Bonza Boeing 737-8 MAX 8 VH-UIK (msn 43975) BFI (Brian Worthington). Image: 959306.
Bonza made this announcement:
Sheila has touched down in North Queensland for the first time.
We received a very warm Townsville welcome this morning as the first customer flight from the Sunshine Coast landed. Today marks our first route to launch and on Friday, we’ll fly between Townsville and Rockhampton for the very first time.
Later this week when our Melbourne base goes on sale, the people of Townsville can also book flights directly to Toowoomba Wellcamp.
Top Copyright Photo: Bonza Boeing 737-8 MAX 8 VH-UIK (msn 43975) BFI (Brian Worthington). Image: 959306.
Kuehne+Nagel, a global logistics company, and the Birmingham Airport Authority (BAA) have announced details of a new partnership that will expand business opportunities for both the company and the region. This is the first time the BAA is partnering with a logistics company and the first time Kuehne+Nagel is establishing a presence at a secondary airport in North America. This partnership allows both organizations to better meet the cargo needs of businesses in the region and helps position Birmingham as an important part of the cargo market in the Southeastern corridor of the U.S. Kuehne+Nagel will begin operating weekly international cargo flights into BHM starting in April 2023.
This new partnership represents a new era of business development at the airport and positions the Birmingham Airport Authority to build on its role as an important center for business growth in the region and in the state of Alabama.
Last year, the Birmingham Airport Authority completed design work on a new $25 million Air Cargo facility. In May, BHM will break ground on the new facility. Initially, Kuehne+Nagel will operate from Kaiser Aircraft Industries’ hangar on the airfield, then move into the new Air Cargo facility at BHM upon completion. Construction is anticipated to take about 10 months.
Kuehne+Nagel will begin operations at BHM on April 2, 2023 with an inaugural flight that will arrive from Stuttgart, Germany, marking the first cargo flight from Stuttgart, Germany to the eastern U.S.
Top Copyright Photo: Kuehne + Nagel (Atlas Air) Boeing 747-8F N862GT (msn 67149) PAE (Nick Dean). Image: 959339.
United Airlines Boeing 757-224 WL N14102 (msn 27292) (Her Art Here) FLL (Bruce Drum). Image: 105895.
United Airlines today announced an improved family seating policy that makes it easier than ever for children under 12-years old to sit next to an adult in their party for free – including customers who purchase Basic Economy tickets.
United’s new policy is made possible through a series of investments in a new seat map feature that dynamically finds available adjacent seats at the time of booking. The online seat engine first reviews all available free Economy seats and then opens complimentary upgrades to available Preferred Seats, if needed.
Customers traveling with children under 12 will start to see more adjacent seat options immediately and the complete policy change will go into effect in early March.
In instances when adjacent seats are not available prior to travel – due to things like last minute bookings, full flights or unscheduled aircraft changes – United’s new policy also lets customers switch for free to a flight to the same destination with adjacent seat availability in the same cabin. Customers also won’t be charged if there is a difference in fare price between the original and new flight.
Many airlines try and use a more manual process to seat families together that can include blocking random seats or asking agents to facilitate seat swaps at the gate. Those circumstances often result in more stress and a longer boarding process for everyone.
Today’s announcement reflects the investments United has made in its technology and tools. Since last summer, the airline has worked to improve its ability to seat families together more easily by optimizing the airline’s seat engine to prioritize families who did not have seats assigned before their day of travel and prioritize adjacent seating for families during schedule changes, aircraft swaps or irregular operations.
United Polaris®, United First Class® and Economy Plus® seats remain separate products and are excluded from this family seating policy change.
Top Copyright Photo: United Airlines Boeing 757-224 WL N14102 (msn 27292) (Her Art Here) FLL (Bruce Drum). Image: 105895.
Copa Airlines Boeing 737-9 MAX 9 HP-9912CMP (msn 44211) BFI (Brian Worthington). Image: 959983.
Copa Holdings, S.A. (Copa Airlines) has announced financial results for the fourth quarter of 2022 (4Q22) and the full year of 2022.
The following financial information, unless otherwise indicated, is presented in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS). See the accompanying reconciliation of non-IFRS financial information to IFRS financial information included in the financial tables section of this earnings release. Unless otherwise stated, all comparisons with prior periods refer to the fourth quarter of 2019 (4Q19) (which the Company believes are more relevant than year-over-year comparisons due to the significant impact of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 and 2021).
OPERATING AND FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
Copa Holdings reported a net profit of US$88.3 million for 4Q22 or US$2.23 per share, mainly driven by the continued effect of high fuel prices as well as the negative mark-to-market effect of the Company’s convertible notes.
Excluding special items, comprised of the unrealized mark-to-market net loss of US$89.4 million mentioned above related to the Company’s convertible notes, as well as changes in the value of financial investments, the Company would have reported a net profit of US$177.7 million or US$4.49 per share.
For the full-year 2022, the Company reported a net profit of US$348.1 million or US$8.58 per share. Excluding special items, comprised of an unrealized mark-to-market net gain of US$12.7 million related to the Company’s convertible notes as well as changes in the value of financial investments, Copa Holdings would have reported an adjusted net profit of US$335.4 million or US$8.26 per share, compared to a net profit of US$336.3 million or earnings per share of US$7.92 in 2019.
In 4Q22, Copa Holdings reported an operating profit of US$219.7 million and a 24.7% operating margin.
For the full-year 2022, the Company reported an operating profit of US$450.4 millionand an operating margin of 15.2%, compared to an adjusted operating profit of US$435.5 million and an operating margin of 16.1% in 2019.
Total revenues for 4Q22 increased 30.6% to US$890.6 million, as compared to 4Q19 revenues. Yields increased 20.4% to 15.1 cents and revenue per available seat mile (RASM) increased 23.4% to 13.7 cents.
Adjusted operating cost per available seat mile (Adjusted CASM) increased 10.3% from 9.3 cents in 4Q19 to 10.3 cents in 4Q22, driven by an increase of 63.1% in the price of fuel per gallon. Adjusted CASM excluding fuel (Adjusted Ex-fuel CASM) decreased 7.0% in the quarter to 6.1 cents, as compared to 4Q19.
Passenger traffic, measured in terms of revenue passenger mile (RPMs), increased by 7.5% compared to 4Q19, while capacity (ASMs) increased by 5.9%. As a result, load factors for the quarter increased by 1.4 percentage points to 86.6%.
The Company ended the quarter with approximately US$1.1 billion in cash, short-term and long-term investments, which represent 38.3% of the last twelve months’ revenues, compared to US$1.2 billion held at the end of 2021.
The Company closed the quarter with total debt, including lease liabilities, of US$1.7 billion, compared to US$1.6 billion at the end of 2021.
During the quarter, the Company took delivery of two Boeing 737 MAX 9 aircraft, ending the year with a consolidated fleet of 97 aircraft – 67 Boeing 737-800s, 20 Boeing 737 MAX 9s, 9 Boeing 737-700s, and 1 Boeing 737-800 freighter, compared to a fleet of 102 aircraft prior to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Copa Airlines had an on-time performance for the quarter of 86.1% and a flight completion factor of 99.6%.
Subsequent Events
In January, the Company took delivery of one Boeing 737 MAX 9 and expects to receive one additional aircraft by the end of the first quarter.
In January, Copa Airlines was recognized by OAG as the most on-time airline in Latin America in 2022. Copa Airlines’ on-time performance of 87.5% for the year was the highest of any carrier in the Americas.
In February, the Company announced the commencement of services to Manta, Ecuador, Baltimore-Washington International Airport, and Austin, Texas, bringing the total number of destinations in our network to 80. All new services are scheduled to start between June and July of 2023.
Excludes Special Items. This earnings release includes a reconciliation of non-IFRS financial measures to the comparable IFRS measures.
The Company believes that comparisons with 2019 are more relevant than year-over-year comparisons due to the significant impacts in 2020 and 2021 of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Top Copyright Photo: Copa Airlines Boeing 737-9 MAX 9 HP-9912CMP (msn 44211) BFI (Brian Worthington). Image: 959983.
