Tag Archives: A320

Air Canada to launch nonstop Toronto-Yellowknife service

Air Canada Airbus A320-214 C-FZQS (msn 2145) LAX (Michael B. Ing). Image: 949759.

Air Canada has announced it will begin nonstop, year-round service between Toronto and Yellowknife in December. The new, three-times weekly service will provide convenient connections between eastern Canada and the capital of the Northwest Territories. Customers will also be able to seamlessly connect onward from Yellowknife on Air Canada’s interline partner, Canadian North.

(CNW Group/Air Canada)

Service between Toronto and Yellowknife will begin December 1, 2023, operated using Canadian-made Airbus A220 aircraft. It will be configured with 137 seats in a Business and Economy cabin, with onboard Wi-Fi and seatback entertainment systems featuring hundreds of hours of content and live TV at every seat. Customers will be able to earn and redeem Aeroplan points and eligible customers will enjoy premium services where available, including priority boarding and baggage handling, and Maple Leaf Lounge access in Toronto.

FlightDepartsArrivesDays of the Week
AC1169Toronto 21:00Yellowknife 23:54Tuesday, Friday, Sunday
AC1168Yellowknife 00:50Toronto 7:20Monday, Wednesday, Saturday

The new service will complement Air Canada’s existing twice daily service between Yellowknife and Vancouver and daily service between Yellowknife and Edmonton. Customers connecting for travel beyond Yellowknife can take advantage of Air Canada’s bilateral interline agreement with Canadian North, which allows travel on a single, through-checked ticket that includes baggage transfer. Destinations available via Canadian North include Cambridge Bay, Fort Simpson, Hay River, Gjoa Haven, Taoloyoak and Inuvik.

Top Copyright Photo: Air Canada Airbus A320-214 C-FZQS (msn 2145) LAX (Michael B. Ing). Image: 949759.

Air Canada aircraft photo gallery:

Air Canada aircraft photo gallery

Condor to make it easier to get to the pyramids of Egypt

Condor Flugdienst Airbus A320-214 D-AICU (msn 3767) (Condor Sunshine) ZRH (Rolf Wallner). Image: 958214.

Condor will fly to Sphinx International Airport (SPX) twice a week via its Frankfurt (FRA) hub from New York (JFK), Los Angeles (LAX) and Seattle/Tacoma (SEA).

The airport is located on the western edge of Cairo, close to the Pyramids of Giza.

Twice a week, Condor will bring vacationers and culture enthusiasts to the newly built and recently opened airport. 

The flights from Frankfurt are operated on Mondays and Thursdays on an Airbus A320.

Connecting flights to and from Frankfurt to/from JFK, LAX and SEA are operated on Condor’s new A330neo. 

In addition, U.S. travelers can take advantage of Condor’s interline partners, Alaska Airlines and JetBlue, and their network of feeder flights to JFK, LAS and SEA.

The location of the new airport is ideal. Visitors can quickly and easily reach the New Egyptian Museum and the country’s most famous landmark, the Pyramids of Giza, as well as the Sphinx itself, the airport’s namesake. It is not only the proximity to the pyramids that makes the new airport attractive; the center of the capital Cairo can be reached just as quickly. Condor guests can thus experience the unique Egyptian pyramids in a short time and then explore the metropolis of Cairo. 

Flight Timetable to SPX

Top Copyright Photo: Condor Flugdienst Airbus A320-214 D-AICU (msn 3767) (Condor Sunshine) ZRH (Rolf Wallner). Image: 958214.

Condor aircraft photo gallery:

Condor aircraft photo gallery

Finnair addresses the excess carry-on baggage issue with the new Superlight ticket type and changes to baggage allowances, returns to Stockholm-Bromma

Finnair Airbus A320-214 OH-LXM (msn 2154) MUC (Gunter Mayer). Image: 960528.

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.

Finnair aircraft photo gallery:

Finnair aircraft photo gallery

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

Spirit Airlines launches its Puerto Rico expansion

Spirit Airlines Airbus A320-271N WL N903NK (msn 7011) FLL (Jay Selman). Image: 404292.

Spirit Airlines entered a new chapter in its 20+ year history on May 5 in Puerto Rico by launching its expansion at Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport (SJU).

