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Correos (Spain’s Postal Service) drops its relationship with Iberojet

Correos (Spain’s Postal Service) has broken its alliance with the airline Iberojet owned by Ávoris group, one year after launching the Correos Cargo project, dedicated to the transport of merchandise and parcels. Announced in January 2022, the company intended to launch a new transport service “created to strengthen the Asia – Europe – Latin America Axis”, starting with the route between Madrid and Hong Kong. Specifically, the communicated plan included that Iberojet (formerly Evelop) was going to allocate two of its Airbus A330-200 to this activity, with an investment by Correos that did not come to light as the company framed it “in a commercial agreement”, and not having launched a public tender.

However, the project has not gone as planned. Correos sent a burofax to Iberojet last December announcing that they closed the operation, once the year of their “pilot project” was over. “The contract did not benefit Correos at all, because all the obligations are acquired by the public company,” summarize sources consulted. In other words, Correos was responsible for all operating expenses, including the transformation of the aircraft so that it could be dedicated to transporting cargo and not passengers. The expected benefits have turned, for the moment, into “onerous losses”, they explain.

The “Milana Bonita” aircraft, as Correos called the imposing yellow plane, did not begin its commercial flights until May 2022, despite the fact that the agreement had been announced five months earlier. In fact, as this newspaper reported, the president of Correos came to admit to those in charge of offices throughout the country that the company showed the plane “out of necessity” and at the request of Iberojet, despite the fact that “it was not the time to present it”. In March 2021, SEPI (the State Industrial Holding Company) rescued Ávoris Corporación Empresarial with 320 million euros, through a participatory loan of 163.2 million euros and an ordinary loan of 156.8 million euros, repayable within a maximum period of six years. . Last December, Ávoris returned the 320 million in advance.

Copyright Photo: Javier Rodriguez. Airbus A330-300 EC-LXA is now parked at Palma de Mallorca airport devoid of any Correos decals.

Javier Rodriguez reporting from Spain.

Emirates SkyCargo to double its capacity in next decade

Emirates SkyCargo has added 2 Boeing 747-400Fs to its freighter fleet, showing its strong confidence in the global cargo market in a current environment of volatility.

The cargo division of Emirates, the world’s largest international airline, is expecting 15 more freighters to join its fleet from announced orders and its freighter conversion program, plus a boost in belly-hold capacity from new passenger aircraft deliveries starting with Airbus A350s in late summer 2024, followed by 777-Xs the year after.

Over the next decade, Emirates SkyCargo expects to double its existing capacity, add over 20 new destinations to its freighter network, and offer even more flexibility and services to its customers with a fleet mix of over 300 wide-body aircraft comprising: 777s, 777-Fs, 747-Fs, A350s, and A380s.

Secured on a long-term wet-lease basis, the 2 Boeing 747Fs complement Emirates SkyCargo’s existing fleet of 11 Boeing 777 freighters, and are currently being deployed to Chicago three times weekly, and to Hong Kong nine times weekly. 

Last week, Emirates SkyCargo launched a brand-new creative advertising campaign, showcasing how ‘The World Works Better with Emirates SkyCargo’. Through every-day scenarios, the advert demonstrates how essential its logistics business is to connect people and products all around the world, whether that is through life-saving healthcare, fresh fruit, flowers, pets, or valuables. 

airBaltic reports its best first quarter in its history

airBaltic has started the year 2023 with positive key business indicators. airBaltic has achieved EUR 105.1 million revenue, which is by 75% more than in 2022, as well as the highest ever recorded revenue in the first quarter of a year in the airline’s history. Notably, the number of carried passengers soared by 77%, compared to the first quarter of 2022. The load factor reached 71.0%, marking an increase of 8.5 percentage points compared to 2019. Moreover, the positive dynamics trajectory of the airline’s business indicators has resulted to a significant reduction of the net result, reducing three-fold to EUR -11.4 million, compared to 2022, which is even better than the pre-pandemic Q1 2019.

Martin Gauss, President and CEO of airBaltic: “The first quarter of 2023 has surpassed our expectations, driving airBaltic towards strong commercial performance and sustained profitability. Our clear target and ambition are to achieve EUR 700 million in revenue and witness a substantial increase in carried passengers, reaching 4.4 million by the end of 2023.”

“Looking ahead to 2023, we continue the successful path towards IPO in 2024. Our core objectives remain unchanged – to ensure the best connectivity between the Baltics – one of the key European business centres of the future – and the world, as well as enhance the passenger experience and deliver a fundamental contribution to the economy,” Gauss added.

During the first three months of 2023, airBaltic has carried 770 thousand passengers or, as mentioned already before, by 77% more than during the same period last year. The total number of performed flights has increased by 47% – to 11.4 thousand. That includes also 100 flights of short-term wet leased-in aircraft.

PositionJan-Mar 2023Jan-Mar 2022ChangeJan-Mar 2019Change
RevenueEUR 105.1 millionEUR 60.1 million75%EUR 75.6 million39%
Net result (loss)(EUR 11.4 million)(EUR 37.4 million)EUR 26 million(EUR 30.9 million)EUR 19.5 million
Passengers770 thousand435 thousand 77%818 thousand  (6%)
Total Flights11.4 thousand7.7 thousand47% 12.8 thousand(11%)
Load factor 71.0%53.4% 17.5pp 62.5%8.5pp 

Emirates reports its largest annual profit of $3 billion

Group reports annual profit of AED 10.9 billion (US$3.0 billion), a new profit and revenue record and a significant turnaround from last year

  • Group revenue of AED 119.8 billion (US$32.6 billion) increased by 81% with strong customer demand worldwide with almost all travel restrictions removed.
  • Ends year with highest-ever cash balance of AED 42.5 billion (US$11.6 billion).
  • The Group has declared a dividend of AED 4.5 billion (US$1.2 billion) to its owner ICD, Investment Corporation of Dubai. 
  • Repays AED 3.0 billion (US$817 million) of debt raised during COVID-19 crisis, partly ahead of maturity.
  • Chairman credits the Group’s record performance and ongoing success to HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum’s leadership and Dubai’s progressive policies.

