Avelo Airlines Boeing 737-752 WL N7834A (msn 33789) BUR (Michael B. Ing). Image: 960380.
Houston-based Avelo Airlines on May 17 from Brownsville-South Padre Island International Airport (BRO) with nonstop service to Hollywood/Burbank and Orlando. Avelo is the only airline in South Texas offering nonstop service to both destinations.
Avelo serves Orlando’s most convenient airport, Orlando International Airport (MCO), and L.A.’s best airport, Hollywood Burbank Airport (BUR).
These routes operate twice weekly on Wednesdays and Saturdays.
Avelo now serves 44 destinations spanning 24 states.
Top Copyright Photo: Avelo Airlines Boeing 737-752 WL N7834A (msn 33789) BUR (Michael B. Ing). Image: 960380.
Allegiant Travel Company (Allegiant Air) has formally unveiled a special addition to its fleet: a vibrant, one-of-a-kind Insomniac-themed livery designed for Electronic Dance Music (EDM) fans and beyond. The aircraft was painted earlier this year.
The new livery, displayed on the fuselage and tail of an Airbus A320 (N198NV), evokes a festive vibe, created in the spirit of the world’s largest dance music festival, Electric Daisy Carnival (EDC), to add an extra layer of excitement for all passengers to enjoy.
Allegiant, the official airline of Live Nation, teamed up with Insomniac to combine signature brand elements in the stunning design, celebrating a strategic partnership that empowers the airline’s customers to truly live the Nonstop Life. The livery arrives as demand for live events is at an all-time high. More customers across Allegiant’s network say that concerts and festivals spur their leisure travel planning.
Designers added a colorful splash of pink, purple and orange to Allegiant’s flowing ribbon encircling the fuselage and sunburst tail. Emblazoned on the sides of the plane are Insomniac and EDC’s internationally-recognized emblems, along with Insomniac’s logo painted on the engine cowlings – symbolizing the incredible power of its fan base.
Insomniac, celebrating its 30th anniversary this year, is the world’s leading live experience creator. Founded in 1993, Insomniac produces 10,000 concerts, club nights and festivals for seven million attendees annually across the globe. The company’s premier annual event, Electric Daisy Carnival Las Vegas, is the world’s largest dance music festival and attracts more than 525,000 fans over three days each May.
The Insomniac-themed livery joins Allegiant’s all-Airbus fleet, carrying scheduled passengers to destinations across the airline’s network.
Flair Airlines Boeing 737-8 MAX 8 C-FLKI (msn 64944) LAX (Michael B. Ing). Image: 960542.
Flair Airlines has announced it has added extra flights between Vancouver, Calgary and Edmonton beginning the holiday weekend.
The airline hopes to help Canadians impacted by the WestJet pilots’ strike embark on their planned travels with minimal disruption.
The first of the additional flights depart May 19, 2023. The airline is creating contingency plans to service more destinations with flight frequencies should the WestJet pilots’ strike continue for an extended period.
Flair Airlines saw an increase in flight bookings since news of the WestJet pilots’ strike was first reported in the news media and began preparing contingency plans before the strike announcement. The airlines’ flights are increasingly full, with load factors in April 2023 reaching 90.3%. In addition, the airline reported on-time performance of 74.1%, among the highest in Canada.
One-way fares, including taxes and fees, for these special flights begin at $99. There are limited seats and availability for the fares. The flights include additional frequencies between Calgary and Vancouver, as well as an additional flight between Edmonton and Vancouver.
Top Copyright Photo: Flair Airlines Boeing 737-8 MAX 8 C-FLKI (msn 64944) LAX (Michael B. Ing). Image: 960542.
SIA Group (Singapore Airlines) has released this financial statement for its fiscal year 2022/2023:
Strong demand drives record revenue, operating profit and passenger load factor for the Group
Robust near term forward passenger sales across all cabin classes
Cargo revenue remained above pre-Covid levels despite softer demand
Airline industry continues to navigate geopolitical and economic uncertainties,high cost inflation, and increasing global passenger capacity
Commitment to best-in-class products and services, and continued investment instrategic initiatives, position the Group for future opportunities
Proposed final dividend of 28 cents per shareSIA GROUP FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE
At the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020, the Group acted swiftly and decisively to shore up liquidity and build its financial resilience. This strong liquidity position, and the confidence it engendered, enabled the Group to take a long term view and make several strategic decisions ahead of the recovery in global air travel. SIA and Scoot retained most of their talented staff, who were ready to step up when called upon. A large proportion of the Group’s aircraft fleet were kept operational, albeit at low utilisation levels in the early phase of the recovery, ensuring that they were properly maintained and fully functional. The Group built up a strong base network in a deliberate and calibrated manner, ensuring that SIA and Scoot were in position to ramp up ahead of any return in passenger traffic.
As a result, when the demand for air travel surged in FY2022/23 after Singapore fully reopened its borders in April 2022, and as restrictions on international air travel eased globally, SIA and Scoot could ramp up operations at short notice. Working collaboratively with key members of Singapore’s aviation ecosystem, both carriers were among the first to launch flights as borders reopened, and captured the pent-up demand as air travel returned.
