo has worked in communications for Darden Restaurants and Home Depot, among other organizations. "Ron will lead a team of energetic and talented communication professionals whose mission is to facilitate a culture of collaboration and sharing of knowledge," said Elise Eberwein, executive vice president of people and communications for American.
LinkAzul experiments with ‘Brazil Air Pass’ for US passengersAzul Brazilian Airlines is offering passengers from the US single-price passes for unlimited flying in Brazil over set time periods. Any US passenger flying to/from Brazil aboard Azul or United Airlines is eligible for the “Azul Brazil Air Pass.” United announced an agreement with Azul in June to acquire a 5% stake in Azul and it entered into a partnership with the Brazilian carrier that includes codesharing. Azul started its own flights to the US in late 2014.
LinkBA 787 flights Heathrow-San JoseBritish Airways will launch Boeing 787-9 service between London Heathrow and San Jose, California next year. The flights to start May 4, 2016, will be the first direct link between San Jose and London. San Jose will become British Airways’ fourth destination in California; it already serves Los Angeles, San Francisco and San Diego.
LinkDelta introduces mobile service tool for flight attendantsFlight attendants in Delta cabins now use a mobile Guest Service Tool to provide gate information to passengers and get "a better sense of the customers traveling on board, be able to recognize high-value customers and better serve those on board who may need extra assistance or attention," said the airline in a statement
LinkDelta, Virgin to offer more service to UK in 2016Delta Air Lines and Virgin Atlantic Airways plan to offer new routes from the US to the UK in 2016. The carriers will offer nonstop service between Salt Lake City and London, as well as between New York and Edinburgh, Scotland. "For the second summer in a row, Delta will be launching new routes, that give customers more options when flying between the UK and the United States," said Nat Pieper, a senior vice president for Delta.
LinkFedEx order will boost aircraft fleetFedEx is bolstering its aircraft fleet with a recent order of 50 Boeing 767s, writes columnist Travis Hoium. "Having a large fleet can be a competitive advantage, and that's an advantage FedEx is trying to maintain," he writes.
LinkJetBlue to expand Mint service to Boston customersJetBlue Airways plans to offers its Mint premium service in the Boston market in 2016. Analysts predict Mint, now offered on select transcontinental flights, will likely appeal to business travelers in Boston.
LinkJetBlue initiative distributes children's books through vending machinesJetBlue Airways is giving away free children's books through vending machines installed in low-income neighborhoods in Washington, D.C. The "Soar With Reading" initiative has distributed 16,000 books so far, and plans to expand to other cities. "I know we're making an impact in the community," said Icema Gibbs, director of social responsibility for JetBlue.
LinkKorean Air receives its first 747-8IKorean Air has taken delivery of its first passenger variant of the Boeing 747-8 on 25 August. The carrier also becomes the first operator to operate both the passenger and freighter variants of the 747-8, says Boeing.
LinkRyanair complaints challengeRyanair will contest a ruling by a UK court that extends the time in which passengers can submit a compensation claim for a delayed or canceled flight from two to six years. The Ireland-based low-cost carrier (LCC) said it believed that a six-year window in which passengers could lodge a claim for compensation was “both unnecessary and unreasonable.”
LinkSwiss eyes boost in Asian capacitySwitzerland's flag carrier SWISS will spend up to SFR6 billion ($6.4 billion) over the next two years to increase capacity, with a significant proportion of that in Asia. Following its upgraded order for nine Boeing 777-300ERs in May this year, it will replace its aging Airbus A340-300s on several Asian direct routes with the new aircraft.
LinkUnited uses humor to connect with customersUnited Airlines plans to debut a safety video next month focusing on the theme of "safety is global." A trailer for the new video offers a sneak peek at some of the humorous elements, including llamas and a person dressed in a Loch Ness monster costume.
LinkIron Maiden set for next world tour with new 747 and lead singer in the cockpitThe rock band Iron Maiden has unveiled their new upgraded Boeing 747-400, which the group will use on their upcoming world tour. The plane is called "Ed Force One" and will be flown by lead singer Bruce Dickinson. A longtime pilot, Dickinson is training to qualify on the Boeing 747 at Cardiff Aviation in Wales, UK.
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