Category: low cost carrier (Page 2 of 19)

Joby to install first electric air taxi charger in New York City region

January 23, 2024 / WIL BALDWIN

Santa Cruz, CA, Jan 23, 2024 — Joby Aviation, Inc. (NYSE: JOBY), a company developing electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft for commercial passenger service, today announced it has signed a definitive agreement with Helo Holdings, Inc., (“HHI”), to install the first air taxi charger in the greater New York City region at the company’s heliport in Kearny, New Jersey, located just a two minute flight from Manhattan.

The agreement, which provides Joby with an operational base for its electric air taxi in the NYC region, builds on the partnership already established between Joby and HHI in November 2023, when Kearny served as a temporary home base for Joby’s aircraft. Joby completed several flights at Kearny in preparation for the Company’s exhibition flight in New York City at an event hosted by the New York City Economic Development Corporation and Mayor Eric Adams. The city has committed to electrify the Downtown Manhattan Heliport to enable electric air taxi operations.

First opened in 2011, the Kearny heliport is the largest vertical-lift facility on the east coast with 27 parking spots for helicopters and plans to expand to 32. The heliport provides ground services as well as hangar space for maintenance operations to helicopter operators in the NYC region, one of the busiest low-altitude corridors in the world.

As part of the agreement, HHI will upgrade its electrical infrastructure to support the installation of Joby’s Global Electric Aviation Charging System (“GEACS”), designed to support the safe and efficient operation of all electric aircraft under development today, including Joby’s quiet, emissions-free air taxi.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release may contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, including expected delivery dates. Such statements are based on current expectations and projections about our future results, prospects and opportunities and are not guarantees of future performance. Such statements will not be updated unless required by law. Actual results and performance may differ materially from those expressed or forecasted in forward-looking statements due to a number of factors, including those discussed in our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

Southwest Airlines pilots approve new contract

January 22, 2024 / WIL BALDWIN

Dallas, Texas, January 22, 2024 – Southwest Airlines Co. (NYSE: LUV) announced today its Pilots, represented by the Southwest Airlines Pilots Association (SWAPA), overwhelmingly approved a new collective bargaining agreement.

The five-year agreement covers nearly 11,000 Southwest® Pilots, and provides them with industry-leading compensation, modified scheduling practices, and quality-of-life enhancements, including paid maternity and parental leave, with an opportunity for an additional extended bonding leave. In addition, the contract maintains Southwest’s operational advantages, including a new process for recovering our Pilot network, if needed.

Since October 2022, nine union-represented workgroups have ratified new agreements:

Appearance Technicians
Customer Service Agents, Customer Representatives, and Source of Support Representatives
Dispatchers
Facilities Maintenance Technicians
Flight Instructors
Material Specialists
Mechanics and Related Employees
Meteorologists
Pilots

Southwest remains in negotiations with two union-represented workgroups and is committed to reaching agreements that reward those Employees for their Southwest contributions.

Forward-Looking Statements

Virgin Australia increasing regional network with Link Airways

January 21, 2024 / WIL BALDWIN

January 19, 2024 – Regional Australians are set to benefit under a new codeshare partnership with Link Airways that will increase Virgin Australia’s footprint in Australia from today by approximately 45%.

Seventeen new regional codeshare services operated by Link Airways, the equivalent of 90 flights per week, will be added to Virgin Australia’s domestic network under the partnership. The flights will go on sale today through Virgin Australia’s travel agency partners and will be available to book directly on the Virgin Australia website from March.

The partnership will also bring added benefits to Velocity Frequent Flyer’s almost 12 million members who will now be able to earn both Points and Status Credits on Virgin Australia codeshare services operated by Link Airways to some of the most important regional centres in the country. Velocity Platinum, Gold and Silver members will also earn bonus Points and receive an additional baggage allowance when travelling on any Virgin Australia codeshare service operated by Link Airways. Eligible Velocity members can also access Virgin Australia lounges when travelling on these Virgin Australia codeshare services.

Virgin Australia customers will now be able to travel seamlessly for the first time to 42 Australian destinations on a single booking (with through check-in and baggage transfer), including destinations such as Inverell, Wollongong and Biloela, which are not serviced by any other major airline.

New regional routes available as Virgin Australia codeshare (in both directions):

Brisbane <-> Coffs Harbour (BNE-CFS)
Brisbane <-> Bundaberg (BNE-BDB)
Brisbane <-> Biloela (BNE-ZBL)
Brisbane <-> Inverell (BNE-IVR)
Brisbane <-> Narrabri (BNE-NAA)
Brisbane <-> Dubbo (BNE-DBO)
Brisbane <-> Orange (BNE-OAG)
Brisbane <-> Tamworth (BNE-TMW)
Brisbane <-> Armidale (BNE-ARM)
Brisbane <-> Wollongong (BNE-WOL)
Sydney <-> Narrabri (SYD-NAA)
Sydney <-> Inverell (BNE-IVR)
Melbourne <-> Dubbo (MEL-DBO)
Melbourne <-> Orange (MEL-OAG)
Melbourne <-> Wollongong (MEL-WOL)
Canberra <-> Hobart (CBR-HBA)
Canberra <-> Newcastle (CBR-NTL)

Akasa Air orders 150 more Boeing 737 MAX aircraft

January 19, 2024 / WIL BALDWIN

Hyderabad, India, January 18, 2024 – Boeing (NYSE: BA) and Akasa Air announced today the Indian carrier has placed a follow-on 737 MAX order, confirming 150 more fuel-efficient jets in its order book. The purchase of 737-10 airplanes and additional 737-8-200 jets by India’s all-737 operator was revealed at the Wings India 2024 airshow.

Akasa Air will leverage the 737 MAX family to expand its domestic and international network in the coming years. Since launching operations in 2022, the airline has captured approximately 4% of India’s domestic market, serving 18 destinations with a fleet of 22 737 MAX jets. Both 737 MAX variants will provide Akasa Air with added capacity and range on new and existing routes, while reducing fuel use and carbon emissions by 20% compared to older-generation airplanes.

As Akasa Air looks to expand its network in India and South Asia, Boeing’s 2023 Commercial Market outlook forecasts delivery of 2,705 new commercial airplanes over the next 20 years for the region, of which nearly 90% will be single-aisle jets. This order finalized in December 2023 and was unidentified on the Boeing Orders & Deliveries website.

Forward-Looking Statements

SKY express grows regional fleet with two additional ATR 72-600’s

January 13, 2024 / WIL BALDWIN

Toulouse, France, January 11, 2024 – Leading Greek airline SKY express took delivery of an ATR 72‑600 in December 2023, as part of a firm order for two brand new aircraft from the IOGR group. This marks another important step in SKY express’ development, as the airline is growing its regional fleet from six to eight ATR 72-600 and six ATR -500 for a total of 14 ATR aircraft. The airline is planning further fleet modernisation in 2024.

Greek communities and tourists will both benefit from the reinforced connectivity across the region, as SKY express intends to offer additional flights each year, taking advantage from the aircraft family’s versatility, short runway capabilities, low operating costs and reduced CO2 emissions.

https://www.skyexpress.gr/el

Transavia France takes delivery of its first A320neo

January 10, 2024 / WIL BALDWIN

Toulouse, France, January 10, 2024 – French low-cost carrier Transavia France, part of the Air France-KLM Group, has taken delivery of its first Airbus Group SE (Paris: AIR) A320neo, on lease from Avolon, from Airbus manufacturing site in Toulouse. The airline has opted for the Airbus option to have the delivery flight to Paris-Orly powered by a sustainable aviation fuel blend on board.

The new aircraft features 186 seats in a single class layout. Selected for its outstanding operational efficiency, reduced emissions and comfort, the A320neo will be deployed by Transavia France on its services on its domestic network as well as across its European and Mediterranean markets.

Forward-Looking Statements

JetBlue started new low fare service to Tallahassee, Florida Today

January 4, 2024 / WIL BALDWIN

New York, NY, Thursday, January 4, 2023, Business Wire – JetBlue Airways Corp (NASDAQ: JBLU) announced today that it has officially launched service between Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL) and Tallahassee International Airport (TLH), with the first flight arriving in Tallahassee this morning. JetBlue’s new intrastate service will operate daily, introducing the airline’s award-winning service, low fares and a better travel option for customers on a route with limited competition.

