TransAsia Airways takes delivery of its first A330

   

First widebody aircraft for growing Taiwanese carrier

26 November 2012 Press Release

 

TransAsia Airways of Taiwan has taken delivery of the first of two A330-300s ordered from Airbus. The aircraft was delivered at a ceremony in Toulouse today attended by TransAsia Airways Chairman Vincent Lin. 

The A330 will be the first widebody aircraft to be operated by TransAsia. Featuring a high comfort two class layout seating 300 passengers, the aircraft will initially fly on services from Taipei to Japan and Singapore. These will be followed by new longer range operations to destinations currently under consideration, including Australia and New Zealand, as well as the Middle East. TransAsia has selected Rolls-Royce Trent 700 engines to power its A330s. 

“The delivery of the A330 will further enhance our quality of service, as well as our passengers’ flight experience,” said Vincent Lin, Chairman, TransAsia Airways, “They will service TransAsia’s international routes, providing passengers a more comfortable journey with advanced in-flight entertainment technology and spacious seating.” 

“We are pleased to welcome TransAsia Airways as a new operator of Airbus widebody aircraft,” said John Leahy, Chief Operating Officer, Customers, Airbus. “With the A330 TransAsia will benefit from the aircraft’s low operating costs, proven reliability and great passenger appeal - as well as high levels of technical commonality with its existing A320 Family fleet.” 

TransAsia Airways currently operates scheduled services to 46 destinations across Asia with a modern fleet that already includes nine A320 Family aircraft. In addition to its new A330s, the carrier has orders for 18 A321s for future delivery, comprising six A321ceo and 12 A321neo. 

The A330 is one of the most widely-used widebody aircraft in service today. Airbus has recorded over 1,200 orders for the various versions of the aircraft and more than 900 are in service with 90 operators worldwide. In addition to passenger and freighter aircraft, the A330 is also available in VIP and military transport / tanker variants.

SSJ100 gains type certificate in Indonesia

The Russian Sukhoi Superjet 100 (SSJ100) has been granted its type certificate in Indonesia. The validation confirms the aircraft with Indonesian Aviation Authority requirements, allowing its export to Indonesia and operation by local airlines.
The first SSJ100 will be delivered to Indonesian Sky Aviation before the end of this year. The carrier ordered 12 SSJ100s in August 2011 at MAKS Air Show in Moscow. Deliveries are planned for 2012-2015.
At the end of October, the first Sky Aviation aircraft arrived at Ulyanovsk for painting and cabin outfitting at the facilities of Aviastar-SP (ATW Daily News, Nov. 1).
In May, the SSJ100 crashed into an Indonesian mountainside during a demonstration flight (ATW Daily News, May 10). Several Sky Aviation representatives were onboard and were killed.

GOL to shut down Webjet subsidiary

Brazilian low cost carrier GOL is closing down its Webjet subsidiary, returning all 20 of the carrier’s Boeing 737-300s and laying off 850 employees.
Announcing the closure Friday, GOL said, “Webjet has an operational model based on a fleet that mostly consists of aging Boeing 737-300 aircraft that are advanced age, technologically out of date and consume large amounts of fuel. Given the Brazilian sector’s new cost standards, this model is no longer competitive.
The company said all flights booked with Webjet would be accommodated by GOL. The company said it expected to see a non-recurring increase in costs in the fourth quarter of 2012 related to the shutdown, but that operational efficiencies would improve in 2013 as a result of these measures. The company reported a third-quarter net loss of R$309.4 million ($149.6 million) earlier this month (ATW Daily News, Nov. 16).
Webjet’s fleet of 737-300s will be returned by the end of the first half of 2013, 16 of them in the first quarter.
“Thanks to the smaller fleet, GOL expects to reduce its domestic supply (ASK) by between 5% and 8% year-on-year in the first half of 2013, underlining its commitment to recovering its operating margins and the sustainability of the business,” the company said in a statement.

Investec launches global aircraft fund

Investec Aviation Finance has launched a new global aircraft fund to enable institutional investors and pension funds to invest in aircraft that are leased to airlines globally.
Investec Aircraft Syndicate Limited (IASL) has raised $500 million to invest in new generation, fuel efficient aircraft on lease to a number of airlines. The company says it can increase the size of the fund and is in discussions with various parties looking to invest in its second raising.
Investec Aircraft Finance’s previous offering, Investec Global Aircraft Fund, manages 20 aircraft with an acquisition cost of approximately $1 billion.
IASL, managed by Ramki Sundaram and David Phillips of Investec’s Aviation Finance division, aims to provide high, single-digit yields.

ATR's Singapore pilot training center gets EASA certification

ATR’s flight training center in Singapore has gained European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) certification and will soon begin ATR 42-600 and ATR 72-600 training courses.
The center will be inaugurated in mid-December and will provide flight crew type rating through recurrent training to differences courses.
The EASA certification covers full flight simulator training for -600 aircraft, maintenance and training devices and a brief/debrief station.
ATR also operates a -600 series full flight simulator training center in Toulouse, France.
More than 250 ATRs operate in Asia-Pacific, with some additional 80 aircraft on order (ATW Daily News, Aug. 6).

Air Algerie inks MOU with six Arab airlines

Algiers-based Air Algerie signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with six other Arab Airlines for cooperation in maintenance and exchanging spare parts as well to create specialized maintenance centers, news agency Algeria Press Services reported without giving more details of the air companies. The MOU also includes airlines from Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Kuwait and the United Arab Emirates.

ICAO endorses Airways New Zealand for PBN and conventional procedures design

Airways New Zealand (Airways) has become the first air navigation service provider (ANSP) to be endorsed by ICAO for the design of Performance-Based Navigation (PBN) instrument procedures.
PBN procedures are key to improving efficiency, capacity and safety, and designing and implementing them is both a challenge and an opportunity for ANSPs.
PBN has already been introduced at several locations in New Zealand, most notably the resort town of Queenstown (ZQN) on the South Island.  Situated in the challenging terrain of the southern Alps, ZQN has a notoriously tricky approach and PBN has not only improved safety, but also facilitated an increase in the number of flight movements at the airport from five to 12 an hour.  It makes it possible for jet operations to continue in a variety of weather conditions that would previously have closed the airport.
Airways’ aeronautical design and development team leader Obrad Puškarica said, “Our team of procedure designers has a lot of experience in PBN design and implementation both within New Zealand and from working with other countries all over the world. We’ve done many different types of PBN flight procedures for varying environmental and traffic conditions, weather conditions and mixed fleet capabilities.”

Swiss to decide on A340 replacement in 6-12 months

Swiss International Air Lines (LX) is deciding how best to replace its fleet of 15 Airbus A340-300s.
LX CEO Harry Hohmeister told ATW the replacement decision depends on “the economical development in our industry and when we can make real money again.” Since it is such a large investment, “the price of the new aircraft will be an essential element of these talks. If we go for Boeing 777s or an aircraft from Toulouse [Airbus], this is part of ongoing negotiations. The question of replacing our A340 fleet has to be answered within the next six to 12 months.”
Hohmeister did not give details on which type of 777 or Airbus aircraft is being considered, but the carrier would prefer an aircraft size that offers more seats than its 228-seat A340-300.
LX has added 100 new pilots this year and will create an additional 300 jobs in 2013. The carrier will take delivery of its 14th and 15th Airbus A330-300s from April to October 2013, one A320 in February and one A321 in March 2013.
It expects to take delivery of the first of up to 30 Bombardier CSeries regional jets, which will replace its Avro fleet, from mid-2014 onward.

Air Berlin cuts operational fleet to 135 aircraft

Air Berlin (AB) is planning to further cut its operational fleet from 158 to 135 aircraft as part of a new drive for more cost cutting.
The carrier had already decided to trim its fleet from 175 aircraft, but AB CCO Paul Gregorowich told ATW, “If we want to be an alternative to Lufthansa, then we need an additional (cost cutting) program. There are no taboos anymore.”
 Gregorowich was in Istanbul for delivery ceremonies of Austrian partner Niki’s first re-branded aircraft from THY Technik.
Gregorowich declined to give financial details for AB’s newest cost-cutting program, Turbine 2013 (ATW Daily News, Oct. 18).
“Operations-wise Air Berlin is doing better every day, but we are not where we want to be and that’s why Turbine 2013 is necessary,” he said.
Gregorowich dismissed media speculation that AB might leave the oneworld global alliance and join SkyTeam. The German carrier is cooperating with SkyTeam member Air France in codeshare agreements.
“We will not switch alliances,” Gregorowich told ATW. “The fact is that we like to work together with Air France, but we are clearly committed to oneworld.  So far, we have gained 305,000 additional passengers through oneworld.”
Gregorowich hopes to extend AB’s codeshare with Etihad, a majority shareholder in AB, via Abu Dhabi on to China and Japan before the end of the year.