Emirates reports its most profitable year ever with a profit of AED 10.6 billion (US$ 2.9 billion) compared with AED 3.9 billion (US$ 1.1 billion) loss in the previous year

  • Revenue up 81% to AED 107.4 billion (US$ 29.3 billion), as airline restored its global network and reinstated more passenger flights.
  • Airline capacity increased by 32% to 48.2 billion ATKMs, with two new 777 freighter aircraft added to its fleet.

dnata reports a profit of AED 331 million (US$ 90 million), a solid growth from its AED 110 million (US$ 30 million) profit last year

  • Revenue increased by 74% to AED 14.9 billion (US$4.1 billion), reflecting the ongoing pandemic recovery across all business divisions in the UAE and worldwide. 
  • Expands global footprint with launch of operations in Zanzibar, Tanzania; new cargo operations in Germany and Canada, and acquiring full ownership of ground handling operations in Brazil.

The Emirates Group today released its 2022-23 Annual Report, reporting its most profitable year ever on the back of strong demand across its businesses.

Emirates achieved new record profits, a complete turnaround from its loss position last year.

Both Emirates and dnata saw significant revenue increases in 2022-23 as the Group expanded its air transport and travel-related operations following the removal of nearly all pandemic-related restrictions around the world.

For the financial year ended 31 March 2023, the Emirates Group posted a record profit of AED 10.9 billion (US$ 3.0 billion) compared with an AED 3.8 billion (US$1.0 billion) loss for last year. The Group’s revenue was AED 119.8 billion (US$32.6 billion), an increase of 81% over last year’s results. The Group’s cash balance was AED 42.5 billion (US$ 11.6 billion), the highest ever reported, up 65% from last year mainly due to strong demand across its core business divisions and markets.  

HH Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman and Chief Executive, Emirates airline and Group, said: “We’re proud of our 2022-23 performance which is not only a full recovery, but also a record result. This achievement would not have been possible without HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, UAE Vice President and Prime Minister, and Ruler of Dubai, whose leadership has been critical to our success today and through the years. The architect of Dubai’s progressive economic policies, HH Sheikh Mohammed is also the engine behind the Emirates Group’s trajectory. Without his drive and support, Emirates will be half the size of what we are today.”

He added: I’m proud of the Emirates Group’s performance for 2022-23, and our contribution to the restoration of air transport and tourism across the markets we serve, including Dubai’s astounding 97% year-on-year growth in international visitors for 2022. The Group is the biggest player in the UAE’s aviation sector, which supports over 770,000 jobs and generates an estimated contribution to GDP of over US$ 47 billion (AED 172.5 billion). With our growth plans, and in line with the Dubai Economic Agenda D33, we expect to significantly increase our contribution to the UAE’s GDP over the next decade through direct and indirect employment, supply chain spending, tourism spend, and trade and commerce benefits from the movement of cargo.”

Commenting on the Group’s 2022-23 turnaround performance, Sheikh Ahmed said: “We had anticipated the strong return of travel, and as the last travel restrictions lifted and triggered a tide of demand, we were ready to expand our operations quickly and safely to serve our customers. Our ongoing investments in our brand, and in our products and services, helped drive customer preference and position us favourably in the market. As a result, we have delivered a record financial performance and cash balance for our financial year 2022-23.  This reflects the strength of our proven business model, our careful forward planning, the hard work of all our employees, and our solid partnerships across the aviation and travel ecosystem.”

To support expanded operations and to bolster the Group’s future capabilities, Emirates and dnata ramped up recruitment activity across the globe during the year. As a result, the Group’s total workforce increased by 20% to 102,379 employees, representing over 160 different nationalities.

In 2022-23, the Group collectively invested AED 7.2 billion (US$ 2.0 billion) in new aircraft, facilities, equipment, companies, and the latest technologies to position the business for future growth. Our commitments include: a massive multi-billion dollar aircraft cabin retrofit programme; an order for 5 new 777 freighters; the building of a new pilot training centre; the opening of Bustanica, the world’s largest vertical farm in Dubai under a partnership with CropOne; new training aircraft for its cadets at Emirates Flight Training Academy; dnata’s acquisition of 30% shares to gain full ownership of its ground handling operations in Brazil; and the building of a new advanced cargo facility in Erbil, Iraq.

The Emirates Group also continued to progress on its sustainability journey during the year. Notably, it signed up to the United Nations Global Compact, a voluntary initiative where Emirates and dnata will work towards making the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and Principles part of their strategy, culture, and operations. The Group also signed the UAE Gender Balance Council’s pledge to increase female representation at mid-senior management positions to 30% across the country by 2025.

Amongst its numerous environmental initiatives, a key highlight for Emirates was the successful conduct of a demonstration flight with 100% sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) in one engine of a Boeing 777. This first-in-region initiative contributes to collective industry data and efforts to enable a future of 100% SAF flying. dnata in 2022-23 pledged to invest US$ 100 million (AED 367 million) over 2 years, to improve environmental efficiency across its global business, supporting its goal to reduce its carbon footprint by 50% by 2030.

