Tag Archives: A320-200

Austrian Airlines returns to the black for 2022, seven new destinations for the summer

Austrian A320-214 WL OE-LZE (msn 5754) PMI (Ton Jochems). Image: 958129.

Austrian Airlines issued this financial report for 2022:

  • First positive annual result 2022 since the pandemic: Adjusted EBIT at EUR +3 million
  • 11.1 million passengers over the whole year – passenger volume in the second half of 2022 almost at pre-crisis level
  • Good summer performance paves the way for moderate growth in fleet and personnel
  • CEO Annette Mann: “We have won our guests back with resilience and flexibility. With a solid summer performance we were able to land in the black!”

For the first time since 2019, Austrian Airlines closed the past financial year with a positive result (Adjusted EBIT) at EUR 3 million (2019: EUR 19 million). After two years dripping with red ink (2020: EUR -319 million, 2021: EUR -249 million) a slight positive result was capitalized 2022, despite a weak first quarter, which was still marked by the restrictions of the pandemic. Decisive factors for this positive development were higher average ticket revenues and the steep increase in passengers (2022: 11.1 million). Passenger figures have reached 76% of pre-crisis level over the entire course of the year and doubled compared to the previous year (2021: 5 million).

“Also 2022 has not been an easy year for us. In the first quarter air traffic has in many places still been very limited due to entry regulations, in February expenses for fuel and energy have skyrocketed due to the war at our doorstep“, says Austrian Airlines CEO Annette Mann. “We have won our guests back with resilience and flexibility. With a solid summer performance we were able to land in the black!”

The annual result in detail

In 2022 Austrian Airlines’ revenue rose from EUR 743 million last year to EUR 1.871 billion (+152%) and this amounted to only 11 percent less than the revenue of 2019 (EUR 2.108 billion). The total revenue amounted to EUR 1.949 billion, +152% and the total operating expenditures of EUR 1.946 billion, +90% above the previous year. For the first time since 2019 (Adjusted EBIT: EUR 19 million) Austrian Airlines has generated a positive Adjusted EBIT with a plus of EUR 3 million.  With the key date of 31 December 2022 Austrian Airlines employed 5,659 staff.

The increase in passengers combined with higher average ticket revenues drove up the total operating revenue in the past year. With 11.1 million passengers, Austrian Airlines transported twice as many passengers, compared to 2021 (2021: 5 million) und came closer to pre-crisis level (2019: 14.7 million / – 24%). Especially with the second quarter a strong catch-up effect in air travel took place, particularly in the touristic segment. The comparison of the second half year shows a clear recovery of the passenger figures close to pre-crisis level (second half year 2022: 7 million, second half year 2019: 8 million). In 2022 Austrian Airlines almost doubled its offer in seat kilometers from 11.3 billion (2021) to 21.7 billion. The average load factor of 79.4% has reached a value close to the one of 2019 (80.8%).

Early repayment and inflation compensation for all employees

The record result of the third quarter paved the way for the early repayment of the state-backed loan by the end of 2022, which was taken in the course of the Corona pandemic. Good liquidity and the granting of a credit line by Lufthansa Group allowed for Austrian Airlines to fully repay the remaining EUR 210 million of the total loan of EUR 300 million three years earlier than foreseen. Also the salary cut for Austrian Airlines employees agreed in 2020 was ended earlier by the end of 2022.  For an additional relief, an inflation compensation of up to a total of EUR 3,000 was payed to all employees.

Moderate growth and new fleet members

After the national carrier had to downsize since 2020 due to the crisis, two of a total of four brand-new Airbus A320neo aircraft have been joining the existing fleet since October 2022, laying the foundation for slight growth, also in terms of staff. COO Francesco Sciortino: “The Austrian team deserves to grow. New aircraft and new employees are the reward for a great performance in the past year. In 2022, we were among the top 5 most punctual airlines in Europe – despite immense challenges. With this motivation, we are already preparing for the coming summer!”

