Finnair and QANTAS Airways have entered into a long-term agreement, in which Finnair first leases two Airbus A330 aircraft with crew (wet lease) to QANTAS for a period of two years, and after the wet lease period, dry leases (aircraft lease with no crew) two of its A330s to QANTAS for a period of 2.5 years, starting in 2025. The wet lease of the first aircraft will start in October 2023, and the wet lease of the second aircraft will start in early 2024.
The agreement with QANTAS is a part of Finnair’s determined efforts to ensure the optimal use of its A330 fleet, which is range-limited in its deployment in Finnair’s own long-haul operations due to the closure of Russian airspace. The agreement with QANTAS concludes the optimization of Finnair’s fleet following the Russian airspace closure.
During the wet lease period, the aircraft will be deployed in QANTAS’ network on routes from Sydney and Singapore as well as Sydney and Bangkok. Finnair pilots will fly scheduled Finnair flights from Helsinki to Singapore and from Helsinki to Bangkok; then, they will continue flying scheduled QANTAS flights between Singapore, Bangkok and Sydney before returning to their home base in Helsinki.
The cabin crew are provided by Finnair partners based in Singapore and Bangkok, and the aircraft maintenance is performed by Finnair partners at the QANTAS destinations.
Finnair has secured sufficient pilot resources to match its fleet size, including the aircraft leased to QANTAS. The QANTAS agreement does not impact the number of cabin crew at Finnair, as they are fully deployed in other operations.
The collaboration supports the efficient and profitable deployment of Finnair’s A330 fleet. Since the closure of the Russian airspace, Finnair has built a geographically more balanced network, as avoiding the Russian airspace lengthened the flight times between Finnair’s Helsinki hub and its Asian destinations.
Top Copyright Photo: Finnair Airbus A330-302 OH-LTR (msn 1067) MUC (Gunter Mayer). Image: 960551.
Air Transat Airbus A330-243 C-GUBT (msn 732) LGW (Richard Vandervord). Image: 960465.
Air Transat has unveiled the details of its 2023-2024 winter flight program for Quebec travellers, slated to begin on November 1, 2023. The airline continues to develop its operations, and will offer, at the peak of the season, more than 180 direct flights per week from Montreal and Quebec City to over 30 destinations in the Caribbean, Mexico, Central and South America, the United States and Europe.
At the peak of the season, Air Transat’s overall program will include over 300 direct flights per week departing from eight Canadian cities. In addition to Montreal and Quebec City, it will also offer flights from Toronto, Ottawa, London, Hamilton, Halifax and Moncton.
Sun destinations: more accessible than ever
Compared to last year, over 30 additional flights will be scheduled from Montreal and Quebec City, reinforcing the airline’s commitment to meet travellers’ needs while offering even greater travel day flexibility.
In particular, the company is strengthening its position as the primary Canadian airline serving the Dominican Republic. At the peak of the season, two additional direct flights will be offered each week between Montreal and Punta Cana, while one additional direct flight will be offered between Quebec City and Punta Cana and between Quebec City and Puerto Plata.
Air Transat is also significantly enhancing its Cuba offer with two additional flights departing from Montreal to Cayo Coco, three to Holguín, two to Varadero and one to Santa Clara.
The company continues to develop its Mexican market, with one additional flight departing from Montreal and one from Quebec City to Cancún, as well as two additional flights from Montreal to Puerto Vallarta.
Air Transat is also setting its sights on high-growth markets such as Colombia, Costa Rica, El Salvador and Saint Martin. Each week, one additional direct flight will be departing from Montreal to Cartagena, Liberia, Philipsburg, San José and San Salvador.
Destination
From Montreal
From Quebec City
ACAPULCO – Mexico
1
CANCÚN – Mexico
14
5
CARTAGENA – Colombia
3
CAYO COCO – Cuba
5
2
FORT-DE-FRANCE – Martinique
3
LIBERIA – Costa Rica
4
HAVANA – Cuba
2
HOLGUÍN – Cuba
6
1
MONTEGO BAY – Jamaica
4
PHILIPSBURG – St. Maarten
3
POINTE-À-PITRE – Guadeloupe
3
PORT-AU-PRINCE – Haiti
1
PUERTO PLATA – Dominican Republic
6
2
PUERTO VALLARTA – Mexico
7
2
PUNTA CANA – Dominican Republic
14
6
RIO HATO – Panama
2
SAMANA – Dominican Republic
5
1
SAN JOSÉ – Costa Rica
4
SAN JUAN – Puerto Rico
1
SAN SALVADOR – El Salvador
2
SANTA CLARA – Cuba
3
2
VARADERO – Cuba
6
2
Number of weekly flights at the peak of the season
Direct flights to Europe year-round
Departing from Montreal, Air Transat will be offering direct flights to seven European destinations. In accordance with the strategy announced earlier this year, the airline is reducing the seasonal nature of its operations in Europe by offering year-round service to Marseille and Lyon and by extending its flights to Nantes until mid-January.
Departing from Quebec City, the number of flights to Paris will rise to two per week.
Destination
From Montreal
From Quebec City
LISBON – Portugal
2
LONDON – UK
3
LYON – France
3
MALAGA – Spain
3
MARSEILLE – France
2
NANTES – France (until January 13, 2024)
2
PARIS – France
7
2
Number of weekly flights at the peak of the season
Air Transat has also unveiled the details of its 2023-2024 winter flight program for Ontario travellers, slated to begin on November 1, 2023. The airline continues to develop its operations and will offer, at the peak of the season, more than 110 direct flights per week from Toronto, Ottawa, London and Hamilton to over 20 destinations in the Caribbean, Mexico, Central and South America and Europe.
At the peak of the season, Air Transat’s overall program will include over 300 direct flights per week departing from eight Canadian cities. In addition to Toronto, Ottawa, Hamilton and London, it will also offer flights from Montreal, Quebec City, Moncton and Halifax.
Sun destinations: more accessible than ever
Compared to last year, over 20 additional flights will be scheduled departing from Ontario, reinforcing the airline’s commitment to meet travellers’ needs while offering even greater travel day flexibility.
In particular, the company is strengthening its position as the primary Canadian airline serving the Dominican Republic. At the peak of the season, four additional direct flights will be offered each week between Toronto and Punta Cana, while one additional direct flight will be offered between Toronto and Puerto Plata, as well as Toronto and Samana. One additional direct flight will connect Ottawa and London with Punta Cana.
Air Transat is also significantly enhancing its Cuba offer with two additional flights departing from Toronto to Cayo Coco and one additional flight to Holguín, Varadero and Santa Clara.
The company continues to develop its Mexican market, with four additional flights departing from Toronto to Cancún and two to Puerto Vallarta. One additional flight will depart from Ottawa and London to Cancún.
Destination
From Toronto
From Ottawa
From London
From Hamilton
CANCÚN – Mexico
14
3
2
1
CARTAGENA – Colombia
1
CAYO COCO – Cuba
5
1
1
LIBERIA – Costa Rica
4
LA ROMANA – Dominican Republic
1
HOLGUÍN – Cuba
5
MONTEGO BAY – Jamaica
7
PHILIPSBURG – St. Maarten
1
PUERTO PLATA – Dominican Republic
5
1
1
PUERTO VALLARTA – Mexico
4
PUNTA CANA – Dominican Republic
14
3
2
1
RIO HATO – Panama
2
SAMANA – Dominican Republic
3
SAN JOSE – Costa Rica
3
SAN JUAN – Puerto Rico
1
SANTA CLARA – Cuba
3
1
VARADERO – Cuba
5
1
Number of weekly flights at the peak of the season
Direct flights to Europe year-round
Departing from Toronto, Air Transat will be serving six European destinations, for a total of 20 direct flights to Europeeach week. The airline is boosting the frequency of its weekly service to Faro to two direct flights.
Destination
FromToronto
FARO – Portugal
2
GLASGOW – UK
1
LISBON – Portugal
2
LONDON – UK
7
MANCHESTER – UK
2
PORTO – Portugal
2
Number of weekly flights at the peak of the season
Top Copyright Photo: Air Transat Airbus A330-243 C-GUBT (msn 732) LGW (Richard Vandervord). Image: 960465.
Condor Flugdienst Airbus A330-941 D-ANRA (msn 1966) (Condor Island) FRA (Bernhard Ross). Image: 959797.
Condor Airlines is increasing its presence across North America with more nonstop flights to Frankfurt. Condor’s planes are becoming easier to spot in the skies over the U.S. and Canada and at airports from New York to San Francisco thanks to its new, colorful, eye-catching striped Airbus A330neo flying more transatlantic routes this summer. From its Frankfurt hub, Condor offers easy connecting service to more than 100 destinations throughout Europe via a network of airline and rail partners including Lufthansa, SAS, Aegean Airlines and more. In addition, North American travelers can take advantage of Condor’s interline partners Alaska Airlines, JetBlue and WestJet and their network of feeder flights to Condor’s gateway markets.
New York (JFK): up to seven flights a week starts May 01
Los Angeles (LAX): up to seven flights a week starts May 01
Seattle/Tacoma (SEA): up to seven flights a week starts May 01
San Francisco (SFO): up to seven flights a weekstarts May 01
Toronto (YYZ): five times a week service starts May 01
Las Vegas (LAS): three times a week service starts May 02
Vancouver (YVR): five times a week service starts May 03
Anchorage (ANC): three times a week service starts May 18
Phoenix (PHX): three times a week service starts May 18
Portland/Oregon (PDX): three times a week service starts May 19
Baltimore-Washington (BWI): three times a week service starts May 20
Halifax (YHZ): three times a week service starts May 20
Boston (BOS): three times a week service starts May 22
Minneapolis/St. Paul (MSP): three times a week service starts May 22
Edmonton/Jasper (YEG): twice a week service starts May 26
Whitehorse (YXY): one a week service starts May 28
Fairbanks (FAI): once a week service starts June 15
Overview of Condor’s North American 2023 timetable long-haul service to Frankfurt:
This summer will see the arrival of more of Condor’s recently introduced Airbus A330neo aircraft in the U.S. and Canada. By 2024, Condor will have an all A330neo long-haul fleet serving all gateways across North America. The A330neo is the new version of the popular A330 widebody. Incorporating the latest generation Rolls-Royce Trent 7000 engines, new wings and aerodynamic innovations, the aircraft reduces Condor’s fuel consumption and CO2emissions by 20 percent.
More Comfort Inflight This Summer
Condor’s A330neo will offer unrivalled inflight passenger comfort and will accommodate 310 passengers, featuring 30 seats in Business, 64 seats in Premium Economy and 216 seats in Economy class. The A330neo features an award-winning, whisper quiet Airspace cabin, providing passengers with a high level of comfort, ambience, and design. This includes offering more personal space, larger overhead bins, a new lighting system, and the ability to offer the latest in-flight entertainment systems and connectivity. The A330neo also features a state-of-the-art cabin air system, ensuring a clean and safe environment during the flight.
Best-in-Class, New Business and Premium Economy Class
The new Condor Business Class offers 30, lie-flat (180 degree) seats in a 1-2-1 configuration with direct aisle access for all guests. The seat conveniently converts to a 76-inch long by 19-inch-wide bed. Business Class guests have access to the latest movies, series, podcasts, and games, all accessible on a 17.3-inch screen in 4K mode, with touchscreen and remote control. The first row of Business Class will also feature four “Prime Seats”, with added space large enough to accommodate two guests who wish to dine together and an extra-large, 24-inch entertainment screen. The “Prime Seats” will feature added in-flight amenities including a premium travel kit, inflight pajamas, and a premium snack basket.
In Premium Economy Class, guests enjoy more personal space thanks to a generous extra seat pitch of 35 inches and a greater backrest angle of up to six inches. In addition, the multi-adjustable headrest and footrest at every seat ensure a significantly more comfortable flight experience. Both the Premium Economy Class and Economy Class seats have 13.3-inch in-seat 4K monitors with touchscreens, which can be used to enjoy the extensive in-flight-program. Condor’s A330neo features a 2-4-2 seating configuration in both classes.
A brand-new feature awaits guests in all three classes: Condor’s new A330neo offers high-speed broadband internet and onboard connectivity. The latest in-flight-entertainment technology provides a wide of films, series, and podcasts. Each seat has an extra holder for mobile device, so that streaming is also possible. In addition, personal Bluetooth headphones can be connected to the aircraft’s in-flight-entertainment system.
The cabin also features mood lighting in all three classes that can be individually adjusted to suit the time of day. This helps guests aboard to fall asleep easily and wake up more relaxed.
“Flex Plus” Fares Provides More Flexibility When Plans Change
Top Copyright Photo: Condor Flugdienst Airbus A330-941 D-ANRA (msn 1966) (Condor Island) FRA (Bernhard Ross). Image: 959797.
Malaysia Airlines Airbus A330-223 9M-MTY (msn 968) (Negaraku) DPS (Pascal Simon). Image: 946467.
Record Net Profit After Interest and Tax of RM1.146bil in Q42022
Net operating profit of RM556mil for full year 2022 with 2 consecutive quarters of operating profit
272% improvement in EBITDA at RM+1.61bil compared to +ve RM433mil a year ago
Passenger traffic and capacity increased by 5.7X and 6.9X YoY
Strong load factor of 81% in Q42022 and average load factor of 75% for 2022
Malaysia Aviation Group (Malaysia Airlines) marked one of its best ever quarter performance since the past two decades attributed to robust demand, higher yield across passenger and cargo business segments as well as effective cost management and cashflow optimisation, despite higher fuel prices and labour costs, weaker ringgit (MYR) and lower than pre-pandemic flight capacity levels. MAG achieved record net profit after interest and tax of RM1.146bil in Q422. For full year 2022, the Group recorded net operating profit of RM556mil, while net loss after interest and tax for the year reduced 79% to RM344mil from RM1.65bil a year ago. Cash balance stood at RM4.6bil at end 31 Dec 2022.
The Group also saw improvement across all its business segments during the year. Cargo subsidiary, MABkargo Berhad (MABkargo) recorded marginally weaker performance compared to a year ago amid softening of global freight demand and increased capacity in the market in the 2H22. Main airline, Malaysia Airlines Berhad’s (MAB) total revenue tripled compared to the year before, underpinned by strong demand on the international sector for both passenger travel and cargo freight.
Operational Highlights
Airline Business
MAB achieved breakeven at operating profit level, an exceptional turnaround from operating loss of RM612mil a year ago.
Passengers carried was 6.7X higher than previous year with load at 62% higher while yield declined by 16% with more capacity deployed.
MAB On-time Performance (OTP) is down at 82%, compared to 89% a year ago.
MAB recorded a slight downtrend in Customer Satisfaction Index (CSI), which was 79% Year-to-Date (YTD) compared to 84% in 2021 with the airline’s Net Promoter Score (NPS) reduced to +31 points in 2022 compared to +54 points in 2021. The airline faced challenges with its OTP and customer experience during the year and is committed to improving its performance in these areas with the immediate formation of a Customer Experience Taskforce comprising key business units including Engineering and In-flight Operations.
In 2022, MAB has refurbished eight Boeing 737-800 NG aircraft to include new lighter seats, interior and introduced MH Studio, an innovative wireless in-flight entertainment onboard.
In partnership with Qatar Airways, MAB doubled its capacity between Kuala Lumpur and Doha with a second daily nonstop flight in August 2022, in response to high passenger demand on this route. With this MAB was able to further grow its network and connect to more destinations in North America, Europe and Africa.
Firefly maintained in loss position for 2022, on the back of weak yield and demand for both ATR and jet operations.
Firefly resumed jet operations from the Penang hub on 11 April 2022 with daily return flights from Penang to Kuching and Kota Kinabalu.
Amal recorded its first year of profit from a loss position a year ago with the resumption of Hajj/Umrah travels.
Aviation Services
MABkargo’s performance remains strong amid weakening of cargo demand in Q42022. MABkargo achieved higher CTKM by 17% against target and maintaining its yield year on year.
MAB Engineering continue to gain traction and performed well with third party revenue now contributing to 30% of its revenue.
AeroDarat Services recorded an improvement of 66% on its financial performance year on year. The number of flights it handled doubled during the year compared to a year ago.
Loyalty & Travel Services
Enrich, MAG’s loyalty business segment more than doubled its revenue during the year with higher flight redemptions as the Group resumes flights to more destinations during the year.
Journify, an integrated one-stop lifestyle digital platform representing the e-commerce and travel services business portfolio of MAG saw a good traction recording 10.04 million new customer traffic on its website.
Outlook – Remarks by Group Managing Director, Captain Izham Ismail
MAG has emerged from the COVID19 on a strong financial footing and is charting an upward financial trajectory, however, there are still many areas for improvement especially in OTP and customer experience. The Group is fully committed to addressing these gaps and delivering an unparalleled customer experience.
Travel demand outlook remains strong in the near term, although macroeconomics environment remains very challenging with sustained high fuel prices, volatile forex, higher operating costs due to inflation, labour constraints, recession and geopolitical risks.
With China’s border reopening in January 2023, MAB aims to regain the remaining capacity for its entire network which currently stands at 85%, and fully recovering services to China and North Asia by the end of 1H23. This will spur economic growth between Malaysia and China, boosting the overall business and trade links between the two countries.
In line with its Long-Term Business Plan 2.0 and continuing the growth of Firefly jet operations, MAB will be transferring in phases intra-Borneo services and Kota Kinabalu international services to Firefly, as a result of continued positive demand recoveries across all the markets.
Amal plans to ramp up capacity by at least 10% in 2023 to meet surging in demand where total Umrah traffic today has exceeded pre-Covid-19 level and Hajj quota is back to normal level. Amal will look into inducing demand in Malaysia as well as exploring opportunities outside Malaysia as part of its long-term growth plan.
In terms of fleet, MAG looks forward to taking delivery of four out of 25 Boeing 737-8 from 3Q23 onwards, which will see it deliver operational improvement directly with lower fuel cost and improve total network efficiency.
