Tag: increase (Page 1 of 6)

Etihad Airways expands schedule with two new destinations

February 29, 2024 / WIL BALDWIN

Abu Dhabi, UAE – In the latest significant boost to its global network, Etihad Airways, the national airline of the United Arab Emirates, has announced substantial updates to its summer schedule.

This strategic expansion includes the addition of new flights and increased frequencies to existing routes, reinforcing Abu Dhabi’s position as a global connector and enhancing travel options.

The airline is set to broaden its reach by launching flights to two new fantastic and sought-after destinations: Beginning 15 June, Etihad will operate three seasonal weekly flights between Abu Dhabi and Antalya (AYT), Turkey. Operations to Jaipur (JAI), India will start 16 June with four weekly flights.

More, more, more

Starting 15 June, Etihad is increasing its service frequency to a number of key destinations:

The weekly flights to Thiruvananthapuram and Amman will be increased by three, totalling 10 and 14 respectively. Additional services include three more flights to Cairo for a total of 24, Karachi increasing to 17, and Colombo to 20 weekly flights.

The latest expansion contributes to an overall 33 per cent increase in Etihad’s total weekly flights, growing from 635 last summer to 847 in 2024, and extends Etihad’s reach from 65 to 75 destinations, significantly enhancing worldwide connectivity.

Manchester City 787 | Etihad Airways

Pratt & Whitney expands site at Eagle Services Asia facility in Singapore

February 19, 2024 / WIL BALDWIN

Singapore, February 19, 2024, PRNewswire – (Singapore Airshow) Pratt & Whitney, an RTX (NYSE: RTX) business, today announced the official opening of a 48,000 square-foot expansion of its Singapore based engine center, Eagle Services Asia (ESA). The facility will grow its GTF capacity by two-thirds this year.

The transformative technology insertion applied across both ESA sites integrates robotics, automation and machine learning to increase efficiency, lower stress on machine operators and increase safety for key MRO processes.

These innovations include fully automated high-pressure compressor (HPC) rotor stacking, a Receive-in-Check Cobot that augments the work done by human inspectors and a robotic arm to install and remove HPC bearing sleeves.

ESA, a joint venture between SIA Engineering Company and Pratt & Whitney, is a member of the Pratt & Whitney GTF™ MRO network. Since introducing GTF MRO capability in 2019, the facility has already completed over 500 GTF engine overhauls.

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.

MD Helicopters announce record orders for 2023

January 18, 2024 / WIL BALDWIN

Mesa, Arizona, January, 2024 – MD Helicopters, LLC (MDH) proudly announces record orders for the fiscal year 2023. The company experienced an increase in demand, resulting in the highest number of annual orders since 2008. MD Helicopters credits this accomplishment to its renewed commitment to customer satisfaction, enhancing aftermarket services, and striving for excellence in both the military and commercial sectors. The company’s focus and unwavering dedication to providing top-tier products and services have resonated with customers worldwide and across various markets, resulting in the substantial growth observed in 2023.

Among the key contributing factors to this success are significantly improving customer support, increased investment in direct communications with customers, enhancing manufacturing efficiencies, ensuring in-stock spares availability, and maintaining healthy supplier relationships. This strategic approach has not only strengthened MDH’s market position but has solidified its reputation as a rotorcraft industry leader.

In addition to the Nigerian Federal Government (12 aircraft) announced earlier this year, recent commercial transactions involved MD 530Fs designated for multi-use missions. These additions include VIP aircraft sales, featuring an expansion to the Clemens Aviation fleet, procurement by the United States Department of Agriculture for agricultural missions, and fulfilling various utility needs, such as those of WCF Aerospace, representing Skydance Helicopters that specializes in power and utility services, amongst others. MDH is actively pursuing a well-rounded approach, emphasizing both military and commercial sales and showcasing the positive impacts of the company’s recent changes.

Embraer delivers Ipanema agricultural airplane number 1,600

January 15, 2024 / WIL BALDWIN

Botucatu, Brazil, January 15, 2024 — Embraer SA (ADR-NYSE: ERJ) Agricultural Aviation Division delivered 65 Ipanema airplanes in 2023, an increase of 18% compared to the previous year. As a result, in December, the company reached the milestone of 1,600 units produced and delivered over the aircraft’s five decades of uninterrupted production.

Since the launch of the new version of the EMB-203 model in 2020, the company has seen continuous growth in sales and plans to increase production to 70 planes this year.

As the leader in the Brazilian aerial applications market, the Ipanema brings innovations and improvements that increase robustness with low operating costs and carbon emissions. The Ipanema is the only agricultural airplane certified and produced in series to fly on ethanol, a renewable energy source that provides increased power to the aircraft’s engine.

Forward-Looking Statements

Saab Q3 2023 results: Growth momentum in an evolving market

October 27, 2023 / WIL BALDWIN

Saab AB (Stockholm: series B: SAABb)President and CEO Micael Johansson says “The geopolitical tensions are impacting our industry and driving the largest increase in defence investments in the last 30 years, particularly in Europe. In the third quarter, high demand for Saab’s broad defence portfolio continued to result in significant order intake, strong sales growth and improved profitability.”

Key highlights Q3 2023

Order intake amounted to SEK 14,977m (7,772) with strong growth in all order sizes in the quarter.
Sales increased to SEK 11,527m (8,751) with an organic growth of 31%, driven by growth in all business areas.
EBITDA increased 28% and amounted to SEK 1,424m (1,115), corresponding to an EBITDA margin of 12.4% (12.7).
Operating income (EBIT) increased 51% and amounted to SEK 859m (568). The EBIT margin was 7.5% (6.5) with improvements in several business areas in the quarter.
Net income for the period increased to SEK 656m (324) and earnings per share amounted to SEK 4.84 (2.28).
Operational cash flow in the quarter was SEK -2,058m (559) mainly due to timing of customer payments combined with higher investments.
Net liquidity position in the quarter was SEK 1.4 bn (0.4).
Upgraded outlook for organic sales growth 2023: organic sales growth to be between 19-23%, compared to previous outlook of 16-20%.

For more information and explanations of the above key ratios, please see www.saab.com/investors/financials/financial-data.

Lufthansa bringing back A380 to Los Angeles International Airport

October 25, 2023 / WIL BALDWIN

Great news for Deutsche Lufthansa AG (Xetra: LHAG) customers in the Los Angeles area! The popular Airbus A380 will return to Los Angeles International Airport on October 26. With air travel surging in demand, the added capacity that the A380 brings to the LA region will provide the much-needed increased volume that the market requires.

Flight LH453 will depart Los Angeles at 6:30pm and arrive into Munich at 1:40pm, the following day. Flight LH452 will depart Munich at 12pm and arrive back in Los Angeles at 4:15pm. All times are local. The already daily operating flights, now have increased capacity due to the placement of the A380.

Due to the sharp rise in demand for travel and the delayed delivery of ordered aircraft, Lufthansa decided in 2022 to reactivate the Airbus A380, which is particularly popular with passengers and crews. By the end of 2025, a total of eight A380’s will once again be deployed for service to and from Munich.

Air Tanzania receives its first Boeing 737 MAX aircraft

October 4, 2023 / WIL BALDWIN

Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania, October 3, 2023, PRNewswire – Boeing (NYSE: BA) and Air Tanzania celebrated the arrival today of the airline’s first fuel-efficient 737 MAX single-aisle jet. The East African airline is the first carrier in Africa to receive the larger 737-9 model as it aims to meet growing travel demand in West Africa, Southern Africa and India.

Air Tanzania currently operates commercial service across Africa and to destinations in Asia with a fleet that includes two 787-8 Dreamliners and one 767-300 Freighter. Since its delivery in June 2023, the 767-300 Freighter has solved critical cargo challenges across Africa while opening opportunities to move business globally. The airline has an additional 787-8 on order.

The 737 MAX family delivers enhanced efficiency, improved environmental performance and increased passenger comfort to the single-aisle market. Powered by CFM International LEAP-1B engines and advanced technology winglets, the 737 MAX reduces fuel use and emissions by 20% compared to airplanes it replaces.

Silk Way West takes delivery of first Boeing 777 freighter

October 4, 2023 / WIL BALDWIN

Baku, Azerbaijan, October 3, 2023, PRNewswire – Silk Way West Airlines’ first Boeing (NYSE: BA) 777 Freighter arrived at Heydar Aliyev International Airport today as the airline becomes the newest operator of the world’s largest, longest range and most capable twin-engine freighter. The 777 Freighter will enable Silk Way West to increase its capacity to meet growing cargo demand around the globe.

Designed to integrate smoothly with existing cargo operations, the 777 Freighter will provide Azerbaijan-based Silk Way West with enhanced efficiency and operational flexibility. With a range of 9,200 kilometers, the 777 Freighter can carry a maximum structural payload of 107,000 kilograms, allowing operators to make fewer stops and reduce landing fees on long-haul routes. The airplane’s large fuselage diameter allows carriers to transport tall and outsized cargo loads on 3-meter-tall pallets, and its main deck side cargo door is 3.72 meters wide, allowing convenient loading of taller and wider cargo.

The 777 Freighter is Boeing’s top-selling freighter of all time. Customers from around the world have ordered 319 777 Freighters since the program began in 2005. As the market leader in cargo airplanes, Boeing provides more than 90% of the worldwide dedicated freighter capacity, including new-production and converted airplanes.