Variety in Europe and increased frequencies to Asia this summer

The Austrian Airlines flight schedule in summer 2023 will include over 120 destinations with seven new scheduled routes to Porto, Marseille, Billund, Tivat, Tromsø, Vilnius and Palermo. Like last summer, the US destinations will be served with a dense weekly frequency of up to 33 connections. Thanks to the relaxation of travel regulations to China and Japan, Austrian Airlines is also able to increase the number of flights to Asia. As of March, Shanghai is again served three times a week, while flights to Tokyo will be operated up to five times a week in the summer flight schedule. CCO Michael Trestl: “In 2023, we want to welcome even more passengers with a smile and our world-famous charm. Austrian Airlines offers a piece of Austria above the clouds all around the world!”

Outlook for the financial year 2023

Current bookings and the addition of the remaining two of the four A320neo aircraft to the fleet in early summer have already set the course for a successful new financial year. The continuing upward trend in the tourism segment is now also reflected again in medium- and long-term bookings. “For 2023, we expect a significant improvement in our results”, concludes CEO Annette Mann.


Overview of key facts and figures 2022 (rounded):

 1-12 20221-12 20211-12 2019  Change YOY 2021Change YOY 2019
Revenue in € million1,8717432,108+152%-11%
Adj. total operating revenue in € million1,9497742,181+152%-11%
Adj. total operating expenditures in € million1,9461,0242,164+90%-10%
Adjusted EBIT in € million3-24919––
EBIT in € million-2-23815––
      
Passengers in thousands11,1425,00814,651+122%-24%
Available seat kilometers (ASK) in million 21,70011,32428,510+92%-24%
Capacity utilization (passenger load factor) in %79.461.980.8+17,5pp-1,4pp
Number of flights95,04056,201139,230+69%-32%
Fleet size (fleet in operation)636182+2-19
      
Regularity of operation98.8%99.5%99.0%-0.7pp-0.2 pp
Punctuality on departure77.3% 86.0 % 76.6 %-8.7pp+0.7 pp
Punctuality on arrival83.2% 89.9 % 80.6 %-6.7pp+2.6 pp

Overview of key facts and figures Q4 2022 (rounded):

 Q4 2022Q4 2021Q4 2019  Change YOY2021Change YOY 2019  
Revenue in € million505251496101%+2%
Adj. total operating revenue in € million521258503102%+4%
Adj. total operating expenditures in € million521 31150368%+4%
Adjusted EBIT in € million0-541––
EBIT in € million1-401––

Top Copyright Photo: Austrian A320-214 WL OE-LZE (msn 5754) PMI (Ton Jochems). Image: 958129.

Austrian Airlines aircraft photo gallery:

Austrian Airlines aircraft photo gallery

JetBlue adds three new routes for the summer

JetBlue Airways Airbus A320-232 N806JB (msn 5302) (Barcode) JFK (Fred Freketic). Image: 960154.

JetBlue Airways today announced three new routes launching this summer – enabled in part by its Northeast Alliance (NEA) with American Airlines – which will further increase competition and choice for travelers across the Northeast. Seats are out for sale starting today with fares as low as $59(a).

New York City

Enabled by the NEA, JetBlue’s new service between New York’s John F. Kennedy Airport (JFK) and Washington’s Ronald Reagan National Airport (DCA) will deliver a customer-centric alternative for travelers across the busy Northeast Corridor that has historically been dominated by high-fare legacy carriers.

Daily Schedule between New York (JFK) and Washington DC (DCA) 
Beginning June 15, 2023

 JFK – DCA Flight #1887   DCA – JFK Flight #1888
7:00 a.m. – 8:40 a.m.  6:30 a.m. – 7:55 a.m.
JFK – DCA Flight #2487  DCA – JFK Flight #2488
1:15 p.m. – 3:01 p.m.  2:10 p.m. – 3:45 p.m.
JFK – DCA Flight #2587  DCA – JFK Flight #2588
7:15 p.m. – 8:55 p.m.  5:00 p.m. – 6:48 p.m.

Westchester County

JetBlue is also launching new summer seasonal service from Westchester County Airport (HPN), further bolstering JetBlue’s leadership position in the Greater New York area and offering customers more choices to popular summer travel destinations.

Daily Schedule between Westchester (HPN) and Martha’s Vineyard (MVY) 
Summer Seasonal Beginning May 25, 2023

 HPN – MVY Flight #2666 MVY – HPN Flight #2665
3:45 p.m. – 4:55 p.m.1:50 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.

Daily Schedule between Westchester (HPN) and Charleston, S.C. (CHS) 
Summer Seasonal Beginning May 25, 2023

 HPN – CHS Flight #2647CHS – HPN Flight #2648
11:59 a.m. – 2:14 p.m.3:15 p.m. – 5:30 p.m.

Top Copyright Photo: JetBlue Airways Airbus A320-232 N806JB (msn 5302) (Barcode) JFK (Fred Freketic). Image: 960154.

JetBlue Airways aircraft photo gallery:

JetBlue Airways aircraft photo gallery

JetBlue and Spirit flight attendant unions are split on the merger

Spirit Airlines Airbus A320-271N WL N972NK (msn 11173) LAX (Michael B. Ing). Image: 960137.

JetBlue Airways’ flight attendants, represented by the TWU, are opposing the merger with Spirit Airlines. The union has sent a letter to the Attorney General and the Department of Transportation opposing the merger.

Meanwhile the flight attendants of Spirit Airlines, represented by the Association of Flight Attendants-CWA, are agreeing with and supporting the takeover of Spirit by JetBlue.

The Department of Justice will rule on the merger request. JetBlue has vowed to fight any refusal.

Top Copyright Photo: Spirit Airlines Airbus A320-271N WL N972NK (msn 11173) LAX (Michael B. Ing). Image: 960137.

Spirit Airlines aircraft photo gallery:

Spirit Airlines aircraft photo gallery

Valletta Airlines receives its AOC, plans to operate ACMI charters

Air Valletta Group, backed by private Cypriot investment has launched Airbus A320 and A330 operator Valletta Airlines (St. Julian’s, Malta), which will focus on global charter and ACMI markets starting early 2023.

Vallettea Airlines logo

Targeted regions for operations are North and South Americas, Europe, Middle East and Far East Asia.

Valletta Airlines Airbus A320

​

Valletta Airlines has received its Air Operator’s Certificate (AOC) and aims to start with one Airbus A320-200, with plans to grow it’s fleet to three Airbus A320-200s and two A330-200s by the end of 2023.

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Finnair to wet lease four Airbus A320s to British Airways

Finnair Airbus A320-214 OH-LXL (msn 2146) LHR (SPA). Image: 925199.

Finnair has signed an agreement with British Airways to wet lease four Airbus A320s starting on March 24, 2023 for 12 months.

The aircraft will be crewed by Finnair.

Top Copyright Photo: Finnair Airbus A320-214 OH-LXL (msn 2146) LHR (SPA). Image: 925199.

Finnair aircraft photo gallery:

Finnair aircraft photo gallery

LATAM renews its fleet and expects to end 2023 with 31 Airbus A320neo family aircraft

LATAM AIrlines (Chile) Airbus A320-271N WL CC-BHA (msn 7844) MIA (Bruce Drum). Image: 105901.

LATAM Airlines (Chile) made this announcement:

With the commitment to be more efficient and sustainable, the LATAM group advances in the renewal of its fleet, announcing that it will have 31 Airbus A320neo family aircraft in operation by the end of 2023.

The additional purchase of Airbus aircraft will allow the group to have more than 100 A320neo, A321neo and A321XLR aircraft by the end of this decade. Today, the LATAM group has 16 Airbus A320neo aircraft in operation and this year it expects to receive another 15 Airbus aircraft, including the first A321neo in its fleet. The first A321XLR will be delivered in 2025.

This will allow the LATAM group to replace its aircraft with more modern and efficient ones, increase its fleet and continue with the recovery of its operation compared to pre-pandemic levels.

Regarding the Airbus A321neo, it consumes 22% less fuel per seat than the previous model, the A320ceo. In addition, the Airbus A321XLR is the single-aisle aircraft (narrow body) with the longest flight range in the world (7,400 km) and with up to 38% less fuel consumption per flight than an aircraft with two aisles (wide body).

Airbus A320neo

Most of LATAM’s A320 Family aircraft fleet is equipped with software that reduces annual CO2 emissions by more than 60,000 tons by optimizing the aircraft’s landing path.

Currently, the LATAM group has 311 aircraft, 57 passengers Boeing (767, 777 and 787 models) and 238 Airbus aircraft (A319, A320, A320neo and A321 models). In addition, LATAM Cargo Chile, LATAM Cargo Colombia and LATAM Cargo Brazil have a joint fleet of 16 cargo planes, which will gradually expand to 20 cargo planes by 2024.

