Tag: routes (Page 12 of 15)

WIZZ AIR Expands in Krakow, Gdansk and Warsaw

November 11, 2019 / WIL BALDWIN

4 BASED AIRCRAFT, 13 NEW ROUTES

Wizz Air, one of Europe’s fastest growing airlines and the largest low-cost carrier in Central and Eastern Europe today announced that it will massively expand its Polish operations, basing 4 new aircraft in Poland. From summer 2020 WIZZ will launch 15 new attractive routes from Gdansk, Krakow and Warsaw as well as increase weekly frequencies on the most popular services, adding a total of 24 incremental weekly flights to its Polish schedule.

Expanding its operations, Wizz Air creates over 160 additional direct jobs and will have a team of over 1100 dedicated crew based in Poland

Wizz Air’s commitment to Polish customers is underlined by the strong growth at its other seven Polish airports as well. With a network of 193 services, WIZZ will have a total of 13 million seats on sale on its Polish routes in 2020, which represents 20% growth year over year. WIZZ’s Polish operations do not only provide affordable access at WIZZ’s lowest fares between Poland and the rest of Europe, but also stimulate the local job market in aviation and tourism sectors, supporting more than 8200 jobs this year in associated industries throughout the country.

With the latest expansion of its Polish fleet, Wizz Air will have 30 based aircraft in Poland employing more than nearly 1300 customer-oriented crew, who deliver excellent service on each WIZZ flight. Wizz Air now offers 194 routes to 28 countries from nine Polish airports.

Tickets for all new routes are already on sale and can be booked from only PLN 59 on wizzair.com.

Stephen Jones, Deputy CEO and Managing Director Wizz Air Hungary, said: “Following the recent deployment of the 3rd based aircraft at Krakow Airport and announcement of new routes in Gdanskk and Warsaw, we are thrilled to announce further expansion of our Polish operations. By adding 4 new aircraft followed by 13 new routes to our Polish fleet we create a number of local jobs with the airline and our business partners while bringing more opportunities to the country. We are sure that our loyal Polish customers will welcome the extended offer of attractive destinations and affordable travel options and we are also confident that our low fares will attract more visitors to Polish cities, which could stimulate tourism and hospitality industries. We stay committed to Poland and keep on offering the lowest possible fares and an excellent value service on each WIZZ flight.”

IAG Ups Bet on Latin America with Air Europa Takeover

November 4, 2019 / WIL BALDWIN

* Buys Air Europa for 1 bln euros

* To be funded by external debt

* Shares rise more than 2%

* To be run by Iberia CEO

* Regulators may set requirements -analysts

Nov 4 (Reuters) – IAG, the parent of British Airways and Spain’s Iberia, announced a 1 billion euro ($1.12 billion) takeover of Spain’s Air Europa to boost its presence on routes to Latin America and the Caribbean.

The deal follows a setback in Latin America for IAG after Chile’s Supreme Court ruled against a plan that would have allowed it to bolster cooperation with partners in the oneworld airlines alliance.

**BA parent IAG ups bet on Latin America with Air Europa takeover**
Ryanair Chief Executive Michael O’Leary attends a Reuters Newsmaker event in London

Chile’s LATAM Airlines in September then announced it planned to leave the alliance, opting instead for a tie-up with SkyTeam member Delta Air Lines.

IAG shares initially rose more than 2% following the Air Europa takeover announcement but some analysts said IAG may have to shed routes in order to win regulatory approval.

IAG shares were up 1.2% at 1315 GMT.

Ryanair CEO Michael O’Leary said his company will ask the UK’s market watchdog to force IAG to make divestments as part of its Air Europa takeover, a deal he said would be bad for competition.

“Potential remedies, perhaps in the form of slot release or behavioural restrictions, may be required and these could impact the potential synergies,” an analyst at Liberum wrote in a note.

IAG also owns carriers Iberia Express, Level, Ireland’s Aer Lingus and Vueling.

“We are not convinced that having just another brand platform is the optimal move, and could see it potentially combining with Level, Vueling or potentially Iberia Express after some time,” analysts at Bernstein said.

FILE PHOTO: An Air Europa-branded Boeing 737 MAX aircraft is seen grounded at a storage area in an aerial photo at Boeing Field in Seattle

Air Europa serves 69 destinations, including long-haul routes to the Americas and the Caribbean. It had a fleet of 66 aircraft at the end of 2018.