During the year, the Group supported various community and humanitarian initiatives across its markets including relief efforts for the floods in Pakistan and the earthquake in Turkey and Syria. It also continued to participate in innovation incubators, and support programmes that build a pipeline of skilled aviation talent and develop future solutions for the industry.

Sheikh Ahmed said: “In 2022-23, we’ve not only brought back most of our operations but also grew our footprint and capabilities by investing in people, product, and new technologies – demonstrating our agility and ability. We continue to lay strong foundations for future success and join hands with partners to grow our business and to collaborate on innovative solutions for travel and aviation. As our business expands, so does our ability to make a positive impact on the communities we serve. We are steadfast in our commitment to deliver value to our customers and stakeholders while minimising our environmental impact.

“We go into 2023-24 with a strong positive outlook and expect the Group to remain profitable. We will work hard to hit our targets while keeping a close watch on inflation, high fuel prices, and political and economic uncertainty.”

Emirates performance

Emirates’ total passenger and cargo capacity increased by 32% to 48.2 billion ATKMs in 2022-23, as the airline continued to reinstate passenger services across its network in line with the lifting of pandemic-related flight and travel restrictions. 

In addition to launching services to Tel Aviv, Emirates relaunched flights to six destinations and increased operations to 62 cities across its network throughout the year to serve strong customer demand. By 31 March 2023, the Emirates network comprised 150 destinations across six continents, including 9 cities served by its freighter fleet only. 

Emirates also deployed its flagship A380 aircraft to even more cities during the year, bringing its A380 network to 43 destinations as of 31 March 2023.

Enabling its customers access even more destinations, Emirates signed agreements with new codeshare partners in 2022-23 most notably with United Airlines and Air Canada, expanding the airline’s connectivity in the Americas to over 200 new points, in addition to mutual frequent flyer programme benefits. Emirates also reinforced its strategic partnerships with Qantas and flydubai and added new interline and codeshare partners: Airlink, AEGEAN, ITA Airways, Air Tanzania, Bamboo Airways, Batik Air, Philippine Airlines, Royal Air Maroc and Sky Express.

Emirates received two new 777 freighter aircraft during the financial year. It also phased out 4 older aircraft comprising of 2 A380, 1 Boeing 777-300ERs and 1 Freighter. Its total fleet count at the end of March was 260 units, with a youthful average fleet age of 9.1 years. 

Emirates’ order book stands at 200 aircraft, including 5 additional Boeing 777-300ER freighter orders announced during 2022-23. The airline’s long-standing strategy of operating modern and efficient aircraft remains unchanged, a commitment which underpins its Fly Better brand promise as a young fleet is better for the environment, better for operations, and better for customers.

With significantly enhanced capacity deployment across most markets, Emirates’ total revenue for the financial year increased 81% to AED 107.4 billion (US$ 29.3 billion). Currency fluctuations in some of the airline’s major markets, notably the Euro, Pound Sterling, and devaluation of the Pakistani Rupee, significantly impacted the airline’s profitability negatively by AED 4.5 billion (US$ 1.2 billion).

Total operating costs increased by 57% from last financial year. Cost of ownership (depreciation and amortisation) and fuel cost were the two biggest cost components for the airline in 2022-23, followed by employee cost. Fuel accounted for 36% of operating costs compared to 23% in 2021-22. The airline’s fuel bill increased by 143% to AED 33.7 billion (US$ 9.2 billion) compared to the previous year, due to a higher uplift of 49% in line with capacity expansion and a higher average fuel price which was up by 48%.

With the removal of pandemic-related travel restrictions globally, the airline substantially improved its financial results and reported a record profit of AED 10.6 billion (US$ 2.9 billion) after last year’s AED 3.9 billion (US$ 1.1 billion) loss, and an exceptional profit margin of 9.9%, reflecting the best performance in the airline’s history.

Emirates carried 43.6 million passengers (up 123%) in 2022-23, with seat capacity up by 78%. The airline reports a Passenger Seat Factor of 79.5%, compared with last year’s passenger seat factor of 58.6%; and a 7% increase in passenger yield to 37.5 fils (10.2 US cents) per Revenue Passenger Kilometre (RPKM), due to a change in cabin and route mix, fares and currency.  

Emirates continued to invest in delivering ever better customer experiences. During the year, it launched its full Premium Economy experience to hugely positive customer feedback, brought into service the first 6 of its newly retrofitted A380s with completely refreshed cabin interiors, and opened ‘Emirates World’ – a modern concept retail store which will gradually be introduced to other key markets. It also announced a US$ 350 million investment in new generation inflight entertainment systems for its A350 fleet.

With a continued focus on digital initiatives to provide customers with speedy and secure journeys, Emirates also signed a landmark biometric data agreement with the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs in Dubai to fast-track travellers’ journey on arrival.

Emirates SkyCargo delivered a solid performance, contributing 16% of the airline’s revenue despite a reduction in available capacity as aircraft that were temporarily converted into “mini freighters” during the pandemic returned to full passenger service.

In 2022-23, Emirates’ cargo division reinforced its leadership in cool chain transport, building on the advanced expertise and infrastructure that made it the carrier of choice for the transport of temperature sensitive medicines during the pandemic, and other perishable items.

