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Alstom and partners celebrate Edmonton Valley Line Southeast LRT

November 6, 2023 – Alstom SA (Paris: ALSO), global leader in smart and green mobility, celebrates the November 4 launch of the new Edmonton Valley Line Southeast LRT. This project was delivered by TransEd, a consortium comprised of Alstom, along with Bechtel, EllisDon and Fengate, contributing to the enhanced connectivity of Edmonton’s residents today and for the future. The city is expecting it to serve about 30,000 riders per day.

Under this partnership, Alstom played a pivotal role in the design, supply, installation and testing and commissioning of the LRVs, signalling, communications, power supply and distribution, overhead catenary system, and related depot equipment. This Turnkey project is a Public-Private Partnership (P3) that includes a now completed Design-Build stage, and an operation and maintenance (O&M) commitment extending until 2050.

Alstom also assumes a majority share in the joint venture responsible for the O&M of the system for TransEd. This includes maintaining the complete fleet, tracks, catenary, stations, maintenance facility and all other elements of the system, as well as all aspects of operating the fleet including crew training and dispatching, control room management, customer service and passenger experience. A team of more than 125 experts is devoted to delivering exceptional services to the Edmontonians. Notably, this represents the first LRT system where Alstom is involved in the complete O&M scope of the system.

The 26 Flexity LRVs, each capable of carrying up to 275 passengers along the 13 km system, offer a 100 per cent low-floor design, ensuring easy access and a comfortable ride for all passengers. Step-free boarding is an important part of this enhanced passenger experience for persons with reduced mobility, wheelchairs, mobility aids and strollers.

Alstom takes pride in designing and assembling these vehicles in Canada, creating good-paying Canadian jobs. With 4,500 employees in Canada, including those in Edmonton, Alstom is committed to delivering safe and reliable mobility solutions while actively fostering local supply chains and regional economies.

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.

 

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airAsia Super app offers exclusive ‘Buy 1 Get Free 1’ hotel promotion!

KUALA LUMPUR, August 8, 2023‘Buy 1 Free 1’ hotel deals from airasia (5238.KL) Superapp is back! This time, three unique and amazing hotels from Malaysia, Thailand and Indonesia are featured to encourage exploration of the wonders of our diverse culture across Southeast Asia! 

For a limited-time only from 9 – 13 August 2023, airasia Superapp users can experience an island-escapade in Langkawi, enjoy the hustle and bustle of city life and amazing cuisine in Bangkok and immerse in Balinese cultural experience with participating hotels from these three destinations, from RM200/night. The ‘Buy 1 Free 1’ hotel deals are only applicable for the selected hotels with a minimum of 2 nights stay.

Aside from the ‘Buy 1 Free 1’ hotel deals, users can also enjoy an extra RM20 discount with promo code [B1F1] by clicking on the ‘Hotels’ icon in the airasia Superapp.

Click the link below to view the offer and details!

https://newsroom.airasia.com/news/2023/8/8/airasia-superapp-offers-exclusive-buy-1-free-1-hotel-promotion

Embraer deliveries increase 47% in second quarter 2023

Sao Jose dos Campos, Brazil, August 3, 2023 – Embraer (NYSE: ERJ) delivered a total of 47 jets in the second quarter of 2023, of which 17 were commercial aircraft and 30 were executive jets (19 light jets and 11 midsize jets). During the year, the company delivered a total of 62 aircraft (24 commercial and 38 executive). The second quarter deliveries were 47% higher than in the same period from 2022. In the first half of 2023, the volume has increased 35% compared to 2022, when 46 jets have been delivered. Compared to the second quarter of 2022, deliveries volume increased by 55% in Commercial Aviation and 43% in Executive Jets. The firm order backlog ended the period at US$ 17.3 billion.

In Commercial Aviation, American Airlines signed a firm order with Embraer for seven new E175’s. The aircraft will be operated by the subsidiary Envoy Air. With deliveries to begin 4Q23, Envoy’s fleet of E-Jets will grow to over 141 aircraft by the end of 2024. Embraer also received a firm order from Binter for six E195-E2’s, which will bring Binter’s E2 fleet to 16 jets when deliveries are completed. Four E175’s also began operations with Star Air, an Indian airline that already operates E-Jets. Star Air has also extended its Pool Program contract to include the E175’s in its fleet

Malaysia’s SKS Airways closed an agreement to add ten E195-E2 jets to its fleet. In addition, SKS joined the Pool Program to support aircraft to be operated in Southeast Asia. Scoot, a low-cost subsidiary of Singapore Airlines, is also adding nine E190-E2’s to its portfolio. And Royal Jordanian Airlines reached an agreement to introduce eight E190-E2 and E195-E2 jets into its operations, with deliveries starting in the 4Q23. All three agreements involved contracts with the leasing company Azorra.

Aerial view of the Singapore landmark financial business district at twilight sunset scene with skyscraper and beautiful sky. Singapore downtown

In Executive Aviation, NetJets signed a contract with Embraer for the acquisition of up to 250 Praetor 500 jet options. The deal is valued at more than US$ 5 billion, and deliveries are expected to begin in 2025.

What Air France-KLM’s Bid For Malaysian Airlines Stake Could Mean For Delta

Delta Air Lines, Inc. (NYSE: DAL) traded down 1.8% Tuesday shortly after its global affiliates announced a bid for an embattled airline.

In an early round of bidding against other international airlines, Air France-KLM proposed to buy a 49% stake in Malaysia Airlines. Its pitch outlined plans for a maintenance hub in the Southeast Asian nation.

The circumstances of the bid are not particularly positive. Malaysia Airlines has struggled to revive booking rates since two disasters in 2014 tanked its public trust. Flight MH370 mysteriously disappeared over the Indian Ocean, and flight MH17 was shot down over Ukraine. The Malaysian government has since sought a strategic partner to restore the airline’s image.

Why It’s Important

With a stake in Malaysian Airlines, Air France-KLM could improve the entity’s public trust issues — or it could be hampered by them. Either way, an affiliation may create risk for Delta.

Click the link for the full story!

https://finance.yahoo.com/news/air-france-klms-bid-malaysian-153046986.html

Hyatt Announces Plans for New Hyatt Place and Hyatt House in Ho Chi Minh City

CHICAGO–(BUSINESS WIRE)–

The first dual-branded Hyatt Place and Hyatt House project in Southeast Asia is expected to open in 2023

Hyatt Hotels Corporation (NYSE:H) announced today that a Hyatt affiliate has entered into a management agreement with Xuan Mai Sai Gon Construction Investment Joint Stock Company (“Xuan Mai”) to develop a 300-key Hyatt Place Saigon, District 7 and 250-key Hyatt House Saigon, District 7 in one of Ho Chi Minh City’s largest districts. Planned for completion in 2023, the new hotels will be Hyatt’s first dual-branded Hyatt Place and Hyatt House hotel project in Southeast Asia and will also mark the entry of the Hyatt House brand in Vietnam.

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20191121005818/en/

The Hyatt Place brand combines style, innovation and 24/7 conveniences to create an easy to navigate experience for today’s multi-tasking traveler. Guests can enjoy thoughtfully designed guestrooms featuring distinct zones for sleep, work and play, and free flowing social spaces. Hyatt House hotels are designed to welcome guests as extended stay residents seeking the conveniences of home in modern, apartment-style suites with fully equipped kitchens and separate living and sleeping areas.

“We are delighted to be working with Xuan Mai to develop Hyatt’s first dual-branded select-service hotel project featuring the Hyatt Place and Hyatt House brands in Southeast Asia,” said David Udell, group president, Asia-Pacific, Hyatt Hotels Corporation. “Whether guests are looking for short term or extended stay accommodations, the location of Hyatt Place Saigon, District 7 and Hyatt House Saigon, District 7 will put them in the heart of an up-and-coming residential, commercial and entertainment district that is well connected to Ho Chi Minh City’s Central Business District.”

