Category: airline news (Page 10 of 140)

Lufthansa Group completes sale and leaseback of twelve aircraft

December 15, 2023 / WIL BALDWIN

Deutsche Lufthansa AG (Xetra: LHAG) has entered into an agreement for a sale and lease back of twelve short-haul aircraft. The transaction reflects the Group’s strategy to finance investments in new aircraft through a mix of cash, Japanese Operating Leases (JOLCO’s) and operating leases. The sale and lease back supports the modernization of the fleet of the Lufthansa Group Airlines. New and modern aircraft lower fuel consumption, reduce emissions, and improve ex fuel unit costs.

The transactions were executed with two counterparties, Clover Aviation Capital and long-term business partner BBAM (Babcock & Brown Aircraft Management), for the sale and lease back of twelve Airbus A320 family aircraft at favorable commercial terms. The aircraft are up to two years old and are currently operated by Lufthansa Airlines, Lufthansa CityLine and Eurowings. The sale generates proceeds of 600 million EUR in the fourth quarter of 2023, with the aircraft leased back for a term of 72 months. The resulting lease obligation is recognized as debt under IFRS 16 and amounts to 200 million EUR.

A book gain of 100 million EUR resulting from the sale will be recognized in EBIT. The book gain will not be included in Adjusted EBIT, with the transaction already included in Lufthansa Group’s financial outlook. This assumes net capex to amount between 2.5 and 3 billion EUR in 2023.

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.

Turkish Airlines ordering 220 more Airbus aircraft

December 15, 2023 / WIL BALDWIN

Toulouse, France, December 15, 2023 – Turkey’s national carrier, Turkish Airlines (Istanbul: THYAO), will expand its fleet with an order for 220 Airbus Group SE (Paris: AIR) aircraft. The order consists of 150 Airbus A321’s and 70 A350 widebody aircraft. The A350 order consists of 50 A350-900’s, 15 A350-1000’s and 5 A350F reighters. This follows two orders from the airline for 10 A350-900’s in September and four A350-900’s in July 2023. This latest order will take Turkish Airlines’ total orderbook for Airbus aircraft to 504, of which 212 are already delivered.

Forward-Looking Statements

Japan Airlines takes delivery of its first A350-1000

December 14, 2023 / WIL BALDWIN

Toulouse, France, December 14, 2023 – Japan Airlines Co Ltd (Tokyo: 9201) has taken delivery of its first A350-1000 from the Airbus Group SE (Paris: AIR) delivery centre in Toulouse. The A350-1000 is set to become the airline’s new international aircraft, initially flying on the prestigious Tokyo Haneda – New York JFK route.

JAL’s A350 is configured in four classes. The First Class features six Suites, each with a choice of three modes: sofa, seat and single bed or double bed. The Business Class also offers Suites, with 54 seats and privacy doors. Meanwhile, the Premium Economy Class (24 seats) and Economy Class (155 seats) both feature more personal space and comfort in their respective categories. JAL’s A350-1000 cabin has been designed to make passengers immerse in the elegance of Japanese aesthetics and tranquillity. Meanwhile, a serene ambiance highlights the beauty of Japan. The cabin’s stylish interior is tailored to a high quality, high comfort passenger experience which echoes JAL’s renowned service.

JAL has ordered 31 A350 aircraft, comprising 18 A350-900’s and 13 A350-1000’s. The carrier has been operating the A350-900 on high density Japanese domestic routes since 2019. The A350’s unique Airspace cabin is the quietest of any twin-aisle in the sky. It offers passengers and crews the latest modern in-flight products for the most comfortable flying experience. The aircraft’s new generation engines and use of lightweight materials make it the most fuel efficient large widebody aircraft. The A350 is the quietest aircraft in its class featuring a 50 percent noise footprint reduction versus the previous generation aircraft, making it a good airport neighbour wherever it flies.