Emirates SkyCargo maintained its edge in the global airfreight industry by focusing its customers, bringing innovative solutions to the market, and leveraging its fleet and network capabilities. During the year, the cargo division signed commercial MoUs with United Airlines and Air Canada to expand its network reach and capacity for customers; introduced a new digital channel, WebCargo, for customers to directly access and book its flights for their cargo shipments; and launched Emirates Delivers UK, expanding its e-commerce shipping solution to UAE customers. 

Emirates SkyCargo also deployed its expertise and capacity to transport relief goods to Pakistan, Turkey and Syria in partnership with Dubai’s International Humanitarian City.

With steady air freight demand throughout the year, Emirates’ cargo division reported a solid revenue of AED 17.2 billion (US$ 4.7 billion). This was a 21% decline over last year’s exceptional performance caused by the pandemic.

Freight yield per Freight Tonne Kilometre (FTKM) increased by 3% despite more cargo capacity returned to the global market, but generally remained at high levels compared to the pandemic marketplace due to steady and strong demand.

Tonnage carried declined by 14% to reach 1.8 million tonnes, due to the reduction in available freighter capacity for the entire year with the reinstatement of more passenger services. At the end of 2022-23, Emirates’ SkyCargo’s total freighter fleet stood at 11 Boeing 777Fs.

Emirates’ hotels portfolio revenue over last year increased by 12% to AED 675 million (US$ 184 million) reflecting the uptick in tourism traffic, particularly to Dubai.   

Emirates has consistently demonstrated the ability and commitment to fulfil its contractual obligations. In addition to repaying aircraft related financing liabilities as they fall due, it successfully repaid AED 3.0 billion (US$ 817 million) more of the total AED 17.5 billion (US$ 4.8 billion) raised during the COVID-19 crisis. This assurance continues to strengthen the confidence of its financing partners in its business model and allowed Emirates to reprice AED 4.5 billion (US$ 1.2 billion) of debt during this financial year and further raise AED 1.2 billion to finance the acquisition of two new B777 freighter aircraft through an Islamic finance lease at highly effective margins.

In the face of rising interest rates, Emirates adeptly managed its net exposure and effectively mitigated the impact of rate fluctuations on the bottom line. Additionally, the proactive currency risk management programme ensured ongoing financial stability and resilience by employing a range of hedging strategies including forward contracts and natural hedges.

Emirates closed the financial year with an exceptional level of cash assets of AED 37.4 billion (US$ 10.2 billion), 79% higher compared to 31 March 2022.   

dnata performance

Recovery from the pandemic was felt across almost all dnata businesses, and in 2022-23 dnata increased its profit by 201% to AED 331 million (US$ 90 million).

With growing flight and travel activity across the world, dnata’s total revenue increased by 74% to AED 14.9 billion (US$ 4.1 billion). dnata’s international businesses account for 72% of its revenue, an increase of 10%pts from the previous year. Through the year, dnata worked closely with its customers through the challenges of labour shortages and rising inflation in its major markets such as UK, US, Europe and Australia.  

Laying the foundations for future growth, dnata’s investments in 2022-23 amounted to AED 467 million (US$ 127 million). Significant investments during the year included: a new cargo centre in Amsterdam, the Netherlands; new modern cargo and ground service equipment facilities in Erbil, Iraq; the global roll-out of its advanced “OneCargo” system to digitise and automate business functions; the expansion of marhaba operations in Dubai and Zanzibar; and the re-opening of renovated catering facilities in Sydney with energy efficient installations and equipment upgrades.

In 2022-23, dnata’s operating costs increased by 74% to AED 14.6 billion (US$ 4.0 billion), in line with expanded operations in its Airport Operations, Catering and Travel divisions and impacted by inflationary pressure across all markets mainly for labour and food supply.

dnata’s cash balance improved by more than AED 200 million to AED 5.1 billion (US$ 1.4 billion). Net cash used in financing activities, primarily payments for loans and leases, amounted to AED 906 million (US$ 247 million), while the business utilised net cash of AED 528 million (US$ 144 million) in essential investing activities. The business saw a positive operating cash flow of AED 1.4 billion (US$ 381 million) in 2022-23, a reflection of the substantial improvements in revenue.

Revenue from dnata’s Airport Operations, including ground and cargo handling increased to AED 7.2 billion (US$ 2.0 billion).

The number of aircraft turns handled by dnata globally grew by 35% to 712,383, cargo handled declined by 8% to 2.7 million tonnes, reflecting the increased flight activity across markets as the last pandemic restrictions lifted and dnata’s customers reinstated services.

During 2022-23, dnata launched its ground handling operations at the newly built terminal of Zanzibar Abeid Amani Karume International Airport, together with Emirates Leisure Retail (ELR) and MMI as master concessionaire for all food and beverage, duty free and commercial outlets at the terminal. It also expanded operations in Canada, partnering GTA Group to offer quality and safe cargo services in Calgary and Vancouver.

Top Copyright Photo:

Emirates aircraft photo gallery:

Alaska Airlines adds bigger variety of food and beverage options

If variety is the spice of life, it’s also a great thing to have when selecting something to eat on your next flight on Alaska Airlines. Our guests told us they enjoy our fresh food options but were eager for more to choose from. That’s why, beginning today, we’ve increased the variety of our food offerings, from doubling the number of pre-order options in the main cabin to giving our First Class guests up to five different entrees to pick up on their flights.