airberlin opens new route and increases flight frequencies from Berlin to Poland

airberlin is expanding its route network competencies in Poland and from 23rd March 2013 will operate up to three flights a day from Berlin to Warsaw. The Polish capital is already the third destination in Poland for Germany‘s second largest airline. In addition airberlin will increase the number of flights from Berlin to Krakow, also from 23rd March 2013, thereby operating a total of up to 48 flights a week from Berlin to its European neighbour.
At today’s press conference in Warsaw, Hartmut Mehdorn, CEO airberlin, said: “We have strategically revised our network for the summer of 2013. The adjustments and new introductions on the flight schedule are in line with our drive for increased efficiency. In the future we will concentrate even more on our core business areas, that is, our touristic flight programme and our scheduled services. The main priority here is to strengthen the visibility of the airline in strategic core markets such as Central and Eastern Europe.”
Wolfgang Prock-Schauer, Chief Strategy and Network Planning Officer airberlin, added: “Starting on 23rd March 2013, we will be the carrier with the largest number of flights on offer from Berlin to Warsaw, operating up to three flights day. At the same time we will also increase the number of flights to Krakow. We continue to focus on our guests from Poland. In the current year around 40,000 flight guests from Poland have flown with us. Travellers from Poland have excellent connections to our worldwide flight network via our hub in Berlin. One example is Chicago, since the new nonstop scheduled flights to Chicago will start at the same time as the connection between Warsaw and Berlin.”
Prof. Dr. Rainer Schwarz, Chief Executive Officer of Berlin Brandenburg Airport: “I am delighted to be in Warsaw today. From March 2013, airberlin will be integrating Warsaw in its route network, and thus further expanding its hub in Berlin. The new service improves the connections between the Polish and the German capital, and at the same time provides additional transfer options for Polish passengers in Berlin, particularly for long-haul flights. Poland is a key market for us, a market with vast future potential and we acknowledge this in many ways; for example by providing our Polish-speaking passengers with information in their native language on our website or on fliers.”
On Mondays to Fridays airberlin operates three flights a day from Berlin to Warsaw. On weekends, there is one flight on Saturdays and two flights on Sundays. Under the current winter schedule airberlin flies twice a day on Mondays to Fridays to Krakow and Gdansk, while on Saturdays and Sundays there is one flight a day to these cities. From 23rd March 2013, the airline will increase its flight service to Krakow to three flights a day. For travellers from Poland, there are connection options to up to nine destinations within Germany, up to 41 destinations in the European route network and to seven destinations in the intercontinental route network. These include Dusseldorf, Munich, Vienna, Gothenburg, Stockholm, Copenhagen and Oslo as well as Barcelona, Rome and Tel Aviv.Long-haul destinations on offer include Abu Dhabi, New York and, from 23rd March 2013, also Chicago. With airberlin’s partner Etihad Airways flight guests can book up to 26 destinations within the joint codeshare network to Australia, Asia and Africa.

TRANSAERO AIRLINES RESULTS FOR JANUARY – OCTOBER 2012

Moscow, November 23, 2012 – Transaero Airlines announces its operational results for the first ten months of 2012 which once again demonstrate stable development of the carrier.
For the period from January to October 2012:
· Passenger turnover reached 34.56 billion RPK, 25.6% higher than in the first ten months of 2011
· The total number of passengers carried amounted to 8,907,185 which is 22.8% more than in the same period previous year
· Transaero transported a total of 52,956 tons of cargo, 29.8% more than in the first ten months of 2011
· Ton-kilometers totaled 3.416 billion TKM, 26% more than in the same period previous year.

Luxair extends its partnership with Thales avionics support

Luxemburg based regional carrier Luxair, operating out of Findel International Airport, has renewed its trust in Thales to provide avionics services and support for its fleet of six Dash8-400 aircraft. This decision was made following Luxair’s decision to purchase four Q400NG and to phase out three Q400 Legacy aircraft.
Under the seven-year Avionics-By-The-Hour (ABTH) agreement, Thales will provide spares provisioning and component maintenance services for a large selection of avionics equipment on the aircraft. The signed agreement covers access to a pool of components based in France, through advance exchanges, and provides component availability guarantees. This will allow Luxair to get quick exchanges of spare parts, any time, and optimize the operation of its Q400 aircraft fleet.
“We are very satisfied with the level of Thales’s support and services. They have proved to be reactive and flexible by proposing a comprehensive and cost-effective service program that will help us during the phase in / phase out plan.” Claude Fries, Head of Commercial and Logistics, Luxair.
“We are delighted that Luxair renewed its confidence in Thales. This contract extension demonstrates the strength of the long-standing and win-win relationship we have with Luxair”, says Jean-Louis Viala, Vice-President, General Manager for Avionics Services Worldwide in Europe, Middle-East and Africa. “Being an Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM), and the avionics system integrator on the Dash8-Q400, gave us an edge to provide superior component support solutions that meet the cost, flexibility and performance demanded by airlines in today’s challenging aviation market”, he adds.
Thales maintenance and component availability programs are customized around each airline’s specific operational requirements and are designed to help reduce their maintenance expenses and component cost of ownership.

SAS launches 45 new routes in 2013

SAS, Scandinavia’s leading airline, will in 2013 launch 45 new routes. This
means that SAS will offer direct flights to exciting new destinations from all
of the main airports and a number of regional airports in the Nordic countries.
In addition to these new routes, SAS will also increase the frequency of current
flights on a number of domestic and European routes.
“Many of our customers choose SAS when traveling on business and leisure. They
appreciate our time-saving services, and our award-winning punctuality.
Therefore, we are proud to offer our customers 45 new routes to choose from in
2013. This means that we will continue to be the airline that has the largest
selection of flights in the Nordic region", says Joakim Landholm, Executive Vice
President Commercial.
The introduction of these 45 new routes is completely in line with the SAS goal
to meet our customers’ complete travel needs.
These new routes will start being sold successively beginning Monday, November
26.
New routes from Sweden:
From Stockholm to Innsbruck, Pula, Palermo, Cagliari, Thessaloniki, Tel Aviv,
Pristina and Alanya
From Gothenburg to Nice, Pristina and Östersund
New routes from Norway:
From Oslo to Salzburg, Berlin, Budapest, Santorini, Cagliari, Palermo, Pristina,
Valencia, Malta, Lisbon, Athens, Tenerife and Pula
From Bergen to Dubrovnik and Antalya
From Trondheim to Split
From Stavanger to Antalya
New routes from Denmark:
From Copenhagen to San Francisco, Budapest, Prague, Newcastle, Cagliari,
Palermo, Alanya, Thessaloniki, Pula and Biarritz
New routes from Finland:
From Helsinki to Paris, Rome, Prague, Geneva and Östersund
From Turku to Kittilä
From Tampere to Kittilä
In combination with the 45 new routes SAS also increase frequencies on many of
its existing domestic and European routes in 2013.

RYANAIR ANNOUNCES 40% CUTS AT BUDAPEST AS HOCHTIEF FAILS TO LOWER COSTS

Ryanair, Europe’s only ultra-low cost airline, today (22 Nov) announced 40% cuts at its Budapest base with the closure of 10 routes and loss of over 280 weekly flights from 10 Jan 2013 after the Hochtief-run airport increased charges, refused to provide efficient facilities and failed to offer a competitive cost base for future growth offered by Ryanair. Ryanair’s Budapest traffic will fall by 800,000 pax p.a. (from 2m to 1.2m pax) leading to the loss of up to 800 “on-site” jobs*.
Hochtief’s failure to agree a long term growth deal with Europe’s largest airline is further proof that Budapest Airport has no interest growing Hungarian tourism, traffic and jobs as it repeatedly increases charges even as its traffic declines. This was confirmed by Patrick Bohl (Budapest Airport) who recently admitted that ‘budget airline’ passengers pay more than Malev transfer passengers, with Budapest enjoying “probably the best recovery any airport has seen when they lost a national carrier.”
These Budapest cuts (effective 10 Jan 2013) will include:
5 to 3 based aircraft
30 routes to 20 (down 33%).
From over 280 weekly flights to less than 170 (down 40%).
2m to 1.2m pax p.a (down 40%).
Frequency cuts on 9 of 20 other routes
The loss of 800,000 pax p.a. and 800 “on-site” jobs at Budapest Airport.
Ryanair regrets these cuts and confirms that they can be reversed if a competitive cost offer and efficient facilities become available at Budapest Airport.
In Budapest today Michael O’Leary said:
“Ryanair regrets Hochtief Budapest Airport’s decision to increase charges, impose inefficient facilities and reject our proposals for a competitive growth offer which would have allowed Ryanair to grow traffic and routes at Budapest.
Ryanair will now switch 2 aircraft from Budapest with the loss of 10 routes, reductions on 9 others and the loss of 110 weekly flights. Sadly, 800,000 passengers p.a. and over 800 jobs will be lost by Budapest to other airports elsewhere in Europe, where Ryanair will continue to grow.
With 1.2m passengers and 20 routes, Ryanair will remain one of the 2 largest airlines operating at Budapest, but Hochtief cannot continue to ignore the competitive marketplace, where airports all over Europe have been reducing costs and offering efficient facilities in return for traffic growth. We hope there is a way to reverse these cuts to ensure further Ryanair growth at Budapest.”

BOC AVIATION SIGNS A NINE BOEING AIRCRAFT TRANSACTION WITH LION AIR

BOC Aviation has concluded a deal with PT Lion Mentari Airlines (“Lion Air”) for six Boeing 737-800 and three 737-900ER aircraft. The first aircraft, a 737-900ER, was delivered to the airline last week. The remaining eight aircraft are scheduled to deliver through to the first quarter of 2014. This deal marks the first time that BOC Aviation has worked with Indonesia’s largest private airline.
Lion Air, with just under 50% share of Indonesia’s domestic air travel, is continuing to expand, focusing on regional routes from Indonesia. The 737-900ERs from Lion Air are the first of the aircraft type to join BOC Aviation’s fleet.
Rusdi Kirana, President Director of Lion Air, said “Our growth is spurred by the strong demand at home and in Asia where we fly. We are pleased to have BOC Aviation support our strategic expansion plans.”
Steven Townend, Deputy Managing Director and Chief Commercial Officer of BOC Aviation said that Indonesia is an important target market for BOC Aviation. “Lion Air is one of Asia’s fastest growing airlines in one of the region’s most dynamic economies. We are delighted to welcome Lion Air as a new customer of BOC Aviation and support their growth through to 2014,” he added.
BOC Aviation is the leading Asia-based aircraft leasing company with a portfolio of 203 owned and managed aircraft operated by airlines worldwide. In addition, the Company has another 54 aircraft on firm order. The Company has one of the youngest fleets in the industry with an average owned aircraft age of less than four years.
BOC Aviation is 100% owned by Bank of China, one of the largest banks in the world.

