Ethiopian Airlines to launch flights between Addis Ababa and Chicago

Chicago’s O’Hare International Airport will soon offer its first direct flights to Africa.

The Chicago Department of Aviation and Ethiopian Airlines on Monday announced new nonstop service between O’Hare and Ethiopia’s Addis Ababa Bole International Airport. Flights will begin June 2 and be offered three times per week, departing Chicago on Wednesday, Friday and Sunday and arriving on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday.

Ethiopian Airlines is O’Hare’s newest air carrier partner.  Aviation Commissioner Ginger Evans says the new route will expand O’Hare’s connectivity t

o the world and “unlock new opportunities for the city of Chicago and travellers across the globe.”

City officials say approximately 50 Chicago-area companies have operations in over 100 locations across 10 African countries.

Ethiopian Airlines serves 55 destinations across Africa from its hub in the country’s capital.

Airbus wraps up its successful 2018 Singapore Airshow participation

From the digitalisation of maintenance operations to aerial data collection by drones, Airbus’ growing portfolio of services took centre stage at this week’s Singapore Airshow – with a particular focus on the Asia-Pacific marketplace.

Announcements during the six-day biennial aerospace industry event – Asia’s largest – included the sign-up of additional airline customers for Airbus’ predictive maintenance and flight hour services, the launch of Asia-Pacific operations for the company’s commercial drone services, and a new partnership to support military and police helicopters in Thailand.

Skywise: unlocking the power of data

Airbus’ Skywise open-aviation data platform increased its user base with the Singapore Airshow announcement that AirAsia, Asiana Airlines and Etihad Airways will become the first airlines to use full aircraft data and advanced predictive analytics – with each signing a premium subscription contract covering Skywise Predictive Maintenance.

A Skywise-equipped aircraft captures vast amounts of performance data, and this quantity of information can be used by airlines to anticipate their maintenance needs with high levels of accuracy, and well in advance, thus maximising the operational reliability and utilization of their jetliners.

In addition to the premium predictive services, AirAsia, Asiana Airlines and Etihad Airways will gain access to the Skywise Core cloud-based platform. For airlines who have not yet selected premium predictive services, Airbus offers Skywise Core under a “shared value” arrangement, enabling airlines that agree to share operating data from their Airbus fleet to access the platform at no cost. Recently-signed Airbus agreements for airlines to join Skywise Core include Bangkok Airways, LATAM and WOW air.   

Flush your hamster down the loo - Spirit advises passenger

Flush you hamster down the loo, that's what an American ultra-low-cost airline told one of its passengers,  even after she'd called the airline twice to make sure her 'emotional support' fluffy hamster could fly.

Belen Aldecosea was flying home from college to South Florida and had twice called Spirit Airlines to make sure she could take her beloved pet hamster 'Pebbles' home with her. The airline twice assured her that it would be ok and little Pebbles could fly!

However, after arriving at Baltimore airport, Spirit went back on its word and refused to allow the tiny critter on the flight.  There was little Belen could do, her college friends were hours away on campus, it is then that Spirit told the distraught student to flush the pet down the airport toilet.  

Aldecosea had to return home for a medical issue and was so upset and worried about the situation, she tried to hire a car but was unsuccessful, a bus trip would have taken days and the unthinkable seemed to be the only option. 

What did Belen do.......

SkyWest Reports Combined January 2018 Traffic for SkyWest Airlines and ExpressJet Airlines

SkyWest, reported this week approximately 147,800 block hours in January 2018, compared to approximately 153,700 block hours in January 2017, a decrease of 5,900 or 3.8%. The net decrease was consistent with SkyWest's fleet transition plan to improve the mix of aircraft in its fleet by adding new E175 aircraft while reducing its 50-seat jets.  The year-over-year net change was primarily driven by approximately 7,200 additional block hours from E175 aircraft and a decrease of approximately 13,100 block hours from other aircraft types.   

