(Reuters) – Australia’s Qantas Airways (OTC: QABSY) on Thursday announced an order for 24 widebody aircraft, the final piece of the company’s jet fleet renewal program, and said the move is aimed at replacing its current Airbus A330 and Airbus A380 aircraft.
The multi-billion dollar order is split between 12 Airbus (OTC: EADSY) A350’s and 12 Boeing (NYSE: BA) 787’s, which will arrive from fiscal 2027 and into the next decade, Qantas said.
Australia’s biggest cabin crew union has accused Qantas (OTC: QUBSF) of a “breathtaking” lack of transparency over the deal that will see Finnair (OTC: FNNNF) crew operate the Flying Kangaroo’s flights.
The Flight Attendants Association of Australia has said the airline suggested the agreement would save the jobs of Finnair staff but was later informed the employees would be sourced from “labour-hire” firms.
Copenhagen, Denmark – A.P. Moller – Maersk (OTC: AMKBY) reports a second quarter of 2023 ahead of expectations, while the ongoing market normalisation continued through the quarter leading to lower volumes and lower rates. Revenue stood at USD 13.0bn compared to USD 21.7bn in Q2 2022 while profitability was strong at 12.4% although significantly lower compared to the extraordinarily strong Q2 2022. Reflecting the strong first half performance, Maersk raises its financial outlook and now expects underlying EBITDA of USD 9.5 – 11.0bn (previously USD 8.0 – 11.0bn), underlying EBIT of USD 3.5 – 5.0bn (previously USD 2.0 – 5.0bn) despite a weakened second half market outlook.
Ocean revenue decreased to USD 8.7bn from USD 17.4bn driven by a decrease in freight rates and loaded volumes. While the volume and rate environment stabilized at a lower level during Q2, Ocean continued to be impacted by lower demand, driven by a significant inventory correction in particular in North America and Europe. A strong cost management allowed to partially offset the top line impact on financial performance in Ocean.
Revenue in Logistics & Services was USD 3.4bn compared to USD 3.5bn. The segment was also impacted by lower volumes due to the continued destocking and weaker consumer demand, as well as low rates. As in Ocean, market demand is expected to continue to be subdued as long as the inventory correction is ongoing.
Revenue in Terminals decreased to USD 950m from USD 1.1bn and was influenced by the normalisation of storage revenue and lower volumes amid lower consumer demand and less congestion in North America. Strong cost control contributed to a continued solid financial performance.
July 28, 2023 – Supported by Sweden and the United Kingdom, Saab (OTC: SAABF) has today submitted its proposal for the replacement of Netherland’s current submarines. The proposal comprises four advanced Expeditionary Submarines with the latest innovations and technologies and includes a cooperation with Dutch shipbuilder Damen Shipyards Group.
Saab’s offered solution is based on a successful, proven and future-proof design. It will incorporate the latest capabilities and technologies, whilst its truly modular design will allow for new technologies as they evolve to ensure relevance for many years to come.
Saab and Dutch shipbuilder Damen Shipyards Group have cooperated since 2015 and the offer to build submarines to replace the Dutch Walrus-class is a balanced cooperation between the Netherlands and Sweden.
The C718 is an advanced Expeditionary Submarine that offers an unsurpassed level of endurance and exceeds the Royal Netherlands Navy needs for long-distance operations, sufficient accommodation, crew comfort and increased weapon payload capability.
Sweden, through Saab’s business area Kockums, has a long tradition in producing world class submarines. Four nations are currently operating submarines and submarine technology designed by Saab’s business area Kockums; Sweden, Australia, Japan and Singapore.
July 2023 – Virgin Australia and Japan’s largest airline, ANA, All Nippon Airways, have today announced a significantly expanded partnership to include increased levels of codeshare co-operation in addition to a series of member loyalty benefits and seamless travel across both carriers’ networks.
From today, Velocity Frequent Flyer members can earn Points and Status Credits when travelling on ANA operated flights across more than 130 destinations in the global ANA network including Japan, Asia, North America and Europe.
For the first time, guests can also book airfares on ANA operated flights between Australia and Japan at virginaustralia.com.
The announcement follows the launch of Virgin Australia’s inaugural service between Cairns and Tokyo (Haneda) last month. The airline’s partnership with ANA will unlock benefits across 12 domestic connections for travellers within Japan, including Sapporo, Fukuoka, Hiroshima, Osaka-Itami, Kochi, Osaka-Kansai, Kumamoto, Nagoya, Nagasaki, Oita, Okinawa and Miyazaki.
July 21, 2023 – Australia’s Capital, Canberra has become the newest destination to join Fiji Airways’ comprehensive network of direct international destinations with the inaugural flight departing Nadi this morning. The National Airline now offers twice weekly flights, marking an exciting development for both countries, strengthening tourism, trade, people-to-people connections, government relations, and cargo transportation.
Company Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer Mr Andre Viljoen says with its world-renowned hospitality and award-winning service, Fiji Airways is set to deliver an Exceptional Fijian Experience to guests flying between these two vibrant destinations.
The direct flight offers a seamless transport link for the exchange of goods and services, enabling businesses to expand their markets and explore new trade opportunities. This will strengthen trade flows, benefitting businesses engaged in import and export activities, and further promoting economic collaboration.
The Qantas Group’s (OTC: QABSY) first Airbus A220 aircraft has started construction, marking a key milestone for the Group as its fleet renewal program ramps up.
The aircraft’s major airframe components, including the centre and rear fuselage, are coming together at Airbus’ production facility in Mirabel, Canada, with the first of 29 aircraft expected to arrive in Australia before the end of the year. As the first A220 to be operated in Australia, the aircraft will undergo regulatory approvals, airport readiness and training activities before it joins the QantasLink fleet in early 2024. QantasLink has also commenced training its pilots to operate the new aircraft.
