Category: Coronavirus (Page 3 of 33)

A.P. Moller, Maersk Orders Two Boeing 777 Freighters

November 2, 2021 / WIL BALDWIN

COPENHAGEN, Denmark, Nov. 2, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — Boeing [NYSE: BA] and A.P. Moller – Maersk (Maersk) today announced the global provider of end-to-end container logistics has placed an order for two 777 Freighters. The freighters will be operated by Star Air, Maersk’s in-house aircraft operator and is the company’s first 777 order. Star Air currently operates an all-Boeing 767 Freighter fleet.

The 777 Freighter is the world’s largest, longest range and most capable twin-engine freighter. The airplane offers 17 percent better fuel efficiency and reduced CO2 emissions compared to legacy airplanes. With a range of 9,200 kilometers, the 777 Freighter can carry a maximum revenue payload of 102,000 kilograms, allowing Star Air to make fewer stops and reduce landing fees on long-haul routes.

The 777 Freighter is Boeing’s top-selling freighter of all time. Customers from around the world have ordered more than 300 777 Freighters since the program began in 2005. As the air cargo market continues to strengthen throughout the world, freight carriers turn to Boeing for its complete family of new and converted freighters. Boeing airplanes provide more than 90% of the worldwide dedicated freighter capacity.

Maersk is an integrated container logistics company working to connect and simplify its customers’ supply chains. As the global leader in shipping services, the company operates in 130 countries and employs approximately 80,000 people.

As a leading global aerospace company, Boeing develops, manufactures and services commercial airplanes, defense products and space systems for customers in more than 150 countries. As a top U.S. exporter, the company leverages the talents of a global supplier base to advance economic opportunity, sustainability and community impact. Boeing’s diverse team is committed to innovating for the future and living the company’s core values of safety, quality and integrity. Learn more at www.boeing.com.

Frontier Airlines Launches 13 New Nonstop Orlando Routes in November

November 2, 2021 / WIL BALDWIN

Low-fare carrier Frontier Airlines (NASDAQ: ULCC) this week launches 13 new nonstop routes from Orlando International Airport (MCO), including service to five international destinations: Costa Rica, El Salvador, Jamaica, Mexico and The Bahamas. The new service expands Frontier’s Orlando route map to 81 nonstop destinations, the most of any airline at MCO and, to celebrate the new service, Frontier is offering introductory fares starting at $19*.

“We’re excited to celebrate another remarkable expansion of service at Orlando International Airport with 13 new routes launching this month, along with three more coming in December,” said Daniel Shurz, senior vice president of commercial, Frontier Airlines. “We’re proud to offer the most nonstop routes of any airline at MCO and look forward to welcoming new travelers onboard to explore our expansive network of international and domestic destinations from Orlando.”

“The start of Frontier’s winter air service expansion is coming at a time when Americans are more ready than ever to travel again,” said Phil Brown, Chief Executive Officer of the Greater Orlando Aviation Authority. “With inaugural flights to domestic and international places like Sioux Falls, Idaho; Montego Bay, Jamaica; and Turks & Caicos, we welcome the ability to increase access to the country’s most visited destination and expanding travel opportunities for Central Florida residents.”

New Routes from Orlando International Airport (MCO):