SATA Airlines Introduces Flights to the Azores, Lisbon from San Francisco

Azores Islands, Portugal- San Francisco has new air service to the Azores and Lisbon this winter thanks to SATA Airlines. Passengers connect to Boston before going direct to Portugal. Connections are furnished through a interline agreement with Virgin America Airlines (for the San Francisco to Boston leg).
More than 300,000 people of Portuguese descent live in California, many in the Bay Area in towns like San Jose and Santa Clara. SATA Airlines has a ticket office at 1897 Alum Rock Ave. in San Jose to better serve the Bay Area.
The Azores are the closest point in Europe to North America. The islands were created by volcanic activity millions of years ago, which have created a stunning and dramatic environment. The Azores offers an intensely green and sculptured landscape. This ocean-enveloped land enjoys a mild climate year-round between 60°F and 80°F.
The National Geographic Center for Sustainable Destinations recently named the Azores islands as the world’s second most appealing islands destination in its fourth annual Destination Scorecard survey. A panel of 522 experts reviewed conditions on 111 islands and archipelagos. The Azores received the title of “Authentic, unspoiled, and likely to remain so.”
SATA Airlines has connected the US and Canada with the Azores and mainland Portugal for more than 30 years. For more information about booking flights or about SATA visit http://www.sata.pt or call 800-762-9995.

OpenSkies to fly as oneworld affiliate

OpenSkies, the British Airways subsidiary that offers premium airline services between the USA and continental Europe, is to become an affiliate member of oneworld®, the leading quality global airline alliance, with effect from 1 December 2012.
OpenSkies currently links Paris with the New York metro area with two daily round trips between Paris Orly and Newark. From March, frequencies will rise to three daily round trips with the addition of one daily round trip between Paris Orly and New York JFK. It is the only airline offering flights to and from the USA at Paris Orly’s West Terminal – the closest to the city centre and with the widest choice of connections within France.
All OpenSkies services are operated by Boeing 757s in a special three-class configuration, with services being brought more into line with those offered on British Airways’ own mainline flights:
Biz Bed cabin features 20 seats that convert to fully-flat beds, similar to British Airways’ Club World (business class).
Prem Plus is an upmarket premium economy, with 28 leather seats in a roomy 2:2 configuration, reclining 130o.
Eco is an economy class offering comfort and personalised service, with 66 seats in a 3:3 configuration.
For in-flight entertainment, all passengers are offered a personal iPad with more than 70 hours of movies, TV shows and games.
Its flight attendants wear the usual British Airways uniform, and its aircraft are painted in a livery similar to the regular British Airways design, but the OpenSkies logo along their fuselages.
Its flights now all operate using the BA flight code and its frequent flyer programme is British Airways Executive Club.
At New York JFK and Newark, Biz Bed and Prem Plus passengers are able to use British Airways’ lounges. At Paris Orly, they are offered access to Iberia’s VIP lounge.
As a oneworld affiliate member, from 1 December it will offer the alliance’s full range of services and benefits – including, for members of any oneworld member airlines’ frequent flyer programme, the ability to earn mileage rewards and tier status points and redeem mileage rewards on all OpenSkies flights, and, for top tier cardholders, lounge access when flying OpenSkies.
At the same time, its flights will be featured in all oneworld fares and passengers holding oneworld Emerald and Sapphire status in any oneworld airline’s loyalty programme will also be able to use these facilities when flying on OpenSkies from 1 December, no matter in which cabin they are flying.
OpenSkies Managing Director Patrick Malval said: “With OpenSkies being brought closer to mainstream British Airways, we are delighted now to be able to offer our customers the full range of oneworld services and benefits and to bring our flights into the network of the world’s leading quality airline alliance.”
OpenSkies was launched by oneworld founder member British Airways in 2008 and has carried half a million customers since then. It operates a fleet of three Boeing 757-200s.
Besides its 11 full member airlines, oneworld also includes some 30 affiliate members. These are generally regional airlines with strong links with oneworld full member airlines.
British Airways has three established oneworld affiliate members – BA CityFlyer, which operates out of London City airport, and two airlines which operate as British Airways franchisees, in Denmark’s SUN-AIR and South Africa’s Comair.
Other oneworld affiliate members include:
airberlin’s Austria-based affiliate NIKI.
American Airlines’ regional affiliates American Eagle (including flights operated as American Eagle by Executive Airlines, ExpressJet and SkyWest) and American-Connection (operated by Chautauqua Airlines).
Cathay Pacific’s Dragonair
Finnair’s Flybe Finland (on routes it operates on behalf of Finnair).
Iberia Regional Air Nostrum and Iberia Express.
JAL Express, J-AIR and Japan Transocean Air.
LAN Argentina, LAN Ecuador and LAN Peru.
QantasLink and its operators Airlink (National Jet Systems), Eastern Australian Airlines, Sunstate Airlines and Jetconnect.
S7’s Globus.

AIRASIA X ANNOUNCES DIRECT FLIGHTS TO ONE OF THE LARGEST CITIES BY POPULATION IN THE WORLD- SHANGHAI

SHANGHAI, 22 NOVEMBER 2012 – AirAsia X, the long-haul, low fare airline affiliate of the AirAsia Group is expanding its network further into China with the introduction of direct flights to Shanghai from Kuala Lumpur. From February 19, 2013, AirAsia X will commence 6 times weekly flights from its hub in Kuala Lumpur to Shanghai Pudong International Airport, offering direct access to the city. AirAsia X will increase its flight frequency to Shanghai from 1st May, 2013 onwards, and will commence direct daily services to the city.
The new service was officially announced today in Shanghai by AirAsia X’s Chief Executive Officer, Azran Osman-Rani at the Mansion Hotel. Also present were tourism officials, business partners and members of the media.
To celebrate this achievement, AirAsia X will be offering launch fares to Shanghai from Kuala Lumpur from as low as MYR199* (CNY515)* one way on Economy and from just MYR799* (CNY1699*) one way on its Premium Flatbeds. The launch fares are available for online bookings from 23 to 25 November, 2012 for the travel period between 19 February and 30 September, 2013. For more details, log on to www.airasia.com.
Also on offer is AirAsiaGo’s fantastic package of 4 Days,3 Nights stay which includes flight + hotel packages from as low as MYR649 and hotel standalone stay from MYR101 per room per night for the same booking and travel period as our promotional fares.
Azran Osman-Rani, Chief Executive Officer, AirAsia X said, “Barely 5 months since we launched our first flight into the heart of China-Beijing, AirAsia X is spreading our wings further into the People’s Republic of China, with the announcement of Shanghai, one of the world’s largest cities by population. Jointly as a Group (Malaysia AirAsia and AirAsia X, Thai AirAsia and Philippines AirAsia), the addition of Shanghai will be our fourteenth destination in China after Hangzhou, Beijing, Chengdu, Guilin, Shenzhen, Guangzhou, Nanning, Kunming, Wuhan, Chongqing and Xian including Hong Kong and Macau; offering our guests excellent connectivity across China.”
“With over 23 million populations in Shanghai city, we foresee strong demand for the route where guests may take the opportunity to visit Malaysia and use AirAsia X as a gateway to the many exotic, and exciting destinations across the region through our strong group network. We are confident that this route will stimulate new travel demand and boost tourism and business potential of both countries.”
Located in the Yangtze River Delta in eastern China, Shanghai sits at the mouth of the Yangtze River in the middle of the Chinese coast. A global city with influence in commerce, culture, finance, media, fashion, technology, and transport, Shanghai is also a popular tourist destination renowned for its historical landmarks such as The Bund, City God Temple and Yuyuan Garden, as well as the extensive and growing Lujiazui skyline. It has been described as the “showpiece” of the booming economy of mainland China.
Guests will also be able to book Fly-thru flights from Shanghai to Australia (Sydney, Perth, Melbourne, Gold Coast), Indonesia (Medan, Surabaya, Bali, Jakarta), Thailand (Bangkok, Chiangmai, Phuket, Krabi,) Vietnam (Ho Chi Minh) and Singapore. The Flu-thru service allows passengers to seamlessly purchase two flight sectors and connect via Kuala Lumpur.
The Shanghai – Kuala Lumpur route will be operated on the Airbus A330-300 aircraft with a configuration of 12 Premium flatbed seats and 365 Economy seats. 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.

Lion Air Rencana Operasikan Batik Air

INILAH.COM, Jakarta- Lion Group berencana akan mengoperasikan pesawat baru bernama Batik Air.
Pesawat ini akan melayani semua rute penerbangan Lion Air di seluruh Indonesia dan juga akan melayani internasional.
"Batik Air ini merupakan pesawat yang satu perusahaan dengan Lion Air. Pesawat ini akan melengkapi rute Lion Air dan juga mengangkut masyarakat di seluruh Indonesia yang selama ini tidak bisa ditampung oleh Lion Air," kata Sekretaris Perusahaan Lion Air Aditya Simanjuntak di Jakarta, Senin (15/10/2012).
Dia menyampaikan Batik Air untuk tahap awal akan menghadirkan 4 pesawat yang akan melayani rute wisata unggulan terlebih dahulu seperti Jakarta, Medan, Yogyakarta, dan Makassar. "Tahap awal kita layani rute dalam negeri dulu karena baru 4 pesawat dulu. Secara perlahan baru internasional," tuturnya.
Dia menambahkan pesawat Batik Air ini akan lebih canggih dari Lion Air karena full service dan dilengkapi teknologi wifi dan exphone sehingga penumpang tetap bisa memakai handpone selama di dalam pesawat.
"Batik Air ingin meningkatkan perekonomian kita, sehingga penumpang yang melakukan perjalanan tidak akan terganggu bisnisnya karena selama penerbangan bisa melakukan pekerjaan karena penumpang bisa menggunakan handpone selama di dalam pesawat," katanya. [ast]

(Lion Air Pesan 230 Unit Boeing) Airbus Tuding Obama Langgar Perdagangan Bebas

INILAH.COM, Jakarta - Airbus Eropa menuding Gedung Putih telah menutup persaingan terbuka dengan membanru Boeing untuk memenangkan kontrak pesanan pesawat di Indonesia senilai US$22 miliar, untuk membantu penyerapan tenaga kerja.

Kepal penjualan Airbus Eropa John Leahy menyatakan, lobi tersebut dilakukan atas kesepakatan Barack Obama yang telah memperlihatkan standar ganda pada persaingan bebas yang tengah terjadi antara Eropa dan Washington terkait subsidi pesawat.

"Hanya ada satu negara adidaya di dunia dan saya kia kita tahu ini bukan Perancis. Itu mungkin dilakukan oleh Presiden Barack Obama," tutur itu mungkin diwakili oleh Presiden Obama," kata John di Washington, seperti dikutip dari CNBC.COM, Jumat (2/12).