Top Copyright Photo: LATAM AIrlines (Chile) Airbus A320-271N WL CC-BHA (msn 7844) MIA (Bruce Drum). Image: 105901.

LATAM Airlines (Chile) aircraft photo gallery:

Edelweiss extends its partnership with “Alfa Romeo F1 Team Stake”

Edelweiss Switzerland (Edelweiss Air) Airbus A320-214 WL HB-JLT (msn 5518) (Help Alliance) ZRH (Rolf Wallner). Image: 958069.

Edelweiss has become the Official Airline Partner for the third time in a row in 2023. All flights will be compensated. Season starts on March 5, 2023 in Bahrain.

The “Alfa Romeo F1 Team Stake” relies also in 2023 on Edelweiss as Official Airline Partner. This is already the third season in which Edelweiss offers direct charter flights from Zurich to the F1 Grand Prix race tracks within reach of the Airbus A320 fleet. The collaboration began in 2021, when then Alfa Romeo Racing ORLEN was looking for a Swiss partner during the pandemic.

Photo: Edelweiss Air.

Edelweiss also flies the team to Las Vegas

The new season will start in Bahrain on March 5, 2023. The season will feature one more race this year. The second-to-last stop on the schedule is Las Vegas from November 16 to 18, 2023. Edelweiss will fly the team to Las Vegas on its regular scheduled flight at the end of November. On the Las Vegas Strip, the race will be held on a 3.8-mile course right in the neon heart of the city. Passing world-famous landmarks, casinos and hotels. Edelweiss will be flying to Las Vegas directly from Zurich at least twice a week until the end of November, offering racing enthusiasts the chance to be there live.

Top Copyright Photo: Edelweiss Switzerland (Edelweiss Air) Airbus A320-214 WL HB-JLT (msn 5518) (Help Alliance) ZRH (Rolf Wallner). Image: 958069.

Edelweiss aircraft photo gallery:

Allegiant Air to add eight new routes

Allegiant Air Airbus A320-214 N289NV (msn 4574) AZA (Jarrod Wilkening). Image: 957851.

Allegiant Air has announced eight new nonstop routes to some of the nation’s premier vacation destinations. 

The routes, launching during this year’s summer and fall travel seasons, will connect communities across the country to some of the most popular leisure hot spots, including Portland, Las Vegas, Myrtle Beach, Austin, Phoenix, Asheville, Chicago and Los Angeles.

Allegiant Air crew member (Allegiant Air)

The new route to Denver International Airport (DEN):

  1. Allentown, Penn. via Lehigh Valley International Airport (ABE) – beginning June 15, 2023with one-way fares as low as $59.*

The new seasonal route to Portland International Airport (PDX): 

  1. Appleton, WI. via Appleton International Airport (ATW) – beginning June 15, 2023 with one-way fares as low as $69.*

The new seasonal route to Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS):

  1. Omaha, Neb. via Omaha Airport (OMA) – beginning June 15, 2023 with one-way fares as low as $49.*

The new route to Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX): 

  1. Asheville, North Carolina via Asheville Regional Airport (AVL) – beginning May 26, 2023with one-way fares as low as $69.*

The new seasonal route to Myrtle Beach International Airport (MYR) 

  1. Akron, Ohio via Akron-Canton Airport (CAK) – beginning June 1, 2023 with one-way fares as low as $39.*

The new route to Harry Reid International Airport (LAS):

  1. Lexington, Ky. via Blue Grass Airport (LEX) – beginning June 15, 2023 with one-way fares as low as $69.*

The new route to Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW):

  1. Provo, Utah via Provo Airport (PVU) – beginning June 16, 2023 with one-way fares as low as $59.*

The new seasonal route to Los Angeles International Airport (LAX):

  1. Sioux Falls, S.D. via Sioux Falls Regional Airport (FSD) – beginning June 14, 2023 with one-way fares as low as $59.*

The new nonstop routes will operate twice weekly.

Top Copyright Photo: Allegiant Air Airbus A320-214 N289NV (msn 4574) AZA (Jarrod Wilkening). Image: 957851.

Allegiant Air aircraft photo gallery:

Allegiant Air aircraft photo gallery

Spirit Airlines to launch five new routes from San Juan

Spirit Airlines Airbus A320-271N WL N971NK (msn 11222) LAX (Michael B. Ing). Image: 960077.