Avelo Airlines Boeing 737-7H4 WL N701VL (msn 36617) BUR (Michael B. Ing). Image: 955616.
Avelo Airlines opened its fifth base on February 15 at Raleigh-Durham International Airport (RDU). The new base enables Avelo to significantly expand the affordable, convenient and reliable air service the airline introduced to North Carolina’s Research Triangle region last May.
Especially noteworthy is Avelo’s transition to Terminal 1. RDU’s original terminal represents a substantially more convenient and relaxing airport experience than its substantially larger Terminal 2. Terminal 1 offers Avelo Customers a swift curb-to-gate experience – in contrast to the significantly longer walks and TSA lines found at RDU’s Terminal 2. When travelers return from their trip, getting from their plane to baggage claim, and on their way home will be equally fast and seamless.
With the debut of Avelo’s new base, Avelo now serves seven nonstop destinations from RDU, including six new popular Florida routes. Avelo began serving Southern Connecticut’s most convenient airport, Tweed-New Haven Airport, from RDU last year. Earlier this month, Avelo initiated service to Orlando and Tampa. Beginning tomorrow, Avelo will inaugurate service to Fort Lauderdale, Fort Myers, Sarasota-Bradenton and West Palm Beach.
Six New Nonstop Florida Destinations:
Orlando (MCO) Effective February 2, 2023 – Monday, Thursday, Friday and Sunday
Tampa (TPA) Effective February 3, 2023 – Monday, Thursday, Friday and Sunday
Fort Lauderdale (FLL) Effective February 16, 2023 – Monday, Thursday, Friday and Sunday
Fort Myers (RSW) Effective February 16, 2023 – Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday
Sarasota-Bradenton (SRQ) Effective February 17, 2023 – Monday, Friday and Saturday
West Palm Beach (PBI) Effective February 17, 2023 – Monday, Friday and Saturday
Growing Avelo at RDU
Avelo is initially basing one Boeing Next-Generation (NG) 737-700 at RDU.
Avelo is also building up its services at Wilmington, NC.
Top Copyright Photo: Avelo Airlines Boeing 737-7H4 WL N701VL (msn 36617) BUR (Michael B. Ing). Image: 955616.
Lufthansa Boeing 747-8 Intercontinental D-ABYA (msn 37827) LAX (Michael B. Ing). Image: 960073.
Lufthansa has made this announcement today:
Due to an IT failure many Lufthansa IT systems are currently not working. Because of this reason, passengers must expect disruptions in the flights program and during the check-in process.
Important information on flight disruption: As of this morning the airlines of the Lufthansa Group are affected by an IT outage, caused by construction work in the Frankfurt region. Unfortunately, this has led to flight delays and cancellations. We are working on a solution swiftly. Until then we ask all affected guests flying on domestic LH flights in Germany to book a train ticket and request a refund on http://lh.com.
In other news, the flag carrier is also expecting a strike on Friday:
For Friday, February 17, 2023, the trade union ver.di has called for a one-day strike at various airports in Germany.
Top Copyright Photo: Lufthansa Boeing 747-8 Intercontinental D-ABYA (msn 37827) LAX (Michael B. Ing). Image: 960073.
Boeing and Air India today announced the carrier has selected Boeing’s family of fuel-efficient airplanes to expand its future fleet with plans to invest in 190 737 MAX, 20 787 Dreamliner and 10 777X airplanes. Along with a comprehensive set of aviation services, Air India is advancing its fleet strategy to sustainably address South Asia’s rapidly growing market for domestic and international air travel.
The agreement between Boeing and Air India includes options for 50 additional 737 MAXs and 20 787-9s. When finalized, this will be the largest Boeing order in South Asia and a historic milestone in the aerospace company’s nearly 90-year partnership with the carrier. The order will post to Boeing’s Orders and Deliveries website when final.
Boeing and Air India today announced the carrier has selected Boeing’s family of fuel-efficient airplanes to expand its future fleet with plans to invest in 190 737 MAX, 20 787 Dreamliner and 10 777X airplanes. (Boeing image)
Air India has also contracted with Boeing Global Services for lifecycle support services, including digital solutions, spare parts and landing gear exchange programs, pilot and maintenance technician training, aircraft modifications and other services.