We’ve also added a new, family-friendly sandwich to our onboard menu in the main cabin – great for young travelers and even those who are young at heart. Named by one of our employees, Jetsetter’s Jam is our take on the classic peanut butter and jelly sandwich – that’s peanut free. It’s made instead with toasted cashew and oat butter and a homemade strawberry compote on a sweet croissant bread, paired with fresh fruit and a slice of Tillamook cheese.

Alaska continues to offer freshly-prepared meals in First Class on our flights as short as 550 miles. Other U.S. airlines don’t offer fresh food items on flights unless they’re longer than 900 miles. Our guests in First Class also have more vegan and gluten-free options available to reserve before their flight by using our industry-leading pre-order feature on our mobile app or website. Fresh food in the main cabin is available only by pre-ordering it, so making a selection before you fly is the way to go.

First Looks: Alaska Airlines paints N559AS in a new “Salmon People” livery

Alaska Airlines’ Boeing 737-890 N559AS was previously painted in the famous and previously well known “Wild Alaska Seafood – Salmon-Thirty-Salmon 2” special livery.

That livery, as previously reported, was retired by the airline. After being repainted at Amarillo, N559AS was ferried to Anchorage. N559AS now wears this stunning “Salmon People” special livery.

Photos: BU767.

Wizz Air expands in Warsaw and Katowice

Wizz Air (wizzair.com) (Hungary) Airbus A320-232 HA-LWJ (msn 4683) BSL (Paul Bannwarth). Image: 960480.

Wizz Air has announced further expansion to its base in Warsaw, where it allocates one of its Airbus A321neo aircraft.

The allocation of the new aircraft is enabling the launch of one new route to Agadir, Morocco, as well as increased frequency on 13 routes from Warsaw.

The allocation of one more aircraft to Wizz Air’s Warsaw base will grow the base to eleven aircraft. The move brings the number of routes from the base to 58, including the launch of Agadir from Poland’s capital city.

Furthermore, the additional capacity allows Wizz Air to increase frequency of its flights from the base to Alicante, Barcelona, Basel, Brussels Charleroi, Copenhagen, Eindhoven, Malaga, Milan Bergamo, Nice, Oslo Sandefjord Torp, Rome, Tenerife and Valencia.

WIZZ AIR’S NEW ROUTE
RouteFrequencyFares from *Starts
Warsaw – AgadirTuesday, SaturdayEUR 49.99 / PLN 23931 October-23

* One way price, including administration fee. One carry-on bag (max: 40x30x20cm) is included. Trolley bag and each piece of checked-in baggage is subject to additional fees. The price applies only to bookings made on wizzair.com and the WIZZ mobile app.

** Terms, conditions, and exclusions apply.

https://twitter.com/wizzair/status/1654410677929365504?s=20

In other news, Wizz Air has announced two new routes from Katowice Airport, i.e. Copenhagen and Alicante. Both destinations have been scheduled to launch during the “Winter 2023/2024” season.

Flights to Copenhagen will commence on October 29, 2023. The route will be handled four times a week: on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays. The first flight to Alicante will take place on October 31, 2023. The route will be available three times a week: on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays.

Flights to Copenhagen will be handled with a 239 seats Airbus A321neo, while flights to Alicante will be served with a 180 seats Airbus A320ceo.

Top Copyright Photo: Wizz Air (wizzair.com) (Hungary) Airbus A320-232 HA-LWJ (msn 4683) BSL (Paul Bannwarth). Image: 960480.

Wizz Air aircraft photo gallery:

Wizz Air aircraft photo gallery

SAS returns to Africa by flying to Agadir this upcoming winter

Scandinavian Airlines-SAS Airbus A320-251N WL SE-ROZ (msn 9323) ZRH (Andi Hiltl). Image: 950841.

SAS has made this announcement:

Starting on November 4, 2023, SAS returns to Africa with weekly flights to Agadir, Morocco. SAS will fly to Agadir from both Copenhagen and Stockholm during the winter season until the end of March 2024, offering a convenient timetable with daytime departure and arrival.

Agadir is well known for its long beaches, warm winter weather and beautiful scenery. The area also offers plenty of activities such as golf, great surfing, and a chance to enjoy the exquisite Moroccan cuisine.

SAS will operate the Agadir route using Airbus A320Neo aircraft, the most efficient single-aisle aircraft, with 20% savings on fuel efficiency and emissions, seating up to 180 passengers in 2 classes – SAS Plus and SAS Go. 

Schedule to Agadir from Stockholm and Copenhagen:

Schedule on Saturdays
Flight noDEPSTDARRSTAFLTDEPSTDARRSTA
SK 2503CPH08:35AGA12:20SK 2504AGA13:10CPH18:55
SK 2505ARN08:15AGA13:30SK 2506AGA14:30ARN19:45


New routes and destinations this coming winter*:

From To First flightFrequency 
Bergen Tenerife 8 OCT 23Sundays
Stavanger Tenerife 8 OCT 23Sundays
CopenhagenBangkok30 OCT3 weekly
Bergen Gran Canaria4 NOV 23Saturdays
Stockholm Seville 24 FEB 24Saturdays


* Winter program in full to be released later this month.

Top Copyright Photo: Scandinavian Airlines-SAS Airbus A320-251N WL SE-ROZ (msn 9323) ZRH (Andi Hiltl). Image: 950841.

SAS aircraft photo gallery:

SAS aircraft photo gallery

Philippine Airlines signs MOU for 9 Airbus A350-1000s

Philippine Airlines (PAL) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Airbus for the purchase of nine A350-1000s.

The A350-1000 will be operated on nonstop services from Manila to North America, including to the East Coast of the US and Canada.