Spirit Airlines has announced the launch of five new, nonstop routes from Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport (SJU). The expansion adds convenient and affordable flights to Atlanta (ATL), Chicago(ORD), Dallas (DFW), Detroit (DTW) and Hartford (BDL), growing Spirit’s Puerto Rico service from 11 destinations to 16 by June 2023.

The carrier also announced it will increase flights between San Juan (SJU) and Orlando (MCO) to five flights daily and grow flights between San Juan and Baltimore (BWI), Fort Lauderdale (FLL) and Newark (EWR) to two flights daily.

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 increases on May 5
Dallas (DFW) NEWDailyMay 5
Detroit (DTW) NEWDailyMay 5
Newark (EWR) 2x DailyFrequency increases on June 7
Fort Lauderdale (FLL) 2x DailyFrequency increases on April 5
Orlando (MCO) 5x DailyFrequency increases on May 5
Miami (MIA)DailyExisting Service
Chicago (ORD) NEWDailyMay 5
Philadelphia (PHL)DailyExisting Service
Tampa (TPA)DailyExisting Service

Spirit first landed on the island in 2001 with service to San Juan (SJU) and has grown its Puerto Rican route map to include Aguadilla (BQN) and Ponce (PSE). The airline will offer 21 peak-day departures in San Juan by June 2023, making it the second-largest carrier by destinations, seats and available seat miles (ASM). This adds to Spirit’s growth across the island, which represents more than 200 percent growth in the past four years.

Top Copyright Photo: Spirit Airlines Airbus A320-271N WL N971NK (msn 11222) LAX (Michael B. Ing). Image: 960077.

Spirit Airlines aircraft photo gallery:

Spirit Airlines aircraft photo gallery

JetBlue sets plan for 250+ daily flights at Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood including new Tallahassee service

JetBlue Airways Airbus A320-232 N605JB (msn 2368) (Boston Red Sox) FLL (Ian Bowley). Image: 959607.

JetBlue Airways has announced new service between Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL) and Tallahassee International Airport (TLH) beginning in January 2024, as the airline lays out new plans for more low-fare, high-value flights in South Florida.

After its planned combination with Spirit, JetBlue expects to reach more than 250 flights a day at Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood by 2027.

Broward County’s master plan for further development of Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport would enable JetBlue to grow to more than 250 daily flights. JetBlue has already committed support for a new Terminal 5 and is ready to partner with the airport on further expansion to increase capacity.

More Routes, More Choices for South Florida

JetBlue plans to combine with Spirit and further grow its Fort Lauderdale schedule over the coming years, ultimately reaching more than 250 daily departures by 2027 and making Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood an even more compelling choice for South Florida customers. While both carriers have had success in Fort Lauderdale, the combination between JetBlue and Spirit will unlock long-term opportunities to add domestic and international markets and routes that would not be possible otherwise:

  • JetBlue would offer flights to approximately 30 markets not served by either JetBlue or Spirit from Fort Lauderdale today and would add more flight frequencies to approximately 30 additional markets.
  • Fort Lauderdale will become an even more attractive alternative to Miami on more routes. From Fort Lauderdale, JetBlue and Spirit currently serve 66 of the top 100 markets available from Miami International Airport today (within range of existing and planned JetBlue fleet). After completing its planned expansion, JetBlue would serve from Fort Lauderdale approximately 90 of the top 100 Miami markets.
  • With a more competitive position in South Florida, JetBlue would plan to launch service between Fort Lauderdale and Europe with its game-changing transatlantic Mint and core experiences that have brought down high fares for European travel.
  • The larger network would make a number of routes viable that aren’t today, with examples including destinations like as Antigua; Belize; Cincinnati; Liberia, Costa Rica; Minneapolis; Memphis, Tenn.; and Savannah, Ga.

Commitment to South Florida and FLL’s Master Plan

JetBlue’s expansion plan, which will be bolstered by its planned acquisition of Spirit, underscores the airline’s long-term commitment to Florida and signals support for the airport’s master plan to further grow and develop airport facilities.