In Florida, JetBlue currently offers service in its focus cities of Fort Lauderdale and Orlando, as well as in Miami, West Palm Beach, Key West, Jacksonville, Fort Myers, Sarasota/Bradenton and Tampa. Within the state, JetBlue currently offers flights from Fort Lauderdale to Jacksonville. With Tallahassee service starting today, JetBlue will now serve over 40 destinations from Fort Lauderdale.

Convenient travel to Tallahassee is essential, given its critical role as the Florida state capital and as home to major universities; however, its distance from South Florida puts it just too far to easily drive. JetBlue’s daily service offers those travelling back and forth for business or education an affordable and comfortable option, while also creating opportunities for both leisure and business customers traveling from Tallahassee to connect in Fort Lauderdale to other JetBlue destinations.

Forward-Looking Statements

Bonza connects more than 650,000 Aussies to new destinations in 2023

December 29, 2023 / WIL BALDWIN

It’s been a bumper purple year for Australia’s only independent low-cost carrier Bonza, with the airline revealing it has delivered more than 650,000 customers to 21 destinations across Australia. in 2023, a year when cost of living prices soared, Bonza was ensuring travellers could make considerable savings on their air travel plans.

Bonza’s unique onboard experience and ability to order on-demand menu items from the Fly Bonza app and have them delivered directly to your seats has been a rip roaring success introducing customers to undiscovered homegrown food and drinks suppliers.

To start 2024 in true Bonza style, the low-cost carrier is holding a 20 percent off sale*, which ends on 2nd January, 2024. Travellers are encouraged to download the Fly Bonza app which is the only place to book direct.

Visit www.flybonza.com to book your next adventure!

Azul announces $200M credit facility to finance engine maintenance

December 28, 2023 / WIL BALDWIN

Sao Paulo, Brazil, December 26, 2023 – Azul S.A. (NYSE: AZUL), the largest airline in Brazil by number of flights and cities served, announces that its subsidiaries Azul Linhas Aereas Brasileiras S.A. (“ALAB”) and Azul Investments LLP have received approval to access a new US$ 200 million secured credit facility. The facility will be used to finance engine maintenance of ALAB’s Embraer and Airbus fleet, performed by GE Celma Ltda. (a subsidiary of GE Aerospace). The Brazilian Guarantees Agency – ABGF (Agencia Brasileira Gestora de Fundos Garantidores e Garantias) was the rapporteur. The Export Financing and Guarantee Committee – COFIG (Comite de Financiamento e Garantia das Exportacoes) approved the transaction under the conditions presented by ABGF.

About Azul

Azul S.A. offers 1,000 daily flights to over 160 destinations. With an operating fleet of over 180 aircraft and more than 16,000 Crewmembers, the Company has a network of 300 non-stop routes as of September 2023. Azul was named by Cirium (leading aviation data analysis company) as the most on-time airline in the world in 2022, being the first
Brazilian airline to obtain this honor. In 2020, Azul was awarded best airline in the world by TripAdvisor, first time a Brazilian Flag Carrier earns number one ranking in the Traveler’s Choice Awards. For more information, please visit www.voeazul.com.br/ir

Forward-Looking Statements

Airbus delivers first aircraft from new final assembly line in Toulouse, France

December 28, 2023 / WIL BALDWIN

Toulouse, France, December 27, 2023 – Airbus Group SE (Paris: AIR) has successfully delivered its first Airbus A321neo assembled at its newest A320 Family Final Assembly Line (FAL) in Toulouse.

The A321neo, which will be operated by Pegasus Airlines, the leading low-cost carrier (LCC) in Turkey, is the first delivery from Airbus’ latest state-of-the-art production facility. Located in the former A380 “Jean-Luc Lagardere” building, the assembly line reflects Airbus’ commitment to modernise and meet the growing global demand for the A321neo, which now accounts for nearly 65% of Airbus’ A320 Family order backlog.

Pegasus Airlines’ current Airbus fleet stands at 93 aircraft, including 6 A320ceo, 46 A320neo and 41 A321neo. The airline also has 68 A321neo’s on order.

The delivery of the aircraft to Pegasus Airlines marks the start of the ramp-up of the new Toulouse FAL, which together with the other A320 Family FALs in Hamburg, Germany, Mobile, Alabama, USA, and Tianjin, China will contribute to Airbus’ objective of producing 75 A320 Family aircraft per month in 2026.

Forward-Looking Statements

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