SERVICE TO:	SERVICE START:	SERVICE FREQUENCY:	INTRO FARE:
Fort Myers, Fla. (RSW)	Nov. 1, 2021	Daily	$19*
Harlingen, Texas (HRL)	Nov. 1, 2021	2x Weekly	$39*
Pensacola, Fla. (PNS)	Nov. 1, 2021	3x Weekly	$19*
Sioux Falls, S.D. (FSD)	Nov. 1, 2021	2x Weekly	$49*
Bentonville, Ark. (XNA)	Nov. 1, 2021	2x Weekly	$39*
Montego Bay, Jamaica (MBJ)	Nov. 2, 2021	3x Weekly	To MBJ: $79*
Nassau, The Bahamas (NAS)	Nov. 2, 2021	4x Weekly	To NAS: $49*
El Paso, Texas (ELP)	Nov. 3, 2021	2x Weekly	$59*
Cedar Rapids, Iowa (CID)	Nov. 4, 2021	2x Weekly	$39*
Fargo, N.D. (FAR)	Nov. 4, 2021	2x Weekly	$59*
San Salvador, El Salvador (SAL)	Nov. 4, 2021	2x Weekly	To SAL: $69*
Cozumel, Mexico (CZM)	Nov. 6, 2021	1x Weekly	To CZM: $69*
Liberia, Costa Rica (LIR)	Nov. 11, 2021	2x Weekly	To LIR: $69*
Antigua & Barbuda (ANU)	Dec. 4, 2021	1x Weekly	To ANU: $79*
Belize City, Belize (BZE)	Dec. 11, 2021	1x Weekly	To BZE: $69*
Turks & Caicos (PLS)	Dec. 19, 2021	1x Weekly	To PLS: $79*

Frequency and times are subject to change, so please check FlyFrontier.com for the most updated schedule.

La Compagnie Updates Flight Schedule, Adds Two New Routes From New York to Tel Aviv and Milan

November 2, 2021 / WIL BALDWIN

Have you heard? Israel recently opened their borders to vaccinated travelers. The best time to try out our 100% business class cabin might well be on your way to Tel Aviv with a short connection in Paris!

Our full flat beds, bistronomy cuisine and free unlimited high speed WiFi onboard will ensure your flight is 100% comfortable.

2 flights per week (departures from NY on Wednesday and Saturday evenings) from December 4th, 2021

NEW YORK NEWARK – TEL AVIV BEN GURION

100% BUSINESS CLASS FROM $1,948 (USD) R/T*

We offer you flexibility on each trip: you can modify or cancel your flight free of charge up to 2 hours before departure.

Our cabin crew looks forward to welcoming you onboard to travel in optimal comfort and safety.

All Rex Airlines Frontline Staff Now Vaccinated

November 1, 2021 / WIL BALDWIN

Rex today announced all frontline staff on duty have now been fully vaccinated against COVID- 19, the first airline in Australia to reach this milestone. The several hundred vaccinated staff include pilots, flight attendants, customer service officers at airports and all other workers across the Rex domestic and regional networks who may need to interact with passengers face-to-face.

Company-wide, 93 percent of all Rex staff have either been double vaccinated or received their first dose.

Rex reopens its domestic network on November 15 with the resumption of flights from Melbourne to Sydney and Canberra. Melbourne – Adelaide flights restart on November 26, while flights to the Gold Coast from Sydney and Melbourne begin on December 17.

The airline’s unique Refund Guarantee Policy also protects the financial health of passengers from any COVID-related disruptions.

Rex is Australia’s largest independent regional and domestic airline operating a fleet of 60 Saab 340 and six Boeing 737-800NG aircraft to 61 destinations throughout all states in Australia. In addition to the airline Rex, the Rex Group comprises wholly owned subsidiaries Pel-Air Aviation (air freight, aeromedical and charter operator) and the two pilot academies, Australian Airline Pilot Academy in Wagga Wagga and Ballarat.

Virgin Australia Resumes Service Between Hobart and Perth

October 30, 2021 / WIL BALDWIN

Virgin Australia continues to expand its domestic network in time for summer, with the airline today kicking off its services between Hobart and Perth.

Flights between the two cities will operate three times per week, allowing for up to 4,200 passengers to travel each month.

The news follows last week’s commencement of services between Hobart and Adelaide which is now operating four times per week and allowing up to 5,600 additional passengers to fly each month.

Virgin Australia experienced a 90 per cent increase in Tasmanian bookings compared to the previous week after the announcement of new services to the Apple Isle and the Tasmanian Government’s release of a recovery roadmap.