JetBlue estimates its plan would add approximately 1,000 incremental new jobs at the airline’s Fort Lauderdale operations, and further support economic activity across the region that will lead to additional job growth. In addition, JetBlue’s no furlough policy ensures that current Spirit team members who wish to stay with the combined airline will have a role with JetBlue. Today, JetBlue and Spirit employ nearly 13,000 people in Florida, with service to 10 airports across the state. JetBlue has committed to insourcing many jobs that Spirit currently outsources to third-party providers. In addition, JetBlue maintains a focus city at MCO, support center, and crewmember training campus in Orlando.

Top Copyright Photo: JetBlue Airways Airbus A320-232 N605JB (msn 2368) (Boston Red Sox) FLL (Ian Bowley). Image: 959607.

JetBlue Airways aircraft photo gallery:

JetBlue Airways aircraft photo gallery

ITA Airways’ special livery promoting Friuli Venezia Giulia

ITA Airways Airbus A320-216 EI-DTG (msn 3921) (Friuli Venezia Giulia) LHR (Wingnut). Image: 960029.

ITA Airways has introduced a special livery promoting Friuli Venezia Giulia.

Friuli Venezia Giulia is one of the 20 regions of Italy and one of five autonomous regions with special statute. The capital is Trieste on the Gulf of Trieste, a bay on the Adriatic Sea.

Ski area in the region

According to the region’s website, “A border region sandwiched between the Friulian Dolomites and the Upper Adriatic, blessed with an immense cultural heritage resulting from the influence of different cultures and peoples, cosmopolitan and modern, Friuli Venezia Giulia will also seduce you with its temptations of relaxation, sport and fun.”

Top Copyright Photo: ITA Airways Airbus A320-216 EI-DTG (msn 3921) (Friuli Venezia Giulia) LHR (Wingnut). Image: 960029.

ITA AIrways aircraft photo gallery:

Spirit Airlines reports fourth quarter and full year 2022 results

Spirit Airlines, Inc. reported fourth quarter and full year 2022 financial results.

“I want to thank the entire Spirit Team for their contributions in overcoming the many challenges we faced during 2022. Thanks to their dedication and relentless pursuit to implement more efficient and effective strategies, we made excellent progress on the steps necessary to return Spirit to sustained profitability,” saidTed Christie, Spirit’s President and Chief Executive Officer.

Fourth Quarter 2022 Financial Results

For the fourth quarter 2022, Spirit reported a net loss of $270.7 million, or a net loss of $2.49 per diluted share. Excluding special items, adjusted net income for the fourth quarter 2022 was $12.6 million1, or an adjusted net income of $0.12 per diluted share1.

For the fourth quarter 2022, Spirit reported a pre-tax loss of $340.3 million and a pre-tax margin of negative 24.5 percent. Adjusted pre-tax income for the fourth quarter was $23.0 million1 and adjusted pre-tax margin was 1.7 percent.

Operations

For the fourth quarter 2022, the Company’s load factor was 81.0 percent, DOT on-time performance2 was 73.2 percent and Completion Factor2 was 97.0 percent.

Revenue

Total operating revenues for the fourth quarter 2022 were $1.4 billion, an increase of 43.5 percent compared to the fourth quarter 2019 primarily due to increased flight volume and stronger operating yields. Total revenue per ASM (“TRASM”) was 10.81 cents, up 17.0 percent compared to fourth quarter 2019 on 22.7 percent more capacity.

On a per passenger flight segment basis, compared to the same period in 2019, total revenue per passenger flight segment (“segment”) for the fourth quarter 2022 increased 22.5 percent to $135.62. Compared to the fourth quarter 2019, fare revenue per segment increased 22.1 percent to $64.31 and non-ticket revenue per segment increased 22.9 percent to $71.313. Non-ticket revenue per segment increased sequentially from the third quarter 2022 by $4.24, driven by strong take rates for ancillaries combined with the benefit from revenue management initiatives.

Cost Performance

Total GAAP operating expenses for the fourth quarter 2022 increased 100.8 percent compared to the fourth quarter 2019 to $1,697.0 million. Adjusted operating expenses for the fourth quarter 2022 increased 58.0 percent compared to the fourth quarter 2019 to $1,333.7 million4. Compared to the fourth quarter 2019, these increases were primarily driven by increases in flight volume, additional aircraft, higher fuel prices and inflationary wage pressures.