Travelers now have convenient, daily nonstop flight options between San Juan and destinations across the eastern half of the U.S. to include Atlanta (ATL), Chicago (ORD), Dallas/Fort Worth (DFW), and Detroit (DTW), with a nonstop flight to Hartford (BDL) starting on June 7.

In addition to the new routes, Spirit on May 5 increased SJU service to include five daily flights to Orlando (MCO), and two daily flights to Baltimore (BWI), Fort Lauderdale/Hollywood (FLL) and Newark (EWR).

Spirit Airlines Routes at San Juan (SJU)
Destination:Flights Available:Launch Date:
Atlanta (ATL) NEWDailyMay 5
Boston (BOS)DailyExisting
Hartford (BDL) NEW3x WeeklyJune 7
Baltimore (BWI)2x DailyFrequency increase on May 5
Dallas (DFW) NEWDailyMay 5
Detroit (DTW) NEWDailyMay 5
Newark (EWR) 2x DailyFrequency increase on June 7
Fort Lauderdale (FLL) 2x DailyFrequency increase on April 5
Orlando (MCO) 5x DailyFrequency increase on May 5
Miami (MIA)DailyExisting Service
Chicago (ORD) NEWDailyMay 5
Philadelphia (PHL)DailyExisting Service
Tampa (TPA)DailyExisting Service

In addition to serving its Guests, Spirit and its partners employ nearly 1,000 Puerto Ricans on the island across three airports and its aircraft maintenance facility in Aguadilla. This new expansion will also create about 80 new jobs in San Juan.

Top Copyright Photo: Spirit Airlines Airbus A320-271N WL N903NK (msn 7011) FLL (Jay Selman). Image: 404292.

Spirit Airlines aircraft photo gallery:

Spirit Airlines aircraft photo gallery

Allegiant turns a profit in the first quarter

Allegiant Air Airbus A320-214 WL N190NV (msn 6669) BOS (Fred Freketic). Image: 960463.

Allegiant Travel Company (Allegiant Air) today reported the following financial results for the first quarter 2023, as well as comparisons to the prior year:

ConsolidatedThree Months Ended March 31,Percent Change
(unaudited) (in millions, except per share amounts)20232022YoY
Total operating revenue$                649.7$                500.129.9 %
Total operating expense554.9492.912.6 %
Operating income94.87.21,216.7 %
Income (loss) before income taxes74.4(10.6)801.9 %
Net income (loss)56.1(7.9)810.1 %
Diluted earnings (loss) per share3.09(0.44)802.3 %
Sunseeker special charges, net of recovery(1.6)—N/A
Diluted earnings per share excluding recovery of Sunseeker special charges(1)(4)3.04(0.44)790.9 %
Airline onlyThree Months Ended March 31,Percent Change(2)
(unaudited) (in millions, except per share amounts)20232022YoY
Airline operating revenue (1)$            649.7$            500.129.9 %
Airline operating expense (1)552.1489.912.7 %
Airline operating income (1)97.610.2856.9 %
Airline income (loss) before income taxes (1)78.9(5.6)1,508.9 %
Airline net income (loss) (1)(3)59.9(4.3)1,493.0 %
Airline operating margin15.0 %2.0 %13.0 %
Airline diluted earnings (loss) per share(1)3.30(0.24)1,475.0 %
(1)  Denotes a non-GAAP financial measure. Refer to the Non-GAAP Presentation section within this document for further information and for calculation of per share figures
(2)  Except Airline Operating Margin, which is percentage point change
(3)   Utilizing an effective tax rate of 24.0% for 2023 and 23.6% for 2022
(4)  Adjusted to exclude insurance recoveries from property damage to Sunseeker Resort

“I am happy to report we delivered strong financial results during the first quarter with diluted earnings per share of $3.09,” stated John Redmond, CEO of Allegiant Travel Company. “The team worked tirelessly to ensure operational integrity, and our controllable completion of 99.9 percent for the quarter is a testament to their efforts. Running a safe, reliable operation is a critical component to our success, and I could not be prouder of the team’s performance.

“Demand remained strong throughout the quarter resulting in total operating revenue of $650 million, a 30 percent increase year-over-year. Notably, we see continued momentum in total ancillary per passenger, finishing the quarter at $75.19 per passenger, the highest quarterly result in our history. The Allways rewards credit card helped elevate this number with record new cardholder acquisitions and increased cardholder spend during the quarter. Enhanced technology, an expanded roll-out of Allegiant Extra in the fleet, and the opening of Sunseeker Resort later this year should act as tailwinds for this number in the coming years.

“Turning to our 2023 outlook, we have updated guidance and estimate a full-year, airline-only earnings per share of roughly $11. The increase is driven by a reduction in our estimated fuel cost per gallon offset slightly by a two-and-a-half point reduction in full-year capacity. The industry continues to experience challenges from supply chain delays to ATC constraints that present the most stress during peak, high demand periods. We are positioning our forward plan to achieve a full-year, controllable completion of at least 99.5 percent. And we will continue to monitor and respond as we see appropriate to achieve our goal. Despite the tweaks to capacity, booking data continues to reflect a strong demand environment, particularly during peak summer travel periods. We are closely monitoring macro-economic trends, but we have not observed a change in booking behavior or peak leisure demand.

“Finally, we remain on track to open Sunseeker Resort in mid-October. Although we are still working through insurance claims related to Hurricane Ian, we have better line of sight regarding completion and final budget. Given inflationary pressures and supply chain issues, we expect the final capital expenditure budget to be $695 million, which is inclusive of Aileron Golf Club. In early April, we unveiled the 20 original, world-class food and beverage offerings, which will be available on site. The team continues to attract high-quality group business with over $12 million in contracted future bookings. As we enter the final stages of construction, we could not be happier with how the property is progressing.”                     

First Quarter 2023 Results

  • Income before income tax of $74.4 million, yielding a pre-tax margin of 11.5 percent
    • Airline-only income before income tax(1) of $78.9 million, yielding a pre-tax margin of 12.1 percent
  • Operating income of $94.8 million, yielding an operating margin of 14.6 percent
    • Airline-only operating income(1) of $97.6 million, yielding an airline-only operating margin of 15.0 percent
  • Consolidated EBITDA(1) of $149.5 million, yielding an EBITDA margin of 23.0 percent
    • Airline-only EBITDA(1) of $152.2 million, a 23.4 percent margin
  • Total operating revenue was $649.7 million, up 29.9 percent over prior year
    • Total fixed fee contracts revenue of $14.1 million, the highest first-quarter total in company history
    • TRASM of 13.89 cents, up 28.8 percent year-over-year
    • Load factor of 85.8 percent, a 6.9 point improvement year-over-year, among the highest in the industry
  • Total average fare of $154.12, up 17.5 percent year-over-year, the highest quarterly average fare in company history
    • Total average ancillary fare of $75.19, up 10.7 percent as compared to 2022 driven by overall strength in core products and promising early results related to the Allegiant Extra rollout
  • Acquired over 46 thousand new Allways rewards credit card holders during the quarter, the highest quarterly acquisition in program history
    • Received $28 million in remuneration during the quarter
  • Airline-only Operating CASM, excluding fuel, of 7.75 cents, up 9.8 percent year-over-year
  • Allegiant recently named to the Forbes’ America’s Best Midsize Employers for 2023, Newsweek’s America’s Greatest Workplaces for Diversity 2023, and Fortune’s America’s Most Innovative Companies 2023 lists
(1)   Denotes a non-GAAP financial measure. Refer to the Non-GAAP Presentation section within this document for further information and for calculation of per share figures

Balance Sheet, Cash and Liquidity

  • Total available liquidity at March 31, 2023 of $1.5 billion, which includes $1.1 billion in cash and investments, and $412.2 million in undrawn revolving credit facilities and PDP facilities
  • Repurchased 118 thousand shares during the first quarter at an average share price of $100.33
  • $215.4 million in cash from operations during first quarter 2023, the highest first quarter in company history
  • Total debt at March 31, 2023 was $2.1 billion
    • Net debt at March 31, 2023 was $1.0 billion
  • Debt principal payments of $51.5 million during the first quarter
  • Air traffic liability at March 31, 2023 was $479.5 million

Airline Capital Expenditures

  • First quarter capital expenditures of $92 million, which includes $56 million for aircraft purchases and inductions, pre-delivery deposits, and other related costs, and $36 million in other airline capital expenditures
    • First quarter deferred heavy maintenance spend was $15 million

Sunseeker Resort Charlotte Harbor

  • Total capital expenditures(1) as of March 31, 2023 were $571 million
    • First quarter capital expenditures(1) were $82 million
  • Previously recorded special charges were reduced by $1.6 million for approved insurance net recoveries related to outstanding insurance claims at Sunseeker Resort
(1)  Total capital expenditures is inclusive of Sunseeker Resort and Aileron Golf Club. This number excludes capitalized interest and operating expenses. This number also excludes impairments related to COVID and insurance events
Guidance, subject to revision
Full-year 2023 guidancePreviousCurrent
System ASMs – year over year change2 to 6%0 to 3%
Scheduled service  ASMs – year over year change2 to 6%0 to 3%
Fuel cost per gallon$                3.60$                     3.00
Available seat miles (ASMs)/gallon~84~84
Depreciation expense (millions)$230 to $240$230 to $240
Interest expense (millions)$150 to $160$150 to $160
Capitalized interest (1) (millions)($40) to ($50)($35) to ($45)
Interest income (millions)$30 – $40$35 to $45
Earnings per share – airline only(2)$5.00 – $9.00$9.00 – $13.00
Loss per share – Sunseeker (3)N/A~($1.25)
Airline CAPEX 
Aircraft, engines, induction costs, and pre-delivery deposits (millions)(4)$550 to $570$550 to $570
Capitalized deferred heavy maintenance (millions)$50 to $60$50 to $60
Other airline capital expenditures (millions)$130 to $150$130 to $150
Recurring principal payments (millions)$175 to $185$175 to $185
Sunseeker Resort Charlotte Harbor Project (millions) 
Total projected capital expenditures (5)$618$695
Capital expenditures funded or expected to be funded by Allegiant$345
Project debt incurred through March 31, 2023$350
(1)Includes capitalized interest related to Sunseeker as well as on pre-delivery deposits on new aircraft
(2)Earnings per share calculation is airline only. It includes accruals for increases in pilot and flight attendant compensation beginning in May. Actual results will differ based on economic terms agreed upon and the timing of the collective bargaining agreements. These differences may be material
(3)Excludes recoveries to be received related to business interruption insurance claim
(4)Excludes capitalized interest related to pre-delivery deposits on new aircraft
(5)Total projected capital expenditures does not reflect the impairment or special charges related to COVID or insurance claims. Previous budget of $618 million did not include expenditures related to Aileron Golf Club.  Excludes amounts to remediate physical damage to the property resulting from Hurricane Ian, or other subsequent insurance events
Aircraft Fleet Plan by End of Period
Aircraft – (seats per AC)1Q232Q233Q23YE23
A319 (156 seats)35353535
A320 (177 seats)19191919
A320 (180-186 seats)70727373
Total124126127127

The table above is provided based on the company’s current plans and is subject to change. The numbers exclude aircraft expected to be delivered before the end of 2023 for revenue service beginning in 2024 

Top Copyright Photo: Allegiant Air Airbus A320-214 WL N190NV (msn 6669) BOS (Fred Freketic). Image: 960463.

Allegiant Air aircraft photo gallery:

GlobalX takes delivery of its 7th passenger Airbus A320 aircraft painted in a special livery

Global Crossing Airlines Group, Inc. (GlobalX) has announced it has taken delivery of its seventh passenger A320 on lease from Airborne Capital (“Airborne”). The aircraft is a sistership to four ex-Alaska A320 aircraft currently operating at GlobalX, with a 12 business-138 economy seat configuration and installed Wi-Fi.

Airbus A320-214 N837VA (msn 4558) now sports a special Global Crossing Airlines-GCA livery:

GlobalX expects, subject to additional US DOT and the FAA approvals, to take delivery of the following additional aircraft in 2023:

  * This aircraft to be used for ETOPS certification.

Assuming all of these aircraft are delivered, GlobalX will be operating twelve passenger A320 series aircraft, and six A321 Freighters by the end of 2023.

Spirit Airlines reports a net loss of $103.9 million in the first quarter, partners with Lewis University for new pilot pathway

Spirit Airlines Airbus A320-271N WL N967NK (msn 11128) FLL (Jay Selman). Image: 404290.

Spirit Airlines, Inc. reported first quarter 2023 financial results.

First Quarter 2023 (unaudited)

As Reported

Adjusted1

$(91.3) Million $(89.4) million

Total operating revenues $1,349.8 million $1,349.8 million

Operating income (loss) $(112.4) Million

Operating margin (8.3)% (6.8)%

Net income (loss) $(103.9) million

Diluted earnings (loss) per share $(0.95) $(0.82)

“For the first quarter 2023, our adjusted operating margin came in better than expected, helped by lower fuel and a strong revenue per available seat mile (“TRASM”) performance. Looking ahead to the second quarter, demand continues to be strong and industry capacity remains constrained, both of which are beneficial for unit revenue. Our core business is solid, and the team is doing an excellent job solving for the problems within our control,” said Ted Christie, Spirit’s President and Chief Executive Officer. “Earlier this month, the Fort Lauderdale area experienced severe flash floods, requiring a 40-hour closure of the Fort Lauderdale airport. As a result of this weather event, Spirit canceled disrupting travel plans for a substantial number of our Guests. Despite the significant and out-sized disruption to our network, our team was primed and ready to go on Friday morning once the airport re-opened. This quick recovery is a testament to the diligent efforts of our entire team as well as the innovative changes have put in place to help accelerate recovery operations.”

Fleet

Spirit took delivery of five new A320neo aircraft during the first quarter 2023 and retired four A319ceo aircraft. The Company ended the quarter with 195 aircraft in its fleet, an increase of 10.8 percent since the end of first quarter 2022.

Liquidity and Capital Deployment

Spirit ended first quarter 2023 with unrestricted cash and cash equivalents, short-term investment securities and liquidity available under the Company’s revolving credit facility of $1.7 billion.

Total capital expenditures for the three months ended March 31, 2023, were $86.0 million, primarily related to net outflows of aircraft pre-delivery deposits, expenditures related to the building of Spirit’s new headquarters campus in Dania Beach, Florida and spare parts, including one spare engine.

In other news, Aspiring pilots in the Chicago area can soon soar from a college classroom to the flight deck at Spirit Airlines. The carrier and Lewis University today announced a new partnership to launch the Spirit Wings Pilot Pathway program at the university’s College of Aviation, Science and Technology in Romeoville, Illinois. The program provides graduates with a direct path to a rewarding career flying for Spirit. Lewis University students can gain valuable experience and complete the steps needed to become a Spirit First Officer while attending a leading aviation university and finishing their college degree.

Lewis University students pursuing an aviation technology degree can apply for the program after obtaining a recommendation from a faculty member in the College of Aviation, Science and Technology and completing their sophomore year. If successful in Spirit’s interview process, they will receive a conditional offer of employment, a Spirit Electronic Flight Bag (EFB) and mentorship as they complete their degree and all Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) requirements for a Restricted Airline Transport Pilot (R-ATP) certificate. Graduates who meet all program requirements will join the team as a Spirit First Officer.

Top Copyright Photo: Spirit Airlines Airbus A320-271N WL N967NK (msn 11128) FLL (Jay Selman). Image: 404290.

Spirit Airlines aircraft photo gallery:

Spirit Airlines aircraft photo gallery

Air Moldova is struggling to maintain operations due to “financial resources”

Air Moldova Airbus A320-211 ER-AXV (msn 622) AYT (Ton Jochems). Image: 960430.

Air Moldova initially announced it was forced to suspend all operations in the April 21-25 period due to a “lack of financial resources”.

Later the flag carrier announced it is planning some partial operations for April 24-25.

All flights remain cancelled for today.

Top Copyright Photo: Air Moldova Airbus A320-211 ER-AXV (msn 622) AYT (Ton Jochems). Image: 960430.

Air Moldova aircraft photo gallery:

Air Moldova aircraft photo gallery
AirlinersGallery.com aircraft photo library

Jetlines to add its third Airbus A320

Jetlines (Canada Jetlines) Airbus A320-214 WL C-GCJK (msn 5995) YYZ (TMK Photography). Image: 960353.

Jetlines (Canada Jetlines) has announced the signing of a letter of intent (LOI) for its third Airbus A320 aircraft. Delivery of the aircraft is expected by July 2023.

“I am pleased that we have identified our third aircraft,” stated Canada Jetlines CEO, Eddy Doyle. “We are seeing significant demand for the summer season and the addition of this aircraft will help support our existing customers and continue the Company’s growth plans.”

The aircraft is an Airbus A320-200, with a manufacturer’s serial number of 3312.

Top Copyright Photo: Jetlines (Canada Jetlines) Airbus A320-214 WL C-GCJK (msn 5995) YYZ (TMK Photography). Image: 960353.

Royal Jordanian Airlines restores and expands to Brussels and Stockholm

Royal Jordanian Airlines Airbus A320-232 JY-AYS (msn 4853) AYT (Ton Jochems). Image: 960395.

Royal Jordanian Airlines has announced a new twice-weekly route linking Amman, Jordan and Brussels starting on October 26 after a 10-year absence.

Previously Royal Jordanian Airlines announced plans to introduce a new, direct route between Amman, Jordan and Stockholm, Sweden, beginning on May 29. The twice-weekly flights will connect passengers traveling between the two cities in just around four to five hours.

Photo: Royal Jordanian Airlines

The new Stockholm expansion is part of RJ’s new strategy to focus on driving tourism into Jordan and becoming the airline of choice for the Levant region. Passengers throughout Northern Europe will have direct route to the Jordanian capital from the capital of Sweden.

Royal Jordanian Airlines recently announced the lease of up to 40 new narrow-body aircraft, including a fleet of brand-new Airbus A320neos and E195-E2 Embraer commercial jets.

Top Copyright Photo: Royal Jordanian Airlines Airbus A320-232 JY-AYS (msn 4853) AYT (Ton Jochems). Image: 960395.

Royal Jordanian Airlines aircraft photo gallery:

Royal Jordanian Airlines aircraft photo gallery

Spirit Airlines launches nonstop Charleston, SC service, Las Vegas to be added in September

Spirit Airlines Airbus A320-271N WL N974NK (msn 11270) BUR (Michael B. Ing). Image: 960393.

Spirit Airlines on April 5 announced the launch of its new, nonstop service from Charleston International Airport (CHS). These new, convenient nonstop flight options deliver affordable fares to Fort Lauderdale/Hollywood (FLL), Newark (EWR), and Philadelphia (PHL).

To celebrate the service launch, Spirit also announced an expansion with a new nonstop route to Las Vegas (LAS) starting in September.

Spirit Airlines Routes at Charleston (CHS):   
Destination:Flights Available:Launch Date:
Fort Lauderdale (FLL)DailyApril 5, 2023
Las Vegas (LAS) NEW5x WeeklySeptember 7, 2023
Newark (EWR)DailyApril 5, 2023
Philadelphia (PHL)DailyApril 5, 2023

Spirit’s Charleston service adds to the airline’s long-time history in South Carolina. Spirit first entered the state more than 25 years ago with service from Myrtle Beach (MYR). The airline currently offers 17 peak-day daily departures in South Carolina.

In addition to the new service from CHS, Spirit is launching seasonal nonstop flights to Chicago (ORD), Cleveland (CLE), and Rochester (ROC) from Myrtle Beach this May.

Top Copyright Photo: Spirit Airlines Airbus A320-271N WL N974NK (msn 11270) BUR (Michael B. Ing). Image: 960393.

Spirit Airlines aircraft photo gallery:

Spirit Airlines aircraft photo gallery

Eurowings doubles flights from Berlin (BER)

Eurowings Airbus A320-214 D-ABFO (msn 4565) ZRH (Rolf Wallner). Image: 960391.

With the summer flight schedule and in time for the Easter vacations in Berlin and Brandenburg, Eurowings doubles its flight offering to 30 destinations from BER. At the same time, the airline has now stationed a total of six aircraft at the Berlin-Brandenburg airport location.

The focus of the significant growth is on new connections and additional routes to destinations in Northern, Central and Southern Europe as well as to popular warm weather destinations. Gothenburg (Sweden), Helsinki (Finland) and Copenhagen (Denmark) are new destinations in Northern Europe.

Eurowings will also fly directly to Graz (Austria), Ibiza (Balearic Islands, Spain), Nice (France), Porto (Portugal) and Zante (Greece) in Central and Southern Europe. There are more flights to Mallorca than there were last summer.

