Recent Articles
Boeing CEO Calhoun Foresees Strong Travel Demand Recovery
Key Points: Travel demand rebounds stronger post-Covid, with a surge in passenger traffic, tourism, and business. Boeing grapples with supply chain issues, with 35 planes delivered in August versus 43 in July. Boeing's CEO believes China’s homegrown C919 jet will take time before posing a global challenge to Boeing or Airbus. Aviation Industry Unfazed by Recession Fears, Says Calhoun ARLINGTON — Boeing's Chief Executive, Dave Calhoun, conveyed a positive outlook on the bounce back of travel demand, noting its strength surpasses previou…
Cathay Group Doubles Airbus A320neo Family Order to 64 Units
Key Points: Cathay Group's new order includes 32 additional Airbus A320neo Family aircraft. The aircraft, serving mostly Chinese Mainland and Asian destinations, promise 20% fuel savings. Airbus celebrates Cathay Group's decision as part of its recovery and expansion. Cathay's Additional A320neo Acquisition Aims to Boost Regional Services and Sustainability TOULOUSE — Cathay Group has expanded its investment in its fleet, announcing the acquisition of 32 more Airbus A320neo Family aircraft. This move brings the total orders from th…
Pictures: Baggage Loading Vehicle Hits a Brand-New Condor A330neo at Frankfurt International
FRANKFURT — A baggage loading vehicle collided with a Condor Airbus A330-900 type passenger plane at Frankfurt Aiport. Serious damage occurred to the body of the German carrier's brand-new plane. No one was injured , and it was reported that an investigation has been launched regarding the incident.
Production Issues at Spirit and Boeing Cause Setbacks for Ryanair
Key Points: Ryanair experiences a reduced number of Boeing aircraft deliveries, leading to several flight cancellations this winter. Production delays in Wichita and Seattle are identified as primary reasons for the setback. Affected passengers will be notified, offered alternative flights or full refunds, as Ryanair works on the solution. Ryanair Announces Winter Flight Cancellations Due to Boeing Delivery Delays DUBLIN — Amid unexpected delivery delays from Boeing, Ryanair finds itself in a position to cancel numerous winter flights, TW rep…
WestJet Group Announces Timeline for Sunwing Airlines Integration
Key Points: WestJet aims to integrate Sunwing Airlines by October 2024, consolidating all 737s under one air operator certificate. The move aims to bolster WestJet's capability to serve the diverse needs of the Canadian leisure travel market. Integration prioritizes a smooth transition for Sunwing's clientele and workforce, with an emphasis on safety and reliability. WestJet's Vision: Seamless Consolidation of All 737 Aircraft CALGARY — WestJet Group has rolled out a detailed plan for the seamless incorporation of Sunwing Airlines …
United Launches Program to Hire Active Military Pilots
Key Points: United's Military Pilot Program offers conditional First Officer job placements to full-time, active-duty U.S. military pilots. Pilots don't need an Airline Transport Pilot Certificate (ATP) at application; they can earn it before joining United. United has seen immense growth, ordering 100 Boeing 787 Dreamliners and aiming to hire 10,000 pilots this decade. United's Investment in Military Talents: A Win-Win Initiative CHICAGO —United has launched an innovative initiative, the United Military Pilot Program, tailored to …
Ural Airlines Airbus A320's Undercarriage Mishap Triggers Emergency Landing
Key Points: Ural Airlines A320 crew failed to detect that the landing-gear remained extended post-takeoff, leading to increased fuel consumption. Despite recalculating fuel needs for a diversion to Novosibirsk, the jet ran low on fuel, prompting a field landing. Rosaviatsia highlights the need for comprehensive in-flight fuel calculations, considering various flight anomalies. Increased Fuel Consumption of Ural A320 Linked to Unretracted Landing-Gear MOSCOW — A Ural Airlines Airbus A320, en route to Omsk from Sochi, had to land in a field due …
Air France-KLM Announces Plan to Purchase 50 Airbus A350s
Key Points: Air France-KLM's latest acquisition includes both A350 -900 and -1000 variants, with rights to buy 40 more aircraft. New aircraft to replace older Airbus A330 and Boeing 777 twinjets; deliveries to span 2026-2030. CEO Ben Smith emphasizes the A350’s performance, efficiency, and alignment with the group’s sustainability goals. A350s Set to Propel Air France-KLM's Sustainability Vision PARIS — Air France-KLM Group has laid out plans to procure 50 Airbus A350 aircraft, a mix of the -900 and -1000 models. This significant purch…
Air Canada Secures Order for 18 Boeing 787-10 Dreamliners
Key Points: Air Canada's order for 18 Dreamliners, with an option for 12 more, aims for deliveries from Q4 2025 to Q1 2027. President and CEO Michael Rousseau emphasizes the Dreamliner's role in enhancing passenger experience and environmental efficiency. Air Canada's fleet renewal includes Airbus A220 and A321neo XLR acquisitions, and the introduction of electric-hybrid ES-30 aircraft by 2028. Expansion of the Dreamliner Fleet: Air Canada's Investment in Comfort and Sustainability MONTREAL — Air Canada has formalized a deal wi…
Rex Aims to Amplify its Fleet with Two More Boeing 737-800s by June 2024
Key Points: Rex fortifies its domestic operations, heralding the addition of two Boeing 737-800s and announcing the arrival of its ninth 737. Amid accusations against Qantas, Rex stands firm on its principles, emphasizing not resorting to questionable tactics during pandemic challenges. Despite recent regional network reductions, Rex pledges to resume all flights by the end of March next year. Rex's Recent 737 Acquisition to Bolster Domestic Reach SYDNEY — Regional Express (Rex), Australia's thriving airline, is set on bolstering its d…