In January 2018, SkyWest's dual-class aircraft represented approximately 53% of SkyWest's total block hour production for the month compared to approximately 47% for the month of January 2017.       

Air Taxi Service Provider Wijet Commits To Upgrading Business Jet Fleet With The HondaJet

Honda Aircraft Company and Wijet, a provider of air taxi service currently operating 15 business jets throughout Europe, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) today for multiple HondaJets to upgrade the Wijet fleet. Honda Aircraft made the announcement during the Singapore Airshow being held at Changi Exhibition Centre, where the HondaJet is making its first-ever appearance.

Wijet is the first French air taxi company and offers travel to about 1,200 airports throughout Europe and North Africa. Wijet's mission is to provide their customers with the most modern and advanced aircraft with high performance, efficiency and reliability.

The MoU follows Honda Aircraft's recent announcements of being the most-delivered jet in its category for the first half of 2017 and several speed records in its class. Wijet is expected to take delivery of its first HondaJet during the first quarter of 2018 with more to follow.

"I am delighted that Wijet has chosen the HondaJet to provide their customers with the exceptional experience of the most advanced light jet on the market," said Honda Aircraft President and CEO Michimasa Fujino. "I am confident the HondaJet will meet and exceed their expectations with its quietest, most spacious and most comfortable cabin in its class combined with unrivaled speed, efficiency, and amenities like a fully-private lavatory and WiFi connectivity."

Aeromexcico January 2018 figures are up

 Aeromexico reported January 2018 operational results this week. which saw passenger numbers up over the same period last year.

The Aeromexico group transported 1 million 807 thousand passengers in January; a 10.3% year-on-year increase. International passenger numbers increased by 19.1%, while domestic passenger numbers increased by 5.3%.

Demand, measured in Revenue Passenger Kilometers (RPKs), increased by 19.7%, year-on-year. Aeromexico's capacity, measured in Available Seat Kilometers (ASKs), increased by 16.5% year-on-year.

Aeromexico's January load factor was 80.5%, an increase of 2.1 p.p. compared to January 2017.

Delta takeaway: Asian chef all-stars inspire traditional, local fare in flight

Following on from Finnair's new look Asian meal service, Delta passengers flying out of Asia with an eye for the authentic will soon feast on staples-turned-standouts like oven-baked sesame dumplings, kuro-buta pork and Bibimbap alongside other regionally sourced culinary centerpieces on select Delta flights. 

Beginning 1st March regionally inspired meals designed by Delta's new, exclusive culinary consulting partners and chefs Jereme Leung and Norio Ueno and will launch and pay respect to their Chinese and Japanese cultures so intimately steeped in food traditions. Starting this summer, Delta will also be partnering with Korean chef Woo-Joong Kwon to create regionally inspired meals for customers inflight.

Chef Leung's menus will be available on Delta flights departing Beijing and Shanghai in Delta One, Delta Premium Select and Main Cabin, while Chef Ueno's menus will be served on all flights departing Japan for the U.S. in Delta One and Delta Premium Select, expanding to Main Cabin this summer. Chef Kwon's influence will be seen on flights out of Seoul to the U.S. in the Delta One, Delta Premium Select and Main Cabin.

Singapore Airlines win Premium Airline of the Year

Singapore Airlines have just been crowned 'Premium Airline of the Year' at the Travel Trade Gazette's ttgluxury Travel Awards in London.

The prestigious ttgluxury Travel Awards took place at London's Rosewood Hotel this afternoon and are a reflection of the very best in the luxury travel sector, acting as a benchmark for quality, innovation and incredible customer service.

Singapore Airlines were up against stiff competition in the premium airline category,  the other nominees included ANA - All Nippon Airways, Cathay Pacific, Emirates, Etihad Airways and Qatar Airways. With many in the industry already tipping the Dubai based Emirates as favourite to take the award. 

Editor of ttgluxury April Hutchinson said: “In our inaugural year, I’m delighted we had such a fantastic calibre of entrants and winners, demonstrating the great breadth of incredible companies across the global luxury travel sector. Huge congratulations to all our winners."