"Saat ia (Obama) membuat berita utama bahwa telah menjual pesawat dan bagaimana hal tersebut tidak akan terjadi tanpa keterlibatan dirinya, disinilah kita melihat adanya distorsi ekonomi dan kita tidak perlu bicara soal perdagangan bebas di seluruh dunia bila AS malah melakukannya." paparnya.

Bulan lalu, Obama 'memamerkan' pemesanan pesawat 230 unit pesawat jet dari Indonesia melalui Lion Air senilai US$21,7 miliar. Kesepakatan bisnis ini adalah yang terbesar dalam sejarah.

Kesepakatan terjadi sebulan sesudah Airbus menarik pesanan pesawat sebanyak 260 unit dari American Airlines, merobohkan klien utama Boeing.

Pertamina Pasok Avtur Lion Air hingga 757 KL

INILAH.COM, Jakarta - PT Pertamina akan memasok Avtur sebanyak 757 ribu kiloliter kepada Lion Air Group setelah penandatanganan kesepakatan hari ini.

Penandatanganan dilakukan Dirut Pertamina, Karen Agustiawan dan Dirut Lion Air Group, Rusdi Kirana. dikembangkan di masa depan. Pada 2011, Lion Air Group menjadi salah satu konsumen Avtur terbesar Pertamina dengan pembelian sebanyak 757 ribu kiloliter (KL).

"Kami sampaikan apresiasi kepada Lion Air Group yang telah memberikan kepercayaan kepada Pertamina. Kepercayaan untuk mengutamakan dan memberi prioritas utama kepada Pertamina sebagai pemasok layanan Avtur Lion Air Group tentunya tidak akan kami sia-siakan," tutur Karen.

Pertamina telah membuktikan produknya mampu bersaing dengan produk global. Pertamina telah mendapatkan kepercayaan untuk melayani pengisian avtur di berbagai belahan dunia, baik di Singapura, Kuala Lumpur, Bangkok, Jeddah, Hong Kong, Amsterdam, dan sejumlah kota lainnya di kawasan Asia, Eropa, dan negara-negara Kepulauan Pasifik.

"Kami akan terus meningkatkan kualitas pelayanan terbaik bagi konsumen aviasi kami, termasuk Lion Air Group, tegas dia. [hid]

Lion Air Milik Singapura?

INILAH.COM, Jakarta - Status kepemilikan maskapai penerbangan Lion Air, mulai dipertanyakan. Kalau selama ini perusahaan swasta itu dibanggakan sebagai milik pengusaha nasional, belakangan muncul kecurigaan.
Nama pengusaha Indonesia di perusahaan itu hanya "di atas kertas" sementara sejatinya yang memodali perusahaan itu pemodal Singapura. Sehingga Lion Air sebetulnya perusahaan asing yang beroperasi dengan bendera merah putih.
Kecurigaan tentang kepemilikan itu disampaikan kepada INILAH.COM baru-baru ini oleh seorang pengusaha nasional yang sudah lebih dari dua puluh tahun aktif sebagai anggota Kamar Dagang ASEAN.
Kecurigaan tertuju pada penggunaan nama "Lion" dan kemampuan perusahaan tersebut membeli 230 unit pesawat dari Boeing, Amerika Serikat. "Lion itu khan, dalam bahasa Inggris artinya Singa. Dan yang paling banyak menggunakan nama Singa adalah Singapura. Kalau kita di Indonesia, nama Singa hampir tidak pernah digunakan," ujar pengusaha yang belum mau disebut identitasnya itu.
Tentang mengapa indentitas Singapura disembunyikan sebagai pemilik dari maskapai penerbangan tersebut, itulah yang sebetulnya menjadi sorotan utama. Sebab dengan demikian Singapura sebetulnya secara diam-diam berusaha mendominasi bisnis penerbangan di Indonesia dengan cara tidak terbuka.
Perusahaan penerbangan Singapura lainnya yang melayani rute Indonesia Silk Air. Anak perusahaan Singapore Airlines ini melayani rute-rute sejumlah ibukota provinsi maupun kota madya. Keadaan ini dirasakan sebagai sebuah kondisi yang tidak berimbang bahkan tidak sehat.
Singapura, negara yang penduduknya tidak sampai 5 juta jiwa itu, tetapi memperoleh hak terbang di angkasa Indonesia yang di bawahnya dihuni oleh 240 juta manusia.
Di luar bisnis penerbangan, Singapura diyakini semakin merangsek ke berbagai bisnis vital dan strategis di Indonesia. Seperti bisnis keuangan dan telekomunikasi. Sejumlah bank swasta nasional yang kolaps pada krisis moneter 1998, telah berada di bawah kendali Singapura, seperti Bank Danamon dan Bank Internasional Indonesia (BII). Singapura juga memiliki saham 35% di PT Telkomsel, operator telepon seluler yang saat ini memiliki pelanggan 140 juta.
Kecurigaan bahwa Lion Air sesungguhnya milik atau dimodali oleh pengusaha Singapura semakin kuat, ketika tahun lalu, tanpa ba bi bu, tiba-tiba mengumumkan pembelian sebanyak 230 unit pesawat buatan Boeing, Amerika Serikat.
Pengumuman itu begitu menarik perhatian sekaligus menimbulkan kontroversi. Sebab penanda-tanganan kesepakatan jual beli dilakukan pada 18 Nopember 2011, di tengah-tengah acara KTT ASEAN, di Nusa Dua Bali.
Penanda-tanganan perjanjian antara Lion Air dan Boeing itu disaksikan langsung oleh Presiden RI Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono dan Presiden AS Barack Obama. Pemesanan pesawat sebanyak itu, disebut-sebut mengalahkan rekor pesanan dari Emirates Airlines dari Uni Emirat Arab, negara yang memang dikenal kaya raya dari hasil minyak.
Penanda-tangan di Bali itu juga sempat mendapat protes dari fabrikan pesawat Eropa yang berkedudukan di Prancis, Airbus. Pasalnya, Obama sebagai Presiden dianggap telah melakukan intervensi dalam bisnis swasta, sesuatu yang melanggar etika.
"Kalau hanya modal Indonesia, saya tidak yakin Lion Air bisa membeli atau memesan pesawat sebanyak itu," kata pengusaha yang juga menjadi penasehat bisnis sejumlah Kepala Negara di kawasan Asia itu.
Menurut Wikipedia Indonesia, Lion didirikan pada Oktober 1999 oleh kakak beradik Kusnan dan Rudi Kirana. Modalnya US$10 juta dan secara resmi baru dioperasikan 30 Juni 2000. Kakak beradik ini tadinya mengelola bisnis perjalanan Lion Tours.
Data ini memberi petunjuk bahwa Lion Air berdiri ketika situasi ekonomi Indonesia sedang morat-marit sebagai dampak dari krisis moneter dan pelengseran Presiden Soeharto. [mdr]

EU postpones 2012 emissions allowances auction

Following the European Commission’s (EC) Nov. 12 announcement that it was temporarily suspending its Emissions Trading System (ETS) for flights into and out of Europe (ATW Daily News, Nov. 12), the EC has requested the postponement of all further aviation auctions for 2012.

The EC said last week it had requested the European Energy Exchange (EEX), which hosts a common auction platform of behalf of European Union member states, to “put on hold” auctions for 2012 aviation allowances.

The UK and German governments have both opted out of the common platform and have notified their own auction platforms – IntercontinentalExchange Futures Europe (ICE) for the UK and EEX, which hosts the German platform as well as the common platform - to postpone planned 2012 aviation auctions.

At the end of October, the EEX concluded the first primary market auction of EU Aviation Allowances (EUAAs) for 2012 (the first year in which aviation has been included in the ETS) on behalf of Germany. A volume of 2.5 million EUAAs was auctioned on the Spot Market, with six participants placing just over 4.5 million bids (1.8 times the auction volume).

The second German auction for EUAAs was due Nov. 17 and has been postponed accordingly.

The first UK auction of aviation allowances was due Nov. 26, with a second scheduled for Dec. 10.

The ETS directive provides for 15% of aviation allowances to be auctioned, but the suspension of international flights from the ETS significantly reduces the volume of 2012 aviation allowances to be auctioned and impacts the shares of aviation allowances attributable to the common and the opt-out auction platforms. The EC has said it will provide more information about the volume and timing of 2012 aviation allowance auctions in due course, to allow auctions to be held by April 2013.

The UK Department of Energy and Climate Change said it would press for this to be done “as soon as practicable to give certainty to the market.”

The EU ETS works on a "cap and trade" principle, with companies receiving emission allowances which they can sell to or buy from one another as needed. Most allowances are currently given out free, with the limit on the total number ensuring they have a value. Like industrial installations, airlines receive tradeable allowances and at the end of each year, must surrender a number of allowances equal to their actual emissions in that year.

If their actual emissions are lower than their allowances, they can either sell the surplus or bank it to cover future emissions. If their emissions will exceed their allowances, they can either take appropriate measures (such as investing in new technology) to reduce emissions or buy additional emission allowances on the market.

Fitch: New ownership structure unlikely to dispel EADS’ state-controlled image

Reported plans to streamline the ownership structure of EADS are unlikely to “materially improve corporate governance issues at the aerospace company,” according to Fitch Ratings (ATW Daily News, Nov. 21).
“The changes will not alter the perception that EADS is a state-controlled corporation, which restricts its chances of winning large export defense contracts, but they would bolster the finances of major shareholder Daimler,” the ratings agency said.
It argued that the complex arrangement of state control at EADS, through both direct and indirect shareholdings, was “a key factor in the collapse of EADS’ attempted merger with BAE Systems in September.” This was also a major barrier to EADS winning defense contracts as a prime contractor in the US, Fitch said.
Although details of a potential new ownership pact between the French and German governments are still unclear, the ratings agency does not expect a change in the shareholding structure to reduce state influence “to a level that would remove it as an obstacle in future sector consolidation or in tendering for large defense contracts in markets like the US.”
Germany controls 22.5% of EADS through Daimler, which holds 15% and also controls the voting rights of a consortium of private and public investors that holds a further 7.5%. France has an equal stake, through the government’s 15% stake combined with a 7.5% stake held by French conglomerate Lagardere.