Group passenger capacity reached 79% of pre-Covid1 levels in March 2023, higher than the 58%2 level for international scheduled services of Asia-Pacific airlines. SIA and Scoot collectively carried 26.5 million passengers, up six-times from a year before. The passenger load factor (PLF) jumped 55.3 percentage points to 85.4%, the highest in the Group’s history. SIA achieved a record PLF of 85.8%, while Scoot delivered a PLF of 83.9%.
The cargo segment’s performance moderated year-on-year as the demand for air freight declined, and as supply chain disruptions brought about by the Covid-19 pandemic subsided. Macroeconomic headwinds dampened consumer demand, while high inventory levels led to a slowdown in new orders. Cargo yields fell year-on-year as industry bellyhold capacity increased with the progressive restoration of passenger flights. Nevertheless, cargo revenue remained 83% above the pre-Covid level recorded in calendar year 2019.
Group revenue increased by $10,160 million (+133.4%) year-on-year to a record $17,775 million. Passenger flown revenue rose $10,560 million (+376.3%) to $13,366 million as traffic grew 449.9%, outpacing the capacity expansion of 94.0%. Revenue per available seat-kilometre (RASK) was 10.0 cents, the highest yearly RASK in the Group’s history. Cargo flown revenue fell $735 million (-16.9%) to $3,604 million as a result of lower cargo loads (-11.4%) and yields (-6.2%). Notwithstanding, this was the second-highest annual cargo revenue figure in the Group’s history.
Note 1: Pre-Covid refers to January 2020, before the onset of Covid-19 pandemic. Note 2: Based on Association of Asia Pacific Airlines (AAPA) traffic report for March 2023. This report incorporates data from 40 airlines in the Asia-Pacific region, including SIA and Scoot.
Expenditure grew by $6,858 million (+83.4%) year-on-year to $15,083 million. This comprised a $3,020 million increase (+138.0%) in net fuel costs, a $3,761 million increase (+61.5%) in non-fuel expenditure, and a $77 million increase from the year-on-year impact of the fair value changes on fuel derivatives. Net fuel cost rose to $5,209 million, mainly due to the 49.6% increase in fuel prices (+$1,942 million) and higher volumes uplifted (+$1,495 million), and this was partially offset by higher fuel hedging gains (-$530 million). The increase in non-fuel expenditure was well within the 94.0% increase in passenger capacity.
Group operating profit came in at a record $2,692 million, reversing the $610 million loss in FY2021/22. Operating profit for SIA was a record $2,601 million, an increase of $2,713 million from the previous financial year. Scoot achieved a record operating profit of $148 million, up $602 million from FY2021/22.
The Group posted a record net profit of $2,157 million for the year, versus a $962 million net loss in the previous year (+$3,119 million). This was mainly driven by better operating performance (+$3,302 million) and lower net finance charges (+$338 million), and partially offset by a tax expense versus a tax credit last year (-$615 million).
The SIA Group’s record financial performance for FY2022/23 is a testament to its proactive strategic initiatives, pre-emptive preparation that was made when borders remained closed, and the hard work, dedication, and sacrifices of its employees.
Second Half FY2022/23 – Profit and Loss
The Group posted a record second half operating profit of $1,458 million, an improvement of $224 million (+18.2%) from the first half, as the strong demand for air travel continued into the second half of the financial year.
Revenues rose $941 million (+11.2%) compared to the previous six months to $9,358 million, the highest half-year revenue for the SIA Group. Passenger flown revenue increased $1,408 million (+23.5%) on the back of a 24.8% growth in traffic, outpacing the 18.5% expansion in capacity. PLF rose 4.4 percentage points to a record 87.4%. RASK was 10.2 cents, the highest half-year RASK in the Group’s history. Cargo flown revenue fell $594 million (-28.3%) due to a decline in loads (-5.2%) and yields (-24.3%).
Expenditure grew by $719 million (+10.0%) half-on-half to $7,901 million. This comprised a $900 million rise in non-fuel expenditure (+20.1%) that was partly offset by a $182 million decrease (-6.8%) in net fuel cost. Net fuel cost fell to $2,514 million, mainly due to a 17.2% drop in fuel prices (-$595 million). This was partly offset by higher volumes uplifted (+$343 million) and lower fuel hedging gain (+$85 million). The increase in non-fuel expenditure was in line with the increase in passenger and cargo capacity.
The Group posted a second half net profit of $1,230 million, up $303 million (+32.7%) from the first half. This was mainly attributable to the better operating performance (+$224 million), net interest income in the second half versus net finance charges in the first half (+$203 million), and partially offset by a higher tax expense (-$172 million).
Balance Sheet
The Group shareholders’ equity was $19.9 billion as of 31 March 2023, a reduction of $2.5 billion from 31 March 2022 following the redemption in December 2022 of the Mandatory Convertible Bonds that were issued in June 2020 (2020 MCBs). Total debt balances decreased by $0.4 billion to $15.3 billion, mainly due to the repayment of borrowings, partially offset by the increase in lease liabilities as a result of sale-and-leaseback activities. Consequently, the Group’s debt-equity ratio rose from 0.70 times to 0.77 times.
