Tag: slots (Page 1 of 2)

LATAM Announces Freighter Conversion of up to Eight Boeing 767-300ER

March 6, 2021 / WIL BALDWIN

LATAM Airlines Group (Santiago: LTM.SN) announced a significant expansion of its cargo operations with the conversion of up to eight Boeing 767-300ER aircraft into Boeing Converted Freighters (“BCF”) in the next three years. This represents a freighter capacity growth of up to 80%. This plan seeks to increase the service options and leverage the synergies of operating a single type of aircraft.

The plan is divided in two gradual stages. The first phase is based on four confirmed conversion slots with Boeing with re-deliveries between 2021 and 2022. Upon completion of that phase, LATAM’s cargo operators’ fleet would reach a total of 15 Boeing 767-300ER freighters. The second phase includes four conversion options with Boeing that would allow aircraft to be added between 2022 and 2023. If all options are executed LATAM would operate a total of 19 767-300ER freighters.

Throughout 2020, LATAM Cargo played an active and vital role in ensuring essential supplies reached Latin American countries, especially in places with extreme and difficult-to-access areas like in countries such as Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, and Peru. LATAM also worked to safeguard the supply from the import and export sectors in South America, even increasing their shipment frequencies by more than 40% in some markets. To achieve these results, LATAM operated passenger planes for the exclusive transport of cargo.

In addition, during the pandemic, LATAM landed for the first time in China, searching for medical supplies for South America, ultimately making more than 80 flights to the Asian continent. LATAM currently continues to make trips to Europe and China to transport COVID-19 vaccines into the region, and the LATAM Group’s Solidarity Plane Program has made its resources available for the free transport of vaccines in domestic markets.

Air New Zealand Updates International Schedule Through June

January 19, 2021 / WIL BALDWIN

Air New Zealand is extending its COVID-19 international schedule through to 30 June 2021 in response to ongoing travel restrictions and low passenger demand. The schedule aims to keep air links open for essential travel and cargo movement on key trade routes.

Air New Zealand’s General Manager Networks Scott Carr says the airline has been progressively updating its schedule over the past 12 months in response to the global pandemic.

“Our schedule is driven by a number of factors including airport takeoff and landing slots which generally operate on a ‘use it or lose it’ basis. This means if you don’t fly the majority of your schedule you may lose access to airports. We have been waiting to receive slot alleviation for the April to end of June period, which means our regular slot times are protected even if we can’t fly them all. As this is now progressing, we are now able to move ahead with adapting our schedule through to 30 June to better reflect the low demand environment we are currently operating in.”

“We understand these are very uncertain times and it can be tricky for people looking to get home with a lot of things needing to line up including flights, testing and managed isolation bookings. We feel a responsibility to ensure Kiwis can come home and are doing our best to make this happen as smoothly as possible. We strongly recommend customers check government border restrictions for the relevant countries and/or individual passport requirements before booking a ticket.”

The airline’s customer service team is supporting those affected by these changes. Customers booked via a travel agent, including a third-party website (e.g. Expedia, Booking.com) should speak with their agent. Air New Zealand’s dedicated COVID-19 information hub is being updated continuously and customers should check this first, before calling the airline’s contact centre.

The updated schedule from 28 March 2021 to 30 June 2021 is below. There is no change to trans-Tasman services at this stage. All services are subject to change in line with global travel and border restrictions.

Pacific services	Frequency
Auckland – Nadi	One return service per week
Auckland – Niue	One return service per week
Auckland – Rarotonga	Daily return service
Auckland – Samoa	One return service per week
Auckland – Tonga	One return service per week
Sydney – Norfolk Island	Three return services per week
Brisbane – Norfolk Island	Three return services per week

Long haul services	Frequency
Auckland – Los Angeles	Two return services per week
Auckland – Hong Kong	Two return services per week
Auckland – Shanghai	Two return services per week
Auckland – Tokyo	One return service per week
Auckland – Seoul	One return service per month

JetBlue Lands Slots for London Expansion

November 21, 2020 / WIL BALDWIN

Article from The Motley Fool.

The COVID-19 pandemic has upended many airlines’ strategic plans. Yet other airlines — especially those with strong balance sheets and a focus on the leisure market — are forging ahead with their plans, seeing the pandemic as an opportunity to gain market share from weakened rivals.

JetBlue Airways (NASDAQ: JBLU) is firmly in the latter camp. While the company has deferred some aircraft orders, it still plans to take delivery of its first Airbus A321LR next year, allowing it to launch its long-awaited service to London. Earlier this week, one of the last puzzle pieces fell into place, as the airline was granted slots allowing it to operate up to three daily roundtrips to London starting in the summer 2021 season.

Click the link below to read the full story!

https://www.fool.com/investing/2020/11/21/jetblue-lands-slots-for-london-expansion/

Wynn Las Vegas Announces June 4 Reopening Date

May 28, 2020 / WIL BALDWIN

Five-Star Resort Returns With Full Array of Luxury Amenities and Industry-Leading Health & Safety Plan

LAS VEGAS, May 27, 2020 /PRNewswire/ — Wynn Las Vegas (Nasdaq: WYNN) announced today a reopening date of Thursday, June 4, under phase two of the Nevada United: Roadmap to Recovery plan from Governor Steve Sisolak. As the largest five-star resort in the world, Wynn Las Vegas plans to offer guests a complete Las Vegas experience by opening every amenity and outlet available. Both hotel towers and the casino as well as all restaurants will reopen on June 4, followed by the resort’s newest restaurant, Elio, later in the month. Every effort has been made to present Wynn’s complete luxury experience and provide guests with the peace of mind needed to enjoy a fun and relaxing return.

In preparation, the Company has created a comprehensive new Health & Safety Plan that is now considered the gold standard in the hospitality industry.

“We are ready to provide our guests with a full Las Vegas experience with a collection of luxury amenities and unmatched service,” said Wynn Resorts CEO Matt Maddox. “At the same time, our extensive Health & Safety Plan, validated by the nation’s leading public health experts, will enable a safe environment for our guests. The entire Wynn team is looking forward to welcoming our guests back.”

Wynn will reopen withthe full Las Vegas experience guests expect and deserve, with everything conveniently and safely available under one roof, allowing for the perfect getaway. From lounging by pristine pools to lively late-night betting – and most everything in between – the very best of Wynn’s renowned glamour, excitement, and luxury will be available, including:

Both Wynn and Encore hotel towers
Two 24-hour casinos with a variety of table games and slots as well as the Race & Sports Book
The resort’s full portfolio of fine-dining restaurants, lounges, and casual eateries, several with outdoor seating on open verandas and patios
Expansive resort pools with private cabanas
Wynn’s 18-hole championship golf course
Nightly entertainment at the Lake of Dreams
Three retail esplanades
Full-service beauty salons, barber shop, spa treatments and fitness centers

In addition, several thoughtful new measures in social distancing, touchless technologies, and cleaning protocols have been incorporated throughout the resort in a clear and transparent effort to protect the well-being of all guests. Most notable among the enhancements are:

Non-invasive thermal temperature checks and face coverings provided at all entrances
Automatic hand sanitizer stations, UV Technology, and electrostatic sprayers will be utilized throughout the resort
Sealed guest rooms after meticulous sanitization by Wynn’s professional housekeeping staff
Amenity kits including sanitizing wipes, hand sanitizer, and face coverings in each guest room
Dedicated team of cleaning professionals sanitizing public guest areas 24 hours a day

Wynn employees are required to wear face coverings at all times, and most importantly, have all been tested for COVID-19 before returning to work.

The Wynn Resorts Health & Safety Plan was created in consultation with leading public health medical professionals from Georgetown and Johns Hopkins Universities in addition to recommendations from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the Southern Nevada Health District (SNHD) and the Gaming Control Board (GCB). The full plan can be viewed on www.wynnlasvegas.com.

India Renews Plan to Sell Off Air India

January 27, 2020 / WIL BALDWIN

The Indian government is in the market to sell its stake of Air India – and on Monday set a March 17 deadline for initial expressions of interest.

Indian conglomerate Hinduja Group and US-based fund Interups are already reported to be submitting theirs.

It’s not the first attempt at a sale: in 2018 the government failed to divest 76 per cent of the airline, and with it over five billion dollars of debt.

Air India workers protested ….

And potential bidders opted out because of stringent conditions attached – such as retaining all employees.

This time, the government has indicated, it’s open to revising some provisions.

Though bidders must assume liabilities, including debt at just under 3.3 billion dollars.

And substantial ownership and control must remain with an Indian entity.

The sale might face opposition from within prime minister Narendra Modi’s ruling BJP Party – one lawmaker describes the deal as quote ‘anti-national’.

But if successful, the buyer gets over 7,000 landing slots in India and overseas …

Together with the carrier’s low-cost arm and a stake in its cargo and ground-handling operations.

As for staff, Air India currently has around 13,000 permanent and contract personnel on its books …

Including 1,850 pilots.

Hong Kong to Allow Airlines to Keep Airport Slots Despite Cutting Capacity

November 28, 2019 / WIL BALDWIN

Nov 29 (Reuters) – Airlines that fly to and from Hong Kong will be able to keep their prized airport slots even if they temporarily cut capacity due to weak travel demand through March, according to the Hong Kong Civil Aviation Department.

Many airlines, including flagship home carrier Cathay Pacific Airways Ltd, South African Airways and Malaysia’s AirAsia Group Bhd have cut flights to and from Hong Kong temporarily as a result of sometimes violent anti-government protests that have led to a sharp fall in tourist and business travel demand.

More than 5,800 people have been arrested since the unrest broke out in June over a proposal to allow extraditions to mainland China, the numbers grew in October and November as violence escalated.

Under more normal conditions, it is tough for airlines to get take-off and landing slots at Hong Kong’s airport because it lacks capacity until a third runway will come into operation in 2024.

A “use-it-or-lose-it” rule stipulates an airline normally only keeps slots out of historic precedence if it can demonstrate it used them at least 80% of the time in the previous airline scheduling season.

The current winter season, which began on Oct. 27, ends on March 28, 2020.

Hong Kong’s Civil Aviation Department said in a statement to Reuters on Thursday evening that in order to provide airlines with greater flexibility in aircraft deployment to deal with the fall in passenger demand, the “use-it-or-lose-it” rule had been temporarily suspended for the winter season.

Airport Authority Hong Kong reported declines in October of 13% in passengers and 6.1% in the number of inbound and outbound flights – the steepest falls since the unrest began.

(Reporting by Jamie Freed in Sydney Editing by Marguerita Choy)

$3 Million Koenigsegg Jesko is Already Sold Out…

March 20, 2019 / WIL BALDWIN

Koenigsegg is pleased to announce that down payments have been received from customers and dealers for all 125 Koenigsegg Jesko build slots.

The launch of the Koenigsegg Jesko at the 2019 Geneva Motor Show was an outstanding success. 83 cars were sold prior to the show. Agreements were made on the remainder within 5 days of the car’s debut on the Koenigsegg stand. With all deposits received, we are now in a position to share the Jesko’s success with the world.

Koenigsegg Founder and CEO, Christian von Koenigsegg:

The new Koenigsegg Jesko is the highest volume production run we’ve ever planned. For it to have sold out within days of its unveiling is both humbling and a wonderful testament to the outstanding crew we have at Koenigsegg. From the visionary work of our designers, engineers and technicians to the incredible job done by our sales team and our global network of Koenigsegg dealers – it took a great team to bring the Jesko to the world. We are very thankful for the reception it’s received from the press, the public and of course, our growing family of Koenigsegg owners.

Jesko production will begin at the end of 2020 at the rate of one per week.

The model can be specified in either of two variants – track or top speed – according to customer preference. The Koenigsegg Jesko will be homologated for road use in all relevant markets, worldwide.

A small number of vehicles were purchased by Koenigsegg dealers to secure build slots for potential clients who could not attend the Geneva show. Aspiring clients without a Jesko build slot are encouraged to contact their Koenigsegg dealer as soon as possible.

Story and images from http://www.koenigsegg.com

Avianca Brasil to Sell Some Assets to Azul

March 11, 2019 / WIL BALDWIN

SAO PAULO, March 11 (Reuters) – Brazilian airline Azul SA said on Monday it intends to pay $105 million for certain assets held by Avianca Brasil, which was headed to court to face aircraft lessors as it seeks to keep operating planes despite mounting late payments.

Azul said the non-binding purchase agreement would involve 70 pairs of slots, which grant airlines the rights to operate regular flights between airports.

Azul already operates two Airbus A320 planes that were previously used by Avianca Brasil until they were repossessed in December due to outstanding payments. Under the agreement announced on Monday, Azul said it could end up operating up to 30 Airbus planes currently in use by its rival.

Azul did not disclose how it would be able to take over the leases and the airline did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Avianca Brasil filed for bankruptcy protection in December in an attempt to stall aircraft lessors who had sued to repossess its fleet, two months after the carrier started missing payments on many of its aircraft.

The Avianca Brasil hearing scheduled for Monday in an appeals court will deal with a request from aircraft lessors, including Aircastle, that planes be repossessed as soon as possible, after a bankruptcy judge extended the airline’s control over the aircraft until at least April.

Since filing for bankruptcy, Avianca Brasil has secured a $75 million loan from hedge fund Elliot Management.

(Reporting by Marcelo Rochabrun and Ana Mano Editing by Chizu Nomiyama and Bill Trott)

Azul Linhas Aereas Embraer 195 at Curitiba Airport, Brazil

Thomas Cook Enlists 3 Banks to Prepare Airline Sale

February 15, 2019 / WIL BALDWIN

LONDON, Feb 15 (Reuters) – Thomas Cook has enlisted Credit Suisse, Morgan Stanley and Bank of America Merrill Lynch to explore the possible sale of its airline business, a source familiar with the discussions said.

The holiday company this month said it was willing to sell its profitable airline business to fund its fightback from losses racked up in 2018.

Credit Suisse, Morgan Stanley and Bank of America Merrill Lynch declined to comment.

Thomas Cook’s airline, which fared much better last year than the tour operator business, consists of Germany’s Condor and British, Scandinavian and Spanish divisions.

A sale of the airline unit, in whole or in part, would enable the company to invest more in its own hotels, improve its digital sales offering and drive further cost savings.

One banker said the enterprise value of the airline would be around 500-600 million pounds, a little more than the current market value of the whole company.

He added that Lufthansa, Ryanair and easyJet were all vying for bits of the airline business, but that no one wanted the whole unit, and that Thomas Cook had an ageing fleet which would need a massive investment programme to replace it.

Ryanair’s marketing chief said on Thursday that the Irish airline was not interested in any large-scale acquisitions but could vie for airport slots should they become available.

(Reporting by Alistair Smout Additional reporting by Pamela Barbaglia and Clara Denina in London and Arno Schuetze and Ilona Wissenbach in Frankfurt; Editing by David Goodman and Kirsten Donovan)

Cebu Pacific To Receive 12 Brand New Aircraft in 2019

January 31, 2019 / WIL BALDWIN

The Philippines’ leading airline, Cebu Pacific (PSE: CEB), is set to receive 12 brand new aircraft in 2019, to support the carrier’s expansion plans this year. The aircraft deliveries include six Airbus A321neo; five A320neo; and an ATR 72-600.

The A321neo boasts of 236 seats, 56 seats or 31% more capacity versus the A320. This will enable CEB to offer more seats and maximize airport slots. The aircraft is capable of operating routes in excess of 5,000 kilometers or fly up to seven hours, allowing the carrier to explore new destinations like India, Russia, northern Japan and other cities in Australia.

“2019 is the year we accelerate growth. On average, we will be receiving one brand-new aircraft per month which we can use to increase capacity in key markets or even launch new routes. For 2019, we expect capacity to grow from low to mid-teens,” said Lance Gokongwei, President and CEO of Cebu Pacific.

The CEB fleet is currently comprised of an Airbus A321neo, 36 Airbus A320, seven (7) Airbus A321ceo, eight (8) Airbus A330, eight (8) ATR 72-500, and 12 ATR 72-600 aircraft.

CEB boasts of one of the youngest fleets in the world, with an average fleet age of five (5) years.

“Cebu Pacific is expanding rapidly and plays an important part in the transformation of the Philippines’ aviation sector and has played a key role in supporting tourism, trade and business links between the Philippines, the Asia-Pacific and the Middle East,” said Jean Francois Laval, Executive Vice President for Sales in Asia of Airbus.

CEB is aiming to fly 200 million passengers by 2020, as it expands its route network and upgrades its fleet to bigger and more fuel-efficient aircraft. The carrier hit the milestone of 150 million passengers flown since inception in late 2017.

CEB and subsidiary Cebgo fly to 36 domestic and 26 international destinations, with over 107 routes spanning Asia, Australia, the Middle East, and USA.

From L-R: Manuel Antonio Tamayo, DOTr Undersecretary for Aviation; Lance Gokongwei, President and CEO of Cebu Pacific; Jean Francois Laval, Airbus Executive Vice President for Sales in Asia; His Excellency Nicholas Galey of the Embassy of France to the Philippines and Micronesia.

Story and image from http://www.cebupacificair.com/en-us

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