Argentina's Budget Carrier Flybondi Welcomes 14th Aircraft
Key Points: Flybondi reinforces its leading position with a 21% domestic market share, transporting 322,000 passengers in August. The newly-acquired Boeing 737-800 NG, having completed a 60-hour transit from China, awaits certification for operations under registration mark LV-KJE. Over 8.5 million have chosen Flybondi in five years, with 20% experiencing flight for the first time. Ezeiza International Airport Witnesses Flybondi's Growing Fleet Strength BUENOS AIRES — Flybondi, Argentina's prominent low-cost carrier, marked another ach…
Condor Airlines to Debut Direct Flights from Europe to San Antonio by Summer 2024
Key Points: Condor introduces direct European flights to San Antonio, Texas thrice a week from May to September 2024. The new Airbus A330neo ensures passengers enjoy top-notch comforts and innovative tech onboard. San Antonio offers travelers a unique cultural amalgamation and attractions such as the River Walk. Condor Announces North American Network Expansion FRANKFURT —S tarting summer 2024, European travelers can journey directly to San Antonio, Texas, courtesy of German leisure airline, Condor. The airline is slated to provide non-stop fl…
Aerospace Supply Chain Strains Predicted to Continue into 2024, Warns Safran CEO
Key Points: Aerospace supply chain issues are not resolved and expected to last till 2024. Titanium and steel shortages contribute to sector inflation. Safran grapples with recruitment challenges after a spate of early pandemic retirements. Safran and GE's LEAP Engine Production Affected by Supply Chain Challenges PARIS — CEO of Safran, Olivier Andries, voiced concerns on Friday about the persistent challenges in the global aerospace supply chain. Highlighting the severity of the situation, he remarked, "The issues with the supply cha…
High Fuel Costs May Lead to Fare Hikes, Warns Qantas
Key Points: Qantas pledges additional A$80 million ($52 million) to address customer complaints. The airline warns of potential fare increases due to a significant jump in fuel prices. Legal troubles including antitrust accusations and union lawsuit further stress the airline. Australia's Largest Airline Faces Investor Concerns Amid Rising Costs SYDNEY — In response to mounting service complaints, Qantas Airways, Australia's premier airline, announced a commitment of an additional A$80 million ($52 million) towards improving the custom…
Go First's Revival Threatened by Lessors' Demands
Key Points: Aircraft lessors demand aircraft preservation and maintenance records following reports of missing or corroded jet parts. Go First argues that meeting these demands will consume significant time and resources, potentially affecting its revival. Legal filings reveal Go First's request for the lessors' pleas to be dismissed. SMBC Cautions Against Indian Law's Impact on Leasing Market Confidence NEW DELHI —The resurgence of Indian airline Go First may be at risk as aircraft lessors press a Delhi court for maintenance and a…
Philippine Airlines Benefits from Major Restructuring; Swings to Profit.
Key Points: PAL reported an operating profit of $298 million in 2022, following its extensive restructuring. A result of restructuring, PAL is instilling a "performance-linked culture", rewarding employees with bonuses during profitable years. Challenges with Pratt & Whitney PW1000 engines ground several of the airline’s Airbus A321neos. Manila's Single Runway and Skilled Manpower Shortage Pose Growth Challenges for PAL MANILA — Amid the rebound of the post-pandemic travel sector, Philippine Airlines (PAL) is celebrating its …
Lufthansa's Airbus A380 Makes a Stunning Comeback with Upgrades and New Routes
Key Points: Lufthansa revives its Airbus A380 fleet, set to fly into the 2030s, with upgraded Business Class cabins. The A380's return was propelled by the resurgence of international demand and delays in new aircraft deliveries. Lufthansa has outlined new routes for the A380, including service between Munich and major cities like Boston, New York, and Los Angeles. Lufthansa Rejuvenates A380 Fleet: Upgraded Business Class Cabins and Extended Service Life FRANKFURT —Lufthansa's Airbus A380 fleet, once deemed obsolete during the pandemic…
AOG Technics Scandal Expands as United Airlines Discovers Bogus Parts in Engines
Key Points: United Airlines identified faulty parts from AOG Technics in the engines of two of its aircraft. The parts found were seals on compressor stator vanes, critical in directing the airflow within the engine. A global scrutiny of AOG Technics is underway, with aviation regulators highlighting the company's provision of parts accompanied by falsified documents. United Airlines Joins Global Carriers in Identifying Dubious AOG Technics Components CHICAGO —On Monday, a spokesperson for United Airlines confirmed the discovery of dubious…
Edelweiss to Replace its A340 Fleet with Six Airbus A350-900 Jets
Key Points: Edelweiss plans to introduce six A350-900s, formerly of LATAM, to its fleet starting summer 2025, replacing its current five A340-300s. The first four aircrafts will temporarily feature the LATAM interior configuration due to worldwide material shortages and reduced maintenance capacity. The new A350s will facilitate Edelweiss in offering new holiday destinations owing to the aircraft's longer range. Edelweiss Reveals Strategy for Fleet Renewal Through Incorporation of Six A350-900s KLOTEN — Swiss airline Edelweiss has disclose…