Air Europa’s Spanish parent company Globalia earlier this year received authorisation from the Brazilian government to explore the possibility of flying domestic routes within Latin America’s largest economy.

It is unclear if that authorisation will remain with Globalia or be transferred to IAG.

Air Europa will initially keep its brand and as it gets integrated into the existing hub at Madrid it will be a standalone operation run by Iberia boss Luis Gallego, IAG said.

It will also withdraw Air Europa from the SkyTeam alliance once the deal is completed. Air Europa has a joint venture with Air France-KLM.

“This is of strategic importance for the Madrid hub, which in recent years has lagged behind other European hubs,” said Gallego, adding that Madrid had the potential to serve as a gateway between Asia and Latin America.

IAG said it expected the Air Europa deal, which will be funded through external debt, to close in the second half of next year and for it to add to its earnings in the first full year after the closure.

($1 = 0.8951 euros) (Reporting by Yadarisa Shabong in Bengaluru; additional reporting by Andres Gonzalez in Madrid and Marcelo Rochabrun in Sao Paulo, editing by Patrick Graham and Jason Neely)

An Air Europa Boeing 737 airplane takes off at the airport in Palma de Mallorca

Union Pacific Reports Positive Train Control Progress

November 3, 2019 / WIL BALDWIN

Union Pacific 4014 “Big Boy” steam locomotive visits Tucson, Arizona on October 18,2019

Union Pacific implemented Positive Train Control (PTC) on 1,113 route miles in the third quarter of 2019, bringing required PTC-operated route miles to 15,791 or 93 percent, including all required passenger train routes. Nearly all Union Pacific trains operating on PTC-mandated rail lines are operating with PTC locomotives. The company expects to have implemented PTC on all required lines by end of 2019, a year before the Congressional deadline. Its interoperability efforts with other railroads will continue through 2020.

Union Pacific currently hosts 31 freight and passenger railroads, which must achieve PTC interoperability by December 2020. Eleven of these railroads are already compliant, encompassing 85% of Union Pacific’s interoperable PTC train miles. While Union Pacific’s infrastructure is PTC-ready, it is working to be PTC-interoperable with the remaining partner railroads. The company’s expectation is that they will take necessary steps to reach interoperability on our network by mid-2020.

One of the most challenging parts of PTC implementation is ensuring system interoperability among all U.S. rail lines and locomotives. Given the various readiness levels of North American freight and passenger railroads, including publicly funded commuter lines and short lines, it is important that all railroads continue working together to maintain the health, safety, resiliency, and fluidity of the rail network during PTC implementation.

Union Pacific completed PTC installation on required route miles and employee training. PTC education is ongoing as Union Pacific retrains employees and introduces the system to new employees. Training materials are tailored to a variety of employee roles, including engineer, conductor, dispatcher, maintenance of way/engineering, mechanical, signal, telecom and information technologies.

With the FRA’s conditional approval of Union Pacific’s PTC safety plan on April 26, 2017, Union Pacific is running PTC operations on more than 15,000 miles in Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Idaho, Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Louisiana, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Oregon, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Washington, Wisconsin and Wyoming. Union Pacific and freight and passenger railroads continue working together to safely implement PTC on the remaining 1,271 required route miles.

Drukair Takes Delivery of Latest Generation ATR 42-600

October 23, 2019 / WIL BALDWIN

Airline renews fleet with turboprop featuring cutting-edge avionics
for performance in challenging conditions

Toulouse, 22 October, 2019 – Bhutanese national flag-carrier Drukair today took delivery of its brand new ATR 42-600 aircraft. The latest-generation turboprop aircraft, which will be used on the airline’s domestic and international routes, was chosen for its outstanding operational performance in challenging conditions. The airline’s ATR serves small airports in the Himalayan Mountains and links Bhutan with Kathmandu, Kolkata and Dhaka. Through the introduction of the -600 series’ latest generation Standard 3 avionics suite, Drukair will benefit from RNP AR 0.3/0.3 which further enhances airfield accessibility and operational performance. Drukair’s ATR is equipped with the ClearVision™ system, which will provide pilots with outstanding vision and situational awareness. The aircraft will feature a very comfortable 40-seat cabin with generous pitch and stowage.

