Adria Airways: New Company Management
Source: Adria Airways
21/12/2012
On 20 December 2012, the supervisory board of Adria Airways d.d. appointed the previous commercial director Mr Mark Anzur as the new
President of the Management Board & CEO and Accountable Manager.
This is to notify you that at its regular session held on 20 December 2012, the supervisory board of Adria Airways d.d. unanimously adopted the
decision to recall the President of the Management Board & CEO and Accountable Manager Mr Klemen Bostjancic for economic and business
reasons and appointed the previous commercial director Mr Mark Anzur as the new President of the Management Board & CEO and Accountable
Manager (following the approval of the Civil Aviation Agency regarding his acceptability to perform the function of Accountable Manager). Mr Anzur
will perform the tasks and duties of board chairman until a public call for a new President of the Management Board has been issued, but for no
longer than six months. The supervisory board will publish a public call for applications for a new President of the Management Board within 45
days.
Mr Anzur’s main work experiences before joining Adria Airways relate to management positions in A.T. Kearney and Bramac International. We wish
to stress the following areas of his past work: international sales, marketing, the development and implementation of various marketing and
corporate strategies, customer relations, project management and development on new markets.
ICAO Commends Mauritania As EC Removes African State from Safety Watch List
Source: ICAO
21/12/2012
Acknowledging Mauritania’s exceptional progress on its aviation safety oversight challenges, as recently validated by the International Civil Aviation
Organization (ICAO), the European Commission (EC) has removed the African State’s certified air carriers from its safety watch list, effective earlier
this month.
ICAO has highly commended Mauritania for its recent safety progress, which led to the EC’s action. The UN specialized civil aviation agency works
closely with its Member States to improve their levels of aviation safety oversight, primarily through auditing programmes and targeted
capacity-building initiatives.
Two ICAO Coordinated Validation Missions (ICVMs), conducted in Mauritania during 2012, confirmed the State’s latest safety progress and have
directly led to the re-opening of European skies to its airlines.
“We are very encouraged by the excellent safety results recently achieved by Mauritania,” commented ICAO Council President, Roberto Kobeh
González. “It has worked very hard in recent months to achieve a 70 percent effective implementation rate with respect to ICAO’s safety oversight
guidance. This has led to dramatic improvements in the safety of its system – improvements which can now be of direct benefit to travellers, tourists
and businesses that rely on timely access to related destinations and markets.”
Kobeh went on to reiterate his Organization’s full commitment to work in close coordination and collaboration with global aviation safety partners,
including the EC, in order to continually enhance aviation safety. ICAO is presently expanding its portfolio of strategic safety partnerships, seeking
to encourage the more comprehensive sharing of safety information and improve global coordination of related technical assistance activities.
“We would invite all ICAO Member States with similar challenges before them to look to Mauritania as a clear example of how much improvement
can be achieved in a relatively short period of time,” stressed ICAO Secretary General, Raymond Benjamin. “The safety of the global air transport
system is ICAO’s guiding Strategic Objective and Mauritania’s example should serve as a beacon to States facing similar challenges.”
Benjamin also welcomed the recent announcement by the EC Vice-President responsible for transport, Siim Kallas, that the Commission “…is
ready to spare no effort to assist countries affected by the safety list in building technical and administrative capacity to overcome the difficulties in
the area of safety as quickly and as efficiently as possible.”
AirAsia becomes first operator of Airbus?Sharklet equipped A320
Source: Airbus
21/12/2012
Airbus has delivered the first A320 equipped with Sharklets today to AirAsia, which becomes the first operator of the new fuel-saving large wing tip
devices. Sharklets are an option on new-build A320 Family aircraft, and are standard on all members of the A320neo Family.
Sharklets are made from light-weight composites and are 2.4 metres tall. These newly designed wing-tip devices reduce fuel burn and emissions by
improving the aerodynamics of the aircraft significantly. Cutting airlines’ fuel bills by around four percent, Sharklets will offer the flexibility to A320
Family operators of either adding around 100 nautical miles more range or allowing increased payload capability of up to 450 kilogrammes.
“We are extremely proud to be the first airline in the world to take delivery of an A320 fitted with Airbus’ new, fuel saving Sharklets,” said Tan Sri
Tony Fernandes, Group Chief Executive Officer of AirAsia . “AirAsia has a long-standing, special relationship with Airbus and as we grow our
network with our all A320 fleet, these new wing tip devices will contribute to fulfilling our goal of being the most efficient, innovative low cost airline in
the world.”
“As our biggest A320 Family airline customer, it’s very fitting that AirAsia is the first carrier to benefit from the four percent fuel saving our new
Sharklets deliver,” said John Leahy, Airbus Chief Operating Officer, Customers. “AirAsia’s vision is to make is possible for everyone to fly and now
with their Sharklet-equipped A320s they can assure their passengers that they are also travelling on board the world’s most environmentally friendly
single-aisle aircraft.”
Due to the very strong customer demand for Sharklets, all Airbus’ single-aisle final assembly lines (FALs) will be engaged in building A320 Family
aircraft with Sharklets. These FALs are located in Toulouse (France), Hamburg (Germany) and Tianjin (China) and will soon be followed by an
additional A320 FAL in Mobile (Alabama, USA).
AirAsia, the largest low cost airline in Asia is also Airbus’ largest A320 Family airline customer. The carrier recently placed a new order with Airbus
on the 13th December 2012 for 100 more A320 Family aircraft including 36 A320ceo aircraft with Sharklets. Altogether, AirAsia has ordered 475
single aisle aircraft from Airbus, comprising 264 A320neo and 211 A320ceo. Over 100 aircraft have already been delivered to the airline and are
flying out of its bases in Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur, Jakarta, Manila and Tokyo.
Boeing, China Airlines Announce Order for Six 777s
Source: Boeing
21/12/2012
Boeing [NYSE: BA] and China Airlines today announced an order for six 777-300ERs (Extended Range) airplanes. The order is valued at
approximately $2 billion at list prices. The new airplanes will become the first 777s to join China Airlines' fleet.
"The introduction of the 777-300ER into our fleet is another important step toward growing our global operations and enhancing our product
offering," said Huang-Hsiang Sun, president of China Airlines. "The 777-300ER sets the standard for twin-aisle airplanes with improved reliability
and airplane performance. Our new 777-300ER airplanes will feature new interiors that will enhance the flying experience for our passengers."
Taiwan's flag carrier is in the midst of renewing its long-haul fleet and plans to operate the new 777-300ERs on new transpacific flights between
North America and Asia. The new airplanes will help the airline enhance its status as the largest airline in Taiwan and a leading global carrier.
"China Airlines has been a valued Boeing customer for more than 50 years and we are honored the airline has chosen the 777-300ER to expand its
long-haul fleet," said Ray Conner, president and CEO of Boeing Commercial Airplanes. "The introduction of the new 777-300ERs will provide China
Airlines with new state-of-the-art cabin interiors, while adding improved airplane performance and economics to its long haul fleet."
The Boeing 777 is the world's most successful twin-engine, long-haul airplane and it continues to be preferred by airlines around the world, setting a
record of 200 airplane orders in 2011. It is 19 percent lighter than its closest competitor, produces 22 percent less carbon dioxide per seat and costs
20 percent less to operate per seat. China Airlines will configure its 777-300ERs to accommodate more than 350 passengers in a three-class
configuration and has a maximum range of 7,825 nautical miles (14,490 km).
In addition to the Boeing order for six 777-300ERs, China Airlines also will lease four 777-300ERs from GE Capital Aviation Services (GECAS).
China Airlines currently operates 23 Boeing passenger airplanes consisting of 747-400s and 737-800s, and 21 Boeing cargo aircraft consisting of
747-400F's.
-Hassle Flying Act?/b>
Source: ACI-NA
21/12/2012
Airports Council International-North America (ACI-NA) President Greg Principato issued the statement below in response to President Obama
signing the No Hassle Flying Act of 2012 into law on December 20. This law, which gives the Transportation Security Administration (TSA)
discretion to determine whether checked baggage on a pre-cleared flight must be rescreened, was passed by the Senate on November 29 and the
House of Representatives on December 12.
“We applaud the President for signing the No Hassle Flying Act into law.
ACI-NA has tirelessly led a multi-year effort to eliminate the unnecessary and duplicative rescreening of checked baggage arriving into the United
States from Preclearance airports. We agree with TSA that implementation of the law will greatly improve the customer experience and improve
efficiency for cross-border travel. We will work with the agency to quickly implement policy changes that allow TSA’s resources to be used more
efficiently and effectively.”
SAS launches the first step in its onboard services of the future
Source: SAS
21/12/2012
From 21 December SAS will strengthen its onboard WiFi product by launching a new start page that offers free digital entertainment and services
for all of its passengers.
SAS is now launching the first version of its new WiFi start page. Its content has been adapted to its customers, offering free services and
entertainment. SAS has decided to work with well-known partners, including Dagens Nyheter, Dagens Næringsliv and International Herald Tribune.
Its customers will also be able to listen to Sweden's most popular podcast, Alex & Sigges, featuring Swedish celebrities Alex Schulman & Sigge
Eklund. In, adittion, the customers will have free access to the SAS website (http://www.flysas.com), travel tips, its crowdsourcing platform `My SAS
Idea' and the EuroBonus shop. If they want, they can also purchase unrestricted Internet access. Of course SAS customers travelling in Economy
Extra or Business, and EuroBonus Gold Members will continue to enjoy a free Internet connection.
SAS will continue to work with its customers through the crowdsourcing platform `My SAS Idea' (http://mysasidea.flysas.net/) to develop the content
in this service. They are encouraged to give feedback and submit their own suggestions for future onboard services and content.
"What we are presenting today is the first step towards our future vision for SAS WiFi. In the future it will contain customised and individualised
entertainment through music, films, games, shopping and other features that our customers enjoy. Via `My SAS Idea', we get ideas from our
customers, who can contribute to our efforts to develop our future onboard services. By doing this we can ensure that our content is fully adapted to
our customers and is innovative at the same time," says Philip Wågnert, Head of Product Development for SAS.
At the end of January all SAS aircraft that are equipped with WiFi will be able to offer free onboard services and entertainment. For more
information, visit www.flysas.com/wifi.
Support Continues To Grow For Southwest's Proposed Service Between Houston's William P. Hobby Airport And Ronald
Reagan Washington National Airport
Source: Southwest Airlines
21/12/2012
Southwest Airlines (NYSE: LUV) today announced that less than two weeks after unveiling www.southwest.com/HOU-DCA , more than 10,000
supporters signed a petition advocating for nonstop service between Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) and William P. Hobby
Airport (HOU), with same-plane, continuing service to Albuquerque, New Mexico.
Earlier this month, Southwest filed an application with the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) for slot exemptions that would allow the carrier
to offer nonstop service between DCA and HOU. The proposed service is possible due to Spirit Airlines' discontinued use of the slot exemptions,
which are available for use inside Washington National's traditional 1,250 mile service perimeter.
In addition to the more than 10,000 supporters who endorsed the petition, many federal, state, and local officials—including four United States
Senators and 30 Members of Congress from Texas and New Mexico, as well as the Mayors of Houston and Albuquerque—voiced their support
through letters to U.S. Secretary of Transportation Ray LaHood. Other supporters include the City of Houston and the Greater Houston Partnership,
the Houston Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, the Houston Area Urban League, and the Association of Commerce and Industry of New Mexico,
just to name a few.
A decision by the DOT is expected in the first quarter of 2013. Southwest is prepared to begin service this spring if awarded the slots.
Southwest has served Houston since June 18, 1971, and currently has more than 2,700 HOU Employees operating 143 daily flights. Earlier this
year, the Houston City Council approved Southwest's proposal to construct a new five-gate international facility at Hobby Airport. This new service
is scheduled to begin in 2015.
SuperJet International signs 10 years SuperCare Agreement with Sky Aviation
Source: SuperJet International
21/12/2012
SuperJet International – a joint venture between Alenia Aermacchi (a Finmeccanica Company) and Sukhoi Holding – announced today the
execution of a “SuperCare” Agreement with the launch customer for South-East Asia Sky Aviation for after-sales support of its SSJ100 fleet of up to
12 aircraft.
SuperJet International will provide the Indonesian carrier Sky Aviation with customized spares availability and maintenance/repair solutions of
on-board equipments for a term of 10 years. The agreement is worth up to USD 57 million.
The “SuperCare” agreement is a comprehensive “per-flight-hour” program developed by SJI with the aim of maximizing aircraft availability to
operators and optimizing their maintenance and associated administrative costs.
“It is an important milestone which confirms the SuperJet international’s fundamental commitment and role in the SSJ100 Program - states Nazario
Cauceglia, Chief Executive Officer of SuperJet International – Since the SSJ100 entry into service, we have been committed to ensure the
maximum level of after-sales performance and aircraft availability.
Similar “SuperCare” agreements were also signed in 2011 with other SSJ100 operators - continued Mr. Cauceglia – thus showing the added value
of such an integrated lifecycle solution specifically designed for our valuable SSJ100 customers.
“The SSJ100 is going to strengthen our existing fleet – says Krisman Tarigan Chief Executive Officer of Sky Aviation - The aircraft will be operated
from the airport of Pekanbaru, Indonesia, which has a minimum runway length of 1,800 meters.
We are sure it will allow to increase Sky Aviation revenues and passenger traffic. We also believe that SuperJet International represents a good
partner for the after-sales support solutions they can offer along with a state-of-the-art product”.
In addition, SuperJet International, which is in charge of worldwide after-sales services, is providing Sky Aviation with Flight Crew, Cabin Crew and
Maintenance staff training courses, along with on-site support in Jakarta.
IBERIA REACHES AGREEMENT WITH UNIONS
Source: Iberia
Iberia
17/12/2012
and unions representing ground staff and cabin crews, comprising 93% of the total staff, have agreed to negotiate the terms of the company’s
Transformation Plan, aimed at restoring profitability and ensuring the airline’s future.
In today’s meeting Iberia management reiterated its wish to rely chiefly on early retirements to achieve about two-thirds of the staff reduction called
for in the plan. It is also prepared to negotiate such formulas as payoff for voluntary resignations, and transfers of employees to different positions
and/or different locations.
The two sides agreed to negotiate terms for a five-year period, through 2017. The company stressed that its restructuring plan indicates its
commitment to the future of the company, which plans to invest millions in new aircraft, new long-haul seating classes, improvements to
its Madrid hub, and in its maintenance, handling, and cargo divisions, amongst others.
The company has pledged to keep the maintenance and handling division within the Group, but on condition that they remain profitable enough to
grow, or to win new handling contracts.
Iberia expressed its gratitude to the SIMA arbitration service under whose auspices the meeting was held leading to an agreement “that benefits
the company, its employees, and its customers”.
This week the company will call on the SEPLA pilots union to join in the agreement and to negotiate along with the other unions, since there is no
other way to extricate the company from its current situation, and to achieve profitability and sustainability. The company also wants to hear details
of SEPLA’s proposal whereby the pilots would accept pay cuts of 51%, as mooted by the union’s attorney in a radio interview.
CAA announces decision in Aer Lingus Heathrow complaint case
Source: UK CAA
17/12/2012
The UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) has today published its decision on a complaint made by Aer Lingus about landing charges for small aircraft
and charges on airlines for passengers on domestic and Irish flights at Heathrow Airport.
The CAA has found that while Heathrow’s landing charges discriminate by not reflecting that it is cheaper to handle smaller aircraft, they are not
unreasonable as, given Heathrow’s constrained runway capacity, they incentivise best use of scarce capacity.
On passenger charges for domestic and Irish flights, the CAA has found that Heathrow’s pricing structure was discriminatory towards airlines
serving domestic and Irish routes, but that this does not appear to have had adverse effects on either passengers or on airline competitiveness. As
such, the CAA is not enforcing any changes to Heathrow’s price structure.
The CAA has said that Heathrow should keep its charging structure under review, and that there were shortcomings in the airport’s consultation of
its stakeholders in relation to its changing charges in 2011.
Today’s announcement comes after Aer Lingus’ asked the CAA to review its decision of March 2012 in favour of Heathrow, relating to a complaint
made by BMI made in January 2011. Aer Lingus contested that decision and in July the CAA requested further information from both Aer Lingus
and Heathrow.
The CAA’s full decision document can be seen here: Decision Document
Ryanair To Carry Over 3m Passengers This Christmas & New Year
Source: Ryanair
17/12/2012
Ryanair today (17 Dec) announced it will carry over 3m passengers between 20 Dec and 7 Jan, with ‘flying home for Christmas’ passengers up
th
th
by over 100,000 on last Christmas, setting a new record for Ryanair’s festive flights.
Extra flights on ski routes to Grenoble, Salzburg and Turin have seen particularly strong bookings this Christmas and New Year, while winter breaks
to the historic cities of Warsaw and Budapest are also very popular. Ryanair will operate flights up to 15.30hrs (GMT) on Christmas Eve, resuming
flights at 10.00hrs (GMT) on St Stephen’s Day, to ensure everyone gets home for Christmas.
Ryanair invites passengers to give their loved ones the gift of flying this Christmas with a Ryanair Christmas Gift Voucher, which are available from
www.ryanair.com now andstart at just €25/£25, allowing the lucky recipients to fly on one of Ryanair’s 1,500 low-fare routes for a city break, winter sun
vacation or a ski holiday in one of the 28 countries Ryanair operates to.
Ryanair’s Stephen McNamara said:
“Ryanair will carry over 3m passengers across Europe home over the Christmas period – an increase of 100,000 passengers on 2011 – after record
bookings for the holiday season for the Christmas and New Year holidays.
While many passengers have booked Ryanair’s low fares to return home for Christmas, we have also seen record demand for Ryanair’s low fare
winter sun and ski routes, as passengers look for sun or snow this Christmas and New Year, as well as winter breaks to the likes of Warsaw and
Budapest.
Ryanair will operate flights right up to 15.30hrs (GMT) on Christmas Eve, resuming flights at 10.00hrs (GMT) on St Stephen’s Day. With this record
demand, for Ryanair’s Christmas flights, people planning a break over the festival season should log on to Ryanair.com today to book their bargain
flights for a Christmas to remember.
And don’t forget Ryanair’s Christmas Gift Vouchers, the ideal Christmas gift offering your loved ones the chance to book the lowest fares on more
than 1,500 routes, between over 170 destinations, across 28 countries.”
WIZZ AIR ADDS 2 NEW BERGEN ROUTES
Source: Wizz Air
17/12/2012
Wizz Air today announced two new routes from Bergen to Poznan in Poland and Riga in Latvia. These two routes will initially operate two days per
week each and start operating in spring 2013.
Wizz Air’s latest growth in Norway will increase yearly passenger traffic at Bergen Airport to 180,000 passengers on a total of 4 Wizz Air routes. The
airline expects its low fares and the growing popularity of Poland to stimulate leisure traffic from Norway while the Latvian capital city is set to
conquer bi-directional tourists as well as business travellers. Wizz Air now connects Bergen to Gdansk, Poznan, Riga and Vilnius, on fares starting
from just kr251. The 2 new routes announced today are now on sale at wizzair.com.
2 New Bergen Routes From Spring 2013
Days
Start
Poznan Wednesday, Sunday 31st March
Riga
Monday, Friday
1st April
Fares from
kr251
kr251
Daniel de Carvalho, Corporate Communications Manager at Wizz Air, said: “Wizz Air is very pleased to announce more of its low-fare services from
Bergen in a bid to carry more Norwegian passengers to the Baltic and Central Europe. The rustic country style city of Poznan, and Riga, the up and
coming favorite of clubbers and night owls, can now be accessed on direct low-fare flights for the very first time. We encourage Norwegian
consumers to discover Wizz Air’s great service and fly on one of our 39 brand new Airbus A320 aircraft. This week’s lowest fares from Bergen are
available for booking from just kr251 and we urge passengers to book quickly on wizzair.com.”
SUCCESSFUL IMPLEMENTATION OF AIR TRAFFIC CONTROL INNOVATION AT DUBLIN AIRPORT BRINGS OPERATIONAL
AND ENVIRONMENTAL BENEFITS
Source: IAA
17/12/2012
Point Merge, a new system to sequence aircraft for landing, was successfully introduced by the Irish Aviation Authority (IAA).
Point Merge is an innovative system which uses new air traffic management techniques to assist airlines in flying more environmentally friendly
continuous descent approaches to an airport. Continuous Descent Approaches permit the aircraft to reduce their fuel burn by up to 250kgs per flight
depending on the aircraft size.
Point Merge at Dublin will greatly reduce the need to put aircraft into traditional holding patterns, thereby providing environmental benefits by cutting
fuel burn and CO2 emissions, as well as reducing delays to passengers.
Rather than using traditional “race track pattern” holding stacks, Point Merge places arriving aircraft onto defined arcs or tracks, every point on
which is equidistant from the runway. From these arcs, the aircraft make one single turn and fly a continuous descent to the runway. Overall track
miles flown by the aircraft and inefficient manoeuvring at low levels are reduced.
Point Merge is a component part of the Dublin Terminal Area 2012 Project (TMA 2012), which involves several other measures that work together to
enhance the efficiency of the airspace surrounding Dublin airport. Additionally, a new air route for traffic departing from Dublin will help reduce air
traffic congestion particularly during the busy morning period.
The reorganisation of Dublin’s air traffic control (ATC) sectors will further enhance ATC efficiency, helping to maintain the IAA’s position as one of
the lowest cost providers of Terminal Air Traffic Management services in Europe.
The TMA 2012 project is the result of over two years’ intensive research and development by a dedicated IAA project team in conjunction with
Eurocontrol and supported by our civil and military partners in the UK-Ireland FAB.
Speaking in Dublin today, Peter Kearney, Director of Operations & ATM Strategy at the IAA said: ‘TMA 2012 is part of the Irish Aviation Authority’s
continuing strategy to develop innovative new air traffic management solutions to provide safe, efficient and cost effective services to our airline
partners’ The IAA is a commercial State-sponsored body and receives no Government funding.
airBaltic to Launch Riga- Malta
Source: airBaltic
17/12/2012
Latvian airline airBaltic will launch a new route from Riga to Malta. The new route of airBaltic will offer convenient travel between the two airports,
and beyond to destinations in the Baltics, Scandinavia, Russia, and the CIS.
Michael Grimme, Chief Commercial Officer of airBaltic: “As part of airBaltic ReShape business plan we have been concentrating on high-demand
routes and added frequencies to 12 destinations in Europe and the CIS already for this winter. At the same time we have decreased flying on
low-demand routes, which makes aircraft available for other new routes. In total, we are planning to open six new routes for the next summer, and
we are delighted to announce Malta as our new summer destination.”
VietJetAir opens Phu Quoc route with A320 Aircraft
Source: VietJetAir
17/12/2012
VietJetAir today launched its ninth domestic route linking Ho Chi Minh City with Vietnam’s the paradise island of Phu Quoc. The carrier will also be
the first airline operating an Airbus A320 aircraft on the route.
Attending a ceremony to celebrate the route’s maiden departure from Phu Quoc International Airport, guest of honor Prime Minister Nguyen Tan
Dung was joined by dignitaries from the Central Government, the Ministry of Transport, Kien Giang province people’s committee and
representatives from VietJetAir. The carrier also marked this special occasion by providing 300 health insurance cards to residents of Kien Giang
province living in disadvantaged circumstances.
Hawaiian Doubles Up on LA-Maui Service Next Summer
Source: Hawaiian Airlines
17/12/2012
For the first time, Hawaiian Airlines will offer twice-daily nonstop service between Los Angeles and Maui to answer growing demand during next
summer's peak travel period.
Hawaiian is adding 34,000 air seats to Maui's travel market over 10 weeks of service. The summer flights answer the popular call for a 'Magic Isle'
vacation by southern California travelers. They also capitalize on new convenient connections to Hawai'i from other cities on the U.S. mainland
through Hawaiian's growing national service network with airline partners.
Peter Ingram, Hawaiian's executive vice president and chief commercial officer, said, "We're doubling our Maui summer service to give Los
Angeles-area residents another option to book their vacation, and make it easier for people in other parts of the country to come and experience
one of Hawai'i's favorite islands for visitors.
"We're pleased to be supporting Maui's visitor industry with this expanded peak season service and offering island residents another schedule
option."
Ingram added that Hawaiian's Maui hub, established earlier this year, offers an alternative connecting point for travel to Hawai'i's other islands with
its expanded neighbor island flight schedule.
Flight Schedule and Ticketing
Tickets went on sale today for Hawaiian's Los-Angeles-Maui service. The first daily flight will be offered June 13 through August 25, 2013, with
Flight HA 33 departing Los Angeles International Airport daily at 10:00 a.m. and arriving at Maui's Kahului Airport at 12:25 p.m. The return Flight HA
34 departs Maui daily at 1:55 p.m. and arrives in Los Angeles at 10:05 p.m.
Hawaiian's second daily flight will be offered from June 20 through August 14, 2013, with Flight HA 55 departing Los Angeles at 1:30 p.m. and
arriving on Maui at 3:55 p.m. The return Flight HA 56 will depart Maui at 10:00 p.m. and arrive in Los Angeles the following morning at 6:10 a.m.
Both LA-Maui daily flights will offer the comfort and roominess of Hawaiian's wide-body, twin-aisle Boeing 767-300ER aircraft, seating 264
passengers in a two-class cabin, with 18 in First Class and 246 in the Main Cabin.
Adding to the enjoyment of the Maui travel experience on Hawaiian is the carrier's signature onboard hospitality program, 'Mea Ho'okipa'
(translation: I am host). Travelers will enjoy island-style complimentary meals and made-in-Hawai'i snacks to go along with Hawaiian's engaging
presentation of the islands' culture, people and Aloha Spirit throughout the flight.
Over 1,100 Dubai Residents Test-Drive New A380 Concourse
Source: Dubai Airports
16/12/2012
Dubai Airports, operator of the world’s fourth busiest hub for international passengers and freight, on Saturday conducted the first operational trial
involving members of the public, to test the readiness of the newly built Concourse A – the world’s first purpose-built A380 facility at Dubai
International’s Terminal 3. The major trial follows a comprehensive series of preliminary exercises that were carried out at the facility in recent
weeks with the participation of employees of the airport and its partners.
A collaborative effort between Dubai Airports and a number of its main partners – including Emirates airline, Dubai Aviation Engineering Projects,
dnata and control authorities such as Dubai Police, the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigner Affairs and Dubai Customs, among
others – the trial was aimed at determining the readiness of staff, systems and processes at the new facility by simulating a typical airport operation.
Some 1,100 volunteers including men, women, children, senior citizens and individuals with special needs, played the role of passengers arriving
at, departing from and transiting through Concourse A, testing way-finding signage and the flow of passenger traffic within the new building and
between it and Terminal 3 via the airport train. Many of the new retail and food & beverage outlets also formed part of the trial.
“Prior to opening it is imperative that we are diligent in testing every aspect of the passenger experience across the new facility,” said Paul Griffiths,
CEO of Dubai Airports. “The trial has yielded some very valuable insight which we will be analysing and acting on in the days and weeks ahead. I
would like to thank all the volunteers who took time out on their weekend and brought their families along to lend support to the trial. They have
become part of Dubai’s aviation history.”
The trial findings, which will be finalised in the days ahead, will be used to make adjustments to processes, systems or facilities, as required, which
will again be tested at future operational trials.
Concourse A is part of the Terminal 3 complex which will increase Dubai International’s annual passenger capacity from 60 million to 75 million
when it opens next year.
“Concourse A is another critical element of the $7.8 billion Strategic Plan 2020 which includes the expansion of Dubai International to
accommodate the tremendous growth we expect over the next decade,” explained Griffiths. “Passenger numbers are forecast to reach 66-million in
2013 and the opening of Concourse A is a timely and welcome addition to Dubai International, putting us firmly on track to reach our target of
becoming the world’s best and largest airport in terms of service and international passenger numbers.”
HKIA Sets Monthly Cargo Record in November
Source: HKIA
16/12/2012
(HONG KONG, 16 December 2012) – Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA) recorded increases in all three traffic categories in November 2012,
including a monthly record high for cargo traffic. During the month, cargo throughput saw strong growth of 9.3% over the same period last year to
374,000 tonnes to beat the previous record set in October 2010. Passenger traffic and flight movements also saw year-on-year growth of 5.5% and
6.6% respectively, with 4.6 million passengers and 29,710 flight movements handled.
The growth in passenger traffic was driven mainly by Hong Kong resident travel, which saw a 12% rise over the same month last year. Passenger
traffic to and from South East Asia and Mainland China performed particularly well. Growth in November cargo throughput was primarily due to 11%
year-on-year growth in exports. During the month, cargo throughput to and from North America and South East Asia outperformed other key
regions.
Stanley Hui Hon-chung, Chief Executive Officer of Airport Authority Hong Kong, said, “We are pleased to see very healthy growth in all traffic
figures, especially the sustained rebound of cargo volume for four consecutive months despite a consistently challenging global economic
environment. We remain cautiously optimistic about the potential for cargo throughput, and we foresee this positive trend continuing at HKIA.
“We are shortly approaching the festive Christmas and New Year holidays. To cater for the seasonal surge in demand, a total of 250 extra
passenger flights will be added by the airlines. Popular destinations include Taipei, Seoul and South East Asia. During the upcoming holiday
seasons, apart from working closely with the aviation community in ensuring a smooth, safe and efficient operation of the increasing number of
flights, we plan to delight our passengers with a range of festive activities in the terminals, including ballet shows, a choir performance, orchestra,
ensemble performances, handicraft workshops and more,” Mr Hui added.
Over the first 11 months of this year, passenger traffic climbed 4.8% to 51.5 million while cargo volume grew by 1.7% to 3.7 million tonnes. Flight
movements rose to 320,860, a 5.4% increase compared with the same period last year.
On a rolling 12-month basis, flight movements registered a year-on-year increase of 5.4%, amounting to 350,155 movements. Passenger traffic
rose 5.1% to 56.3 million, while cargo tonnage registered a 1.1% increase to 4 million.
United Pilots Ratify Agreement
Source: United Airlines
15/12/2012
United Airlines today announced that pilots, represented by the Air Line Pilots Association (ALPA), ratified a new joint labor agreement for allUnited
Airlines pilots.
"The ratification of this agreement is an important step forward for our pilots and the company," said Fred Abbott, senior vice president of flight
operations. "We look forward to the efficiencies and teamwork we will achieve as our pilots become one group once they complete their seniority
integration."
The agreement runs through December 2016 and covers nearly 10,000 United pilots.
"I want to thank both negotiating teams and the National Mediation Board for their efforts in reaching this agreement that provides both
improvements for our pilots and increased competitiveness for United," said Mike Bonds, executive vice president of human resources and labor
relations. "We are making good progress working together with our remaining employee groups to reach joint agreements to become a fully
combined workforce."
Since merging with Continental, United has made significant progress in bringing together work groups. The company has reached several
agreements including a combined agreement for pilots, agreements with flight attendants from the United, Continental and CMI subsidiaries; and
agreements with technicians from the United, Continental and CMI subsidiaries.
Qatar Airways has celebrated yet another milestone with the launch of long- haul Boeing 787 Dreamliner services from Doha
to London Heathrow
Source: Qatar Airways
16/12/2012
Qatar Airways has celebrated yet another milestone with the launch of long- haul Boeing 787 Dreamliner services from Doha to London Heathrow.
With the inaugural flight on December 13, Qatar Airways became the first airline to offer regular scheduled flights with the next generation aircraft to
and from the UK.
One of the airline's five daily flights on the Doha – Heathrow route is being operated with the Boeing 787. Flight QR 075 departs Doha at 0625 hrs,
arriving at London Heathrow at 1105 hrs, with the return flight QR 076 departing London at 1505 hrs, arriving in Doha at 0045 hrs the following day.
From February 1, passengers from the UK will have an opportunity to fly on one of the most spacious and comfortable aircraft in the skies to Perth
all the way on a 787 with a short connection in Doha, when Qatar Airways’ Dreamliner becomes the first carrier to operate regular scheduled flights
to Australia.
Turkish Airlines will start its operations to Niamey(Nijer)-Ouagadougou(Burkina Faso) today
Source: Turkish Airlines
15/12/2012
Already having the world's 5th largest flight network, Turkish Airlines continues to expand its network in Africa.
The airline will add Niamey (Nijer), Ouagadougou (Burkina Faso) to its network. With the addition of Niamey and Ouagadougou Turkish Airlines will
be operating flights to total 31 African destination in Africa, Turkish Airlines, one of the Continent's most extensive networks.
Beginning December 15th, 2012, roundtrip flights between Niamey (Nijer) -Ouagadougou will be operated 3 times per week.
United Airlines Top Flyer Tom Stuker Reaches 1 Million Miles In A Calendar Year
Source: United Continental Holdings
14/12/2012
United Airlines' most frequent flyer, Tom Stuker, this month became the first United customer to fly 1 million miles on United and United Express in a
calendar year, reaching the mark on Dec. 6 onboard United flight 949 between London and Chicago.
(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20121214/CG30004)
This is the latest travel milestone for Stuker, who in July 2011 was the first person to fly 10 million miles on United and United Express. With more
than 13 million miles flown, Stuker is one of commercial aviation's highest-mileage travelers.
"We congratulate Tom on another remarkable achievement," said Tom O'Toole, president of MileagePlus. "We look forward to having him fly with
us for the next million miles and beyond."
"It has been a phenomenal year flying with United," said Stuker. "Everyone at the airline, from the customer service agents to the flight attendants to
the ramp workers, has made my travels feel effortless."
Stuker estimates he has flown more than 6,000 flights on United, including about 400 flights this calendar year alone. To equal the distance that
Stuker achieved this year, a traveler would need to trek around the world about 40 times. Cruising at 570 miles per hour, a single nonstop flight of 1
million miles would land 73 days after takeoff. Stuker's 11 million miles flown on United would also put him about a third of the distance from Earth to
Mars.
Stuker, an automotive sales consultant who - when not in-flight - lives in suburban Chicago and New Jersey, began clocking his miles after joining
United's MileagePlus loyalty program in 1983. Since then, he has logged most of his miles flying to Asia and Australia and has flown to all fifty U.S.
states.
ACI Europe: Italian inaction over airport investment damaging national economy
Source: ACI Europe
14/12/2012
The European airport trade body ACI EUROPE today called for swift action from the Italian authorities to finally resolve a 10 year policy paralysis over
airport charges, which has delayed much needed modernisation and development at Italian airports.
Since 2001, airport charges in Italy have remained frozen due to a combination of ineffective regulation and political interference by vested interests aimed at artificially protecting national airlines. This situation has prevented Italian airports from responding to inflationary pressures in a timely manner
and from investing to upgrade operational processes, improving the passenger experience and providing more capacity where required.
While SEA Milan Airports has recently obtained the approval of a new charges structure, the situation remains stalled for the vast majority of Italian
airports, including ADR’s Rome airports and SAVE Venice airport. This is threatening their financial viability and hurting their competitive position in the
long-term, especially given that demand for air transport in Europe is still expected to double by 2035.
This is also preventing Italian airports from contributing to the national economic recovery. Airports in Europe are key drivers of local economic
development and job creation, with 2,100 indirect jobs supported nationally for every 1,000 airport jobs. In times of acute economic crisis, airport
investment becomes extremely relevant, due to its ability to deliver both immediate and longer-term job-based growth.
Last month, ACI EUROPE called on the Italian Government to address this situation as a matter of urgency. In a letter sent to Mr Corrado Passera,
Transport Minister and Mr Vittorio Grilli, Economy & Finance Minister, on 21 November, ACI EUROPE asked for the immediate adoption of the Decrees
allowing for the implementation of new tariff structures at the Rome and Venice airports, as well as for the timely adjustment of tariffs at other Italian
airports – to reflect at a minimum 2012 inflationary pressures and mounting security costs. ACI EUROPE also urged the Italian Goverment to establish the
long awaited new independent National Transport Authority so as to improve and simplify the procedure for the approval of airport charges.
Olivier Jankovec, Director General ACI EUROPE said “The Italian situation on airport charges remains a truly unique anomaly in Europe. The mix of bad
regulation and vested interests is toxic not just for the Italian airports themselves, but for the Italian economy and Italian citizens. Preventing Italian airports
from investing in their future is like cutting the wings of Italy – it affects the country’s attractiveness as a place to do business as well as a prime tourist
destination. Given their strategic importance, the courageous path of economic reform followed by Italy over the last year must also be extended to
airports.”
MUAC, DFS and Lufthansa pioneer large-scale Free Routing
Source: EUROCONTROL
14/12/2012
Following the initial introduction, in 2011, of Free Route Airspace in the areas controlled by EUROCONTROL’s Maastricht Upper Area Control
Centre (MUAC) and the DFS Deutsche Flugsicherung Karlsruhe Upper Area Control Centre, 298 new direct routes have been implemented on
13 Dec 2012, bringing the amount of direct, flight-plannable routes in the area to a total of 656.
103 of these direct routes starting in MUAC airspace are now linked with direct routes in the Karlsruhe area, creating a large-scale free routing
airspace over Belgium, most of Germany, Luxembourg and the Netherlands. At the same time, MUAC will be extending the availability of 83 directs
to 24 hours, bringing the total number of direct routes now available in the MUAC airspace at weekends and on week days to 405.
This milestone is the first tangible achievement of the “Free Route Airspace Maastricht and Karlsruhe” (FRAMaK) project, a programme of
SESAR Solutions Demonstrations to deliver concrete, innovative solutions which generate benefits for all air transport stakeholders. In particular,
FRAMaK aims to offer cross-border direct routes in the busy and complex core area of Europe, essentially doing away with inefficient route
connections caused by the boundary between the areas of responsibility of MUAC and Karlsruhe for those aircraft operators taking advantage of
the new, direct routes. In 2011 there were more than 770,000 flights which crossed the border between the two centres. On top of introducing direct
cross-border routes, FRAMaK will also demonstrate the feasibility of user-preferred routings, allowing aircraft operators to fly the most efficient
routes, for example to exploit jet streams for fuel efficiency or to avoid areas of turbulence.
FRAMaK is formed by a consortium of airspace users and ANSPs - MUAC, the Karlsruhe Upper Area Control Centre and Lufthansa - in a
two-year contract with the SESAR Joint Undertaking (SJU). The benefits of SESAR solutions aim at reducing ATM unit costs, reducing
environmental impact, increasing the quality of service and enabling an increase in capacity.
With this significant development, MUAC and Karlsruhe, along with their aircraft operating partners, are making considerable progress towards the
FABEC airspace strategy's ambition of implementing and operating a large-scale Free Route Airspace in the high-density core of Europe
The First Scheduled Flight of LOT Dreamliner
Source: LOT Polish Airlines
14/12/2012
At 8:00 a.m. today, LOT Polish Airlines Boeing 787 Dreamliner SP-LRA took off from the Chopin Airport in Warsaw on its first scheduled flight to
Prague. It is the first commercial flight of the LOT Dreamliner.
Flight LO 523 from Warsaw to Prague lasted 57 minutes. On board there were 175 passengers for whom LOT had prepared special certificates
commemorating this first extraordinary flight. For the return flight, 149 passengers have been booked. The plane is planned to take off from Prague
airport at 10:05 a.m. and is scheduled to arrive in Warsaw at 11:10 a.m.
The Dreamliner will fly to Prague on selected dates from mid-December to mid-January, 2013. The upcoming flights are scheduled to operate on
December 15, 16, 18, 19, 20 and 28. The four remaining dates are January 2, 11, 12 and 14, 2013.
The flight to Prague kicked off a series of promotional flights in Europe, at which time the Dreamliner will visit nine European cities in total: Prague,
London, Vienna, Munich, Frankfurt, Hannover, Kiev, Budapest and Brussels.
We have decided to operate the first Dreamliner flight to Prague, as it is a one-hour flight only from Warsaw and it seems ideal for the first
„neighbourly” visit of LOT Dreamliner in Europe. Actually, it will not be the only flight to Prague – the Dreamliner will visit the Czech capital a number
of times – says Zbigniew Mazur, acting LOT CEO. I am glad passengers from the Czech Republic will be the first to experience the comfort of travel
on board the world’s most modern passenger plane belonging to the Polish carrier – adds Zbigniew Mazur.
As we have mentioned previously, the first trans-Atlantic flight of LOT Dreamliner will be operated to Chicago on January 16, 2013. Its next
destination will be Toronto on February 1, 2013. On February 3, passengers will fly aboard the Dreamliner to New York, and Beijing will welcome
the LOT Boeing 787 one month later – March 3, 2013.
BTS Releases October 2012 Airline Full-Time and Part-Time Employment Data
Source: US DOT
14/12/2012
The Bureau of Transportation Statistics (BTS), a part of the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Research and Innovative Technology
Administration (RITA), today updated its airline employment web page with October 2012 full-time and part-time employment data.
Total employment (full-time + part-time) by all U.S. airlines including scheduled passenger, charter and cargo:
October 2011
585,259
September 2012
589,658 (revised)
October 2012
587,925
Individual airline numbers are available on the BTS airline employment web page. The web page provides full-time and part-time employment
numbers by carrier by month from 1990 through October 2012.
Airlines that operate at least one aircraft with the capacity to carry combined passengers, cargo and fuel of 18,000 pounds – the payload factor –
must report monthly employment statistics.
The next web update for full-time and part-time employment is scheduled for Jan. 10. The BTS press release on full-time equivalent employment for
scheduled passenger airlines, including historic comparisons and summary tables, will be issued.
ATR inaugurates its new training center in Singapore
Source: ATR
14/12/2012
ATR today officially inaugurated a new Training Center in Singapore both for commercial aircraft pilots and maintenance crew. It is located in the Seletar
Aerospace Park, a major hub for the Singapore aerospace industry. The inauguration was attended by Singapore government officials, the French and the
Italian ambassadors, top executives of Asian ATR operators and ATR CEO Filippo Bagnato with other top management representatives of ATR.
The new center has the capacity to train more than 600 pilots and maintenance crew per year. The facility features the new Full Flight Simulator (FFS), an
integrated suite of flight training devices and advanced classroom settings to provide both pilot and maintenance training for multiple ATR aircraft
platforms. The new FFS enables training for both ATR 42-600s and ATR 72-600s variants. Fully equipped, the facility and its flight training equipment have
recently been certified by the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA).
“We are pleased to expand our presence with this new training facility focused on the rapidly growing regional carrier market in South East Asia," said
Filippo Bagnato, ATR Chief Executive Officer. "ATR's extensive presence in Asia and around the globe, together with our unwavering commitment to
quality, assures our customers of the highest fidelity and reliability for their training programs. The aim is to be always closer to our customers”.
ATR and the Singapore Economic Development Board (EDB), the lead government agency for planning and executing strategies, have closely
collaborated to launch this new training facility. “We are pleased to have the strong support of Singapore's Economic Development Board. Our facility in
Singapore will enable ATR Eastern Support, ATR's dedicated customer support centre for Asia Pacific which has already been operating in Singapore for
close to 25 years, to bring our comprehensive regional support services offering to a higher level hand-in-hand with the industry and public sector,” added
Mr Bagnato.
Mr. Lim Kok Kiang, Executive Director, Transport Engineering of EDB said: “We are absolutely delighted that ATR has chosen to locate its regional training
centre in Singapore. ATR's investment is a strong vote of confidence for Singapore, and underscores our efforts to provide comprehensive aftermarket
solutions for Asia-Pacific. We look forward to deepening our partnership with ATR as it continues to grow and expand in this region.”
ATR currently offers training services for its operators at 4 locations worldwide: Toulouse, Paris, Johannesburg and Singapore. This new training facility
completes ATR's offer in Singapore, where it already has a Customer Support Center and a warehouse for Asia-Pacific operators.
More than 250 ATR airplanes fly in Asia-Pacific operated by some 50 airlines in the Asia Pacific region.
AEA: European network carriers' recovery hampered by external inefficiencies
Source: AEA
13/12/2012
Today, the Association of European Airlines released its financial forecast, which underlines that 2012 has been a particularly tough year for European
airlines. The combination of a weak European economy and sky-high fuel prices together with the effects of an on-going euro crisis have put a huge
pressure on the members of the Association of European Airlines and will result in an EBIT[1] loss of 1.3 billion euro on an EBIT margin of -1.3%, which is
slightly better than the previously forecasted -1.5 billion euro.
The economic recovery from the crisis of 2008-2009 took a setback in 2012, slowing considerably as the year progressed. This left its mark on freight
traffic: 2012 will end with a decline of 4% (comparing to 2011), which is 8% below 2008 levels.
At the same time, passenger traffic is untouched by the downturn. AEA members will transport an additional 10.5 million passengers in 2012, an increase
of 2.9% over 2011 or an expected increase of 4.5% in revenue per kilometre (RPK) performed. With moderate and regionally targeted capacity expansion,
passenger load factors will achieve an all-time high average of 79%, an improvement of 1.5 percentage points over last year.
Nevertheless, AEA member airlines are still in the red, the impacts of fuel cost, regulatory burden and the lack of a level playing field have plagued their
operations with an accumulated loss of 4.1 billion euro since the beginning of the crisis. Although load factors are continuously showing positive results,
there is no correlation with airlines’ yields. And the outlook for the upcoming year is not promising either, traffic growth for AEA airlines is expected to be
mild.
“To cope with the existing and upcoming challenges, we see that our members are making tremendous efforts to cut internal costs and increase revenue.
This year alone 17,000 job losses have been announced within our member airlines. But despite these measures, consistently high external costs will
continue to erode our airlines’ profitability” said Athar Husain Khan, acting Secretary General of AEA. “We expect further commitments and practical steps
from the Member States of the EU. AEA members are demanding that European initiatives such as the Single European Sky and regulation on ground
handling as well as the global solution for Emissions Trading Scheme for aviation be realised as early as next year in order they can finally reap the benefit
and show the first signs of recovery.”
[1] Earnings before interest and tax – AEA members only
AirAsia orders 100 more A320s
Source: Airbus
13/12/2012
AirAsia, the largest low cost airline in Asia, has placed a new order with Airbus for 100 more A320 Family aircraft. The contract covers an additional
64 A320neo and 36 A320ceo aircraft for operation across the carrier’s network.
The order was announced during a visit by British Prime Minister David Cameron to the Airbus wing manufacturing facility at Broughton in the UK,
where Mr Cameron witnessed the signing of documents by Tan Sri Tony Fernandes, Group Chief Executive Officer, AirAsia and Fabrice Brégier,
President & CEO, Airbus.
The contract reaffirms AirAsia’s position as the largest A320 Family airline customer in the world. Altogether, the carrier has now ordered 475 single
aisle aircraft from Airbus, comprising 264 A320neo and 211 A320ceo. Over 100 aircraft have already been delivered to the airline and are flying out
of its bases in Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur, Jakarta, Manila and Tokyo.
Tan Sri Tony Fernandes, Group Chief Executive Officer of AirAsia said during the signing: “We have three gold mines in Malaysia, Thailand and
Indonesia. On the other hand, Philippines and Japan have enormous potential growth. With these added aircraft, it goes in-line with our strategy to
further build our already extensive network through new routes and added frequencies and allow AirAsia to maintain its market leadership."
“AirAsia is one of the great success stories of recent years in the airline business,” said Fabrice Brégier, President & CEO, Airbus. “The repeated
confidence the airline places in the A320 is a clear endorsement of the reliability, efficiency and unbeatable operating economics offered by the
world’s most modern single aisle product line.”
AirAsia’s all-A320 fleet currently flies to some 70 destinations on a route network spanning 20 countries across Asia. In addition, affiliate AirAsia X
operates widebody A330-300s on longer services from Kuala Lumpur to Northern Asia and Australia.
The A320 Family is the world’s best-selling and most modern single aisle aircraft Family. To date, more than 8,800 aircraft have been ordered and
over 5,300 delivered to more than 380 customers and operators worldwide.
A4A Reports Strong Air Travel Demand this Winter Period; 2012 Airfares Remain a Bargain
Source: A4A
13/12/2012
Airlines for America (A4A), the industry trade organization for the leading U.S. airlines, is predicting solid winter holiday travel demand, driven by a
recovering economy and air travel that continues to be a bargain, as nearly 42 million passengers will fly between Monday, Dec. 17, 2012, and
Wednesday, Jan. 6, 2013.
Total passenger volumes represent a slight reduction of less than 1 percent or about 300,000 passengers over the three-week period. Planes are
expected to be about 85 percent full over the period, and the busiest days could reach 90 percent, as carriers have better matched seating capacity
to demand to cope with record fuel prices and other rising costs.
Daily passenger volumes are expected to range from 1.5 million to 2.3 million. The busiest days will occur on the weekend preceding Christmas
(Dec. 21-23, 2012), the day after Christmas (Dec. 26, 2012) and Jan. 2, 2013.
Carrier websites should be the “go to” source for airline passengers to register to receive electronic flight status updates, and check-in and print
boarding passes prior to arriving at the airport. Passengers are also reminded to allow adequate time to get to the airport and for security screening.
Additional travel tips can also be found on the A4A Passenger Travel Tips webpage.
“U.S. carriers are reporting strong bookings relative to capacity this winter holiday period,” said A4A Vice President and Chief Economist John
Heimlich. “This is a great time to travel, as carriers are staffed to accommodate the influx of holiday travelers and airfares remain a bargain, having
significantly trailed U.S. inflation.”
While average airfares have risen modestly year over year, the price of air travel has not kept pace with overall U.S. inflation. Heimlich noted that in
real terms it costs 14 percent less to fly today than it did in 2000.
Mitsubishi Aircraft and SkyWest, Inc. Conclude Definitive Agreement for 100 Mitsubishi Regional Jets (MRJ) and 100 Options
Source: MRJ
13/12/2012
Mitsubishi Aircraft Corporation and SkyWest, Inc., the holding company for two regional carriers that conducts the world’s largest combined regional
airline operations, announced today that they have executed a definitive agreement for the purchase of 100 MRJ90 aircraft and up to an additional
100 option aircraft. The agreement sets forth respective rights and obligations that enable Mitsubishi Aircraft and SkyWest to mutually position
themselves for opportunities in the US regional airline industry. MRJ deliveries to SkyWest are currently anticipated to commence in 2017, with
deliveries of executable option aircraft currently anticipated to commence in 2021. Based on the MRJ90 list price, SkyWest’s order for 100 aircraft is
valued at US $4.2 billion, with an additional US $4.2 billion related to the executable 100 options.
“I am absolutely delighted to have reached agreement on this important partnership,” said Hideo Egawa, President, Mitsubishi Aircraft, “Without a
doubt, this is a major order and significant boost for the MRJ program. Mitsubishi Aircraft continues to work hard to deliver our next generation
aircraft to our valued customers around the world”.
"SkyWest is pleased to have collaboratively reached a definitive agreement with Mitsubishi Aircraft,” said Bradford R. Rich, President, SkyWest, Inc.
He continued, “SkyWest believes the MRJ, with its significant advancements in fuel economy, passenger comfort, and environmental friendliness,
will be a valued addition to our fleet. We are looking forward to strengthening our relationship with Mitsubishi Aircraft”.
AirAsia X Increases Flight Frequency to Long-haul Destinations in 2013
Source: AirAsia
13/12/2012
AirAsia X, the long-haul, low fare affiliate of AirAsia today announced that the airline is increasing its flight frequency from Kuala Lumpur to Australia
(Melbourne), Taiwan (Taipei), and China (Chengdu) effective 1 May, 2013 onwards.
The additional frequencies will see the current daily flights to Melbourne increase to nine flights weekly by 1 May 2013 and subsequently to twelve
flights weekly by 1 July, 2013.
AirAsia X have also added additional flights to its current daily flights to Taipei which will see the airline service ten weekly flights effective 1 May
2013 and with double daily flights commencing 1 July, 2013 onwards.
Flights to Chengdu, China will increase from its current five flights weekly to six flights weekly by 1 May, 2013. AirAsia X will subsequently service
daily flights to the land of the panda’s by 1 July, 2013.
Guests may log on to www.airasia.com for bookings and flight schedules for the increase in flight frequencies to the respective markets.
AirAsia X’s CEO, Azran Osman-Rani said, “Our increase in flight frequency is testament to our commitment in offering guests a more flexible
flight schedule to suit our guests travel needs and preferences. AirAsia X is responding to the strong encouraging demand for Melbourne, Chengdu
and Taipei which has recorded a strong average passenger loads in excess of 80% in 2012.”
“AirAsia X remains focused in strengthening its network of its core markets in Australia, Japan, Korea, China, and Taiwan and the increase in flight
frequencies would further solidify our position in our key markets. The additional flights will open up new prospects for commercial activities and
boost tourism in the ASEAN region, Taiwan and Australia.”
AirAsia X was the first long-haul, low fare carrier to introduce Flatbed seats, which have standard business class specifications of 20” width, 60”
pitch and stretch out to 77” in full recline position. The Premium flatbeds feature universal power sockets, adjustable headrests and built-in personal
utilities such as tray table, drink holder, reading light and privacy screen. Premium seat guests also enjoy premium complimentary products and
services including Pick A Seat, Priority Check-in, Priority Boarding, Priority Baggage, 25kg Baggage Allowance, Complimentary Meal and
Pillow & Blanket.
DHL moves to Budapest Airport
Source: Budapest Airport
13/12/2012
DHL Global Forwarding, Freight, the air and ocean freight specialist within Deutsche Post DHL and one of the leading providers of road freight
services in Europe, will move to the new Airport Business Park development area offered by Budapest Airport. DHL Global Forwarding and DHL
Freight will have both their offices and warehouses located at the airport.
DHL already has its aviation cargo facility at Budapest Airport. Now, two off-airport branches will move to the newly created Business Park area of
Budapest Airport from locations in Vecsés and in Budapest. The move will save costs and help DHL to streamline their operations in Hungary. Due
to the facility structure, DHL can now work even more closely across the divisions and therefore improve the services for their customers.
After having secured a binding building permit for the new facility consisting of 3,000 square meters of office space, 7,800 square meters of
warehouse and 5,700 square meters of maneuvering area, Budapest Airport and DHL have signed a lease agreement with DHL Global Forwarding
and DHL Freight. According to Budapest Airport’s plans the construction of the new facility will start in December 2012 and the first DHL-tenants will
be able to move in summer 2013.
“This is a very important milestone in the life of Budapest Airport in the post-Malév recovery. We could make an attractive offer to our new partners
in a very competitive real estate market in Budapest. This will be the first step in creating a Business Park development area in the Southern areas
of the airport which by the way will be easily accessible through public roads from the adjacent areas and will have excellent road connections both
through road 4 and M0 ring highway”, said René Droese, Property Director of Budapest Airport.
Aviation: MEPs vote on "better airports" package
Source: European Commission
12/12/2012
The European Parliament voted today on proposed measures to help increase the capacity of Europe's airports, reduce delays and improve the
quality of services offered to passengers. In its vote on the "airports package" the Parliament gave strong support for the Commission's proposals to
improve slot allocation as well as to improve the transparency of noise decisions. The Parliament referred the proposals on ground handling back to
the Parliamentary Committee for further consideration.
European Commission Vice-President Siim Kallas, responsible for transport, said: "Today we have taken a step forward to finding positive solutions
to the challenges facing airports on slots and noise. That is important progress. We need to work further to find common ground to tackle the
problems of quality and efficiency in ground handling. 70% of delays happen on the ground not in the air – those problems will not go away on their
own. I am fully committed to work with the European Parliament to find a way forwards".
On slots
The Parliament voted to support the Commission's proposals for the introduction of secondary trading in slots which goes to the heart of the slot
proposals. It added additional measures to strengthen the Commission's proposals on the independence of the slot coordinators across Europe and
higher transparency of information regarding slot allocation.
The Parliament voted to back the current slot utilisation rules (80%-20% "use it or lose it" rule), as well as the current slot series length. The
Parliament voted in favour of sanctions for late hand-back of slots by airlines.
On ground-handling
The Commission proposals aim to improve the quality and efficiency of ground handling services at airports.
The Parliament voted to refer this proposal back to Committee for further consideration.
On noise
The Parliament supported the Commission proposals to increase the transparency in the process of setting noise-related restrictions at airports.
For more information on the "airports package" and on the slots, ground handling and noise proposals see background MEMO/12/947
Next steps
Reaching the political agreement for slots and noise in the Council. On ground handling, the Parliamentary Committee will provide an opinion in
accordance with the Parliament's internal procedures.
AEA, ERA and IACA welcome another change for the European Parliament to realise the gradual opening of ground handling
services at the EU airports
Source: AEA/ERA/IACA
12/12/2012
The Association of European Airlines (AEA), the European Regions Airline Association (ERA) and the International Air Carrier Association (IACA)
applauds the result of the vote in the European Parliament today to send the ground handling proposal back to the Transport and Tourism
Committee of the European Parliament for a second reading.
Earlier this week, the three European airlines associations called on the European Parliament to vote in favour of the Ground Handling Regulations,
which is an essential part of the ‘Better Airport Package’ proposed by the European Commission and which aims at a conservative and prudent
opening of ground handling services at EU airports.
The Heads of the three airline associations, AEA, ERA and IACA comment:
“We welcome the decision of the European Parliament as we consider it to be further realisation of greater market competition for ground handling
services. We believe that the proposal ensures a more competitive market with no detrimental impact to working conditions and, in addition, will
benefit passengers by helping airlines deliver these essential services more cost efficiently.”
Passenger Traffic Slows to 2.3% Growth in October as Air Freight Stagnates
Source: ACI
12/12/2012
Global passenger traffic showed only modest gains for the month of October. While emerging markets in Asia-Pacific, Latin America-Caribbean and
the Middle East all posted gains of over +5%, the economic slowdown in North American and European markets resulted in almost no change in
year-over-year passenger traffic. Adding to this fact, many major North American airports along the eastern seaboard were temporarily crippled by
Hurricane Sandy. Miami (MIA), New York (JFK) and Newark (EWR) all faced declines of -3.2, -3.8 and -8.3% respectively, which was attributable
mainly to the hurricane. On the other hand, a few key international airports in emerging markets continue to have buoyant traffic increases helping
to maintain a global growth trend in positive territory. Singapore (SIN), Istanbul (IST) and Jakarta (CGK) continue to experience double-digit growth
rates.
According to the World Trade Organization, the expansion of world trade will slow to 2.5% in 2012 as a result of slowing global output, which is
down from 5.0% in 2011. With an overall slowdown in the movement of goods across borders, international air freight has contracted by -1.2%,
while total freight remains flat. Several major international freight hubs experienced sharp declines in air freight traffic. Major hub airports such as
Incheon (ICN), Paris (CDG) and Anchorage (ANC) observed year-over-year declines of -1.9, -5.0 and -13.1% respectively. Conversely, the volume
of domestic freight traffic, has increased by +1.8% in the month of October.
ACI World’s Economics Director Rafael Echevarne commented, “As we approach the end of 2012, global air freight traffic is expected to be flat as
compared to 2011. Order shipments of high value added goods, which make up a large component of the volume of international air freight, have
been curtailed in tandem with the slowdown in international trade. While passenger traffic shows signs of deceleration, this is in line with ACI
expectations for the year. That being said, Hurricane Sandy has impacted the overall growth trends for the month of October. Regardless, it’s
impressive to see the overall global resilience of passenger traffic in spite of the Eurozone crises, fiscal cliffs and other economic uncertainties
among which airports operate.”
Iberia launches new plan to improve services and replace long-haul fleet
Source: Iberia
Iberia
12/12/2012
is implementing a new “Transformation Plan” to reduce operating costs and increase revenues in order to heighten its competitiveness and
restore profitability. A new commercial policy involving substantial improvements to all services, new aircraft, and redesigned cabin interiors on
long-haul routes is a key to boosted income under the plan.
In January the airline will take delivery of the first of eight new Airbus A330s equipped with the new cabins for routes between Europe and the
Americas, while the cabins of its existing long-haul fleet of Airbus A340/600s are also being upgraded. The new A330s emit 15% less CO2 than the
aircraft they will gradually replace. Iberia has options to buy an additional eight units.
Improvements to Business and Tourist Class Sections of Long-haul Fleet
The new Business Class seating section includes improvements over the current section, such as longer beds, a greater degree of privacy, more
storage space, and a larger entertainment offer. The new cabin is an improvement on the already very competitive existing one, Business Plus, with
seats that unfold into completely horizontal beds and 2.20 meters of space between rows, as well as gourmet meal service designed by four leading
Spanish chefs, each of them holding at least two Michelin stars, and a wine list that includes a wide choice of Spain’s most exquisite regional
wines.
The new Tourist Class on long-haul flights features more comfortable seats, and individual display screens, with an extensive offer of entertainment
options, as well as connections for passengers’ electronic devices. The new product will be gradually introduced in Iberia’s A340/600 aircraft.
Ángel Valdemoros, head of international sales for Iberia, said “the large investment we are making in long-haul aircraft will help us consolidate our
leadership on routes between Europe and Latin America, which are crucial to us.”
The plan also calls for the redesign of the www.iberia.com website, new VIP lounges in Miami and Buenos Aires, and a new check-in area for
business passengers at T4 in Madrid-Barajas airport. In recent months Iberia has introduced numerous innovations to improve passengers’
experience at its T4 hub, by streamlining check-in and boarding procedures, using holographic information agents, and installing new automatic
check-in machine and quick service points, among other innovations.
Bordeaux Airport: The 4 million passenger mark reached in November
Source: Bordeaux Airport
12/12/2012
In comparison with European traffic which is on the decrease as announced by the Association of European Airports, Bordeaux Airport traffic
continues to increase (+7.8%) with a total of 321,246 passengers in November. It rose by 9.4% in 2012 with 4,057,961 passengers. The figures
confirm the rise (+11.3%) of international scheduled flights and the sharp increase in low-cost flights (+36.7%).
Domestic flights boosted this growth further with +6.3%. Results are very variable however, with transversal flights showing an 18% increase and
flights to Paris decreasing by 0.3%: Paris Orly has decreased by 3.6% whilst the Charles De Gaulle "hub" has increased activity by 5.5%. Progress
is impressive on routes subject to multiple and competing operators: Nice (86.2%), Strasbourg (+84.3%) and also Lille* (+36.7%).