The new aircraft will join two A350-900s already in service at the airline and currently flying to destinations in North America, Asia and Australia. As with the A350-900, the PAL A350-1000s will be configured in a premium layout with separate Business Class, Premium Economy and Economy Class cabins.

Captain Stanley K. Ng, President and Chief Operating Officer of Philippine Airlines, said that the range of the A350-1000 would enable the airline to fly nonstop transpacific and transpolar routes in both directions all year. These will include some of the longest commercial flights in the world, such as those linking the Philippines with New York and Toronto. With an expanded A350 fleet, PAL will have the ability to once again provide a direct link from the Philippines to Europe.

Flair Airlines reports a 90.3% load factor in April

Flair Airlines Boeing 737-8 MAX 8 C-FFEL (msn 64942) YYZ (TMK Photography). Image: 960479.

Flair Airlines has announced that 74.1% of its flights were on time in April. Flights that arrive within 15 minutes of their scheduled arrival time are considered to be on-time, and this key performance indicator is a closely watched metric in the airline industry, globally.

In addition, Flair Airlines announced that its April 2023 load factors — the percentage of seats occupied by paying customers on its flights — was 90.3% in April 2023, with 394,431 passengers booked.

Top Copyright Photo: Flair Airlines Boeing 737-8 MAX 8 C-FFEL (msn 64942) YYZ (TMK Photography). Image: 960479.

Flair Airlines aircraft photo gallery:

Flair Airlines aircraft photo gallery

Ryanair orders more Boeing 737 MAX airplanes

Ryanair has announced it plans to order at least 150 Boeing 737-10 MAX 10 aircraft with options for 150 more.

The new aircraft will replace older Boeing 737-800s.

The 737-10 MAX 10 has not yet been certified.

Boeing released this statement:

Boeing and Ryanair announced Europe’s leading low-cost airline has selected the largest 737 MAX model to power its future growth with an order for up to 300 airplanes. The purchase agreement is the biggest in Ryanair’s history and includes a firm order for 150 737-10 jets and options for 150 more.

Image credit: Boeing

Ryanair has deployed a growing fleet of 737-8-200 airplanes to accelerate its post-pandemic recovery and meet strong travel demand. The 197-seat 737-8-200 model has helped the airline reduce fuel use and emissions by over 20% compared to the airplanes they are replacing. The new order adds the larger 737-10 variant, which offers Ryanair 228 seats and the best unit economics of any single-aisle airplan

SAS reports a 22% increase in traffic in April

1.9 million passengers traveled with SAS in April, an increase by 22 percent compared to the same period last year. RPK increased by 28 percent compared to the same period last year, and SAS’ passenger demand continued its positive trend. The flown load factor for April was 76 percent, an improvement by 5 percentage points compared to April last year.  

“SAS continues to see positive demand evolution. In April, 1.9 million passengers traveled with SAS, up 22 percent compared to the same month last year. We continue to ramp up for a busy summer season and have inaugurated two new direct intercontinental routes: From Aalborg to New York and from Gothenburg to New York. We have also announced a new direct route between Copenhagen and Bangkok, which will start this autumn. Thailand and the Scandinavian countries have a long history of friendship and cooperation, and we are very proud to bring back the direct route which our customers clearly asked for ,” says Anko van der Werff, President & CEO of SAS.
 

SAS total traffic (scheduled and charter)Apr23Change1Nov22- Apr23Change1
ASK (Mill.)3,44120.0%17,49521.7%
RPK (Mill.)2,60727.5%12,58242.3%
Load factor75.8%4.5 pp71.9%10.4 pp
No. of passengers (000)1,88922.2%9,92141.5%

1 Change compared to same period last year, pp = percentage points

Geographical development, scheduleApr23           vs.          Apr22Nov22-Apr23   vs.   Nov21-Apr22
RPKASKRPKASK
Intercontinental43.6%26.1%76.6%34.0%
Europe/Intrascandinavia28.0%22.7%33.0%19.3%
Domestic5.9%6.8%25.3%12.8%
Preliminary yield and PASKApr23Nominal change1FX adjusted change
Yield, SEK1.00-2.9%-4.2%
PASK, SEK0.763.4%2.1%
Apr23
Punctuality (arrival 15 min)71.3%
Regularity98.5%
Change in total CO2 emissions 46.7%
Change in CO2 emissions per available seat kilometer, 3.4%
Carbon offsetting of passenger related emissions41.0%
https://twitter.com/SAS/status/1636745465654812673?s=20

Azul Airlines and United Airlines expand codeshare arrangements to include six new U.S. Destinations 

Azul Brazilian Airlines and United Airlines, announced an expansion to their codeshare agreement, making it easier for customers to travel to more cities in the United States. Travelers will be able to connect between Azul and United at Fort Lauderdale and Orlando to six new U.S. destinations: Chicago, Cleveland, Denver, San Francisco, Washington and Los Angeles. 

With the new codeshare flight options, customers will benefit from having a single ticket that includes both Azul and United-operated flights, as well as more convenience on their day of travel with one-stop check-in and baggage transfers. Tickets are already available on united.com and voeazul.com.br  for flights starting May 10. This expanded  agreement builds on United and Azul’s existing codeshare routes from Houston and Newark. 

From Brazil, Azul operates 16 direct flights connecting Fort Lauderdale to Recife (PE), Manaus (AM), Viracopos (SP), Belém (PA), and Belo Horizonte (MG). There are also direct flights from Orlando to Viracopos (SP).  