The new Hyatt Place Saigon, District 7 and Hyatt House Saigon, District 7 will be integral to Eco Green Saigon, an iconic 34-acre mixed-use development, which will also include residential units, office space, event space, and a primary school. Eco Green is strategically located eight miles (13 kilometers) from the Tan Son Nhat International Airport, the busiest airport in Vietnam, three miles (five kilometers) from District 1, Ho Chi Minh City’s Central Business District, and less than two miles (three kilometres) from Phu My Hung New Urban Area comprising of office developments, high end residences and schools, as well as the Saigon Exhibition and Convention Centre.

Hyatt Place Saigon, District 7 will consist of 300 rooms, a café, a bar serving coffee and cocktails, a lobby lounge, and three meeting rooms, as well as an outdoor pool and fitness center. Hyatt House Saigon, District 7 will predominantly cater to guests looking for longer term accommodations, and will consist of 250 rooms divided into studios and one-bedroom suites, a bar, a lobby lounge, one meeting room, as well as an outdoor pool and fitness center. Once completed, the 69-story tower housing both hotels will be one of the tallest buildings in Ho Chi Minh City.

“With this signing, Hyatt is set to more than triple its brand presence in Vietnam over the next few years, and we are delighted to now offer locals and travelers additional accommodation options across the country, as well as have an opportunity to further solidify Hyatt’s brand presence in Ho Chi Minh City,” said Patrick Finn, Senior Vice President – Development, Asia-Pacific, Hyatt. “This project also presents Hyatt with an ideal opportunity to launch the Hyatt House brand in Vietnam’s gateway city that has the potential to be a catalyst for further Hyatt Place and Hyatt House developments in the country.”

“Hyatt Place Saigon, District 7 and Hyatt House Saigon, District 7 is expected to be the center piece of the Eco Green Saigon development in the heart of Ho Chi Minh City’s largest district,” said Mr. Bùi Khắc Sơn, a member of the board of Xuan Mai Sài Gòn. “This is our first hotel project and we are excited to introduce guests to the first dual-branded Hyatt Place and Hyatt House project in Southeast Asia, and furthermore, collaborate with Hyatt, a globally recognized company with extensive hospitality knowledge.”

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Hyatt Reports Third-Quarter 2019 Results

Strong Net Rooms Growth Fuels Nearly 11% Increase in Management and Franchise Fees

CHICAGO (October 30, 2019) – Hyatt Hotels Corporation (“Hyatt” or the “Company”) (NYSE: H) today reported third-quarter 2019 financial results. Net income attributable to Hyatt was $296 million, or $2.80 per diluted share, in the third quarter of 2019, compared to $237 million, or $2.09 per diluted share, in the third quarter of 2018. Adjusted net income attributable to Hyatt was $39 million, or $0.37 per diluted share, in the third quarter of 2019, compared to $37 million, or $0.33 per diluted share, in the third quarter of 2018. Refer to the table on page 14 of the schedules for a summary of special items impacting Adjusted net income and Adjusted earnings per share in the three months ended September 30, 2019.

Mark S. Hoplamazian, president and chief executive officer of Hyatt Hotels Corporation, said, “The strength of our brands and the consistent approach we have to operating with excellence and efficiency are serving us very well in this period of volatile economic conditions. In particular, our management and franchise fee growth of nearly 11% this quarter is driven by roughly 13% year-over-year net rooms growth. Further, we have successfully increased productivity and operating efficiency for 23 straight quarters which has allowed us to maintain strong hotel operating margins even in the face of flat RevPAR growth this quarter.”

Third quarter of 2019 financial highlights as compared to the third quarter of 2018 are as follows:

  • Net income increased 25.4% to $296 million.
  • Adjusted EBITDA decreased 7.3% to $163 million, a decrease of 6.5% in constant currency.
  • Comparable system-wide RevPAR was flat, including a decrease of 0.1% at comparable owned and leased hotels. Comparable system-wide RevPAR growth was favorably impacted by approximately 50 basis points from the timing of the Jewish holidays, but was offset by a similar reduction resulting from political unrest in Hong Kong.
  • Comparable U.S. hotel RevPAR decreased 0.6%; full service hotel RevPAR increased 0.2% and select service hotel RevPAR decreased 2.3%.
  • Net rooms growth was 13.2%, or 7.9% excluding the acquisition of Two Roads Hospitality LLC (“Two Roads”) in the fourth quarter of 2018.
  • Comparable owned and leased hotels operating margin decreased 20 basis points to 21.0%.
  • Adjusted EBITDA margin of 26.9% decreased 280 basis points in constant currency.Mr. Hoplamazian continued, “We continue to execute on our capital strategy and shift our earnings profile while maintaining our focus on global growth. We expect to end the year with approximately 57% of our earnings coming from our hotel management and franchise business, an increase of roughly 400 basis points from 2018. Our pipeline remains robust while continuing to deliver solid organic net rooms growth of almost 8% this quarter, net of the acquisition of Two Roads in the fourth quarter of 2018. While theNote: All RevPAR and ADR percentage changes are in constant dollars. This release includes references to non-GAAP financial measures. Refer to the non-GAAP reconciliations included in the schedules and the definitions of the non-GAAP measures presented beginning on page 12.

current global operating environment is challenging, we feel confident in our ability to manage through volatility and identify opportunities to strengthen our brands and performance.”

Third quarter of 2019 financial results as compared to the third quarter of 2018 are as follows:

Management, Franchise and Other Fees

Total management, franchise and other fees increased 11.9% (12.5% increase in constant currency) to $148 million. Base management fees increased 17.8% to $64 million, primarily in the Americas management and franchising segment due to the acquisition of Two Roads. Incentive management fees decreased 1.3% to $33 million. Franchise fees increased 11.8% to $37 million. Other fees increased 22.0% to $14 million. Excluding other fees, management and franchise fees increased 10.9% (11.6% increase in constant currency) to $134 million.

Americas Management and Franchising Segment

Americas management and franchising segment Adjusted EBITDA increased 11.2% (11.4% increase in constant currency), driven by higher management, franchise, and other fees from the Two Roads acquisition and recently opened hotels. RevPAR for comparable Americas full service hotels increased 1.5%, occupancy increased 70 basis points, and ADR increased 0.7%. RevPAR growth was driven by strength in certain resort locations outside of the United States and benefited from the timing of the Jewish holidays which had an approximate 110 basis point favorable impact. RevPAR for comparable Americas select service hotels decreased 2.4%, occupancy decreased 40 basis points, and ADR decreased 1.8%. Total Americas management and franchising adjusted revenues increased 29.6% (29.9% increase in constant currency) including revenue from the residential management operations acquired as part of Two Roads.

Transient rooms revenue at comparable U.S. full service hotels increased 1.0%, room nights increased 2.3%, and ADR decreased 1.3%. Group rooms revenue at comparable U.S. full service hotels decreased 0.2%, room nights decreased 2.3%, and ADR increased 2.2%.

Americas net rooms increased 11.5% compared to the third quarter of 2018, or 5.2% excluding Two Roads.

Southeast Asia, Greater China, Australia, South Korea, Japan and Micronesia (ASPAC) Management and Franchising Segment

ASPAC management and franchising segment Adjusted EBITDA increased 0.9% (2.5% increase in constant currency). RevPAR for comparable ASPAC full service hotels decreased 2.0%, reflecting weakness in Hong Kong. Excluding Hong Kong, RevPAR for comparable ASPAC full service hotels would have increased 0.8%. Occupancy decreased 50 basis points and ADR decreased 1.3% for ASPAC full service hotels. Revenue from management, franchise, and other fees increased 4.2% (5.4% increase in constant currency).

ASPAC net rooms increased 17.7% compared to the third quarter of 2018, or 13.7% excluding Two Roads.

Note: All RevPAR and ADR percentage changes are in constant dollars. This release includes references to non-GAAP financial measures. Refer to the non-GAAP reconciliations included in the schedules and the definitions of the non-GAAP measures presented beginning on page 12.

Europe, Africa, Middle East and Southwest Asia (EAME/SW Asia) Management and Franchising Segment

EAME/SW Asia management and franchising segment Adjusted EBITDA increased 4.8% (7.8% increase in constant currency). RevPAR for comparable EAME/SW Asia full service hotels increased 1.6%, driven by strong growth in certain European markets, including France and the United Kingdom, and Southwest Asia, offset partially by weaker performance in Russia which lapped the FIFA World Cup in 2018.

Occupancy increased 290 basis points and ADR decreased 2.6% for EAME/SWA full service hotels. Revenue from management, franchise, and other fees increased 2.2% (4.3% increase in constant currency).

EAME/SW Asia net rooms increased 15.6% compared to the third quarter of 2018, or 14.4% excluding Two Roads.

Owned and Leased Hotels Segment

Total owned and leased hotels segment Adjusted EBITDA decreased 17.6% (16.9% decrease in constant currency), including a decrease of 12.0% (11.4% decrease in constant currency) in pro rata share of unconsolidated hospitality ventures Adjusted EBITDA. Refer to the table on page 11 of the schedules for a detailed list of portfolio changes and the year-over-year net impact to total owned and leased hotels segment Adjusted EBITDA.

Owned and leased hotels segment revenues decreased 3.9% (3.0% decrease in constant currency), and was negatively impacted by non-comparable hotels. RevPAR for comparable owned and leased hotels decreased 0.1%. Occupancy and ADR were both flat.

Corporate and Other

Corporate and other Adjusted EBITDA decreased 22.4% (22.5% decrease in constant currency), inclusive of $6 million of expenses from the Two Roads acquisition.

Corporate and other adjusted revenues increased 19.1% (consistent in constant currency).

Selling, General, and Administrative Expenses

Selling, general, and administrative expenses increased 1.0%, inclusive of rabbi trust impact and stock- based compensation. Adjusted selling, general, and administrative expenses increased 13.8%, or $10 million, including $8 million of integration costs related to the acquisition of Two Roads. Refer to the table on page 17 of the schedules for a reconciliation of selling, general, and administrative expenses to Adjusted selling, general, and administrative expenses.

OPENINGS AND FUTURE EXPANSION

Twenty hotels (or 4,422 rooms) opened in the third quarter of 2019, contributing to a 13.2% increase in net rooms compared to the third quarter of 2018. Excluding the impact of the Two Roads acquisition, net rooms increased 7.9% compared to the third quarter of 2018.

As of September 30, 2019, the Company had executed management or franchise contracts for approximately 460 hotels, or approximately 92,000 rooms. The Company is expected to open approximately 85 hotels in the 2019 fiscal year.

Note: All RevPAR and ADR percentage changes are in constant dollars. This release includes references to non-GAAP financial measures. Refer to the non-GAAP reconciliations included in the schedules and the definitions of the non-GAAP measures presented beginning on page 12.

SHARE REPURCHASE/DIVIDEND

During the third quarter of 2019, the Company repurchased a total of 1,776,891 (1,099,507 Class A shares and 677,384 Class B shares) for approximately $133 million. The Company ended the third quarter with 36,811,374 Class A and 66,438,444 Class B shares issued and outstanding. From October 1 through October 25, 2019, the Company repurchased 523,499 shares of Class A common stock for an aggregate purchase price of approximately $37 million. As of October 25, 2019, the Company had approximately $351 million remaining under its share repurchase authorization.

The Company’s board of directors has declared a cash dividend of $0.19 per share for the fourth quarter of 2019. The dividend is payable on December 9, 2019 to Class A and Class B stockholders of record as of November 26, 2019.

CAPITAL STRATEGY UPDATE

In a Form 8-K filed on September 16, 2019, the Company announced the sale of the 1,260-room Hyatt Regency Atlanta for approximately $355 million to an unrelated third party and the entry into a long-term management agreement for the property upon sale.

The Company is in the process of pursuing the sale of one of its wholly-owned hotels and will provide further details as appropriate.

BALANCE SHEET / OTHER ITEMS
As of September 30, 2019, the Company reported the following:

  • Total debt of $1,623 million.
  • Pro rata share of unconsolidated hospitality venture debt of approximately $564 million, substantially all of which is non-recourse to Hyatt and a portion of which Hyatt guarantees pursuant to separate agreements.
  • Cash and cash equivalents, including investments in highly-rated money market funds and similar investments, of $660 million, restricted cash of $140 million, and short-term investments of $63 million.
  • Undrawn borrowing availability of $1.5 billion under Hyatt’s revolving credit facility.2019 OUTLOOK
    The Company is revising the following expectations for the 2019 fiscal year:
  • Comparable system-wide RevPAR is expected to increase approximately 0.5%, as compared to fiscal year 2018.
  • Net income is expected to be approximately $431 million to $470 million. Please refer to the table on page 13 of the schedules for revised ranges impacting net income.
  • Other income (loss), net is expected to be approximately $98 million to $103 million, reflecting increased interest income and unrealized gains on marketable securities. The estimated $40 million negative impact related to performance guarantee expense for the four managed hotels in France is unchanged.
  • Adjusted EBITDA is expected to be approximately $730 million to $745 million, primarily reflecting a one point reduction in expected comparable system-wide RevPAR and the sale ofNote: All RevPAR and ADR percentage changes are in constant dollars. This release includes references to non-GAAP financial measures. Refer to the non-GAAP reconciliations included in the schedules and the definitions of the non-GAAP measures presented beginning on page 12.

Hyatt Regency Atlanta (as previously reported in a Form 8-K filed on September 16, 2019). Refer to the table on page 13 of the schedules for a reconciliation of Net Income to Adjusted EBITDA.

  • Depreciation and amortization expense is expected to be approximately $329 million to $334 million.
  • Interest expense is expected to be approximately $77 million.
  • Adjusted selling, general, and administrative expenses are expected to be approximately $335 million. This is inclusive of approximately $25 million of expenses related to non-recurring integration costs for Two Roads. Adjusted selling, general, and administrative expenses exclude approximately $33 million of stock-based compensation expense and any potential impact related to benefit programs funded through rabbi trusts.The Company is reaffirming the following information for the 2019 fiscal year:
  • The Company expects to grow units, on a net rooms basis, by approximately 7.25% to 7.75%, reflecting approximately 85 new hotel openings.
  • Capital expenditures are expected to be approximately $375 million.
  • As previously reported in an 8-K filed on September 16, 2019, the Company expects to return approximately $500 million to shareholders through a combination of cash dividends on its common stock and share repurchases.
  • The effective tax rate is expected to be approximately 25% to 27%.

No additional disposition or acquisition activity beyond what has been completed as of the date of this release has been included in the outlook. The Company’s outlook is based on a number of assumptions that are subject to change and many of which are outside the control of the Company. If actual results vary from these assumptions, the Company’s expectations may change. There can be no assurance that Hyatt will achieve these results.

New American Airlines, Cathay Dragon Codeshare Agreement

Fort Worth, TEXAS — American Airlines has launched a codeshare agreement with Cathay Dragon, adding service to four new destinations and increased service to three existing markets in Southeast Asia.

American will place its code on select Cathay Dragon flights from Hong Kong International Airport (HKG), providing American’s customers seamless connecting service to seven cities beyond Hong Kong. The new codeshare flights are available for sale now for travel beginning July 11.

The agreement allows American’s customers to connect to four new destinations in Asia:

  • Dhaka, Bangladesh (DAC)
  • Chiang Mai, Thailand (CNX)
  • Da Nang, Vietnam (DAD)
  • Phuket, Thailand (HKT)

It also increases frequencies to three existing markets served by American’s other partners in Asia:

  • Penang, Malaysia (PEN)
  • Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia (KUL)
  • Hanoi, Vietnam (HAN)

Established in 1985, Hong Kong-based Cathay Dragon is a wholly owned subsidiary of Cathay Pacific Group and an affiliate member of oneworld®. The airline’s network covers 53 destinations across the Asia-Pacific region, including 23 destinations in mainland China. The codeshare relationship with Cathay Dragon will further strengthen American’s existing partnership with the Cathay Pacific group in the years to come.

American has proudly served Hong Kong since 2013 and currently operates daily, year-round service from Dallas-Fort Worth and Los Angeles.