Qantas Group provides market update

September 24, 2023 / WIL BALDWIN

September 25, 2023, Qantas Airways Ltd ADR (OTC-QABSY) – The Qantas Group provides the following update to inform the market of a material increase to investment in customer improvements, continued strength in travel demand and the impact of elevated fuel prices.

CUSTOMER IMPROVEMENTS

The Group will invest a further $80 million in customer improvements across FY24 in addition to the $150 million previously budgeted, which will be funded from profits.

This additional investment is aimed at addressing a number of customer ‘pain points’ through improvements such as better contact centre resourcing and training, an increase in the number seats that can be redeemed with Frequent Flyer points, more generous recovery support when operational issues arise, a review of longstanding policies for fairness and improvements to the quality of inflight catering.

Qantas is also working to accelerate some initiatives already underway, such as the re-platforming of the Qantas app. More detail on these actions will be shared in coming weeks.

DEMAND LEVELS

Overall travel demand remains strong, with trading conditions in the first quarter of FY24 similar to the last quarter of FY23.

Qantas and Jetstar expect to carry more than 4 million passengers over the September/October school holidays and football finals period on almost 35,000 domestic and international services. This compares with around 3.7 million passengers on approximately 28,000 services over the same four week period last year.

Latest survey data shows that travel remains a top spending priority among Qantas Frequent Flyers over the next six months, well ahead of entertainment, renovations and homewares[1]. The Group greatly appreciates the continued support from customers choosing Qantas and Jetstar.

FUEL, FX AND FARES

Fuel prices have increased by around 30 per cent since May 2023, including a 10 per cent spike since August. This is driven by a combination of higher oil prices, higher refiner margins and a lower Australian dollar.

If sustained, this is expected to see the Group’s 1H24 fuel bill increase by approximately $200 million to $2.8 billion after hedging[2]. A further $50 million impact is expected due to non-fuel related foreign exchange changes.

The Group will continue to absorb these higher costs, but will monitor fuel prices in the weeks ahead and, if current levels are sustained, will look to adjust its settings. Any changes would look to balance the recovery of higher costs with the importance of affordable travel in an environment where fares are already elevated.

CAPACITY AND NETWORK UPDATE

New aircraft deliveries and wet-leasing arrangements will help Qantas and Jetstar boost international capacity by 12 percentage points by the end of the calendar year – an increase of almost 50 additional flights a week.

This includes Qantas resuming its Sydney-Shanghai services and starting two new routes, Brisbane-Wellington and Brisbane-Honiara, as well as a new Jetstar service from Brisbane to Tokyo.

Both international and domestic capacity for 1H24 is materially unchanged from estimates given in late August 2023.

FINANCIAL FRAMEWORK

The Group remains in a very strong financial position, including its debt levels and continued strong revenue intakes.

The on-market share buyback of up to $500 million announced on 24 August 2023 is now 10 per cent completed. Shareholder approval will be sought at Qantas’ upcoming AGM to increase the headroom for further share buybacks that the Board may choose to do in future in line with the Financial Framework.

[1] QFF sentiment tracker,n=2,019.Data collected between 1 August 2023 and 31 August 2023. Sample of QFF members from Red Planet panel. Based on respondents’ intended changes to upcoming spending across different categories.

[2] Assumes 1H24 underlying into-plane market reference price of approximately A$191 per barrel.

JSX restarts Cabo to LAX service & boosts Dallas flights

September 10, 2023 / WIL BALDWIN

JSX, the semi-private air carrier, has announced that it would restart service between Cabo San Lucas (CSL) and Los Angeles (LAX) and increase service between Cabo and Dallas (DAL).

Here’s what you need to know.

Route Details

JSX says it will restart flights between Los Angeles and Cabo San Lucas beginning on October 19, 2023, and will offer 5 flights per week on Sundays, Mondays, Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays.

The carrier will also increase its Dallas-Cabo schedule to 2 flights per day on Sundays, Mondays, Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays.

All tickets include 2 checked bags, onboard cocktails, and ample legroom to stretch out.

To celebrate, JSX is offering promotional fares on the routes. Here’s a look:

Los Angeles (LAX)-Cabo San Lucas (CSL): Starting at $599 one-way
Dallas (DAL)-Cabo San Lucas (CSL): Starting at $519 one-way

If you aren’t familiar, JSX offers a “semi-private” model where you can arrive at the airport and hop onto a flight just a few minutes before departure. Unlike major carriers, JSX utilizes much smaller private terminals and airport hangars, which cuts out traditional pain points of commercial aviation, such as crowds and long lines at security screening.

Route Details

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