Azul has the largest airline network in Brazil in terms of cities served, with over 900 daily flights. The quality of Azul’s services has been attested by many national and international awards. Recently, Cirium named Azul the most punctual Global and Latin America’s airline in both the Mainline and Network categories. The Brazilian airline recorded an impressive 88.93% punctuality within the Global Mainline Category. 

Azul operates daily services to Fort Lauderdale/Miami and Orlando with a retrofitted A330 aircraft. These aircraft feature 20 lie-flat business class seats with direct aisle access. In addition, these aircraft have 110 Economy Premium seats with increased legroom for additional comfort and space. All seats have individual inflight entertainment on demand, Wi-Fi, power outlets and each customer is treated to Azul’s international flagship meal service.  

Airbus celebrates 100th US-produced Airbus A320 Family aircraft for Delta Air Lines

Airbus has celebrated production of Delta Air Lines’ 100th U.S.-made Airbus A320 Family aircraft at the manufacturer’s facility in Mobile, Alabama. On hand for the occasion were executives from Airbus and Delta Air Lines; U.S. Sen. Katie Britt and U.S. Rep. Jerry Carl (R-AL) representing the people of Alabama; Mobile Mayor Sandy Stimpson; other elected officials, and representatives of the more than 1,600 employees at the facility.

The milestone comes nearly seven years after Delta’s first delivery from Mobile, which took place on December 2, 2016. At the time, that aircraft was the 15th aircraft overall to be delivered from the facility. Since then, more than 375 aircraft (A220 and A320 family) have been delivered to 12 U.S.-based customers and operators. 

As of the March 31 Airbus Orders & Deliveries report, Delta is operating 60 A220 family, 270 A320 family aircraft, 63 A330s and 28 A350s. The airline has another 212 aircraft on order—including A220, A320 family, A330 and A350 aircraft. 

Airbus began producing A320 family aircraft in Mobile in 2015 and delivered its first aircraft from its U.S. facility in 2016. In 2017, Airbus announced it would begin producing A220 aircraft at the same site, and delivered its first aircraft in 2020. In 2022, Airbus announced it would build a second A320 family assembly line in Mobile. 

The company currently employs more than 1,900 people in its production, engineering and U.S. Space & Defense MRO facilities in the Port City. In addition, some Airbus suppliers have opened facilities in the region, providing even more employment and a parallel boost to the local economy. 

airBaltic carries 35% more passengers in April 2023

During April 2023, the Latvian airline airBaltic carried 330 000 passengers or by 35% more than during the same period last year. In the previous month, airBaltic performed 3 260 flights, marking a 3% increase from April 2022.

April, 2023April, 2022Change
Number of passengers330 000244 000+35%
Number of flights3 2603 150+3%

airBaltic provides flights to more than 70 destinations from Riga, Tallinn, Vilnius and Tampere, offering connections to a wide range of destinations in the airline’s route network in Europe, 

Porter adds Vancouver as first Western Canada nonstop route from Ottawa

Porter Airlines is adding the West Coast to its growing list of non-stop routes from the nation’s capital with new service between Ottawa International Airport (YOW) and Vancouver International Airport (YVR). The addition of the Ottawa-Vancouver route provides another way to travel between Porter’s extensive regional Eastern Canada network and British Columbia. 

The new route begins on July 26, with one daily roundtrip flight operated with the state-of-the-art 132-seat Embraer E195-E2 aircraft. 

RouteDepatureArrival
YVR-YOW7:45 a.m.4:03 p.m.
YOW-YVR6:00 p.m.7:37 p.m.

All times are local

The scheduled service will connect with Charlottetown, Halifax, Moncton, New York, Toronto-Pearson, Toronto-City and Thunder Bay through Ottawa. 

The new Ottawa-Vancouver route complements existing service between Toronto-Pearson and Vancouver. The latter’s summer schedule has up to five daily round trips.

Porter will operate 10 nonstop routes to and from YOW as of July. 

https://twitter.com/porterairlines/status/1655588978064498691?s=20

Swoop restores flights to Orlando

Swoop on May 6 celebrated its first flight since 2020 to Orlando International Airport (MCO).

Swoop recently published a new summer schedule, extending service to key leisure markets, with connectivity year-round. In addition to the service to Orlando, Swoop will also be offering non-stop flights from southern Ontario to Las Vegas, Cancun, Kingston and Montego Bay in Jamaica, Punta Cana and Varadero.

Route Peak Weekly 
Frequency  		One-way total 
price (CAD)  		Base Fare (CAD)  Taxes & Fees (CAD)  
Hamilton to Orlando 
(MCO) 		2x weekly $99.00$2.89$96.11
Hamilton to Las Vegas 4x weekly $99.00$2.89$96.11
Hamilton to Cancun  3x weekly  $129.00$21.53$107.47
Toronto to CancunDaily$139.00$20.24$118.76
Toronto to Montego Bay3x weekly$149.00$21.29$127.81
Toronto to Kingston3x weekly$189.00$61.19$127.81
Toronto to Punta Cana3x weekly$179.00$54.84$124.91
Toronto to Varadero3x weekly$159.00$34.09$124.91
†Everyday low fares terms and conditions: Seasonal start and end dates apply and are indicated in the booking flow. | Fares are valid until May 9, 2023, or while seats last. | Prices displayed are subject to change and are not guaranteed until payment is made and accepted. 
https://twitter.com/MCO/status/1654896870336999426?s=20

FlyOne is expanding with new European routes from Moldova

FlyOne is expanding from the capital of the Republic of Moldova. The airline will add the Chisinau – Berlin route on May 18.

Valencia will come on line on June 3.

The carrier will launch flights connecting Chisinau with Bologna and Venice on June 19.

Zurich is also a new destination to be launched by the airline starting on June 25.

The carrier will also add a Chisinau – Munich route starting on June 28.

Madrid will also be added on June 28.

The airline will also add a Chisinau – London Heathrow route on June 3 with two weekly flights.

The airline recently added the Chisinau – Larnaca route on April 29, 2023.

How U.S. Airlines collect almost $7 billion a year from checked bags

Bags have turned into a cash cow for U.S. airlines.

U.S. airlines had baggage fee revenue of more than $6.7 billion last year, according to the DOT Bureau of Transportation Statistics. 

American Airlines had almost $1.4 billion in revenue from checked bags.

Southwest Airlines had the least.

Read the full report from NBC:

https://www.nbcphiladelphia.com/news/business/money-report/how-u-s-airlines-make-7-billion-a-year-from-checked-bags/3561347/

Meanwhile airline unions warn against JSX and SkyWest Part 135 business models

May 5, 2023

The Honorable Pete Buttigieg
Secretary of Transportation
U.S. Department of Transportation
1200 New Jersey Ave., SE
Washington, DC 20590

The Honorable Julie Su
Acting Secretary of Labor
U.S. Department of Labor
200 Constitution Ave., NW
Washington, DC 20210

The Honorable Billy Nolen
Acting Administrator
Federal Aviation Administration
800 Independence Avenue, SW
Washington, DC 20591

The Honorable David P. Pekoske
Administrator
Transportation Security Administration
6595 Springfield Center Drive
Springfield, VA 22150

Dear Secretary of Transportation Buttigieg, Acting Secretary of Labor Su, Acting Administrator Nolen and Administrator Pekoske

We write to express concern that a previously rare and limited business model for air service, once confined to private jet charters, is expanding so rapidly that it threatens to take over a large part of the air services in the United States. Airlines selling passenger tickets on flights that are scheduled in all but name are operating under a combination of rules: the safety rules of 14 CFR Part 135, the economic rules of 14 CFR Part 298 for commuter air carriers, and 14 CFR Part 380 for public charters. Because of a loophole created by that combination of rules, these airlines are able to skirt safety and security regulations that your departments and agencies enforce. A pending application
before DOT by a unit of SkyWest Airlines implicates this business model, as we will describe.

One such air carrier is branded as “JSX.” The operator is Delux Public Charter, LLC, d/b/a JSX Air, and the charterer and re-seller of seats is JetSuiteX, Inc. (collectively, JSX). Through this complex structure, JSX is providing scheduled passenger service between major airports available for purchase in a manner that — to the ordinary consumer – looks identical to buying a seat on a regular scheduled airline. This arrangement enables JSX to fly a self-described “hop-on jet service” with scheduled operations on aircraft limited to 30 passengers under Part 135, asserting a speedy path to the plane using “private terminals,” and “non- invasive security procedures.”

Catering only to premium customers, offering 30-seat business class jets for “hassle-free” and “crowd-free” flying, is a departure from aviation safety and creates a very real divide in aviation for who can afford access and who cannot. Air travel has become accessible for the average American, but this model threatens that access for many communities that cannot attract commercial service anthont a mix of business and leisure fares.

As a matter of safety, providing scheduled service under Part 135 skirts a host of scheduled-airline safety regulations contained in Part 121, including the 1,500-hour threshold for an Airline Transport Pilot certificate (a/k/a First Officer Qualifications), the age 65 retirement mandate, and minimum rest along with no interrupted rest. These and other Part 121 safety regulations have kept U.S. aviation as the safest mode of transportation in the world, but which do not apply to companies abusing the loophole in the regulatory regime. Operating scheduled flights in this way carries out an end-run around the FAA’s commitment since the mid-1990s to One Level of Safety, which
required that Part 135 scheduled carriers move to the higher, more stringent Part 121 standard.

As a matter of security, passengers flying these flights are not subjected to traditional TSA magnetometer and X-ray airport security checkpoints. Instead, passengers are cross-checked against the TSA No Fly List, without more screening Indeed, avoiding TSA “invasive security procedures” is the major source of the time savings and the exclusive “one percenter” experience JSX offers. Yet security requirements brought forward by TSA since the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001 have been essential to maintaining the security of our nation’s aviation system and our homeland security.

We are also concerned about elevated emissions and increased airspace congestion. To fit into the regulatory gap it occupies, the aircraft are reconfigured to seat no more than 30 passengers, on regional jets designed originally to hold up to 50 passengers. This model generates more intensive emissions per passenger and in busy markets with congested airspace, the model further strains an already challenged and under-statied air traffic control svstem.

We understand the vital role many Part 135 operators play in offering passenger and cargo service to remote areas and underserved markets, creating a linkage to the larger aviation system for U.S. citizens that otherwise would not be possible, including in the Alternative Essential Air Service pilot program that permits charter flights where regularly scheduled service under the long- established Essential Air Service program is not feasible.’ It is quite another proposition, however, to run a massive number of regularly scheduled operations in the same markets already well-served by airlines, using lower safety and security standards as a competitive advantage: Contour operated approximately 16,000 flights in 2021, while JSX operated three and a half times as many – 56,326 flights — in the same period.

  1. Contour Airlines, Boutique Air, and Cape Air, among others operate audable service under this procram