The 737 MAX will provide flexibility across Air India’s domestic and international network while reducing fuel use and emissions by 20% compared to the airplanes it replaces.
The 737-8, seating 162 to 210 passengers, depending on configuration, and with a range of 3,500 nautical miles, is the market’s most versatile single-aisle airplane, capable of operating profitably on short- and medium-haul routes.
The 737-10, the largest airplane in the 737 MAX family, offers the best per-seat economics of any single-aisle commercial jet, seating 188 to 230 passengers, depending on configuration with a range of 3,100 nautical miles.
Air India has benefited from the efficiency and flexibility of the 787 Dreamliner family with an existing fleet of 27 787-8s. The larger 787-9 will provide increased capacity, greater range and 25% better fuel efficiency compared to earlier generation jets.
.@airindiain is #ReadyForMore! Congratulations on your selection of 190 737 MAXs, including 737-8 and 737-10, 20 787-9 #Dreamliner(s), and 10 777-9s.
WestJet Airlines Boeing 737-8 MAX 8 C-FXWJ (msn 60546) FLL (Tony Storck). Image: 960054.
WestJet has unveiled 20 new routes and three new destinations to the airline’s summer schedule. Offering a comprehensive network of connectivity between Western Canada and the United States, WestJet’s summer network additions feature new nonstop service to Washington Dulles, Detroit and Minneapolis/St. Paul, with new routes added to Atlanta, Austin, Chicago, Nashville and Seattle/Tacoma.
WestJet will increase its service up to nearly 30 percent in Calgary, 50 percent in Edmonton and 10 percent in Vancouver when compared to 2022.
Expanded U.S. network with more routes and increased access to Delta hubs
This summer WestJet will introduce Minneapolis/St. Paul, Detroit and Washington D.C. (Dulles), to its network, in addition to investing in new routes and restoring service to an expansive list of U.S. destinations.
Through its longstanding partnership with Delta Air Lines, guests connecting through Minneapolis/St. Paul and Detroit will gain access to two more of the U.S. airline’s major hubs. Building on WestJet’s current service to Delta hubs, including Atlanta, Los Angeles, New York, and Seattle/Tacoma, WestJet guests will now have access to over 150 U.S. destinations on a single purchased ticket with check-in for all flights at the first departure, baggage tagged to their final destination and lounge access for select guests. Additionally, frequent flyers of both airlines will continue to enjoy extensive reciprocal benefits any time they fly with either carrier, including earning and redeeming in their preferred program.
Highlights of WestJet’s summer 2023 transborder and international service
Destination
Start Date
Peak Season Frequency
Departure Time
Arrival Time
Calgary – Austin*
May 18
2x weekly
09:40
14:30
Calgary – Chicago*
May 18
4x weekly
12:15
16:40
Calgary – Detroit1
May 26
5x weekly
12:35
18:05
Calgary – Washington D.C. (Dulles)
June 2
3x weekly
09:45
16:02
Edmonton – Minneapolis1
June 2
5x weekly
08:15
11:46
Edmonton – Seattle1
May 19
5x weekly
10:30
11:30
Vancouver – Atlanta1
May 17
4x weekly
22:25
06:05
Vancouver – Nashville
May 19
2x weekly
10:00
16:19
Vancouver – Orlando*
May 6
1x weekly
11:00
19:52
Winnipeg – Los Angeles3
Apr 30
3x weekly
07:00
08:38
Toronto – Bermuda3
May 5
2x weekly
07:00
10:42
*Resumption of service/ 1 Delta hub/ 3 Continuation of winter service
Enhancing nonstop west to east connectivity
As part of WestJet’s new strategic direction, the airline is taking strides to further provide guests with extensive opportunities to seamlessly and affordably travel across Canada. Substantially strengthening Canadian connectivity, WestJet is adding five new routes between Eastern and Western Canada, further positioning its network to support travel demands across the country.
Destination
Start Date
Peak Season Frequency
Departure Time
Arrival Time
Calgary – Moncton
June 14
3x weekly
09:15
16:49
Calgary – Thunder Bay*
June 29
3x weekly
14:00/15:45
18:36/20:21
Calgary – Quebec City*
May 19
4x weekly
17:55
23:55
Edmonton – Charlottetown
June 14
1x weekly
10:25
17:58
Edmonton – London
May 19
2x weekly
10:25
15:52
Edmonton – Moncton
June 29
2x weekly
10:25
17:57
Edmonton – Ottawa*
Apr 30
6x weekly
09:00
14:43
Edmonton – Montreal*
June 30
2x weekly
01:00
07:03
*Resumption of service
Bringing Western Canadian communities closer through a strengthened regional network
As Western Canada’s undisputed home-team carrier, WestJet is enhancing its aviation gateway for business and leisure travel opportunities by further strengthening regional connectivity with the resumption of non-stop flights and increased frequencies.
Destination
Start Date
Peak Season Frequency
Departure Time
Arrival Time
Calgary – Terrace*
May 1
4x weekly
09:40/14:10
10:58/15:28
Edmonton – Nanaimo*
April 30
2x weekly
10:30
11:29
Edmonton – Penticton*
July 1
2x weekly
11:00
11:27
Kelowna – Regina*
May 21
2x weekly
17:30
20:34
Kelowna – Saskatoon*
June 2
2x weekly
17:35
20:29
Kelowna – Winnipeg*
June 2
3x weekly
19:15
23:33
Vancouver – Regina*
Jun 30
2x weekly
20:45
23:47
Winnipeg – Victoria*
April 30
2x weekly
17:30
18:28
*Resumption of service
Top Copyright Photo: WestJet Airlines Boeing 737-8 MAX 8 C-FXWJ (msn 60546) FLL (Tony Storck). Image: 960054.
Copa Airlines Boeing 737-9 MAX 9 HP-9911CMP (msn 44212) MIA (Tony Storck). Image: 960048.
Copa Airlines has announced the launch of its new nonstop service from its Hub of the Americas® in Panama City, Panama to Austin, Texas.
The new flight will begin operations to the Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS) on July 6, 2023,and will become the 15th U.S. destination for Copa Airlines.
The launch of Copa Airlines’ new Austin route in the U.S. adds to the airline’s continuous expansion efforts in North America joining fourteen other cities including Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Denver, Fort Lauderdale/Hollywood, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Miami, New York, Orlando, Tampa, San Francisco, and Washington.
Fleet:
Copa Airlines fleet
In addition to the launch of the new route in Baltimore on June 28.
The Copa Airlines nonstop flight to and from Austin will operate four (4) weekly flights on Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays, departing Panama at 9:18 a.m. (local time) and arriving at Austin-Bergstrom International Airport at 2:04 p.m. (local time). The return flight will operate on the same days, departing Austin at 3:34 p.m. (local time) and arriving back in Panama at 8:16 p.m. (local time).
Top Copyright Photo: Copa Airlines Boeing 737-9 MAX 9 HP-9911CMP (msn 44212) MIA (Tony Storck). Image: 960048.
Flair Airlines Boeing 737-8 MAX 8 C-FLKI (msn 64944) LAX (Michael B. Ing). Image: 960039.
Flair Airlines has announced new service between Kamloops and Edmonton.
(CNW Group/Flair Airlines Ltd.)
Flights will begin on June 15, 2023, with thrice-weekly flights on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday. The new route reconnects the two cities, which have not had direct flights in six years, since early 2016.
Top Copyright Photo: Flair Airlines Boeing 737-8 MAX 8 C-FLKI (msn 64944) LAX (Michael B. Ing). Image: 960039.
Asia Pacific Airlines (Guam) Boeing 757-230 (F) WL N888LT (msn 25441) ONT (Michael B. Ing). Image: 952516.
The Federal Aviation Adminstration-FAA has announced it issued an Emergency Order of Suspension on February 1, 2023 of the operating authority of Aero Micronesia Inc., doing business as (dba) Asia Pacific Airlines (Guam).
The airline announced it is working with the FAA and intends to comply and rectify any issues.
Asia Pacific Airlines was formed in 1998 to serve Micronesia and the Western Pacific with much needed all-cargo jet service.
APA is an FAA part-121 Supplemental all-cargo carrier, headquartered in Guam, making the airline the westernmost US part-121 based carrier.
Route Map:
Top Copyright Photo: Asia Pacific Airlines (Guam) Boeing 757-230 (F) WL N888LT (msn 25441) ONT (Michael B. Ing). Image: 952516.
The carrier currently operates seven passenger and four freighter flights per week to Frankfurt. From May 1, 2023, Etihad Cargo will increase weekly flights from eleven to 15 with the introduction of four new services.
From October 1, 2023, Etihad Cargo will provide cargo capacity out of Denmark with the introduction of four weekly flights. The reinstatement of three weekly flights to Düsseldorf, in combination with the airline’s widebody passenger and freighter flights to Frankfurt and Munich, will offer additional cargo capacity out of Germany. The flights will be operated via state-of-the-art Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft.
Frankfurt
The 11 new flights, in combination with the carrier’s existing European services and increased frequencies that will be launched in 2023, will bring the total number of flights to European destinations to 700 per month.
Etihad Cargo currently offers four dedicated freighter services from Abu Dhabi to Amsterdam and two weekly freighter flights to Frankfurt, which connect to Chicago’s O’Hare International Airport in the US. Additionally, Etihad Cargo’s customers benefit from cargo capacity across Etihad’s extensive passenger network. The carrier also provides seamless connectivity to offline destinations in Europe via its road feeder service network.
Top Copyright Photo: Etihad Airways Boeing 787-10 Dreamliner A6-BMB (msn 60756) MAN (Brian Worthington). Image: 960031.
KlasJet, a well-known exclusive private and corporate jet charter company, and a family member of Avia Solutions Group, have begun their passenger ACMI operations. The company is adding 8 186-189 economy configuration Boeing 737-800 aircraft to its fleet before the peak summer season and are open for queries.
Some of the standout advantages of KlasJet’s ACMI services is the ability to provide for both bulk and single requests, offering more tailored solutions for a variety of capacity needs. This also includes individual attention in matching aircraft with tailored schedule parameters, criteria, and details. Another key moment is the expansive geographical coverage – KlasJet’s ACMI services can cater a variety of regions worldwide. Alongside that, the charter company’s ACMI team is on hand for AOG (Aircraft-On-Ground) situations.
Until the end of 2023, KlasJet plans to operate 15 of Boeing 737-800 type aircraft, and in a five-year perspective operate no less than 35 aircraft dedicated to passenger ACMI.
Southwest Airlines Boeing 737-7H4 WL N230WN (msn 34592) (Colorado One) SNA (Michael B. Ing). Image: 957649.
Southwest Airlines has extended its flight schedule today through October 4, 2023, and continues adding more service and access to the airline’s network of 121 destinations across the United States, Caribbean, and Latin America.
More Flights Taking Off from Long Beach Responding to growing demand from Customers, Southwest® is providing additional opportunities to take Long Beach travelers to more places nonstop.
Beginning Date
Travel between Long Beach and
Frequency
March 9, 2023
Kansas City*
Daily
July 11, 2023
Colorado SpringsEl Paso
Daily Daily
July 15, 2023
Orlando*
Saturdays
Sept. 5, 2023
Albuquerque
Daily
*Previously Announced
Southwest is able to grow its Long Beach service by being awarded additional airport slots, which will offer up to 45 daily departures from Long Beach to 22 destinations across the airline’s expansive network.
Seasonal Additions for Late Summer and Early Fall
Southwest is adding new seasonal routes for travelers booking late summer and early fall escapes. Beginning Sept. 9, 2023, Customers can book nonstop service on Saturdays between Austin and Jacksonville, Fla., and between El Paso and Orlando.
Top Copyright Photo: Southwest Airlines Boeing 737-7H4 WL N230WN (msn 34592) (Colorado One) SNA (Michael B. Ing). Image: 957649.
British Airways-Comair (South Africa) Boeing 737-8 MAX 8 ZS-ZCA (msn 60432)
Comair Limited has filed a lawsuit in federal court against The Boeing Company for fraud and breach of contract concerning the purchase of eight 737 MAX aircraft.
Comair is seeking damages in excess of $83 million, which it suffered as a result of Boeing’s wrongful conduct.
The lawsuit details Boeing’s wrongful conduct and alleges:
In 2010, Boeing was under pressure from its largest competitor, Airbus. This pressure led Boeing to take shortcuts, make misrepresentations and conceal information to bring the 737 MAX to market quickly.
One of the 737 MAX’s central flaws was its new engines. They were larger and could not easily fit under the 737 frame’s low wings. To obtain adequate ground clearance, Boeing moved the engines up and forward.
The new mount location caused the aircraft’s nose to abnormally pitch up.
Rather than make the necessary, but more costly, aerodynamic changes needed to prevent the pitch-up problem, Boeing tried to combat it with a new software called the Maneuvering Characteristics Augmentation System (“MCAS”), which automatically applied downward stabilizer trim.
MCAS did not work safely, and Boeing knew it. A Boeing test pilot reported it took more than 10 seconds to respond to an uncommanded MCAS activation, which he described as a “catastrophic” condition. Boeing also eliminated one of two sensors that told MCAS when to activate—leaving it more prone to failure. Boeing deleted reference to MCAS from the Flight Crew Operations Manual, but forgot to remove it from the abbreviations table.
Rather than rectify known problems, Boeing concealed them from customers (including Comair) and the FAA in a rush to market and to maximize profits.
With the existence of the entire MCAS system concealed, Boeing avoided any requirement that pilots be trained on MCAS. Boeing represented that the pilot skill needed to fly the 737 MAX was “interchangeable” with the training and skill needed to pilot the existing 737 NG aircraft.
In reliance on Boeing’s misrepresentations and concealed facts, on September 19, 2013, Comair entered into a Purchase Agreement with Boeing for the sale of eight 737 MAX aircraft for a total aircraft base price of more than $98 million. Delivery of Comair’s first 737 MAX would take place in February 2019.
On October 28, 2018, a 737 MAX (Lion Air Flight 610) crashed 11 minutes after takeoff from Jakarta, Indonesia, killing all 189 passengers and crew on board. MCAS engaged to force the aircraft’s nose sharply down. The crew fought to counteract it, but were eventually overcome by MCAS and the aircraft dove into the sea.
On March 10, 2019, another 737 MAX (Ethiopian Air Flight 302) crashed six minutes after takeoff from Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, killing all 157 passengers and crew on board. Like Lion Air Flight 610, Ethiopian Air Flight 302 crashed when MCAS persistently engaged forcing the aircraft toward the ground.
Shortly thereafter, all of Boeing’s 737 MAX aircraft were grounded worldwide.
In September 2020, a U.S. House of Representatives committee investigated the 737 MAX and concluded there was a “disturbing pattern of technical miscalculations and troubling management misjudgments by Boeing” and a “culture of concealment” at Boeing, among other things.
Among “several unmistakable facts” uncovered, the House Committee found: “Boeing withheld crucial information from the FAA, [and] its customers . . . including ‘concealing the very existence of MCAS from 737 MAX pilots.'”
Comair relied on Boeing’s misrepresentations and concealment of material facts in deciding to purchase eight 737 MAX aircraft.
Comair paid Boeing more than $45 million in advanced payments on seven 737 MAX aircraft and full payment on the one 737 MAX aircraft it received. Boeing has refused to return the advanced deposits on the seven aircraft it never delivered to Comair. Comair suffered additional damages as a result of the grounding of its 737 MAX for a total loss of more than $83 million.
Comair Limited is based in South Africa. Comair Limited was an airline that operated scheduled services on domestic routes as a British Airways licensee. It also operated as a low-cost carrier under its own kulula.com brand.
Top Copyright Photo: British Airways-Comair (South Africa) Boeing 737-8 MAX 8 ZS-ZCA (msn 60432) JNB (Jonathan Druion). Image: 946067.
