NewsANA Holdings looks for robust growth at LCCs Peach, Vanilla Air Japan’s ANA Holdings—the parent company of All Nippon Airways, Peach Aviation and Vanilla Air—expects profits at its two low-cost affiliates to grow fastest until 2022 as the carriers continue to expand.
LinkUPS firms 14 more 747-8Fs, orders four 767FsUnited Parcel Service (UPS) has exercised all 14 Boeing 747-8 freighter options it had, firming the aircraft for delivery on “an expedited schedule.” Atlanta-based UPS ordered 14 747-8Fs in 2016 and took 14 options. It took delivery of three 747-8Fs in 2017. The firmed options provide another boost to the 747-8 program, which has struggled with sales on the passenger side. UPS additionally has ordered four 767Fs.
LinkSharp rise in fuel, labor costs hamper Allegiant Air 2017 profitsLas Vegas-based Allegiant Travel Co., parent of LCC Allegiant Air, reported $194.9 million net income for 2017, an 11.2% drop from its $219.6 million net profit in 2016.
LinkFrance begins investigation into Air France A380 engine failureParis’s public prosecutor’s office has launched an investigation into the Air France A380 engine failure on Sept. 30, 2017, a judicial source told ATW’s sister publication Aviation Daily.
LinkEurowings transfers long-haul flights to DusseldorfEurowings is closing its long-haul base at Cologne Bonn Airport and is moving the widebody fleet to Dusseldorf.
LinkRyanair, BALPA sign union recognition agreement Ryanair said it has signed a formal union recognition agreement with the British Airline Pilots Association (BALPA) making it the sole representative body for Ryanair-employed pilots in the UK, where 25% of its pilots and fleet are based. Dublin-based Ryanair has been fighting to head off an employee-relations crisis since a pilot-rostering mix-up led to a wave of flight cancellations and disruptions starting in September. These incidents highlighted long-running tensions within the carrier’s workforce.
LinkPrimera Air to begin London-Washington Dulles flightsScandinavian leisure carrier Primera Air is launching a new route from London Stansted to Washington Dulles from August as it taps into growing demand for low-cost transatlantic flights, the latest business strategy many European airlines are adopting to chase profits in a competitive market.
LinkWizz Air 3Q profit falls 57% on rising fuel, labor expenses Central and Eastern European LCC Wizz Air reported a third-quarter net profit of €14 million ($16.8 million), down 57% on the year-ago period, despite strong ticket and ancillary revenues as well as passenger growth. Revenue for the quarter ended Dec. 31, 2017 was €422.9 million, up 24% year-over-year (YOY). Operating expenses climbed 25.4% YOY to €408.2 million, reflecting sharp rises in labor and fuel expenses (up 28.6% and 33.4%, respectively).
LinkAzul and LATAM await US-Brazil open-skiesAzul and LATAM Airlines Brazil are eagerly awaiting US-Brazil open-skies in order to move ahead with anticipated joint ventures, even as the jury is still out on when the long-anticipated accord would finally be implemented. "Open skies will inevitably get approved. We want to work closely with United [Airlines] for a joint venture," Azul chief executive John Rodgerson tells FlightGlobal in an interview.
LinkOman Air receives first Boeing 737 MaxOman Air has taken delivery of the first of 30 Boeing 737 Max 8s it has on order. Flight Fleets Analyzer shows that the first aircraft bears the registration A40-MA (MSN 6762), and has been leased from Air Lease. It is configured with 162 seats in two class: 12 in business and 150 in economy.
LinkFACC to start manufacturing fan cases for P&WCPratt & Whitney Canada has selected Austrian composites specialist FACC to supply fan cases for PW800 engines. FACC says the deal represents “an entry into a new product and market segment”.
LinkA330-800 closer to joining A330neo test fleet Airbus's first A330-800 has entered the paint shop as it prepares to join the A330neo test fleet, currently comprising two A330-900s. Structural assembly of the aircraft, MSN1888, has been completed although it has yet to have its Rolls-Royce Trent 7000 engines fitted.
LinkA321neo nearing limit for simple enhancementAirbus is looking for firmer details on Boeing's proposal to address the middle-of-the-market sector before committing to possible further enhancements on the A321neo. Its A320 programme chief, Klaus Roewe, hints that a further stretch is "not out of reach" but cautions that the A321neo is nearing the limits of improvement short of extensive redesign.
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Airbus and Boeing on course for 1,600 deliveries in 2018Production of mainline jets is set to reach 1,600 units this year as Airbus and Boeing gear up for a big output push. The rise, from a combined 1,481 units in 2017, will represent an increase of around 8%, the largest percentage change in annual output since 2012 and similar to the rate of increase in 2013. The rate rises add more strain to an already under-pressure supply chain.
Link Russian authority progresses with EASA certification pactRussia's federal air transport authority Rosaviatsia has signed an agreement with the European Aviation Safety Agency centred on airworthiness regulation. The agreement is intended partly to support export of Russian-built aircraft to overseas markets.
LinkD.C.-area airports saw 73.63M passengers during 2017Washington Dulles International Airport, Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport and Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport, the three major airports that serve the Washington, D.C., area served 73.63 million passengers last year, an increase of nearly 10 million since 2008, according to Airline Network News & Analysis. Dulles ranked as the area's best airport for departures to major US cities, capturing 38% the D.C.-area's departures to Atlanta.
LinkAmerican Airlines tests option for coach passengers to preorder mealsAn option is being tested to allow American Airlines coach passengers to preorder an in-flight meal up to 24 hours before departure. Passengers on select flights from Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport will be able to participate in the test program.
LinkDelhi hopes to be third time lucky with new tanker RFIIndia’s ministry of defence has issued a fresh request for information for six mid-air refueling tankers, following two abortive earlier attempts. This time the requirement specifies that the tanker aircraft be powered by two turbofan engines, ruling out the Ilyushin IL-78.
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