flydubai wins Best Low-Cost Airline serving the Middle East for the ninth time at the 2023 Business Traveller Middle East Awards.

flydubai, the Dubai-based carrier has won an award for the Best Low-Cost Airline serving the Middle East for the ninth time at the 2023 Business Traveller Middle East Awards.

The award recognises flydubai’s strong business model and dedication to creating free flows of trade and tourism which have allowed its continued growth and ongoing network expansion. It is also in recognition of flydubai's business model which offers passengers the opportunity to choose how they would like to travel by selecting a fare type that suits them in Economy Class or a more comfortable and personal travel experience in Business Class.

The carrier took to the Arabian Travel Market to launch “The Business Suite”. This is the latest premium Business Class offering from flydubai and will be introduced on a number of the carrier’s newest aircraft in the last quarter of 2023 and will be deployed on select flights around the carrier’s growing network. The carrier has long moved away from its initial business model since the introduction of Business Class in 2013.

flydubai operates flights to 120 destinations, 75 of which were underserved markets that did not previously have direct air links to Dubai. The Dubai-based carrier’s growing network is served by a fleet of 76 Boeing 737 aircraft.

BOC Aviation announces the first of 11 Boeing 737 MAX 8 delivered to Lynx Air.

BOC Aviation Limited the aircraft operating leasing company has confirmed it has delivered the first of 11 Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft on lease to Lynx Air.  All 11 aircraft are part of the BOC's existing order book of planes, some of which are understood to be coming from the 130+ 737 MAX jets that are still in storage following the types grounding. The jets that BOC is leasing to Lynx are powered by CFM LEAP-1B engines. 

“We are delighted to welcome Lynx as a new customer. This delivery will enable the airline to serve its customers with one of the most fuel-efficient and technologically advanced aircraft flying today,” said Robert Martin, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, BOC Aviation. “This transaction demonstrates our ability to provide popular, modern aircraft to our customers, aligned with our strategy of generating long-term sustainable growth.” 

“We are thrilled to be receiving our seventh Boeing 737 aircraft, which will enable us to expand our North American network and offer our ultra-affordable fares and great flying experience to more Canadians,” said Merren McArthur, CEO and President of Lynx Air. “We are looking forward to continuing our successful partnership with BOC Aviation and Boeing, as we continue to transform the aviation market in Canada.”

Boeing announced an issue with the 737 MAX in the last couple of weeks which affects the connection of the tail fin to the rest of the aircraft.  The fault is considered to be just a 'gnarly defect' which doesn't affect the airworthiness of the plane, yet the issue and rectifying it will cause delays to the production rate the aircraft maker warns. 

It is unknown exactly how many jets the latest flaw affects, although many believe it is all jets produced since 2019 and repairs on completed aircraft could take weeks, although during the production such corrections will only take a couple of days. 

 Last week Boeing President and CEO Dave Calhoun said:  "We will work diligently through rework of affected airplanes in production and storage to ensure each meets our standards prior to delivery. This effort will impact the timing of deliveries over the next several months; however, we remain confident in the operational and financial goals we set for this year, as well as for the longer term."

Lynx Air is one of the new ultra-low-cost Canadian airlines which is on a mission to make air travel accessible to all, with ultra-affordable fares and a customer-focused flying experience. Lynx is a privately owned airline and says it has the financial backing and industry expertise required to transform the Canadian aviation landscape which is already over-subscribed with excess airline capacity.  

BOC Aviation is a leading global aircraft operating leasing company with a fleet of 635 aircraft owned, managed and on order.  Its owned and managed fleet was leased to 86 airlines in 39 countries and regions worldwide as at 31 March 2023. BOC Aviation is listed on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange and has its headquarters in Singapore with offices in Dublin, London, New York and Tianjin. 

IATA want more protections in the roll out of 5G

Photo by Jp Valery on Unsplash

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) - the organization that represents some 300 airlines comprising 83% of global air traffic has welcomed the agreement by AT&T Services, T-Mobile, UScellular, and Verizon to extend until 1 January 2028 the voluntary mitigation measures for 5G C-band transmissions at 188 US airports. These mitigation measures, which were put in place in January 2022, concurrent with the rollout of 5G C-band operations at or near US airports, include lowering the power of 5G transmissions and had been set to expire 1 July 2023. However, while the agreement is a welcome stop-gap development, it is by no means a solution. The underlying safety and economic issues around 5G C-band deployments by telecommunications services providers (telcos) have only been kicked down the road. 

“Airlines did not create this situation. They are victims of poor government planning and coordination. Industry concerns about 5G, expressed for many years in the appropriate forums, were ignored and over-ridden. Half-measure solutions have been foisted upon airlines to implement at their own expense and with little visibility into their long-term viability. This extension is an opportunity for all stakeholders, including telcos, government regulators, airlines and equipment manufacturers, to work together for a fair and equitable solution,” said Nick Careen, IATA’s Senior Vice President Operations, Safety and Security.

Background to the current situation

The activation of 5G C-band operations in January 2022 threatened enormous disruption to the US air transport system because of the potential risk of interference with aircraft radio altimeters (radalts) that also use C-band spectrum and are critical to aircraft landing and safety systems. This was only addressed at the eleventh hour when AT&T and Verizon agreed to a voluntary power limit for 5G C-band transmissions near airports. Even with this agreement, however, the continuing risk of interference with aircraft radalts was seen as so significant by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) that airlines were only permitted to operate at affected airports in low visibility (Category 2 and Category 3) conditions through one of two methods:  

 

Alaska Airlines and ZeroAvia partner in developing world’s largest zero-emission aircraft

Hydrogen electric powered Q400 could be the future of regional travel 

This week Alaska Airlines unveiled a freshly painted Bombardier Q400 regional turboprop and handed it over to ZeroAvia where it will be retrofitted with a hydrogen-electric propulsion system to further enhance and expand the reach and applicability of zero emissions flight technology.

ZeroAvia unveils world’s most advanced electric motor technology for aviation, paving way for hydrogen-electric engines for Dash 8 and similar airframes

At an event, held at ZeroAvia’s Paine Field research and development site with the formal handover of the 76-seat Q400 aircraft that will be developed by ZeroAvia witnessed by various dignitaries and invited guests.  

When Alaska Airlines’ regional carrier Horizon Air retired its Q400 fleet, it reserved one of the aircraft for research and development purposes to further advance zero emissions technology for the aviation industry. The aircraft was repainted with a special livery to highlight the innovative mission of this partnership.

ZeroAvia also debuted its breakthrough multi-megawatt modular electric motor system in a 1.8MW prototype configuration at the event – demonstrated with a propeller spin aboard the ZeroAvia’s 15-ton HyperTruck ground-test rig. Combined with higher-temperature PEM fuel cells and advanced power electronics – both technologies that ZeroAvia is developing in-house – the leading-edge electric motor technology is one of three key building blocks for enabling commercially-relevant hydrogen fuel cell engines for larger aircraft.  

Aligning ZeroAvia’s powertrain with the Dash 8-400 airframe will represent a commercially viable zero-emission aircraft with fuel cell engine technology around five times more powerful than what has been demonstrated anywhere to date.  

“Demonstrating this size of aircraft in flight, powered entirely by novel propulsion, would have been unthinkable a few years ago,” said Val Miftakhov, founder and CEO of ZeroAvia. “Launching this program puts us on track for a test flight next year, and accelerates our progress toward the future of zero-emission flight for Alaska Airlines and for the world at large.”

Avolon announces pricing of $750 million senior unsecured notes offering.....

Avolon Holdings Limited, the international aircraft leasing company, announces the pricing of a private offering by its wholly owned subsidiary, Avolon Holdings Funding Limited, for a principal aggregate amount of US$750 million of 6.375% senior unsecured notes due 2028.

The Notes will be fully and unconditionally guaranteed by Avolon, and by certain of its subsidiaries.

The Offering is expected to close on or about 4 May 2023, subject to customary closing conditions. Net proceeds from the Offering will be used for general corporate purposes, which may include the future repayment of outstanding indebtedness.

The Notes will not be registered under the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), or any state securities law and may not be offered or sold in the United States absent registration or an applicable exemption from registration under the Securities Act and applicable state securities laws. The Notes will be offered in the United States only to qualified institutional buyers under Rule 144A of the Securities Act and outside the United States under Regulation S of the Securities Act.

Aeroplan partners with Uber Eats Canada

Air Canada loyalty programme Aeroplan has partnered with Uber Canada in order to give members the opportunity to earn even more from linking their Aeroplan with their Uber/Uber Eats account in Canada.

Starting tomorrow the deal will see Aeroplan members earning 1 Aeroplan point per $1 spent on eligible orders in the Grocery and Retail sections of the Uber Eats app, with no minimum spend required. 

The launch provides a new way to earn Aeroplan points with national and regional grocers and retailers. In addition, members can take advantage of the following offers after linking their Aeroplan account with their Uber/Uber Eats account in Canada:

Launch offer: 5X Aeroplan points on their next grocery or retail delivery order with Uber Eats from May 3 until May 31;

New 250-point monthly bonus: Members will earn an additional 250 bonus Aeroplan points when completing an eligible ride (premium or airport ride), a restaurant food delivery order of $40* or more, and an eligible order from the Grocery or Retail section through Uber and Uber Eats in the same calendar month, every month – an Uber hat trick! 

New eater bonus: 1,000 bonus Aeroplan points when members open their first Uber Eats account, and complete their first eligible order from the Restaurant, Retail, or Grocery sections in the Uber Eats app;

WestJet completes its buy-up of Sunwing

WestJet Group and Sunwing to maintain independent operations, while working collaboratively to combine complementary strategies for a gradual and effective transition

The WestJet Group confirmed this week that it had completed its buyout of the leisure airline and holiday company Sunwing, which has been going on for over a year.

WestJet says that Initially, both airlines will continue as independent operations, focusing on providing the same passenger experience as now and ensuring safe operations. As the two entities transition from competitors to collaborators, the company will combine these two businesses.  

Alexis von Hoensbroech, Chief Executive Officer of the WestJet Group said: "As we have set out on our new strategic trajectory for the WestJet Group, investing further in leisure and sun flying across Canada is a critical driver for growth. - it brings me great pleasure to welcome Sunwing to the group, adding 18 Boeing 737s, 2,000 employees and Canada's largest vacation tour operator and significantly expanding our footprint in Eastern Canada. Together, we will strategically enhance our sun and leisure offerings to bring even more affordable and accessible travel opportunities to Canadians." 

Stephen Hunter, formerly the CEO of Sunwing Vacations, has been appointed CEO of the WestJet Group's Vacations Business, responsible for all tour operating and vacation package businesses of both the Sunwing Vacations and WestJet Vacations brands.

"The combination of our complementary businesses marks an important milestone that will enable us to fast-track our growth plans and provide Canadians with more affordable vacations to more destinations than ever before," said Stephen Hunter, CEO of the WestJet Group's Vacations Business. "I am thrilled to join forces with WestJet and, in doing so, create even more opportunities for our people and deliver greater value for Canadian travellers."

As previously announced, the WestJet Group's newly combined tour operator businesses, comprised of WestJet Vacations and Sunwing Vacations, will be headquartered in Toronto, Ontario and will continue to operate a Montreal office. In the coming years, the Vacations Business expects to facilitate new flying and new employment opportunities by retaining Sunwing's aircraft in Canada year-round, among other sources of anticipated growth.

"We are excited to welcome Sunwing's employees to the WestJet Group of Companies; throughout the planning of this transaction, we have been continually impressed by their expertise and experience in the vacations industry," concluded von Hoensbroech." We look forward to working alongside them to deliver memorable services to an expanding number of Canadians."

Sun Country Airlines Reports First Quarter 2023 Results

Revenue of $294 million, Sun Country’s highest on record

Sun Country Airlines this week reported financial results for its first quarter ended March 31, 2023.

“Sun Country’s unique, diversified business model continues to deliver strong results,” said Jude Bricker, Chief Executive Officer of Sun Country. “The revenue environment remains resilient, as we saw a 20.8% increase in total average fare and a gain of 8.6 percentage points in load factor in the first quarter versus 2022. This demand strength helped deliver a first quarter GAAP operating income margin of 19.0% and an adjusted operating income margin of 19.9%(2), easily exceeding the first quarter of last year by over 9 percentage points. We delivered these outstanding results despite a winter season at our Minneapolis-St. Paul base that was the third snowiest on record. I want to thank our dedicated team of employees for their extraordinary efforts this winter.”

For the quarter ended March 31, 2023, Sun Country reported net income of $38 million and income before income tax of $50 million, on $294 million of revenue. Adjusted income before income tax for the quarter was $53 million(2). GAAP operating income during the quarter was $56 million, while adjusted operating income was $58 million(2).  

“We continue to see strength across our scheduled service, charter and cargo businesses,” said Dave Davis, President and Chief Financial Officer. “Total revenue was up nearly 30% year-over-year, with Scheduled Service TRASM(3) up 34.7% and TRASM(4), including charter revenue, up 30.6% versus the first quarter of 2022. GAAP operating income increased 155% while adjusted operating income was up 157% year-over-year, generating a GAAP operating margin of 19.0% and an adjusted operating income margin of nearly 20% in our seasonally strongest quarter. During the first quarter, our unit costs were negatively impacted by decreased aircraft utilization levels. In the second quarter, we expect total block hour growth of at least 11% versus last year, and pressure on non-fuel CASM should ease during the year. We are also excited to have acquired five 737-900ER aircraft which are currently on lease to Oman Air. We will obtain the lease revenue from Oman Air until the expiration of the leases and the aircraft are delivered to us beginning in late 2024 and continuing through 2025. The 737-900ER is a new fleet variant for Sun Country and we expect it to create new opportunities for our network.”

Notable Highlights

Ryanair's petition reaches 600,000 signatures ahead of Monday's French ATC strike.

Over 600,000 passengers have signed Ryanair's “Protect Passengers: Keep EU Skies Open” petition calling on the EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen to take immediate action to protect European citizens’ Freedom of Movement and overflights during French ATC strikes.

The budget carrier where says that when the petition reaches 1 million signatures it will submit it to the EU Commission and demand action be taken.

The petition was started 5 weeks ago by the low-fare-high-fee airline from people it says are passengers that are sick and tired of having their travel plans cancelled at short notice due to French ATC strikes.

Ryanair contends that passengers' right to Freedom of Movement overshadows and overrules other citizens' rights to strike for fair pay. 

In the first 4 months of 2023, there have been over 50 days of French ATC strikes during which Ryanair cancelled more than 3,700 flights.

The airline says France uses Minimum Service Legislation to protect French domestic flights, while EU overflights from Germany, Spain, Italy, the UK and Ireland are disproportionately cancelled. Ryanair says this is unfair and must change. Italy and Greece already protect overflights during ATC strikes and the EU Commission must now insist that France does likewise.

A Ryanair spokesperson said: "We are overwhelmed by the support for our Protect Passengers: Keep EU Skies Open petition with over 600,000 signatures already from passengers calling on EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen to take immediate action to protect their Freedom of Movement and overflights by keeping EU skies open during repeated French ATC strikes. We are rapidly approaching the 1 million signatures we need to force the EU Commission to take action to protect overflights and EU citizens’ Freedom of Movement.

French ATC strikes are the No.1 risk to EU citizens’ travel plans this Summer and passengers are really starting to understand that the EU Commission is doing nothing to mitigate that risk and protect their Freedom of Movement. EU citizens are now signing our petition to demand action from the EU Commission to protect them and their family’s travel plans this Summer. The EU’s Single Market for air travel should not be repeatedly disrupted by tiny French ATC unions because the EU Commission fails to take action. It’s time to protect overflights during French ATC strikes as Italy and Greece already do. If French ATC unions insist to strike (as is their right) then cancel French flights and protect overflights."

The next strike is on Monday,  a bank holiday in the UK and Ryanair has cancelled more than 200 flights. 

Canada Jetlines Signs Contract with Additional Canadian CFL team Hamilton Tiger-Cats

Canada Jetlines has done a deal to provide aircraft and crew to the Hamilton Tiger-Cats for their regular season games. The contract will see Canada Jetlines fly the team to select away games during the 2023 season. This represents the second such agreement with the first being the previously announced agreement with the Ottawa Redblacks.

“Canada Jetlines is very pleased to have been selected for this contract with the Hamilton Tiger-Cats, an iconic Canadian Sports Franchise with a rich history dating back to 1869. We are particularly excited about this relationship as we share some of the same qualities with the Hamilton Tiger-Cats such as teamwork, grit and passion. Canada Jetlines has seen continuous growth in demand for its Charter and ACMI (Aircraft Crew Maintenance and Insurance) business which complements our schedule service to leisure destinations,” said Canada Jetlines’ Chief Executive Officer and President, Eddy Doyle.

“We are thrilled to work with Canada Jetlines as the Tiger-Cats charter airline partner in 2023,” said Matt Afinec, President & COO, Hamilton Sports Group. “Reliability, convenience and comfort of our players is of the utmost importance and we’re excited to see this partnership in action throughout the upcoming season.”

Canada Jetlines has seemed to change its main type of business as it has been unable to make a profit on low-cost scheduled flying, the firm looks to be moving into the more charter and lease type of carrier.  Already this year it has completed approximately 150 charter and ACMI flights and expects to perform several additional charter flights in the coming months.

WestJet and Unifor reach tentative agreement for Toronto Pearson Airport staff....

WestJet and Unifor, the certified union representing WestJet airport employees at Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ), reached a tentative agreement on the first collective bargaining agreement between the organizations. Both parties now await the ratification vote to be put forward to membership.
"WestJet is pleased to have reached a tentative agreement that recognizes the important contributions of our valued airport employees at YYZ," said Diederik Pen, WestJet Executive Vice-President and Chief Operating Officer. "Our airport employees play an integral role in supporting our operations and this settlement reflects WestJet's commitment to supporting them as they continue to provide the friendly, reliable service our guests know and expect of the WestJet Group."

Blue marble sparkles: Airbus-built HOTBIRD 13G satellite provides colourful selfie

Eighth Airbus-built full-electric satellite joins twin in orbit for Eutelsat

The Airbus-built Eutelsat HOTBIRD 13G satellite has reached its geostationary orbit, 36,000 km above us. A month after its twin satellite HOTBIRD13F, it completed its electric orbit raising in five months and used cameras to do visual checks to complement the comprehensive testing at its orbital position. While its twin was equipped with a black and white camera, HOTBIRD 13G, the eighth Airbus-built full-electric satellite, has a full-colour device.

HOTBIRD13-G is equipped with a camera - this time in colour - at the tip of one of the robotic arms hosting the electric propulsion thrusters

Airbus Helicopters introduces first American-made military versions of the H125

MAG Aerospace to design and certify flexible weapons installation, allowing rapid reconfiguration

Airbus Helicopters is introducing the first U.S.-built H125 military configurations, known as AH-125 and MH-125 Ares, to the Airbus range of military helicopters. These combat-capable aircraft will feature militarized options that meet the needs of military and parapublic allies and partners around the world. 

The AH-125 Ares will be configured as the armed variant of the helicopter, while the MH-125 Ares will be configured as a multi-role helicopter capable of a wide range of operations. The new offerings complement the extensive line of military helicopters already produced by Airbus, including the H125M.

“The AH-125 and MH-125 Ares helicopters will offer the capability, reliability and flexibility needed by America’s allies and partners as they perform an array of rotary wing missions, ranging from light attack to disaster response and other parapublic missions,” said Scott Tumpak, Vice President of Military Line of Business for Airbus U.S. Space and Defense. “They represent the latest evolution of Airbus’ H125 family of helicopters, and will be produced in the U.S. at Airbus Helicopters, Inc.’s facility in Columbus, Mississippi.”

Globally, the H125 family accounts for almost 80% of the single-engine market and has the highest number of certified modifications (supplemental type certificates) available. With the new addition of a flexible weapons capability, the H125 helicopter will easily be re-configured between multiple mission sets in less than 30 minutes, ranging between light attack, air assault, search and rescue, casualty evacuation, and disaster response, as well as other combat and parapublic operations.

MAG Aerospace will perform the weapons installation design, engineering, certification and manufacturing. The helicopter will accommodate a wide range of weapons such as a .50 cal (12.7 mm) gun and unguided rockets, and precision-guided weapons as a growth option. The installation allows for doors-on flight throughout the mission.

“MAG Aerospace is thrilled to team with Airbus to combine our unique platform engineering and modification capabilities with the world-class leader in the single-engine helicopter market.  It’s an honor to work with Airbus and expand our ability to serve our partners in the U.S. and around the world,” said Matt Bartlett, President of MAG Aerospace.

The H125 is the world’s top-selling helicopter with a long history of use by U.S. law enforcement and government agencies. Currently, the H125 is the light enforcement helicopter used by U.S. Customs and Border Protection, with more than 100 H125 family aircraft in service, making the U.S. government the single largest customer and operator of the aircraft. 

Airbus provides a range of reliable and versatile helicopters to the U.S. government and military, enabling them to perform a wide variety of missions. More than 480 UH-72A and UH-72B Lakota helicopters have been delivered to the U.S. Army and National Guard since the program began in 2006. Airbus also continues to support the U.S. Coast Guard’s fleet of nearly 100 MH-65 helicopters, which play a critical role in the USCG’s homeland security, drug interdiction and lifesaving missions.

11th year in a row American Airlines wins at the Freddie Awards.....

For the 11th consecutive year, the American Airlines AAdvantage programme was recognized as the Best Elite Programme in the Americas during the 2023 Freddie Awards, held last evening at the Smithsonian’s National Air and Space Museum Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center near Washington D.C.

“The Freddie Awards are one of the most prestigious awards in travel loyalty. To be recognized as the best of the best by our loyal AAdvantage members 11 times is special to us,” said Scott Chandler, American’s Vice President of Revenue Management and Loyalty. “Our team is dedicated to designing a program to help members achieve their travel goals and earn more rewards before and between status tiers. This vote of confidence from our members confirms we’re on the right path, and it will inspire us as we continue to advance the program.”

Since 1988, the Freddie Awards have recognized achievements in the travel loyalty industry in the Americas, Europe and Africa, the Middle East and Asia/Oceania. The awards, which honour both airline and hotel loyalty programs, are based entirely on votes from travellers around the world. Ballots are available in more than ten languages and this year more than 9 million votes were cast worldwide.

The AAdvantage program is free to join and gives members access to some of the best that American offers. Members can enjoy benefits like the ability to manage trips and credits with ease, earn miles towards reward travel and access to exclusive promotions.

Latest results from SkyWest

The U.S. regional airline SkyWest has just reported some impressive financial and operating results for the first quarter of 2023, including a net loss of $22 million compared to a net income of $18 million, for Q1 2022.

Commenting on the results, Chip Childs, Chief Executive Officer of SkyWest, said, “We are making solid headway in our production and performance objectives. We continue to experience exceptionally high demand for our products and appreciate the ongoing engagement from each of our partners. I also want to thank our people for their great work in delivering both an outstanding product and exceptional reliability through the challenging first quarter.”

During Q1 2023, SkyWest repurchased 5.1 million shares of common stock for $100 million, which represented 10% of SkyWest’s outstanding shares as of December 31, 2022. The shares were repurchased under SkyWest’s previously announced share repurchase program.

Additionally, during Q1 2023, SkyWest acquired 24 CRJ700 aircraft and eight CRJ200 aircraft under an early lease buyout for $125 million. Pursuant to this transaction, SkyWest avoids making future lease and lease return cash payments of approximately $90 million, and SkyWest now owns these aircraft and engines.

Financial Results