Since September Virgin Australia has added 12 additional domestic routes to its network and is scheduled to resume flights to Fiji in December, followed by Bali and New Zealand from early next year.

Re-introduced services

ROUTE	FREQUENCY	SEATS PER MONTH	COMMENCEMENT DATE
Hobart – Perth / Perth – Hobart (Seasonal service only)	3 services per week(Monday, Friday, Sunday)	4,200	29 October 2021

New services

ROUTE	FREQUENCY	SEATS PER MONTH	COMMENCEMENT DATE
Hobart – Adelaide / Adelaide – Hobart	4 services per week(Monday, Wednesday, Friday, Sunday)	5,600	20 October 2021

Airbus Reports Third Quarter 2021 Results

October 28, 2021 / WIL BALDWIN

Amsterdam, 28 October 2021 – Airbus SE (Paris stock exchange symbol: AIR) reported consolidated financial results for the nine months ended 30 September 2021.

“The nine-month results reflect a strong performance across the company as well as our efforts on cost containment and competitiveness. As the global recovery continues, we are closely monitoring potential risks to our industry. We are focused on securing the A320 Family ramp up and striving to ensure the right industrial and supply chain capabilities are in place,” said Airbus Chief Executive Officer Guillaume Faury. “Based on our nine-month performance, we have updated our 2021 earnings and cash guidance. We are strengthening the balance sheet to secure investment for our long-term ambitions.

Gross commercial aircraft orders totalled 270 (9m 2020: 370 aircraft) with net orders of 133 aircraft after cancellations (9m 2020: 300 aircraft). The order backlog was 6,894 commercial aircraft on 30 September 2021. Airbus Helicopters booked 185 net orders (9m 2020: 143 units), including 10 helicopters of the Super Puma Family. Airbus Defence and Space’s order intake by value was € 10.1 billion (9m 2020: € 8.2 billion) with third quarter orders including 56 C295 aircraft for India, two A400Ms for Kazakhstan and support and spares contract renewals for the German and Spanish Eurofighter fleets.

Consolidated revenues increased 17 percent to € 35.2 billion (9m 2020: € 30.2 billion), mainly reflecting the higher number of commercial aircraft deliveries compared to 9m 2020. A total of 424 commercial aircraft were delivered (9m 2020: 341 aircraft), comprising 34 A220s, 341 A320 Family, 11 A330s(1), 36 A350s and 2 A380s. Revenues generated by Airbus’ commercial aircraft activities increased 21 percent, largely reflecting the delivery performance compared to 2020 which was strongly impacted by COVID-19. Airbus Helicopters delivered 194 units (9m 2020: 169 units) with revenues up 14 percent reflecting growth in services as well as the higher deliveries, notably more helicopters from the Super Puma family. Revenues at Airbus Defence and Space were broadly stable year-on-year with four A400M military airlifters delivered in 9m 2021.

Consolidated EBIT Adjusted – an alternative performance measure and key indicator capturing the underlying business margin by excluding material charges or profits caused by movements in provisions related to programmes, restructuring or foreign exchange impacts as well as capital gains/losses from the disposal and acquisition of businesses – was € 3,369 million (9m 2020: € -125 million).

The EBIT Adjusted related to Airbus’ commercial aircraft activities totalled € 2,739 million (9m 2020: € -641 million), mainly driven by the operational performance linked to deliveries and efforts on cost containment and competitiveness.

The A220 production rate, which is currently at 5 aircraft a month, is expected to increase to around rate 6 per month in early 2022, with a monthly production rate of 14 envisaged by the middle of the decade. On the A320 Family programme, the Company is working to secure the ramp up and is on trajectory to achieve a monthly rate of 65 aircraft by summer 2023. The recent commercial successes of the A330 programme enable a monthly rate increase from around 2 to almost 3 aircraft at the end of 2022. The A350 programme is expected to increase from around 5 to around 6 aircraft a month in early 2023.

