Tag: Skyteam

Aeroflot Takes Delivery of its First A350-900

February 28, 2020 / WIL BALDWIN

Aeroflot, the Russian flag carrier and member of the SkyTeam alliance, has taken delivery of its first A350-900, becoming the launch operator of the latest-generation widebody aircraft in Eastern Europe and CIS. Aeroflot’s A350-900 features a distinctive new livery embracing its almost 100-year heritage. Aeroflot has a total of 22 A350-900 aircraft on order and operates an Airbus fleet of 126 aircraft (107 A320 Family and 19 A330 Family aircraft).

Aeroflot’s A350-900 features a brand new elegant cabin design, offering unrivalled passenger comfort. The aircraft has a spacious three-class cabin layout with 316 seats: 28 private Business Class suites with full-flat seats, 24 Comfort Class with extra legroom and 264 Economy Class. In addition, the latest-generation Panasonic eX3 in-flight entertainment system, HD screens and Wi-Fi connectivity will ensure enhanced experience for all passengers on long-haul flights. Aeroflot will operate its A350-900 from Moscow to a number of destinations including London, Dubai, New York, Miami, Osaka and Beijing.

The A350 XWB offers by design unrivalled operational flexibility and efficiency for all market segments – up to ultra-long haul (9,700 nm). Its Airspace by Airbus cabin is the quietest of any twin-aisle aircraft and offers passengers and crews the most modern in-flight flying experience. The aircraft features the latest aerodynamic design, a carbon fibre fuselage and wings, plus new fuel-efficient Rolls-Royce Trent XWB engines. Together, these latest technologies result in 25% lower operating costs, as well as 25% reduction in fuel burn and CO₂ emissions compared with previous-generation competing aircraft – demonstrating Airbus’ commitment to minimise its environmental footprint while remaining at the cutting edge of air travel.

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

Air Lease Corporation Announces Lease Placement of Six New Airbus A321neo Aircraft with China Airlines

October 28, 2019 / WIL BALDWIN

LOS ANGELES, October 24, 2019 – Today Air Lease Corporation (“ALC”) (NYSE: AL) announced long-term lease agreements with China Airlines (Taiwan) for six new Airbus A321neo aircraft. The aircraft will deliver to the airline beginning in 2021 through 2022 from ALC’s order book with Airbus.

“We are honored to have been chosen by China Airlines to provide their first six new A321neos in their single-aisle fleet transformation,” said John L. Plueger, Chief Executive Officer and President of Air Lease Corporation. “The A321neo will provide significantly expanded capabilities which will benefit China Airlines and its passengers far into the future.”

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release 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.

About Air Lease Corporation (NYSE: AL)

ALC is a leading aircraft leasing company based in Los Angeles, California that has airline customers throughout the world. ALC and its team of dedicated and experienced professionals are principally engaged in purchasing commercial aircraft and leasing them to its airline customers worldwide through customized aircraft leasing and financing solutions. ALC routinely posts information that may be important to investors in the “Investors” section of ALC’s website at www.airleasecorp.com. Investors and potential investors are encouraged to consult the ALC website regularly for important information about ALC. The information contained on, or that may be accessed through, ALC’s website is not incorporated by reference into, and is not a part of, this press release.

About China Airlines

Founded in 1959, China Airlines employs more than 12,000 people worldwide and operates a fleet of 111 aircraft, making it the largest airline by size and frequency of service in Taiwan. China Airlines is also one of the 19 SkyTeam Alliance member airlines. China Airlines offers passengers access to an extensive global network of more than 14,500 daily flights to 1,150 destinations in 175 countries. China Airlines is continuing to promote superior aviation safety as well as eco-friendly, innovative and attentive services that provide travelers with the perfect travel experience. Recent major international and domestic awards received by China Airlines include: 7/7 Safety Rating from AirlineRatings in Australia, the Taiwanese civil aviation industry’s top “Golden Flyer Award,” “Best of the Best” Red Dot Award, iF Design Award, Good Design Award from Japan, “Best Airline of the Year,” “Best Airline in North Asia,” “Best Business Class Seat Design” and “Best Premium Economy” from the U.S.-based Global Traveler, “Top 10 Premium Business Class” and “Top 10 Economy Class” from the DesignAir, PAX International reader survey’s winner in the “Outstanding Food Service by a Carrier – Asia” category, and the APEX Award for Publication Excellence for the inflight magazine “Dynasty.”

Italian Government Asks Delta To Do The Right Thing

September 28, 2019 / WIL BALDWIN

The Italian government is begging U.S. major Delta Air Lines, Inc. (NYSE: DAL) to up the proposed acquisition of a 10% stake in Alitalia for $100 million to at least 15%, according to a report in Italian media.

Loss-making Alitalia has been seeking new investors for more than two years after going into administration in May 2017 after workers rejected a plan to cut jobs and salaries. Successive Italian governments have had to balance the carrier’s massive losses with the need to placate a heavily unionized workforce.

Click the link for the full story! https://finance.yahoo.com/news/italian-government-asks-delta-thing-205301072.html

Boeing, Aeroflot Announce Contract on 777 Passenger Cabin Modifications

September 3, 2019 / WIL BALDWIN

MOSCOW, August 30, 2019 — Boeing (NYSE: BA) and Aeroflot, today during the Moscow Air Show, announced a contract to modify passenger cabins on 18 of the Russian flagship carrier’s 777-300ER’s.

“Aeroflot is widely recognized as a premium service airline. Designing a new Boeing 777 interior, we aim to enhance our premium quality at every class of service – business, comfort and economy. An updated interior will take Aeroflot to new heights,” said Andrey Chikhanchin, chief financial officer of Aeroflot.

Boeing will perform engineering work and supply component kits for the planned cabin interior reconfiguration.

“It’s a great honor that a leading Russian carrier selected Boeing solutions,” said Stan Deal, president and chief executive officer of Boeing Global Services. “Aeroflot is an experienced 777 operator and we are pleased to provide them with the expertise that will support their implementation, long-term strategic growth and development plans.”

Aeroflot is Russia’s flagship carrier and a proud member of the SkyTeam global airline alliance. Aeroflot serves 159 destinations in 54 countries. Aeroflot’s 249-strong fleet is the youngest of any airline worldwide that operates more than 100 aircraft. In 2018, Aeroflot carried 35.8 million passengers (55.7 million passengers as Aeroflot Group including subsidiaries).

Boeing is the world’s largest aerospace company and leading provider of commercial airplanes, defense, space and security systems, and global services. As the top U.S. exporter, the company supports commercial and government customers in more than 150 countries. Boeing employs more than 150,000 people worldwide and leverages the talents of a global supplier base. Building on a legacy of aerospace leadership, Boeing continues to lead in technology and innovation, deliver for its customers and invest in its people and future growth.

American Airlines and China Southern Launch Frequent Flyer Partnership

March 21, 2019 / WIL BALDWIN

Despite repeated claims from all sides that China Southern has no interest in joining the Oneworld alliance, American Airlines and Asia’s largest carrier are moving forward with a frequent flyer partnership. The new arrangement announced Wednesday will allow American’s AAdvantage and China Southern’s Sky Pearl Club members the ability to earn and redeem miles on each other’s flights.

Mileage earning for passengers will go into effect March 21, and online availability is planned for later this year. In the meantime, phone reservations agents at American are already reporting the ability to book China Southern flights through Sabre, its booking system. An earn chart, which shows how China Southern fares will earn miles in American’s loyalty program, has also been posted to American’s site.

American and China Southern’s partnership comes at a time in which Oneworld has been cool on formally pulling the Asian carrier fully into the alliance — though it’s not clear which side the hesitation is coming from. At Oneworld’s 20th anniversary in February, Ron Gurney, CEO of Oneworld shared that the alliance had “no plans” to add the carrier in full. Instead, he suggested that China Southern might join Oneworld as a Connect partner, a new type of “alliance light” that allows passengers to connect onto partners and still earn benefits.

The relationship announced between American and China Southern on Wednesday is more thorough than that. In addition to the ability to earn and spend miles reciprocally, loyalty members can book flights directly through the other carrier’s website and still reap benefits. In other words, the relationship is almost like having an alliance partner without having China Southern in the alliance.

To be clear, many expected some sort of deeper relationship to bear fruit after American bought a stake in China Southern in 2017. Only a year after that investment, China Southern bowed out of the Skyteam alliance, leading many to speculate that it planned to join Oneworld. Ever since Gurney’s comments and the big push around Oneworld Connect, however, that enthusiasm seems to have faded.

That doesn’t mean that China Southern may not eventually end up joining Oneworld. Both airlines and alliances have famously been coy about when new members are coming onboard and China Southern will need to tread lightly in the back yard of Cathay Pacific, another major Oneworld carrier based out of Hong Kong. At the very least, AAdvantage members anxious to fly deeper into China will now get minimal frequent flyer benefits. Other Oneworld passengers will have to wait.

Story by Grant Martin

Qatar Airways acquires 5% of China Southern Airlines

January 2, 2019 / WIL BALDWIN

DUBAI/BEIJING, Jan 2 (Reuters) – Qatar Airways has acquired a 5 percent stake in China Southern Airlines, the state-owned Gulf carrier said on Wednesday, in a move to gain access to the fast-growing mainland Chinese market.

Qatar Airways also owns a 20 percent stake in British Airways-parent International Consolidated Airlines Group, 10 percent of South America’s LATAM Airlines Group SA , 49 percent of Italy’s Meridiana and 9.99 percent stake in Hong Kong’s Cathay Pacific.

Qatar’s flagship airline has sought new partners and routes after it was blocked last year from flying to the lucrative markets of Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates because of restrictions imposed by those countries.

Saudi Arabia, UAE, Bahrain and Egypt, imposed a political and economic boycott on Qatar since June 2017, accusing it of supporting terrorism, which Doha denies.

China Southern in a separate statement said Qatar Airways may consider increasing its stake in the airline in the next 12 months. Qatar had no previous investment in the Chinese airline.

Qatar Airways is the second foreign carrier that has a stake in China Southern, after American Airlines. The Chinese carrier left the Skyteam airline alliance at the start of the year.

There are opportunities for “us to work together and build a long term relationship in ways that would bring benefits to customers of both airlines,” said Qatar Airways’ Chief Executive Akbar al-Baker.

Ajith K, director of Asia transport at UOB Kay Hian, said given that China Southern is the biggest competitor of Cathay Pacific in Greater China, this deal could strengthen the China Southern’s position at the Hong-Kong carrier’s expense. “Why Qatar is doing this, seems to me, one of course is to gain access to the Chinese market. Secondly it’s probably that they are hedging against their bet given they own almost 10 percent in Cathay Pacific.”

(Reporting by Asma Alsharif and Saeed Azhar in Dubai and Stella Qiu in Beijing; editing by Louise Heavens)

Image from http://www.boeing.com