The Eurowings summer flight schedule at a glance:

Northern Europe

  • Denmark: Copenhagen (NEW)
  • Finland: Helsinki (NEW)
  • Sweden: Gothenburg (NEW), Stockholm

Central Europe

  • Germany: Düsseldorf, Cologne/Bonn, Stuttgart
  • Austria: Graz (NEW), Salzburg

Southern Europe

  • Greece: Heraklion, Kos, Rhodes, Zante (NEW)
  • Croatia: Dubrovnik, Rjieka, Split, Zadar
  • Spain: Alicante (NEW), Ibiza (NEW), Malaga (NEW), Mallorca
  • Canary Islands: Fuerteventura, Gran Canaria, Tenerife, Lanzarote 
  • France: Bastia, Nice (NEW)
  • Portugal: Porto (NEW)
  • Turkey: Antalya (NEW)
  • Cyprus: Larnaca (NEW)

Destinations in the portfolio of family and home-country visits

Lebanon: Beirut

Top Copyright Photo: Eurowings Airbus A320-214 D-ABFO (msn 4565) ZRH (Rolf Wallner). Image: 960391.

Eurowings aircraft photo gallery:

Eurowings aircraft photo gallery

GlobalX to operate two Airbus A320s for TUI Airlines Netherlands this summer

GlobalX (Global Crossing Airlines) Airbus A320-214 N279GX (msn 3605) LAX (Michael B. Ing). Image: 956216.

GlobalX (Global Crossing Airlines) has announced the signing of an ACMI wet lease agreement to operate two Airbus A320 aircraft for TUI Airlines Netherlands BV, for use in its European summer programs.

GlobalX will provide the aircraft and qualified crews to TUI for peak season flying in July and August, 2023 as well as in 2024 and 2025.

From a base of operations in Amsterdam, GlobalX will provide daily flights throughout Europe.

Top Copyright Photo: GlobalX (Global Crossing Airlines) Airbus A320-214 N279GX (msn 3605) LAX (Michael B. Ing). Image: 956216.

GlobalX aircraft photo gallery:

GlobalX aircraft photo gallery

British Airways to operate seasonal London Heathrow to Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen services this summer

British Airways Airbus A320-251N WL G-TTNH (msn 8489) ARN (Stefan Sjogren). Image: 960168.

British Airways will introduce a summer seasonal service from its London Heathrow hub to Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen starting on June 1.

The seasonal route will be operated four days a week.

Top Copyright Photo: British Airways Airbus A320-251N WL G-TTNH (msn 8489) ARN (Stefan Sjogren). Image: 960168.

British Airways aircvraft photo gallery:

British Airways aircraft photo gallery (Airbus)
Volume 1

Spirit Airlines to add over 4,000 new employees

Spirit Airlines Airbus A320-271N WL N931NK (msn 9548) SEA (Brian Worthington). Image: 960323.

Spirit Airlines has announced plans to hire more than 4,000 new Team Members in 2023 as the airline adds new planes and destinations to its growing network. The new hires will include Pilots, Flight Attendants, Aviation Maintenance Technicians and other support center roles.

Photo: Spirit Airlines

Plus, Spirit is growing in new and existing cities, with positions available with Spirit and business partners at airport stations across the network. These job opportunities allow job seekers across the nation to soar with attractive travel benefits and the advancement opportunities associated with working for a dynamic and fast-growing airline.

The airline continued:

These exciting job opportunities follow the airline’s soaring 2022 hiring trend as thousands of new Spirit Team Members joined the growing company last year. Some recent hiring milestones include:

  • In 2022, we received 21 brand new Airbus A320 Family aircraft. And in 2023, Spirit plans to receive another 26 new aircraft, with more on the way. We bring on new Team Members with each additional plane.
  • Spirit recently opened a state-of-the-art aircraft maintenance facility at George Bush International Airport (IAH) in Houston, Texas.
  • In 2022, Spirit added new crew bases for Pilots and Flight Attendants in Atlanta, Houston and Miami, growing our total number to 10 home bases across the country where our flight crews can choose to begin and end their duty.
  • Also in 2022, Spirit added nine new cities to its growing route map of nearly 100 destinations across the U.S., Latin America, and the Caribbean, with more new cities coming in 2023.

Top Copyright Photo: Spirit Airlines Airbus A320-271N WL N931NK (msn 9548) SEA (Brian Worthington). Image: 960323.

Spirit Airlines aircraft photo gallery:

Spirit Airlines aircraft photo gallery
Volume 1

GlobalX to link Lincoln, NE with Orlando for Red Way

GlobalX (Global Crossing Airlines) Airbus A320-214 N281GX (msn 2830) MIA (Jay Selman). Image: 404288.

GlobalX (Global Crossing Airlines) will operate a new route linking Lincoln, NE with Orlando.

The new route will start on June 8, 2023 and operate two days a week.

