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.
Flight
Departs
Arrives
Days of the Week
AC1169
Toronto 21:00
Yellowknife 23:54
Tuesday, Friday, Sunday
AC1168
Yellowknife 00:50
Toronto 7:20
Monday, 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.
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.
Allegiant Travel Company (Allegiant Air) has formally unveiled a special addition to its fleet: a vibrant, one-of-a-kind Insomniac-themed livery designed for Electronic Dance Music (EDM) fans and beyond. The aircraft was painted earlier this year.
The new livery, displayed on the fuselage and tail of an Airbus A320 (N198NV), evokes a festive vibe, created in the spirit of the world’s largest dance music festival, Electric Daisy Carnival (EDC), to add an extra layer of excitement for all passengers to enjoy.
Allegiant, the official airline of Live Nation, teamed up with Insomniac to combine signature brand elements in the stunning design, celebrating a strategic partnership that empowers the airline’s customers to truly live the Nonstop Life. The livery arrives as demand for live events is at an all-time high. More customers across Allegiant’s network say that concerts and festivals spur their leisure travel planning.
Designers added a colorful splash of pink, purple and orange to Allegiant’s flowing ribbon encircling the fuselage and sunburst tail. Emblazoned on the sides of the plane are Insomniac and EDC’s internationally-recognized emblems, along with Insomniac’s logo painted on the engine cowlings – symbolizing the incredible power of its fan base.
Insomniac, celebrating its 30th anniversary this year, is the world’s leading live experience creator. Founded in 1993, Insomniac produces 10,000 concerts, club nights and festivals for seven million attendees annually across the globe. The company’s premier annual event, Electric Daisy Carnival Las Vegas, is the world’s largest dance music festival and attracts more than 525,000 fans over three days each May.
The Insomniac-themed livery joins Allegiant’s all-Airbus fleet, carrying scheduled passengers to destinations across the airline’s network.
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.
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:
Consolidated
Three Months Ended March 31,
Percent Change
(unaudited) (in millions, except per share amounts)
2023
2022
YoY
Total operating revenue
$ 649.7
$ 500.1
29.9 %
Total operating expense
554.9
492.9
12.6 %
Operating income
94.8
7.2
1,216.7 %
Income (loss) before income taxes
74.4
(10.6)
801.9 %
Net income (loss)
56.1
(7.9)
810.1 %
Diluted earnings (loss) per share
3.09
(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 only
Three Months Ended March 31,
Percent Change(2)
(unaudited) (in millions, except per share amounts)
2023
2022
YoY
Airline operating revenue (1)
$ 649.7
$ 500.1
29.9 %
Airline operating expense (1)
552.1
489.9
12.7 %
Airline operating income(1)
97.6
10.2
856.9 %
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 margin
15.0 %
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 guidance
Previous
Current
System ASMs – year over year change
2 to 6%
0 to 3%
Scheduled service ASMs – year over year change
2 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)
1Q23
2Q23
3Q23
YE23
A319 (156 seats)
35
35
35
35
A320 (177 seats)
19
19
19
19
A320 (180-186 seats)
70
72
73
73
Total
124
126
127
127
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Hong Kong Airlines Airbus A320-214 WL B-LPP (msn 7035) HKG (Javier Rodriguez). Image: 948418.
Hong Kong Airlines will launch four-times weekly nonstop flights connecting Hong Kong and Fukuoka from April 7, 2023. The new service will offer passengers additional flight options to popular destinations in Japan, while also boosting travel flexibility.
Situated off the southwest coast of Japan, Fukuoka is renowned for its beauty, surrounded by the beautiful ocean and picturesque mountains that offer stunning seaside scenery. The harbor city is also named as the metropolis of southern Japan and the gateway to Kyushu. Over the centuries, the city has found a balance of combining modern urbanity with its glorious history, boasting many buildings that have been lovingly preserved from the Meiji period.
Hong Kong Airlines is excited to operate direct flights to Fukuoka for the first time, adding this charming port city to our growing network.
Japan is always listed as the first choice for Hong Kong travellers. With Japan lifting its travel restrictions, the Company believes that the direct flight service to Fukuoka will provide customers with more travel options.
Hong Kong Airlines adjusts its business strategy and network from time to time to respond to changing market conditions. With the anticipated increasing travel demands, the Company also proudly announces that it would resume five-times weekly service to Bali Denpasar and daily service to Shanghai Hongqiao starting from April 17.
Ticket reservation for the route is now available at designated travel agents. Booking at the Hong Kong Airlines website will be announced at a later stage.
Hong Kong Airlines flight schedule* between Hong Kong and Fukuoka is as follows (All times local):
Route
Flight Number
Departure
Arrival
Frequency
HKG – FUK
HX640
1025
1500
Mon, Wed, Fri, Sun
FUK – HKG
HX641
1600
1835
* Flight number and schedule may change without prior notice
Established in 2006, Hong Kong Airlines is a full-service airline firmly rooted in Hong Kong. The airline flies to 25 destinations across Asia Pacific, and currently maintains 89 interline and 16 codeshare agreements with multiple airline partners and ferry service providers. Hong Kong Airlines operates one of the youngest fleets in the world. It has been awarded the internationally acclaimed four-star rating from Skytrax since 2011.
Fleet:
Route:
Hong Kong Airlines route map
Top Copyright Photo: Hong Kong Airlines Airbus A320-214 WL B-LPP (msn 7035) HKG (Javier Rodriguez). Image: 948418.
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 2022
1-12 2021
1-12 2019
Change YOY2021
Change YOY 2019
Revenue in € million
1,871
743
2,108
+152%
-11%
Adj. total operating revenue in € million
1,949
774
2,181
+152%
-11%
Adj. total operating expenditures in € million
1,946
1,024
2,164
+90%
-10%
Adjusted EBIT in € million
3
-249
19
–
–
EBIT in € million
-2
-238
15
–
–
Passengers in thousands
11,142
5,008
14,651
+122%
-24%
Available seat kilometers (ASK) in million
21,700
11,324
28,510
+92%
-24%
Capacity utilization (passenger load factor) in %
79.4
61.9
80.8
+17,5pp
-1,4pp
Number of flights
95,040
56,201
139,230
+69%
-32%
Fleet size (fleet in operation)
63
61
82
+2
-19
Regularity of operation
98.8%
99.5%
99.0%
-0.7pp
-0.2 pp
Punctuality on departure
77.3%
86.0 %
76.6 %
-8.7pp
+0.7 pp
Punctuality on arrival
83.2%
89.9 %
80.6 %
-6.7pp
+2.6 pp
Overview of key facts and figures Q4 2022 (rounded):
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.
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):
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):
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):
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):
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)
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):
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):
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):
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.
Himalya Airlines will add the Kathmandu – Beijing route on February 11. The airline made this announcement:
The Kathmandu – Beijing flight was previously suspended in 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic which has now recommenced after the withdrawal of travel restrictions by China on January 8, 2023.
Himalaya Airlines is planning to reconnect with Beijing Daxing International Airport with its weekly service starting from February 11, 2023 and scheduled to fly every Saturday.
Top Copyright Photo: Himalaya Airlines (Nepal) Airbus A320-214 WL 9N-ALM (msn 6626) DXB (Andi Hiltl). Image: 956019.
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.
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 Number
Frequency
From
To
Departure (Local Time)
Arrival (Local Time)
J9 335
Monday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday
Kuwait (KWI)
Moscow (DME)
18:40
23:45
J9 336
Tuesday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday
Moscow (DME)
Kuwait (KWI)
00:30am
05:35am
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.