The next generation A220s will gradually replace QantasLink’s Boeing 717 fleet which operate routes across Australia.
The first QantasLink A220 will operate flights between Melbourne and Canberra, with subsequent aircraft to be deployed to other parts of the regional and domestic network. With double the range of the 717, the A220 is also expected to open up new domestic and short-haul international routes as more aircraft enter the fleet.
With production now in full swing, the Qantas Group is calling on Australians to help name its fleet of new A220s, based around the theme ‘native wildlife’.
From today, Australians can nominate up to six names via a dedicated page on qantas.com. A shortlist will then be released so the public can vote for their favourites before the final names are revealed.
Qantas ran a similar competition to name its Boeing 787 Dreamliner fleet with iconic Australian names in 2017, with more than 10,000 submissions received.
QantasLink CEO John Gissing said the production milestone marked an important step in the renewal of the airline’s fleet.
Regional Express Group (Rex) has revealed that it has submitted a response to the Request for Information (RFI) issued by the Australian Antarctic Division (AAD) as a precursor to Rex’s intention to be the next aerial operator of the Australian Antarctic Program.
The Program is the most ambitious ever in AAD’s history and looks at bringing together all the highly specialised aerial operations under one operator’s command. The Program calls for significantly expanded capabilities comprising one large intercontinental passenger jet capability, four intracontinental turbo-prop aircraft able to operate on skis, four twin-engine helicopters which can operate both on land and on the Division’s flagship the RSV Nuyina, plus a significant scaling up of Uncrewed Aerial System (UAS) capability for the Division’s operations during the Antarctic Austral Summer (October to March).
Recognising the unique challenges of operating in the Antarctic environment, Rex has assembled an Antarctic Advisory Panel (AAP) comprising the foremost experts in this field with in-depth and practical knowledge of actual aerial operations to the Antarctic as well as design expertise on adapting aerial platforms with skis suitable for landing on unprepared terrain on the Antarctic Continent.
The AAP has guided Rex’s response to the RFI and will spend the next five months preparing the optimal solution ahead of the Request for Tender expected in November this year.
Rex intends to lead a consortium of industry partners that will operate some aspects of the Program that require more specialised expertise.
Rex is Australia’s largest independent regional and domestic airline operating a fleet of 58 Saab 340 and 7 Boeing 737-800NG aircraft to 57 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), the Australian Airline Pilot organisation, Australian Aerospace Propeller Maintenance. Rex is also a 50% shareholder of National Jet Express (NJE), a premier Fly-In-Fly-Out (FIFO), charter and freight operator.
MESA, Arizona, July 14, 2023– MD Helicopters, LLC, is pleased to announce that Mt Hutt Aviation and 369 Ltd have teamed together to join MDH’s network of Authorized Service Centers (ASC). Together these organizations will increase the level of service and support to MDH aircraft in New Zealand and the surrounding Australasia region. Currently their combined maintenance services include over 40% of the MDH aircraft operating in this region.
With a combined 50+ years of experience maintaining helicopters between each organization, MHA and 369 capabilities include maintenance, avionics, refurbishment, and specialty paint services.
About Mt Hutt Aviation
Established in 2013, Mt Hutt Aviation delivers fleet management support and maintenance between two purpose-built facilities in Canterbury. In addition to maintenance capabilities, MHA offers 24/7 support on time-critical projects as well as on-site engineering and avionics services.
About 369 Ltd
Based in Tauranga in the North Island, 369 is a family operated business with decades of experience working exclusively with the MDH airframe. Their services include maintenance and repair on the full line of civilian single-engine MD Helicopters models.
About MD Helicopters
MD Helicopters, LLC (MDH) manufactures high-performance rotorcraft solutions that support operators flying military, commercial, law enforcement, utility, and VIP mission profiles. With thousands of aircraft in service worldwide, MDH has been designing and building aircraft known for their safety, versatility, responsiveness, speed, and reliability since 1947. Our commitment to product sustainment and customer success allows MDH to deliver aircraft unmatched in their performance and reliability. MD Helicopters, LLC is owned by an investment consortium comprised of MBIA Insurance, Bardin Hill Investment Partners LP, and MB Global Partners.
FORT WORTH, Texas – American Airlines (NASDAQ: AAL), in partnership with the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey and Unibail-Rodamco-Westfield (URW) Airports, today announced a $125 million commercial redevelopment program for Terminal 8 at John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK). The project will feature a new Great Hall and is expected to bring more than 60 new shopping and restaurant offerings to the terminal. With an emphasis on locally owned and diverse businesses that will create economic opportunities for the community, the new program will showcase New York’s world-renowned culinary scene and establish a unique sense of place for travelers.
Following the recent completion of a $400 million expansion of Terminal 8, the commercial redevelopment will further enhance the customer experience at the terminal with a complete redesign and expansion of the concessions program, including dining, retail, duty-free shopping, performance space and new digitally enabled experiences for American’s customers.
Terminal 8 has also become a world-renowned gateway for American’s oneworld partners. Within the past year, British Airways, Iberia and Japan Airlines relocated operations and Qantas returned service to Terminal 8.
American selected JFK T8 Innovation Partners, a joint venture led by URW, to lead the redevelopment. URW is an owner, developer and operator of sustainable, high-quality real estate assets across Europe and the U.S. Also joining the T8 Partners team, with a 30 percent equity stake, is Phoenix Infrastructure Group, a minority-owned, Minority Business Enterprise (MBE)-certified investment firm focused on critical infrastructure projects; and Holt Construction, one of New York’s premier construction management firms with experience in more than 100 aviation projects at airports across the country, including the expansion of Terminal 8, where Holt exceeded its 30 percent Minority and Women-Owned Business Enterprise (MWBE) participation goal.