Tandi Wangchuk, Chief Executive Officer of Drukair said: “We have been flying an ATR aircraft since 2011, its versatility and operational reliability have made it the ideal aircraft. When evaluating how to improve on this performance, it makes sense to upgrade to the latest-generation and we look forward to introducing these evolutions to our passengers. Particularly the modern Armonia cabin which will provide even more comfort to everyone on board.”

ATR Chief Executive Officer, Stefano Bortoli said: “There are few things more satisfying than seeing a loyal customer renew and upgrade its ATR fleet. This delivery once more shows the impact of our policy of continuous development which ensures that when we introduce new products and innovations, they offer real quality and value to our family of operators. Delivering regional connectivity in the challenging operational conditions of Bhutan and its neighbouring countries takes a special aircraft and the ATR 42‑600 is the perfect fit.”

ATR’s market estimates forecast that 1,200 30-50 seat aircraft will soon need to be replaced as older and inefficient aircraft come to the end of their lives. The ATR 42-600 is the ideal and modern solution to cater for this need and ensure that essential connectivity is maintained for local communities all over the world.

Embraer Welcomes Amaszonas to the E-Jets Family

October 20, 2019 / WIL BALDWIN

São José dos Campos, Brazil, October 15, 2019 – Amaszonas Línea Aérea of Bolivia is the newest Embraer E-Jet operator. The airline started flying an E190 today between Santa Cruz de la Sierra’s Viru Viru Airport and La Paz. Amaszonas is adding a total of six E190s to its fleet. The airplanes will fly to several domestic and international destinations.

“We have been working with Amaszonas for a long-time. To see the E190 flying in the airline’s colors is really rewarding for Embraer,” said Reinaldo Krugner, Vice President, Latin America & Caribbean, Embraer Commercial Aviation. “The E190 is the ideal aircraft to support the airline’s growing capacity in a very disciplined way. Amaszonas is taking advantage of the E190’s low operating cost.”

The first two E190s are leased from GECAS and configured with 112 seats in a single class layout. The other four aircraft will be leased from CDB Leasing and have 110 seats in a single class layout. The airline will also operate the E190s at Montevideo’s Carrasco International Airport in the future.

“The range of the E190 allows us to replace our smaller regional jets and support our expansion plans in Bolivia and Uruguay,” Sergio de Urioste, President & CEO of Amaszonas Línea Aérea. “Our E-Jets give us the flexibility we need to add more frequencies and destinations. We know our passengers are going to love the comfort of the E190 cabin.”

Embraer and Amaszonas have also signed a Flight Hour Pool Program agreement until 2024 to provide repairable component support for the carrier’s fleet of up to six E190s. The multiyear program features both the Pool Program and repair management services for the carrier’s fleet of E-Jets, including material services engineering and advanced component exchanges from Embraer’s spare parts distribution center in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

Embraer is the world’s leading manufacturer of commercial aircraft up to 150 seats with more than 100 customers across the world. For the E-Jets program alone, Embraer has logged more than 1,800 orders and 1,500 aircraft have been delivered. Today, E-Jets are flying in the fleets of 80 customers in 50 countries. The versatile 70 to 150-seat family is flying with low-cost airlines as well as with regional and mainline network carriers.

Azul Eyes Partnership with United, Avianca, Copa

October 14, 2019 / WIL BALDWIN

SAO PAULO (Reuters) – Brazil airline Azul SA said on Monday that it is in discussions to join a planned partnership with United Airlines, Avianca Holdings and Copa Holdings for flights between the United States and Latin America.

The three airlines announced their plan to coordinate routes in November 2018, but have yet to receive regulatory approval to go ahead. United owned 8.2% of Azul’s preferred shares last month, according to the Brazilian airline’s website.

(Reporting by Marcelo Rochabrun)

E2-195 plane with Brazil’s No. 3 airline Azul SA logo is seen during a launch event in Sao Jose dos Campos

Alitalia Set for Temporary Reprieve as Rescue Deadline Nears

October 14, 2019 / WIL BALDWIN

MILAN, Oct 14 (Reuters) – Alitalia is set to win a temporary lifeline on Tuesday, when its latest rescue deadline expires, with toll road operator Atlantia expected to give a conditional green light to hundreds of millions of euros of investment, according to two people close to the situation.

The future of the troubled Italian carrier remains in doubt with no binding offer and no clear business plan in sight but it should avoid an immediate liquidation after the expiry of the Oct. 15 deadline set by the industry ministry.

Atlantia, which is controlled by Benetton family, has been in talks since July over taking part in a government-orchestrated rescue of the airline, together with railway group Ferrovie dello Stato, the treasury and Delta Air Lines.

“Atlantia is expected to give its commitment to invest in Alitalia subject to several conditions,” one of the sources said. But issues that still cause concern range from potential antitrust problems, treatment of state aid under European Union rules, the cost of possible redundancies and the future of the carrier’s long-haul routes, the source said.

Oct. 15 is the latest in a series of deadlines set for Ferrovie and potential partners in a rescue for Alitalia, which has been under special administrators since May 2017 and needs new funds to continue flying.

The board of Atlantia, which runs Rome’s airports through its Aeroporti di Roma unit, is expected to approve a preliminary commitment to the Alitalia rescue on Tuesday, the sources said.

The rescue plans include potential investment of a total of around 1 billion euros in the carrier, which has cut costs under the special administrators but still burns cash and had only 310 million euros left at the end of September.

Atlantia is expected to invest some 300 million euros, depending on commitments from other partners.

A second source said more time was needed to iron out a complete business plan for Alitalia. Possible involvement by Delta Air Lines or Germany’s Lufthansa AG is still under discussion.

A third source said Atlantia, Ferrovie and other potential partners were under pressure from Italy’s Industry Ministry to present a binding bid and take control of the carrier which in the past two years has already received 900 million euros from the state to stay afloat.

Atlantia’s participation in the rescue was put in doubt this month when it wrote to the Industry ministry, urging a radical overhaul of the Alitalia plan if talks were to go ahead.

(Reporting by Francesca Landini, Stefano Bernabei, Giuseppe Fonte. Editing by Jane Merriman)

An Alitalia Airbus A320 takes off on September 26, 2017 from Toulouse-Blagnac airport in southwestern France. / AFP PHOTO / PASCAL PAVANI

Airbus and Air Austral Sign Purchase Agreement for 3 A220’s

October 14, 2019 / WIL BALDWIN

Air Austral, France’s Réunion Island-based airline, has signed a firm order for three A220 aircraft, Airbus’ newest family member. With this order Air Austral becomes the first A220 customer based in the Indian Ocean region. Benefitting from a 20% reduction in fuel burn and CO2 emissions, the A220s will enable Air Austral to reduce its costs and carbon footprint on international routes in the region.

“Air Austral has chosen the A220-300 as part of the renewal of its Medium and Short Haul fleet. These new-generation aircraft will join the airline from the end of 2020 with the aim of harmonising part of its fleet and strengthening its operations,” said Marie-Joseph Malé, Chief Executive Officer of Air Austral. The economic and operational performance of the A220 opens new possibilities for the development of our regional network from our main base – Réunion Island – in an efficient and rational way. The 132-seat capacity module, which is more flexible, will allow us to increase our frequencies while offering more comfort to our customers and crews,” he added.

“With its unrivalled performance and operational flexibility, the A220 is the perfect aircraft for Air Austral to reinforce routes between Réunion Island and its neighbours in the Indian Ocean, as well as connecting the island further afield,” said Christopher Buckley, Executive Vice-President Commercial – Airbus. “Airlines from all around the world are acknowledging the A220’s economics and it is a great honour that Air Austral will be the first A220 operator in the region.”

The design of the new clean sheet single-aisle aircraft allows for more seats, offering extra revenue potential to airlines, especially to those located in remote areas, and extra usable cargo volume capacity.

The A220 is the only aircraft purpose-built for the 100-150 seat market; it delivers unbeatable fuel efficiency and widebody passenger comfort in a single-aisle aircraft. The A220 brings together state-of-the-art aerodynamics, advanced materials and Pratt & Whitney’s latest-generation PW1500G geared turbofan engines to offer at least a 20% lower fuel burn per seat compared to previous generation aircraft, along with significantly lower emissions and a reduced noise footprint. The A220 offers the performance of larger single-aisle aircraft.

