NewsTAP Air Portugal partnership boosts JetBlueConnections between TAP Air Portugal and JetBlue Airways have resulted in more than 35,000 passengers for the Portuguese airline. "With growth in multiple US markets in just the first year, JetBlue and TAP are bringing valuable connectivity to customers both in the US and abroad," said Tracy Bink, JetBlue's director of alliances and partnerships.
LinkDelta committed to CSeries despite delivery uncertaintyDelta Air Lines remains committed to its Bombardier CSeries order, following plans by Airbus to buy a majority stake in the program. "We love the product and we can't wait to bring it to market," says Ed Bastian, chief executive of the carrier, on the CSeries at a media event in Atlanta today.
LinkDelta expands A350 network ahead of introductionDelta Air Lines will fly its new Airbus A350-900 to Amsterdam in 2018, as it prepares to introduce its latest product offerings and aircraft on long-haul routes at the end of October. The SkyTeam Alliance carrier will fly the aircraft between its Detroit hub and Amsterdam from March 2018, says Delta chief executive Ed Bastian at a media event for the new aircraft in Atlanta today.
LinkAlitalia administrators receive seven binding offersAdministrators at Italian carrier Alitalia have confirmed they have received seven offers for the airline’s assets, following the expiration of the extended Oct. 16 bid deadline. “Seven envelopes have been delivered today at the Atlante Cerasi associate notary’s office in Rome. The special commissioners of Alitalia will now begin evaluating the envelopes,” Alitalia said in an Oct. 16 statement.
LinkEmbraer to deliver first E190-E2 in April 2018Brazilian aircraft manufacturer Embraer has confirmed it will deliver its first E190-E2 to Norwegian regional airline Widerøe, the type’s launch customer, in April 2018. The aircraft, which will be configured with 114 seats, will enter commercial service with Widerøe soon after the delivery.
LinkFlybe gives profit warning on increased maintenance costsUK-based regional airline Flybe has warned that its interim profits will be lower than expected, following an unexpected rise in maintenance costs in the first half of its financial year. In a statement issued to the London Stock Exchange Oct. 18, the Exeter-based carrier said that, following a detailed review of its aircraft maintenance activities, it had incurred higher than expected related costs in the first half.
LinkRussia’s MC-21-300 completes test flight from Irkutsk to ZhukovskyThe Russian-built Irkut MC-21-300 test aircraft completed a test flight from Irkutsk to Zhukovsky Airport, near Moscow, Oct. 17.
LinkSAS delays launch of Irish unitScandinavian Airlines (SAS) has delayed the launch of its new Ireland-based operating unit until December 2017, citing aircraft delivery delays. SAS is planning to operate nine Airbus A320neos from a new Irish air operator’s certificate (AOC) in a bid to lower costs.
LinkRussia’s Nordavia and Red Wings to mergeRussia’s Nordavia and Red Wings Airlines will consolidate their businesses, the two carriers have said in a statement.
LinkSaudia plans hub growth with new Jeddah terminalSaudi Arabian Airlines (Saudia) is preparing for a major revamp of its operations when a new terminal at Jeddah airport opens in mid-2018.
LinkEtihad trials hand luggage-only faresAbu Dhabi-based Etihad Airways is to trial a lower-fare hand luggage-only product this winter on two routes, Abu Dhabi-Bahrain and Abu Dhabi-Kuwait, as part of a wider strategy review. The Deal Fare, which includes a 7 kg (15 lb.) carry-on allowance, will initially be available for bookings made Oct. 18-Dec. 18 for travel until March 31, 2018.
LinkVolotea considers moving headquarters from BarcelonaSpanish LCC Volotea Airlines is considering moving its headquarters from Barcelona amid political turmoil in Catalonia following the region’s contested independence vote.
LinkXTI picks up new orders and deposits for TriFan 600A formal launch of XTI Aircraft’s six-seat TriFan 600 at the NBAA convention attracted “several” new orders and deposits under a pre-sales programme for the vertical take-off and landing, fixed-wing aircraft project, the company says on 18 October. “These are serious buyers who reserved a priority number for the eventual commercial production of the TriFan 600,” says Robert LaBelle, XTI’s chief executive officer.
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Big MPAs hunt for Seoul maritime requirement/Industry players expect South Korea to issue a formal requirement for new antisubmarine warfare (ASW) aircraft. Boeing and Saab had a high profile presence at this year's ADEX, discussing their ASW capabilities. This follows a promotional visit by the Airbus Defence & Space C295 maritime patrol aircraft (MPA) in mid-2017.
LinkSikorsky upbeat on MH-60R in South Korean competitionSikorsky believes a more complicated security environment bodes well for its MH-60R helicopter in South Korea's second Maritime Operations Helicopter (MOH) competition. Christophe Nurit, vice president-Asia at Sikorsky, a unit of Lockheed Martin, says the submarine threat facing South Korea has grown since the country's last MOH competition early this decade.
LinkKAI unveils medevac version of SurionThe medical evacuation version of the Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) KUH-1 Surion helicopter made its public debut at this year's Seoul ADEX show. The medevac Surion is equipped with six stretchers, a main-cabin seat for a doctor, and a medical cabinet. It also has weather radar and a rescue hoist.
LinkHawaiian Airlines opens new cargo and maintenance facilityHawaiian Airlines is moving into a new cargo and maintenance facility located on 21 acres at Honolulu's Daniel K. Inouye International Airport this week. The new facility's 38,500 feet of cargo space will help accommodate the airline's growing freight business.
LinkUnited Airlines expands customer relationship management systemUnited Airlines has announced that its customer relationship management system is now available to its sales force, as well as corporate and agency customers. The changes, expected to be completed in January, will streamline the airline's planning and communications with these clients.
LinkHawaiian Airlines CEO discusses competition in Hawaii marketThe "Southwest Effect" may not be much of a problem for Hawaiian Airlines its CEO, Mark Dunkerley, said Tuesday on CNBC's "Closing Bell." The phrase refers to a pattern where nonstop fares are roughly $45 lower on routes serviced by Southwest Airlines than those that are not, according to a University of Virginia study. Low-cost carrier Southwest recently revealed that it plans to start selling tickets for service to Hawaii next year.
LinkDOT: Hurricanes affect carriers' operational performancePartly because of Hurricane Harvey, which shut down both major Houston airports for several days, canceled flights surged and delays increased on U.S. airlines in August. The airlines, however, seem to be losing track of fewer bags, and consumer complaints are down from a year ago.
LinkUnited Airlines expands and improves lounge networkUnited Airlines is adding to its lounge menu, incorporating more gourmet dishes and local specialties. The carrier has also added new lounge locations in Houston, Atlanta and Los Angeles.
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