TransAsia Airways takes delivery of first A330

TransAsia Airways A330-300. Courtesy, Airbus

Taiwan’s TransAsia Airways has taken delivery of the first of two Airbus A330-300s (ATW Daily News, Nov. 17, 2010). The A330 is the carrier’s first widebody aircraft, which is powered by Rolls-Royce Trent 700 engines.
According to an Airbus statement, the 300-seat aircraft is configured in a two-class layout and will initially be used on services from Taipei to Japan and Singapore, followed by longer range services to destinations under consideration, including Australia, New Zealand and the Middle East.
TransAsia operates scheduled services to 46 destinations across Asia. The carrier also has orders for 18 A321s, comprising six A321ceos and 12 A321neos (ATW Daily News, Nov. 8).

Tibet Airlines takes delivery of first Tianjin FALC A319

Tibet Airlines A319. Courtesy, Airbus

China’s Tibet Airlines (TV) has taken delivery of its first A319 assembled at the Airbus Tianjin Final Assembly Line (FALC). It is the fifth A319 to join the all-Airbus fleet operated by the Lhasa-based carrier.
The new aircraft features a two-class configuration with 120 economy and eight premium seats.
Powered by CFM56-5B engines, the new aircraft has been certificated for high altitude airport operation and RNP-AR.
It will operate between Lhasa Gonggar Airport, which at 12,000 ft. is one of the highest in the world, and Shenzhen in Southern China, with a stop-over in Chengdu.
TV has selected Airbus subsidiary Quovadis as its strategic partner for its RNP-AR operations.
The FALC in Tianjin—which opened in 2008—is based on the Airbus single-aisle final assembly line in Hamburg, Germany. It has delivered 105 Tianjin-assembled A320 family aircraft to 11 operators.

Fastjet set for Nov. 29 launch

Fastjet A319. Courtesy, Fastjet

Africa’s new low-cost carrier Fastjet is set to launch commercial operations Nov. 29 (ATW Daily News, Nov. 15).
Fastjet’s first Airbus A319 aircraft is stationed at the airline’s inaugural base at Dar es Salaam (DAR), Tanzania, and has received operating approval from the Tanzanian Civil Aviation Authority. Two more aircraft are due to arrive in time for the launch of the airline’s first scheduled flights. The first two destinations to be served from DAR are Kilimanjaro and Mwanza.
Fastjet has received 8,000 bookings on these first two routes. The airline has recruited 35 pilots, 65 cabin crew and seven maintenance personnel.
Fastjet chairman David Lenigas said, “Demand for seats is high and we are in great shape to start flying next week.”
Fastjet has now formally entered into a £5 million ($7.8 million) Equity Financing Facility (EFF) with Darwin Strategic Limited, the majority owned subsidiary of Henderson Global Investors' Alphagen Volantis fund. The EFF covers a three-year period and a warrant instrument has been set up to enable Darwin to subscribe for up to 2 million ordinary shares, exercisable over that period.

QANTAS GETS NEW AIRCRAFT, IMPROVES EAST-WEST EXPERIENCE

SYDNEY, 25 November 2012: Qantas has today announced it will deploy wide-body Airbus A330s on all weekday Sydney-Perth and Melbourne-Perth services as it continues to meet demand for business and premium travel on the routes.
A new Qantas A330, which landed in Sydney this morning from the Airbus factory in Toulouse, will become the ninth A330 flying on the Qantas domestic network and will start passenger flights within weeks.
Qantas Domestic Chief Executive Officer Lyell Strambi, who unveiled the new aircraft to over 1000 Qantas employees at an event in Sydney, said the A330 aircraft was a vital part of the Qantas domestic strategy.
“Qantas’ A330 aircraft offer superior space and comfort and have individual in-flight entertainment for all of our passengers, making them ideal for longer flights,” Mr Strambi said.
“From May next year, Qantas will deploy A330s on all weekday Sydney-Perth and Melbourne-Perth services which will enable us to better service the growing business market.
“One of Qantas’ key strengths in the domestic market is our wide-body aircraft, which are very popular with our customers.”
Qantas has 30 wide-body aircraft operating on domestic routes in Australia, made up of A330s and B767s.
Mr Strambi said Qantas had signed a number of major new corporate accounts over the past few months, many who have tried other airlines and returned to Qantas.
“In addition to our fleet of new aircraft, our superior network, frequencies, lounges, on-time performance, and frequent flyer program, have seen us maintain our status as best for business and premium travellers,” he said.
“We are also the only domestic airline that offers a meal and checked-in baggage to every passenger as part of their fare, no matter what time they are flying or which class they are in.”
The new Qantas A330 is configured with 36 seats in Business and 268 seats in Economy. Airbus has installed the latest Panasonic on-demand in-flight entertainment and laptop power in every seat.
Qantas currently operates around 100 return flights with more than 26,000 seats from Perth to Sydney and Melbourne each week – about 40 per cent more than our competitor.
Mr Strambi said with the A330, next generation Boeing 737-800 and a growing fleet of regional aircraft including the Boeing 717 and Bombardier Q400 aircraft, Qantas was well positioned for growth in Australia.
“The significant and ongoing fleet renewal is great for customers, great for our shareholders and great for our employees,” he said.
“The Qantas Group has taken delivery of 24 next-generation Boeing 737-800 aircraft with individual entertainment units for all passengers and over the next 12 months another eight will join the fleet.
“Our Boeing 717 aircraft, which we fly on our intra-West Australian and Queensland routes particularly for the mining and resources sectors, will also have new seats and updated interiors installed.”

“By March, Qantas will have refurbished 16 Boeing 767 (B767) aircraft with new interiors and individual in- flight entertainment streamed direct to iPads in every seat. These aircraft look and feel like new and we expect these changes to be very popular with our customers.”
In the past 12 months Qantas has resumed services from Sydney to the Gold Coast, built new lounges at Gold Coast, Gladstone, Mackay, Emerald, Davenport and Rockhampton airport, commenced services to a number of new regional and Fly-In-Fly-Out destinations and introduced a number of new initiatives to improve customer experiences including free Wi-Fi at airports and dedicated premium boarding.

BOC AVIATION LEASED ONE A320-200 AIRCRAFT TO BANGKOK AIRWAYS

BOC Aviation has signed an agreement with Bangkok Airways for the lease of an A320 aircraft that was manufactured in 2005 and equipped with IAE V2527-A5 engines. The aircraft was delivered to the airline last week. This is the first transaction between BOC Aviation and Bangkok Airways.
Bangkok Airways is a niche carrier serving regional destinations in Asia from its base at Suvarnabhumi Airport in Bangkok. Following the delivery of this aircraft, Bangkok Airways will be able to increase frequency on its domestic leisure routes in the lead up to the busy New Year holiday period. Capt. Puttipong Prasarttong-Osoth, President of Bangkok Airways, said, “This aircraft from BOC Aviation fits well with our regional expansion plans, increasing flight connectivity with our European airline partners thereby growing our presence in Southeast Asia. We see this first A320 aircraft delivery from BOC Aviation as the foundation to a long and mutually rewarding relationship between our companies.”
“With a 44-year history, Bangkok Airways has established itself as the carrier of choice for unique tourist destinations in Thailand and neighboring countries. The airline is one of the region’s premium carriers with a strong trademark as Asia’s Boutique Airline.” said Steven Townend, Deputy Managing Director and Chief Commercial Officer of BOC Aviation. “We are very pleased to complete this first transaction with Bangkok Airways and value the opportunity to partner the carrier in its fleet growth.”
BOC Aviation is the leading Asia-based aircraft leasing company with a portfolio of 203 owned and managed aircraft operated by airlines worldwide and another 54 aircraft on firm order. The Company has one of the youngest fleets in the industry with an average owned aircraft age of less than four years.
BOC Aviation is 100% owned by Bank of China, one of the largest banks in the world.

AirAsia: NO PLANS TO ACQUIRE INDIAN BUDGET CARRIER

SEPANG, 26th NOVEMBER 2012 – AirAsia would like to enlighten the public and its shareholders on the speculation that has been actively spreading in regards to the purchase of an Indian budget carrier.

AirAsia Group Chief Executive Officer Tan Sri Tony Fernandes said “AirAsia rejects the speculation surrounding our possible expansion in India. These reports are completely incorrect. AirAsia has not submitted a bid for the Indian budget carrier, and has no intention of doing so.”

Asia Pacific Airlines Traffic Results – October 2012

Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia – Preliminary traffic figures for the month of October released today by the Association of Asia Pacific Airlines (AAPA) showed a continuation of established trends, with growth in international passenger traffic, but weakness in air cargo demand.
In aggregate, Asia Pacific airlines carried a combined total of 17.0 million international passengers in October, a 2.7% increase compared to the same month last year. Measured in revenue passenger kilometre (RPK) terms, international passenger traffic grew by 2.1%, underlining continued strength for regional routes. Available seat capacity increased by just 0.9%, resulting in a 0.9 percentage point increase in the average international passenger load factor to 76.6% for the month.
International air cargo demand, expressed in freight tonne kilometre (FTK) terms, declined by 5.8% year-on-year in October, a reflection of overall weakness in air cargo markets. Offered freight capacity was reduced by 6.1%, leaving the average international air cargo load factor almost unchanged at 67.4%.
Commenting on the results, Mr. Andrew Herdman, AAPA Director General said, “During the first ten months of the year, Asia Pacific carriers were encouraged by the 6.9% growth seen in international passenger demand. However, traffic numbers for the month of October indicate a continuation of the slower growth trend already apparent in the third quarter of the year, with regional traffic holding up relatively well, but some softening of demand for long-haul travel markets.”
“Global air cargo markets are still depressed, with volumes for the first ten months of the year 4.0% down on last year’s levels. Overall, the air cargo market is characterized by weak demand and excess capacity, maintaining downward pressure on rates.”
Mr. Herdman concluded, “Asia Pacific airlines are still facing a very challenging operating environment, clouded by uncertainties over the global economic outlook. Competitive market pressures, and the impact of persistently high fuel prices, have pushed up breakeven load factors, and are spurring further efforts to deploy newer more fuel-efficient aircraft, whilst carefully managing overall capacity.”

airBaltic Serves 251 000 Passengers in October

Riga. In October 2012, Latvian airline airBaltic operated 4,141 flights, or 7% less than in October 2011 when airBaltic operated 4,467 flights.
The airline carried 251,705 passengers in October. During the first ten months of 2012, airBaltic transported a total of 2,582,520 passengers.
The airline’s load factor, which represents the number of passengers as a proportion of the number of available seats, in October 2012 was at a level of 71%. The airline load factor for the first ten months of 2012 was 74% – 1% point less than in the same period in 2011.
The 15-minute flight punctuality indicator for airBaltic was at a level of 87.88% in October 2012. This means that 87 of every 100 airBaltic flights in October departed at the planned time or with a delay of no more than 15 minutes.

TransAsia Airways takes delivery of its first A330

TransAsia Airways of Taiwan has taken delivery of the first of two A330-300s ordered from Airbus. The aircraft was delivered at a ceremony in Toulouse today attended by TransAsia Airways Chairman Vincent Lin.
The A330 will be the first widebody aircraft to be operated by TransAsia. Featuring a high comfort two class layout seating 300 passengers, the aircraft will initially fly on services from Taipei to Japan and Singapore. These will be followed by new longer range operations to destinations currently under consideration, including Australia and New Zealand, as well as the Middle East. TransAsia has selected Rolls-Royce Trent 700 engines to power its A330s.
“The delivery of the A330 will further enhance our quality of service, as well as our passengers’ flight experience,” said Vincent Lin, Chairman, TransAsia Airways, “They will service TransAsia’s international routes, providing passengers a more comfortable journey with advanced in-flight entertainment technology and spacious seating.”
“We are pleased to welcome TransAsia Airways as a new operator of Airbus widebody aircraft,” said John Leahy, Chief Operating Officer, Customers, Airbus. “With the A330 TransAsia will benefit from the aircraft’s low operating costs, proven reliability and great passenger appeal – as well as high levels of technical commonality with its existing A320 Family fleet.”
TransAsia Airways currently operates scheduled services to 46 destinations across Asia with a modern fleet that already includes nine A320 Family aircraft. In addition to its new A330s, the carrier has orders for 18 A321s for future delivery, comprising six A321ceo and 12 A321neo.
The A330 is one of the most widely-used widebody aircraft in service today. Airbus has recorded over 1,200 orders for the various versions of the aircraft and more than 900 are in service with 90 operators worldwide. In addition to passenger and freighter aircraft, the A330 is also available in VIP and military transport / tanker variants.

Russia’s Yakutia commits to 12 737NGs

Russia’s Yakutia Airline (R3) has confirmed its commitment to purchase 12 Boeing 737NGs, comprising three 737-700s and nine 737-800s. Delivery is scheduled between 2016 and 2018. R3 representatives said the firm order can be signed in three to four months.
R3's current Boeing fleet consists of three 737-800s, four -700s and five 757-200s. R3 CEO Ivan Prostit said the airline could place more Boeing aircraft orders although he did not disclose the exact number.
R3 is also increasing its fleet with Bombardier Q400s (ATW Daily News, Sept. 21), which will replace its Antonov An-24s.
In the coming months, the airline will take delivery of two Sukhoi Superjet 100s (SSJ100s), which will be used on routes inside the Yakutia republic (Eastern Siberia), part of the Russian Far North territories (ATW Daily News, April 30).
During the first nine months of this year, R3 carried 914,033 passengers.

China Eastern orders 60 A320s

China Eastern Airlines (MU) has ordered 60 Airbus A320s. The aircraft, valued at $5.4 billion at list prices, will be used to expand the airline’s domestic services. Delivery is scheduled between 2014 and 2017, according to the carrier’s statement released by the Shanghai Stock Exchange.
Earlier this year, the Shanghai-based carrier sealed a $5.94 billion deal for 20 Boeing 777-300ERs (ATW Daily News, April 30). The 777s, which are scheduled to be delivered between 2014 and 2018, will operate on the Sino-US routes.
“Although domestic and international market demand has declined this year compared with last year, we expect to see gradual recovery in market demand starting from next year, and thus we need to prepare for it beforehand,” a company insider said.
The carrier said it plans to open new routes from Shanghai to Amsterdam and San Francisco, Calif. by 2015.
Separately, MU said it would sell eight Bombardier CRJs and 10 Embraer regional aircraft worth CNY1.54 billion ($245 million) to optimize its fleet structure and reduce operating costs. MU GM Ma Xulun said earlier the carrier plans to cut its 20 fleet types in half by 2015.

Russian government to invest $38.5 billion in aircraft industry

The Russian government will invest RUB1.2 trillion ($38.5 billion) to develop its aircraft industry from 2013 to 2025. The industry will need a total of RUB1.7 trillion; however, the rest of the money will be raised through off-budget funding, Minister of Industry and Trade Denis Manturov said.
In 2013 the budget investment will be RUB78.3 billion; in 2014, RUB107 billion; in 2015, RUB 123.5 billion. The government also plans to support the Irkut MC-21 project, the creation of PD-14 engine and several helicopters projects.
Aircraft industry revenue should more than triple by 2025. This year, manufacturers are expecting RUB579 billion in revenue.

Messier-Bugatti-Dowty selected to overhaul landing gear on China Airlines A330 and A340 Airbus aircraft

China Airlines has selected Messier-Bugatti-Dowty (Safran group) for the exchange and overhaul of landing gear on fourteen A330 and one A340 aircraft. This agreement will start in 2013 till 2017.

The A330/A340 landing gears will be overhauled in Messier-Bugatti-Dowty’s MRO (maintenance, repair and overhaul) facility in Singapore. Messier-Bugatti-Dowty’s MRO division offers an unrivaled range of landing gear overhaul and customer support services. It calls on personalized monitoring of each landing gear leg and a large stock of replacement landing gear for all Airbus models, ready to be dispatched anywhere in the world through its global support network.

UTair and VTB Leasing Expand Cooperation

UTair Aviation and VTB Leasing Group have concluded a financing agreement for the purchase of Boeing 767-200 aircraft. The deal is part of an ongoing project for the development of cooperation between the two companies based on financing arrangements for the airline’s fleet expansion.
At present UTair and VTB Leasing Group are in talks considering financing arrangements for the purchase of additional Boeing 767-200 and Boeing 737-800 aircraft within an existing contract for delivery of 40 aircraft concluded with Boeing in 2011. Financing for the purchase of Mi-171 helicopters with a delivery window in 2013-2014 is also being considered.
Cooperation between UTair and VTB Leasing began in 2007 with a financing project for the purchase of MRO and other supplies for Boeing 737-500 aircraft. “VTB Leasing was the first leasing company to conclude financing agreements with UTair according to international leasing standards,” commented UTair CFO Igor Petrov. “We are confident that the agreement for the purchase of Boeing 767-200 aircraft has initiated a new phase of cooperation between our companies.”
“UTair is the fastest growing company in the civil aviation sector and has unique experience in both the passenger and helicopter segments and is one of the world’s top players in the latter,” said VTB Leasing General Director Alexei Konoplev. “We consider the expansion projects of UTair to be both interesting and promising and would like to offer our services as a reliable partner in this effort.”
The Boeing 767-200 aircraft is one of the most reliable and popular long-haul wide-body aircraft in the world today used in commercial flight operations by leading international carriers. UTair currently has three aircraft of this type used in performing flight operations on routes between Moscow and Surgut, Moscow and Tyumen, Moscow and Sochi and Moscow and Irkutsks. Next year UTair Aviation expects to the delivery and integration of five more Boeing 767-200s into its fleet. Boeing 767-200 aircraft were chosen specifically by UTair in line with the airline’s intention to develop its long-haul segment, both within Russia and abroad.

SaM146 engine certified by Indonesian Aviation Authority

Paris (France), November 26, 2012 – PowerJet today announced that on November 14, 2012, the Indonesian Directorate General of Civil Aviation delivered a Type Certificate for the SaM146-1S17 and SaM146-1S18 engines that will power the Sukhoi Superjet 100.

The SaM146 Type Certificate validation process began in May 2012. It confirms compliance of the SaM146 engines to the certification requirements of the Indonesian Aviation Authority. The same Authority has also validated a Type Certificate on November 22 for the SSJ100 to JSC “Sukhoi Civil Aircraft” (SCAC), that will enable export to Indonesia and operation of the aircraft by Indonesian airlines.

This certificate, which has been awarded following an extensive process by the Indonesian civil aviation authority, marks a major step for PowerJet. Our SaM146 regional jet engines perfectly met the airworthiness requirements of the country’s Civil Aviation Safety Regulations. In addition, it will allow PowerJet to power the SSJ100 in the Southeast Asian market,” said Jacques Desclaux, Chairman and CEO of PowerJet.

The Indonesian airline Sky Aviation is the first Southeast Asian customer. The airline ordered 12 SSJ100 from “Sukhoi Civil Aircraft” (SCAC) and signed a Customer Support Agreement (CSA) with PowerJet on June, 2012.

Both versions of the engine, SaM146-1S17 and SaM146-1S18, received the Type Certificate from the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) in May 2010 and January 2012, respectively.

Since entering service in April 2011, the SaM146-powered Sukhoi Superjet 100 has confirmed its performance in revenue service. As of October 31, 2012, the SaM146 had logged nearly 27,000 flight-hours, flying to over 40 destinations worldwide. The SaM146 has also recorded excellent dispatch reliability, exceeding 99.9%.

PowerJet, founded in July 2004, is a joint venture of Snecma (Safran group) of France and NPO Saturn of Russia. The company manages the SaM146 engine program, including development, production, marketing and sales, as well as customer support and MRO services. In April 2003, the SaM146 engine was selected by Sukhoi Civil Aircraft to power its Superjet 100 regional jet.