Cash and bank balances saw an increase of $2.5 billion year-on-year to $16.3 billion. Net cash generated from operations, including proceeds from forward sales, contributed $9.1 billion, while the Group paid $3.9 billion for the redemption of the 2020 MCBs. In addition to the cash on hand, the Group continues to retain access to $2.2 billion of committed lines of credit, all of which remain undrawn.
On 10 May 2023, as part of the ongoing recalibration of its Balance Sheet, the Group announced its intention to redeem 50% of the tranche of Mandatory Convertible Bonds that were issued in June 2021 (2021 MCBs), as part of the Rights Issue that was approved by shareholders in April 2020. The accreted principal amount payable, being 108.243% of the principal amount of the 2021 MCBs, will be approximately $3.4 billion. This redemption will be carried out on a pro-rata basis, with the redemption amount to be paid to eligible bondholders on 26 June 2023.
FLEET DEVELOPMENT
SIA took delivery of one Airbus A350-900 in March 2023, and one Boeing 787-10 in April 2023. These aircraft have since joined the operating fleet, alongside one 737-83 aircraft post the retrofit of its cabin.
As of 31 March 2023, the Group had 195 aircraft in its operating fleet comprising 188 passenger aircraft and seven freighters. SIA’s operating fleet comprised 133 passenger aircraft4 and seven freighters, while Scoot had 55 passenger aircraft5. With an average age of six years and nine months, the Group fleet is one of the youngest and most fuel-efficient in the airline industry6. This allows it to pursue operating efficiencies and continue offering world-class products and services to its customers. This also supports the Group’s decarbonisation goals, as operating a young fleet of new generation aircraft is the most effective and direct way for an airline to materially lower carbon emissions in the near term.
Note 3: The 737-8 was delivered in FY2021/22. Note4: SIA’s133-passengeraircraftfleetcomprised23777-300ERs,12A380s,61A350s,15787-10s,seven737-800s,and15737- 8s. Note 5: Scoot’s 55-passenger aircraft fleet comprised 10 787-8s, 10 787-9s, 20 A320ceos, six A320neos, and nine A321neos. Note 6: The industry average fleet age as of May 2023 is around 15 years and eight months according to CAPA data.
Singapore Airlines Boeing 737-8 MAX 8 9V-MBF (msn 44250) DPS (Pascal Simon). Image: 960541.
Above Copyright Photo: Singapore Airlines Boeing 737-8 MAX 8 9V-MBF (msn 44250) DPS (Pascal Simon). Image: 960541.
The Group recently reached an agreement with Boeing to adjust its aircraft order book. This includes swapping three 787-9s for three 787-10s, and cancelling eight 737-8s. These adjustments are in line with the Group’s long-term fleet renewal strategy, and support its projected operational requirements. Following these adjustments, the Group currently has 100 aircraft in its order book7.
NETWORK DEVELOPMENT
In the fourth quarter of FY2022/23, SIA reinstated services to Guangzhou, while Scoot resumed services to Balikpapan and Qingdao. As of 31 March 2023, the Group’s passenger network8 covered 109 destinations in 36 countries and territories. SIA served 74 destinations while Scoot served 58 destinations. The cargo network8 comprised 118 destinations in 38 countries and territories.
For the Northern Summer operating season (26 March 2023 to 28 October 2023), the Group will expand its services to China with the resumption of Scoot’s flights to Haikou, Ningbo, and Xi’an (April 2023), Nanning and Shenyang (May 2023), Jinan (July 2023), and Nanchang (August 2023). Scoot has increased flight frequencies to Athens, Fuzhou, Guangzhou, Hangzhou, Langkawi, Makassar, Manado, Penang, Perth, Taipei- Hokkaido (Sapporo), Tianjin, and Zhengzhou. SIA will mount supplementary flights to Barcelona, Frankfurt, and Rome to meet the higher demand during the 2023 summer peak, and resume services to Busan in August 2023. To align capacity with demand projections, SIA will suspend services to Vancouver in October 2023 and Scoot will suspend operations to Gold Coast in July 2023.
The SIA Group’s capacity is projected to reach an average of around 83% of pre-Covid1 levels in the first half of FY2023/24.
FINAL DIVIDEND
The Board of Directors recommends a final dividend of 28 cents per share for FY2022/23.
Including the interim dividend of 10 cents per share paid on 22 December 2022, the total dividend for FY2022/23 will be 38 cents per share. Subject to shareholder approval at the Annual General Meeting on 27 July 2023, the final dividend (tax exempt, one-tier) will be paid on 18 August 2023 for shareholders as at 2 August 2023.
OUTLOOK
The demand for air travel remains robust in the first quarter of FY2023/24, underpinned by the recovery in air travel in East Asia. Forward sales remain healthy across all cabin classes, led by a strong pick up in bookings to China, Japan, and South Korea. The Group will monitor the demand for air travel, and adjust its capacity accordingly.
