Tag Archives: Airbus A320-200

Allegiant unveils a special “Together We Fly” livery on A320 N197NV, dediciated to its employees

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.

N197NV

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:

Allegiant Air aircraft photo gallery

JetBlue sets plan for 200 daily flights at Orlando International Airport with two new destinations from MCO

JetBlue Airways Airbus A320-232 N527JB (msn 1557) (Dots) MCO (Ton Jochems). Image: 960280.

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.

MCO

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.

MCO Terminals

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 #1077PUJ – 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 #1265STI – 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:

JetBlue Airways aircraft photo gallery

Hong Kong Airlines to launch service to Fukuoka from April 7

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 DepartureArrival Frequency 
HKG – FUKHX64010251500Mon, Wed, Fri, Sun
FUK – HKGHX64116001835

* 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.

Hong Kong Airlines aircraft photo gallery:

Hong Kong Airlines aircraft photo gallery

airBaltic to wet lease four Airbus A320s from Avion Express

airBaltic has announced that during the summer season of 2023 it will wet-lease four additional aircraft short-term – to meet the increasing passenger demand and ensure a successful performance of planned flights. To support these efforts, a partnership with the leading narrow-body ACMI and charter operator Avion Express has been established, adding the Airbus A320-232 aircraft of 180 seats to the fleet of airBaltic.

In total, two of the aircraft will operate out of the Riga base, starting from March 26 to October 28, while one will be based in Vilnius and another in Tallinn, from March 1 to October 28.

The wet-leased aircraft will be available in two configurations, with burgundy red leather seats and blue textile seats. The onboard ambiance will feature airBaltic-branded white headrest covers, Baltic Outlook inflight magazine, and the airline’s safety cards. Furthermore, the crew of Avion Express has been instructed to detail, in order to ensure the same high standard of service asairBaltic.

The Airbus A320-232 aircraft of Avion Express (registration numbers: 9H-AMI, 9H-AMK, 9H-MLY, 9H-MLX) have been manufactured in the period from 2008 to 2011.

airBaltic provides flights to more than 70 destinations from Riga, Tallinn, Vilnius and Tampere.

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

SAS enters into sale-leaseback agreements with Aviation Capital Group for ten new Airbus A320neo aircraft

Scandinavian Airlines-SAS Airbus A320-251N WL SE-RUE (msn 10407) ZRH (Rolf Wallner). Image: 959819.

SAS has entered into new sale and leaseback agreements with Aviation Capital Group (ACG).

Through the new agreements, SAS has secured long-term financing for ten new Airbus A320neo aircraft, scheduled to be delivered through the first quarter of FY2024.

“We continue to make progress with our transformation plan and these new sale and leaseback agreements are an important part of that – securing competitive financing for our renewed fleet of modern and fuel-efficient aircraft. We are pleased to renew our long-term strategic partnership with ACG, one of the world’s leading aircraft financing partners,” said Anko van der Werff, President and CEO, SAS.

Top Copyright Photo: Scandinavian Airlines-SAS Airbus A320-251N WL SE-RUE (msn 10407) ZRH (Rolf Wallner). Image: 959819.

SAS aircraft photo gallery:

SAS 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

Viva Air suspends operations

Viva (Air Colombia) Airbus A320-251N WL HK-5366 (msn 10482) MIA ((Bruce Drum). Image: 105915.

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:

Viva Air Colombia 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

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

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:

Himalya Airlines restores the Beijing route

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.

Route Map:

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: