VINCI Airports key tothe groups positive results in 2022.

The VINCI group's overall performance was of a very high quality in 2022 the firm reported last week in the release of its latest results.  The group had strong revenue and earnings growth came along with record free cash flow partly because the recovery in VINCI Airports’ passenger numbers accelerated throughout the year. In Portugal, Serbia and several countries in Latin America, they are now higher than they were in 2019. Combined with the impact of the cost-cutting measures adopted during the Covid-19 crisis, VINCI Airports thus posted substantial increases in profit and cash flow, both reaching high levels. In addition, the purchase of a controlling stake in Mexican airport operator OMA, which handled 23 million passengers in 2022, was completed at the end of the year.

            One of the key highlights was the acquisition of OMA

On 7 December 2022, VINCI completed the purchase of a 29.99% stake in OMA (Grupo Aeroportuario del Centro Norte), which holds concessions for 13 airports in northern and central Mexico until 2048, from the Mexican investment firm FinTech Advisory for $1.17 billion. These airports together handled 23 million passengers in 2022, including one that serves the major industrial city of Monterrey and accounts for almost half of OMA’s passenger numbers. The company is fully consolidated in VINCI’s financial statements.

           Cape Verde Airports

In July 2022, VINCI Airports and its Portuguese subsidiary ANA signed a forty-year concession contract to operate seven airports in the Cape Verde islands, which handled 2.8 million passengers in 2019. These airports’ operations will be transferred to the new concession company once the transaction has closed, which should take place in 2023.

Southwest Airlines hosts pup rally at Denver International Airport

Southwest Airlines teamed up with Animal Planet to celebrate the Big Game—Puppy Bowl, that is—at Denver International Airport. Southwest hosted a Surprise & Delight Pup Rally with Employees and Customers on Flight #1075 which departed from Denver International Airport (DEN) and landed at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX). Customers enjoyed Puppy Bowl trivia in the gate area, as well as a special visit by puppies from Lifeline Puppy Rescue, prior to Customers boarding an aircraft through a Puppy Bowl-themed jet bridge. Customers and Employees were given Puppy Bowl beanies as a memento of the PAWsome flight.

Customers can tune in to a dog-gone good time with the Puppy Bowl On Demand TV Channel, which features past Puppy Bowl favourites including last year's game "Puppy Bowl XVIII," "Puppy Bowl XVIII: Where Are They Now," and "Journey to Puppy Bowl," which follows three puppies from Lifeline Puppy Rescue from outside of Denver as they travel to compete in the Puppy Bowl. 

ATR and Air New Zealand take partnership to next level to accelerate decarbonisation of aviation

Regional aircraft manufacturer ATR, and leading New Zealand carrier Air New Zealand recently announced they are deepening their existing partnership, on a mission to accelerate the development and introduction of low-emission aircraft technology in New Zealand. This collaboration will enable both ATR and Air New Zealand to go deeper into their exploration of disruptive innovations, the result of which will be decisive to shape the future of regional aviation.

Through an initiative called ‘Mission Next Gen Aircraft’, Air New Zealand is partnering with several industry and academic stakeholders to replace its Q300 domestic fleet with a more sustainable option from 2030. Offering today the most responsible regional aircraft on the market, ATR has launched a feasibility study on its ATR ‘EVO’ concept, demonstrating its ambition to continue to drive the future of the regional market towards net-zero carbon emissions.

Air New Zealand Chief Sustainability Officer Kiri Hannifin said: “Through our partnerships with Airbus and ATR we’ve been able to deepen our understanding of the impact green hydrogen and battery hybrid aircraft may have on our network, operations and infrastructure, as well as the opportunities and challenges of flying low and zero emissions aircraft in New Zealand. Working with the world’s leading innovators is critical to addressing the climate crisis. These partners were selected because they are taking action now to progress decarbonising the aviation industry.”

Ryanair to offer 12 weekly flights from Exeter in summer.

The UK's budget airline Ryanair has confirmed its new Exeter schedule for Summer 2023, with 12 weekly flights across 3 sunny hotspot destinations, including its new Faro route operating 4 time per week from Sunday, 4 June.

Ryanair’s Exeter Summer 2023 schedule will deliver:

– 3 routes (incl. 1 new) – Alicante, Faro & Malaga

– 12 weekly flights

– +67% growth on Summer 2022

– 63K passengers to/from Exeter in FY24

– Over 45 local jobs

Exeter citizens/visitors can now book a well-deserved Summer break enjoying Ryanair’s lowest fares to the widest choice of destinations, incl. its exciting new Faro route for Summer 2023, on Ryanair.com.

Ryanair’s Head of Communications, Jade Kirwan, said:  “Ryanair is pleased to announce our Exeter schedule for Summer 2023 (+67% growth on S22), with over 12 weekly flights across 3 sunny hotspot destinations, including our exciting new Faro route, offering Exeter citizens/visitors even more choice for their summer holidays at the lowest fares in Europe.

For cost-conscious families, there is no better choice than Ryanair’s industry-leading low fares, particularly now that you can spread out the cost of your holiday by paying half the price now and the other half up to 40 days pre-departure when you book Ryanair’s Family Plus bundle, making family holidays easier for everyone.

We look forward to welcoming thousands of customers/visitors onboard our flights to/from Exeter this Summer as Ryanair continues to deliver more traffic, connectivity, and lower fares than any other airline for the UK.”

Exeter Airport Managing Director, Stephen Wiltshire, said:  “We’re delighted to see Ryanair growing its schedule from Exeter Airport and offering even more choice to local customers. The new route to Faro this summer adds to Ryanair’s year-round flights to Alicante and Malaga and is a fantastic addition to our network, with a total of 26 destinations on offer this year.”

Pratt & Whitney Canada and ATR combine efforts to achieve 100% sustainable aviation fuel readiness for PW127-powered ATR aircraft

Pratt & Whitney Canada and ATR, the world’s number one regional aircraft manufacturer, have agreed to collaborate on an initiative to achieve 100% Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) readiness in PW127 series engines, including the new PW127XT powering next-generation ATR deliveries, by 2025.

“Our collaboration with ATR will be underway throughout 2023 and 2024 and builds on our recent 100% SAF test flight with Braathens Regional Airlines, which was an industry first for regional aviation,” said Anthony Rossi, vice president, Sales and Marketing, Pratt & Whitney Canada. “Alongside our efforts to continually enhance aircraft engine efficiency, SAF has a critical role to play on the journey to achieve the aviation industry’s goal of net-zero CO2 emissions by 2050. While all Pratt & Whitney Canada engines have already been certified for 50% SAF blends for more than a decade, ensuring readiness to operate with 100% SAF blends in future will allow us to maximize their potential for decarbonization.”

Nathalie Tarnaud Laude, ATR’s chief executive officer added, “It is our collective responsibility as an industry to continue taking action to ensure that the vital connections provided by our aircraft across the globe are operated sustainably. We have recently demonstrated with our collaborators, Braathens Regional Airlines and Pratt & Whitney Canada, that ATR aircraft are SAF-ready. Now, we need to continue to join forces to increase SAF availability, as part of our common journey towards net-zero.” 

In June 2022, Pratt & Whitney Canada, ATR and Braathens jointly conducted a successful flight test on an ATR 72-600 aircraft with both Pratt & Whitney Canada PW127M engines fueled exclusively with SAF. ATR is aiming to obtain the authorization to use 100% SAF compatible fuel for ATR 42 and ATR 72 aircraft in the next phase of the program.

Working together, Pratt & Whitney Canada and ATR will conduct the necessary compatibility studies, engineering analyses, and aircraft ground and flight tests, among others. Certification of 100% SAF will ultimately depend on ASTM International defining a specification for that fuel, which we expect could happen as soon as 2025. The program will adhere to standards established by ASTM International.

Air Canada Cargo and Emirates SkyCargo sign deal to enhance networks and reach

Air Canada Cargo and Emirates SkyCargo have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to deliver more benefits to their air freight customers around the world.

The MoU, which builds on the airlines’ strategic commercial partnership announced last year, was signed at Emirates Headquarters in Dubai, UAE by Nabil Sultan, Emirates Divisional Senior Vice President, Cargo and Matthieu Casey, Managing Director Commercial, Air Canada Cargo. Emirates SkyCargo is the airfreight division of Emirates. Through its state-of-the-art hub in Dubai, Emirates SkyCargo transports cargo to over 140 destinations across a global network spanning six continents. The air cargo carrier offers customers cargo capacity on its modern fleet of all wide-body Boeing 777, Airbus A380 aircraft and 11 dedicated B777-F freighters

Under the terms of the MoU, Air Canada Cargo and Emirates SkyCargo will work closely on a number of initiatives, which include expanding cargo interline options and block space agreements, pending any required regulatory approvals. These enhancements aim to offer freight customers of both airlines access to more capacity on a larger combined global network.

Air Canada Cargo will have access to Emirates SkyCargo’s high frequency distribution network through the belly-hold of Emirates scheduled passenger flights to over 140 global destinations, as well as the additional capacity offered by 11 freighters currently in the Emirates fleet. In return, SkyCargo will have access to over 60 cities in Canada and more than 150 cities across five continents through Air Canada Cargo thanks to a fleet of Boeing 767 freighters and   the belly-hold capacity of Air Canada’s scheduled passenger flights.

PLAY carried 61,798 passengers in January

The Icelandic budget carrier, PLAY carried 61,798 passengers in January 2023 which is more than five times the number of passengers PLAY carried in January 2022. The load factor in January was 76% compared to an 82.8% load factor in December. The January load factor and passenger number is very satisfactory for a traditionally difficult month in travel and demonstrates the continued growth and effectiveness of PLAY’s distribution and commercial activity. 

PLAY’s popular route to and from Tenerife had an impressive load factor of over 90% in January, while the Paris route performed nearly as well with an almost 90% load factor. 

30% of PLAY passengers in January were travelling from Iceland, 37% were travelling to Iceland and 32% were connecting passengers (VIA). 

Forward bookings in January were strong, beginning the year on a very positive note as January was a record sales month for PLAY.

In January, 84.3% of PLAY’s flights arrived on schedule, ensuring a smooth and punctual travel experience for our passengers despite very challenging winter operations in Iceland.

PLAY takes off to Canada and expands significantly in Denmark

Frontier Airlines reported strong revenue performance in the fourth quarter.

Frontier Group Holdings - the parent company of Frontier Airlines, Inc., today reported profitable results for the fourth quarter of 2022 on strong revenue performance, including record ancillary revenue per passenger, and an improvement in unit costs.

Fourth Quarter 2022 Highlights

• Achieved total operating revenues of $906 million, 38 percent higher than the 2019 quarter on 15 percent higher capacity resulting in a 21 percent increase in revenue per available seat mile ("RASM") over the same period
• Generated record ancillary revenue of $82 per passenger, 41 percent higher than the 2019 quarter and five percent higher than the prior quarter
• Since exiting the pandemic, realized the lowest cost per available seat mile ("CASM") of 9.93 cents, CASM (excluding fuel), a non-GAAP measure, of 6.43 cents, and adjusted (non-GAAP) CASM (excluding fuel) of 6.40 cents
• Realized a pre-tax margin of 5.5 percent and an adjusted (non-GAAP) pre-tax margin of 5.7 percent
• Ended the quarter in a strong liquidity position with $761 million of unrestricted cash and cash equivalents, or $332 million net of total debt
• Took delivery of two A320neo and three A321neo aircraft during the fourth quarter, increasing the proportion of the fleet comprised of the more fuel-efficient A320neo family aircraft to 72 percent as of December 31, 2022, among the highest of all major U.S. carriers
• Generated 103 available seat miles ("ASM") per gallon, making Frontier the most fuel efficient of all major U.S. carriers and affirming its ongoing commitment to being "America's Greenest Airline"
• Expanded service in 16 domestic markets, including six new routes from Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport to coincide with the November 2022 opening there of a crew base, and six international markets
• Announced new Dallas-Fort Worth crew base expected to open in May 2023 along with five new routes
• Launched GoWild All-You-Can-Fly Pass, providing passengers an opportunity for an unlimited number of flights to all Frontier domestic and international destinations

“Fourth quarter results were strong, underpinned by record ancillary revenue and meaningful improvements in CASM and utilization," commented Barry Biffle, President and CEO. “Moving into 2023, we intend to bolster our competitive edge by driving further improvement in ancillary revenue per passenger and unit costs. Today, our total cost advantage over the industry average is wider than it was in 2019, and I expect it will widen further this year. With these contributing factors, I'm confident we're on track to return the airline to the pre-pandemic profit levels per plane on a run-rate basis in the second half of 2023.

"I'm extraordinarily proud of Team Frontier for their tireless contributions in 2022 as we encountered repeated, uncontrollable operational challenges, including the recent winter storm Elliott. Our team overcame treacherous weather conditions, worked extended shifts and managed customer disruptions to get them to their destinations safely. I couldn't be more confident in Team Frontier and our future together as America's ultra-low-cost carrier."

Mesa's latest results

Mesa Air Group, Inc. this week reported first-quarter fiscal 2023 financial and operating results.

Fiscal First Quarter Update:

• Total operating revenues of $147.2 million
• Pre-tax loss of $10.0 million, net loss of $9.1 million or $(0.25) per diluted share
• Adjusted net loss1 of $4.3 million or $(0.12) per diluted share
• Adjusted net loss excludes a $3.7 million impairment related to intangible assets and $1.7 million related to investments in equity securities
• As previously reported, closed on United Airlines, American Airlines, and aircraft-related transactions
• Subsequent to quarter end, closed sale of 8 remaining CRJ-550s to United Airlines

Jonathan Ornstein, Chairman and CEO, said, “The first quarter was an important one for Mesa, as we executed several key agreements that will materially enhance our operational and financial position and alleviate significant issues that we have faced. While block hour production continued to be challenged by the industry-wide pilot shortage during the quarter, we believe all the pieces are in place to begin restoring capacity across our fleets. We are preparing for the transition of our CRJ-900 operation to United next month. Our pilot pipeline continues to strengthen and pilot attrition has remained significantly lower since we have enhanced our payscales and expanded our participation in the Aviate program with United.”

Fiscal First Quarter Details:

Total operating revenues in Q1 2023 were $147.2 million, a decrease of $0.6 million (0.4%) from $147.8 million for Q1 2022. Contract revenue decreased $8.4 million, or 6.2%. These decreases were driven by lower block hours, offset by increased block-hour revenue for new pilot payscales. Mesa’s Q1 2023 results include, per GAAP, the recognition of $5.3 million, versus the recognition of $4.2 million of previously deferred revenue in Q1 2022. The remaining deferred revenue balance of $18.8 million will be recognized as flights are completed over the remaining terms of the contracts.

Mesa’s Adjusted EBITDA1 for Q1 2023 was $21.8 million, compared to $17.0 million in Q1 2022, and Adjusted EBITDAR1 was $25.9 million for Q1 2023, compared to $26.6 million in Q1 2022.

Mesa’s Q1 2023 results reflect a net loss of $9.1 million, or $(0.25) per diluted share, compared to a net loss of $14.3 million, or $(0.40) per diluted share for Q1 2022. Mesa’s Q1 2023 adjusted net loss1 was $4.3 million, or $(0.12) per diluted share, versus an adjusted net loss1 of $9.3 million, or $(0.26) per diluted share, in Q1 2022. The year over year increase in adjusted net income of $5.0 million was primarily due to increased block-hour revenue for new pilot payscales and lower maintenance, D&A, and aircraft rent expenses, partially offset by higher expenses for flight operations due to increased costs for training and employee wages.

Operationally, the Company ran a controllable completion factor of 99.4% for American and 99.9% for United during Q1 2023. This is compared to a controllable completion factor of 97.7% for American and 98.3% for United during Q1 2022. This excludes cancellations due to weather and air traffic control.

With respect to a total completion factor that includes all cancellations, Mesa reported a total completion factor of 97.9% for American and 99.2% for United during Q1 2023. This is compared to a total completion factor of 95.8% for American and 95.8% for United during Q1 2022.

For Q1 2023, 50% of the Company’s total revenue was derived from our contracts with United, 45% from American, 3% from DHL, and 2% from leases of aircraft to a third party.

Comair sues Boeing for fraud over the 737 MAX jets

Comair Limited filed a lawsuit in federal court against The Boeing Company for fraud and breach of contract concerning the purchase of eight 737 MAX aircraft. Comair is seeking damages in excess of $83 million, which it suffered as a result of Boeing's wrongful conduct.  Based in South Africa, Comair Limited was an airline that operated scheduled services on domestic routes as a British Airways licensee. It also operated as a low-cost carrier under its own kulula.com brand.  The airline was grounded in March 2022 partly due to the financial constraints put upon it by the ongoing 737 MAX issues and the global pandemic. 

The lawsuit details Boeing's wrongful conduct and alleges:

In 2010, Boeing was under pressure from its largest competitor, Airbus. This pressure led Boeing to take shortcuts, make misrepresentations and conceal information to bring the 737 MAX to market quickly.

One of the 737 MAX's central flaws was its new engines. They were larger and could not easily fit under the 737 frame's low wings. To obtain adequate ground clearance, Boeing moved the engines up and forward.

The new mount location caused the aircraft's nose to abnormally pitch up.

Rather than make the necessary, but more costly, aerodynamic changes needed to prevent the pitch-up problem, Boeing tried to combat it with a new software called the Maneuvering Characteristics Augmentation System ("MCAS"), which automatically applied downward stabilizer trim.

Lynx Air celebrates new route between Phoenix and Calgary

Lynx Air has started a new service from Calgary International Airport (YYC) to Phoenix Sky Harbour International Airport (PHX) this week. Canada’s new ultra-affordable airline will operate three flights per week between Calgary and Phoenix, flying brand-new Boeing 737 aircraft.  

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"We are excited to be launching our very first flight to Phoenix at such a festive time of the year, with the city hosting the world’s largest golf tournament as well as the Super Bowl this week,” said Merren McArthur, CEO of Lynx. “Phoenix is a very popular holiday destination for Canadians. We are thrilled to partner with Phoenix Sky Harbor International airport, the most central airport in Phoenix, providing easy access to the city’s major attractions. Whether you are travelling to visit friends and family or to enjoy Phoenix’s year-round sunshine and world-class golf, Lynx will ensure a great flying experience at an ultra-affordable price.”

“In under a year, Lynx Air has expanded its route offerings out of YYC to include three of the most popular U.S. destinations. The new routes are a testament to the tremendous success Lynx has seen in its YYC operations. We are thrilled with the strength of our collaboration and look forward to continuing to support Lynx’s growth and expansion,” said Chris Miles, Vice President, Operations & Infrastructure for The Calgary Airport Authority.

“Tourism Calgary is pleased that Lynx Air is adding more air connectivity to Phoenix. Additional air options that enable U.S. travellers to reach us easily and affordably help to support our visitor economy and highlight Calgary as a destination of choice,” said Cindy Ady, CEO Tourism Calgary.

“Tourism is essential to our economy in Phoenix, and with Sky Harbor being the gateway to the Southwest, the addition of Lynx Air’s service from Phoenix to Calgary not only bolsters our impact in aviation and growth as a region, but also drives home our commitment to a truly global presence. Phoenix is ours to share and a place for all to keep - we’re absolutely elated to welcome our neighbors from the north.” – Ron Price, President & CEO, Visit Phoenix.

“Canada is the number one international employer in Phoenix, and we have a large community of Canadian expats and winter visitors. We love seeing them here!” said Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego. “Lynx Air will serve that growing business and leisure travel demand. Plus, these flights are launching just in time for Super Bowl LVII and the Cactus League Spring Training not long after! We look forward to greeting our visitors, as well as the continued strong growth of business travel between Canada and Phoenix.”

Lynx’s expansion into the US started in late January, with its inaugural flight from Toronto to Orlando. Its US network will continue to expand over the next few weeks, with the planned launch of services out of Calgary to Los Angeles and Las Vegas. In total, Lynx will be operating over 5,000 seats to and from the US, giving Canadians an affordable option to visit some of the most popular sun destinations south of the border.

Rocket Lab offers new products for small satellites

Rocket Lab USA, Inc, a global leader in launch services and space systems, has released two new high-performance space systems products designed to increase the availability of essential satellite components to the global small satellite market.

Bolstering the Company’s existing line of proven satellite components, the new Rocket Lab products include the Frontier-X software-defined radio designed to provide high-speed data for both near-Earth and deep space small satellite missions, as well as a new 12Nms reaction wheel designed specifically for constellation class satellites.

The products join Rocket Lab’s existing heritage space systems components including star trackers, reaction wheels, separation systems, radios, flight software, ground software, and solar power solutions. Combined, Rocket Lab’s space systems components have supported more than 1,700 space missions to date.

Enabling Small Sat Deep Space Missions With Frontier-X Satellite Radio

Joby completes second stage of certification process

Joby Aviation, a California-based company developing all-electric aircraft, today announced it has completed the second of five stages required by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to certify its revolutionary electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft for commercial passenger use.

In the second stage of the type certification process, a company identifies the ways in which it will demonstrate it has met the regulatory intent of the safety rules (“Means of Compliance”) that were defined during the first stage of the process (“Certification Basis”).

Joby believes it is the first eVTOL company to reach this milestone, having also been the first eVTOL company to complete stage one and have its Certification Basis published in the Federal Register. Achieving this goal moves Joby one step closer to its target of launching commercial passenger service by 2025.

“Certification is an integral part of everything that an aerospace company does and with the achievement of this critical milestone, we’re now able to confidently focus our efforts on closing the remaining certification plans and completing the testing required to certify our aircraft,” said Didier Papadopoulos, Head of Aircraft OEM at Joby.

Delta to launch JFK to Rio de Janeiro and Buenos Aires service

New Yorkers will soon be able to jet nonstop to another city that never sleeps, Rio de Janeiro, when Delta launches seasonal service between New York-JFK and Rio Galeão Airport (GIG) in Brazil starting Dec. 16. The new route — the third that Delta and LATAM have announced since the Joint Venture was approved in September 2022 — will operate daily on Delta’s Boeing 767-300 aircraft featuring Delta One, Delta Premium Select, Delta Comfort+ and Main Cabin service.

“Since implementing our Joint Venture, we’ve been working closely with LATAM to introduce exciting new routes that are expanding opportunities for customers travelling between the U.S. and South America,” said Alex Antilla, Delta Vice President for Latin America. “Together, we’re offering New Yorkers the most flights and the best experience for travel between the two continents.”

“We are happy to work with Delta to grow our joint presence between the Americas. As South America's largest airline, we are excited to work with them to offer our customers more flight options and a world-class on-board experience," said Martin St. George, Chief Commercial Officer, LATAM Airlines Group.

Arajet becomes top international carrier at Mexico City’s Felipe Ángeles International Airport

The budget airline of the Dominican Republic, Arajet,  has become Felipe Ángeles International Airport (NLU) largest international airline by passengers carried since launching operations in September 2022. 

From the beginning of Arajet’s operations in Mexico in September 2022, Arajet transported 14,944 passengers, leading international passenger traffic and making the Dominican Republic the airport’s top international destination.

"We are happy to have Arajet among the international airlines that operate at AIFA. Its direct route to Santo Domingo strengthens cooperation and exchange ties between Mexico and the Dominican Republic," said Isidoro Pastor, general director of Felipe Ángeles International Airport.

“We are very proud of our footprint in Mexico,” said Víctor Pacheco Méndez, CEO and founder of Arajet. "Mexico is the second commercial partner of the Dominican Republic, and Arajet has managed to crystallize our mutual interest in strengthening economic, tourist and commercial exchange."