Note 7: As of May 16, 2023, SIA’s order book comprised three A350s, 15 787-10s, 31 777-9s, 13 737-8s, and seven A350Fs. Scoot’s order book comprised three 787-8s, one 787-9, 12 A320neos, six A321neos, and nine E190-E2s.
Note 8: Number of destinations, and countries and territories include Singapore.
Near term cargo demand is expected to remain soft as the industry navigates headwinds from the macroeconomic environment, and as inventory levels recalibrate to post-Covid conditions. Inflation and weak economic conditions will impact consumer demand and trade. Increased bellyhold capacity amid softer demand continues to exert downward pressure on cargo yields, particularly on key trade lanes.
Geopolitical and macroeconomic uncertainties, as well as high cost inflation, could pose challenges for the airline industry in the months ahead. Even though fuel prices have moderated in recent months, they remain at elevated levels. As competition is expected to increase with more capacity being injected on international routes, the Group will monitor developments closely, and be agile and nimble in its response.
The two chapters of the SIA Group’s Transformation programme, the first running from FY2017/18 to FY2019/20 and the second from FY2020/21 to FY2022/23, have strengthened its foundations to help the Group navigate future challenges.
Despite the pandemic, the Group remained committed to its longstanding strategy of buying and operating new generation aircraft. This enables it to drive further operating efficiencies and support ongoing efforts to materially lower carbon emissions. The Group also continued investing in industry-leading products and services to strengthen its premium branding. This included the retrofit of its Airbus A380 and Boeing 737-8 aircraft, the revamp of its flagship lounges at Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 3, and an order for the all-new Airbus A350F freighters.
To prepare for the future, several strategic initiatives were undertaken, including the continued expansion of its network through deeper collaboration with like- minded airlines, the proposed merger of Air India and Vistara to bolster SIA’s presence in the fast-growing Indian aviation market, as well as Scoot’s decision to lease nine Embraer E190-E2 aircraft and expand its footprint to secondary points in the region.
The Group’s robust financial position, commitment to offering best-in-class products and services, agility and resilience, as well as its dedicated and talented staff members, will continue to strengthen its leadership position in the airline industry.
The SIA Group is grateful to all customers, shareholders, partners, staff, and stakeholders for their continued support, which it does not take for granted.
Tailwind Air is declaring itself the ‘The World’s Most Dog Friendly Airline’. Why? Simple, unlike most airlines, your furry friends are welcome on board any day on Tailwind Air’s scheduled and charter flights.
Meet Mr. Benny, proud flyer (Photo Credit: Tailwind Air).
Tailwind Air is a veteran-owned business motivated by a passion for aviation and urban mobility. Founded in 2012, Tailwind Air is experienced in amphibious seaplane operations and committed to delivering time savings to customers by utilizing access to waterways and smaller airports closer to urban cores, like Manhattan and Boston Harbor. Additional destinations include Nantucket, Provincetown, Shelter Island, Newport and Plymouth. Tailwind employs a diverse and experienced team of over forty employees. In addition to seaplanes, Tailwind Air operates, charters, and manages a fleet of over fifteen additional jet and turboprop aircraft based out of Westchester Airport, NY and Bridgeport, CT. Tailwind Air is an FAA- and DOT-licensed part 135 commuter carrier.
With positive results and a 21% growth compared to the previous year, LATAM Cargo closes the Mother’s Day season, the period between April 17th and May 7th, transporting around 20,000 tons of flowers from Ecuador and Colombia, to celebrate all mothers on their day.
Mother’s Day is one of the most important dates for the air cargo industry together with Valentine’s Day due to the high demand for flowers, which is why the cargo subsidiary prepared to offer its clients more than 115 weekly frequencies, increasing by 120% compared to the regular operation to North America, allowing it to supply the necessary capacity to provide North America and Europe with flowers such as roses, carnations and chrysanthemums, on this holiday.
LATAM Cargo also increased by 23% the flight frequencies offered to its customers for this date, compared to the same season in 2022. This expansion in its air operations in part allowed for increased flower delivery, providing customers with greater capacity.
Colombia and Ecuador continue to be the main flower exporting countries, which allow millions of mothers to enjoy the freshness of this product on their day every year. In the case of Colombia, more than 12,000 tons of flowers were transported from Bogotá and Medellín, a figure that reflects a 14% increase over the previous year’s season. On the other hand, in the case of Ecuador, the number of flights increased by 32% compared to the same holiday in 2022, which allowed the transportation of more than 7,800 tons of flowers to destinations such as Miami, Los Angeles and Amsterdam.
JAL has decided to introduce three Boeing 767-300ER freighters (dedicated cargo aircraft). This will be the first time in 13 years that JAL will operate its own freighter, and operations will begin sequentially from the end of fiscal year 2023.
JAL has been securing revenues reliably and efficiently in the air cargo business, where demand fluctuates widely, through flexible business operations by using cargo space on passenger flights and chartering other companies’ freighters in response to demand. However, with plans for further growth in the cargo and mail business, the company decided to operate its own freighters.