The Group continues to accelerate its Sustainability Blueprint agenda in all sectors, inspiring positive change through various initiatives. In addition to supporting the United Nations’ 13th SDG (Climate Action), these initiatives target three other SDGs: Goal 5 (Gender Equality), Goal 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy), and Goal 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production).
Top Copyright Photo: Malaysia Airlines Airbus A330-223 9M-MTY (msn 968) (Negaraku) DPS (Pascal Simon). Image: 946467.
Air Mauritius Airbus A330-941 3B-NBU (msn 1884) LHR (SPA). Image: 949242.
Air Mauritius, the flagship carrier of Mauritius will resume its nonstop flights to and from Indira Gandhi International Airport in Delhi from May 3, 2023, with twice-weekly flights using its Airbus A330 aircraft in a Business and Economy class configuration with a capacity of 254 seats.
The duration of the flight is 7 hours and 30 minutes.
Air Mauritius currently operates six weekly direct flights to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport in Mumbai.
Top Copyright Photo: Air Mauritius Airbus A330-941 3B-NBU (msn 1884) LHR (SPA). Image: 949242.
A domestic war has erupted in Sudan between the military of Sudan and the paramilitary resistance (RSF). A Saudia Airbus A330 appears to have been severely damaged if not destroyed in the fighting. Passengers are sheltering in the terminal and other aircraft are avoiding Sudanese airspace due to the fighting.
Saudia issued this statement:
From the BBC:
“At least three have died as Sudan’s army and a notorious paramilitary force battle with heavy weapons in the capital Khartoum amid tensions over a proposed transition to civilian rule.
Video showed a civilian plane ablaze at Khartoum airport. Saudi airline Saudia said its airbus “had an accident”.
The paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) says it controls airports and other key sites. The army denies this and says jets are hitting RSF bases.”
Multiple Commercial Aircraft at Khartoum International Airport in the Sudanese Capital have suffered “Severe Damage” most likely as a result of recent Airstrikes on the Airport by the Sudanese Air Force. pic.twitter.com/hKKmCGYpgf
Several aircraft damaged including a Saudia A330 at Khartoum Airport as Sudan’s paramilitary Rapid Support Forces takes control of the airport after days of tension in the country. pic.twitter.com/sVG3nT8VPp
— Breaking Aviation News & Videos (@aviationbrk) April 15, 2023
Swiss leisure airline Edelweiss is expanding its long-haul network and will be flying to two new holiday destinations in Colombia from November 2023. The two new destinations Bogotá and Cartagena are ideal for exploring this country of contrasts on an impressive round trip. In addition to an incredible number of cultural highlights, you will experience Caribbean sandy beaches, lush jungle landscapes, high mountain peaks as well as vibrant metropolises.
Bogota
Bogotá: Capital and starting point of most round trips
From Bogotá, in addition to a round trip, numerous day trips can be planned into the nearby mountain landscape. It is highly recommended to spend a few days of your Colombia holidays in Bogotá itself and indulge in the hustle and bustle of the city. It has so much to offer – from a wide range of cultural activities to picturesque parks and lively markets.
Cartagena: Breathtaking natural beauty and relaxing dream beaches
The north of the country also offers treasures such as high coastal mountains, Caribbean dream beaches and beautiful national parks. As a finale to a Colombia round trip, it is worth relaxing for a few days in Cartagena before heading back home from here.
Edelweiss will be flying nonstop from Zurich to Bogotá, on to Cartagena and back nonstop to Zurich on Wednesdays and Sundays from November 22, 2023.
Top Copyright Photo: Edelweiss Switzerland (Edelweiss Air) Airbus A330-343 HB-JHR (msn 1711) ZRH (Rolf Wallner). Image: 942993.
In March, Finnair carried 953,000 passengers, which was 55.1% more than in March 2022 and 15.7% more than in February 2023. Month-on-month figures are, however, not fully comparable as there were three fewer days in February.
As the COVID-19 pandemic impacts are fading, March passenger traffic figures improved year-on-year. Further, Russian airspace was closed already during the comparison period, which resulted in route and frequency cancellations in Asian traffic. The negative impact of the Russian airspace closure on Asian passenger traffic figures was, however, visible in March 2023 compared to the pre-pandemic figures. The distance-based reported traffic figures do not take into account longer routings caused by the airspace closure as they are based on Great-Circle distance.
The overall capacity, measured in Available Seat Kilometres (ASK), increased in March by 27.0% year-on-year and by 11.9% month-on-month. Finnair’s traffic, measured in Revenue Passenger Kilometres (RPKs), increased by 87.7% year-on-year and by 15.6% month-on-month. The Passenger Load Factor (PLF) increased by 25.1% points year-on-year and by 2.5% points month-on-month to 77.7%. It was e.g. only 0.6% points lower than in March 2019.
The ASK increase in Asian traffic was 87.0% year-on-year. The North Atlantic capacity decreased by 42.9% as the operations between Stockholm and the North American destinations were discontinued at the end of October 2022. In European traffic, the ASKs were up by 12.5% whereas the Middle Eastern capacity increased by 539.3% due to the Qatar Airways cooperation commenced in November 2022. The ASKs in domestic traffic increased by 23.9%.
RPKs increased in Asian traffic by 265.0% year-on-year and in North Atlantic traffic by 18.0%. In European traffic, RPKs increased by 33.9%, in Middle Eastern traffic by 507.2% and in domestic traffic by 29.5%.
In March, the PLF improved particularly in Asian traffic (78.1%) and North Atlantic traffic (68.7%) year-on-year. The PLF was 81.3% in European traffic, 74.1% in Middle Eastern traffic and 77.4% in domestic traffic.
Passenger numbers increased in Asian traffic by 251.0% year-on-year and in North Atlantic traffic by 15.1%. In European traffic, passenger numbers increased by 39.7%, in Middle Eastern traffic by 467.1% and in domestic traffic by 38.3%.