Air Canada cargo certifies Opticooler Containers from DoKaSch Temperature Solutions

December 13, 2023 / WIL BALDWIN

Montreal, Quebec, Canada, December 13, 2023 – Shippers and forwarders using Air Canada Cargo (Toronto: AC) can now rely on DoKaSch Temperature Solutions’ Opticooler RKN anywhere serviced by Air Canada’s widebody fleet or dedicated freighters following its certification by Air Canada Cargo. In additional, the Opticooler RAP is also available to shippers, providing reliable packaging of temperature-sensitive products such as vaccines and other pharmaceuticals.

Through Air Canada’s vast international passenger network, in addition to the routes served by its fleet of dedicated freighters, Air Canada Cargo has access to over 300 cities on six continents. Air Canada Cargo’s self-handled hubs in Toronto, Montreal, Vancouver, Chicago, London and Frankfurt provide optimal global connections, and allow for the continuous shipment of goods to and from anywhere in Air Canada’s network.

The Opticooler is a temperature-controlled active packaging solution and comes in two sizes: the RAP containers hold up to five euro-pallets, while the smaller RKN version provides space for one pallet. Both containers are battery-powered, can easily be adapted to any transport scenario, and enable customers to always keep the temperatures of their pharmaceutical products in an internal range between two and thirty degrees at all times.

Forward-Looking Statements

An exciting new chapter for Rolls-Royce’s Trent 1000 engine

December 13, 2023 / WIL BALDWIN

Rolls-Royce Holdings PLC (London: RR) Trent 1000 engine fleet has surpassed 17 million in service flying hours on the Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft family, carrying more than 250 million passengers around the globe since its entry into service in 2011. During that time, the engine has consistently delivered world-class levels of reliability and availability, with more than 99.9% of flights taking off on time. But the journey for the Trent 1000 doesn’t end there.

Our engineers continually explore opportunities to improve the engine and in-service support, to ensure we always deliver value to our customers. We are therefore pleased to announce an exciting new chapter for the Trent 1000. So, what is new?

A new Durability Enhancement package

We are making great progress on a new Durability Enhancement package, due to be available in the third quarter of 2024, which will increase engine time on-wing (TOW) whilst also reducing emissions. A key element of this Durability Enhancement package is a re-engineered high-pressure turbine blade (HPTB) to improve durability. The package also includes improvements to reduce the emissions, which together with the exceptionally low fuel burn of the Trent 1000 TEN, is future proofing the engine for a more sustainable world.

A comprehensive testing program

We have successfully completed a rigorous engine ground test programme and pushed the engine beyond the certification requirements for the new HPTB to validate and gain confidence in our predictions of the benefits it will deliver in service. Our focus has now moved to aircraft-level certification in collaboration with Boeing, and flight testing is underway on a Boeing 787 flight test aircraft. Stay tuned for regular updates!

More about the Trent 1000

Capitalising on the three-shaft architecture of the Trent engine family and incorporating the latest in materials, component and subsystem design and technology, the Trent 1000 was specifically designed and optimised to power the more-electric 787 Dreamliner. It has the highest bypass ratio of any engine in the Trent family and is recognised for being one of the quietest widebody engines in service today.

Since entry into service in 2011, we have been continuously improving both the fuel efficiency and the capability of the Trent 1000.

Forward-Looking Statements

Alaska Air adds Porter Airlines as 30th global airline partner

December 13, 2023 / WIL BALDWIN

Alaska Airlines Group Inc (NYSE: ALK) is welcoming a new global airline partner: Porter Airlines, a growing Canadian carrier that begins its inaugural nonstop service between Toronto and both Los Angeles and San Francisco in January. Those flights, along with flights connecting on Alaska across our West Coast network, can be purchased later today at alaskaair.com. Mileage Plan members who buy Porter flights on our website also earn at least 100% of the miles flown and 100% elite-qualifying miles.

Porter’s new routes will link Los Angeles and San Francisco to Canada’s largest city and beyond with connections to destinations across Eastern Canada including Montreal, Ottawa and Halifax. Porter will fly the Embraer E195-E2 aircraft between California and Toronto, which is known for its quieter flying and greater fuel efficiency than previous generation technology.

Porter is Alaska’s 30^th global partner airline. Porter’s daily nonstop service between Los Angeles-Toronto begins on Jan. 16 with the airline’s operations conveniently located alongside Alaska’s gates at Terminal 6 at LAX. Porter’s San Francisco-Toronto service will launch the following week on Jan. 25. Porter is now selling flights with Alaska connections on its website.

Alaska and Porter will continue to strengthen our partnership next year. Coming in 2024, Mileage Plan and VIPorter members will earn miles in their respective loyalty programs no matter where they book their flights. Next year will bring even more benefits with access to mileage redemptions with enhanced availability for both Mileage Plan and VIPorter members on each other’s airline.

Forward-Looking Statements

Philippine Airlines and American Airlines launch new codeshare partnership

December 13, 2023 / WIL BALDWIN

Travelers gain seamless connections between the Philippines and the United States

Manila, Philippines & Fort Worth, Texas — Philippine Airlines parent PAL Holdings, Inc (Philippines: PAL) and American Airlines Group (Nasdaq: AAL) have launched a codeshare partnership that introduces the first marketed flights by a Philippine carrier to several U.S. destinations and allows American’s customers to travel to the Pearl of the Orient, Manila, and the beautiful beaches of Cebu.

American’s customers are now able to book tickets on aa.com for codeshare flights operated by Philippine Airlines to Manila and Cebu via Tokyo. Additionally, customers will be able to fly to Manila from Honolulu and Guam.

Philippine Airlines has placed its “PR” code on American’s flights between Los Angeles and seven U.S. cities: Atlanta, Denver, Houston, Las Vegas, Miami, Orlando and Washington, D.C., enabling excellent connectivity with PAL’s trans-Pacific service.

Philippine Airlines operates twice-daily nonstop flights to Los Angeles, daily flights to San Francisco and multiple weekly flights to New York, Honolulu and Guam.

Forward-Looking Statements

British Airways returns to Stansted Airport, Agadir joins route network, and more!

December 12, 2023 / WIL BALDWIN

British Airways to return to London Stansted Airport for Summer 2024

Travellers choosing to fly from London Stansted next summer have a new premium airline option, International Consolidated Airlines Group S.A. (London: ICAG) member British Airways returns to the north-east London airport. Launching on May 18, 2024, weekend flights from London Stansted to Florence, Ibiza and Nice will join BA Cityflyer’s operations for the summer season on its Embraer 190 aircraft. BA Cityflyer is a subsidiary of British Airways, which operates from London City Airport during the week to nearly 30 short-haul destinations. The new Stansted services will complement the existing weekday services from London City, plus recently added weekend services from Edinburgh to San Sebastian, Spain and Olbia, Sardinia.

This will be the first time that British Airways has offered scheduled flights from Stansted since before the global pandemic, and it will become the fourth London airport to be served by the flag carrier. Each flight will offer two cabins: Club Europe (business class) and Euro Traveller (economy). Customers in Club Europe are offered a full meal service with drinks from the bar, priority board and additional baggage allowance. Flights will be available from £41 each way to Florence, £36 each way to Ibiza and £43 each way to Nice. Flights are now live.

Agadir joins British Airways’ short-haul network from London Gatwick

Agadir has become the latest destination to join British Airways’ route network from London Gatwick.

The four-times weekly flight will be operated by British Airways’ Gatwick short-haul subsidiary, BA Euroflyer, from 31 March 2024.

On sale now, Agadir joins Marrakech to become the second Moroccan destination on British Airways’ route map. This will be the first time in more than a decade that Agadir has been available to British Airways customers.

Tom Stoddart, CEO of BA Euroflyer, said: “Agadir is a coastal destination that enjoys 300 days of sunshine per year, so we know it will see strong demand from our leisure customers and particularly those seeking holiday packages. It offers beaches, golf courses and water sports alongside the opportunity to experience cultural landmarks, such as Agadir Kasbah.”

Customers will have the choice of two cabins on every flight: Club Europe (business class) and Euro Traveller (economy). Euro Traveller customers enjoy a complimentary drink and snack, while Club Europe customers will have lounge access, a full meal service with drinks from the bar, priority boarding and additional baggage allowance is included in their ticket.