With the introduction of the Freighter, a new business model will be established to ensure stable and growing demand. In addition, we will strengthen our air transportation capabilities to meet the logistics needs arising from the “2024 issue*” and contribute to solving social issues based on logistics.
* Shortage of truck drivers in Japan due to revision of labor regulation.
Characteristic #1: Capturing stable demand through a new business model
To capture domestic and international e-commerce, parcel delivery, and other high growth cargo, we will build alliances with logistics partners and operate routes that ensure stable demand. In addition, we will ensure that domestic air transportation plays a growing role in response to the “2024 issue” and limit business risks caused by fluctuations in demand and market conditions.
Characteristic #2: Improve aircraft utilization ratio and ensure profitability through hybrid operation of international and domestic routes
From fiscal 2023, we will begin operating international flights mainly to East Asia, and in the future operate domestic flights to improve aircraft utilization while maximizing the cargo loading ratio. Furthermore, we will respond to customers’ needs by flexibly offering charter and non-scheduled flights.
JAL will continue to contribute to the sustainable development of society through further growth of the cargo and mail business.
The group will reinforce connectivity from the hub in Peru with flights to Iguazú (Brazil) and Salta (Argentina).
LATAM Cargo received an important award for Innovation in Air Cargo for its plastic reduction projects in its operations.
In April 2023, passenger traffic (measured in revenue passenger-kilometers – RPK) increased by 26.2% compared to the same period in 2022, and operations measured in ASK (available seat-kilometers) grew by 29.6%
LATAM Group reported updates on its operations for the coming weeks, highlighting the 143 destinations to be operated in the month, which, compared to May 2022, results in an increase of 7%. Other relevant news of the month are the announcements on the following routes:
Lima – Iguazú, operated by LATAM Airlines Peru, with three flights a week from November 1.
Lima – Salta, operated by LATAM Airlines Peru, with three flights a week from December 2.
Fortaleza – Miami, operated by LATAM Airlines Brazil, will have two weekly flights starting July 28.
Santiago (Chile) – Los Ángeles, operated by LATAM Airlines Group, will have five weekly flights starting October 2.
At the same time, LATAM Cargo was distinguished by the International Air Transport Association (IATA) with the Air Cargo Innovation Award in the corporate category for its plastic reduction projects in its cargo operations in Chile and Brazil. These initiatives were designed by employees and are part of the group’s commitment to having zero waste to landfills by 2027.
Operational statistics for April 2023
In April 2023, passenger traffic (measured in revenue passenger-kilometers – RPK) increased by 26.2% compared to the same period in 2022, and operations measured in ASK (available seat-kilometers) increased by 29.6 %. This implied that the load factor decreased 2.1 percentage points, reaching 79.1%.
In cargo, the load factor was 53.5%, which corresponds to a decrease of 5.8 percentage points compared to April 2022.
The following table summarizes the operational statistics for the month and the accumulated to date for the main business units in LATAM:
Air Canada and flydubai today announced a new partnership to give customers flying between Canada, the Middle East, East Africa, Indian Subcontinent and Southern Asia more convenient travel options.
Pending final regulatory approval, Air Canada’s marketing code will be placed on nine routes operated from Dubai by flydubai, giving customers the ability to travel to these markets with the issuance of a single ticket. The routes include the Middle Eastern cities of Medina, Dammam, Bahrain, Jeddah, and Muscat, as well as flights to Colombo, and Karachi on the Indian Subcontinent.
Additionally, through an interline arrangement, customers will be able to seamlessly connect in Dubai to more than 60 destinations that flydubai flies to in the Middle East, East Africa and Southern Asia – including Kathmandu, Djibouti and the Maldives. Of these destinations, more than 30 are unique to flydubai and not flown by other partners of Air Canada.
The airlines also plan on further improving the connection process in Dubai, and are working toward introducing expanded features and benefits for one another’s loyalty programme members to be announced later this year.
Summer is right around the corner and American and its more than 130,000 team members are ready to care for customers over the busy travel season. Following industry-leading reliability over the winter holidays, American has carried that operational momentum into 2023 — currently leading the industry in on-time departures. The airline is doubling down on operational reliability and has invested in new technology to get customers on their way faster. Between May 25 and August 14, American expects more than 52 million customers.
May 25 to August 14, 2023
American is sized for the resources it has and the operating conditions it expects to face. Over the last two years, the airline has continued to grow its team — a team geared up for the busy travel season.
American Airlines and Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) have signed a new 10-year Use and Lease Agreement, which includes $4.8 billion in pre-approved capital investments, including the construction of Terminal F, the renovation of Terminal C, construction of gate expansions at Terminal A and Terminal C, and other significant modernization projects.
Fort Worth Mayor Mattie Parker, Dallas Mayor Eric L. Johnson, American Airlines CEO Robert Isom and DFW Airport CEO Sean Donohue gathered at DFW today for a special event to announce the Use and Lease Agreement, marking a new era of growth and innovation for the world’s second-busiest airport.
DFW CEO Sean Donohue, Dallas Mayor Eric L. Johnson, Fort Worth Mayor Mattie Parker and American Airlines CEO Robert Isom pictured (L-R) at the special event at DFW.