Many cargo figures increased year-on-year in March due to Qatar Airways cooperation and increased Asian capacity even though discontinued operations between Sweden and the US cut North Atlantic cargo capacity. Available scheduled cargo tonne kilometres increased by 28.2% year-on-year and revenue scheduled cargo tonne kilometres increased by 18.3%. The total cargo tonnes (including cargo-only operations) increased by 16.3% year-on-year. Month-on-month increase of 14.6% was mainly explained by the longer month.
In March, 84.6% of all Finnair flights arrived on schedule (85.7%).
Traffic statistics for April 2023 will be published on Friday 5 May 2023.
Finnair Traffic Performance March 2023
Month
% Change
YTD
% Change
Total traffic
Passengers 1,000
953.0
55.1
2,592.7
71.8
Available seat kilometres mill
2,988.1
27.0
8,550.2
23.6
Revenue passenger kilometres mill
2,322.4
87.7
6,418.4
96.3
Passenger load factor %
77.7
25.1p
75.1
27.8p
Cargo tonnes total
11,321.8
16.3
30,658.3
-11.8
Available tonne kilometres mill
429.6
20.0
1,221.9
6.2
Revenue tonne kilometres mill
275.9
56.9
761.5
42.6
Asia
Passengers 1,000
112.4
251.0
321.8
202.5
Available seat kilometres mill
1,089.9
87.0
3,159.0
46.4
Revenue passenger kilometres mill
851.3
265.0
2,417.0
202.4
Passenger load factor %
78.1
38.1p
76.5
39.5p
Europe
Passengers 1,000
540.6
39.7
1,445.6
57.8
Available seat kilometres mill
1,076.1
12.5
3,036.1
21.8
Revenue passenger kilometres mill
874.8
33.9
2,346.5
52.1
Passenger load factor %
81.3
13.0p
77.3
15.4p
North Atlantic
Passengers 1,000
31.4
15.1
81.9
10.4
Available seat kilometres mill
354.5
– 42.9
981.4
– 43.4
Revenue passenger kilometres mill
243.6
18.0
636.8
12.7
Passenger load factor %
68.7
35.5p
64.9
32.3p
Middle East
Passengers 1,000
47.5
467.1
141.0
592.9
Available seat kilometres mill
283.2
539.3
829.4
589.2
Revenue passenger kilometres mill
209.9
507.2
625.6
615.9
Passenger load factor %
74.1
– 3.9p
75.4
2.8p
Domestic
Passengers 1,000
221.1
38.3
602.5
53.7
Available seat kilometres mill
184.4
23.9
544.3
32.6
Revenue passenger kilometres mill
142.8
29.5
392.4
42.9
Passenger load factor %
77.4
3.4p
72.1
5.2p
Cargo traffic
Europe tonnes
1,726.3
40.1
4,336.8
37.4
North Atlantic tonnes
1,363.7
-59.9
3,894.3
-54.2
Middle East tonnes
2,115.7
541.8
5,901.5
490.9
Asia tonnes
6,002.1
62.6
16,321.2
15.0
Domestic tonnes
34.6
11.2
97.8
9.7
Cargo scheduled traffic total tonnes
11,242.4
29.4
30,551.6
13.4
Cargo flights tonnes**
79.4
-92.4
106.6
-98.6
Cargo traffic tonnes total
11,321.8
16.3
30,658.3
-11.8
Available tonne kilometres* mill
119.7
15.7
342.2
– 11.6
Revenue tonne kilometres mill
68.4
4.2
187.8
– 22.5
Available sched. cargo tonne kms* mill
118.8
28.2
340.9
9.7
Revenue sched. cargo tonne kms mill
67.8
18.3
187.1
2.2
Cargo load factor* %
57.1
– 6.3p
54.9
– 7.7p
– North-Atlantic cargo load factor* %
53.3
– 13.8p
53.7
– 4.9p
– Asia cargo load factor* %
63.0
– 2.2p
59.9
– 4.9p
Scheduled traffic cargo load factor* %
57.1
– 4.8p
54.9
– 4.0p
* Based on average operational cargo capacity
** Including purchased traffic
Change %: Change compared to the figures of the respective periods in the previous year (p = points, N/A = not available).
Available seat kilometres. ASK: Total number of seats available multiplied by kilometres flown.
Revenue passenger kilometres. RPK: Number of revenue passengers carried multiplied by kilometresflown.
Passenger load factor: Share of revenue passenger kilometres of available seat kilometres.
Available tonnekilometres. ATK: Number of tonnes of capacity for carriage of passengers, cargo and mail multiplied by kilometres flown.
Revenue tonnekilometres. RTK: Total revenue load consisting of passengers, cargo and mail multiplied by kilometres flown.
Overall load factor: Share of revenue tonne kilometres of available tonne kilometres.
Top Copyright Photo: Finnair Airbus A330-302 OH-LTT (msn 1088) ARN (Stefan Sjogren). Image: 960390.
Ministry of Finance of Sri Lanka is working with the International Finance Corporation (IFC) regarding the sale and divestment of the state-owned flag carrier.
The government put out this statement on the sale of government assets including the airline:
The Government of Sri Lanka Seeks Transaction Advisors To Assist In Divesting Selected State Owned Enterprises:
The Government of Sri Lanka (GoSL) is in the process of implementing deep economic reforms including in the State-Owned Enterprise (SOE) sector. Such reforms are intended to enhance competition, productivity and efficiency across the economy.
To implement SOE reforms, GOSL has set up the State-Owned Enterprise Restructuring Unit (SRU) under the Ministry of Finance, Economic Stabilization and National Policies (MoF).
Top Copyright Photo: SriLankan Airlines Airbus A330-243 EI-EOK (msn 627) ZRH (Rolf Wallner). Image: 951570.
Hawaiian Airlines is preparing for strong summer demand to Hawai’i by increasing weekly frequencies between Honolulu and Austin (AUS), Boston (BOS), Las Vegas (LAS) and Pago Pago (PPG). The airline will also add a fourth daily flight between Honolulu and Los Angeles (LAX) twice per week.
