Air Malta is updating and simplified its livery with the pending delivery of the pictured Airbus A320-251N 9H-NEE (msn 11366).
The updated livery has removed the previous large “Malta” titles and intricate tail design of the previous livery.
Copyright Photo: Eurospot.
Jazeera Airways is gearing up for the 2023 summer season with three new European destinations – Munich, Germany, Belgrade, Serbia and Tirana, Albania.
In addition, the airline will also restart its flights to Prague, Czech Republic and Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Munich, the Bavarian capital is a very popular leisure and business destination in Germany and offers a variety of activities for different interests – both outdoors or indoors. One of Europe’s oldest cities, Belgrade is centrally located and one of the easiest places to reach in the Balkans. Tirana, the Albanian capital is also the country’s largest city. Known for its colorful architecture, Tirana extends at the Plain of Tirana in the center of Albania between a mountain in the east, hills in the south, and a valley to the north overlooking the Adriatic Sea. “The City of a Hundred Spires”, beautiful Prague lies at the heart of Europe and is full of great places to visit and delicious food to try. Sarajevo, a prominent center of culture in the Balkans, influences entertainment, media, fashion and the arts region-wide.
Flights to Sarajevo will restart on April 20, 2023 and to Prague will begin on June 8, 2023.
Jazeera Airways also offers good connections from these cities to other destinations in its network convenient transits through Kuwait.
Planned Flight Schedule
| Flight Number | Frequency | From | To | Departure (Local Time) | Arrival (Local Time) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| J9 32N | Wednesday, Saturday | Kuwait (KWI) | Munich (MUC) | 08:25 | 13:10 |
| J9 32N | Wednesday, Saturday | Munich (MUC) | Kuwait (KWI) | 13:55 | 20:15 |
| J9 32N | Monday, Wednesday, Saturday | Kuwait (KW) | Tirana (TIA) | 22:40 | 01:20 |
| J9 32N | Monday, Wednesday, Friday | Tirana (TIA) | Kuwait (KWI) | 02:05 | 08:30 |
| J9 363 | Tuesday, Friday | Kuwait (KWI) | Belgrade (BEG) | 21:15 | 01:00 |
| J9 364 | Wednesday, Saturday | Belgrade (BEG) | Kuwait (KWI) | 01:45 | 07:00 |
| J9 037 | Thursday, Sunday | Kuwait (KWI) | Prague (PRG) | 08:15 | 12:45 |
| J9 038 | Thursday, Sunday | Prague (PRG) | Kuwait (KWI) | 13:30 | 19:40 |
| J9 327* | Thursday, Saturday | Kuwait (KWI) | Sarajevo (SJJ) | 07:00 | 10:55 |
| J9 328* | Thursday, Saturday | Sarajevo (SJJ) | Kuwait (KWI) | 11:40 | 17:30 |
*Flight schedules for Sarajevo will change after June 13, 2023.
Other flight schedules are also subject to change.
Top Copyright Photo: Jazeera Airways Airbus A320-251N WL 9K-CBF (msn 10201) LHR (Wingnut). Image: 956680.
Jazeera Airways aircraft photo gallery:
Allegiant Air unveiled a special addition to its fleet this week: a one-of-a-kind livery designed by – and for – the airline’s employees.
The new design, displayed on the tail and fuselage of an Airbus A320 (N197NV), is one of only six Allegiant aircraft featuring a special livery.
It is not often that Allegiant alters its famous sunburst livery, CEO John Redmond told a crowd of employees during a ceremony at Punta Gorda Airport in Florida Tuesday. But the company wanted to honor employees in a very public and permanent way.
“We wanted to find a way to show the world that our employees are the lifeblood of Allegiant,” Redmond said. “This new livery is more than just a coat of paint, it’s a symbol of the collective strength and resilience of being Allegiant Proud. We hope it serves as a reminder of the incredible things our employees can accomplish when we work together.”
The livery is not only dedicated to Allegiant employees; the design was inspired by them. Employees were asked to submit words describing what they loved about Allegiant. Dozens of their choices, including “bold,” “amazing,” “limitless” and more, adorn the aircraft’s fuselage, surrounding Allegiant’s motto of “Together we fly.”
The aircraft will be based in Punta Gorda, a community that endured the full force of Hurricane Ian when it hit Southwest Florida in September.
