Alaska is the most fuel-efficient airline for 7th year!

Alaska Airlines ranks No. 1 in fuel efficiency for U.S. airlines for the 7th consecutive year.

Alaska led all 13 major U.S. carriers as the most fuel-efficient airline operating in the United States in 2015 and 2016, according to a report released today by the International Council on Clean Transportation, an independent, nonprofit research organization based in Washington, D.C.

“Alaska burns about 13 percent less fuel (per passenger mile) than the industry average, it’s a profitable airline, and it’s done this for seven years running,” said Naya Olmer, lead author of the study.

Additionally, Alaska was selected for inclusion in the Dow Jones Sustainability Index North America.

“Being recognized by The International Council on Clean Transportation and the Dow Jones Sustainability Index is validation of Alaska’s goal to be a national leader in environmental stewardship,” said Jacqueline Drumheller, Alaska’s sustainability manager. “We have been recognized as the leader in the airline industry and are proud to rank among social responsibility leaders across all industries.”

The DJSI-NA serves as a benchmark of sustainable business practices across environmental, social, ethical and governmental efforts among large corporations. Investors recognize that organizations selected for inclusion in the DJSI are focused on corporate responsibility and commitment to long-term shareholder value.

This respected index evaluates companies on economic, environmental and social criteria, including corporate governance and compliance, development of human capital, energy efficiency, customer relations management, and environmental reporting and management.

Full results: ICCT study

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Priority Pass Unveils The World's Best Airport Lounges - and They're Not Where You'd Expect

A selection of the world's best airport lounges have been revealed by independent lounge membership program, Priority Pass, in its annual Lounge of the Year Awards.  This year winners include lounges in Jamaica, Estonia, Malta and Quebec as well as Singapore and Dubai.  

The awards are based on ratings provided by Priority Pass Members and recognize excellence within the world's largest independent lounge membership program. Priority Pass now includes more than 1000 airport lounges in over 500 cities and is this year celebrating its 25th Anniversary.

This year's overall winner is Club Kingston, at Jamaica's Kingston Norman Manley International Airport. With a decidedly Jamaican flair, the lounge features artwork and décor sourced from across the country plus local food and drink including traditional Jamaican patties and peas soup - all served to a gentle soundtrack of reggae music. An on-site bartender even creates signature cocktails, including a 'Club Kingston Classic', 'Priority Passion' and 'VIP Splash'. But it's not all pleasure! The lounge also offers excellent facilities to support business travellers on the move, including a conference facility and dedicated workstations.

New Buffalo to Albany service coming soon

For more than seven years, air service between Buffalo and Albany has been suspended, forcing travelers to make the 280-mile trip by car. OneJet, the air transportation network that provides consumers increased access to nonstop travel in small and medium markets, today announced it will offer twice-daily nonstop service between the two cities, reducing travel time to less than an hour. Flights will begin on Thursday, 1st Feb. 2018 and ticket sales will be available for the route on Tuesday, 9th January 2018.

With the launch of the Buffalo/Albany route, OneJet will introduce its new OneJet Plus service, offering expanded service onboard larger ERJ135 aircraft and providing travelers enhanced amenities, including expanded legroom at each seat; complimentary 4G high-speed Wi-Fi; streaming entertainment gate to gate; and complimentary beer, wine and snacks en route. Travelers will also receive the same check-in conveniences that standard OneJet flights provide, including TSA Pre access for eligible travelers and valet planeside baggage service.

The new route will serve as a key productivity tool for business travelers in the region, including those for launch customers M&T Bank and HealthNow New York Inc., the state's leading health benefits company, providing health insurance plans for companies and individuals in Western New York. 

"Air service between Buffalo and Albany was presented as a mission-critical route for the Upstate New York business community, and we're pleased to offer this new nonstop service to meet that demand," said Matthew Maguire, OneJet CEO. "Our expansion in Western New York also marks a significant milestone for us as we introduce the OneJet Plus product to the market, providing an expanded platform to serve highly demanded routes throughout our network. We look forward to working with our airport partners in Buffalo and Albany to serve travelers based in both cities."

The OneJet Plus–branded ERJ135 aircraft will offer a comfortable 30 seat cabin for the 55-minute gate-to-gate service, with convenient morning and afternoon flights Monday through Friday.

SATS Premier Lounge at Singapore Changi International wins Priority Pass 2017 Asia Pacific Airport Lounge of the Year Award

SATS Premier Lounge, Terminal 2 at Singapore Changi International has been awarded the Priority Pass Asia Pacific Airport Lounge of the Year Award.

Now in its thirteenth year, the awards are based on ratings provided by 72,000 Priority Pass Members and recognize excellence within the world's largest independent lounge membership program. Priority Pass now includes more than 1000 airport lounges in over 500 cities and is this year celebrating its 25th Anniversary.

SATS Premier Lounge is known for giving its guests a chance to experience Singaporean culture, featuring real orchids, a display of Peranakan porcelain as well as artwork depicting local scenes decorating the lounge. The lounge also hosts regular events, for example serving mooncakes during the Mooncake festival, ensuring that visitors are treated to a unique experience each time they enter the lounge. Its signature SATS Laksa meal is also a favourite for travellers.

Air China and Air Canada Expand Strategic Cooperation

Air Canada and Air China  announced this week that the airlines will expand their mutual codeshare services and lounge agreement in time for the 2018 Canada-China Year of Tourism, recognizing the importance of tourism and trade between the two countries. As Air Canada and Air China work toward finalizing their planned joint venture, while satisfying both countries' applicable regulatory conditions, the two Star Alliance carriers also launched their first joint frequent flyer promotion to offer the carriers' respective Aeroplan and PhoenixMiles members up to 30 per cent bonus miles effective December 15, 2017 for eligible travel between April 1, 2018 and June 15, 2018 on all flights between Canada and China operated by Air China and Air Canada.

As a result of the codeshare expansion, Air China will place its code on Air Canada's new daily Montreal-Shanghai flight, as well as Air Canada's flights from Vancouver to Victoria, Kelowna, Saskatoon, and Regina.

In addition, Air Canada will place its code on Air China's flights between Beijing and Zhengzhou, Xiamen, Shenzhen and Nanjing as well as Air China's flight between Montreal-Havana, Cuba.  The expanded codeshare cooperation is planned to come into effect in April 2018, subject to regulatory and government approvals.

Both carriers have also implemented an expanded lounge agreement. In addition to Star Gold customers, all Air China First and Business class customers will now have access to Air Canada's recently upgraded International Maple Leaf Lounges featuring enhanced food and beverage offerings at Montreal and Vancouver airports. Air Canada's eligible customers will continue to enjoy access to Air China's lounges in Beijing, Shanghai and other airports throughout China.

More than 500 Commercial Aircraft Now Flying with Gogo's 2Ku Technology

Gogo  the leading global provider of broadband connectivity products and services for aviation, announced today that it now has more than 500 aircraft flying with its 2Ku technology with more than 400 of those installations taking place in 2017.

The company has also shortened install times to around 30 hours, which is less than half the time that it typically takes to install a broadband satellite connectivity solution.

"We are setting a new industry standard in terms of technology deployments in aviation.  We continue to set the bar higher in terms of speed of installation and will finish the year within the install range we set for 2017," said John Wade, Gogo's executive vice president and COO.  "We know that when passengers experience the 2Ku difference they travel happier which, in turn, makes our airline partners happy.  So, we are investing in finding ways to get 2Ku aircraft online as fast as we can."

A step closer to a supersonic business jet....

Introducing the Aerion AS2

Two leaders in supersonic technology, Aerion and Lockheed Martin announced a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) today to define a formal and gated process to explore the feasibility of a joint development of the world's first supersonic business jet, the Aerion AS2. Over the next 12 months, the companies will work together to develop a framework on all phases of the program, including engineering, certification and production.

Aerion Chairman Robert M. Bass stated, "This relationship is absolutely key to creating a supersonic renaissance. When it comes to supersonic know-how, Lockheed Martin's capabilities are well known, and, in fact, legendary. We share with Lockheed Martin a commitment to the long-term development of efficient civil supersonic aircraft."

"We are excited to work with Aerion on their development of the next-generation, efficient supersonic jet that will potentially serve as a platform for pioneering future supersonic aircraft," said Orlando Carvalho, Executive Vice President, Lockheed Martin Aeronautics.

The MOU is the result of extensive discussions between Aerion and Lockheed Martin's Skunk Works® Advanced Development Programs team. For close to 75 years, Skunk Works has existed to create revolutionary aircraft that push the boundaries of what is possible.

Lockheed Martin, known for developing the world's leading supersonic combat aircraft, the F-16, the F-35, and F-22, as well as the Mach 3+ SR-71 reconnaissance aircraft, is committed to fostering new innovations and developing supersonic technologies with civil and commercial applications.

"Following our initial review of Aerion's aerodynamic technology, our conclusion is that the Aerion AS2 concept warrants the further investment of our time and resources," said Carvalho. "We are committed to remaining on the cutting edge of aerospace technology and are excited to examine the contribution we might make to working with Aerion on making aviation history."

Delta orders up to 200 Airbus A321neo's

Great news for European based aerospace giant, Airbus as they agree with Delta Air Lines terms for the impressive sale of 100 aircraft with a further order option for another 100 aircraft.

Delta Air Lines will be purchasing state-of-the-art Airbus 321neo (new engine option) aircraft with deliveries due to start in the first part of 2020. The new jets, which will be powered by Pratt & Whitney geared-turbofan engines, will feature cutting-edge safety, efficiency and comfort.

“This is the right transaction at the right time for our customers, our employees and our shareholders,” said Delta CEO Ed Bastian. “Delta, Airbus and Pratt & Whitney share the same commitment to safety, efficiency, innovation and continuously improving the customer experience. This order for the state-of-the-art A321neo with Pratt’s Pure Power next-generation jet engines reflects our long-term commitment to these values for Delta people and all our constituents.”

Delta plans to configure these new A321neo's with  20 First Class seats, 30 in Delta Comfort+ and 147 in the main cabin to form room enough for 197 passengers. The aircraft will all be fitted with superb high-tech on-demand in-flight entertainment system, fast satellite-based 2Ku in-flight Wi-Fi, power ports as well as streaming video content will be available at every seat through Delta Studio. The cabin will also feature expansive, 25-percent-larger bookshelf-style overhead bins and full spectrum LED cabin lighting.

Delta expects to take delivery of its first A321neo in the first quarter of 2020 with new aircraft arriving through 2023.

“The A321neo will equip Delta employees with a customer-preferred, versatile narrowbody aircraft befitting their position as a global airline leader — and we are excited to continue to partner with them as they deliver industry-leading operational performance, customer satisfaction and financial results,” said John Leahy, Chief Operating Officer — Customers, Airbus Commercial Aircraft. “This purchase furthers our commitment to U.S. aviation — a commitment that has never been stronger.  Today, there is more U.S. content in Airbus aircraft than from any other country, with more than 40 percent of our aircraft-related procurement coming from the United States.  In addition, our workforce at the U.S. Manufacturing Facility in Mobile, Alabama is proud that they will be delivering many of these A321neos to Delta in the coming years.”

Alaska Airlines launches new service from San Francisco to Kona

Alaska Airlines began nonstop service between San Francisco International Airport and Kailua-Kona International Airport, yesterday. The 31st new route launched by the carrier from California this year. The new service is part of the largest network expansion in Alaska Airlines' 85-year history and solidifies Alaska Air Group as the leading airline of nonstop flights from the West Coast to Hawaii.

Newest route caps off a year of historical network expansion for the carrier

"Bay Area guests now have the option to fly from any of the region's major airports to the Island of Hawaii," said Annabel Chang, Alaska Airlines' vice president of the Bay Area. "Kona-bound guests travelling from San Francisco today will be treated to a Hawaiian-themed breakfast and prizes at the departure gate, and upon arrival, will be greeted with flower leis, hula entertainment and goodie bags with Island of Hawaii products. This surprise-and-delight is part of our dedicated approach to bring low fares and award-winning service across our Alaska Airlines and Virgin America network."

Virgin America's A320 family of aircraft will operate the new route, with three classes of service, power outlets throughout the cabin, custom leather seats with adjustable headrests and a selection of food and beverage inspired by local chefs.

"We are honoured and thankful to be a part of Virgin America's expanded service to the Hawaiian Islands," said Ross Birch, executive director of the Island of Hawaii Visitors Bureau. "The Kona route provides yet another option for vacationers travelling to Hawaii, making it easier for Bay Area guests to experience all that makes our island special – from diverse landscapes, rich culture and history, outdoor adventures, and Hawaii's unique attractions, such as the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park."

Eurowings starts Dusseldorf - Puerto Plata service

The German low-cost carrier and sister of Lufthansa,  Eurowings has expanded its portfolio of long-haul flights from Düsseldorf with a service to Puerto Plata.

The service is operated by one of the airlines Airbus A330 aircraft and was sent on its way with a water cannon salute from the fire services at Düsseldorf Airport.  Fares start from just  € 199.99 one-way.

It follows on from the recent introduction of Düsseldorf to Punta Cana route the airline started recently.  The maiden flight started on Thursday, 14th December 2017 with typical German punctually at 12:20.

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Ryanair to recognise unions.....

Just days after Ryanair issued an antagonistic and bullish statement refusing to recognise any pilot unions, it seems the threat of pilot strikes in at least four European countries has forced the low-fare and high-fee airline to think again.

The airline has never before recognised unions, however now it has written to pilot unions in Ireland, the UK, Germany, Italy, Spain and Portugal inviting them for talks.  The airline says its time for a change, it is the evolution of the airline,  pilots had "asked for this form of collective bargaining, we've agreed to it because we feel the time is right" that carrier told the BBC.

The Irish airline said it would recognise unions "as the representative body for pilots in Ryanair in each of these countries, as long as they establish committees of Ryanair pilots to deal with Ryanair issues, as Ryanair will not engage with pilots who fly for competitor airlines in Ireland or elsewhere".

Impact, the Irish pilots' union, confirmed it had been sent a copy of the letter and was considering its contents carefully. UK pilots' union Balpa also confirmed it had also received a written offer of recognition talks from Ryanair and has accepted the invitation to such talks.

Ryanair called on the unions to cancel the planned strikes due to start on 20th December, so far only the Italian union ha agreed to suspend strike action.

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VIP Lounge named Lounge of the Year in North America

 The Québec City Jean Lesage International Airport  VIP lounge was voted Lounge of the Year in North America, all categories combined, by Priority Pass program members.

The award recognizes excellence in the services provided by VIP lounges in the Priority Pass network and their efforts to ensure a high quality passenger experience. This year more than 72,000 votes were compiled to designate winners of the 13th Priority Pass Lounge of the Year Awards. Priority Pass currently has a network of over 1,000 airport lounges in more than 500 cities and is celebrating its 25th anniversary this year.

Flair Airlines Removes Carry-on Fees

Flair Airlines, the airline that is reinventing domestic air travel in Canada, announced it will no longer charge passengers for carry-on luggage.  The removal of charges took effect 1st December 2017 for anyone booking their flights in December; Flair will remove the $30 carry-on baggage fee.

"We have listened very closely to the input from our passengers," said Chris Lapointe, Vice President Commercial Operations. "Removing the carry-on baggage fee is something that we are excited to do as an airline.  We know how important this is to the travelling public in Canada."

Flair Airlines allows for one small personal item, and now one carry-on bag per person free of charge.  Standard luggage sizes apply.  Passengers will be required to pay for other checked bags.  "We want our passengers to have a positive experience with us, and if that requires us removing this fee, then we are delighted to respond," stated Lapointe.

Porter's seasonal service to Myrtle Beach resumes on Valentines Day.

Toronto residents now is the time to start planning your first getaway of the new year as Porter Airlines resumes seasonal service to Myrtle Beach, beginning 14th February 2018. 

Ideal for all you snowbirds, lovers, families or anyone that fancies a little holiday sunshine, Myrtle Beach is a wonderful destination.  There is lots to see and do plus it is also an elite golf destination. There are more than 100 courses in the area ready to challenge all skill levels, but if golf is not your thing or you think it just spoils a good walk, then worry not, there are loads of other things to do!   60 miles of beaches and they're gorgeous! Sparkling waters, white sands, endless possibilities. Great restaurants too, well what would you expect from the seafood capital of SC!  Oh, and of course you must take a revolution on the biggest big wheel on the east coast. 

The short flight from Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport makes Myrtle Beach an ideal destination for a taste of warmer weather. Flights operate twice weekly on Wednesdays and Saturdays, with added frequency during March Break. Service concludes on May 19. Porter offers the only non-stop flights from Canada.

"This is the time to get a head start on holiday planning," said Robert Deluce, president and CEO of Porter Airlines. "Having a trip booked gives you something to look forward to once the holidays wrap up."

Lucky escape as ATR42 crashes in Canada

There was a remarkably lucky escape for the 22 passengers and 3 crew of an ATR42-320 aircraft belonging to West Wind Aviation crashed on 13th December just after take-off around 1 km from Fond-du-Lac Airport, Saskatchewan, Canada. 

All 22 passengers and 3 crew members on board the ATR 42-320 registration C-GWEA were rescued after the aircraft came down at approximately 18.15 local Canadian time yesterday evening.   The police advised that first responders got to the scene as quickly as possible and worked rapidly to remove the 22 passengers which included an infant and the 3 crew from the aircraft wreckage. 

Many people were injured in the crash and transferred to hospital and whilst the full extent of their injuries are not immediately clear, none are thought to be life-threatening conditions. 

“We train for incidents like this. First and foremost is the well-being of the passengers and crew. With all the hectic activity in this kind of incident, it’s really important to make sure that they’re front and centre and that they’re the focus.” Rick Philipenko, vice-president and chief financial officer of the Saskatoon-based West Wind Aviation said. 

Inside the ATR

Mr Philipenko said the area of the crash site is now under the control of authorities and the TSB,  “We’re an observer when we’re there on site. Our role primarily is to make sure the passengers and crew are looked after.”

The company initially posted the following message on its Facebook page, but there has been no official statement or update from the airline since last night. 

West Wind Aviation has been in operation since 1983 and flies from bases in Saskatoon, La Ronge and Stony Rapids, as well as in northern Saskatchewan.  In 2016 it bought out Transwest Air which added a number of aircraft to its fleet which included 5 ATR42's Twin Otters and Beech 1900C and D's. On its website, it proudly proclaims “Our safety record is exemplary and our customer service exceptional,” the company states on its website. “Fly with West Wind and we take care, for you.”

There has been no immediate reaction from the TSB who are at the scene investigating as to the cause of the accident.  

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The biggest Christmas Tree in the World?

Is, or rather was, this the biggest Christmas Tree in the world? 

An Airbus A380 for Emirates was on a test flight and through careful route planning and meticulous piloting the jet drew a massive Christmas Tree - complete with bauble decorations. The route was captured by Flightradar24 and shared on twitter many hundreds of times.

🎄 Finished! A Christmas tree and ‘tree topper’ by an @Airbus A380.https://t.co/CEadIGqKtt pic.twitter.com/eDclHp0Hum

— Flightradar24 (@flightradar24) 13 December 2017

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The uncertain future of Niki

The fate of the Austrian subsidiary of Air Berlin, Niki seemed relatively certain a few days ago after Lufthansa had agreed to buy it as part of its rescue deal for Air Berlin. However European regulators expressed concern over competition in the region and so the German flag carrier Lufthansa has been forced to scrap its plans to buy Niki on Wednesday.  The surprise move has grounded the airlines fleet of aircraft and stranded thousands of passengers. The airlines managing director said was a “national disaster for Austria”.

The email message advising the end of Niki

Austria’s Transport Ministry indicated that there were approximately 5,000 Niki passengers stranded overseas over the next few weeks. Some would be able to get special 'rescue' fares with other airlines, including Eurowings and Tui.   

The airlines' administrator started urgent talks today in an effort to secure a purchaser for the beleaguered airline founded by former racing driver Niki Lauda. The administrators believe they must act with extreme urgency or else the airline may lose one of its most valuable assets, its runway slots!


Generally speaking in Europe, after the bankruptcy of an airline, the expensive runway slots are returned to a central pool from which they are redistributed to other airlines. Unless of course a buy has been found for the bankrupt airline. 

One of the administrators, Frank Kebekus hoped a deal for Niki could be agreed before the end of the year. “If we had that, then we can certainly take another week or two in January to finalize it,” he told local media. 

Local media is also reporting that there are five companies that have expressed an interest in buying the airline business. Although according to Wolfgang Katzian of Austrian union GPA said there were four interested parties, but refused to name them.

Earlier in the year, before the Lufthansa deal was in place, Niki Lauda offered around €100 million in partnership with Condor - part of Thomas Cook for Niki and 17 aircraft.  Yesterday he expressed to local radio that he was still interested in taking over the company - this time without a business partner.

The future is looking incredibly uncertain, for both passengers and staff - who still don't know for sure if they are going to get their wages for November. 

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WestJet announces frequent flyer redemption with Qantas

WestJet announced that members of WestJet Rewards can now redeem their WestJet dollars on Member Exclusive fares to destinations in the Qantas Airways (Qantas) network including Sydney, Melbourne and Auckland.

WestJet announced that members of WestJet Rewards can now redeem their WestJet dollars on to destinations in the Qantas Airways (Qantas) network including Sydney, Melbourne and Auckland. (CNW Group/WestJet)

"We are delighted to deepen our partnership with Qantas and bring even more global travel options to our WestJet Rewards members," said Ed Sims, WestJet Executive Vice-President, Commercial. "Offering Qantas' premium products, service, and flight network to our members is a further example of WestJet Rewards taking our guests even more places they want to go."

Member Exclusive fares provide great value and access to more than 450 partner destinations around the globe for bucket-list travel to places like Paris, Amsterdam, Rome, Shanghai and Hong Kong.  

More information on WestJet Rewards Member Exclusive fares and partner airlines can be found at westjet.com/here. 

Southwest add flights for US footie fans

 Southwest Airlines  announced new flights that'll get football fans from Oklahoma City and Atlanta to Los Angeles just in time for New Year's Day kickoff in one of college football's biggest games of the year.

Based on the demand from fans in Oklahoma and Georgia, the carrier added additional nonstop options for fans to get to the bowl game in Pasadena, Calif. The carrier added the following flights to its schedule:

ApplePay is the new way for Finnair

Finnair has introduced this week a new way to pay,  Apple Pay, which is transforming mobile payments with an easy, secure and private way to pay that’s fast and convenient.

Finnair customers can now use Apple Pay for ticket and ancillary purchases on Finnair’s mobile website and using the Finnair mobile application. Apple Pay is available for Finnair customers using iOS mobile devices globally in those markets where Apple has implemented the payment method.   

Security and privacy is at the core of Apple Pay. When you use a credit or debit card with Apple Pay, the actual card numbers are not stored on the device, nor on Apple servers. Instead, a unique Device Account Number is assigned, encrypted and securely stored in the Secure Element on your device. Each transaction is authorized with a one-time unique dynamic security code.

Norwegian buys more slots at London Gatwick for more expansion

One of the World's most popular low-cost air carriers, Norwegian, has confirmed today it has acquired an additional 28 weekly slots at London Gatwick Airport from summer 2018. The take-off and landing slots, purchased from Small Planet Airlines, will allow Norwegian to plan for continued growth at Gatwick as the airline heads into its busiest ever year in the UK in 2018.

London Gatwick is at the heart of Norwegian’s fast-growing UK operation, where the airline already flies more than 4.6 million passengers each year to over 30 global destinations. Norwegian’s route network at Gatwick includes affordable long-haul flights to 9 US cities and Singapore, with further long-haul routes to Argentina, Chicago and Austin launching early next year.

Planning work is now underway to allocate the newly acquired 28 weekly slots which cover the busy summer 2018 period at London Gatwick.

Norwegian Chief Commercial Officer Thomas Ramdahl said: “London Gatwick is at the heart of our global growth ambitions so securing these crucial new slots will allow us to offer our passengers' even more new routes, additional flights and affordable fares. Together with the launch of new routes to Argentina, Chicago and Austin in 2018, gaining extra capacity at London Gatwick is another huge boost as we get ready for our biggest ever year in the UK.”

Read on to see the next famous face to be featured on a tail of a sleek Norwegian jet.

Lufthansa makes further concessions to EU Commission

Lufthansa has made further concessions today in the course of the intended acquisition of parts of the Air Berlin Group. The transaction is currently being examined by the EU Commission as the responsible merger control authority. In the so-called Phase One assessment, Lufthansa had already offered extensive commitments in particular by giving up slots. However, the Commission considers this to be insufficient and has clearly indicated that an acquisition of Niki and its integration into the Eurowings Group would currently not be approved. Based on this assessment, a takeover of Niki by Eurowings is no longer being pursued. 

Takeover of Niki no longer pursued

Offer to give up further slots for still intended takeover of  Luftfahrtgesellschaft Walter (LGW) 

Lufthansa has today informed both Air Berlin and its administrator that it intends to close the transaction excluding the acquisition of Niki. 

With regard to the still intended takeover of Luftfahrtgesellschaft Walter (LGW), Lufthansa would give up numerous slots in order to obtain merger clearance in Phase One. The revised commitments will be submitted to the EU Commission today.  

The Lufthansa Group maintains its plan of expanding its point-to-point business increasingly through organic growth of the Eurowings Group.

A share of the agreed purchase price for Niki has already been transferred to the company as bridge financing. The unpaid purchase price components will now be used for the organic capacity expansion in Niki's markets. Economically, this leads to a comparable result for the Lufthansa Group.

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Wizz Air Aviation 100 European Airline of the year

Wizz Air, the largest low-cost airline in Central and Eastern Europe, has taken the top prize of ‘European Airline of the Year’ at Aviation 100. The award was received by Owain Jones, Wizz Air’s Chief Corporate Officer, at the Airline Economics Growth Frontiers London 2017 conference gala dinner in London.

Aviation 100 praised Wizz Air for its outstanding year of growth, which has seen the airline achieve record passenger numbers, further expand its far-reaching network and announce a game-changing order of 146 Airbus A320neo Family aircraft at the Dubai Airshow. 

Winners of the high-profile awards, which recognize the year’s most outstanding performers in the aerospace industry, are decided primarily by an industry-wide survey sent out to a global distribution list of more than 10,000 names over a two-month period. Nominations for each category are also accepted and are judged using a combination of points awarded for specific criteria. Aviation 100 ranks the top ten performers in each category with the winner receiving a coveted outstanding achievement award.

Official Launch of the Air China Beijing - Brisbane Route

On 10th December 2017, Air China held a launch ceremony for the inaugural flight on its new route between Beijing and Brisbane. The ceremony was attended by a number of distinguished guests, including Andrew Hogg, Regional General Manager at North Asia at Tourism Australia; Nick Elliott, executive of Government Affairs Department at Tourism and Events Queensland; Charley Shen, director for Greater China Region at Tourism and Events Queensland; and Xulun Hou, vice president of Air China.

At the launch ceremony, Air China's vice president Xulun Hou remarked: "This new route between Beijing and Brisbane is Air China's sixth non-stop route between China and Australia. Brisbane is also Air China's third Australian destination, after Sydney and Melbourne. The establishment of this new route is part of Air China's global expansion of its route network and improvement of links between China and Australia. The launch of the route will provide a convenient transport link that should spur trade, business cooperation and tourism between Beijing and Queensland."

Leanne Coddington, CEO of Tourism and Events Queensland, stated: "This is the first ever air corridor between China's capital, Beijing, and Brisbane, the capital of Queensland state. This represents a major milestone for the state of Queensland. It is expected that the new route will carry almost 170,000 new visitors to Queensland over the next four years. The route makes it easier for Chinese tourists to reach Brisbane, which is a gateway to the Gold Coast, the Whitsunday Islands and other well-known travel destinations. Chinese visitors are now only half a day away from Queensland's mild climate, pristine beaches and jaw-dropping Great Barrier Reef."