American Airlines team members, local officials and airport employees gathered at DFW for the special event.
“American is proud to call North Texas home, and DFW is our largest hub and a central gateway to our extensive international and domestic network,” said American’s CEO Robert Isom. “American has led the growth that has propelled DFW to become the second busiest airport in the world and we are thrilled to finalize a new lease agreement and capital plan that sets the stage for American, DFW and the North Texas region to continue to grow for years to come. We value our longstanding relationship with DFW and are grateful to Mayor Parker, Mayor Johnson, the DFW Airport Board and Sean for their continued partnership.”
“We are very proud that Fort Worth-based American Airlines has signed this important agreement to cement DFW’s status as American’s main hub and help us continue to meet the incredible demand we are experiencing in North Texas,” said Mayor Parker. “Our region will become the nation’s third largest metro region within the next 10 years, and it’s no surprise that we have the second busiest airport in the world. Today’s agreement ensures DFW Airport is ready for the future and to continue serving as Fort Worth’s gateway to the world.”
“As a growing, international city, Dallas takes great pride in its partnerships with Dallas Fort Worth International Airport and American Airlines,” said Mayor Johnson. “DFW Airport connects our community to the world and fuels economic growth throughout our region and state. We all recognize that North Texas is the place to be. Signing the new Use and Lease Agreement is one step to ensure our region remains well-positioned to thrive in the future.”
“The Use and Lease Agreement not only creates a predictable and equitable business model for DFW Airport, but it also underscores the commitment of the airport and our airline partners to provide passengers with the best possible travel experience,” said DFW Airport CEO Sean Donohue. “Our partnership with American Airlines, our largest airline, is stronger than ever. With the support of Robert Isom and the American team, we are making investments that set the stage for the airport of the future — one that prioritizes innovation, customer experience and sustainability.”
The Use and Lease Agreement
The Use and Lease Agreement is the main governing document between the airlines and the Airport and establishes the Airport’s business model. The agreement outlines major capital projects over the next 10 years. The most significant projects include:
An estimated $2.72 billion for the expansion of the Central Terminal Area, including a major reimagining of Terminal C, gate expansions extending from Terminal A and Terminal C, and significant upgrades to roadways and terminal access.
An estimated $1.63 billion for the construction of a new Terminal F, featuring a 15-gate concourse.
Conceptual rendering of Terminal C gate expansion.
Conceptual rendering of Terminal F.
Snapshot of American Airlines at DFW.
The terminal expansions will deliver 24 additional gates to prepare American and DFW for long-term growth. At the completion of construction, American will add new gates in the Terminal A and Terminal C piers to its operating portfolio. The projects will also allow American to expand operations in existing terminals to maximize its operational capability and enhance the experience for connecting customers. The new agreement will allow American and DFW to work together on additional capital projects throughout the term of the lease.
The new Use and Lease Agreement replaces the 2010 agreement and maintains many of the same business arrangements as the prior version, which will provide certainty and cost predictability to support the continued growth of American and DFW.
American’s operation at DFW and investment in North Texas
Approximately 85% of the passenger traffic at DFW is customers of American Airlines, with about two-thirds of American’s customers connecting through DFW to access the airline’s global network. American’s creation of a “connection factory” at its largest hub has provided significant benefits to the North Texas community, providing access to more than 240 nonstop destinations out of DFW operated by American. DFW is also home to several of American’s alliance partners, creating a seamless travel experience for customers connecting between partner airlines at DFW.
The new Use and Lease Agreement also reinforces American’s commitment to North Texas, which is home to nearly 35,000 of the airline’s team members at the airport and on American’s 300-acre Robert L. Crandall Campus in Fort Worth. The campus is home to American’s headquarters and is designed to support its global operations and team members. American recently opened its 600-room Skyview 6 Hospitality Complex, the newest facility on campus that hosts team members visiting for training.
American is not only a massive economic engine to the Dallas-Fort Worth region, but throughout the state of Texas. American’s total economic impact to Texas is more than $42.7 billion annually, and the airline employs more than 36,000 team members across the state. Additionally, American’s operation in Texas contributes to a total employment impact of more than 365,000 jobs in the state.
The WestJet Group has issued a lockout notice to the Air Line Pilots Association (ALPA), the union that represents WestJet and Swoop pilots, in response to their strike notification. A work stoppage could occur as early as Friday, May 19, 2023, at 3 a.m. MT.
Issuing notice does not mean a work stoppage will occur. However, in the coming days, the WestJet Group will take all necessary actions to manage the impacts as much as possible, including:
Beginning preparations to operate a reduced schedule – unfortunately, this will be a significant reduction from WestJet and Swoop’s current networks.
Proactively managing changes and cancellations, to ensure the ability to communicate with guests in advance of changes.
Providing flexible change and cancel options for those who wish to make alternate arrangements.
Throughout negotiations, the WestJet Group has brought forward a generous contract that if agreed to will make its first officers and captains the highest paid narrow-body pilots in Canada, with a significant advantage over the next best paying Canadian airline. Furthermore, the proposed contract makes generous advancements to address the concerns of WestJet and Swoop pilots surrounding job security and scope. Despite efforts to be reasonable and provide significant improvements to the current contract, the union maintains its expectation of closing in towards U.S.–like wages, despite living and working in Canada. This expectation is not reasonable and is impeding the WestJet Group’s ability to reach an agreement in advance of the upcoming long weekend.
airBaltic will be extending its summer season direct flight offerings from Riga to Catania (Italy), Malta, Porto (Italy), and Valencia (Spain) into the upcoming winter season, starting from the end of October 2023. Altogether, the airline is also launching 11 new routes from the Baltics and Tampere (Finland) for the winter season, bringing its network to around 80 routes connecting Riga and other cities in the region. This is the largest number of new routes in a winter season ever seen at airBaltic.
Valencia Spain Virgin Square Architecture with Sunrise; Shutterstock ID 558187123; purchase_order: Justine Ruda; job: BT New destinations for Web page; client: Licenced on 30.04.2021.
Flights to Catania will continue in November 2023 and resume again in March 2023, while flights to Malta, Porto, and Valencia will operate twice a week from November 2023. airBaltic takes passenger demand and preferences into consideration when selecting destinations, and these four locations have proven to be very popular as sunny leisure destinations.
Top Copyright Photo: airBaltic Airbus A220-300 (Bombardier CS300 – BD-500-1A11) YL-AAR (msn 55053) MUC (Gunter Mayer). Image: 960488.
Finnair is introducing a new Superlight ticket for journeys within Europe and making changes to its baggage allowances as of June 1, 2023. Excess amounts of carry-on baggage cause delays in boarding and impact both punctuality of flights and travel comfort. The changes are designed to address the issue of excess carry-on baggage on board, which is also a frequent feedback item from customers.
As of June 1, the Superlight ticket type will replace Economy Light tickets on Finnair journeys within Europe. It includes a small bag, which goes under the seat, but no other carry-baggage. Any purchases made at the airport are counted in the allowance, so they must also fit into the underseat bag. Finnair Plus tier members travelling with a Superlight ticket will have one carry-on bag in addition to the underseat bag as a tier benefit.
“Punctuality is very important for our customers, and the target of the changes we are now making is to ensure smooth boarding, on-time departures, and comfortable travel for everyone. Excess carry-on baggage on board is a known issue, impacting both punctuality as well as travel comfort,” says Ole Orvér, Chief Commercial Officer, Finnair. “We are also enhancing monitoring of carry-on baggage at airports, and excess carry-on baggage will be moved to the cargo hold at cost.”
Light tickets, which include a regular carry-on bag as well as a small underseat bag, will continue to be available for long-haul journeys and for Business Class on European flights. The Classic ticket type continues to be the right choice for customers who travel with both checked and carry-on baggage.
As of June 1, Finnair will also decrease the baggage allowance for Business Class. In addition, all special baggage allowances, such as golf bags and ski equipment, will be excluded from the new ticket classifications and will only be available for an additional charge.
The changes that come into force as of 1 June support Finnair’s strategy implementation through more effective operations, punctual departures at airports, and by developing the offering of travel extras.
In other news, Finnair is set to relaunch flights to Stockholm-Bromma from October 29, 2023, as it improves Nordic connectivity.
Flights to the Swedish airport will operate twice per day from Monday to Friday, with an additional Sunday evening service for customers looking to enjoy a weekend getaway.
The carrier will be one of only five airlines to operate into Stockholm-Bromma, and the only airline to serve both Bromma and Arlanda, as it continues to offer customers access to most sought-after airports across the Nordic region.
Services will depart Helsinki each weekday at 7:10am and 7:45pm, arriving into Stockholm-Bromma at 7:25am and 8:00pm respectively.
On the return, flights will leave Stockholm-Bromma at 7:50am and 8:25pm each weekday, arriving into Finnair’s home at 10:05am and 10:40pm respectively.
On Sunday, services will depart Helsinki at 7:45pm, arriving into Stockholm-Bromma at 8:00pm, before returning for Finland at 8:25pm and landing in Helsinki at 10:40pm local time.
Top Copyright Photo: Finnair Airbus A320-214 OH-LXM (msn 2154) MUC (Gunter Mayer). Image: 960528.
Jet2holidays (Jet2) Boeing 737-85P WL G-DRTA (msn 33972) (Package holidays you can trust) SZG (Gunter Mayer). Image: 960373.
Jet2 will operate 54 weekly flights to 20 destinations from Liverpool, including destinations in Spain, Greece and Turkey, with flights starting in March 2024.
The new routes includes seven routes exclusive to Jet2holidays: Bourgas (Bulgaria), Gran Canaria, Madeira, Menorca, Paphos (Cyprus), Rhodes and Zante.
Top Copyright Photo: Jet2holidays (Jet2) Boeing 737-85P WL G-DRTA (msn 33972) (Package holidays you can trust) SZG (Gunter Mayer). Image: 960373.
