Embassy Suites by Hilton Panama City Beach Resort opens....

The St. Joe Company and Hilton announce the opening of the 255-suite Embassy Suites by Hilton Panama City Beach Resort. The resort is located in the popular Pier Park shopping and entertainment district with unobstructed views of the Gulf of Mexico available from each of its five floors.

The resort features a Gulf-view pool complex with a waterslide and hot tub, a business center, a fitness center and approximately 15,500 square feet of meeting and event space. Additionally, the resort is home to two restaurants, Blu Bar & Grill serving lunch and dinner with both indoor and outdoor seating, and Fin, which provides guests with complimentary hot breakfast. Vue 55, the fifth-floor, open-air event venue, is available for weddings and group functions and boasts sweeping views of the Gulf of Mexico and the Russell-Fields Pier.

Embassy Suites by Hilton Panama City Beach Resort’s 255 suites are a mix of one- and two-bedroom suites, including two-bedroom family suites and multi-room suites with bunkbeds. The resort’s Five Feet to Fitness™ suites enable guests to work out in the privacy of their suite with access to a variety of fitness equipment.

Airbus Helicopters hand over the first two H145 helicopters to Bavarian Police

Airbus has delivered the first two of eight five-bladed H145s to the Bavarian Police. These first two helicopters will be used in the training of pilots and crews which will begin shortly, ensuring a smooth transition from the current H135 fleet which has been in service for more than twelve years, to the larger H145 helicopters. Delivery of the first fully equipped police helicopter is scheduled for the middle of next year.

Training to begin on these two helicopters, allowing a seamless transition to the H145 fleet

First fully equipped helicopter to be delivered mid-2024

"We would like to thank Bavaria and its police force for their continued confidence in our helicopters," said Stefan Thomé, Managing Director of Airbus Helicopters in Germany. "We are proud to equip the Bavarian police with the most advanced helicopters available for law enforcement missions, supporting them in keeping our communities safe."

“Our police forces have to deal with a wide range of scenarios: searching for missing persons, transporting special units, fighting forest fires or dealing with natural disasters. The H145, with its outstanding performance and mission capabilities, will provide our police forces with an essential tool to fulfill these diverse missions,” said Franz Muschick, Head of the Bavarian Police Helicopter Squadron.

Bavaria's fully-equipped H145s will feature some of the most advanced police equipment available. This includes a state of the art computer system with tactical police mission software, easily operated by a foldable flat-screen mission command station for an operator in the cabin and a stowable monitor for the copilot. The crew will be aided by a modern lighting concept and leading-edge camera solutions, offering better situational awareness of the helicopter’s surroundings and events on the ground. The overall communication is facilitated due to customer-specific radio and data transfer means. A next-generation hoist and the capability to transport external loads as well as for allowing for firefighting, will further enhance police mission capabilities. Additional features, such as illuminated blade tips, improve the safety on board during essential police operations.

Airbus, Safran and Tikehau Capital finalise acquisition of Aubert & Duval

A holding company owned equally by Airbus, Safran and Tikehau Capital has finalised today the acquisition of Aubert & Duval from Eramet.

Aubert & Duval is a strategic supplier of critical parts and materials to high-precision customers, notably the aerospace, defence, nuclear and medical industries. The company generates annual revenues in the region of €550 million and employs 3,700 people, mostly in France. Its cutting-edge know-how in specialty steels and superalloys, and its more recently acquired expertise in titanium are crucial to the aerospace, transportation, energy, defence and medical markets.

Bruno Durand has been appointed CEO of Aubert & Duval by the holding company’s Board of Directors and will be managing its operations.

Safran CEO Olivier Andriès commented: “The acquisition of Aubert & Duval will ensure the national and European sovereignty of our strategic programs developing disruptive civil and military engines, and secure our critical parts and materials supply chain. I am confident the new team will carry through the transformation project to get this leading French industry player back on track.”

“Completion of this acquisition represents a crucial step towards the creation of a leading European player in critical parts and materials, equipped to compete globally and to support the aerospace and defence industry, thereby reducing geopolitical risks of supply", said Airbus CEO Guillaume Faury. "Airbus will provide its full support to Aubert & Duval as it executes its ambitious transformation plan."

Norwegian wins for its Reward loyalty programme....

Norwegian Reward wins international award for best loyalty programme

The people at European budget airline Norwegian are celebrating after its loyalty programme, Norwegian Reward, was named the best loyalty programme at the Freddie Awards. These awards are among the travel industry’s most internationally acclaimed accolades.  The company also received an award in the categories Best Promotion and Best Customer Service. 

Norwegian has won a Freddie Award in the categories Programme of the Year, Best Promotion and Best Customer Service. Norwegian was nominated in no less than six categories. The Freddie Awards are the largest annual global awards for loyalty programs within the travel industry. The ceremony was held in Washington D.C.

“Winning a Freddie Award truly is a great honour. This is a true recognition of our loyalty programme as the award is based entirely on members’ votes. We’ve been working hard to keep giving our loyal members better flights for less and we are particularly excited that this award coincides with the launch of our renewed Reward programme in May,” said May Haukedahl Wilson, VP Loyalty and Partnerships at Norwegian.

Bombardier reports first quarter 2023 revenues of $1.5 billion, up 17% year-over-year

Bombardier reported this week its financial results for the first quarter of 2023, reflecting continued progress on all business fundamentals and performance on track toward reaching 2023 full-year guidance.

“Bombardier has delivered a very strong first quarter,” said Éric Martel, President and Chief Executive Officer, of Bombardier. “Our robust performance adds to our extremely positive track record from the past two years and confirms we are on the right trajectory. With a very healthy, positive adjusted net income, further debt reduction, continued margin expansion, and ramped-up production to reach our guidance(1) of more than 138 deliveries this year, we are forging ahead towards the upgraded 2025 targets we presented during our Investor Day last month.”

Key highlights.....

Bombardier reports first quarter 2023 revenues of $1.5 billion, up 17% year-over-year, driven by improved delivery mix and continued strong aftermarket revenues of $424 million; aircraft deliveries on track towards full-year guidance(1) of greater than 138.

 

Adjusted EBITDA(2) rose to $212 million, up 27% year-over-year thanks to stronger aircraft margins and aftermarket growth, reported EBIT reached $140 million. Reported net income(4) and adjusted net income(2) surged to $302 million and $113 million respectively. First quarter 2023 adjusted Earnings per share (EPS)(3) turns positive at $1.06 and diluted EPS(4) of $2.98.

 

Free cash flow usage(2)(4) of $247 million driven by working capital build in inventories for 2023 deliveries and continued investments supporting completion of a new facility at Toronto Pearson International Airport. Available liquidity(2) stands strong at $1.4 billion at quarter end. Reported cash flow usage from operating activities(4) for the quarter was $162 million and net additions to PP&E and intangible assets(4) for the quarter were $85 million. Cash and cash equivalents as at March 31, 2023 were $1.1 billion.

 

First quarter of 2023 ended with stable backlog(5) at $14.8 billion, reflecting steady demand profile and unit book-to-bill(6) of 0.9.

 

First quarter 2023 marked by continued strong progress on debt reduction with a repayment of approximately $400 million from cash on balance sheet; market confidence with Moody’s Investors Service upgrade of Bombardier’s corporate family and Senior unsecured notes rating to B2; outlook maintained as stable.

Bombardier reported a strong start to 2023, with first-quarter revenues up 17% year-over-year at $1.5 billion, compared to $1.2 billion in the same quarter last year. The positive trend was reflected in profitability, with adjusted EBITDA(2) up 27%, driven by stronger aircraft margins, mainly on large-cabin aircraft, and aftermarket growth. Adjusted EBITDA margin(3) rose 120 basis points year-over-year to 14.6%. The adjusted EBIT(2) totalled $138 million in the first quarter of 2023, up 89% compared to the same quarter last year. The company also reported an adjusted net income(2) of $113 million, compared with a $69 million loss over the same period last year. First quarter of 2023 adjusted EPS(3) was $1.06 compared to a loss of $0.80 per share for the same quarter of 2022.

The positive trend in deliveries has continued in the first quarter of 2023, with deliveries (excluding Learjet, which is no longer in production) up 22% year-over-year. This is consistent with the company’s overall guidance(1) of increasing deliveries by more than 15% in 2023. The backlog(5) remained stable at $14.8 billion, while the unit book-to-bill(6) was at 0.9.

Airbus, Tarmac Aerosave and the City of Chengdu to establish the first aircraft lifecycle services centre in China

Airbus, Tarmac Aerosave and the City of Chengdu to establish the first aircraft lifecycle services centre in China

Facility to offer aircraft lifecycle solutions, dismantling and recycling.

Airbus, Tarmac Aerosave and the City of Chengdu have established a Joint Venture for the first aircraft “lifecycle” services centre in China. The new facility will cover a range of activities from aircraft parking and storage, to maintenance, upgrades, conversions, dismantling and recycling services for various aircraft types.

 

The announcement follows an initial Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed in January 2022. Entry into service of the new centre is scheduled around the turn of this year.

The facility will cover a surface area of 717,000 square metres and a storage capacity of 125 aircraft. It will be embedded in a complete ecosystem with an adjacent aviation industry park hosting aerospace manufacturing and services companies in Shuangliu District, Chengdu. It will be another key milestone of cooperation between Airbus and China, as it contributes to strengthening China's aviation industry in aftermarket services. With this aircraft lifecycle centre, Airbus’ footprint in China is expanded to cover the entire industrial chain, from parts manufacturing, aircraft assembly and delivery, fleet operation and to end-of-life services, such as dismantling and high-value parts re-cycling.

“This new centre in Chengdu fits perfectly into Airbus' approach to environmental responsibility across the entire aircraft lifecycle. Aircraft storage, upgrades and dismantling will all take place under one roof. We are very pleased to be working with our strong and experienced partners Tarmac Aerosave and the City of Chengdu  to develop the first lifecycle services centre of this kind in China and its range of services," says Cristina Aguilar, Airbus SVP Customer Services.

Tarmac Aerosave brings its more than 15 years of proven expertise in efficient aircraft dismantling to the project. Located in the same centre, Airbus subsidiary Satair will acquire ageing aircraft, trade and distribute the used parts to complete the full scope of lifecycle services. 75 percent of the aircraft stored in the centre will be transitioned into a second lifecycle. The remaining aircraft will be dismantled with the unique Tarmac Aerosave process, recovering around 90 percent of the aircraft weight, far exceeding industry standards.

Lufthansa Airbus A350 becomes climate research aircraft.....

In a globally unique project, the Lufthansa Group and the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT) are currently converting the Lufthansa Airbus A350-900 "Erfurt" (registration D-AIXJ) into a flying research laboratory. Now, an essential project milestone could be reached: For the first time, experts from the Lufthansa Group have attached the measuring probe system developed especially for the project to the lower fuselage of the A350 and successfully tested it in flight. Lufthansa pilots completed a flight program coordinated with the certification authorities in the airspace over southern Germany. The measuring system now being tested on the aircraft is the most complex of its kind and, in addition to the air inlet function, has sensors for high-frequency and -precision measurement of pressure and temperature. From 2024, the Airbus will collect comprehensive climate data during regular passenger flights for the European research infrastructure IAGOS-CARIBIC.

From 2024, a Lufthansa A350 will collect climate data for the first time for the European research infrastructure IAGOS-CARIBIC

"We want to make flying more sustainable. That is why we have been supporting climate research for decades. The conversion of our Lufthansa Airbus A350 into a climate research aircraft is a globally unique project in which colleagues from a wide variety of areas at Lufthansa have been working together with partners in science for years. Our aim is to make a valuable contribution to climate research. The data that our aircraft will collect worldwide in the future will help to improve today's atmospheric and climate models and thus their informative value for the future climate on earth," says Jens Ritter, CEO Lufthansa Airlines.

Over the next few months, a measurement laboratory weighing around two tons and specially developed for the project will be set up. Some 20 measuring instruments will be installed in the laboratory, which will later be loaded into the cargo hold as a cargo container and connected to the measuring system on the outer fuselage of the aircraft. Next year, this high-tech laboratory will take off for the first time and collect climate data on selected flights in Lufthansa's worldwide scheduled operations. The laboratory continuously records more than 100 different trace gases, aerosol, and cloud parameters from the ground to the tropopause region at an altitude of nine to thirteen kilometers. What makes it special: Climate-relevant parameters can be recorded at this altitude with significantly higher accuracy and temporal resolution on board the aircraft than would be possible with satellite- or ground-based measurement systems.

New long-haul destinations in the winter schedule promises Lufthansa....

The German national carrier Lufthansa is launching new Airbus A380 destinations from Munich in the coming winter. From 5th October the airline will be flying again an A380 daily to the Californian metropolis of Los Angeles. Shortly before the start of the winter flight schedule on October 28, there will be a special premiere: For the first time, a Lufthansa Airbus A380 will take off from Munich to the Thai capital Bangkok, increasing the seat capacity by almost 75 percent compared to the A350. Lufthansa offers a greater premium product on this connection than ever before: the A380 offers 8 seats in First Class, 78 seats in Business Class and 52 seats in Premium Economy.

Airbus A380 from Munich to Bangkok and Los Angeles, with Airbus A350 to Bangalore

New connections to India

Lufthansa is expanding its service to India. The new destination from Munich is Bangalore, which, in addition to Delhi and Bombay, will be served by an Airbus A350. LH764 departs Sundays, Wednesdays and Fridays at 12:10 p.m. to the southern Indian metropolis. Lufthansa guests will be able to enjoy one of the Lufthansa Group's most modern and economical long-haul aircraft, the Airbus A350-900. After a longer break, Lufthansa will also include again Hyderabad in its flight schedule from Frankfurt. This will once again provide a direct connection from Germany to India's pharmaceutical and high-tech industries. Lufthansa will announce further details in midMay.

Lufthansa will offer a total of five destinations to the Indian subcontinent from its two hubs in Frankfurt and Munich in the coming winter.

MA Hong appointed as chairperson and non-executive director of CDB Aviation

CDB Aviation, a wholly owned Irish subsidiary of China Development Bank Financial Leasing Co., Ltd. announced that MA Hong was appointed as Chairperson and Non-Executive Director of CDB Aviation, effective April 18, 2023.

“I feel privileged to take on this role at such an exciting time for CDB Aviation, one of the premier global leasing companies that has leveraged its increasingly prominent role in the aircraft financing ecosystem to advance its commercial growth journey,” noted Madam MA Hong, newly appointed Chairperson and Non-Executive Director of CDB Aviation. “Together with our board members and the management team, we will continue to ensure CDB Aviation’s growth strategy makes a positive impact for all stakeholders in the broader aircraft leasing community, including our customers, the OEMs and suppliers, our financial partners, and, of course, our shareholders.”

Ms. MA Hong is currently Chairwoman and Executive Director of CDB Leasing, the lessor’s parent company and the leasing business platform under China Development Bank (“CDB”). Ms. MA Hong, who joined CDB Leasing in May 2021, has served in her current chairmanship role since November 2021. She became part of CDB in March 1994, where she held various positions, including Deputy Head of CDB Planning Department, Vice President of CDB Beijing Branch as well as President of CDB Shanxi Branch and President of CDB Beijing Branch.

“The unique capabilities and resources of and continued support from our parent, CDB Leasing, have helped tremendously to propel our platform to where we are today. Ms. MA Hong’s long history of leadership and her extensive experience within CDBL and CDB, which recognize that CDB Aviation is a business in growth mode, will be critical to the next phase of our development,” concluded Jie Chen, CDB Aviation Chief Executive Officer.

Leasing giant Avolon to order 40 Boeing 737 MAX jets

The international aircraft leasing company giant Avolon has announced a commitment to order 40 Boeing 737 MAX aircraft with delivery scheduled to be between 2027 and 2030, despite more production line issues and problems. 

Avolon delivered the first 737 MAX in 2017, along with the one thousandth 737 MAX earlier this year and this will increase the overall size of Avolon’s owned, managed and committed fleet to 870 aircraft.

Andy Cronin, CEO of Avolon, commented: "This commitment with Boeing underlines our confidence in the positive momentum in the aviation market, and increases our portfolio of young, modern, fuel-efficient aircraft. With strong demand for our new technology order book, and delivery slots at a premium, it strengthens and extends our delivery profile with Boeing. This commitment will also support our airline customers who are looking to plan beyond the robust post-Covid traffic recovery and prepare for future growth, while also reducing their carbon emissions."

The transaction is subject only to approval by shareholders of Bohai Leasing Co., Ltd., Avolon’s 70% shareholder, which is anticipated before the end of May. The actual cost of the deal has not been disclosed, however, as usual, with large multi-aircraft orders to existing customers, discounts of 20-30% on list prices are not unusual.  

Boeing recently announced that a supplier had revealed that the installation of fittings at the rear of 737 MAX jets did not follow the standard and warned there could be delays.  Whilst Boeing assured the issue was not an "immediate safety of flight issue" many have doubted the sincerity of the words, recalling previous Boeing statements about the risks of other issues encompassing the safety of the 737 MAX. 

The jets have been beset with problems and issues since the two crashes that led to a year-long grounding of the type. In-flight issues surrounding the horizontal stabiliser, autopilot, and engines have all caused concern. Some airlines indicate privately that the savings promised by the manufacturer have not yet been seen in 'real-world' operational use and are clouding the future.  

Finnair's cost cutting measures seem to be making a difference......

The Helsinki-based Finnair's continuing cost-cutting and streamlining appear to be making a difference to the firm's performance, especially over the last quarter was proved to be more positive than many had forecast. Indeed, during what is the seasonally weakest quarter of the year for the carrier, it managed to reach the break-even point. 

There are many reasons for the airline's more positive position, not least the commitment and dedication of the staff,  which saw its Finland-based cabin crew sign a new agreement that actually means lower wages and increased work as productivity is enhanced which allows more savings. The airline is also subcontracting cabin service on long-haul operations, which the management sees as a key way to transform the carrier. Following the new agreement with cabin crew,  the leaders are not bringing in the same subcontracting model of cabin service on domestic and European routes for the next five years. 

Key figures released in the most recent publication show Finnair's revenue increased by 73.8% to 694.7 million euros in the first quarter. Net cash flow from operating activities was 206.8 million euros (35.4), and net cash flow from investing activities was -143.7 million euros (-23.7).

The higher fuel prices continued to have an adverse impact on the airline, which expects to cost an extra 40 million euros year-on-year, including the impact of currencies and hedging

Finnair estimates that in 2023, it will operate an average capacity of 80–85 per cent, as measured in ASKs, compared to 2019. The capacity is impacted by the development of demand, e.g., increase in travel on Chinese routes, and potential leases of aircraft with crew to other airlines.

CE­O Topi Manner issued the following statement:  "The year started on a positive note, as Finnair achieved a marginally positive comparable operating result in the seasonally weakest first quarter. This was the third consecutive profitable quarter after ten loss-making quarters caused by the pandemic and the closure of Russian airspace. Typically, the first quarter of the year is loss-making and, thus, the result speaks of both good progress in strategy implementation, and of a strong demand environment. Strong demand, combined with capacity and resource constraints in the aviation sector caused by the pandemic, contributed to the positive development of our unit revenues."

Alaska Airlines launches partnership with STARLUX Airlines

Alaska Airlines has signed a new deal with STARLUX Airlines which now flies between Los Angeles and Taipei with connections to 16 destinations across Asia. Alaska's Mileage Plan members can earn miles on all STARLUX flights and soon they’ll be able to redeem miles on STARLUX as well.  When redemptions become available this summer on STARLUX flights between Los Angeles and Taipei, they will start at 20,000 miles for economy, 40,000 for premium economy and 60,000 for business class for a limited time.

STARLUX is a premier global airline offering world-class service and amenities. We’re proud to be their first airline partner,” said Nat Pieper, senior vice president of fleet, finance and alliances at Alaska Airlines. “Our guests will love flying on STARLUX, connecting the West Coast, Taipei and many more incredible places in Asia. We’re thrilled to offer our loyal Mileage Plan members another exciting way to see the world.”

“STARLUX Airlines has marked a successful three-year operation of our Asian routes, revolutionizing the aviation industry with our exceptional service and innovative cabin design that have been highly commended by passengers. In a new milestone, we launched our inaugural flight to Los Angeles today, offering convenient and comfortable long-haul premier services to passengers travelling to the city of angels,” said Glenn Chai, CEO of STARLUX Airlines. 

STARLUX operates the transpacific route with its new-generation Airbus A350-900 aircraft configured in a four-class layout: First, business, premium economy and economy.

Inflight service on STARLUX includes Taiwanese signature dishes and amenities prepared for passengers in all classes. STARLUX will be offering first and business guests a selection of the best top chef’s creations and local Taiwanese delicacies. The popular STARLUX signature dish yakiniku donburi is served on board. And to bring greater individuality to their air travel experience, all passengers can pre-order meals online so they can enjoy the meal they want.

Titan Airways says goodbye to its final Boeing 737 Classic aircraft

The UK speciality ACMI airline Titan Airways has paid tribute to the classic Boeing 737 jet that is leaving the carrier's fleet.

Titan Airways has operated its last Boeing 737 Classic flight, with its last remaining Boeing 737 Classic, a B737-400F aircraft registered G-POWS, retiring from active revenue service on 8th April.

G-POWS joined the highly respected airline in early 2018 after the successful introduction of an initial Boeing 737-400 the previous year. G-POWS began life at Titan as a passenger aircraft before undergoing a freight conversion in the autumn of 2018. Since then, it has mainly flown UK domestic mail routes on behalf of the Royal Mail.

Before the 400’s, and dating back to the early 90’s, Titan operated the Boeing 737-300QC. These aircraft could be quickly converted from passenger to freight and flew passengers during the day and cargo at night. At the peak of our 737-300 flying, Titan operated three QC’s and one dedicated freighter.

The 737 Classic has played a key role in the 35-year history of Titan Airways and the last one had a special water canon salute as a final farewell at the plane's London Stansted base.  

Titan will now operate a more modern and more sustainable fuel-efficient aircraft, such as the Airbus A321P2F and the Airbus A330-300P2F on the freight side, and the state-of-the-art A321neoLR on the passenger side.

London Gatwick Airport gets a brand new look.......sort of.

London Gatwick Airport gets a brand new look from today,  well sort of, they've not added a third terminal or a second runway yet,  but the VINCI Airport on the Surrey / Sussex border has got a brand new corporate identity.  

The airport says it has released a new identity to go along with a refreshed vision which is designed to reflect the airport's ongoing recovery from the pandemic, as well as provide a platform for the airport’s next phase of growth.   

 

In the marketing blurb,  the new logo and design acknowledge the airport’s proud history, the new, modernised brand is designed to reaffirm and showcase London Gatwick’s position as a major international gateway and apparently also recognises the airport as part the greater VINCI Airports network.

I'm not sure I see all that, maybe the pointy arrow bit of the giant G is a bit like the G of the GH logo for Gatwick Handling, which was never owned by the airport operator. At first glance, it just appears to be what many companies do in difficult times, spend a fortune on branding, rather than spending money on wages or better services, or physical improvements to the customer experience. 

 

However, VINCI tells us that along with the new brand and vision is an exciting multi-million-pound development programme. This significant programme of investment includes the expansion and refurbishment of departure lounges to create more modern, appealing spaces for passengers, while at the same time considering the airport’s sustainability goals. So maybe they are going to improve the passenger experience of the airport, which can be either good or bad, with little in-between. The airport is also moving in more automation in improvements across check-in and boarding, as well as enhanced airfield technology. 

Jonathan Pollard, Chief Commercial Officer, London Gatwick said: “This is a perfect time for us to launch our new brand and refreshed vision, as we head into our second year of recovery from the global pandemic and look to embark on a very promising chapter of growth.

 We are taking a multi-dimensional approach, combining investment in airport development, along with a new visual identity, to rejuvenate the image of London Gatwick. We expect this will translate to more people choosing to fly from the airport, with even more exciting destinations for passengers.

 Our previous brand served us well for over 10 years, but it’s now the right time to modernise and update our airport. As we look ahead to future growth, our refreshed brand celebrates the past and brings us into the future.” 

The new branding can already be seen across many of Gatwick’s digital and social channels, as well as key focal points within the airport. Over the coming months passengers, airport partners and colleagues will see it come to life across the airport.  However,   like the last brand change,  old signage and logos will still be seen about the airport terminals for quite some time,  maybe even years, after all, there is still at least one of the old yellow and black BAA style signs up! 

 

SWISS pledge to increase long-haul services during its winter schedule

Swiss International Air Lines - SWISS promises to expand its range of long-haul flights in the coming winter schedules to offer its customers even more attractive travel options. The destinations which will receive more SWISS services this winter include Miami (USA), Shanghai (China), Singapore (Singapore) and Cairo (Egypt). SWISS will also continue to make every possible effort to maintain maximum stability throughout its flight schedules.

Swiss International Air Lines (SWISS) is to expand its range of long-haul services in the coming winter schedules in response to continuing growing demand.

Frequencies to Miami in Southern Florida will be doubled from their summer 2023 levels to up to 14 weekly flights. Shanghai in China will return to receiving six-times-weekly service this winter, three frequencies more than have been offered during the present summer season. Singapore will revert to daily SWISS service through the addition of one further weekly flight. Egypt’s capital Cairo will also be served daily in the coming winter timetable period.

“SWISS is currently experiencing a lot of demand and a still strong desire to travel, despite all the economic and political uncertainties,” explains SWISS Chief Commercial Officer Tamur Goudarzi Pour. “We’re very pleased to be further expanding our range of long-haul services this coming winter, within the overall framework of our long-term network planning, to offer our customers an even more attractive choice of flights. But while doing so, it remains our paramount objective to provide our passengers with stable and reliable flight operations.”

SWISS travellers will be offered a total of 21 long-haul destinations in the coming winter schedules (see table below). The winter timetable period runs from 29 October 2023 to 30 March 2024.