Charlotte County, where Punta Gorda is located, is an important region in Allegiant’s network. Millions of passengers have flown Allegiant since the airline started service at Punta Gorda in 2009. Last year, over 1.8 million passengers traveled to and from the area via the airline. Nearby, Allegiant is building Sunseeker Charlotte Harbor, its first resort hotel. It is scheduled to open later this year.
All photos by Allegiant.
Allegiant Air aircraft photo gallery:
JetBlue Airways today announced new nonstop service between Orlando International Airport (MCO) and two top Caribbean destinations, as the airline unveils new plans to bring more low-fare, high-quality flights to Central Florida.
Launching in November 2023 and out for sale today, JetBlue will fly from Orlando to Punta Cana, Dominican Republic and Santiago, Dominican Republic (a). After its planned combination with Spirit, JetBlue expects to reach 200 flights a day in Orlando by 2027.
As a strong advocate for the Greater Orlando Aviation Authority’s (GOAA) development of Orlando International Airport’s Terminal C, JetBlue became the terminal’s anchor tenant in October 2022. GOAA’s continued investment in the airport provides an elevated experience for JetBlue customers in Terminal C today and paves the way for continued growth in the region in the years to come.
More than 4,000 JetBlue crewmembers are based at the airport and at JetBlue’s Orlando Support Center (OSC), which includes a state-of-the-art training facility featuring classrooms, flight and cabin simulators, a ditch pool and other equipment used both for new crewmember training and for those requiring recurrent training. JetBlue’s Orlando training facility also includes The Lodge at OSC, the airline’s 24/7 dormitory facility dedicated to providing a focused training environment for crewmembers.
Connecting Orlando to Popular Caribbean Destinations
Daily Schedule between Orlando (MCO) and Punta Cana (PUJ)
Beginning November 4, 2023
| MCO – PUJ Flight #1077 | PUJ – MCO Flight #1078 |
| 8:35 a.m. – 12:05 p.m. | 1:10 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. |
Daily Schedule between Orlando (MCO) and Santiago (STI)
Beginning November 4, 2023
| MCO – STI Flight #1265 | STI – MCO Flight #1266 |
| 1:00 p.m. – 4:20 p.m. | 5:30 p.m. – 7:10 p.m. |
Top Copyright Photo: A retired tail design: JetBlue Airways Airbus A320-232 N527JB (msn 1557) (Dots) MCO (Ton Jochems). Image: 960280.
JetBlue Airways aircraft photo gallery:
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:
Top Copyright Photo: Hong Kong Airlines Airbus A320-214 WL B-LPP (msn 7035) HKG (Javier Rodriguez). Image: 948418.
Hong Kong Airlines aircraft photo gallery:
Controladora Vuela Compañía de Aviación, S.A.B. de C.V. (Volaris) reported its February 2023 preliminary traffic results.
In February 2023, Volaris’ capacity (measured in ASMs) increased by 20.4% year-over-year, while demand (measured in RPMs) increased by 21.2%; the result was a load factor increase of 0.5 pp YoY to 83.2%. Volaris transported 2.5 million passengers during the month, a 17.3% increase compared to February 2022. Demand in the domestic Mexican and international markets increased by 13.7% and 42.4%, respectively.
Enrique Beltranena, Volaris’ President and CEO said: “In line with what was stated in our last earnings call in February 22, we are seeing healthy traffic growth and solid booking curves for the upcoming spring season. In February, consumer demand remained robust across all of our markets, with particular strength observed in international regions. Jet fuel prices were slightly more favorable than the prior guidance provided to the market.”
| Feb 2023 | Feb 2022 | Variance | YTD Feb 2023 | YTD Feb 2022 | Variance | |
| RPMs (million, scheduled & charter) | ||||||
| Domestic | 1,697 | 1,493 | 13.7 % | 3,630 | 3,132 | 15.9 % |
| International | 751 | 528 | 42.4 % | 1,660 | 1,197 | 38.7 % |
| Total | 2,449 | 2,021 | 21.2 % | 5,290 | 4,329 | 22.2 % |
| ASMs (million, scheduled & charter) | ||||||
| Domestic | 2,035 | 1,736 | 17.2 % | 4,306 | 3,727 | 15.5 % |
| International | 908 | 708 | 28.2 % | 1,932 | 1,559 | 24.0 % |
| Total | 2,943 | 2,445 | 20.4 % | 6,239 | 5,286 | 18.0 % |
| Load Factor (%, scheduled, RPMs/ASMs) | ||||||
| Domestic | 83.4 % | 86.0 % | (2.6) pp | 84.3 % | 84.0 % | 0.3 pp |
| International | 82.7 % | 74.5 % | 8.2 pp | 85.9 % | 76.8 % | 9.1 pp |
| Total | 83.2 % | 82.7 % | 0.5 pp | 84.8 % | 81.9 % | 2.9 pp |
| Passengers (thousand, scheduled & charter) | ||||||
| Domestic | 1,984 | 1,757 | 12.9 % | 4,208 | 3,625 | 16.1 % |
| International | 519 | 376 | 38.0 % | 1,158 | 857 | 35.1 % |
| Total | 2,502 | 2,133 | 17.3 % | 5,364 | 4,482 | 19.7 % |
Top Copyright Photo: Volaris Airbus A320-271N WL N532VL (msn 7904) LAX (Michael B. Ing). Image: 960185.
Volaris aircraft photo gallery:
Peach Aviation has unveiled this special livery on Airbus A320-214 JA827P (msn 8986).
Video:
Austrian Airlines issued this financial report for 2022:
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 YOY 2021 | 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):
| Q4 2022 | Q4 2021 | Q4 2019 | Change YOY2021 | Change YOY 2019 | |
| Revenue in € million | 505 | 251 | 496 | 101% | +2% |
| Adj. total operating revenue in € million | 521 | 258 | 503 | 102% | +4% |
| Adj. total operating expenditures in € million | 521 | 311 | 503 | 68% | +4% |
| Adjusted EBIT in € million | 0 | -54 | 1 | – | – |
| EBIT in € million | 1 | -40 | 1 | – | – |
Top Copyright Photo: Austrian A320-214 WL OE-LZE (msn 5754) PMI (Ton Jochems). Image: 958129.
Austrian Airlines aircraft photo gallery:
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 #2647 | CHS – 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:
Viva Air (Colombia) and its subsidiary Viva Air Perú suspended their operations on February 27, 2023.
The group blamed the financial situation on the delay on the merger request with Avianca from Aerocivil.
The airline issued this statement:
Viva regretfully announces the suspension of its operation, due to delays in the timely definition of the alliance that would allow its integration with a stronger and
larger airline group. Unfortunately, for now we will not be able to honor travel plans for passengers with current flights with Viva and will inform them promptly of the steps to
follow this decision.
Top Copyright Photo: Viva (Air Colombia) Airbus A320-251N WL HK-5366 (msn 10482) MIA ((Bruce Drum). Image: 105915.
Viva Air (Colombia) aircraft photo gallery:
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:
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.
Targeted regions for operations are North and South Americas, Europe, Middle East and Far East Asia.
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.
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:
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).
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 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.
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 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.
The new route to Denver International Airport (DEN):
The new seasonal route to Portland International Airport (PDX):
The new seasonal route to Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS):
The new route to Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX):
The new seasonal route to Myrtle Beach International Airport (MYR)
The new route to Harry Reid International Airport (LAS):
The new route to Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW):
The new seasonal route to Los Angeles International Airport (LAX):
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:
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) NEW | Daily | May 5 |
| Boston (BOS) | Daily | Existing |
| Hartford (BDL) NEW | 3x Weekly | June 7 |
| Baltimore (BWI) | 2x Daily | Frequency increases on May 5 |
| Dallas (DFW) NEW | Daily | May 5 |
| Detroit (DTW) NEW | Daily | May 5 |
| Newark (EWR) | 2x Daily | Frequency increases on June 7 |
| Fort Lauderdale (FLL) | 2x Daily | Frequency increases on April 5 |
| Orlando (MCO) | 5x Daily | Frequency increases on May 5 |
| Miami (MIA) | Daily | Existing Service |
| Chicago (ORD) NEW | Daily | May 5 |
| Philadelphia (PHL) | Daily | Existing Service |
| Tampa (TPA) | Daily | Existing 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:
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:
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.
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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.
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.
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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.
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