Hawaiian Airlines, Hawaiʻi’s hometown carrier since 1929, today introduced an elevated standard of leisure travel, inspired by early Polynesian voyages, with the unveiling of its Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner interior and new class of premium service – the Leihōkū Suites.
Guests onboard Hawaiian’s 787 – entering service beginning early next year on select routes – will be immersed in cabin design elements that evoke Hawaiʻi’s rich natural world through bold textures, island-inspired sunrise and sunset lighting and sinuous ocean and wind patterns.
Hawaiian’s 300-seat 787 features its newest premium product, Leihōkū (garland of stars): 34 suites that envelop guests in a tranquil, elegant space with fully lie-flat seating, an 18-inch in-flight entertainment screen, personal outlets, wireless charging and direct aisle access. Set in a 1-2-1 configuration with doors, the suites can offer privacy or a shared experience, with combined double seats allowing couples to fall asleep while gazing at a starlit ceiling.
In developing its Leihōkū Suite, Hawaiian became the first airline to partner with Adient Aerospace – a joint venture between the Boeing Company and Adient, a world leader in automotive seats.
In Hawaiianʻs 787 Dreamliner Main Cabin, consisting of 266 Collins Aerospace Aspire seats with ergonomically contoured back and arm rests, guests will enjoy a lightweight, modern design that maximizes seat space, offers more shoulder and hip room, and features a 12-inch seatback monitor with USB-A and USB-C charging ports.
In Hawaiianʻs 787 Dreamliner Main Cabin, consisting of 266 Collins Aerospace Aspire seats with ergonomically contoured back and arm rests, guests will enjoy a lightweight, modern design that maximizes seat space, offers more shoulder and hip room, and features a 12-inch seatback monitor with USB-A and USB-C charging ports.
With three new destinations: Béjaïa, Sétif and Tlemcen, which complement the two destinations already served by the company (Algiers and Oran), ASL Airlines France will provide five lines this summer from Lille airport.
The new routes:
Lille – Béjaïa: 2 weekly flights from June 26 (Monday, Wednesday in July and August – Monday, Thursday the rest of the season) Lille – Tlemcen: 1 flight per week from June 28 (Wednesday) Lille – Sétif: 1 flight per week from June 30 (Friday) The flights will be operated by Boeing 737-300, – 700 and – 800 (respectively 147 and 186 seats).
From March 26 to October 28, 2023, ASL Airlines France will serve scheduled flights
TO ALGERIA Lille – Béjaïa: 2 weekly flights from June 26 (Monday, Wednesday in July and August – Monday, Thursday the rest of the season) Lille – Tlemcen: 1 flight per week from June 28 (Wednesday) Lille – Sétif: 1 flight per week from June 30 (Friday) Lille – Algiers: 3 flights per week (Tuesday, Thursday, Sunday) Lille – Oran: 2 flights per week (Tuesday, Thursday) Paris CDG – Algiers: 15 flights per week Paris CDG – Béjaïa: 3 flights per week (Monday, Wednesday, Saturday in July and August – Monday, Thursday, Saturday the rest of the season) Paris CDG – Annaba: 1 flight per week (Sunday) Mulhouse – Constantine: 1 flight per week (Friday) Mulhouse – Algiers: 1 flight per week (Friday) Lyon – Algiers: 6 flights per week Perpignan – Oran: 2 weekly flights from June 27 (Tuesday, Thursday)
TO MOROCCO Paris CDG – Oujda: 1 flight per week in July and August (Thursday) Strasbourg – Oujda: 1 flight per week in July and August (Thursday)
airBaltic has announced that it will be expanding its direct flight offerings to Tenerife (Spain) beyond its home base in Riga to include the airline’s bases in Vilnius (Lithuania), Tallinn (Estonia), and Tampere (Finland). The twice-weekly flights will begin at the end of October 2023 as part of airBaltic’s 11 new routes from the Baltics and Tampere for the upcoming winter season.
Tenerife is a Spanish island located in the Atlantic Ocean, part of the Canary Islands archipelago. It is known for its warm climate, beautiful beaches, and stunning natural landscapes, including the Mount Teide National Park. Tenerife is a popular tourist destination, offering a wide range of activities such as water sports, hiking, and nightlife. It is also home to many resorts and hotels, making it a great place for both relaxation and adventure.
Destination served
Flight frequency
Start date
Price *,GREEN
Tallinn – Tenerife (Spain)
2 flights weekly
October 30, 2023
225 €
Vilnius – Tenerife (Spain)
2 flights weekly
October 31, 2023
215 €
Tampere – Tenerife (Spain)
2 flights weekly
November 1, 2023
235 €
*Lowest fare (one-way), including taxes, fees and service charges, on www.airBaltic.com, subject to availability
As it has already been announced, airBaltic has published its flight schedule for the upcoming winter season. The airline is launching 11 new routes from the Baltics and Tampere (Finland), and will offer around 80 routes across its network to connect Riga and other cities in the region.
Top Copyright Photo: airBaltic Airbus A220-300 (Bombardier CS300 – BD-500-1A11) YL-AAV (msn 55071) ARN (Stefan Sjogren). Image: 960522.