The Orlando route is complimented with six other routes radiating from Lincoln (LNK) starting in June for Red Way.

Lincoln is also the home of the University of Nebraska.

The flights will be operated for Red Way which has selected Lincoln as a hub for these charter flights.

Flights are operated with Airbus A320 or A321 aircraft. Flights are public charters sold by Red Way acting as a Sales Agent on behalf of GlobalX Air Tours, LLC as the public charter operator and Global Crossing Airlines, Inc. as the direct air carrier.

Top Copyright Photo: GlobalX (Global Crossing Airlines) Airbus A320-214 N281GX (msn 2830) MIA (Jay Selman). Image: 404288.

GlobalX aircraft photo gallery:

GlobalX aircraft photo gallery

Short-lived Ultra Air of Colombia ceases operations

Ultra Air (Colombia) Airbus A320-214 N712AV (HK-5393) (msn 2712) TPA (Keith Sommer). Image: 956579.

Ultra Air (Medellin) on March 29, 2023 announced that it suspended operations today (March 30) at 12:00 a.m. local time.

The short-lived airline was six Airbus A320s on domestic routes in Colombia.

Ultra Air (Colombia) logo

The airline was founded in 2020 and commenced operations on February 18, 2022.

Photo: Ultra Air

Top Copyright Photo: Ultra Air (Colombia) Airbus A320-214 N712AV (HK-5393) (msn 2712) TPA (Keith Sommer). Image: 956579.

Frontier Airlines expands in Cleveland, Tampa and Raleigh-Durham

Frontier Airlines (2nd) Airbus A320-251N WL N395FR (msn 11077) (Sage, the Pygmy Rabbit) BOS (Fred Freketic). Image: 960341.

Frontier Airlines may have lost the bidding war for Spirit Airlines, but it continues to expand at a record pace.

The fast-growing airline will launch new seasonal nonstop service from Cleveland Hopkins International Airport (CLE) to San Francisco (SFO), Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW), San Diego (SAN), and Charlotte (CLT) in May and June of 2023.

With the new service, Frontier will serve a total of 17 nonstop destinations from Cleveland, continuing to be the most of any airline operating from CLE.

Service from Cleveland Hopkins International Airport (CLE):

SERVICE TO:SERVICE START:SERVICE FREQUENCY:INTRO FARE:
Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW)May 12, 20234x/week$49*
Charlotte (CLT)May 12, 20234x/week**$29*
San Diego (SAN)June 8, 20233x/week$89*
San Francisco (SFO)June 23, 20234x/week$99*

**Service offered less frequently for first week of service. Then, service is offered as reflected in the grid above starting May 20, 2023.

Meanwhile the carrier is also expanding at Tampa:

Frontier will launch new seasonal nonstop service from Tampa International Airport (TPA) to Phoenix (PHX) in May of 2023. Previously announced service to Punta Cana (PUJ) and Santo Domingo (SDQ) in the Dominican Republic will begin in May, as well. With the new service, Frontier will serve a total of 20 nonstop destinations from TPA and offer its largest ever summer schedule from the airport.

Service from Tampa International Airport (TPA):

SERVICE TO:SERVICE START:SERVICE FREQUENCY:INTRO FARE:
Phoenix (PHX)May 11, 2023Daily$59*
Punta Cana (PUJ)May 21, 20232x/week$129*
Santo Domingo (SDQ)May 22, 20232x/week$129*

Frontier has also announced it will operate its largest-ever number of departures from Raleigh-Durham International Airport (RDU) this summer. Just announced new routes include Frontier’s first-ever flights to Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW) and the first time the carrier has connected RDU to Houston’s George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) since 2019. Service to MDW and IAH will start in June. With these new routes, Frontier will operate a record 112 weekly departures this summer, serving a total of 20 destinations with nonstop service.

Service from Raleigh-Durham International Airport (RDU):

SERVICE TO:SERVICE START:SERVICE FREQUENCY:INTRO FARE:
Chicago (MDW)June 16, 20234x/week$39*
Houston (IAH)June 18, 20233x/week$49*

Frequency and times are subject to change. 

Top Copyright Photo: Frontier Airlines (2nd) Airbus A320-251N WL N395FR (msn 11077) (Sage, the Pygmy Rabbit) BOS (Fred Freketic). Image: 960341.

Frontier Airlines aircraft photo gallery:

Frontier Airlines aircraft photo gallery