Fleet

Spirit took delivery of 10 new A320neo aircraft during the fourth quarter 2022. The Company ended the quarter with 194 aircraft in its fleet, an increase of 33.8 percent since the end of fourth quarter 2019.

In January 2023, the Company signed an agreement to sell 29 unencumbered A319ceo aircraft powered with V2500 engines to Gryphon Trading Company, LLC (“Gryphon”), with anticipated deliveries to Gryphon beginning in the first quarter 2023 through the end of the third quarter 2024. The Company expects to remove 14 and 15 A319ceo aircraft from its operating fleet in 2023 and 2024, respectively. The other two A319ceo aircraft in our operating fleet are anticipated to be returned to the lessor upon lease expiration in 2025.

Liquidity and Capital Deployment

Spirit ended fourth quarter 2022 with unrestricted cash and cash equivalents, short-term investment securities and liquidity available under the Company’s revolving credit facility of $1.8 billion.

During the fourth quarter 2022, the Company completed a private offering of an additional $600 million in aggregate principal amount of 8.00% Senior Secured Notes due 2025 (the “Senior Secured Notes”) by Spirit IP Cayman Ltd., an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company, and Spirit Loyalty Cayman Ltd., an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company (together the “Issuers”). As of December 31, 2022, the Issuers had $1.1 billion of aggregate principal amount of Senior Secured Notes outstanding.

Spirit increased the commitment under its senior secured revolving credit facility by $60.0 million to $300.0 million during the fourth quarter 2022. As of December 31, 2022, the entire $300 million remained undrawn and available.

Total capital expenditures, including net pre-delivery purchase deposits, for the twelve months ended December 31, 2022, were $246.1 million, primarily related to the purchase of spare parts, including four spare engines, two flight simulators, and expenditures related to the building of Spirit’s new headquarters campus in Dania Beach, Florida.

Top Copyright Photo: Spirit Airlines Airbus A320-271N WL N967NK (msn 11128) LAX (Michael B. Ing). Image: 960027.

Spirit Airlines aircraft photo gallery:

Edelweiss opens a new route to Amman, Jordan

Edelweiss Air (Edelweiss Switzerland) has opened a new route to Amman, Jordan.

Photo: Amman Airport.

Edelweiss Air will operate two weekly flights on Sundays and Thursdays to Amman, with return flights to Zurich scheduled the next day on Mondays and Fridays.

Top Copyright Photo: Edelweiss Switzerland Airbus A320-214 HB-JJK (msn 1692) ZRH (Rolf Wallner). Image: 954812.

Edelweiss Air aircraft photo gallery:

JetBlue’s pilots approve a two-year contract extension

ALPA made this announcement:

JetBlue Airways pilots, represented by the Air Line Pilots Association, Int’l (ALPA), have overwhelmingly approved a two-year contract extension that provides a compensation increase of 21.5 percent over 18 months, as well as other monetary improvements. With 95 percent of eligible pilots participating, 75 percent voted in favor of ratifying the tentative agreement reached in December.

In September 2022, the Company and JetBlue pilots entered expedited, short-term contract extension negotiations focused on achieving immediate economic improvements. On December 14, the two parties reached a tentative agreement that provided the pilots with three rate increases and a market rate adjustment that ensures JetBlue pilot pay remains in line with any compensation gains achieved by their peers at other airlines. JetBlue is currently in a potentially lengthy merger process. The agreement ratified today puts JetBlue pilots in a strong position for future negotiations for either a joint collective bargaining agreement with the pilots at Spirit Airlines or, should the merger fail to conclude, a comprehensive standalone collective bargaining agreement.

Top Copyright Photo: JetBlue Airways Airbus A320-232 WL N715JB (msn 3554) (Spotlight) LAX (Michael B. Ing). Image: 960005.

JetBlue Airways aircraft photo gallery:

Aer Lingus announces a new route from London Heathrow to Knock 

Aer Lingus is to launch a new route from London Heathrow to Knock in the west of Ireland in March.

The new daily Aer Lingus service will start on March 26, 2023. 



The new route replaces the current Aer Lingus London Gatwick to Knock service, which ends on March 25, 2023.

Knock Airport Terminal

Top Copyright Photo: Aer Lingus Airbus A320-214 EI-CVA (msn 1242) LGW (Richard Vandervord). Image: 960004.