Hawaiian will operate the routes with a mix of Airbus A330 and A321neo aircraft. Guests on all flights experience culinary delights through the airline’s Featured Chef Series, signature beverages by Maui Brewing Co. and KōHana Hawaiian Rum, and island treats from the Pau Hana snack cart. Complimentary in-flight entertainment is offered on all transpacific flights and includes the airline’s specially curated video collection, Hana Hou! TV.
Summer Service Schedule
AUSTIN: Adding 1x-weekly flight on Fridays (totaling 4x-weekly) | May 26 – Aug. 18.
BOSTON: Adding 1x-weekly flight on Thursdays (totaling 5x-weekly) | June 15 – Aug. 17.
LAS VEGAS (HA5/6): Adding 1x-weekly flight on Wednesdays | May 31 – Aug. 30. Adding second weekly flight on Saturdays | June 3 – July 29. *Peak summer frequency for LAS will be 20x-weekly
LOS ANGELES: Adding 2x-daily LAX-HNL on Tuesdays and Fridays | June 2 – July 28. *Peak summer frequency for LAX will be 23x-weekly
PAGO PAGO: Adding 1x-weekly on Wednesdays (totaling 3x-weekly) | June 7 – Aug. 30.
Top Copyright Photo: Hawaiian Airlines Airbus A330-243 N396HA (msn 1488) LAX (Jay Selman). Image: 404276.
TAP Portugal – Air Portugal Airbus A330-941 CS-TUB (msn 1836) MIA (Jay Selman). Image: 404274.
TAP closed 2022 with a net profit of €65.6 million, an increase of €1,664.7 million on the previous year.
EBIT, including non-recurring items of €19.4 million, was also positive at €268.2 million.
In 2022, TAP carried a total of 13.8 million passengers, an increase of 136.1% on the previous year and reaching 81% of 2019 levels.
In 2022, revenues reached €3,485.0 million, 151% above FY 2021, along with a higher level of activity (ASK increased 94.2%).
The number of flights operated also increased significantly by 74.9% last year, reaching 79% of pre-crisis levels.
Capacity reached 87% of pre-crisis levels, increasing 94.2% compared to the previous year.
Load Factor improved by 17 percentage points year-on-year to 80%, just 0.1 percentage points below the 2019 level.
PRASK in 2022 was 6.68 euro cents, an improvement of 48.2% compared to the previous year and 20.5% compared to 2019.
Recurring operating costs also increased by 73.4% to €3,236.2 million, resulting in a positive recurring EBIT of €248.8 million, an increase of €726.7 million, or 4.7 times the amount in fiscal 2019.
Fuel costs more than tripled, increasing by €756.2 million year-on-year to €1,096.7 million. Despite leading to a positive effect of €85.5 million, hedging only marginally reduced the effect of the increase in fuel prices, which alone contributed €458.4 million to the increase in fuel costs.
Year-to-date, the CASK of recurring operating costs decreased by 10.7% compared to the previous year, down to €7.04 cents. Excluding fuel, the reduction was 27.8%, taking unit costs without fuel to €4.66 cents, only 0.5% below the 2019 level of €4.68 cents.
Christine Ourmières-Widener, CEO of TAP stated in view of these results, that “during the fourth quarter of 2022 TAP was able to generate its highest quarterly revenues in its history and record profitability and this despite continuous operational challenges. For the first full year of the Restructuring Plan, TAP generated an operating profit that is an all-time record for the company. TAP also delivered a very strong positive net income despite its level of leverage.”
Top Copyright Photo: TAP Portugal – Air Portugal Airbus A330-941 CS-TUB (msn 1836) MIA (Jay Selman). Image: 404274.
Kuwait Airways has launched its first inaugural flight to New York John F Kennedy Airport utilizing the Airbus A330neo and in setting the record for the longest flight flown by the A330-800neo in 13 hours.
The award-winning Airspace cabin is equipped with a two-class configuration comprising of 32 full flat business class seats and 203 economy class cabin seats on a 2-4-2 configuration. Thus, offering passengers state of the art flying experience with more personal space, quietest cabin in its market and the latest generation of in-flight entertainment system and connectivity.
From a sustainability and efficiency standpoint, the A330neo offers benefits to both the airline and the traveling public. With double-digit fuel savings and CO2 emissions compared to other aircraft in its category, the A330-800 allows significantly lower operational cost and therefore competitive ticket pricing.
Kuwait Airways partnership with Malaysian Airline enables us to jointly offer operations to serve our passengers expanded connectivity to Asia Pacific, Australia and Newzeland from Kuwait via Kuala Lumpur pic.twitter.com/Hp91Rzs48H
Finnair is increasing the use of sustainable aviation fuel as part of its goal to reduce carbon emissions from flying. Finnair has purchased 750 tons of sustainable aviation fuel from its partner Neste for use on flights departing from Helsinki Airport. Finnair’s customers are also involved in reducing carbon dioxide emissions from flights: a small part of the price of each flight ticket is directed to the costs of using sustainable aviation fuel.
Finnair aims to achieve carbon neutrality by 2045, and sustainable aviation fuel is one of the most essential tools for reducing air travel emissions in the coming years. Using Neste MY Sustainable Aviation Fuel reduces greenhouse gas emissions by up to 80%* over the fuel’s life cycle compared to using fossil jet fuel. The fuel volume now purchased is Finnair’s largest single batch of sustainable aviation fuel purchased to date. The SAF will be delivered by Neste to Helsinki Airport in early 2023. The 750 tons of SAF corresponds to approximately 400 flights between Helsinki and Stockholm using unblended, 100% SAF.
Photo: Finnair
Increasing the use of SAF will increase the airline’s costs, as SAF is clearly more expensive than fossil fuel. Finnair is preparing for this by allocating a small portion of each flight ticket sold, about 20 cents per ticket, to the cost of sustainable aviation fuel. This share may be higher in the future as the operating obligations imposed on airlines increase the use of SAF.
Finnair also encourages its customers to reduce the carbon emissions of their flights through their actions: since spring 2022, Finnair has offered its customers the opportunity to reduce the emissions of flying by combining sustainable aviation fuels and certified emission reduction projects. The service operates on the website of Finnair’s partner Chooose.
Sustainable aviation fuel
SAF is a renewable aviation fuel providing a more sustainable alternative to conventional, fossil-based jet fuel. Neste MY Sustainable Aviation Fuel is produced from sustainably sourced, 100% renewable waste and residue raw materials, including used cooking oil and animal fat waste. Finnair is committed to the oneworld alliance’s aspiration of using 10% sustainable aviation fuel by 2030 and will also participate in oneworld’s joint procurements in 2025-2032. The use of SAF will also be increased due to the upcoming EU obligation to use SAF.
*) When used in neat form (i.e. unblended) and calculated with established life cycle assessment (LCA) methodologies, such as CORSIA methodology
RwandAir has expanded its fleet with the delivery of its third long-haul aircraft.
The Airbus A330-200, registered 9XR-WX, is based at the carrier’s Kigali hub, and offers customers a leading experience in the skies.
9XR-WX
The aircraft will allow the Rwandan carrier to further expand its long-haul operation, with additional flights operating between Europe, Middle East and Africa.
Customers will be able to choose from 30 seats in Business Class and 222 seats in Economy Class, giving a greater choice of flexibility.
All photos by RwandAir.
RwandAir will operate the new wide-body aircraft to its key destinations in Europe, Africa and the Middle East, including London, Brussels, Lagos and Dubai.
The addition of the new Airbus will bring the African airline’s fleet to 13, consisting of three long-haul, one freighter and nine short-haul aircraft.
Water cannon salute on arrival
Last November, the Rwandan airline received its first dedicated freighter aircraft, as the carrier highlighted the ever-increasing importance of cargo in Rwanda and the aviation industry as a whole.
A savings agreement has been reached with Finnair’s cabin crew. As a result, Finnair has today concluded the change negotiations it started in November and discontinued the subcontracting plan for inflight services on routes to/from Thailand and North America. The savings agreement is valid until the end of 2025.
Finnair has earlier agreed on savings with pilots, senior white-collar employees and engineers, and cabin crew based in Japan and Korea, and made local agreements that increase efficiency in Finnair Technical Services and different ground operation units. The savings agreements cover 87% of Finnair’s personnel.
The cabin crew’s agreement includes, among other things, elements to increase the efficiency of cabin crew usage, changes to long-day compensation and, for example, changes to the crew layover hotel rules. With the agreement, cabin crew is included in Finnair’s staff incentive plan 2023-2025, along with all other employee groups who have made savings agreements. The staff incentive plan will produce a payout in the first quarter of 2026 if Finnair achieves the EBIT margin target set in the plan.
About 1,750 employees work as Finnair cabin crew in Finland.
In connection with the savings agreement, it was also agreed that the collective agreement applicable to Finnair’s cabin crew in Finland will be extended by one year, i.e. until January 31, 2025. In addition, a negotiation result was achieved on salary settlement for 2023 and 2024, which follows the general line of the technology industry. The salary settlement is subject to administrative approval.
Top Copyright Photo: Finnair Airbus A330-302 OH-LTM (msn 994) AMS (Ton Jochems). Image: 960269.
Air Greenland Airbus A330-223 OY-GRN (msn 230) ZRH (Rolf Wallner). Image: 922693.
Air Greenland’s only Airbus A330-200 (OY-GRN), named “Norsaq”, flew a ferry flight from Copenhagen – on its final flight. Norsaq’s final destination is Pinal Airpark in Marana, Arizona, but first it will stop in Tucson for customs and immigration clearance.
Many have been eagerly awaiting to know what will happen to Norsaq after its last scheduled flight on February 16, 2023. Now we can reveal this.
– The keys to Norsaq will be passed on to its new owners called AAR SUPPLY CHAIN and Norsaq will thus end up as an “organ donor”, i.e. as a spare aircraft, says Air Greenland’s technical manager for the transatlantic aircraft, Henrik Keil and continues.
– The handover will take place on Monday, March 13, 2023 in a hot desert in Arizona. This is in stark contrast and against Norsaq’s will, he says, pointing out that Norsaq has grown up and been brought up to be a cold-weather aircraft and has only very rarely caused problems due to cold weather.
– Even down to minus 40 degrees. There have sometimes been a few complaints and disagreements, but mostly due to a little too much downtime. Hardly at all during the busy periods.
Some of our colleagues in Copenhagen literally wrote a farewell to Norsaq, on Wednesday, March 8, 2023.
Norsaq’s many years of faithful service thus ends after many charter trips with happy sun tourists, flights with soldiers to Kuwait and Calgary and with Greenlandic athletes who have participated in the Arctic Winter Games in various places in Canada. But the day-to-day job was of course to be the lifeline between Greenland and Denmark. Keeping an aeroplane in the air for over 20 years requires a dedicated effort.
– This would not have been possible without a large number of truly dedicated technicians from SAS who have faithfully looked after her night after night, caring for her better than their own car and maybe even a partner back home. Never has there been any whining and complaining. Always Norsaq has received special attention and what in the car world is cleverly called TLC. Tender, Love and Caring, says Henrik.
The flight route that Norsaq flew on Friday, March 10, straight over Nuuk and as we want to ensure the route is as sustainable as possible, it was most obvious that Norsaq went low over Nuuk, which will also be Tuukkaq’s new permanent destination when the new runway opens in 2024.
Video:
https://youtu.be/-l51oO3MD8I
Also in its own ranks, Air Greenland has swept the runway clear so that things were ready and prepared for troubleshooting and planned maintenance of the aircraft.
– This with Peter Bjerre, Lars Christensen, Jens Laurberg, Michael Linder, Mia Mandal, Gert Bo Petersen and Bo Møller who over the years in turn have been a large part of Norsaq’s foster parents.
In Greenland, Johannes Holst, Rudy Mynster, Morten Lanther Larsen, Jan Mejlgaard Larsen and not least our current two technicians Kasper Zeeb Andersen and René Fencker Holm have been ready with headsets on all flight days, asking if everything was OK so that we could fly safely back to Denmark with the up to 140,000 passengers who are flown across the Atlantic every year, he says and puts the farewell to Norsaq in his own words.