Petra Airlines Obtained AOC to be a Schedule Operator

Petra Airlines of Jordan has obtained its AOC from Jordan CAA to operate as a schedule operator with an aim to be the first Low-Cost Carrier in Jordan. The company operated the last two years a charter flights and has fulfilled all the technical and economic requirements to be a schedule operator.
Mr. Riad Khashman (CEO) announced on Saturday that Petra Airlines has completed the first phase of operation successfully and hope to expand for the next phase as the first LCC in Jordan.

We have gained experience and positioned our brand in the regional market while gaining the consumers and Stakeholders confidence. The company currently owns and operates 2 A-320. The third A-320 will join the fleet early 2013 and the first Schedule flight will launch in March 2013. We have plans to operate 5 A-320s by 2014 and have a schedule flight to most of the major Cities in the MENA and GCC Region using Queen Ali Int’l Airport- Amman as a hub.

Petra Airlines also announced a plan to increase its register Capital to reach 70 M US$. Also in talks to contract one of the Int’l Aviation consultants to develop a comprehensive business plan and ultimately attracting a potential strategic partner in the LCC sphere, Mainly European low-Cost Carriers, to benefit from having a platform in the region. This would allow Petra Airlines to provide services to Europe, MENA and GCC under Jordan open sky policy.

JetBlue Names James E. Leddy Senior Vice President Treasurer

NEW YORK, Nov. 26, 2012 /PRNewswire/ — JetBlue Airways Corp. (Nasdaq:JBLU) today announces the appointment of James E. Leddy to the position of Senior Vice President Treasurer, effectively immediately. In this role, Mr. Leddy will be responsible for traditional treasury functions as well as risk, credit card services, commercial real estate and supply chain.

Mr. Leddy will report to Mark Powers, the airline’s Executive Vice President and CFO and will lead the design and execution of the financial strategy that supports and is aligned with JetBlue’s corporate strategy.

“Jim brings a wealth of financial acumen as well as rich experience and passion for leading complex global teams,” said JetBlue’s Mark Powers. “We are thrilled to welcome an individual of Jim’s caliber to the team and we know his contributions will play a pivotal role as we continue to focus on creating value for our crewmembers and our shareholders.”

Mr. Leddy was previously Senior Vice President of Treasury and Cash Management at NBCUniversal. Prior to that, he held leadership positions at General Electric, Measurisk and the Industrial Bank of Japan. Mr. Leddy received his M.B.A in Finance and Management of Technology from The University of Connecticut and holds a Bachelors Degree in Economics from Fordham University.

“As JetBlue continues to grow, this is truly an exciting time to join the company,” said Mr. Leddy. “This new role provides a wonderful opportunity for me to add value to the finance team through my technical skills amassed at several global companies as well as allowing me to develop talent and lead strong teams.”

Nordic Air Sweden puts Umeå and north Sweden on the flight map

Air Sweden is starting a scheduled flight operation based in Umeå. In February next year, direct Flights will start between Umeå and London, Frankfurt, Paris. At the same time, Flights between Umeå and Arvidsjaur, Gällivare, Hemavan will start. This will provide all of northern Sweden with access to the large European cities through direct flights.

The Swedish airline company Air Sweden is currently building a hub in Umeå with a network of routes connecting the north of Sweden with large cities in Europe. The direct flights will remove the necessity to stop and change flights in Stockholm.

– There has been a lack of working logistics to the north of Sweden. We will change that and at the same time create a new and unique idea in airline-Sweden, says Dahlberg, CEO and part owner of Air Sweden.

Flights to Arvidsjaur, Gällivare and Hemavan will be connected to the hub in Umeå, which makes it possible to reach central Europe directly from all of north Sweden. A completely new market will open up in Germany, France and Great Britain, where travelers will have the opportunity to fly directly to the unique culture and nature in northern Sweden.

-Incoming European passengers are an important part of the business idea, and it has brought us widespread support from the tourism industry, says Stig-Erik Dahlberg.

Air Sweden is investing in a pervading high service level, from luggage regulations to on board meals. The airline will operate to/from the large airports like London/Stansted, Frankfurt/Main and Paris CDG.

Umeå Airport, which is expanding, is positive about the plans.

– Welcoming new traffic to the airport is always good, and Air Sweden’s ambition to connect the inland tourist destinations through Umeå Airport to the world is an exciting new concept, says airport director B-O Lindgren.

ALTA Member Airlines Passenger Traffic Increases 8.0% in September

Miami, November 26, 2012 – The Latin American and Caribbean Air Transport Association (ALTA) announced that its member airlines carried 12.5 million passengers in September, up 8.0% from the previous year.

Traffic (RPK) grew 7.5% and capacity (ASK) increased 2.5%, bringing up the load factor to 77.9%, 3.6 percentage points higher than in September 2011.

The number of passengers carried year-to-date increased 7.0% versus the same period of the previous year, reaching 111.1 million passengers. During the aforementioned period, traffic (RPK) rose 8.1%, capacity (ASK) increased 6.5%, and the passenger load factor reached 76.5%, 1.1 percentage points higher than the previous year.

Freight ton kilometers decreased 5.2% in September and increased 6.0% year-to-date.

The A350 XWB is readied for static testing

Airbus’ A350 XWB static test airframe has moved into the facility where it will undergo testing to validate the structural design of this next-generation jetliner.

The airframe rolled out of the A350 XWB final assembly line at Toulouse, Blagnac Airport earlier this week and was transferred to the L34 static test hall situated across the airport in the Lagardère industrial zone – home to the A380 final assembly line.

This clears the way for the A350 XWB airframe to be integrated into a test rig for a campaign that will submit it to nearly a year of evaluations, including limit load and ultimate load validations, along with residual strength and margin research.

The L34 static test hall covers an area of 10,000 square meters, and is supported by 200 workers during peak testing activity. It houses a rig that incorporates 2,500 tons of steel and 240 jacks/loading lines, which are used to induce structural loads. The testing is recorded by some 12,000 sensors.

The static test airframe was the first to be built on the A350 XWB’s new Roger Béteille final assembly line in Toulouse, and was the “star” during Airbus’ inauguration ceremony for this production facility in October. The airframe is sized to represent the A350-900 version of Airbus’ newest jetliner family, which is the intermediate aircraft of the three fuselage-length versions: the A350-800, A350-900 and A350-1000.

STS Component Solutions Acquires First CFM56-7B

Palm City, Florida – November 26, 2012 – STS Component Solutions LLC announced today the acquisition of a CFM56-7B Engine. The engine was previously operated by Austrian Airlines. STS Component Solutions will have the engine disassembled at a facility in Miami.

Once the components are removed, they will be re-certified and available for sale. The CFM56-7B Engine is the most popular engine in commercial aviation as it is flown by more than 190 customers. Nearly 8,400 CFM56-7B engines are in service on 737 aircraft. This engine acquisition further broadens STS Component Solutions’ engine component service offerings.

Tom Covella, Group President of STS Component Solutions, stated “This is a very exciting new opportunity for STS Component Solutions. We have prior experience with this engine model and many of our core customers operate this engine model, thus allowing us to further expand our capabilities.”

http://www.aviator.aero/press_releases/9127 

Emirates Adds Second Boeing 777-300ER to Glasgow

27 November, 2012 – Emirates, one of the world’s fastest growing airlines, has announced that it will upgrade its second daily Glasgow flight by introducing the 360 seat Boeing 777-300ER aircraft on the Glasgow-Dubai route from 1st January 2013.

The addition of the second daily Boeing 777-300ER, replacing the Airbus A340-300, will result in a weekly increase in passenger capacity of over 650 seats, as well as an extra 70 tonnes of cargo capacity in both directions each week. The second Boeing 777-300ER will also result in a consistent product across the two daily flights to Glasgow with First Class Private Suites and lie-flat Business Class seats now available on both flights.

This announcement comes on the back of Emirates being unveiled as an Official Partner of the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games and the Official Airline of the Queen’s Baton Relay; adding to Emirates’ recent announcement for naming rights to the Emirates Arena, Glasgow’s latest world-class sporting facility.

“As a result of the success of the second daily flight to Glasgow we have upgraded the capacity. It is not only great news for all our customers in Glasgow, but also for the Scottish economy,” said Richard Jewsbury, Emirates’ Senior Vice President Commercial Operations Europe and Russian Federation.

“This aircraft upgrade highlights Emirates’ continued investment and support for the area since we launched the route in 2004, and comes hot on the heels of Emirates being unveiled as an Official Partner of the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games and the Official Airline of the Queen’s Baton Relay.

“No-one can be in any doubt that growth remains a key objective for Emirates in Scotland. We can now seamlessly connect even more Scottish passengers to our extensive route network, without them having to travel via London or other European airports.”

All classes of the new aircraft are equipped with Emirates’ award-winning ice entertainment system with 1,400 channels of on-demand entertainment to choose from, including movies, television programmes, games, audio books and music from across the world. In addition to the entertainment, passengers can enjoy the delicacies from the exclusive menu served to them by Emirates Cabin Crew from over 120 nations including Scotland.

Adding to the airline’s already extensive list of benefits, passengers travelling in Economy Class will enjoy a generous baggage allowance of 30 kilograms, First Class and Business Class passengers also benefit from excellent baggage allowances of 50 kilograms and 40 kilograms respectively.

In addition to carrying more passengers, the operation of the new aircraft will also have a positive impact on Scotland’s import and export industry. The Boeing 777-300ER has a cargo capacity of 23 tonnes, which means businesses will benefit from an additional 70 tonnes of weekly capacity on the route. Emirates SkyCargo, continues to play a significant role for the Scottish economy contributing to Scotland’s largest export industry, to destinations such as the Far East, South Africa and Australia.

Since 2004 Emirates’ Glasgow flight has carried almost two million passengers and over 46,000 tonnes of cargo to and from the Middle East and beyond, helping companies across the region to export their goods across the globe.

“Emirates’ twice daily service to Dubai is of huge economic importance to Glasgow and Scotland as a whole, and it is no surprise that the second service has proved extremely popular since its launch earlier this year,” said Amanda McMillan, Managing Director of Glasgow Airport.

“The decision to upgrade the aircraft so soon after the launch is further evidence of this success and it will, once again, increase Emirates’ capacity to and from Glasgow. This is yet another welcome announcement from the airline which was recently confirmed as an official partner of the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games and which secured the naming rights to the Emirates Arena.”

The flight, EK025, departs Dubai at 1445hrs and arrives in Glasgow at 1910hrs. The return flight EK026, departs Glasgow at 2045hrs and arrives in Dubai at 0815hrs the following morning – ideally timed for onward connections to destinations across Emirates’ global network including Bangkok, Beijing, Johannesburg, Kuala Lumpur, Mauritius, the Maldives, Perth and Sydney.


http://www.aviator.aero/press_releases/9128 

Air India's Domestic Passenger Market Share Increases to 20.8% in October 2012

The domestic passenger data for the last six months shows consistent increase in the market share of Air India. It has risen from 16.2% in May 2012 to 20.8% in October 2012. For the months of June, July, August and September 2012 the market share of Air India was 16.8%, 18.2%, 18.2% and 19.3% respectively.

As compared to October 2011 also, the market share of Air India has shown considerable improvement rising from 16.6% to 20.8%. Further, during October 2012 the airline carried 9.49 lakh passengers as compared to 8.98 lakh passengers carried in October 2011. The passenger load factor of Air India has also improved reaching 74.7% in October 2012 from 64.7% in July 2012.

The on-time performance of the airline has also improved during the last three months ranging between 84% and 87%.

Union Minister of Civil Aviation Shri Ajit Singh has asked Air India to further improve its passenger load factor and on-time performance while aggressively implementing its various customer friendly initiatives. Air India had recently taken several customer-friendly measures including launch of customer friendly fare schemes, ensuring maintenance of aircraft schedules coupled with improved utilization of its aircrafts. It is also noteworthy that free allowance for excess baggage in Air India has also been stopped at the initiative of the Minister.

AirAsia X Records 40.7% Passenger Growth in the Third Quarter of 2012

SEPANG, 27 November 2012 –AirAsia X, the long-haul, low fare airline, has recorded strong growth again in the third quarter of 2012, carrying 0.64 million passengers, representing growth of 40.7% over the same quarter in 2011 for continuing routes*. AirAsia X added services to Kathmandu in July 2012, bringing its route network to 12 destinations globally.

In terms of passenger traffic, AirAsia X achieved 3.9 billion Available-Seat-Kms (ASKs) and 3.2 billion Revenue-Passenger-Kms (RPKs) for Q3 2012, resulting in a load factor of 83%, an increase of 3.3 percentage points over the same quarter in 2011, in which it registered a passenger load factor of 80%. All routes that AirAsia X has operated for over a year have yielded a positive increase in load factor over this time period.

For the first nine months of 2012, AirAsia X has carried a total of 1.91 million passengers, reflecting an increase of 1.7% from the same period in 2011. Although RPKs and ASKs have contracted by 2.8% and 5.3%, respectively, in comparison with 2011, the company has recorded a higher load factor of 84%, an increase of 4.5 ppt over the same period in 2011.

Cargo operations also continue to be strong, with AirAsia X carrying 7,251 tonnes of freight in the third quarter and 19,714 tonnes for the first nine months of 2012, registering growth of 13% growth over the first nine months of 2011 for its continuing routes*.

Azran Osman-Rani, CEO of AirAsia X said, “AirAsia X will continue to focus on increasing capacity in our identified core markets including Australia, China, Taiwan Korea, and Japan. Moving forward, we are set to grow our fleet with an additional 24 A330-300 aircraft between 2013 and 2017 which will see AirAsia X expand further in the long-haul segment across Asia Pacific.

Our move to KLIA 2 next year will also provide us the right infrastructure and enhanced ground facilities needed to support our growing network and feeder traffic for better connectivity within the AirAsia Group.”

AirAsia was named World’s Best Low Cost Airline in the annual World Airline Survey by Skytrax for four consecutive years in 2009, 2010, 2011 and 2012.

http://www.aviator.aero/press_releases/9130 

REX PROVIDES REVISED PROFIT GUIDANCE FOR FY12/13

Regional Express Holdings (Rex) provided revised profit guidance for FY12/13 at its Annual General Meeting held today. Rex revised downwards its Profit Before Tax forecast for FY12/13 to 25 – 35% lower than FY11/12, from 15 – 25% previously declared at its FY11/12 full year results presentation briefing in August 2012.

“As foreshadowed in our earlier warnings, the Government’s slew of draconian measures at the start of this FY is having its expected impact on the general economy which in turn is hurting regional aviation badly,” Rex Chief Operating Officer Garry Filmer said.

“The Rex Board declared a fully franked dividend of 9.0 cents per share to be distributed in November 2012 which represents a 26.8% increase over the previous year. The Board thanks its staff for their commitment and efforts in the financial year gone by which saw the Rex Group post record profits.”

Regional Express (Rex) is Australia’s largest independent regional airline operating a fleet of more than 40 Saab 340 aircraft on some 1,300 weekly flights to 35 destinations throughout New South Wales, Victoria, Tasmania, South Australia and Queensland. The Rex Group comprises Regional Express, air freight and charter operator Pel-Air Aviation and Dubbo based regional airline Air Link, as well as the Australian Airline Pilot Academy.


http://www.aviator.aero/press_releases/9131 

QATAR Airways to Start Boeing 787 Service to Kuwait from 26NOV12

Update at 1920GMT 21NOV12
QATAR Airways has unveiled its planned Second Boeing 787 route, where it’ll operate up to 3 daily Doha – Kuwait service starting 26NOV12. Reservation for the Boeing 787 service begins today (21NOV12).
Schedule:

QR138 DOH0135 – 0301KWI 788 D
QR132 DOH0745 – 0910KWI 788 D
QR140 DOH1320 – 1445KWI 788 D
QR139 KWI0450 – 0610DOH 788 D
QR133 KWI1030 – 1150DOH 788 D
QR141 KWI1615 – 1735DOH 788 D

QR138/139 operates with Boeing 787 from 27NOV12
Last minute aircraft changes to other type remains highly possible.
(Visited 804 times, 47 visits today)

Read more from 2012/13, QATAR Airways, [Boeing 787]

AirAsia May Add Only One More Major Hub to Focus on Three Key Markets

AirAsia, the region’s biggest discount carrier, said it may add only one more major hub for expansion as it focuses on boosting profits from Malaysia, Thailand and Indonesia in the next three years.

AirAsia aims to increase annual profit from its three main markets to 1 billion ringgit ($327 million) each, group chief executive Tony Fernandes said in Kuala Lumpur on Thursday. Taiwan, South Korea, Vietnam and India are among the potential markets for a new base, he said.

“We have three gold mines in Malaysia, Thailand and Indonesia and I really want to capitalize on those three first,” Fernandes said. “I’m beginning to feel that I’d rather focus on these. On top of that, I still have energy for another biggie and maybe a few small ones in Laos, Cambodia and Myanmar.”

Negotiations with Airbus SAS for ordering 100 more A320s may be completed by the end of next month, Fernandes said, as the carrier expands operations to fend off rising competition.

Malindo Airways, a venture backed by Indonesia’s Lion Mentari Airlines, is set to start low-cost flights in Malaysia next year as the region’s economic growth spurs travel demand.

“The accelerated roll out of aircraft in Malaysia to dominate routes ahead of the start up of Malindo Airways in March 2013 is a good defensive measure,” Annuar Aziz, an analyst at Credit Suisse Group, wrote in a report on Wednesday. “Coupled with its strong branding, we expect AirAsia to withstand the challenge.”

AirAsia, which also operates ventures in the Philippines and Japan, closed unchanged at 2.85 ringgit in Kuala Lumpur trading on Thursday, after posting its third-straight increase in quarterly profit on Wednesday. The stock has fallen 23 percent this year, compared with a 5.5 percent advance in the benchmark FTSE Bursa Malaysia KLCI Index.

Net income increased 3.6 percent to 157.8 million ringgit in the three months ended September from 152.3 million ringgit a year earlier, the Sepang, Malaysia-based carrier said in a statement on Wednesday after trading hours. Revenue rose 15 percent to 1.24 billion ringgit.

Thai AirAsia posted a profit of 199 million baht ($6.5 million) in the quarter while the Indonesian venture had net income of Rp 74.5 billion ($7.7 million), the company said in the statement.

AirAsia’s main Malaysian unit carried 9 percent more passengers and expanded capacity 10 percent.

The group, which currently has a fleet of 112 A320s, plans to take delivery of 266 more planes by 2026. It will add 11 more A320s this quarter, according to the statement.


Bloomberg

Malaysian Regulators Find ‘Issues’ in AirAsia Audit

Top budget airline AirAsia has had its right-to-fly extended by six months rather than the standard two years after an audit by Malaysian regulators found “some issues,” an official said Friday.

The government official said the department of civil aviation had decided to extend the low-cost carrier’s air operator’s certificate until March 31 next year, at which point it will need to reapply.

The certificates, which allow carriers to use aircraft for commercial purposes, are usually granted for two years.

“The department already audited AirAsia, and they only approved six months for AirAsia,” the official told AFP.

“AirAsia needs to apply again for renewal... next year,” he added.

The official said the carrier, Asia’s largest low-cost carrier by fleet size, faced “some issues... that have been found” but did not elaborate further.

Local daily SunBiz reported on Friday, quoting sources, that AirAsia had failed to meet regulatory standards.

The daily said an audit showed “shortcomings in AirAsia’s flight operations procedures and practices, including flawed communications between flight operations and pilots, an outdated manual and flight operations not in keeping with the manual.”

SunBiz also reported that AirAsia’s head of flight operations had been removed from their post and replaced.

AirAsia did not immediately return requests for comment.

“The fact that they have not grounded AirAsia aircraft shows that it’s not a serious safety issue, but this action still serves as a warning,” a source told SunBiz.

Rapidly expanding AirAsia has become one of the airline industry’s biggest success stories, rivaling national carrier Malaysia Airlines, which has been struggling to get out of the red.

Head Tony Fernandes acquired the then-failing airline a decade ago. He has set up subsidiary budget carriers in Indonesia, the Philippines, Thailand and Japan.

Agence France-Presse