International traffic has been very successful for several months (+12.9% since the beginning of January), low-cost flights are the main driver
(+38.8% cumulatively). On the other hand, charter business has declined (-14.8%) mainly due to drop in demand to Tunisia, Egypt and Greece.
In November the European zone increased by +13.7%. The traffic to and from North African countries reached +9.6% thanks to a supplementary
offer: Algiers with Aigle Azur this summer and Air Méditerranée to Marrakech this winter.
As for services, in November Bordeaux Airport launched an internet booking service for parking spaces at www.bordeaux.aeroport.fr. Addressing
passengers' organisational needs, online booking enables people to choose their parking space according to the duration of their holiday and the
proximity of the terminal.
Bordeaux Airport also opened a new Convenience Store located at Terminal A. Under the brand “Chez Jean” it offers all types of products needed
by arriving passengers. It is managed by the Relay Group which owns already three shops (newspaper, books and gifts) in each of Bordeaux
Airport terminals (A, B and billi).
*Starting in December, flights to Lille will be running with three different airlines: Air France, Volotea, and easyJet.
AVIANCA AND TACA ORDERS 15 ATR 72-600S
Source: AviancaTaca
12/12/2012
European turboprop aircraft manufacturer ATR and Latin American aviation group AviancaTaca Holding are pleased to announce the signature of a
major contract for the purchase of 15 ATR 72-600s, plus options for 15 additional aircraft. The deal, including the options, is valued at close to US$
700 million. Avianca and Taca recently made its final choice after an exhaustive evaluation of all the competing alternatives, opting for the ATR
72-600 to provide the best overall solution. The deliveries of the firm aircraft will start in June 2013.
AviancaTaca is one of the largest and fastest growing aviation groups in Latin America. It currently operates a combined fleet of more than 150
aircraft, the second largest fleet in Latin America. The group serves more than 100 destinations in Latin America, US, Canada, Caribbean region
and Europe, and has 4 major hubs in Bogota, San Salvador, Lima and San José de Costa Rica.
With the introduction of their fleet of 15 brand new 70-seat ATR 72-600, AviancaTaca will progressively replace their Fokker 50s and ATR 42s
currently in operation. Avianca will fly the new ATR 72-600s to destinations like Barrancabermeja, Florencia, Manizales, Neiva, Pasto, Popayán,
Tumaco and Yopal, in Colombia. Taca will fly the aircraft to Guatemala city and Flores (Guatemala), Tegucigalpa, Roatán and San Pedro Sula
(Honduras), San Salvador (El Salvador), Managua (Nicaragua), and San José and Liberia (Costa Rica). The ATR 72-600s will also provide
passengers with stylish cabin interior designs and the most modern standards of comfort.
Commenting on the deal, Mr Fabio Villegas Ramirez, Chief Executive Officer of AviancaTaca, declared: “With the introduction of these new 72-seat
ATR 72-600s, we reemphasize our commitment to the connectivity within the regions in Colombia and Central America. The selected aircraft will
enable us to increase our capacity in regional routes, further enhance our network and propose the highest standards of comfort to our
passengers”.
Filippo Bagnato, Chief Executive Officer of ATR, declared: “This is indeed a major contract for ATR as we are signing with a well-reputed and
leading-edge air transportation provider in the Americas. We are proud to be a part of the expansion of AviancaTaca. At the same time, we are
pleased of renewing a longstanding relationship that dates back over 15 years with TACA Regional, and to further increase the presence of the new
ATR 72-600s in the whole of Latin America. Our aircraft have experienced an outstanding success in this region in recent years due to their
flexibility and low operating costs”.
Boeing, BMW Group to collaborate on carbon fiber recycling
Source: Boeing
12/12/2012
Boeing (NYSE: BA) and the BMW Group signed a collaboration agreement to participate in joint research on carbon fiber recycling and share knowledge
about carbon fiber materials and manufacturing.
Boeing and BMW are both pioneering the use of carbon fiber in their products. Boeing's 787 Dreamliner is made up of 50 percent carbon fiber material
and BMW will introduce two vehicles with passenger compartments made of carbon fiber in 2013. Recycling composite material at point of use and the end
of product life is critical to both companies.
"This collaboration agreement is a very important step forward in developing the use and end use of carbon fiber materials," said Larry Schneider,
Commercial Airplanes vice president of Product Development, who represented Boeing at the signing in Seattle. "It is especially important that we plan for
the end of life of products made from carbon fiber. We want to look at ways to reclaim and reuse those materials to make new products. Our work with
BMW will help us attain that goal."
"Boeing for us is a suitable partner for collaboration in the field of carbon fiber," said BMW AG for Development Board Member Herbert Diess. "Boeing has
many years of extensive experience using carbon fiber in the field of aviation, while the BMW Group has earned a significant competitive advantage
through its use of special manufacturing methods for series production of carbon fiber parts. Through this cooperation, we can merge know-how between
our industries in the field of sustainable production solutions."
As part of the collaboration agreement, Boeing and the BMW Group will also share carbon fiber manufacturing process simulations and ideas for
manufacturing automation.
BMW opened a plant in Moses Lake, Wash. in 2011 that will provide carbon fiber parts for the 2013 i3 and i8 models. Both new models will be assembled
in Leipzig, Germany.
Washington State Governor Christine Gregoire was instrumental in securing the location for the BMW plant and promoted the partnership between Boeing
and BMW.
"This exciting partnership between two global players and industry leaders is a win for our state," said Gregoire. "This will help Washington further develop
our capabilities and leadership position in the game-changing technology of carbon fiber. I'm pleased that BMW and Boeing have joined forces as this is a
logical next step for the industry."
The collaboration agreement between Boeing and the BMW Group is the first in the history of either company. The BMW Group is made up of BMW, Mini,
Husqvarna Motorcycles and Rolls-Royce automobiles.
SIA TO SELL VIRGIN ATLANTIC STAKE FOR US$360 MILLION
Source: Singapore Airlines
11/12/2012
Singapore Airlines has agreed to sell its 49% stake in Virgin Atlantic Ltd to Delta Air Lines.
Under the agreement, Delta will pay US$360 million in cash for Singapore Airlines’ entire shareholding in the UK-based airline group.
The agreement is subject to regulatory approvals being obtained in Europe and the United States. Subject to these approvals being secured, the
transaction is expected to close in the fourth quarter of the 2013 calendar year.
Singapore Airlines acquired 49% of Virgin Atlantic in March 2000. The Airline had been evaluating strategic options for the stake for some time, as
the investment has not performed to expectations and the synergies the parties originally hoped for have not materialised.
The successful completion of the sale will result in a profit being booked in Singapore Airlines’ accounts.
Commercial arrangements between Singapore Airlines and Virgin Atlantic, encompassing codesharing, frequent-flyer programme ties and
reciprocal lounge access, are expected to remain in place after the divestment.
Source: Ryanair
11/12/2012
Ryanair today (11 Dec) rejected recent speculation emanating from the Belgian Government and/or Brussels Airlines that there was some prospect that
Ryanair would move to Brussels Zaventem when Brussels Airlines disappears due to its catastrophic losses. Ryanair has rejected this idle speculation and
confirmed its commitment to its base at Brussels Charleroi, where Ryanair has operated for 15 years, and has built a growing and successful partnership
with Brussels South Charleroi Airport.
Ryanair confirmed that it has recently reaffirmed its traffic development plans with Brussels Charleroi Airport, that it continues to add new aircraft and new
routes at Charleroi, continues to grow traffic and jobs in Charleroi, and that it has no intention of moving to Brussels Zaventem, even if Brussels Airlines, an
airline which is effectively controlled by Lufthansa, ceases operations.
Ryanair called on the Belgian Government to reject Brussels Airlines pathetic attempt to obtain subsidies for its high labour costs, which would result in the
Belgian taxpayer effectively subsidising Lufthansa, one of Europe’s strongest airline groups.
Ryanair pointed out that Lufthansa freely chose to take a 45% stake in Brussels Airlines, and if Lufthansa is unhappy with Brussels Airlines cost base, then
it should reduce those costs or invest in the airline, rather than inappropriately pressurising the Belgian Government to subsidise another large Lufthansa
partner.
Ryanair’s Stephen McNamara said:
“Ryanair is extremely proud of its 15 year partnership with Brussels Charleroi Airport. As our recent 10 year extension confirms, we remain committed to
Brussels Charleroi regardless of what happens with Brussels Airlines and Zaventem.
“We are quite clear that if Brussels Airlines needs funding, then it should come from its principal shareholder Lufthansa, and not from artificial state aids or
subsidies from the Belgian Government. In any event, Brussels Airlines problems are far deeper than its salary costs, or its airport costs at Zaventem. Our
analysis suggests that Brussels Airlines is simply another high fare, high cost, airline in an era when most passengers want low fares and efficient services
such as that provided successfully by Ryanair at Brussels Charleroi Airport.”
Ryanair Criticises Aer Lingus-Virgin Lease Deal
Source: Ryanair
11/12/2012
Ryanair today (10 Dec) criticised the Board and Management of Aer Lingus for their latest “wet lease” agreement with Virgin Atlantic, which Ryanair
believes is yet another example of Aer Lingus’ commercial failure and lack of any independent future.
Ryanair highlighted that this is Aer Lingus’ second attempt at such a wet lease type arrangement, following the transatlantic “partnership” with United
Airlines, which started in March 2010, under which Aer Lingus switched one of its transatlantic aircraft, to operate an effective wet lease for United on the
Washington – Madrid route. In July 2011, Aer Lingus’ CEO Christoph Mueller claimed “We operate the aircraft very cost efficiently and United is selling it
at very reasonable yields and it works…". Mr Mueller “believes this type of operation could be strategically important for the future”. Yet this “strategically
important” partnership was ended by United in October 2012 after just 30 months.
Ryanair called on the Board and Management of Aer Lingus to explain why Aer Lingus is wet leasing 4 of its larger A320 aircraft to Virgin to operate routes
to/from Heathrow which have no connection with or value to Ireland. Where will these 4 aircraft come from? Will they be taken from Aer Lingus’ existing
bases at Shannon, Cork or Dublin? Will this result in yet another decline in Aer Lingus’ traffic, which has already fallen from 10.4m in 2009 to 9.5m in
2011? Will Aer Lingus’ contribution to Ireland’s “Grabbing” in 2013 be yet another 1m cut in capacity and traffic to/from the Republic of Ireland?
Ryanair’s Stephen McNamara said:
“In 2010 Aer Lingus was promising that the United Airlines wet lease “partnership” would be the way forward, yet 2 years later United abruptly cancelled
the deal and returned the aircraft to Aer Lingus. Instead, United have now entered the Washington-Dublin route, which Aer Lingus previously withdrew
from.
Today’s announcement that Aer Lingus is to take 4 of its existing aircraft away from Ireland, thereby reducing its Irish traffic by up to 1 million passengers
annually, so that it can rent these aircraft to Virgin Atlantic on a short-term wet lease arrangement seems to be yet another admission that Aer Lingus has
no commercial strategy or independent future. What happens in a year or two years time if Virgin Atlantic wants to cancel the deal and Aer Lingus is left
with 4 aircraft with nothing to do, but has 1 million fewer core passengers ?
If, as Aer Lingus claims, their brand and commercial strategy is working, then why are they spray painting 4 aircraft in Virgin colours and renting them out,
rather than running more routes to/from Ireland for the “Grabbing” in 2013? Ryanair believes that this latest wet lease deal with Virgin is yet another sign
that Aer Lingus has no viable commercial strategy, a mismanaged and fading brand and no independent future.”
Austrian Airlines Group sets forth its restructuring process
Source: Austrian Airlines
11/12/2012
Austrian Airlines Group has initiated a further step in the restructuring program announced in spring. This step will eliminate redundancies in its
organization. These were identified through the conducting during the second half of 2012 of analyses of the operating procedures employed in the
flight operations of Tyrolean Airways, in technical processes and in administrative departments. The result is potential savings somewhat greater
than ?10 million. 150 administrative positions out of the Group?s 6,320 employees will be cut.
Gaudenz Ambühl, managing director of Tyrolean Airways, states: ?This is a highly painful move. However, it is one that our restructuring makes
inevitable. This makes it possible for us to realize all of the savings in costs enabled by the operational transition. These measures have been
widely expected. They will now eliminate the redundancies found in operations.?
The following measures were resolved upon:
Flight control operations are currently managed from two centers. These operations will all be handled by the Vienna hub.
The headquarters of all flight administration operations will be set up in Innsbruck. This essentially involves the establishment of a Shared Services
Center in the city, to which nine departments will be assigned.
The planning of personnel, resources and rotation will be concentrated in Innsbruck.
Redundant operations will also be eliminated at Austrian Airlines. The ?Part M? responsibilities forming part of technical maintenance ? with these
including the engineering, the planning and the management ? will be grouped in Tyrolean. Tyrolean is the holder of the official AOC (Air Operator
Certificate). The technical maintenance of the fleets will continue to be undertaken at a variety of stations. Innsbruck will handle the maintenance of
the Bombardier Dash 8 aircraft; Vienna, of the Fokker, Airbus, and Boeing airplanes, and Bratislava, the overhauling of the Fokker fleet.
Jaan Albrecht, CEO of Austrian Airlines says: ?The difficult conditions prevailing on markets do not leave us any choice. We have to increase our
organization?s efficiency and to eliminate redundancies in the entire Group. This especially applies to duplications in our organizations, of which we
have been aware for a number of years.?
All measures will be implemented in 2013. The grouping of operations at a set of centers will result in a reduction of up to 150 jobs. These will be in
Austrian Airlines? administrative operations. The Austrian Airlines Group has resolved to set up a social plan for the employees affected. Details of
it are still being worked out with the works council.
As of September 30, 2012, the Austrian Airlines Group employed some 6,320 persons.
Ryanair Announces New Eindhoven Base (No 52)
Source: Ryanair
11/12/2012
Ryanair today (11 Dec) announced it would open its 52nd base (2nd Dutch base) at Eindhoven in April 2013 with one based aircraft as it invests over $70
million at Eindhoven Airport.
Ryanair will grow at Eindhoven as follows:

1 based aircraft

31 routes

4 new routes to/from Agadir, Bordeaux, Chania and Fez

Warsaw Modlin extended for summer season

Increased frequencies to/from Alicante, Faro, Ibiza, Malaga, Marrakech and Pisa

238 weekly flights (up 8%)

1.7m pax p.a (up 7%)

1,700* jobs at Eindhoven Airport
Ryanair celebrated its new Eindhoven base by launching a 100,000 seat sale with fares starting from £14 for travel across its European network in
January which are available for booking until midnight (24:00hrs) Thur (13 Dec). Ryanair’s 4 new Eindhoven routes will begin in April and will go on sale on
www.ryanair.com tomorrow.
Speaking in Eindhoven today, Ryanair’s Michael O’Leary said:
“Ryanair is delighted to announce Eindhoven as our 52nd base and unveil 4 new routes (31 in total) to/from Agadir, Bordeaux, Chania and Fez beginning in
April, and the extension of our Warsaw Modlin route, which started in October, as part of our summer schedule, which go on sale on www.ryanair.com
tomorrow.
In its route selection, Ryanair has delivered further important ‘Brainport’ business destinations for the province of North Brabant and the stakeholders of
Eindhoven Airport.
Dutch consumers/visitors can now escape KLM’s high fares and fuel surcharging by switching to Ryanair’s lowest fares and our no fuel surcharge
guarantee from Eindhoven to 31 exciting European destinations, including London, Milan and Rome, amongst others. Ryanair’s 1.7m passengers p.a. will
sustain up to 1,700 “on site” jobs in Eindhoven.
To celebrate our new Eindhoven base, we are launching a 100,000 seat sale with fares starting from £14 for travel across Europe in January, which are
available for booking until midnight Thursday (13 Dec). Since seats at these crazy low prices will be snapped up quickly, we urge passengers to book them
immediately on www.ryanair.com.”
BTS Releases October 2012 Airline Fuel Cost and Consumption Data
Source: US DOT
11/12/2012
The Bureau of Transportation Statistics (BTS), a part of the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Research and Innovative Technology
Administration (RITA), today updated its Airline Fuel Cost and Consumption web page with preliminary October data.
Cost per gallon for U.S. airlines’ scheduled services:
October 2011
$2.79
September 2012
$2.96
October 2012
$3.06
The page provides scheduled service cost and consumption numbers. Use the “Select a Service” dropdown to see all services or non-scheduled
services.
The Fuel Cost and Consumption page can be found here: http://www.transtats.bts.gov/fuel.asp Summaries by month are also available.
Preliminary fuel cost and consumption numbers are industry summaries only. Airline fuel costs may be affected by hedging. The next monthly web
update is scheduled for January.
Individual airline numbers are available through June on the BTS website. Individual airline numbers through September will be available with the
BTS third-quarter financial release on Dec. 17. Individual airline numbers through October will be available with the BTS fourth-quarter financial
release on May 14, 2013.
Airlines Report Two Tarmac Delays Over Three Hours on Domestic Flights, None Longer Than Four Hours on International
Flights in October
Source: US DOT
11/12/2012
Airlines reported two tarmac delays of more than three hours on domestic flights but no tarmac delays of more than four hours on international
flights in October, according to the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Air Travel Consumer Report released today.
The long domestic tarmac delays took place on October 24 and involved flights departing from Denver, where a snowstorm affected the area that
day. Both of the reported tarmac delays are under investigation by the Department.
The larger U.S. airlines have been required to file complete reports on their long tarmac delays for domestic flights since October 2008. Under a rule
that took effect Aug. 23, 2011, all U.S. and foreign airlines operating at least one aircraft with 30 or more passenger seats must report lengthy
tarmac delays at U.S. airports.
Also beginning Aug. 23, 2011, carriers operating international flights may not allow tarmac delays at U.S. airports to last longer than four hours
without giving passengers an opportunity to deplane. There is a separate three-hour limit on tarmac delays involving domestic flights, which went
into effect in April 2010. Exceptions to the time limits for both domestic and international flights are allowed only for safety, security, or air traffic
control-related reasons. Severe weather could cause or exacerbate such situations.
The consumer report also includes data on on-time performance, cancellations, chronically delayed flights, and the causes of flight delays filed with
the Department’s Bureau of Transportation Statistics (BTS) by the reporting carriers. Many flights along the East Coast were cancelled or delayed
because of Hurricane Sandy at the end of October. In addition, the consumer report contains information on mishandled baggage reports filed by
consumers with the carriers, and consumer service, disability, and discrimination complaints received by DOT’s Aviation Consumer Protection
Division. The consumer report also includes reports of incidents involving the loss, death, or injury of pets traveling by air, as required to be filed by
U.S. carriers.
AEA, ERA and IACA call on the European Parliament to vote for gradual opening of ground handling services at EU airports
Source: AEA/ERA/IACA
10/12/2012
The Association of European Airlines (AEA), the European Regions Airline Association (ERA) and the International Air Carrier Association (IACA) today all
called on the European Parliament to increase competition in the ground handling market which will benefit operators and increase the quality of services
for passengers. The associations strongly urge MEPS to vote in favour of the Ground Handling Regulation in plenary session on the Airport Package,
which will take place on 12 December.
The Ground Handling Regulation, initiated by the European Commission in their ‘Better Airport Package’ proposal, is intended to increase the number of
ground handling companies – both third party (specialised ground handling companies) and self-handlers (an airline or airport’s own ground handlers). In
particular, for airports with more than five million passengers or 100,000 tonnes per year of freight, this limit cannot be less than three companies, and for
self-handlers, the market is fully opened. Today the number of self-handlers can be limited to no fewer than two at airports with more than two million
passengers.
Although the three associations feel the regulation could have gone further, the proposal was welcomed earlier this year as an important step in the right
direction.
Last month, the European Parliament’s Transport and Tourism Committee rejected the new regulation and the airlines are now looking to the entire
European Parliament to accept the logic of the airlines’ case, and support the new legislation.
Commenting ahead of the vote, the Heads of the three airline associations, AEA, ERA and IACA stated:
“A further opening of the ground handling market is vital for getting better quality and efficiency in ground handling services at EU airports. Increasing the
competition among providers will help to drive down costs for operators and most importantly, increase the quality of services for our passengers.”
“If the European Union is serious about a fully open and competitive air transport sector, then a gradual opening must take place across the whole
industry. We have seen the benefits of opening up the air carriers’ market and this should be continued within other areas of the sector too.”
“We cannot continue protecting existing monopolies and so we urge all MEPs not to waste this important opportunity to help improve ground handling
services across Europe”.
Source: NATS
10/12/2012
The importance of airspace, the invisible infrastructure that underpins UK aviation, was emphasised today by Richard Deakin, NATS Chief
Executive Officer, as he gave evidence to the Transport Select Committee Inquiry on Aviation Strategy.
Richard Deakin CEO NATS
Mr Deakin said that the function of airspace was too often overlooked in the debate around future airport capacity in the south east of England,
telling MPs that “airports only work with efficient airspace to support them.”
Delays to aircraft attributable to NATS so far this year have averaged just 1.6 seconds despite it handling more than 22 per cent of European air
traffic. The average air traffic delay across the whole of Europe is almost 33 seconds.
The south east of England is one of the busiest and most complex areas of airspace anywhere in the world, accommodating flight paths for the five
major London airports, and a number of smaller airports, within a very small geographic area.
Mr Deakin said: “Changing any of those routes has a consequential impact on others. Adding one, two or even four runways, and certainly a brand
new airport, would have implications for the flight paths serving other airports in the region and inevitably require major airspace redesign.”
It was also Mr Deakin’s view that a 4-runway airport in the Thames estuary could not co-exist with Heathrow and London City as they operate today;
from a cost and complexity of change perspective addressing existing infrastructure constraints would be preferable to building an entirely new
airport.
Mr Deakin added: “It is already a challenge to support current, let alone future demand growth, and airspace is just as constrained as the
infrastructure on the ground.” He added that NATS has offered to support Sir Howard Davies’ Airports Commission in the New Year as they
consider different airport proposals.
Airspace may be invisible, but it is structured in a very detailed way to ensure aircraft fly through it safely, efficiently and with as little fuel burn and
associated CO2 emissions as possible. NATS’ air traffic controllers are responsible for ensuring that minimum distances between aircraft, both
vertical and horizontal, are maintained.
Fifth daily Emirates A380 service takes off from Heathrow ahead of schedule, just in time for Christmas
Source: Emirates
10/12/2012
Emirates, one of the world’s fastest growing airlines, has today upgraded its five daily flights to London Heathrow to all be served by A380s, two
months earlier than expected. This firmly establishes the airline as the principal A380 operator into the British capital, and the entire UK.
Combined with the daily Manchester A380 service, this will mean the world’s largest A380 carrier will be sending 360 flights to and from the UK
each month*, making Britain Emirates’ biggest market for A380s. This is the equivalent capacity of filling every seat at Arsenal’s Emirates Stadium
(seats 60,361) three times!
Having steadily grown its London A380 operations since its first deployment in December 2008, Emirates originally planned the fifth service to take
place from 1st February next year. However, due to increased passenger demand and recent A380 deliveries, Emirates has been able to bring the
all-A380 London Heathrow service forward.
The A380 is the largest commercial aircraft in service. At 72.7 metres in length it is three times the height of the Tower of London, or 7.5 seconds
long in Usain Bolt terms. The surface area of the wings is an impressive 845 metres2, which would fit 41 red London Routemaster buses on and the
total volume of the plane is 1570 metres3, which could fit 35 million ping pong balls!
Commenting, Laurie Berryman, Emirates’ Vice President UK said:
“The A380 is known for its quietness, fuel efficiency and luxury; it takes airline travel to a higher level. Our passengers will now have a greater
chance of an all-A380 experience when travelling across our network between London, Dubai and destinations such as Hong Kong, Beijing, Tokyo,
Sydney and Melbourne.
“From the award winning inflight icesystem; the delicious gourmet food prepared by leading chefs; and the personal satellite phones and Wi-Fi; to
the Emirates A380 Onboard Lounge, the Emirates A380 offering is a truly unique and market-leading experience.
“It is easy to see why over 11.5 million passengers globally have flown on an Emirates A380; more than the combined populations of the UK cities
Emirates fly from – London, Birmingham, Manchester, Glasgow and Newcastle.”
Chris Butler, Airline Business Development Director at Heathrow said:
“We are pleased to welcome Emirates’ extended A380 fleet, and this aircraft upgrade is in line with Heathrow’s ambition to encourage the use of
modern aircraft. As the world’s largest airliner, which is cleaner, quieter, and more fuel efficient, the A380s drive greater benefits for our
passengers and for the environment.”
easyJet adds extra flights to Birmingham
Source: easyJet
10/12/2012
easyJet is to increase its flights between Belfast International Airport and Birmingham in response to high demand.
A second Sunday flight departing at 13.25 from Belfast and 14.50 from Birmingham will be added to the schedule from 31 March 2013. Flights are
now on sale at www.easyJet.com with fares from £22.99, one way including taxes.
easyJet began its Belfast International to Birmingham service in October 2012 and in just over one month has flown 14,000 passengers on the
route. The additional frequency will add an estimated 13,000 passengers per year taking the total to 150,000.
Ali Gayward, easyJet Head of Northern Ireland said: "We only launched our Birmingham route in October and due to an overwhelming demand
for affordable fares, we are delighted to announce the doubling of our Sunday flights. This additional frequency will see an increase from 12 to 13
flights per week.
"Our aim has always been to make travel easy and affordable and we’re delighted to be able to show further commitment to Northern Ireland by
responding to demand and adding the extra service.
"Sunday is a strong travelling day for both business commuters and people on weekend breaks, therefore doubling our Sunday offering will give our
passengers further choice in flight times at affordable prices.
"Earlier this month easyJet introduced allocated seating on all Belfast flights from 27 November. This, along with our Flexi fares reinforces easyJet’s
position as Belfast’s leading airline for business passengers."
Iberia's view of strike cancellation: First step to resolve disagreements via negociation rather than confrontation
Source: Iberia
10/12/2012
For Iberia, “calling off the strike can and should be a first step along the necessary path of dialogue and negotiation, which is the sole reasonable
way to resolve the company’s problems without harming customers.”
The unions decided to call off the strike after meeting with Iberia Management today under the auspices of the mediation and arbitration service. No
agreement was reached at the meeting, despite Iberia’s undertaking to be flexible in considering the proposals advanced by the unions. However,
though the opportunity to move forward was missed, the meeting could be another step towards future negotiations. Iberia hopes that in the future
the possibilities of dialogue and negotiations will be exhausted before any new strikes are called since they inflict great harm on the company and its
customers.
Iberia is pleased that its customers may now look forward to travelling without problems, though it regrets the damage already caused to company’s
public image and to its business.
Iberia also thanks the mediation and arbitration service for its herculean efforts two bring the tow side closer together. Though no agreement was
reached, its efforts had very positive results for Iberia’s customers.
Air Canada, South African Airways Sign Code Share Agreement
Source: Air Canada
10/12/2012
Air Canada and South African Airways (SAA) are pleased to announce today a code share agreement that will make it substantially easier for
customers to travel between Canada and South Africa. Effective December 13, 2012, customers connecting between the carriers in London or New
York will be able to book a single itinerary and make seamless connections. In addition, as both airlines belong to the Star Alliance, customers can
benefit from reciprocal frequent flier accumulation or redemption and lounge access for eligible customers.
"Air Canada is extremely pleased to offer customers traveling between Canada and South Africa the added convenience of code sharing with our
preferred partner SAA. With flights coordinated to minimize connection times, plus the simplicity of a single itinerary, it will be easier than ever to fly
between Canada and South Africa. Customers aboard Air Canada will enjoy the best international service of any North American carrier, as
recognized by the SkyTrax World Airline Awards for the past three years. Amenities on board our international flights include lie-flat suites in
Executive First while all Air Canada-operated flights offer business class and complimentary seatback entertainment with up to 600 hours of
content," said Yves Dufresne, Vice President Alliances and Regulatory Affairs.
"SAA looks forward to introducing Air Canada's customers to our award-winning service and extensive route network. This code share agreement
represents new and seamless travel options between two world-class airlines with a deep knowledge of their respective markets," said Manoj Papa,
acting General Manager: Commercial for South African Airways. "Travellers based in Southern Africa and Canada will benefit greatly from the
convenient travel choices now open to them, thereby increasing travel between the two regions."
SAA will code share on Air Canada-operated flights between London and Vancouver, London and Toronto, and New York's John F. Kennedy
International Airport and Toronto (including flights operated by Air Canada Express). Air Canada will in turn code share on SAA-operated services
between London and Johannesburg, New York and Johannesburg, and Johannesburg and Cape Town.
With both airlines being members of Star Alliance, the world's largest airline network, customers will continue to enjoy the benefit of earning and
redeeming frequent flier miles through Aeroplan or the SAA Voyager program when flying on the code share services and throughout their
respective global networks.
Delta Joins The Climate Registry
Source: Delta Air Lines
07/12/2012
Delta Air Lines (NYSE: DAL) has joined The Climate Registry with successful verification of its greenhouse gas emissions inventories from 2005 through 2010,
enhancing its ongoing commitment to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Delta is the first legacy carrier to meet the requirements of the registry.
"We've made significant strides to reduce our greenhouse gas emissions and are pleased to now be a part of an organization that verifies and validates our
commitment," said Ken Hylander, Delta's Senior Vice President – Corporate Safety Security & Compliance. "Increased transparency is a significant part of Delta's
efforts to build a business model that continually improves sustainability over the long term, which is why we support consistent and transparent standards to
calculate, verify and publicly report greenhouse gas emissions."
Delta continues to invest in fuel-savings initiatives such as improving operating procedures, removing unnecessary weight, installing aircraft winglets and retiring
inefficient aircraft and replacing them with planes that produce fewer emissions per passenger.
The airline has lowered its annual absolute greenhouse gas emissions by 7.6 million metric tons since 2005, a 17 percent reduction in six years. Delta also
supports greenhouse gas emissions goals of the International Air Transport Association and Airlines for America, including improving average fuel efficiency by
1.5 percent by 2020, stabilizing emissions with carbon neutral growth from 2020 and reducing net emissions by 50 percent by 2050, relative to 2005. Delta has
achieved the annual fuel efficiency goal each year since the goal's inception in 2009.
"Climate-Registered organizations understand that there are both environmental and economic benefits to understanding and managing your carbon footprint,"
said David Rosenheim, Executive Director of The Climate Registry. "Delta has become part of a powerful community of Climate-Registered organizations, with
substantive data guiding and supporting its sustainable activities."
The Climate Registry is a non-profit organization that operates the only carbon footprint registry in North America supported by states, provinces, territories and
tribes. Registered companies demonstrate environmental leadership by identifying and managing their greenhouse gas risks and opportunities.
To achieve membership, organizations must undergo a rigorous verification of their greenhouse gas inventories by an external Verification Body in accordance
with The Climate Registry's General Reporting Protocol. SCS Global Services provided third-party verification for Delta.
"We commend Delta for committing itself to this critical task and joining other corporate leaders pursuing common-sense climate solutions," said Eileen Claussen,
President of the Center for Climate and Energy Solutions. "Measuring and verifying emissions is an essential step in effectively managing them."
Delta last year joined the Center for Climate and Energy Solution's (C2ES) Business Environmental Leadership Council (BELC).
For more information on The Climate Registry, please visit www.theclimateregistry.org. For more information about SCS Global Services, please visit
www.scsglobalservices.com.
To access Delta's latest Corporate Responsibility Report, please visit www.delta.com/responsibility.
Malaysia Airlines to Fly Direct Kota Kinabalu ?Shanghai
Source: Malaysia Airlines
07/12/2012
Fly direct from Kota Kinabalu to Shanghai on Malaysia Airlines twice weekly from 11 December 2012.
Malaysia Airlines flight MH394 will depart Kota Kinabalu on Tuesdays and Fridays at 8.20pm and arrive Shanghai at 12.45am the next day.
The inbound flight MH395 will depart Shanghai on Wednesdays and Saturdays at 1.45am and arrive Kota Kinabalu at 6.25am.
In addition to the exciting news on Shanghai, Malaysia Airlines has increased direct connectivity between Kota Kinabalu and Hong Kong with two
more weekly flights since 1 December 2012 and will soon re-introduce international connectivity from the Sabah capital to Perth on 9 December
2012 and to Osaka on 20 December 2012.
According to Malaysia Airlines Regional Senior Vice President for Malaysia/ASEAN, Muzamil Mohammad, “The introduction of more international
direct flights to and from Kota Kinabalu meets the growing demand for premium connectivity to and from Sabah. Kota Kinabalu is an ideal gateway
for air travel to and from China, Taiwan, Hong Kong, North Asia, Indonesia, and Australia.”
Malaysia Airlines will be putting the new 2-class configured Boeing 737-800 aircraft with 144 economy class seats and 16 business class seats will
be used to operate the Kota Kinabalu – Shanghai return service.
Malaysia Airlines’ all inclusive return fares Kota Kinabalu – Shanghai start from as low as RM1199 on Economy Class and RM3185 on Business
Class for travel from 11 December 2012 to 30 September 2013.
The ‘all inclusive’ fares are available from now until 17 December 2012 through Malaysia Airlines’ website www.malaysiaairlines.com, MHmobile,
flymas.mobi, nationwide ticket offices, 24-hour toll-free Call Centre at 1300 88 3000 and all appointed travel agents.
MASholidays, the travel arm of Malaysia Airlines, is also offering a 4 days/3 night Free and Easy package from Kota Kinabalu from as low as
RM966 per person to Shanghai, RM1310 per person to Hong Kong and 7days/6nights to Perth starting at RM2455 per person. Customers are
encouraged to contact MASholidays online at http://holiday.malaysiaairlines.com or call Malaysia Airlines’ Reservations at 1-300-88-3000, or
MASholidays at 03 7863 4000 for further details.
Ryanair ?4 Winter Seat Sale
Source: Ryanair
07/12/2012
Ryanair announced that from midnight (24:00hrs) tonight, Thur 6 Dec, it will release 100,000 seats across its European network, at prices starting
from £14 for travel on Mon, Tue, Wed & Thur in January. These “all in” low fares will be available on over 1,000 of Ryanair’s European routes but
must be booked on www.ryanair.com before midnight (24:00hrs) Mon 10 Dec.
Ryanair’s £14 Seat Sale includes all non-optional taxes, charges and fees, so passengers who travel with carry-on luggage only and decline our
priority boarding service can book, check-in online and fly for this advertised £16 fare on these seat sale flights.
Ryanair’s Stephen McNamara said:
“Only Ryanair sells Europe’s lowest fares with no fuel surcharges. In addition to our lowest fares we also deliver Europe’s No 1 on-time performance
across over 1,500 routes.
From midnight tonight (6 Dec), passengers can book these seats at prices starting from £14 for travel across our European network in January.
These seats can only be booked until midnight (24:00hrs) Monday (10 Dec) and are sure to be snapped up fast so we urge passengers to book
them on www.ryanair.com before they sell out.”
Aviation: Your reliable connection to the world
Source: EUROCONTROL
07/12/2012
EUROCONTROL is delighted to join the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) in celebrating the International Civil Aviation Day. This year
there is emphasis on how air travel has facilitated the process of becoming a connected global village. Indeed, air travel has not only boosted
international tourism and trade; it has also promoted intercultural awareness and made possible humanitarian assistance to the most remote parts
of the world. Air transport is already one of the safest modes of transportation today and it is becoming even safer.
Reliability and punctuality are also extremely important for passengers and in 2011 flight delays in Europe fell significantly despite a three per cent
increase in traffic. In fact, delays as a result of ATFCM – Air Traffic Flow and Capacity Management – fell from 2.56 to just 1.60 minutes per
flight. This year, in 2012, the system has faced, and overcome, additional challenges from major events such as Euro 2012 and the London
Olympic and Paralympic Games.
EUROCONTROL acts as the Network Manager in Europe and helps coordinate the extensive planning and organisation required to ensure aircraft
safety while managing punctuality. It works with the Military, Air Navigation Service Providers, airspace users and with airports to make sure that
aviation continues to be your reliable connection to the world.
SAS Group's November 2012 traffic figures
Source: SAS
07/12/2012
· SAS Group carried 2.4 million passengers in November, up 2.7%.
· SAS Group's capacity (ASK) increased by 6.5% and the Group's traffic (RPK) increased by 6.3%.
· The SAS Group's load factor decreased slightly by 0.1 p.u. to 68.6%.
Group market trends, RASK and yield development
Traffic growth continued to be positive during November, but did not fully match additional capacity. Number of bookings declined temporarily in the
middle of the month during the negotiations of new collective agreements. Intercontinental and certain European and domestic routes continued to
grow well.
Currency adjusted yield (Scandinavian Airlines) in October was up 3.1% versus previous year and RASK was up 6%. For November 2012 the yield
and RASK (change vs last year) are expected to be close to unchanged.
The response to market campaigns is good and forward booking levels continue to be well above last year's level. Overall, the market demand
continues to be good, but remains unpredictable due to risk in the global economy. This adds uncertainty to the yield and RASK outlook going
forward. The capacity increase for the 2012/13 financial year is expected to be approximately 5-6%.
WestJet takes delivery of its 100th Boeing Next-Generation 737
Source: Boeing
07/12/2012
Marking yet another milestone in the airline's nearly 17-year history, WestJet today took delivery of its 100th Boeing Next-Generation 737 aircraft.
The plane will sport the hashtag #100Boeing737NG to celebrate the milestone and as another way for guests to connect with the airline on social
media.
"This Next-Generation 737-800 marks a major milestone for our airline," said Gregg Saretsky, WestJet's President and CEO. "The Boeing 737 is a
key component in our growth strategy and its excellent reliability, operational efficiency and range have enabled us to expand our trusted brand
throughout North America, Central America and the Caribbean. As we take delivery of our 100th Next-Generation aircraft, I want to thank our more
than 9,000 WestJetters for their caring attitude and unwavering commitment to deliver a remarkable guest experience and drive industry-leading
results for our airline."
WestJet launched in 1996 with three Boeing 737-200s and operated a total of 23 200-series aircraft before retiring the last one in December 2005. It
took delivery of its first Boeing Next-Generation 737 in June 2001 and today, its fleet of 100 aircraft consists entirely of Next-Generation 737 aircraft.
The term "next generation" refers to the third generation of the Boeing 737. WestJet's Next-Generation fleet has flown more than 1 billion miles,
which amounts to ten trips to the sun or 41,000 rotations around the earth. With one of the youngest fleets in the airline industry, WestJet is proud to
have flown over 110 million guests, more than three times Canada's population.
"The growth of WestJet over the past 17 years is truly remarkable," said Brad McMullen, Vice-President of North America Sales, Boeing
Commercial Airplanes. "We are pleased to see the 737 play an integral role in WestJet's success. WestJet has made the Next-Generation 737 the
foundation of its fleet and has established a strong operational track record with the airplane."
Southwest Airlines Applies For Additional Slots At Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport To Serve Houston Hobby
Source: Southwest Airlines
07/12/2012
Southwest Airlines (NYSE: LUV) today announced it has filed an application with the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) for slot exemptions
that would allow Southwest to offer nonstop service between Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) and William P. Hobby Airport
(HOU). The proposed service is possible due to Spirit Airlines' discontinued use of the slot exemptions, which are available for use inside
Washington National's traditional 1,250 mile service perimeter.
Southwest's application points out that current average fares for nonstop service between Houston and Washington National are more than 60
percent higher than Southwest's average nonstop fare between Houston and Baltimore/Washington International (BWI), a similar distance.
Southwest projects that its proposed HOU-DCA service would attract tens of thousands of new Passengers and save consumers millions of dollars
annually.
As part of the effort to bring a low-fare alternative to the HOU-DCA market, Southwest is unveiling www.Southwest.com/HOU-DCA. Visitors to
www.Southwest.com/HOU-DCA can receive additional information and sign a petition in support of Southwest's proposed service.
"Houston is one of Southwest Airlines' three original cities, and this proposed new service is another example of our strong commitment to continue
adding value to the community," said Gary Kelly, Southwest Airlines Chairman, President, and CEO. "By taking action now at
www.Southwest.com/HOU-DCA, Houstonians and all travelers can make their voices heard that competition is a good thing, and lower fares are
vitally important in these challenging economic times."
A decision by the DOT is expected in the first quarter of 2013. Southwest is prepared to begin service this spring if awarded the slots.
Southwest has served Houston since June 18, 1971, and currently has more than 2,700 HOU Employees serving 143 flights every day. Earlier this
year, the Houston City Council approved the carrier's proposal to construct a new five-gate international facility at Hobby Airport. This new service is
scheduled to begin in 2015.
Boeing, Icelandair Announce Commitment for 12 737 MAXs
Source: Boeing
06/12/2012
Boeing [NYSE: BA] and Icelandair announced a commitment today for 12 737 MAXs, valued at more than $1.2 billion at list prices. The commitment
by the Icelandic carrier includes 737 MAX 8s and 9s. Boeing looks forward to working with Icelandair to finalize the details, at which time the order
will be posted as a firm order to the Boeing Orders & Deliveries website.
"This commitment is the result of our research into what aircraft manufacturers have on offer to help us strengthen and grow our fleet and our
network towards the future," said Bjorgolfur Johannsson, Icelandair Group president and CEO. "We have had a successful relationship with Boeing
for decades and we are pleased to continue our cooperation for years to come."
The 737 MAX is a new-engine variant of the world's best-selling airplane and builds on the strengths of today's Next-Generation 737. The 737 MAX
incorporates the latest-technology CFM International LEAP-1B engines to deliver the highest efficiency, reliability and passenger comfort in the
single-aisle market. Airlines operating the 737 MAX will see a 13 percent fuel-use improvement over today's most fuel-efficient single-aisle
airplanes.
"Over the past decades, Icelandair has successfully utilized its all-Boeing 757 fleet to establish its Reykjavik-based hub as an important gateway
between Europe and North America," said Todd Nelp, vice president of European Sales, Boeing Commercial Airplanes. "The introduction of the 737
MAX to Icelandair's operation will complement its existing 757 fleet and ensure the carrier's continued expansion across both continents, offering
significant fuel saving with unrivaled passenger comfort."
The 737 MAX also features the new Boeing Sky Interior. The sleek interior boasts modern lines, a spacious cabin with more headroom and LED
lighting that offers vibrant color options.
Icelandair Group currently operates an all-Boeing fleet of 23 757 airplanes for both its passenger and cargo operations. The Icelandic carrier has
used the geographical location of its Reykjavik-based hub mid-way between North America and Europe, as an opportunity to build an ever-growing
network of more than 25 international destinations.
Delta Air Lines Orders Up to 70 Bombardier CRJ900 NextGen Jetliners
Source: Bombardier
06/12/2012
Bombardier Aerospace announced today that Delta Air Lines, Inc. of Atlanta, Georgia has placed a firm order for 40 CRJ900 NextGen regional jets
and has taken options on an additional 30 CRJ900 NextGen aircraft.
Based on the list price of the CRJ900 NextGen aircraft, the firm order is valued at approximately $1.85 billion US, and could reach approximately
$3.29 billion US if the 30 options are converted to firm orders.
The new CRJ900 NextGen regional jets will be configured with 76 seats in a two-class cabin and will be operated by Delta Connection carriers to be
determined by Delta Air Lines.
"We selected Bombardier's CRJ900 NextGen aircraft specifically because it is proven to be the most cost-efficient jet aircraft in its class for our
operations and this regional jet satisfies perfectly the agreement that we have made with our pilots to add 70 more 76-seat jetliners to our fleet," said
Ed Bastian, President, Delta Air Lines. "We have selected the CRJ aircraft for our restructuring plan based on the strength and reliability of their
performance with our Delta Connection carriers over the years."
Delta Connection carriers currently fly 466 CRJ Series aircraft - 286 CRJ200, 79 CRJ700 and 101 CRJ900 jetliners - making it the world's largest
CRJ aircraft fleet. The CRJ900 airliners in the Delta Connection fleet include 57 flown by Pinnacle Airlines, 16 by ExpressJet Airlines and 28 by
SkyWest Airlines.
"Building on a relationship that is 20 years strong, we are delighted that Delta - one of the world's largest, most prestigious global airlines - continues
to select Bombardier CRJ regional jets to replenish its fleet," said Mike Arcamone, President, Bombardier Commercial Aircraft. "CRJ aircraft have
been in service with Delta Connection carriers since 1993 when Comair became the first North American airline to operate the CRJ100 regional jet.
Since then, Delta has been a steady Bombardier CRJ customer and has been a major contributor to the worldwide success of the CRJ aircraft
program. We look forward to a continuing strong relationship with Delta and we have every confidence in our ability to provide innovative solutions
to meet the airline's business requirements."
Including the order from Delta Air Lines announced today, Bombardier has recorded firm orders for 1,775 CRJ Series aircraft, including 314
CRJ900 and CRJ900 NextGen aircraft. Worldwide, CRJ Series aircraft are in service with more than 60 airlines and more than 30 customers
operate corporate variants of the aircraft. The aircraft are operating in over 50 countries on six continents, and on average, a CRJ aircraft takes off
every ten seconds somewhere in the world. CRJ Series aircraft have transported more than 1.2 billion passengers and have logged more than 34
million flight hours and over 28 million takeoffs and landings.
Delta Continues Domestic Fleet Restructuring With Order for New Two-Class Bombardier Regional Aircraft
Source: Delta Air Lines
06/12/2012
Delta Air Lines (NYSE: DAL) has finalized an agreement with Bombardier Aerospace that will allow the airline to continue restructuring its domestic
fleet by replacing less efficient single-class 50-seat aircraft with new two-class 76-seat aircraft. As part of the agreement, Delta will acquire 40 new
CRJ900 two-class regional jets, with the option to purchase an additional 30 CRJ900 aircraft, and Bombardier will assist Delta in phasing out 60
single-class CRJ200 aircraft.
"The economics and customer features of the Bombardier CRJ900 made it the right aircraft to add to our Delta Connection fleet," said Delta
President Ed Bastian. "Combined with the removal of 50-seat aircraft, this opportunity bolsters our ongoing fleet restructuring program to remove
less efficient, smaller regional aircraft from the system."
The addition of the CRJ900 is the latest step in Delta's domestic fleet optimization plan focused on reducing inefficient flying, implementing strong
capacity discipline by matching the right size aircraft to each market and improving the customer experience. The 76-seat CRJ900 will primarily
replace less efficient 50-seat aircraft on a capacity-neutral basis. Retiring these aircraft reduces fuel and maintenance expense, improving Delta's
cost structure and environmental profile.
This announcement follows previously announced transactions supporting Delta's domestic fleet optimization plan, including the addition of 88
Boeing 717-200 aircraft to primarily replace 50-seat aircraft, and acquisition of 100 new Boeing 737-900ER jets to replace Boeing 757 and 767
aircraft.
Delta will begin taking delivery of CRJ900, 717-200 and 737-900ER aircraft in the latter half of 2013.
This agreement also supports Delta's efforts to improve the customer experience. The 40 76-seat CRJ900 aircraft enhance Delta's efforts to offer
customers more first class seats than any other airline. The CRJ900 will be configured with 12 seats in the first class cabin, 12 seats in Delta's
popular Economy Comfort section and 52 seats in economy. The aircraft will feature Delta's all-leather seating in a two-by-two configuration with
window and aisle seats only. Customers flying on Delta's regional aircraft will continue to have access to the planeside valet program, with the
opportunity to drop off larger carry-on baggage at the boarding door and pick it up planeside upon arrival.
Larger two-class regional jets flying for Delta also offer in-flight Wi-Fi access, Delta's complimentary snacks and beverages, food available for
purchase and complimentary first class meals on flights over 900 miles.
Delta's regional fleet currently features 255 larger two-class regional jets, including 101CRJ900 aircraft.
Boeing Commends Senate Action Supporting U.S. Exports to Russia
Source: Boeing
06/12/2012
Boeing (NYSE: BA) today commended the Senate for its approval of legislation previously enacted by the House that establishes Permanent
Normal Trade Relations (PNTR) with Russia.
"Today's action by the Senate sends long-sought legislation to the president's desk that offers enormous opportunity for U.S. exports, economic
growth and jobs," Boeing Chairman, President and CEO Jim McNerney said. "We commend Senators Reid and McConnell for bringing legislation
already passed by the House to the Senate floor, as well as Senators Baucus, Hatch, Kerry, Thune and McCain for their longstanding support of
Russia PNTR."
Russia is a nation rich in natural resources with a $1.9 trillion economy. In 2011 it imported more than $400 billion of goods and services. It is a
growing market that offers significant opportunity for workers in a broad range of American industries – telecommunications, energy, agriculture,
chemicals, machinery, medical equipment and aerospace, to name just a few.
Boeing forecasts that Russian airlines will purchase some 900 commercial airplanes over the next 20 years, a market valued at approximately $100
billion.
"We urge President Obama to sign this important legislation without delay," McNerney said. "Russia has made significant concessions to join the
World Trade Organization and the governments of 155 other nations have already normalized trade relations with Russia. We must do the same to
ensure that American exporters and their employees have the same advantages as their foreign competitors when doing business in Russia."
"AeroSvit" restores payment regularity to counterparties
Source: AeroSvit Airlines
06/12/2012
"AeroSvit" gradually restores payments according to the schedule agreed with operators of provided services. In particular, on Wednesday,
December 5, the airline paid off most obligations for air navigation services in Russian Federation airspace, made regular payments for services in
several airports. Flights to Minsk are also resumed since morning, December 6.
"AeroSvit" continues negotiations with "Sheremetyevo" airport to restructure the debt taking into account its main body acquittance until December
10. In this context, "AeroSvit" reaffirms its intention to continue performing flights to this Moscow airport. The company is ready to support with its
traffic the leading positions of "Sheremetyevo" among European airports in terms of passenger traffic increase (ACI EUROPE rating data for the
category of airports with passenger traffic 10 to 25 million per year).
Previously, due to capital entry delay on "AeroSvit" account in the season of low demand, payment schedule for air navigation facilities and services
in several airports was disrupted. For this reason, recently several flights were delayed, and airline presented its apologies to passengers.
"AeroSvit" intends to compensate the traditional decline of profitability in winter navigation in airline industry by increasing the efficiency of operation
activity.
The company has deepened cooperation with partner carriers by increasing geography of joint passenger delivery, stimulating the creation of new
passenger flows and increasing flights capacity.
Simultaneously "AeroSvit" launched a program aimed at reducing costs on passenger handling, ramp handling and other services. In particular,
contracts renegotiation with service operators in several airports is in process, passenger and aircraft ground handling at "Boryspil" airport is
preparing to be transferred to outsourcing.
"AeroSvit" management is also preparing a major restructuring plan and will soon submit it to the company's shareholders.
EU airport traffic now in recession
Source: ACI Europe
05/12/2012
Following a sustained period of almost 17 months during which freight traffic has been in recession, the latest traffic figures for Europe’s airports reveal flat
growth for overall European passenger traffic with EU passenger traffic falling into recession.
Overall European passenger traffic in the month of October reported growth of just +0.5%. However, this positive figure is down to a ‘two speed Europe’
with passenger traffic growth at EU airports recording a decrease: -1.3% while non-EU airports saw an average +7.8% increase. These figures also take
into account the impact of Hurricane Sandy which reduced passenger traffic by -0.15%. This impact was felt the most at hub airports, due to the
concentration of transatlantic traffic at these airports.
The overall freight traffic among European airports continued to decline, recording -2.2% in October, while aircraft movements (an indicator of airline
capacity) at European airports also decreased by -1.5%.
Olivier Jankovec, Director General ACI EUROPE commented “With passenger & freight traffic in the EU market recording firmly negative results*, there is
no escaping the deepening impact of the European sovereign debt crisis on the real economy. For the first time since October 2009, more than half of
Europe's airports are experiencing declines in passenger traffic.”
The contrasting performance of national markets continues to evolve with traffic in Slovenia, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Greece, Latvia, Spain,
Hungary and Italy firmly in recession, while traffic in the UK, France, Malta and Belgium is essentially flat. Traffic in Ireland & Portugal is showing
encouraging signs of recovery, while countries like Germany, the Netherlands and Sweden are recording unimpressive growth. Meanwhile, non-EU
markets like Iceland, Russia, Turkey & Moldova continue to register dynamic double-digit growth.
Airports welcoming more than 25 million passengers per year (Group 1), airports welcoming between 10 and 25 million passengers (Group 2), airports
welcoming between 5 and 10 million passengers (Group 3) and airports welcoming less than 5 million passengers per year (Group 4) reported for October
2012 an average increase of +0.9%, +1.5%, -0.3% and -1.9% respectively when compared with October 2011.
Airports that experienced the highest increase in passenger traffic per group, when comparing October 2012 with October 2011, include:
GROUP 1 airports – Istanbul IST (+19.1%), Moscow DME (+9.4%), London LGW (+2.2%), Antalya (+1.9%) and Munich (+1.8%)
GROUP 2 airports – Moscow SVO (+15.6%), Istanbul SAW (+14.9%), Dublin (+10.0%), Berlin TXL (+7.8%) and Nice (+5.4%)
GROUP 3 airports – Bucharest (+46.4%), St Petersburg (+15.1%), Ankara (+9.8%), Toulouse TLS (+9.5%) and Charleroi (+8.6%)
GROUP 4 airports – Arad (+2,317.3%), Varna (+60.8%), Chita (+46.9%), Vatry (+35.1%) and Sandefjord (+34.4%)
The 'ACI EUROPE Airport Traffic Report - October 2012' includes 183 airports in total. These airports represent over 88% of European passenger traffic.
IATA: Airlines Financial Monitor - November 2012
Source: IATA
05/12/2012
·
Airline share prices in Europe and the US outperform, as financial markets upgrade views on airline profits;
·
Significant improvement of airline net profits in Q3 reveals impact of restructuring and consolidation;
·
Fuel prices remain within 22 month range at just below $130/bbl, and are down on year in non-US$ terms;
·
Passenger yields have leveled out but remain up on last year, after adjusting for exchange rate changes;
·
Passenger volumes continue to trend higher at a rate of around 3% a year, but air freight is shrinking;
·
Airlines have slowed passenger capacity additions by more than the slowdown in demand, with increased storage of aircraft partly offsetting
the impact of deliveries;
·
Passenger load factors have been held up at record levels during 2012 as a result;
·
However, air freight capacity has lagged the fall in market volumes and load factors are falling once more.
FSF COO Offers Comments on Safety Information Protection
Source: FSF
05/12/2012
Capt. Kevin Hiatt, Chief Operating Officer of the Flight Safety Foundation, spoke today before the International Civil Aviation Organization's Safety
Information Protection Task Force about the importance of protecting safety data during investigations.
"The safety of the traveling public depends on encouraging a climate of cooperation following accidents and significant events. Overzealous
prosecutions would threaten sources of information and jeopardize safety," Capt. Hiatt stated.
Capt. Hiatt outlined the history of the Foundation's involvement in this issue as well as highlighted recent news. "The Foundation recently signed a
Memorandum of Cooperation with ICAO, which will help facilitate more information sharing globally among westernized and non-westernized
states. This joint effort will breathe some life into information sharing, and we will need binding laws and standards in order to gain the most benefit
from that information."
The ICAO SIP Task Force coordinated today's listening session in order to allow all interested parties on this issue to present their views for
consideration during the final phase of the Task Force's work.
"Safety data needs to be protected and used effectively to keep aviation the safest mode of transportation in the world," Capt. Hiatt also noted. "We
have to be vigorous about protecting the information, but can't put ourselves ahead of justice. If there is intentional disregard for safety then there
needs to be accountability."
A4A Launches National Airline Policy Campaign to Help Ensure Global Competitiveness of U.S. Airline Industry
Source: A4A
05/12/2012
Airlines for America (A4A), the industry trade organization for the leading U.S. airlines, today launched a campaign for a National Airline Policy – a comprehensive
policy that supports the integral role the domestic airline industry plays in connecting people and goods globally, spurs economic growth and creates more
high-paying U.S. jobs.
“A National Airline Policy is good for passengers and shippers, businesses and our economy because it will take a holistic look at what impedes the industry from
competing globally, including high taxes, excessive regulation, infrastructure challenges and volatile fuel prices,” said A4A President and CEO Nicholas E. Calio.
“The U.S. airline industry safely and efficiently transports 2 million customers and 50,000 tons of cargo every day, and is a critical driver of the U.S. economy,
creating $1 trillion in economic activity and 10 million jobs. We can do even more in an environment that recognizes the airlines as a national asset.”
Calio, along with airline CEOs, are unveiling the campaign on Capitol Hill this week and continuing to brief legislators on the benefits of a comprehensive policy.
The five priorities of the National Airline Policy include:
Reduce Taxes: Air travel is taxed at a federal rate that exceeds those on alcohol and tobacco, products that are taxed to discourage use. A National Airline Policy
would help keep ticket prices affordable.
Reform Regulatory Burden: Airlines are among the most highly regulated deregulated industries. A National Airline Policy would help reform regulations that add
unnecessary costs and do not improve safety or the customer experience.
Modernize Air Traffic System: The air traffic control system dates back to the 1950s. With the right policies and procedures in place, U.S. airlines could reduce
flight delays, missed connections and cancellations while lowering fuel burn and related emissions.
Compete Globally: U.S. airlines are increasingly competing with foreign carriers that have more favorable tax and regulatory environments. A National Airline
Policy would help ensure U.S. carriers can compete and maintain air service to smaller communities and invest in new aircraft.
Stabilize Energy Prices: Fuel is the largest expense for airlines, and prices are high and volatile. A National Airline Policy would support a balanced and
comprehensive national energy policy.
To coincide with the launch, A4A is running a series of advertisements at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport during the holiday season. In addition, A4A
is gathering initial support by encouraging its network of advocates and airline employees to visit the campaign's website – NationalAirlinePolicy.com – to sign the
petition, as thousands already have. Interested parties can also follow the campaign on Facebook at facebook.com/nationalairlinepolicy, Twitter at
twitter.com/natl_air_policy and Google+ at http://bit.ly/Xi4PGg.
Throughout 2013, A4A will be building a coalition of state and local organizations, businesses and others to support the priorities of the Policy. A4A will be
promoting the campaign to the traveling public via social media campaigns, earned media placements, and print, digital and mobile advertising.
Southwest Airlines Chairman, President and CEO Gary C. Kelly to Chair A4A Board of Directors
Source: A4A
05/12/2012
Airlines for America (A4A), the industry trade organization for the leading U.S. airlines, announced today that Southwest Airlines Chairman, President and
CEO Gary Kelly has been elected to a two-year term to serve as Chairman of the A4A Board of Directors. United Airlines Chairman, President and CEO,
Jeffery Smisek was elected to serve as Vice Chairman.
Kelly succeeds Delta CEO Richard H. Anderson.
“Gary Kelly is a dynamic leader who has been instrumental in moving the goals of the U.S. airline industry forward,” said A4A President and CEO Nicholas
E. Calio. “We congratulate Gary on his election as our Chairman and look forward to working with him in our continued push to further a National Airline
Policy, which is critical to America’s economic growth, our communities, our infrastructure and the traveling public. We also want to thank Richard
Anderson for his exceptional leadership as A4A’s Board Chairman over the past two years. Richard’s clear vision, unwavering commitment and
determination helped transform A4A into a highly effective advocate for the U.S. airline industry. His efforts have paved the way for a more competitive
global commercial aviation industry in this country.”
“I am honored to be named as A4A’s Chairman, and I am committed to our continued work to help ensure the long-term stability and viability of the aviation
industry,” Kelly said. “The U.S. airline industry plays a vital role in the overall health of our nation’s economy. I look forward to the opportunity to work with
my industry peers to advocate for a National Airline Policy and serve our passengers, our employees and our communities.”
Gary Kelly began his career at Southwest Airlines as controller in 1986, moving up to Chief Financial Officer and Vice president of Finance, then Executive
Vice President and CFO, before being promoted to CEO and Vice Chairman in July 2004. Gary assumed the role of Chairman in May 2008 and President
in July 2008. Prior to joining Southwest Airlines in 1986, Gary was a CPA for Arthur Young & Company in Dallas and controller for Systems Center, Inc.
Smisek is President and CEO of United Continental Holdings, Inc., the holding company for both United Airlines and Continental Airlines. Previously,
Smisek was Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer of Continental Airlines, Inc. Smisek joined Continental in 1995 as Senior Vice President and
General Counsel. In 2004, he became President and was elected to the company’s board of directors. He became President and Chief Operating Officer in
September 2008 and assumed the role of Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer in January 2010.
QATAR AIRWAYS FLIES INTO POLAND
Source: Qatar Airways
05/12/2012
Qatar Airways today launched scheduled flights to Poland, its latest entry into Central Eastern Europe and 12th new route of the year.
Despite wintry weather, the Airbus A320 operating flight number QR 980 was warmly welcomed at Warsaw Frederic Chopin Airport in the Polish capital to
a special arrival ceremony.
Warsaw marks the latest point in the airline’s expanding global route map, now totalling 122 destinations across Europe, Middle East, Africa, Asia Pacific,
North America and South America. In Europe alone, the carrier now flies to 32 destinations with Zagreb, Belgrade among the airline’s route start-ups this
year.
An official delegation from Doha was on the inaugural flight from the airline’s Doha hub to Warsaw, including Qatar Airways Chief Executive Officer Akbar
Al Baker, His Excellency Robert Rostek, Ambassador of Poland to the State of Qatar, and media from across the Asia Pacific region.
Upon arrival, the delegation was greeted by Director of Warsaw Frederic Chopin Airport, Michał Marzec, followed by a traditional Polish folk dance
welcome. Arrival ceremony guests included His Excellency Hadi Bin Nasser Al-Hajri, Ambassador of the State of Qatar to Poland.
The official part of the ceremony included speeches by Marzec and Al Baker followed by a gift exchange to signal the newest route on Qatar Airways’
international map.
Al Baker expressed his optimism about the development of the latest route, highlighting how the Polish economy was developing fast.
“I believe there are no other countries in this region that are developing so fast and dynamically as Poland is now,” he said.
“That made us confident that Warsaw as a destination will attract many passengers, especially with Poles keen to travel to distant destinations in Asia,
Africa and Australia which we can provide with our new flights via our Doha hub.
“Qatar Airways offers the people of Poland our award-winning five-star hospitality flying with us to the Middle East and beyond and in the other direction,
we look forward to flying passengers from across our network to Poland with ease and comfort.”
The Doha – Warsaw route is being operated four-times-a-week with a modern Airbus A320, featuring 144 seats in a two-class configuration of 12 in
Business Class and 132 in Economy. The aircraft offers seatback TV screens providing passengers with the next generation interactive onboard
entertainment system and a choice of more than 800 audio and video on demand options, together with an SMS text messaging service from each seat.
One of the world’s fastest growing airlines, Qatar Airways has seen rapid growth in just 15 years of operations, currently flying a modern fleet of 114 aircraft
to 122 key business and leisure destinations worldwide.
IATA: FABs Need to Deliver Results
Source: IATA
04/12/2012
The International Air Transport Association (IATA) called on the European Commission, EU member states and Europe’s Air Navigation Service
Providers (ANSPs) to ensure that Functional Airspace Blocks (FABs) are delivering real results. The call came on the deadline date for European
states to set up agreements grouping Europe’s 27 ANSPs into 9 FABs as a critical step towards creating the Single European Sky (SES).
“Whilst the FAB agreements are mostly in place, there are no signs of real consolidation or efficiencies of scale. EU member states have paid
lip-service to European legislators and turned this key reform into an administrative box-ticking exercise and continue to operate their ANSPs in
silos,” said Tony Tyler, IATA’s Director General and CEO.
The SES could help to restore competitiveness to the European air transport sector by generating EUR 5 billion in cost savings for airspace users
and reduce CO2 emissions. “The SES savings are crucial for all airlines, especially those in Europe who are suffering through the economic crisis ,”
said Tyler.
The Single European Sky high-level 2020 targets are to (1) increase safety performance by a factor of 10; (2) reduce the impact of flights on the
environment by 10%; (3) provide air traffic management services at 50% less cost; and (4) increase capacity 3-fold. Delivery of these targets is
behind schedule. IATA calls for two concrete actions to put SES back on track:

The European Commission must act to hold non-compliant member states to account for failing to deliver on this and other key SES
measures. Additionally, it has become clear that the regulatory framework must include a strong and independent economic regulator.

The member states and their service providers must be required to consolidate into the 9 FABs as agreed and make the real-world changes
to their operations that will fulfill the requirements of the regulation; namely to optimize airspace along air traffic flows and to optimize their
use of human and technical resources.
“Reaching the SES targets, while challenging, is technically feasible. Only a lack of political will is getting in the way. Cost efficient air transport
infrastructure is important to the 7.8 million jobs and EUR 475 billion in European business that is supported by the air transport industry. To push
SES forward, EU member states and ANSPs need to make the FABs work—delivering real savings and emissions reductions.” said Tyler.
Airline industry condemns EU Member States on lack of progress on FABs to date
Source: AEA/ELFAA/ERA/IACA
04/12/2012
The Association of European Airlines (AEA), the European Low Fares Airline Association (ELFAA), the European Regions Airline Association
(ERA) and the International Air Carrier Association (IACA) are united in condemning EU Member States for their reluctance to properly implement
Functional Airspace Blocks (FABs), a key ingredient for the successful delivery of Single European Sky II (SES II).
Member States have failed to honour their obligations under the Single European Sky Regulation to properly implement FABs by the stipulated
deadline of 4 December 2012. They have had eight years to comply with the Regulation, yet they have not moved much further than the mere
creation of FABs.
The intent of the legislation with respect to FABs was to drive defragmentation of European airspace, enabling significantly enhanced efficiency,
while delivering cost-effectiveness improvements. The current situation of individual Air Navigation Service Providers in the 27 Member States
around Europe operating as independent service providers is extremely inefficient - to the extent that inefficiencies alone cost the industry over €5
billion every year. Such fragmentation and resultant inefficiency further cause an unnecessary 13 million tonnes of CO2 to be emitted per year,
equivalent to 10% of current aviation emissions in EU airspace.
The Heads of the airline associations stated:
“The current situation is scandalous. It is not enough to create Functional Airspace Blocks in name only. FABs must be demonstrably
business-driven, generating tangible operational efficiencies, significant cost savings and environmental benefits.”
“We are dismayed that lack of political will by Member States has stalled any hoped-for progress. We remind Member States that, together with the
Parliament, they themselves signed up to the Single European Sky Regulation, admitting that the current highly inefficient situation is unacceptable
and must be addressed urgently.”
“We therefore urge Transport Commissioner Kallas to follow up on his warning to Member States at the EU Aviation Summit in Cyprus on 12
October 2012, and launch infringement procedures against defaulting states.”
“This would send a clear signal to Member States that they are no longer able to hide behind window-dressing exercises and defensive arguments
re sovereignty. Instead political will is urgently needed to implement meaningful FABs to bring about a truly Single European Sky.”
“Without these we will simply not achieve the vital elimination of unnecessary fuel burn with resultant emissions, to the benefit of the environment.
Nor will we see elimination of excess cost, so urgently required by the economies of Europe and European consumers.”
First flyable A350 XWB 'MSN-001' structurally complete
Source: Airbus
04/12/2012
Aircraft makes its first journey ‘on wheels’
Airbus has successfully completed the main structural assembly and system connection of A350 XWB ‘MSN-001’ – the first flight-test aircraft. The
aircraft is depicted here on its wheels for the very first time moving out of the main assembly hall (Station 40) at the recently inaugurated “Roger
Béteille” A350 XWB Final Assembly Line in Toulouse. It then entered the adjacent indoor ground test station (Station 30).
The assembly work performed in Station 40 included the successful electrical power-on of the aircraft's entire fuselage and wings. Soon work in
Station 30 will start by testing the aircraft's hydraulic system, followed by the full electric and hydraulic power-on of the aircraft which will be
completed by around the end of the year. This will mark the start of several weeks of comprehensive functional system testing.
After the A350 XWB MSN1 exits station 30, the aircraft will go through a series of extensive production and certification / development tests, be
painted and have its engines installed. It will then be delivered to the flight-line and be readied for its first flight in mid-2013.
Boeing Forecasts Sufficient Financing for Rising Global Aircraft Deliveries
Source: Boeing
04/12/2012
Boeing (NYSE: BA) projects the world's airlines should see reasonable liquidity and pricing for new-aircraft delivery financing in 2013 even as jet builders
ramp up production to meet demand, the manufacturer announced here today in issuing its fifth annual finance market forecast.
"We expect that despite economic and political challenges, global air travel will again demonstrate its remarkable resilience in 2013. The industry's global
growth and airlines' fleet replacements, accelerated by higher fuel prices, should keep demand stable and attract sufficient financing," said Kostya
Zolotusky, managing director of capital markets development and leasing at Boeing Capital Corp., the plane maker's financing and leasing unit which
develops the forecast.
The encouraging report comes amid lingering economic uncertainties and as higher costs for eligible airline borrowing using government export credit
financing go into effect in 2013.
The manufacturer forecasts total industry jetliner deliveries at $104 billion in 2013, with 95 percent of that expected to be split between Boeing and Airbus.
Boeing foresees 2013 financing conditions on par with 2012, and predicts the largest funding source – commercial banks – should strengthen their
investment. Among other major players, capital markets are expected to grow as a funding source for U.S. airlines and expand to also serve non-U.S.
airlines and leasing companies. Meanwhile, leasing firms are expected to grow in their delivery share and gain access to more diverse sources of equity
and leverage.
This year began amid concerns that Europe's commercial banks, a primary aircraft financing source, would pull out of the market due to the continent's
economic crisis. However, Zolotusky said those fears did not materialize, and in 2013 the company expects that Europe's banks will remain active because
the aircraft space is one of the most attractive and high-performing sectors for bank investments.
Boeing said regional commercial banks – in places like China, Japan, Australia, the Middle East and North America – stepped back into or entered aircraft
financing in 2012 and expect to remain in 2013.
In announcing the need for increased financing for rising industry deliveries, the company said market data clearly supports the higher production pace.
"Aircraft utilization is at record highs as are global load factors. Growth in people traveling is happening faster now that new capacity is being introduced.
These are fundamental indicators that show that the aviation market is healthy and perhaps even a little underserved," said Boeing's Zolotusky.
The company expects the higher costs and stricter terms for export credit borrowing next year to drive down reliance on government-backed loan
guarantees, as their use gradually returns to lower historic rates.
Boeing's complete 2013 aircraft finance market outlook can be found at www.boeingcapital.com/cafmo.
Wizz Air dismisses false claims made by regional Romanian carrier
Source: Wizz Air
04/12/2012
Wizz Air today responded to spurious claims made by ailing regional airline Carpatair to the media concerning alleged state aid at Timisoara airport.
Wizz Air believes that the Pitesti Court of Appeal’s recent ruling is a flawed judgment given by a court that has no competence in or understanding
of the issues involved and which has failed to follow proper procedure in the case. It upholds a bizarre decision of the judge in the Timis Tribunal
which relied on the judge’s own assumptions, rather than any empirical evidence or analysis. As a matter of law, which the Pitesti Court of Appeals
has seen fit to disregard, only the European Commission is competent to decide on issues of alleged State aid. Detailed economic analysis, which
was not considered by the court (but which is essential to any consideration of alleged State aid), confirms that Wizz Air’s arrangements at
Timisoara Airport are fully compliant with the Market Economy Investor Principle, and is further confirmed by the airport’s continuing profitability.
Wizz Air also notes that the charges the subject of the perverse ruling are not even discriminatory – they were available to all airlines operating at
Timisoara airport. Wizz Air has significantly contributed to Timisoara Airport's success over the last 4 years. Passenger traffic grew from initially
300,000 to well over 1 million this year with almost all that increase being attributable to Wizz Air passengers. Wizz Air is confident that the
European Commission will find that Wizz Air’s dealings with Timisoara are perfectly justified and genuine commercial arrangements. While the
formal judgment has not yet been issued, Wizz Air is confident that the dissenting judgment of one of the judges will expose the flawed reasoning.
Daniel de Carvalho, Corporate Communications Manager at Wizz Air, said: “We believe that the only real recipient of State aid at Timisoara Airport
is, in fact, Carpatair which benefits from vastly cheaper charges for transfer passengers, which account for over 75% of Carpatair’s traffic through
Timisoara. These discounted charges, applicable to the majority of Carpatair’s traffic, relate to passengers that do not add any value to the
Timisoara region. Wizz Air passengers contribute far more to the airport’s ancillary revenue and to the entire region, yet pay substantially higher
passenger charges when compared with Carpatair’s ridiculously low and unjustifiable transfer charges. Today we call on Carpatair to correct its
false claims and start paying the same airport charges at Timisoara Airport as Wizz Air does.”
TSA Addresses GAO Report and Recommendations for Passenger Feedback
Source: TSA
04/12/2012
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has taken steps to complete efforts to meet the recommendations set forth in a recent report from
the Government Accountability Office (GAO) entitled “Transportation Security Administration Could Improve Complaint Process.”
The report contained recommendations for TSA, aimed at streamlining the existing processes by which the agency receives positive and negative
feedback from the public. They include establishing a consistent policy for receiving complaints, a process to systematically analyze information on
complaints from all mechanisms and a policy for informing passengers about the screening complaint processes and mechanisms to share best
practices among airports. TSA concurred with each recommendation from GAO.
“TSA is committed to ensuring all travelers have consistent, quality methods of reaching TSA and providing direct feedback,” said TSA
Administrator John S. Pistole. “We appreciate GAO’s review of this important topic and anticipate completing the recommendations in early 2013.”
TSA screens approximately 1.8 million travelers each day, and of those, just .01 percent of travelers file a complaint with the agency.
Travelers can reach TSA through the TSA Contact Center at 1-866-289-9673 and TSA-ContactCenter@dhs.gov and also by visiting the TSA
website. For additional information about providing feedback to TSA, please click here. Last year, TSA launched TSA Cares, a helpline designed to
assist travelers with disabilities and medical conditions. Individuals in need of assistance can call 1-855-787-2227 prior to travel.
A380. For the first time. Daily. Only from Domodedovo
Source: Moscow Domodedovo Airport
04/12/2012
Moscow Domodedovo airport accommodated the world’s largest passenger airliner Airbus A380. Russia’s first ever regular flight of superliner is
launched by Emirates airline, the flights will be performed on the Moscow – Dubai – Moscow route on a daily basis.
The first arrival of ultramodern A380 for regular flights to Moscow is an important event for Russian civil aviation. Mr. Richard Jewsbury, senior
vice-president of Emirates airline in Europe and Russian Federation arrived to Domodedovo for an official press-conference, the executive officer of
Airbus delegation in Russia, Mr. Sergey Nedbaylo and director of Moscow Domodedovo airport Mr. Igor Borisov also presented.
“Airbus A380 took its first flight to Russia in 2009, landing at Moscow Domodedovo airport, – Igor Borisov reminded, opening this festive event. –
Today, three years later, Domodedovo again sets the scene for a significant event in Russia’s civil aviation. It validates Domodedovo’s position
among world’s most modern airports.”
Airliner is distinct in its stately proportions, it imposes requirements to the airport ground equipment and fly grounds characteristics.
Domodedovo technical basis - taxiways, runway and aircraft handling equipment fully meet all international requirements for this type of aircraft.
Moscow Domodedovo airport purchased all the necessary equipment for Airbus A380 ground servicing, including two-level boarding bridge Apron
Drive, capable to dock to the tree doors (one on the upper deck and two on the lower deck). Currently this is the only one operating two-level
boarding bridge in Russia.
During regular flights from Moscow Domodedovo airport, the Airbus A380 will offer passengers the unprecedented comfort level. The newest
in-flight entertainment network, wireless internet, rest area with bar and even shower spa – all these items and many others are disposed aboard of
the world’s largest airliner, exceeding the height of 8-storied building.
Flight Dubai-Moscow (EK 131) arrives to Domodedovo airport at 23:05, departures from Dubai at 17:50. Flyback Moscow – Dubai (EK 132)
departures at 01:05, arrives to Dubai at 06:20. Flight time is about 5 hours.
The exploitation of new airliner en-route Moscow – Dubai increases seating capacity on Emirates flights on this direction from DME up to 775
seatings every day.
CANSO WELCOMES OUTPUT OF ICAO 12th Air NAVIGATION CONFERENCE AND THE DRAFT REVISED ICAO GLOBAL AIR
NAVIGATION PLAN
Source: CANSO
03/12/2012
The conclusion of the ICAO 12th Air Navigation Conference (AN-Conf/12) in Montreal on 30 November 2012 saw agreement on a draft revised Global Air
Navigation Plan (GANP) that will guide industry planning and implementation activities over the next two decades. More than 1,000 delegates from 120
Contracting States and 30 International Organisations attended AN-Conf/12 to achieve consensus on the next steps to achieving an interoperable, seamless and
global air traffic management system for international civil aviation. The Civil Air Navigation Services Organisation (CANSO) played a key role in the process by
presenting working papers that were incorporated into the draft recommendations, and by representing a credible global voice for air traffic management on topics
ranging from enabling technology to improved standards-setting, policy-making and regulatory practices.
For the first time, the GANP includes a timeline for which future improvements can be implemented by States in accordance with their needs. The Conference
unanimously endorsed the Aviation System Block Upgrades (ASBUs) framework introduced by ICAO to set goals in terms of operational improvements on a
consensus-driven basis. CANSO contributed to the ASBU framework and guidance material for implementation and will continue to be part of a collaborative
process involving all aviation stakeholders to see that operational improvements are carried out in line with global performance improvement criteria. The ASBUs
allow for development at regional and sub-regional level to also align with wider interregional goals of optimising capacity and improving flight path efficiencies.
“CANSO’s views were duly taken into account by the conference in its deliberations, and many delegates complemented us on the working papers we submitted.
It has been the culmination of 10 months of hard work and focus,” said Eugene Hoeven, CANSO Director ICAO Affairs.
ICAO is due to endorse the draft Fourth Edition of the GANP at the ICAO Assembly in September 2013. It is expected to introduce a globally coordinated strategy
that reflects the industry’s collective vision of an interoperable air traffic management system and to lay down clear goals in terms of operational improvements for
safe and efficient traffic growth. CANSO already plays a important role in bringing the industry together through its Standing Committees and Working
Groups that deliver policy and set best practice standards on behalf of its Members. This activity will continue, for example in a shared vision for a global data link
system for ATM, achieving common standards for system wide information management (SWIM), and wider sharing of best practice amongst CANSO’s
membership. CANSO has also entered into partnership agreements with stakeholder organisations including Airports Council International (ACI) and International
Air Transport Association (IATA) to collaborate on improved flight efficiencies and environmental performance.
During the concluding remarks of AN-Conf/12, usually reserved for States’ delegations, CANSO was given the opportunity to speak. Hoeven concluded: “Mr
President, CANSO’s participation in this 12th Air Navigation Conference has been its first as an officially-recognised international organisation, and we greatly
appreciate the receptiveness this Conference has shown to our views. We would like to express our appreciation on a job well done over these last two weeks”
Carpatair wins the annulment of the illegal state aid provided by Timisoara Airport to Wizz Air
Source: Carpatair
03/12/2012
Carpatair announces that recently it has obtained the annulment of the state aid provided by Timisoara Airport - a state owned company, to its
competitor Wizz Air after the Court of Appeal of Pitesti, Romania, on November 14th, 2012 uphold the previous ruling of the Timis Tribunal and
decided on irrevocable cancellation of the state aid provided by Timisoara Airport to Wizz Air. It has been established that the global discounts
granted by Timisoara Airport through a dedicated discount scheme on all the aircraft and passenger airport charges published on 26 August 2010 in
AIP Romania (Aeronautical Information Publication), represents illegal state aid and the court subsequently decided on the annulment of the
respective measure.
A year earlier, on 30 August 2011, Timis Tribunal has admitted the request of Carpatair and cancelled the illegal state aid granted by Timisoara
Airport through the global discounts scheme applied on airport aircraft and passenger charges amounting to up to 85%. The solution of the Appeal
Court of Pitesti is just the first irrevocable decision pronounced in the series of cases open by Carpatair against Timisoara Airport to cancel the state
aid granted to Wizz Air since 2008 under various forms.
To pronounce this judgment, the Court of first instance has retained that the rebates granted through the discount scheme cannot be justified from
economical point of view, on one hand, and it has become clear that the huge discounts on airport charges were applicable to a single air operator
on the other hand. Essential for the ruling’s delivery was also the fact that the state aid has not been previously notified to the European
Commission and has been implemented in the absence of the European Commission approval.
In accordance with the Romanian and EU legislation, after the irrevocable ruling of the Court of Appeal of Pitesti, the beneficiary of the state aid will
have the obligation to pay back the received aid to the airport while on the other hand through the same ruling, as an injured party, Carpatair has
obtained the legal grounds to claim from Timisoara Airport the payment of damages suffered as a result of the anticompetitive behavior.
According to Carpatair estimations the total amount of the illegal state aid provided solely by Timisoara Airport to Wizz Air under various forms from
2008 until now exceeds 10.0 M Euro. The extent of the illegal aid provided by other airports poses a great concern over the total dimension of the
competition distortion and the damages caused to other airlines.
A320 Sharklet EASA certification paves the way for airlines to benefit from significant fuel savings potential
Source: Airbus
03/12/2012
Airbus has achieved on schedule certification for its new fuel-saving Sharklets for the A320 Family with CFM engines. This certification received
from the European airworthiness authorities (EASA) will be followed very soon by the US FAA.
Tom Williams, Executive Vice President of Programmes at Airbus says: “The certification of Airbus’ Sharklets is a milestone which paves the way
for airlines to benefit from savings in fuel of around four percent. That’s better than we’d anticipated.” He adds: “The annual greenhouse gas
emission reduction per aircraft equipped with Sharklets will be approximately 1,000 tonnes of CO2 – that’s equivalent to taking 200 cars off the
roads.”
For the flight test campaign, A320 Family aircraft with both CFM56 and V2500 engines have recently taken to the skies with Sharklets. When
complete, this flight testing will represent approximately 600 flight-hours spread over 9-10 months. Certification of the remaining aircraft/engine
variants with Sharklets will therefore follow in the coming months. By the end of 2012, Air Asia will become the first airline to take delivery of
Sharklet-equipped A320s.
Due to the very strong customer demand for Sharklets, all Airbus’ single-aisle final assembly lines (FALs) will be engaged in building A320 Family
aircraft with Sharklets. These FALs are located in Toulouse, Hamburg and Tianjin and will soon be followed by an additional A320 FAL in Alabama
USA.
Sharklets are large devices made from composites and are 2.4 metres tall. Attached to the A320’s wing-tip during the assembly process, they
reduce fuel burn and emissions by improving the aerodynamics of the aircraft. As well as cutting airlines fuel bills, Sharklets will add around 100nm
range and also allow increased payload capability of up to 450kgs. Sharklets are an option on new-build aircraft, and are standard on the A320neo
Family.
ANA Celebrates 60th Anniversary
Source: ANA
03/12/2012
ANA Group, Japan’s largest airline group, is today celebrating the 60th anniversary of its founding in 1952.
To celebrate this milestone, ANA held a contest to design a new aircraft livery. 7,042 entries were submitted for the competition from 36 countries. A
short-list of nine entries was published in October 2012, with passengers and employees invited to vote for their winning entry, which we are delighted to
unveil today. The design will take to the skies in February 2013 when it will be specially painted onto one of ANA’s fleet of 767-300 aircraft operating on
domestic routes.
To further mark the occasion, ANA also today announces redesign of uniforms for flight crew and ground staff. The new uniforms are scheduled to come
into use from Spring 2014.
ANA would like to thank its passengers, business partners and its employees for their invaluable support over the past six decade. We will make every
effort to ensure passengers from around the world continue to fly with us for the next six decades and beyond.
Qatar Airways endorses the larger A350 XWB models
Source: Airbus
03/12/2012
The State of Qatar’s national airline, Qatar Airways and Airbus have signed an amendment to convert its existing firm order for twenty (20) A350-800’s,
forty (40) A350-900’s and twenty (20) A350-1000’s to forty three (43) A350-900’s and thirty seven (37) A350-1000’s. Qatar Airways’ total order for A350
XWB aircraft remains at eighty (80) aircraft.
“We have taken the time necessary to come to today’s decision in favour of the larger A350 XWB models which we believe are best suited to our business
model,” said Akbar Al Baker, Qatar Airways’ CEO.
“Qatar Airways has been involved in the development of the A350 XWB from the very early days. So we are truly delighted with their decision to grow their
business with the two larger A350 XWB models,” said Fabrice Bregier, Airbus’ President and CEO. “This decision by Qatar Airways not only confirms the
market trend towards larger A350’s but it also demonstrates the value of offering, as we do with the A350 XWB, a true family of aircraft from which our
customers can select the models that best meet their individual requirements.”
Ryanair Calls
Grabbing?/b>
Source: Ryanair
03/12/2012
Ryanair today (3 Dec) called on Minister Leo Varadkar to reverse the recently announced 2013 price increases at the DAA airport monopoly and the
Government-controlled CIE train and bus monopolies to prevent visitors coming to Ireland for “The Gathering” in 2013 being ripped-off by the Government-owned,
high-priced transport providers.
Speaking at an aviation conference in Dublin today, Ryanair’s Michael O’Leary said:
“The much-hyped “Gathering” in 2013 is just another PR stunt, since it won’t address or significantly increase seat capacity of airlines flying to Ireland in 2013. Instead,
it allows the Dept of Transport’s monopoly providers – the DAA, CIE/Iarnrod Eireann and Bus Eireann – to further hike prices by double digit percentages (up to 10
times inflation). Any new visitors coming to Ireland in 2013 will be ripped-off by the very Government that purports to welcome them.
If the Dept of Transport is really committed to welcoming visitors to Ireland in 2013, then it should be: (1) cutting airport charges: (2) lowering bus and rail fares instead
of hiking them yet again; and (3) taking up Ryanair’s offer to significantly grow passenger numbers instead of protecting the failed, high-cost DAA monopoly.
Since there is no significant increase in airline seat capacity to/from Ireland in 2013, any new visitors coming to Ireland for “The Gathering” will simply displace other
passengers who are already flying here. The much-trumpeted increase in transatlantic seats in 2013 equates to a miserable 1% of actual passenger volume in 2012. The
DAA monopoly is failing dismally to attract higher volume short-haul business by refusing to offer commercially competitive prices. This is why Ryanair is expanding
rapidly in Europe while traffic at the three DAA airports continues to decline.
If Minister Varadkar fails to reverse these recently announced price increases by the DAA and CIE, which he owns and controls, then The Gathering should be renamed
“The Grabbing”, since every visitor to Ireland in 2013 will be ripped-off by the Government’s air travel tax, higher DAA charges and unjustified increases in rail and bus
fares by the tax payer-subsidised CIE monopoly.
This is the latest example of why Ireland’s tourism industry is struggling. It is controlled and operated by a Department of Transport whose policy failures result in Irish
consumers and visitors being gouged in order to finance its inefficient transport monopolies. The Irish economy urgently needs a radical agenda which delivers
passengers and jobs instead of conferences, which substitute waffle for action.”
Monarch Airlines adds thousands of seats for Christmas And New Year
Source: Monarch
03/12/2012
Leading scheduled leisure airline, Monarch, is adding thousands of seats to its existing flying programme over Christmas and New Year due to a
huge rise in demand for flights from customers wanting to escape the UK for some winter sun.
More than 17,500 seats have been added, including 35 extra flights to the popular destinations of Faro, Lanzarote, Tenerife, Gran Canaria,
Gibraltar, Alicante and Malaga, departing from Birmingham, Gatwick, Luton and Manchester between 19 December 2012 and 9 January 2013.
Kevin George, Managing Director of Monarch Airlines, said: “We have been delighted by the increased demand for seats on our flights during
Christmas and New Year and we are very pleased to be able to respond by offering our customers more seats which, as always, are excellent value
for money. The Christmas and New Year period is a perfect time for a well-deserved break and these short and mid-haul destinations are ideally
located for customers wanting a winter holiday.
“Our current marketing campaign, ‘Remedy for the Winter Blues’, highlights how we really do suffer in the UK from the ‘winter blues’ with our
shorter days, rain, and cold, and these extra flights support our campaign by offering our customers the remedy for the blues with some winter sun.”
Monarch’s popular Airpacks (Essentials and Extras) can be booked on these flights, allowing customers to see a transparent price for a flight as well
as saving them valuable time during the booking process. Customers can choose between two Airpacks which combine extras such as allocated
seating, hold baggage and access to online check-in.
QATAR AIRWAYS TO BEGIN FLIGHTS BETWEEN ATHENS AND NEW YORK FROM MID-2013
Source: Qatar Airways
01/12/2012
Qatar Airways has announced it will launch direct scheduled flights from Athens to New York from the middle of 2013.
Chief Executive Officer Akbar Al Baker made the announcement in Athens on the occasion of the airline's eight-year presence in Greece and to commemorate
the carrier’s increasingly strong operations in the country.
While in the Greek capital, Al Baker met with Athens-based media, reinforcing the airline’s commitment to continue growing its operations in Greece. Qatar
Airways already flies double daily linking the Greek capital with its operational hub in Doha.
Athens is a key point on the airline's 31-strong European route network, introduced in 2004 initially with six-flights-a-week. The carrier increased capacity to
double-daily three years ago.
The Athens route continues to grow with strong demand despite the financial crisis in the country.
Al Baker said: “The Athens – Doha route has become the number one intercontinental destination in absolute number of passengers at Athens International
Airport, surpassing for the first time in the airport’s history, New York City.
“And launching this new route from Athens to New York from the middle of next year will provide passengers with an even more unique travel experience,
strengthening Qatar Airways’ reputation as the airline of choice for leisure and business travellers.”
In a brief presentation of the airline’s chart to success in just 15 years of operations, Al Baker highlighted the fact that the airline had become a pillar of the State of
Qatar’s economic growth thereby spreading the nation’s wings all around the world.
He stated that Qatar Airways will continue to expand its role as a global connector that brings people to the world and the world to people, through an ever
expanding network of a young fleet and its award-winning five-star service.
Describing the Athens route as “a combined symbol of a home base and a gateway”, Al Baker stated that the “ties that have been forged between us during these
past eight years extend the horizons of a solid and lasting cooperation between Qatar Airways and Greece which are here to stay. And it is here to grow further.”
Qatar Airways currently flies a modern fleet of 114 aircraft to 121 key business and leisure destinations across Europe, Middle East, Africa, Asia Pacific, North
America and South America.
Al Baker referred to the airline’s global expansion strategy stating that in 2012, Qatar Airways’ route portfolio was enriched with new route launches from
Qatar to diverse destinations worldwide: Azerbaijan, Georgia, Rwanda, Croatia, Iraq, Australia, Tanzania, Myanmar, Serbia and Mozambique.
Poland will be served by Qatar Airways from December 5, rounding off a remarkable year of expansion, while Cambodia and Chicago, the carrier's fourth US
gateway, are among the highlights of 2013.
Calin Rovinescu Elected as New Chairman of the Star Alliance Chief Executive Board
Source: Star Alliance
30/11/2012
Calin Rovinescu, President and Chief Executive Officer of Air Canada, has been elected as the new Chairman of the Star Alliance Chief Executive Board (CEB).
He succeeds Rob Fyfe, CEO Air New Zealand, who held the post for the last two years.
"On behalf of all Star Alliance members I thank Rob for his personal commitment, support and leadership in driving our alliance forward and in strengthening
relations between the alliance partners. Indeed, we have all benefited from Rob's presence as Chairman of the CEB. Following a highly successful seven-year
tenure as CEO of Air New Zealand, Rob has elected to retire at year-end and while we are very sad to see him leave, we know that his contributions to the Star
Alliance will endure." Rovinescu said.
In his role as CEB Chairman, Rovinescu will conduct the two annual board meetings and act as the designated spokesperson for the board.
Reflecting on his tenure, Fyfe commented: "I was proud to lead the board over the last two years. The Alliance needs careful steering in these interesting times for
the aviation industry and Calin is an excellent choice to lead the group through the challenges to come."
Rovinescu said he was looking forward to working with the board over the next two years to deepen the alliance and pursue shared priorities. These would include
strengthening the global network, focusing on providing a seamless travel experience and maintaining the loyalty of customers through superior service and
convenience, he added.
"Partnerships are essential to succeed in this business and few partnerships have been as beneficial to their members and customers as the Star Alliance,"
Rovinescu said.
"It is my determination to see that we continue to foster commercial cooperation among member carriers to further strengthen our position as the leading global
airline network."
The CEB is the controlling body of the Alliance and each of the 27 member airlines is represented by their respective CEO. The CEB provides the overall strategic
direction of the Alliance, approves the appropriate funding and votes on the admittance of new member airlines.
Air Canada and Turkish Airlines enter into Code Share Agreement
Source: Turkish Airlines
30/11/2012
Air Canada and Turkish Airlines are pleased to announce today a reciprocal code sharing agreement that will make it easy and convenient for customers
to connect between the two Star Alliance partner airlines. The agreement, to take effect the beginning of the second quarter of 2013, will leverage Air
Canada’s planned Toronto-Istanbul route launching this summer pending receipt of government approval.
“Air Canada is delighted by this code share agreement with our Star Alliance partner Turkish Airlines as it will ensure seamless connections on a single
itinerary for our customers traveling beyond Istanbul throughout Turkey and to points in Central Asia, Africa and the Middle East. We look forward to
welcoming aboard our aircraft Turkish Airlines customers who want to explore or do business in Canada through our extensive network,” said Calin
Rovinescu, President and Chief Executive of Air Canada, who signed a letter of intent for the agreement at ceremony during a Star Alliance chief executive
meeting in Shenzhen, China. “Customers on both airlines will receive the top-rated service and hospitality that is the hallmark of Star Alliance, the world’s
largest airline network, including the opportunity to collect and redeem frequent flyer mileage and access to lounges for eligible customers.”
“We are extremely delighted to sign the code share agreement with Air Canada, as this code share partnership serves as an example of Turkish Airlines’
target to maximize the travel opportunities offered to passengers through the extensive networks of both airlines. This new code share agreement
enables the customers to enjoy both the global network and the seamless service arising from the cooperation. We will have a chance to transfer our
passengers to more US and Canadian domestic destinations via Toronto by connecting our networks,” said Temel Kotil, Ph.D., President and CEO of
Turkish Airlines.
Under the code share agreement the two carriers will each place their flight designator code on select flights making it more convenient for travelers with
such benefits as a single itinerary, through-checked bags and mutual status recognition. The agreement will include Air Canada’s code on Turkish Airlines’
Toronto-Istanbul flight and several destinations beyond Istanbul, not only in Turkey but also in the Middle East and Africa region. Turkish Airlines will also
code share on Air Canada’s new non-stop service between Toronto and Istanbul providing connections to domestic Canada and several points from
Toronto to U.S destinations. Moreover; with the loyalty program, passengers will have the opportunity to earn and use miles both on Turkish Airlines and
Air Canada flights.
GULF AIR BOARD OF DIRECTORS ACCEPTS RESIGNATION OF CEO
Source: Gulf Air
30/11/2012
The Board of Directors of Gulf Air announced today that it has accepted the resignation of the Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Samer Majali, submitted earlier this year
following the appointment of the Gulf Air Board of Directors in mid-November. Mr. Majali will remain in his position until the end of 2012.
Mr. Majali joined Gulf Air in 2009, when he introduced a restructuring plan to build a national
airline that would effective serve the people and the economy of Bahrain and ultimately ensure its long term future and success. During 2010 the airline made
significant progress towards commercial sustainability, significantly cutting costs, increasing revenue and reducing operating losses by over BHD 50 million
despite a difficult operating environment characterised by high-fuel costs and increased competition.
In 2011 the combination of local and regional developments and global economic pressures disrupted the airline’s financial targets. Despite this setback
significant milestones were achieved across its customer product and service offering.
The Gulf Air Board of Directors expressed their thanks to Mr. Majali for his contribution to Gulf Air and the strong leadership he has shown over the last three
years. Noting in particular the significant improvements made across the airline specifically in the areas of fleet renewal, service enhancement, operational
efficiency and on-time performance.
They also recognised the achievement of Mr. Majali following the successful renegotiations of the airline’s order book resulting in the reduction of the long-term
financial liability of the airline by approximately 50%.
Mr. Majali thanked His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa for his leadership, His Royal Highness the Prime Minister Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa for his
support, and His Royal Highness the Crown Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa for his trust, confidence and guidance and finally the Members of the Gulf Air
Board of Directors for their counsel.
He also thanked the employees and management of Gulf Air for their support and their hard work towards achieving significant progress during the last three
years in a challenging operating environment.
Finally he stressed the importance of Gulf Air to the Kingdom and economy of Bahrain and wished the airline every success in the implementation of the new
strategy.
How tourism can cut emissions ?UNWTO outlines strategies at COP18 Doha climate change conference
Source: UNWTO
30/11/2012
n its on-going effort to cut global tourism emissions, UNWTO brought together experts from United Nations agencies and Oxford University at UN
climate change talks in Qatar to present the latest strategies helping to reduce tourism’s contribution to global warming.
Cutting-edge alternative aircraft fuels, emissions trading schemes for aviation, water recycling systems on cruise liners and improvements in hotel
insulation were among the innovations presented during the UNWTO side event, The Tourism Sector Response to Climate Change, at the 18th
Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP18) in Doha, Qatar (29 November 2012).
“As tourism continues to grow, providing economic opportunities and jobs for millions worldwide, its carbon dioxide emissions are also on the up,”
said UNWTO Secretary-General, Taleb Rifai, ahead of the event. “We have a window of opportunity right now to move away from business as usual
policies and to put the right strategies in place to significantly reduce our emissions.”
On the occasion of the event, which counted on the participation of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), the International Maritime
Organization (IMO), the Oxford University Centre for the Environment and the UN Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO),
UNWTO officially launched the publication Tourism in the Green Economy.
The publication builds on the tourism chapter of the 2011 UNWTO/UN Environment Programme (UNEP) Green Economy Report, which finds that
an investment of just 0.2% of global GDP per year between now and 2050 would allow the tourism sector to grow steadily over the coming decades,
contributing to much-needed economic growth, employment and development while ensuring significant environmental benefits such as reductions
in water consumption (18%), energy use (44%) and CO2 emissions (52%), as compared to a business as usual scenario.
DOT Fines Airtrade for Violation of Code-Share Disclosure Rules
Source: US DOT
30/11/2012
The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT), in its continuing effort to protect airline consumers, has assessed a $150,000 penalty against the
online ticket agent Airtrade for failing to properly disclose to consumers when flights were being operated under a code-sharing arrangement and
ordered the company to cease and desist from future violations. It was Airtrade’s second violation of the code-share disclosure rule in the past two
years.
“When passengers book air travel, they have the right to know which airline will be operating their flight,” said U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray
LaHood. “We will continue to take enforcement action when an airline or ticket agent violates our code-share disclosure rule.”
Under code-sharing, an airline will sell tickets on flights that use its designator code but are operated by a separate airline. DOT’s rule requires
airlines and ticket agents to disclose to consumers, before they book a flight, if the flight is operated under a code-sharing arrangement. The
disclosure must include the corporate name of the transporting carrier and any other name under which the flight is offered to the public. When
tickets are purchased on the internet, code-share information must be easily viewable on the first display of a website following a search for flights
corresponding to a desired itinerary.
In a consent order issued on April 26, 2011, the Department assessed a $50,000 penalty against Airtrade for violating the code-share disclosure
rule on its Internet web site. At that time, the company appeared to have corrected its web site to comply with the rule. However, a follow-up
investigation by DOT’s Aviation Enforcement Office found that, for a period of time after the first violation, Airtrade once again failed to properly
disclose code-sharing arrangements when advertising code-share flights operated on behalf of a major air carrier by a regional air carrier. Airtrade
did not display the corporate names of the transporting carriers or any other names under which those flights were sold to the public during the flight
selection and booking process. As a result, consumers were unable to immediately learn the identity of the airline that would actually operate the
aircraft on which they would be flying.
The Airtrade consent order is available on the Internet at www.regulations.gov, docket DOT-OST-2012-0002.
WIZZ AIR CALLS ON MODLIN AIRPORT TO TAKE RESPONSIBILITY FOR ILS DELAY
Source: Wizz Air
30/11/2012
Wizz Air today called on Modlin airport to complete the installation of its Instrument Landing System (ILS), which was promised by the airport to be
operational by October 2012. The lack of ILS at Modlin airport is causing continuous disruption to thousands of passengers and makes winter
operations at Modlin unacceptable.
Wizz Air believes the incomplete infrastructure at Modlin airport is the result of mismanagement between Modlin airport and Polish Air Navigation
Agency Pansa. Since October more than 160 flights have been delayed, diverted or cancelled, affecting over 30,000 passengers. The airline incurs
significant costs to compensate or rebook disrupted passengers, with an estimated 8 million PLN in unforeseen expenses this winter due to the lack
of basic equipment for landings in bad weather. Wizz Air confirmed this week that it will continue to care for passengers and invoice these
unacceptable costs to Modlin airport.
Daniel de Carvalho, Corporate Communications Manager at Wizz Air, said: “It is regrettable that Modlin airport and Pansa have mismanaged and
delayed the installation and calibration of the instrument landing system required due to bad weather at Modlin airport. Modlin must take
responsibility for all costs incurred due to passenger inconvenience since October, as this was the time indicated by the airport to complete its ILS
installation. Wizz Air is always interested in lowering airport costs to offer consumers lower fares and the great service our passengers are used to.
But the unacceptable winter operating conditions at Modlin airport are now making it Poland’s most expensive airport! Wizz Air will invoice Modlin
airport these additional costs and urges the airport management and Pansa to complete the ILS infrastructure promised for October 2012.”
A4A Commends Presidential Signature of Bipartisan Bill Rejecting Illegal EU ETS Scheme
Source: A4A
27/11/2012
Airlines for America (A4A), the industry trade organization for the leading U.S. airlines, today commended President Obama for signing S. 1956, a
bipartisan measure that allows the Transportation Secretary to direct U.S. airlines not to participate in the European Union Emissions Trading
Scheme (EU ETS).
“With the President’s signature today, the United States has sent an unequivocal signal to the EU and the world that while the illegal and
unilaterally-imposed EU ETS is the wrong way to proceed, there is a steadfast commitment to the right way – a global sectoral approach at the
international level,” said A4A President and CEO Nicholas E. Calio. “Working within the framework of the International Civil Aviation Organization,
the United States will continue to lead the effort to secure a policy that will meet the twin goals of allowing for industry growth and continuing
improvements in fuel efficiency and reduced emissions.”
Earlier this month, the EU announced that it would suspend enforcement of the ETS. While the airline industry and its customers should view this
with cautious optimism, the suspension is only temporary, and action from the U.S. government is still needed. Calio also indicated that, to the
extent the EU ultimately withdraws its unilateral scheme on international aviation, there is hope that a legal challenge under Article 84 of the
Chicago Convention would not be necessary.
U.S.-based carriers have a strong record of fuel efficiency improvements and emissions reductions and are employing operational measures and
making critical investments in alternative fuel research and fuel-efficient aircraft to continue that trend. In 2011, the U.S. airlines moved passengers
and cargo more than twice as far on a single gallon of fuel than they did in 1978, resulting in reduced CO2 emissions by roughly the equivalent to
taking 22 million cars off the road in each of the intervening years.