Airbus Helicopters’ EBIT Adjusted increased to € 314 million (9m 2020: € 238 million), driven by services, programme execution and lower spending on Research & Development (R&D).

EBIT Adjusted at Airbus Defence and Space increased to € 284 million (9m 2020: € 266 million), mainly reflecting the Division’s efforts on cost containment and competitiveness.

Consolidated self-financed R&D expenses totalled € 1,919 million (9m 2020: € 2,032 million).

Consolidated EBIT (reported) amounted to € 3,437 million (9m 2020: € -2,185 million), including net Adjustments of € +68 million.

These Adjustments comprised:

€ +190 million related to the A380 programme, of which € +45 million were booked in Q3;
€ -165 million related to the dollar pre-delivery payment mismatch and balance sheet revaluation, of which € +5 million were in Q3;
€ +43 million of other Adjustments, including compliance costs, of which € -6 million were in Q3.

The financial result was € -172 million (9m 2020: € -712 million). It mainly reflects the net interest result of € -233 million partly offset by € +63 million related to the revaluation of the Dassault Aviation equity stake. Consolidated net income(2) was € 2,635 million (9m 2020 net loss: € -2,686 million) with consolidated reported earnings per share of € 3.36 (9m 2020 loss per share: € -3.43).

Consolidated free cash flow before M&A and customer financing was € 2,260 million (9m 2020: € -11,798 million), reflecting efforts on cash containment and also included a positive phasing impact from working capital. Consolidated free cash flow was € 2,308 million (9m 2020: € -12,276 million).

On 30 September 2021, the gross cash position stood at € 21.7 billion (year-end 2020: € 21.4 billion) with a consolidated net cash position of € 6.7 billion (year-end 2020: € 4.3 billion). The Company’s liquidity position remains strong, standing at € 27.7 billion at the end of September 2021. Given the increase in the net cash position and the robust liquidity, a decision was taken not to renew the undrawn € 6.2 billion Supplemental Liquidity Line which matured in September. In the meantime, the maturity of the € 6 billion Revolving Syndicated Credit Facility has been extended by a year.

Outlook

As the basis for its 2021 guidance, the Company assumes no further disruptions to the world economy, air traffic, the Company’s internal operations, and its ability to deliver products and services.

The Company’s 2021 guidance is before M&A.

On that basis, the Company has updated its 2021 guidance and now targets to achieve in 2021 around:

600 commercial aircraft deliveries;
EBIT Adjusted of € 4.5 billion;
Free Cash Flow before M&A and Customer Financing of € 2.5 billion.

QANTAS to Open Pop-up Transit Lounge at Darwin International Airport

October 27, 2021 / WIL BALDWIN

Qantas will open a temporary lounge to cater for eligible customers travelling between Sydney and London via Darwin from next month.

It follows the recent announcement that Qantas’ flagship Australia to United Kingdom route would operate via Darwin once Australia’s international borders open on 1 November until at least April 2022 due to WA border closures.

Qantas will lease Darwin International Airport’s Catalina lounge, which will have space for approximately 100 guests utilising existing furniture and fittings. The offering will feature:

Service delivered by local Qantas lounge team members, including a signature welcome mocktail (Top End Lemonade) and refreshing cold towels.
Generous lounge and dining areas with a serviced buffet
Tailored menus for time of day, drawing on local culinary influences such as a Darwin markets inspired Asian style soup.
Premium Australian wines, beers and non-alcoholic drinks offered by a dedicated bar attendant
Power points through the space to recharge on the fly
Bathroom facilities

Qantas Group Chief Customer Officer, Stephanie Tully, said the national carrier is delighted to work with Darwin International Airport to ensure a comfortable transit experience for its top tier frequent flyers and customers travelling in Business Class.

Customers eligible to visit the Qantas Darwin International Transit Lounge include:

Platinum One, Platinum, Gold Qantas Frequent Flyers and Qantas Club members
Customers travelling in Business Class
Eligible oneworld partner members

Qantas will also reopen its Sydney International First Lounge from 1 November and its London and Los Angeles lounges in December. In the interim few weeks of operation, eligible Qantas customers will be able to visit the British Airways T3 Lounge at London Heathrow and the Star Alliance Lounge at Tom Bradley International Terminal in LA. Other international lounges will reopen to align with the return of further international routes.

JetBlue Airways (JBLU) Reports Q3 Loss, Tops Revenue Estimates

October 26, 2021 / WIL BALDWIN

Story from zacks.com

JetBlue Airways (Nasdaq: JBLU) came out with a quarterly loss of $0.12 per share versus the Zacks Consensus Estimate of a loss of $0.19. This compares to loss of $1.75 per share a year ago. These figures are adjusted for non-recurring items.

This quarterly report represents an earnings surprise of 36.84%. A quarter ago, it was expected that this airline would post a loss of $0.73 per share when it actually produced a loss of $0.64, delivering a surprise of 12.33%.

Click the link below to read the full story!

https://finance.yahoo.com/news/jetblue-airways-jblu-reports-q3-122512708.html

Airlink Confirms Selection of Rolls-Royce TotalCare for Engine Servicing

September 10, 2021 / WIL BALDWIN

Rolls-Royce Holdings (OTC: RYCEY) and Airlink have signed a TotalCare ^® service agreement for the AE3007 engines that power the South African airline’s fleet of Embraer ERJ135 aircraft. The agreement, which covers 28 aircraft, is an extension of service for a further 10 years, continuing the airline’s drive to maximise aircraft availability.

In 2019, prior to the Covid-19 pandemic, Airlink carried more than 2 million customers on more than 63,000 flights. Airlink currently operates a reduced route network to more than 45 destinations in 12 African countries, whilst remaining agile to the effects of Covid-19 and associated travel restrictions. Airlink was proudly the most punctual South African airline for 2020; its year-to-date performance up to August 2021 has been 98.1% on-time.

TotalCare is the flagship integrated engine service cover provided by Rolls-Royce. It is designed for predictive maintenance planning, as well as off-wing repair and overhaul activities for operators of Rolls-Royce aero engines. TotalCare transfers both time-on-wing and maintenance cost risks back to Rolls-Royce, as well as offering advanced engine health monitoring and future product enhancements.

Aircraft covered by TotalCare achieve higher availability, increased long-term residual values, and benefit from the global Rolls-Royce Care Network; a large, capable and competitive engine service network that caters for the needs of engines at every point in their lifecycle.

Embraer E190-E2 Makes First Commercial Flight into London City Airport

September 7, 2021 / WIL BALDWIN

London, UK – Last Thursday, 2 September 2021 saw an important debut for London City Airport. At 5:45 pm, an Embraer E190-E2 made its first commercial flight into the iconic airport in the centre of the British political and financial capital. Registered HB-AZG, the Helvetic Airways aircraft flew from Zurich to London in 1 hour 20 minutes, also reestablishing an essential link for the global financial community.

Flight LX 456, operated by Helvetic Airways on behalf of its partner company Swiss International Air Lines, was welcomed by a water salute from London City Airport’s fire service. On board the sold out flight were 110 passengers, including representatives of the international media, business travellers, as well as those visiting friends and family.

It should be noted that Embraer aircraft account for nearly 90% of all movements at the airport. At the same time, the E190-E2 nearly doubles the available range from LCY to more than 4,000 km, for the first time bringing destinations such as Istanbul, Casablanca and Moscow within reach.

With the coronavirus pandemic bringing a more regional emphasis to air transport along with a trend towards the use of smaller aircraft types, Helvetic Airways is now ideally equipped both to provide reliable and cost-effective flight operations and to take full and fruitful advantage of the new opportunities currently offered in markets worldwide. With a fleet of 12 Embraer E2 aircraft, Helvetic Airways is currently the largest Embraer E-Jets operator in the world, strengthening its position as a regional airline based in Switzerland, Europe and beyond.

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