Return flights from London Gatwick to Agadir start from £138. Visit www.ba.com/morocco

First ever long-haul Avios-Only flights go on sale for October half term 2024

British Airways has announced that Dubai will be the destination of its next Avios-Only flight, offering more than 200 half term return Reward Seats from just £100 + 60,000 Avios. The flight is available to book now. The BA105 from London Heathrow to Dubai will offer 214 Reward Seats across three cabins on 26 October 2024. The BA108 will return a week later on 2 November 2024 with 256 up for grabs across four cabins, perfectly in time for a half term getaway. This is the first time that the airline has offered a long-haul Avios-Only flight, and it brings the total number to more than 30, including Geneva, Nice, Ibiza and Corfu. Avios-Only flights were launched earlier this year, on which 100% of the seats are exclusively available to British Airways Executive Club Members as Rewards Seats.

Avios only seats are sold as normal Reward Seats, which means that customers with British Airways American Express Credit Cards will also have the option to use their Companion Vouchers. These entitle Members to a second seat for just the taxes and charges, or one seat for half the amount of Avios. Reward Seats are those that can be purchased using Avios at static rates. British Airways guarantees a minimum of 12 and 14 Reward Seats on standard short and long-haul flights respectively, whereas Avios-Only flights mean that every seat is available to purchase using Avios. Members booking the Avios-Only flight can do so in any cabin as they normally would through ba.com.

New British Airways lounge set to open in Miami

British Airways is set to open a brand-new lounge for its customers travelling from Miami International Airport. Due to open in the first half of 2025, the lounge will feature a brand-new design concept, and will join more than 20 dedicated British Airways airport lounges around the globe. The lounge will be open to those travelling in the Club World (business class) of First cabin, plus Executive Club Members who hold at least Silver status, and those who hold at least Sapphire oneworld status.

Further details will be announced in 2024.

Forward-Looking Statements

Boeing and Avolon sign new order for 40 737 MAX aircraft

December 12, 2023 / WIL BALDWIN

Seattle, Washington, December 12, 2023, PRNewswire – Boeing (NYSE: BA) and Avolon announced the Ireland-based lessor intends to purchase 40 more 737-8 airplanes to expand the lessor’s 737 MAX portfolio – consisting of 737-8 and 737-10 variants – to more than 110 jets. Avolon also ordered 40 737-8’s in June.

The new order is subject to shareholder approval by Bohai Leasing Co, Ltd (Shenzhen: 000415), Avolon’s main shareholder, and will be posted to Boeing’s Orders and Deliveries website when finalized.

The 737 MAX provides Avolon’s customers with greater flexibility across their network, while reducing fuel use and emissions by up to 20%. On average each airplane will save up to 8 million pounds of CO₂ annually compared to airplanes it replaces.

The 737-8, with seating for 162 to 210 passengers depending on configuration anda range of up to 3,500 nautical miles, is the market’s most versatile single-aisle airplane, capable of operating profitably on both short and medium haul routes.

Forward-Looking Statements

Avolon orders another 100 Airbus A321neo aircraft

December 12, 2023 / WIL BALDWIN

Toulouse, France, December 12, 2023 – Avolon, the international leasing company, has signed a firm order for another 100 Airbus Group SE (Paris: AIR) A321neo aircraft, taking its total order for the A321neo to 190 aircraft. The agreement secures Avolon’s delivery pipeline for the world’s preferred single aisle Family.

With this latest agreement, Avolon’s total firm order-tally directly from Airbus rises to 632 aircraft, and includes A320, A330 and A350 Families. In September, Avolon ordered 20 A330neo aircraft to take advantage of growing global widebody demand.

The A321neo is the largest member of the Airbus A320neo Family, offering unparalleled range and performance. By incorporating new generation engines and Sharklets, the A321neo brings a 50% noise reduction and more than 20% fuel savings and CO₂ reduction compared to previous generation single-aisle aircraft, while maximizing passenger comfort in the widest single-aisle cabin in the sky. To date more than 5,600 A321neo’s have been ordered by more than 100 customers across the globe.

Forward-Looking Statements

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