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Azul Reports January Traffic

Azul, the largest airline in Brazil by number of destinations and departures, announces today its preliminary traffic results for January 2018.

Passenger traffic (RPKs) increased 14.0% compared to January 2017 on a capacity increase (ASKs) of 12.3%. As a result, load factor was 85.4%, 1.3 percentage points higher than in the same period last year.

As in 2017, we were again in January the number one on-time airline in Brazil, with an on-time arrival rate of 84.6% according to FlightStats.

	Jan-18	Jan-17	% ∆
Total
RPK (million)	2.269	1.991	14,0%
ASK (million)	2.658	2.368	12,3%
Load factor	85,4%	84,1%	+1,3 p.p.
Domestic
RPK (million)	1.682	1.638	2,7%
ASK (million)	2.016	1.992	1,2%
Load factor	83,4%	82,2%	+1,2 p.p.
International
RPK (million)	587	353	66,4%
ASK (million)	642	375	71,0%
Load factor	91,4%	94,0%	-2,6 p.p.

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Frontier Airlines Adds 35 New Routes, Four New Cities

The American low-cost airline Frontier Airlines is expanding rapidly, connecting more people in more places than ever before.

Just recently they announced a slew of new and continuing routes:-

Colorado Springs, Colo. To/from Atlanta (new)
Denver to/from Fort Myers (expanded to year-round)
Las Vegas to/from Raleigh-Durham (expanded to year-round)
Miami, Fla. To/from San Juan, P.R. (new)
Philadelphia to/from Dallas/Ft. Worth (new)
Philadelphia to/from Grand Rapids, Mich. (new)
Philadelphia to/from Indianapolis, Ind. (new)
Tulsa, Okla. to/from San Jose, Calif. (new)
Tulsa, Okla. To/from Washington-Dulles (new)

Now today they announced new service on 35 nonstop routes and added four new cities. “This additional 35 routes is further evidence of Frontier’s commitment to deliver on our mission to make air travel more affordable and accessible to 90 percent of America,” said Daniel Shurz, senior vice president of commercial for Frontier Airlines. “We’re offering not only amazing low fares but a reliable and friendly service that allows customers to customize their travel experience to their needs and their budget. This empowers more people than ever to fly. This is what our Low Fares Done Right philosophy is all about.”

This announcement brings a number of notable milestones. Frontier moves to the top spot as largest carrier in Long Island, N.Y. in terms of destinations served (12). Moreover, the carrier moves will now be the second largest carrier in Austin (30), Denver (77), Raleigh-Durham (15), Jacksonville, Fla. (6), Philadelphia (27) and San Antonio (14) in a number of destinations served. Frontier will be the only airline serving Branson Airport. This announcement comes just a week after an announcement of nine additional routes that will also begin in April.

Frontier has added four new cities with this announcement and will begin offering Low Fares Done Right service this Spring to/from Birmingham, Ala.(April 11); Savannah/Hilton Head (May 1); Myrtle Beach, S.C. (May 20) and Branson, Mo.(June 13).

Read on for more details

WestJet reports record January load factor of 82.6 per cent

WestJet today announced record January 2018 traffic results with a load factor of 82.6 percent, an increase of 2.6 percentage points year over year. Revenue passenger miles (RPMs), or traffic, increased 6.5 percent year over year, and capacity, measured in available seat miles (ASMs), grew 3.1 percent over the same period. The airline flew a record 2.0 million guests in January, a year-over-year increase of 7.9 percent or approximately 150,000 additional guests.

Airline increases traffic by 6.5 percent &

flies a record number of guests in January

"We are pleased to start the year off with a strong year-over-year increase in January's load factor, as we continue to grow traffic in a strengthening demand environment," said WestJet President and CEO, Gregg Saretsky. "As always, I thank the more than 13,000 WestJetters whose efforts power our airline. The safe, caring and friendly travel experience they offer our guests each day is greatly appreciated."

Norwegian and Spanish pilot union SEPLA sign collective agreement

Norwegian and Spanish pilot union SEPLA today signed a comprehensive collective bargaining agreement (CBA). The CBA will be valid for two years and represents an important step forward in one of the company’s most important markets. Earlier this week, Norwegian also signed a CBA for its long-haul crews based in Italy.

Southwest Airlines Employees Earn $543 Million In 2017 ProfitSharing

Southwest Airlines announced yesterday it will share $543 million through its ProfitSharing Plan with its Employees for 2017. This equals approximately 11.3 percent of each eligible Employee's eligible compensation—the equivalent of more than five weeks' pay.

This is Southwest Airlines' 44th consecutive ProfitSharing award. The Company will pay part of the ProfitSharing award to the retirement plan and part in cash. Most Employees will receive 10 percent of eligible compensation as a contribution to the ProfitSharing Plan, and the remainder—approximately 1.3 percent—in cash, both of which will be paid on March 15, 2018. Some Employees will receive the entire ProfitSharing award as a contribution to their retirement plan accounts as specified in their collective bargaining agreement.

Finnair to offer digital newspapers on its long-haul flights

The end of the line for the printed newspaper is in sight, at least on Finnair long-haul flights as the airline moves to a more user, cost and environmentally friendly digital offering.  

Finnair is making available a wide selection of international newspapers in digital format for customers on its long-haul flights. As of today, over 50 international newspapers can be read in pdf format through the Nordic Sky portal that is available onboard Finnair’s A330 and A350 aircraft. Customers can use the portal with their own devices and do not need to purchase a Wi-Fi connection to access the newspapers.  

“We are happy to be able to offer a wide selection of digital newspapers to our international customers,” says Tiina Vesterinen, Director for Customer Experience Development at Finnair. ”With digital papers, customers always get the latest copy, regardless of where their flight is departing from, and we never run out of stock.” 

At the same time, Finnair will discontinue distributing paper versions of newspapers on its long-haul flights. Paper issues will remain on European flights for the time being until Finnair’s European fleet is also equipped with Wi-Fi later this year.  

At this stage, digital newspapers are provided free of charge in both business and economy class of Finnair’s long-haul flights, as well as on the Helsinki-London-Helsinki flight flown with an A350 aircraft.

Aviation analyst Jason Shaw welcomed the move, "It's great news, it helps the environment a little and it is so much more user-friendly to enjoy the news in a digital format. With the onset of in-flight Wi-Fi we have the world at our fingertips, without the need for dozens of newspapers and magazine taking up space and making a mess.  Other European airlines will surely follow, so well done to Finnair for leading the field."

LATAM to store Dreamliners

It's being reported that LATAM Airlines have officially started to store its Boeing 787 Dreamliner fleet - first or which are aircraft registrations CC-BBD and CC-BBE. The carrier is putting the new aircraft into storage over issues with the engines. 

The first, BBD has already been ferried to the Californian desert for storage at Victorville.  It's believed that BBE will be sent to the boneyard over the next few days.  How long they are going to be laid up is unclear and the carrier has not responded to requests for comment today.  

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2,050 new aircraft for Asia-Pacific by 2036 - Bombardier

Bombardier Commercial Aircraft’s 2017-2036 Market Forecast, covering the 60- to 150-seat segment, shows that the Asia-Pacific region, which Bombardier defines as Asia without Greater China, is forecasted to undergo impressive growth over the next 20 years.

This region is expected to take delivery of 2,050 aircraft, or 16 percent of a worldwide market for 12,550 aircraft valued at $820 billion U.S. Asia-Pacific deliveries should consist of 1,050 large regional aircraft (50 to 100 seats) and 1,000 small single-aisle aircraft (100 to 150 seat).

“Asia-Pacific region is the home of the fastest growing economies. Strong GDP growth and a booming middle class should drive passenger traffic numbers to triple in the next 20 years,” said Francois Cognard, Vice President, Sales, Asia-Pacific, Bombardier Commercial Aircraft. “Bombardier aims to build upon its strong foundation in Asia-Pacific. Due to the demand for more frequencies and more city pairs to increase connectivity between smaller communities, there is a great opportunity to continue to support the expected growth with high-performing regional and small single-aisle aircraft.”

WestJet reports fourth quarter and full-year results

 WestJet announced its fourth quarter and year-end results for 2017, with full-year net earnings of $283.6 million, or $2.42 per diluted share. This compares with net earnings of $295.5 million, or $2.45 per diluted share reported in the full-year 2016. The airline achieved its 51st consecutive quarter of profitability, reporting fourth-quarter net earnings of $48.5 million, or $0.42 per diluted share compared to $55.2 million, or $0.47 per diluted share reported in the fourth quarter of 2016. For the full-year and in each quarter of 2017, the airline flew a record number of guests. Based on the trailing twelve months, the airline recorded a return on invested capital of 10.0 percent, down 0.2 percentage points from the 10.2 percent reported in the previous quarter.

"In 2017, we continued our evolution toward becoming a global airline while flying a record number of guests and achieving our highest annual load factor in our history. We announced an agreement to enter a joint venture with Delta Airlines, which will give Canadians more access to our low fares and growing network. We also proudly took delivery of Canada's first Boeing 737 MAX aircraft this fall, and it was in service with high reliability before the busy holiday season," said WestJet President and CEO Gregg Saretsky. "WestJetters care to the core by safely providing our guests with award-winning and friendly service every day. I thank each of the more than 13,000 WestJetters for their work and dedication this quarter, especially in light of the severe cold and weather-related operational challenges."

Love is in the air - British Airways

To celebrate Valentine’s Day, British Airways is adding a romantic touch to its in-flight entertainment with the introduction of a new category – Love is in the Air.

Running until the end of February, the category plays host to a collection of films, TV shows and audio programmes, all with a romantic theme.

This includes classics like When Harry Met Sally, Chocolat and Love Me Tender, as well as more recent releases like Film Stars Don’t Die in Liverpool.

As part of its extensive range of TV shows, British Airways is also adding some love-themed episodes from famous series, including Friends - The One with Candy Hearts, Modern Family - Do You Believe in Magic and select episodes of Sex and the City.

Finally, the Valentine’s Day range is complemented by poems and excerpts from the likes of William Shakespeare, Robert Burns, Charles Dickens, Jane Austen, Jane Eyre, Thomas Hardy, William Wordsworth, Jean-Jacques Rousseau and David Herbert Lawrence, while actor Michael Sheen reads: A Lover’s Gift from Him to Her.

Boeing 737 MAX 10 Reaches Firm Configuration

 Boeing's 737 MAX 10 has reached a major milestone as the MAX program completed firm configuration on the aeroplane. This means engineers now have all the design requirements in place for what will be the largest member of Boeing's single-aisle family. Boeing announced the achievement at the Singapore Airshow earlyer this week.

Norwegian reports 11 percent passenger growth in January

Norwegian carried more than 2.3 million passengers in January, an increase of 11 percent compared to the same month the previous year. The growth is primarily driven by international expansion; with a 55 percent growth, the intercontinental routes constitute the highest share.

A total of 2,333,932 passengers chose to fly with Norwegian in January - 223,356 more passengers than the same period last year. The total traffic growth (RPK) increased by 29 percent, and the capacity growth (ASK) increased by 30 percent. The load factor was 82 percent, down one percentage point.

“We are very pleased with the continued passenger growth in January, a month traditionally characterized by less demand. The global expansion continues with the strongest growth on routes between Europe and the U.S. This winter, we once again offer flights between the U.S. East Coast and the French Caribbean islands of Martinique and Guadeloupe, enabling better fleet utilization during the low season in Europe said CEO of Norwegian, Bjørn Kjos.

Norwegian operated 98.9 percent of the scheduled flights in January, whereof 72.4 percent departed on time. The on-time performance was heavily influenced by the weather situation in Oslo, London and New York.

Norwegian’s fleet renewal program continues with full force in 2018. The company took delivery of one Boeing 737-800 and one Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner in January. This year, Norwegian will take delivery of 11 Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners, 12 Boeing 737 MAX 8 and two Boeing 737-800. With an average age of only 3.6 years, Norwegian’s fleet is one of the world’s “greenest” and most modern.

Manchester Airport to sponsor Newcastle Pride 2018

One of the UK's largest, free LGBT festivals is soaring towards another year of stand-out performances, thanks to support from a leading airport.   

Manchester Airport, which is the largest airport outside of London, is returning as main stage sponsor of Newcastle Pride 2018, which is also supported by main festival sponsor, Newcastle’s Business Improvement District, NE1. The stage this year will be known as the Manchester Airport San Francisco Stage.

The two-day festival, which attracted more than 73,000 people and contributed more than £9.2m to the economy in 2017, is the final event in the Pride calendar and will take place on Newcastle Town Moor on 20 – 22 July, with a huge musical line-up to be announced.

Delta continues expansion to most popular destinations from Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky

Delta Air Lines is expanding travel options for Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky customers with new service to Austin and Phoenix in 2018.  With these additions, the Trump supporting Delta will serve all Top 20 domestic markets and 36 destinations in total, including Delta's popular nonstop service to Paris-Charles de Gaulle.

"We are proud to be Cincinnati's No. 1 global airline," said Eric Phillips, Senior Vice President — Pricing & Revenue Management and Delta's Cincinnati Market Executive. "With these additions, customers in Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky will have more choices to go to the top business and leisure destinations that are important to them, and we look forward to continuing this growth."

New service to Austin and Phoenix, year-round service to Seattle, and increased capacity in 15 other markets.

During the past two years, Delta has increased capacity by 12 percent via new markets, added frequencies and introduced product improvements. With 82 peak-day departures, Delta offers a First Class cabin on 78 percent of all Cincinnati flights.  Additionally, mainline departures have increased more than 30 percent while departures on single-class 50-seat regional jets have declined by more than 25 percent.

Finnair passengers all set to get a taste of Japan.......

Finnair continues its Signature Chef program by introducing the airline’s first Japanese Signature Chef. Tokyo-based top chef, Rika Maezawa, has designed a series of five seasonal signature menus to be served in the Business class of Finnair´s flights from Tokyo to Helsinki, as of February 7, 2018. 

The Signature Menu by Chef Maezawa is served on Finnair´s
long-haul flights departing Narita as of 07 February 2018.
Photographer: Kan Kanbayashi

Rika Maezawa opened her first restaurant in Tokyo in 2003 after receiving training at several well-known Japanese restaurants. Her food philosophy places a strong focus on vegetables and seasonal flavours from Japanese home cooking. She also takes her inspiration from Japan’s history - as far as the Edo period from 1603 to 1868 - as well as from overseas influences to create modern yet nostalgic vegetable-centric meals that go beyond the conventional boundaries of Japanese cuisine. 

Air Belgium to fly from Brussels South to Hong Kong

The brand new Air Belgium announced that it will commense flying from Brussels South Airport for its direct flights Belgium and China, along with future destinations elsewhere in the Asian region. The airline expects its first aircraft to arrive mid February, which allowed enough time for the carrier to complete the process of gaining its operating licence. Flights will start in March to the first destinationbeing Hong Kong.

Air Belgium says it selected Brussels South because of its convenient accessibility, efficient and renowned quality service, competitive costs and the commitment to expand into a larger international airport. “Brussels South convinced us due to its very successful development and commitment to major investments and improvements of its infrastructures”, says Niky Terzakis, CEO of Air Belgium. “The airport is well established and attracts millions of travelers among which 60% are international passengers and 31% are business travelers. We are convinced that our passengers will benefit from a great service, especially because Brussels South is starting to adjust its current infrastructure.”

“We’re very pleased Air Belgium has chosen our airport,” says Jean-Jacques Cloquet, CEO at Brussels South Airport. “Being able to welcome a company such as Air Belgium on our apron allows us to switch to a new strategy and further strengthen our international position. With the first direct long-distance flights to Asia, the Far East has never been closer. We look forward to welcoming future passengers and meeting their every need.”

airBaltic Continues Expansion in Tallinn

airBaltic will launch new direct services from Tallinn to Stockholm and Oslo and base a second aircraft at Tallinn Airport starting from October 28, 2018. The new flights will offer convenient connections between the two cities.

Martin Gauss, Chief Executive Officer of airBaltic: “By offering a mix of 9 direct services from Tallinn and convenient connections via Riga, airBaltic will offer the best connectivity to and from the Estonian capital. The increased number of direct services and a decision to base a Bombardier Q400 NextGen aircraft in Tallinn shows our strong commitment to the Estonian market.”

Fees for allocated seating is under investigation in the UK

The days of hefty surcharges or fees to book a particular seat on a so called low-cost carrier may soon be over.  The UK's Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) launched a review of airline allocated seating polices yesterday, following consumer research that showed the current approach to allocated seating is causing confusion.

The CAA research of over 4,000 consumers who have flown as part of a group (of two or more people) in the last year, found that: 

Just over half of respondents reported that their airline informed them before they booked their flight that they would need to pay to ensure their group could sit together.

Ten percent of respondents said that they had been informed after they booked; a further ten per cent said that they were never made aware by their airline that they may need to pay more to guarantee sitting together 

Although the vast majority of respondents were aware that they might not be able to sit together even if they booked as a group, almost half believed that their airline would automatically allocate them seats together, however, two in five respondents thought that their airline would not automatically sit them together.

Around half of all passengers who sat together did not have to pay an additional charge to do so. However, seven per cent of respondents that ended up sitting together said that they had to change seats either at check-in or on-board to avoid being sat apart.

Different airlines may behave differently. Consumers flying with some airlines were more likely to report being separated from their group than others.

Of the group of respondents that paid extra to sit together, six in ten reported that they did so because of the risk that their airline might split their group up.

Almost half of respondents (46%) felt negatively towards the airline when they realised they would have to pay more to guarantee sitting together.

PrimeraAir to head to Washington from this summer.

Primera Air is launching a new nonstop service connecting Washington, DC. to London Stanstead, which will operate five times a week starting in August.

Primera, which is based in Latvia and Denmark, launched in 2003 as a charter carrier advises the fares will start at around $199 one way.  The airline has 18 long-haul aircraft - the addition of the Airbus A321neo to our fleet marks a new dawn in transatlantic flights. The latest technology, improved efficiency and comfort means a better journey for you. And while we are excited for all the next milestones of aviation, we are also proud flyers of Boeing 737 series airliners which have proven their reliability and efficiency time and time again. 

Travel Service receive first 737 Max

Boeing, GE Capital Aviation Services and Travel Service, the largest carrier in the Czech Republic, celebrated the delivery of the airline's first 737 MAX aeroplane.

"We are pleased that Travel Service is among the first airlines to include 737 MAX into its fleet," said Roman Vik, Chief Executive Officer Travel Service. "As Travel Service is dynamically expanding and growing, the new Boeing 737 MAX aeroplane will fully support our ambitious development plan and competitive advantage. Thanks to a new modern fleet, Travel Service will be able to launch direct flights to new destinations and enhance the travel experience of our customers."  

Aeroflot to sign order for 50 MC-21 Aircraft

Aeroflot will become the largest customer for the latest Russian-built medium-range aircraft, the MC-21. The landmark contract for 50 of the state-of-the-art passenger aircraft will be signed earlier this week between Aeroflot and Rostec.

     

Under the firm order, Rostec leasing subsidiary Aviacapital-Service will supply Aeroflot with 50 MC-21-300 aircraft on operating leases. Aeroflot will thus become the largest Russian lessor of the latest Russian-built aircraft. The leasing payments and reserves for maintenance will total more than USD 5 billion.  

The aircraft will be configured for Aeroflot to carry 169 passengers, with 16 business-class and 153 economy-class seats. In the first phase of the contract, the aircraft will be delivered with engines produced outside Russia. From the 26th aircraft, Aeroflot has the option to receive aircraft with new Russian-built PD-14 engines, which are currently undergoing certification testing.

The first aircraft is scheduled for delivery to Aeroflot in the first quarter of 2020, with the order planned to be completely fulfilled by 2026. Each aircraft will be leased for a term of 12 years, with the option of two-year extensions on the lease no more than three times. Aeroflot plans to operate the aircraft on both domestic and international routes.

Sergey Chemezov, CEO of Rostec, said: "This agreement underscores that Russia's civil aviation industry is making a comeback and taking its place among leading global manufacturers. The MC-21 represents a genuine breakthrough achievement for the aviation industry. The aircraft uses cutting-edge materials and the latest generation of systems, created by leading Russian companies. Elements of the MC-21 that Rostec produces include titanium and composite parts, on-board electronics, chassis components, other systems, and the 'heart' of the aircraft - the PD-14 engine. We believe that this engine will be selected by Aeroflot as the primary power plant for the MC-21."

Vitaly Saveliev, CEO of Aeroflot, said:  "The signing of a firm order for 50 MC-21 aircraft is a landmark event not just for our two companies, but for our country. Russian manufacturers have created the first next-generation passenger aircraft, marking Russia's return as a global leader in the aviation industry. It is noteworthy that the signing of a firm order between Aeroflot and Rostec coincides with a no less significant achievement, namely Aeroflot's return to the global aviation elite, as one of the top 20 largest airlines in the world. In today's geopolitical context we believe it is essential that there is competitive Russian-made technology, and that it is of the highest quality and competitively priced. For this reason our partnership with Rostec, our largest partner and a shareholder of Aeroflot, is of critical importance."

The MC-21 is a medium-haul, narrow-body aircraft produced by Irkut Corporation (part of United Aircraft Corp., UAC) in cooperation with leading Russian manufacturers. Rostec subsidiaries involved in the production of the aircraft were VSMPO-AVISMA, United Engine Corporation, Technodinamika, Concern Radio-Electronic Technologies, and RT-Chemcomposite.

The MC-21 boasts an innovative ergonomic cabin for pilots and improved capabilities thanks to the unique engineering solutions deployed. It is the first aircraft of its type in the world to make use of polymer composites in the construction of the wings. Composites account for more than 30% of the MC-21, which significantly increases the useful load.

The MC-21 will provide passengers with a new level of comfort thanks to the widest fuselage in its class of narrow-body aircraft (at a diameter of 4.06 metres). The cabin has an expanded aisle and tilt-forward stowage bins with expanded capacity. The manufacturer plans to equip Aeroflot's entire order of MC-21-300s for WiFi service to allow passengers internet access.

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Delta Reports Operating Performance for January 2018

Donald Trump supporting US airline Delta Air Lines reported operating performance for January 2018 this week. The company carried 13.3 million passengers across its broad global network in the month.

Monthly highlights the airline reports include:

Ranking among Fortune magazine's Most Admired Companies for the fifth consecutive year and No. 1 on the industry list for the seventh time in the past eight years.

Locating with partners Korean Air and Air France-KLM to operate out of Terminal 2 at Seoul Incheon International Airport (ICN), a new, world-class terminal. Once fully approved, the Delta and Korean Air joint venture will provide access to a combined network of more than 290 destinations in the Americas and more than 80 in Asia.

Applauding the Trump administration for taking a significant step in restoring a level playing field in global aviation by announcing an important agreement with the state of Qatar that will change the way Qatar finances and operates state-owned Qatar Airways, including a commitment not to introduce any "fifth freedom" passenger flights to the United States.