– It will be a huge loss, and to my knowledge, there are not many other aircraft in the world that have received the same attention when Norsaq was away from its usual route. It was the red “salami” that all aircraft spotters wanted to have on their lenses, concludes Henrik Keil.
The pilots on the ferry flight will be Michael Madsen (chief pilot A330), who will fly Norsaq’s last trip. He was also the pilot who flew Tuukkaq’s very first flight. Thomas Kjærulff, senior first officer, will be first officer. He is also the pilot with the most flying hours on the right side of an A330.
Technical Manager, Henrik Keil and Michael Linder, Technical Coordinator are also on board for the ferry flight to Arizona together with two representatives from the buyers, AAR SUPPLY CHAIN. The picture is Henrik on the left and Michael on the right and was taken at the handover of Tuukkaq, which now awaits their full attention, care and nurturing.
Did you know this
Norsaq’s flying hours in Air Greenland have totalled 41,364 flying hours and 10,112 take-offs and landings. In other words, it has virtually flown 4800 times up and down the North Atlantic. This has required two undercarriages, two x 2 engine overhauls and 2 APU overhauls as well as a newer APU due to a bearing failure
Hi Fly Airlines announces the addition of one more Airbus A330-200s to its fleet.
Registered 9H-HFG, the aircraft seats 268 passengers in a three class configuration – 18 high comfort business class seats with flat beds, 36 Premium Economy with extra space and 214 Economy.
Business Class offers a flat-bed that fully extends, designed to optimize comfort and living space for long flight durations. The ergonomic lie flat bed is positioned in a herringbone layout to provide a great sense of individual space and privacy while allowing easy access to the aisle. With relaxing colours and a welcoming atmosphere, the seating system offers each passenger a deluxe suite while maintaining a spacious cabin layout, with a 18-inch video monitor.
Economy Class (Premium with extra legroom and standard) is fitted with 8-abreast configuration seats, all with extra personal space and generous legroom for travelling comfort. Each seat is fitted with individual screen, USB charging ports, and access to shared PC power outlet.
South African Airways Airbus A330-343 ZS-SXL (msn 1779) IAD (Brian McDonough). Image: 937840.
South African Airways (SAA) welcomes the announcement by Finance Minister, Enoch Godongwana, of a R 1 billion ($54.4 million) allocation to settle a portion of the outstanding obligations on the implementation of SAA’s 2020 Business Rescue Plan.
As noted by Minister Godongwana, the allocation is part of the government’s commitment to the business rescue process that SAA exited in April 2021. It will be used to cover outstanding liabilities, specifically those relating to the final dividend payment to creditors and the refund of legacy un-flown tickets to affected passengers – which date back to the period when SAA was placed in business rescue in December 2019.
South African Airways logo
SAA’s Executive Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Professor John Lamola says, “SAA’s operations have progressed positively since the airline emerged from business rescue, and as reported to Parliament earlier this month, SAA is no longer technically insolvent, a milestone which we reached a year earlier than projected”
The Chief Financial Officer, Fikile Mhlontlo, adds, “SAA has reached a point where we cover our operating costs. It must be emphasised that the allocation announced relates only to historical debt. These funds are not meant to bolster the business plan we are currently executing.”
The R1bn allocation is part of original R 3.5 bn that was needed for SAA to settle all debt that the Business Rescue practitioners had ring-fenced into a Receivership. Due to the financial performance of SAA and the innovations of its management team, the total balance expected from National Treasury has been reduced to R2.586 bn. The airline will continue to negotiate with National Treasury for the balance of the funds and cooperate with all the conditions that may accompany the flow of these funds.
Top Copyright Photo: South African Airways Airbus A330-343 ZS-SXL (msn 1779) IAD (Brian McDonough). Image: 937840.
Turkish Airlines Airbus A330-343 TC-JNM (msn 1212) (UEFA Champions League) ZRH (Andi Hiltl). Image: 960096.
Turkish Airlines and UEFA announced on September 5, 2022 announced Turkish Airlines became the official partner of the UEFA Champions League.
As part of the deal, Turkish Airlines will also partner with the UEFA Super Cup, the UEFA Futsal Champions League finals, and the UEFA Youth League finals.
This prestigious partnership, which will be one of the most important sponsorship deals in the history of Turkish sports, carries particular importance with this season’s UEFA Champions League final taking place at Istanbul’s Atatürk Olympic Stadium on June 10, 2023.
UEFA logo
This is not the first time that Turkish Airlines has partnered with a UEFA competition. In December 2015, Turkish Airlines became the first airline to partner with UEFA as its official airline sponsor for UEFA EURO 2016, which took place in France.
Turkish Airlines joins Heineken, PlayStation, PepsiCo, Mastercard, FedEx, Just Eat Takeaway.com and OPPO as official global sponsors of the UEFA Champions League.
Now Turkish Airlines has unveiled a new UEFA Champions League logo jet.
Top Copyright Photo: Turkish Airlines Airbus A330-343 TC-JNM (msn 1212) (UEFA Champions League) ZRH (Andi Hiltl). Image: 960096.
SmartLynx Airlines has received Australian Foreign Air Transport Operator Certificate (FATAOC) granted by the Australian Civil Aviation Authority. The certification allows the airline to begin operations to, from, and within Australia.
Operating flights to Australia has been integral to SmartLynx’s strategic plans to expand its global network by entering new markets. This certificate authorizes starting operation in Australia of Airbus A330-type aircraft and the company plans to receive certification also for other aircraft types A320, A321, and B737.
To receive FATAOC, SmartLynx has fulfilled all operational requirements and submitted the necessary certificates of airworthiness and maintenance schedules for Airbus A330-type to be operated in Australia.
Latvian-based SmartLynx Airlines is the largest ACMI service provider in Europe, owning one-third of the market. Today the airline operates also in the USA, North America, Asia, and Africa. The company holds Air Operator Certificates (AOC) in Latvia, Estonia, and Malta.
The current fleet size consists of 55 aircraft and by end of 2023 is set to increase to 65 aircraft, including Airbus A320 (29), A330-300 (6), A321 (8), Airbus A321F (13), and Boeing 737 MAX (9) aircraft.