Allegiant Travel Company Schedules Q3 2019 Earnings Call

October 8, 2019 / WIL BALDWIN

LAS VEGAS, Oct. 8, 2019 /PRNewswire/ — Allegiant Travel Company (NASDAQ: ALGT) has scheduled its third quarter 2019 financial results conference call for Thursday, October 24 at 5:30 p.m. EDT. A live broadcast of the conference call will be available through the company’s Investor Relations website at http://ir.allegiantair.com/. The webcast will also be archived on the “Events & Presentations” section of the site.

Allegiant Travel Company

Las Vegas-based Allegiant (NASDAQ: ALGT) is an integrated travel company with an airline at its heart, focused on connecting customers with premier leisure experiences – from vacations to hometown family entertainment. Since 1999, Allegiant Air has linked travelers in small-to-medium cities to world-class vacation destinations with all-nonstop flights and industry-low average fares. Today, Allegiant serves more than 450 routes across the country, with base airfares less than half the cost of the average domestic roundtrip ticket. Allegiant’s Sunseeker Resorts subsidiary is currently under construction with its inaugural resort property, Sunseeker Resort Charlotte Harbor in Southwest Florida – a unique waterside integrated resort like no other. And a growing group of Allegiant Nonstop family entertainment centers offer state-of-the art indoor games and attractions to thrill seekers of all ages. For more information, visit us at Allegiant.com. Media information, including photos, is available at http://gofly.us/iiFa303wrtF.

Boeing Delivers First 787-10 for Saudi Arabian Airlines

September 30, 2019 / WIL BALDWIN

NORTH CHARLESTON, SOUTH CAROLINA, Sept 30, 2019 – Boeing [NYSE:BA] delivered to Saudi Arabian Airlines (SAUDIA) its first 787-10 Dreamliner, which will play a key role in the airline’s fleet and network expansion. The largest member of the Dreamliner family sets the benchmark for fuel efficiency and operating economics and will complement SAUDIA’s fleet of 787-9.

“SAUDIA operates a state-of-the-art fleet equipped with the latest technology, and in addition to the airline’s existing Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners, is now adding the 787-10 variant which will further support future network growth plans,” said His Excellency Eng. Saleh bin Nasser Al-Jasser, Director General, SAUDIA. “The airplane’s onboard cabin features, long range capability and the latest in technological advancements are among the many aspects of what makes the Boeing 787 highly popular with our guests.”

In addition to the 787-10, SAUDIA operates 13 787-9 Dreamliner airplanes, and 33 777-300ER (Extended Range) jets.

“SAUDIA has been a valued partner with Boeing for nearly 75 years and this delivery marks another major milestone in our partnership. Our team takes great pride in building and delivering quality aircraft to SAUDIA and we are honored by the continuing confidence in the 787 Dreamliner and 777 families,” said Ihssane Mounir, senior vice president of Commercial Sales and Marketing, The Boeing Company. “The addition of the 787-10 to SAUDIA’s fleet will continue the superior inflight experience that passengers have come to expect of the Dreamliner. Moreover, the unmatched fuel efficiency of the 787 will help SAUDIA open new routes and achieve significant fuel savings and emission reduction.”

With the delivery to SAUDIA, the 787-10 continues to expand its global presence. More than 30 of this Dreamliner model have been delivered to seven operators since the airplane entered commercial service last year. As a stretch of the 787-9, the 787-10 adds about 40 more seats in a 2-class configuration and cargo capacity, offering 25 percent better fuel per seat and fewer emissions than the airplanes it replaces. With a range 6,345 nautical miles (11,750 kms), the 787-10 can fly more than 95 percent of the world’s twin-aisle routes.

Since entering service in 2011, the 787 family has enabled the opening of more than 235 new point-to-point routes and saved more than 40 billion pounds of fuel. Designed with the passenger in mind, the 787 family delivers an unparalleled experience with the largest windows of any commercial jet, large overhead bins with room for everyone’s bag, comfortable cabin air that is cleaner and more humid, and includes soothing LED lighting.

To optimize the performance of its 787 fleet, SAUDIA uses Boeing Global Services digital solutions powered by Boeing AnalytX such as Airplane Health Management (AHM), Maintenance Performance Toolbox and Crew Rostering and Pairing to optimize performance, manage global crew schedules and maintain their fleet. Boeing AnalytX is a suite of software and consulting services that transform raw data into efficiency, resource and cost savings in every phase of flight.

4 BASED AIRCRAFT, 13 NEW ROUTES

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