Aer Lingus aircraft photo gallery:

Jazeera Airways to launch flights to Moscow and Belgrade

Jazeera Airways previously announced the launch of a new route from Kuwait City to Moscow, Russia.

Jazeera will be the first airline to operate flights between the two cities.

The new route will commence on February 2, 2023 with four flights weekly leaving Kuwait on Mondays, Thursday, Fridays and Saturdays. Flights land at Moscow Domodedovo Airport (DME), one of the four major Moscow airports, and one of the busiest airports in Russia.

Flight Schedule

Flight NumberFrequencyFromToDeparture (Local Time)Arrival (Local Time)
J9 335Monday, Thursday, Friday, SaturdayKuwait (KWI)Moscow (DME)18:4023:45
J9 336Tuesday, Friday, Saturday, SundayMoscow (DME)Kuwait (KWI)00:30am05:35am

In addition, the carrier will also commence a new route from Kuwait City to Belgrade starting on June 17, 2023. The new route will operate two days a week with Airbus A320 aircraft.

Route Map:

Top Copyright Photo: Jazeera Airways Airbus A320-214 9K-CAM (msn 5625) AYT (Ton Jochems). Image: 960002.

Jazeera Airways aircraft photo gallery:

Air Serbia carried 73% more passengers in 2022 compared with 2021

2.76 million passengers carried

  • 60% increase in traffic compared with the previous year
  • 87 routes to four continents
  • Direct flights to Tianjin, Air Serbia’s second long-haul destination launched
  • Load factor averaged 72%
  • Premium lounge used by more than 54,000 passengers

After two difficult years for commercial aviation, the Serbian national airline achieved significant progress last year. In 2022, Air Serbia carried a total of 2.76 million passengers on scheduled and charter flights, which is a 73% increase compared with the previous year. From July to December, the company achieved record-breaking monthly results in terms of the number of passengers carried. The national airline operated a total of 31,420 flights from three international airports in Serbia – its hub in Belgrade, as well as the airports in Niš and Kraljevo. This represents a 60% increase compared with 2021. The average load factor was 72%, which represents an increase of 8 percentage points year on year. In 2022, Air Serbia expanded its network with 15 new destinations and reinforced its fleet with seven new aircraft.

In November, the long-haul fleet got its second wide-body airplane, the Airbus A330-200 bearing the image of famous Serbian scientist and inventor, Mihajlo Pupin. In addition to that, the jet fleet was enriched with an additional Airbus A319 and an Airbus A320, while four new ATR 72-600 type aircraft joined the regional fleet.

During the previous year, Air Serbia flew to a total of 87 routes across Europe, North America, Asia, and Africa via scheduled, seasonal, and charter flights. Compared with 2021, direct flights to 15 new destinations have been launched, including Valencia, Malaga, Malta, Lyon, Bologna, Hanover, Nuremberg, and others. As of 9 December, the national airline resumed flights to the People’s Republic of China after a 22-year hiatus. The first destination in this Asian country is Tianjin, the fourth largest city and the largest port in northern China. As a result, Air Serbia managed to position itself on the market as one of the few European airlines that offer direct flights to the People’s Republic of China.

Last year’s results in charter transport were particularly good, with Air Serbia operating 2,663 flights on a total of 21 charter routes, achieving a 10% better performance than in 2021. From Belgrade Nikola Tesla Airport and Niš Constantine the Great Airport, it operated flights on as many as nine routes in Greece, six in Turkey, three in Egypt, two in Italy, and one in Tunisia. 

By carrying nearly 5,000 tons of cargo, Air Serbia Cargo achieved a 30% better result in the previous year than in 2021.

The services of Air Serbia’s Premium Lounge at Belgrade Nikola Tesla Airport were used by 54,000 passengers in 2022.

Additionally, in 2022 Air Serbia positioned itself among the European airlines with the highest number of weekly flights from Istanbul airport. The number of flights between Belgrade and Istanbul increased from ten to 17 flights a week. Passengers had access to up to six daily flights between these two cities, with three flights operated by Air Serbia, and the remaining three by Turkish Airlines, with whom Air Serbia has a code-share agreement.

Top Copyright Photo: Air Serbia Airbus A320-232 WL YU-APO (msn 6388) ZRH (Rolf Wallner). Image: 959845.

Air Serbia aircraft photo gallery: