Naked passenger causes concern on Alaska Airlines flight.

Passengers on an Alaska Airlines got an eyeful and far more than they bargained for on a flight from Seatle to Anchorage on Monday.  

An unidentified male passenger on flight 107 stripped off his clothes and ran up and down the aisle screaming and waving, before being tackled by fellow passengers and bundled into a toilet to restrain him.

At first many passengers were really scared, according to social media posts, however, once the man, estimated to be in his early twenties, had been restrained, they began to relax, with some even laughing. Daniel Roberts, a writer for Yahoo was on the flight and tweeted "Very scary at first. all are okay, many now laughing. guy is restrained in back of plane,"

An Alaska Airlines spokesperson has confirmed that a disruptive male passenger was detained during the flight but the plane landed without incident. Upon arrival at Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport, law enforcement officers took the man into custody. It's understood that he was taken to a local hospital for evaluation.

When Harry Met Meghan.......British Airways arrange a special crew in tribute to the royal wedding.

British Airways is adding some extra sparkle to customers’ journeys ahead of His Royal Highness Prince Harry’s marriage to Meghan Markle.

To celebrate the Royal wedding, the BA93 on May 19 to Toronto - the city where their relationship took off - will be operated by an all-star crew of only Meghan and Harry’s.

The 10-strong cabin crew, made up of two Harry’s, seven Megan’s and one Meghan, will operate the flight that departs Heathrow at 1.10pm, an hour after the couple say ‘I Do’ at Windsor Castle, just seven miles from the airport. Senior First Officer, Harry Blake, will be behind the controls of the flight deck, alongside the Captain.

To celebrate the Royal couple, any customer departing from Terminal 5 on the big day, who is called Harry, Meghan or Megan and their travel companions, will be invited to use the airline’s First lounge, accessed through the exclusive First Wing.

Air Canada makes political statement as it moves Taiwan's capital Taipei to China

Air Canada makes a political stand as it moves Taipei into China on its booking website, despite the fact that Taipei, is the capital of Taiwan.

It is unclear why Air Canada has made the change within the last seven days, with their spokeswoman Isabelle Arthur saying the carrier’s “policy is to comply with all requirements in all worldwide jurisdictions to which we fly.” 

Taiwan is claimed by Beijing as a Chinese territory and has thus become one of China’s most sensitive issues and a potential military flashpoint. China has been pressuring airlines to refer to Taiwan as part of China.

Taiwan’s foreign ministry said in a statement it was “deeply concerned” about Air Canada’s move to refer to Taiwan as part of China on the booking website and has asked the company to make a rapid correction of its website.  So far Air Canada has refused to correct the error on the site.

WOW air to introduce new route to Delhi.

WOW air,  one of Iceland's fast-growing and expanding airlines will soon connect Canadians to the hustling and bustling of colourful Delhi!  Yes, the low-cost airline has decided to open a new route from Iceland to Delhi starting this winter on 6th December 2018. 

Passengers from the US and Canada will be able to connect via the carriers Reykjavik hub and the new service will be on one of the airlines new Airbus A330's.   

Fares for the new service start from just $299 CAD / $199 USD and WOW premium starting at $899 CAD / $699 USD—a premium flight price you won't find on other airlines. 

"We are very excited to count New Delhi among our list of growing destinations outside of Europe," said Skúli Mogensen, CEO and founder of WOW air. "This addition expands on WOW air's promise to connect more travellers to as many diverse and exciting cities at the best possible prices."

The exciting new Delhi service will be available from Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR), Boston Logan International Airport (BOS), Baltimore/Washington International Airport (BWI), Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD), Pittsburgh International Airport (PIT), Detroit Metropolitan Airport (DTW), San Francisco International Airport (SFO), Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) and St. Louis Lambert International Airport (STL) in the USA and Montreal and Toronto in Canada, all via Iceland.

More details about Boston Logan Airport can be found here.

United Airlines Expands East Coast Schedule From New York and Washington.

United Airlines is expanding its schedule at two of its East Coast UA hubs, New York/Newark and Washington-Dulles the carrier has announced this week. 

The network adjustments build on United's leading route network at New York/Newark where the airline serves more destinations than any other carrier from the New York City metro area. Additionally, the changes to its Washington-Dulles schedule will offer more customers easy access to the nation's capital and seamless connections to flights throughout the United States, Canada, Europe, Asia and the Caribbean.  

Expands service between New York/Newark and 17 destinations and adds more mainline and larger regional jets

Beginning in October, United will maximize the unique strengths of each hub by adding new destinations, additional frequencies and larger two-cabin aircraft. The schedule adjustments are designed to offer more nonstop flights to destinations popular with New York area customers while reallocating largely connecting passenger flights on short-haul routes to United's hub at Washington-Dulles. United will transition service between New York/Newark and Chattanooga, Tennessee; Ithaca, New York, and Scranton, Pennsylvania to Washington-Dulles. 

"We approached these schedule adjustments with our customers in mind, knowing that we wanted to create a schedule that offers customers beginning their travel in the New York City area convenient flights to many of the business and leisure destinations they frequent the most," said Ankit Gupta, United's Vice President of Domestic Network. "Since more of our customers begin their travel from New York/Newark than any other United hub city, we've created a more customer friendly schedule that removed connection times and provided convenient nonstop service to multiple U.S. destinations."

Sichuan Airlines cockpit window shatters mid-flight

Drama in the skies over China today when one fo the cockpit windows cracked at 32,000 feet on a Sichuan Airlines Airbus A319.  

The aircraft was operating flight 3U8633 from Chongqing to Lhasa. It departed Chongqing at 6.27am and was due to arrive in Lhasa at 9.27 am, however an hour into the flight one of the cockpit's windows cracked and then, according to local media, shattered. The aircraft was flying over  city of Chengdu att he time of the incident which caused the co-pilot to be partially sucked out of the aircraft. 

Delta to start direct Boston - Philadelphia

Delta Air Lines is adding another top destination to its growing nonstop options from Boston's Logan International Airport, with new daily nonstop service to Philadelphia, beginning 1st Oct.

"Philadelphia is a Top 10 destination for Bostonians, and we are pleased to offer customers this new service to Delta's growing portfolio of nonstop flights at Logan International Airport," said Joe Esposito, Vice President — Network Planning - Americas. "This schedule provides convenient trip options and amenities, with departures in popular morning and evening time channels and First Class seating on every flight." 

The service will be flown four times daily on CRJ-900 aircraft operated by Delta Connection carrier Endeavor Air on the following schedule:

MH370 - It was murder says investigator

It was a murder-suicide that caused the downing of Malaysian Airlines flight MH370 according to Martin Dolan, the Australian investigator who led the search for the missing aircraft for two years. 

During an Australian 60 Minutes television, he and other investigators asserted that Captain Zaharie Amad Shah orchestrated the crash and did everything he could to ensure it went as planned. They claim the pilot had “deliberately evaded radar” and affected the crash of the aircraft in a drastic murder-suicide, murdering 239 people. 

The Boeing 777 had been flying from Kuala Lumpur to Beijing when it seemed to disappear causing a multimillion dollar search, which has, as of yet not succeeded in locating the aircraft or what debris is left of it

Asiana A330 slices through Turkish Airlines A321 tail

There is a massive repair bill for Asiana Airlines and Turkish Airlines after an Asiana Airlines Airbus A330 aircraft crashed into the rear of a Turkish Airlines A321 almost completely slicing off its tail.

Extensive damage has been caused to the vertical stabilizer of the Turkish Airlines aircraft which was entering an airport parking apron, whilst the A330 of Asiana was departing on a flight bound for Seoul Incheon on 13th May at around 5.30pm local time. 

A Turkish Airlines spokesperson said: "Turkish Airlines confirms that the Airbus A330 type aircraft of the South Korean airline, Asiana Airlines, hit the tail of Turkish Airlines' Airbus A321 while it was taxiing. There were no passengers and crew injured due to the incident, it just caused physical damage on both aircrafts."

Asiana has refused to comment on the incident, only saying that a joint Korean and Turkish investigation is underway. 

Air New Zealand Honolulu - Auckland service operated by HIFly after Dreamliner power problems

Air New Zealand is one of the many airlines experiencing scheduling difficulties as a direct result of the ongoing engine issues with its Dreamliners.  The Kiwi carrier is having resort to lease in an A340 aircraft from European based company Hi Fly to operate its Auckland - Los Angeles service.

Air New Zealand warned its passengers that they would likely notice a difference in the products and service style onboard as well as the different livery on the outside as the HiFly aircraft doesn't feature the familiar koru on the tail. The flight will be operated by Hi Fly crew and pilots as Air New Zealand crew ate not trained/rated to operate the A340 aircraft. Apparently, Air New Zealand will also put on an additional member of its cabin crew on the HiFly operated flights to assist with service. 

British Airways Run Gatwick.......

There were many smiling faces, and a few red ones, as well as the first British Airways Run Gatwick, took place on Sunday, with more than 3600 runners putting themselves through their paces on routes through the Sussex countryside and around Gatwick Airport.

The race, which incorporated an international half marathon, a corporate 5K and a family run attracted runners of all ages and abilities, with elite, club and amateur runners from the UK and abroad as well as a number of British Airways employees.

“If I can’t go to Las Vegas, Nevada, neither can y’all,” Spirit Airlines passenger's vile rant

A vile foul-mouthed tirade from a disgruntled Spirit Airlines passenger went viral as she Facebook live streamed her aggressive and belligerent behaviour after she stormed an aircraft after being told boarded had closed. 

Safira Allen, aged 25 arrived late at the gate, after boarding had been completed and allegedly harangued the staff at the gate before storming down the jetway and board the Spirit Airlines flight from Atlanta to Le Vegas.

The aggressive Allen then filmed herself being asked to leave the flight by the flight crew and a security officer. She blamed Sprit for closing the boarding gate 20 minutes early and for the reason she was late to the gate, both allegations proved to be unfounded.

Air Canada in top five most attractive places to work

Air Canada has been named as one of the top five most attractive company brands to work for in Canada, according to the Randstad Employer Brand Research (REBR) independent survey of Canadians to determine which brands they would most like to work for.

Reaffirming Open Skies between the UAE and US

As we reported yesterday the US and UAE appear to have resolved the difficulties that have plagues harmonious relations between the air carries of each region.  Following those reports, The UAE embassy in Washington released the following statement. 

The UAE welcomed the outcome of recent discussions on civil aviation with the United States in which both countries strongly reaffirmed the 2002 UAE-US Air Transport Agreement (ATA) and the fundamental principles of Open Skies. 

"The UAE is very pleased that our understanding with the US preserves all of the benefits of Open Skies for travelers, airlines, communities and aerospace companies in both countries and around the world," said UAE Ambassador to the US Yousef Al Otaiba.  "All the terms and provisions of the Air Transport Agreement including Fifth Freedom rights remain fully in place, with UAE and US airlines free to continue to add and adjust routes and services."

In a Record of Discussion signed and released by the two governments, the UAE and the US "reaffirmed their strong support for the Air Transport Agreement . . . including all rights to conduct international air transportation contained therein."  In the Record of Discussion, the UAE maintained that the "UAE and its designated carriers are and have been at all times in full compliance with the Agreement."

Three New Flights, Two New Airlines, One New Cool Destination for DFW Airport Customers

Customers at Dallas Fort Worth International (DFW) Airport have three new, nonstop flights to Iceland just in time for the peak summer travel season. Two Icelandic-based airlines, Wow air and Icelandair, will begin flying from DFW to Reykjavík–Keflavík (KEF) International Airport in late May and American Airlines will launch its KEF flight in early June.

New options for travel from DFW to Iceland 

begin in time for summer vacation season

"The new flights to Iceland represent even more choices for our customers and the entire Dallas Fort Worth region," said John Ackerman, DFW's executive vice president of Global Strategy and Development. "One of our top goals at DFW Airport is to grow international passenger and cargo air service to kindle new business and travel opportunities in our home region. The addition of three routes to this beautiful new destination shows the strength of demand for international travel to and from North Texas."

UAE and US deal signed

It's been revealed by our aviation sources that The United States and the United Arab Emirates have signed a deal today that aims to resolve US claims that Gulf carriers had over the years received unfair government subsidies.

It appears that the voluntary agreement that will apply to Etihad and Emirates airlines, will be announced next week. Our sources indicate that the deal is a very similar one that that agreed between Qatar and the US back in January

That deal ensures that detailed financial information and accounts from Qatar Airways, a state-owned airline is shared with the US.  More details will follow

Azul in April

Azul, Brazil's largest airline by the number of cities served has announced its April preliminary results.  Which showed an increase in passenger traffic of 17.2% compared to the same period last year. As a result, load factor was 81.4%, 0.3 percentage points lower than in the same period last year.  And crucially for passengers, Azul continues to be the most on-time airline in Brazil with 90% of flights departing within 15 minutes of departure time, according to FlightStats. 

Southwest Airlines Recognized At This Year's Freddie Awards

 Southwest Airlines frequent flyer program, Rapid Rewards®, held onto its title of Best Customer Service for the sixth consecutive year at InsideFlyer Magazine's Freddie Awards. Rapid Rewards was also named Program of the Year for the third in a row.

Delta and Aeromexico celebrate successful first year of joint cooperation agreement

One year ago, Delta Air Lines and Grupo Aeroméxico, S.A.B. de C.V. launched the first transborder airline alliance with antitrust immunity between Mexico and the United States. Since then, more than 7 million passengers have enjoyed improved connectivity, more convenient schedules and increasingly seamless service between the two carriers.

Today, Delta and Aeromexico together offer more than 1,100 weekly flights on 64 routes between 10 cities in Mexico and 33 in the U.S. The partnership has launched eight new routes and two new joint destinations in Mexico and allowed co-location in nine airports in the U.S., six of which are Delta hubs, and three Aeromexico hubs in Mexico, making travel between the two airlines easier for customers.

Copa Holdings Reports Net Income of $136.5 million and EPS of $3.22 for the First Quarter of 2018

A little earlier this week, Copa Holdings announced financial results for the first quarter of 2018.  The following financial information, unless otherwise indicated, is presented in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS). See the accompanying reconciliation of non-IFRS financial information to IFRS financial information included in the financial tables section of this earnings release. Unless otherwise stated, all comparisons with prior periods refer to the first quarter of 2017.

Lufthansa Group Complete Order for Four 777

Lufthansa Group completed an order for four more 777 aircraft at 37.5% off list prices as part of the group's plans to modernise its fleet with newer widebody aircraft.   

"The order for the new long-haul aircraft highlights the strategy of Lufthansa Group to predominantly allocate the growth within its multi-hub system where cost and quality offer the best conditions for profitable investments," said the Lufthansa Group in a company statement.

The order provides two more Boeing 777-300ER (Extended Range) aeroplanes International Air Lines (SWISS), the national carrier of Switzerland and a member of the Lufthansa Group.

South African Airlines to get 5 billion capital injection

The South African Government has promised another 5 billion rand that is around $400 million, capital injection to help rescue the struggling national flag carrier South African Airlines meet its obligations.

The CEO of South African Airways, Vuyani Jarana, told news agency Reuters that “Government has committed to inject another 5 billion rand into SAA. Part of that 5 billion rand we will repay some of the creditors, suppliers, then the balance will support us for working capital until around October/November,” 

The troubled carrier will be seeking to negotiate some breathing space while the South African Treasury work through the regulatory normal budgetary process, it is required to follow, which also entails seeking cabinet approval.  “If Treasury needs a certain period of time to do this, lets say up to September, between now and then, we are negotiating with lenders to give us a bridging facility on the back of that commitment,” Mr Jarana said.

SAA has long been seen by many as a huge drain of the country's finances and has a long history of losses, however, it is hoped by the government that the new executive leadership led by Mr Jarana, will soon return the carrier to a more profitable situation.  The government is also looking for an equity partner to invest in the airline and to help with the implementation of the turnaround plan. 

SkyWest, Inc. Reports Combined April 2018 Traffic for SkyWest Airlines and ExpressJet Airlines

SkyWest reported 144,600 block hours in April 2018, compared to 152,100 block hours in April 2017, a decrease of 7,600 or five percent. 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 6,800 additional block hours from SkyWest's E175 aircraft (includes the E175 aircraft and the E175 SC aircraft) and a decrease of approximately 14,400 block hours from its other aircraft types.  

40 years and counting......Delta in the UK

Can you remember when Boney M were topping the charts and "Grease" was on the verge of becoming the movie of the summer?  It was a time when Delta was operating its maiden flight to the U.K?

Yet, ut while the dastardly J.R Ewing is no longer on our TVs and perms and bell bottoms fell out of fashion, 40 years on Delta is stronger than ever in the U.K.

In May 1978, Delta flew to London-Gatwick from New Orleans via Atlanta using a Lockheed L-1011 TriStar aircraft. Fast-forward to 2018, and Delta flies its popular A330 with upgraded interiors from London-Heathrow to Atlanta, New York-JFK and Detroit. The airline also serves four other U.S. cities nonstop from Heathrow, as well as Edinburgh and Glasgow from JFK. But what's really striking is the on-board experience. Who could have predicted that Wi-Fi would now be standard and that customers could keep in touch with friends and family on the ground – for free – using Delta's in-flight messaging service?

Read on for more....

Tianjin Airlines Launches London-Xi'an Flight

Xi'an just got easier to get to for UK travellers as Tianjin Airlines launches a new direct flight from London on Monday. The service connects London to the eastern departure point of the ancient Silk Road for the first time. Xi'an is the capital city of Shaanxi province and a destination growing in popularity for the adventurous tourist. 

Tianjin Airlines will operate an Airbus A330 aircraft on the route, which departs at 3:15 pm from Xi'an Xianyang International Airport and will arrive at London Heathrow Airport after a 14-hour journey. Flight GS7987 offers a twice-a-week service on every Monday and Friday, with a capacity of 260 passengers. With return flight prices from just £380 return, there has never been a better time to explore an exceptional region steeped in history and tradition. 

The new route is the second Britain-China air route offered by the airline after the Tianjin-Chongqing-London flight that started in June 2017, linking Beijing neighbouring megacity Tianjin and Chongqing to Britain.

The business class of Tianjin Airlines A330-200 has Zodiac Aura Lite Seat with 2-2-2 configuration, with 18 seats in total. The Seat Pitch is 75 inches (191 cm), and the width is 21 inches (54 cm). It could be turned into a 78-inches (198 cm) length full-flat bed.

Hainan Airlines Ships Bamboo from Chengdu to Canada for Calgary Pandas

Four giant pandas named Da Mao, Er Shun, Jia Yueyue and Jia Panpan made their debut at the Calgary Zoo earlier this month from their exclusive, newly constructed home, Panda Passage. 

The first two pandas in Canada can be dated back to February 1988. At the time, "International Ambassadors of Friendship", Qun Qun and Xi Xi, came for a short stay of seven months.

To best prepare for the new group of pandas' arrival, Calgary zoo not only constructed the Panda Passage with four carefully-designed areas but also organized a team of panda experts to take care of the family's eating and living. What's more, Calgary zoo collaborated with Hainan Airlines to ship bamboo directly from Chengdu to Calgary. Calgary zoo is one of the first zoos outside of China to provide pandas with the 'taste of home'.

BA passengers can now use Avios for seat selection.

British Airways has revealed that its customers can now use their Avios points to pay for all or part of the cost to select their seats on BA flights.

Until last week, customers who did not have access to free seat selection could choose to pay to select their seats. Now, customers will also have the option to choose to use Avios, the currency of the British Airways Executive Club, to reduce the cost of seat selection, or to cover the cost in full.

British Airways offers free seat selection for Gold and Silver members of its Executive Club from the time they book, and also offers free seat selection for Bronze members seven days before their flight departs. The move, therefore, will be of the biggest benefit to Blue members who can now choose to use their Avios, instead of cash, to select their seat.

James Hillier from the British Airways Executive Club said: “It will be of particular benefit to those in the Blue tier, and we hope this further demonstrates to these members the benefit of being part of, and collecting Avios through, the Executive Club.” 

BA's Durban Delight

From 29th October British Airways will introduce a new route to South Africa, the airline is starting a direct service to Durban on one f the carriers new 787 aircraft.

The service will be the only non-stop link between Europe and Durban and flights will have a morning arrival in Durban and an evening arrival into Heathrow. The new route is part of the carriers £4.5 billion, five-year customer investment plan, which will see the airline adopted a more 'low-cost' for its economy passengers and a greatly increased premium offering, with a focus on excellence.  

Durban has hot sultry summers and rather mild and dry winters which makes it an ideal destination all year long.  It has long since been a popular destination for holidaying South Africans as well as those from around the region. It is also considered a much safer destination when compared to Cape Town and Johannesburg. 

Southwest Airlines Reports April Traffic

Southwest Airlines reported its April and year-to-date 2018 preliminary traffic statistics earlier this week, indicating the company flew 11.2 billion revenue passenger miles (RPMs) in April 2018, a slight decrease from the 11.2 billion RPMs flown in April 2017. Available seat miles (ASMs) increased 1.5 percent to 13.6 billion in April 2018, compared with April 2017 ASMs of 13.4 billion. The April 2018 load factor was 82.5 percent, compared with 84.0 percent in April 2017.

Icelandair and National Football Team Co-create Team Iceland Stopover - a Series of 90-minute Football-inspired Experiences.

Icelandair and National Football Team Co-create Team Iceland Stopover - a Series of 90-minute Football-inspired Experiences free for all passengers to enjoy. It's another key factor the friendly airline is trying to woe passengers away from direct legacy carriers and the new raft of long-haul low-cost airlines that are operating many routes from Europe to the US.

As proud sponsors of the Icelandic national team, Icelandair is celebrating their achievements this summer, with 90-minute football inspired experiences, all included in the price of any Icelandair Stopover flight ticket
Players from the Men's and Women's football teams have co-created these experiences with the airline which showcase both their individual passions and the history of the nation
A lot can be achieved in 90-minutes, both on and off the pitch, and Captain Aron Gunnarsson invites travellers to make the most of their time with a Team Iceland Stopover
From enjoying some downtime with 'Relax like a Pro' to discovering the skill and strength of the players with 'Train the Icelandic Way' or learning how to cheer like some of the most passionate fans in the world with 'Support like an Icelander', there's something for all of the family
Enjoy time well-travelled this summer on a Team Iceland Stopover. To find out more and book, visit: http://www.Icelandair.com/Team-Iceland-Stopover

Read on for more on this new exciting stopover option from Icelandair

WestJet reports first quarter net earnings of $37.2 million

Earlier this week WestJet released its first-quarter results for 2018, with net earnings of $37.2 million, or $0.32 per fully diluted share. While remaining profitable in a challenging quarter, this result compares with net earnings of $46.7 million, or $0.40 per fully diluted share reported in the first quarter of 2017. WestJet achieved its 52nd consecutive quarter of profitability and flew an all-time quarterly record of 6.1 million guests. Based on the trailing twelve months, the airline achieved a return on invested capital of 9.5 percent,  to 10.1 per cent in the first quarter of 2017.

"Even though winter 2018 brought many operational challenges, we successfully achieved record load factors and increased revenue by 6.9 per cent on a capacity increase of 4.3 per cent," Ed Sims, WestJet President and CEO. "I want to thank every individual WestJetter for rising to the challenge through a very difficult operating quarter. Nonetheless, the quarter saw net earnings and margin decline as we continue to invest in the strategy laid out at Investor Day, in a higher fuel environment. We remain laser-focused on strategic execution to ensure we drive shareholder returns."

Chorus Aviation announces solid first quarter earnings

Chorus Aviation announced solid first quarter financial results for the period ended March 31, 2018, last week. Here are some of the key numbers.....

Net income of $5.1 million, or $0.04 per basic share, inclusive of an unrealized foreign exchange loss of $18.0 million. Adjusted net income1 of $26.5 million, or $0.21 per basic share. Increase in Adjusted EBITDA1 of $23.6 million or 43% primarily driven by increased revenue from aircraft leasing. Completed equity raise of approximately $112.0 million in gross proceeds. Completed leasing transaction with Dublin-based CityJet for two CRJ900s. Implemented Dividend Reinvestment Plan offering a 4% discount. Completed the fifth Extended Service Program ('ESP') on a Dash 8-300 aircraft. Jazz Airport Services employees, representing approximately 15% of Jazz's workforce, ratified a new collective agreement with a term to January 2022.

  

WestJet unveils its Dreamliner 'Spirit of Canada' to the world

WestJet today unveiled its new Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner livery, logo and cabin interior including the airline's first-ever business class cabin. The reveal is part of WestJet's lead-up to the arrival of its Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners in early 2019.  

"The introduction of Boeing's 787-9 Dreamliner, a state-of-the-art aircraft, is the dawn of a new era for WestJet and the next step in our transformation to a global network airline," said Ed Sims, WestJet President and CEO. "The updated livery is modern and dynamic while the interior is world-class, distinctly Canadian and uniquely WestJet. Both reflect WestJet's transition from a regional airline in 1996 to a new era of connecting Canada with the world and bringing the world to Canada."

WestJet has firm orders of 10 Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner aircraft and options for another 10, all of which will feature the new livery, logo and interior.

Watch a swoofy new  video here.

Volaris Reports April 2018 Traffic Results; Passenger Growth of 7%, Load Factor of 85%

Volaris the ultra-low-cost airline serving Mexico, the United States and Central America, reports April 2018 and year-to-date preliminary traffic results.

During April 2018 Volaris increased total capacity, as measured in Available Seat Miles (ASMs), by 5.6% year over year. Total demand, as measured in Revenue Passenger Miles (RPMs), in April 2018 increased 5.9% year over year, reaching 1.4 billion. Volaris transported a total of 1.5 million passengers during the month, an increase of 7.2% year over year. Year-to-date, Volaris has transported over 5.7 million passengers, an increase of 7.4% year over year. Network load factor for April was 84.5%, an increase of 0.2 percentage points year over year.

During April 2018, Volaris started service between: San Jose, Costa Rica - San Salvador, El Salvador - New York City, New York.

Hawaiian Airlines Reports April 2018 Traffic Statistics

This week, Hawaiian Airlines, announced its system-wide traffic statistics for the month ended April 30, 2018.

Hawaiian welcomed more than 961 thousand guests in April 2018, a record for the month of April and an increase of 6.3% over the same period last year.  Total traffic (revenue passenger miles) increased 7.1% on an increase of 7.3% in capacity (available seat miles).  Load factor decreased 0.1 points to 85.2%.

Bahamasair launches Miami-Bimini route

On 3rd May, officials from the Miami-Dade Aviation Department and Bahamasair celebrated the airline's launch of four weekly flights between Miami and Bimini with a ribbon-cutting ceremony and gate reception at Miami International Airport for the route's first passengers. The inaugural departure flight to Bimini was sent off to the rhythm of a Junkanoo band and received a water cannon salute from Miami-Dade Fire Rescue.

Bahamasair currently flies to Nassau from Miami daily. The new route, served by ATR-42 aircraft that seats 50 passengers, will be MIA's only service to Bimini and its seventh destination in the Bahamas. More than half a million passengers travel between MIA and the Bahamas annually.

United Airlines Increases to Daily Service Between Houston and Havana

United Airlines announced this week that it will increase services between Houston's George Bush Intercontinental Airport and Havana's José Martí International Airport beginning July 20. Subject to government approval, United will operate the new daily service with either Boeing 737-800 mainline aircraft or Embraer E175 regional aircraft operated by Mesa Airlines as United Express. Tickets are now available for purchase.

"This expansion to Havana will provide significant public benefits to our city, region and state. As a diverse global city – in which many people speak Spanish – we are heavily reliant on international travel for our economic success," said Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner. "Worldwide access to Houston by air helps bring financial health back to Houston after Hurricane Harvey. The addition of Havana to Houstonians' travel options will also help us build cultural bridges with our neighbour nation across the gulf."

Aeromexico Reports April 2018 Traffic Results

Aeromexico reported its operational results for April 2018 this week advising that as a group it transported 1 million 802 thousand passengers in April, a 6.9% year-on-year increase. 

International passenger numbers increased by 3.9%, while domestic passenger numbers increased by 8.6%. Demand, measured in Revenue Passenger Kilometers (RPKs), increased by 9.5%, year-on-year. Aeromexico's capacity, measured in Available Seat Kilometers (ASKs), increased by 10.6% year-on-year.

  

Aeromexico's April load factor was 82.3%, a decrease of 0.8 p.p. compared to April 2017.

Angolan Consortium Signs Firm Purchase Agreement for Six Bombardier Q400

Bombardier Commercial Aircraft announced last week that it has signed a firm purchase agreement for six new Q400 aircraft with African Aero Trading on behalf of the consortium forming Air Connection Express, Transportes Aereos S.A, based in Luanda, Republic of Angola.

Based on the list price of the Q400 aircraft, the firm order is valued at approximately US$ 198 million.

“We congratulate Air Connection Express as it launches its domestic air travel business, and are pleased that the Q400 has been selected to support regional air travel in Africa,” said Jean-Paul Boutibou, Vice President, Sales, Middle East and Africa, Bombardier Commercial Aircraft. “The Q400 has proven to be a key contributor to the growth of the network in the region, enhancing connectivity on routes that are not economically viable for larger aircraft. Today, more than 37 operators are flying the Q Series in Africa, and we look forward to adding Air Connection Express to the family of Q400 operators.”

Brazilian airline GOL releases preliminary traffic figures for April 2018

GOL Linhas Aéreas Inteligentes S.A., announced today preliminary air traffic figures for the month of April, 2018. Comparisons refer to the same period of 2017.

Highlights
The total volume of GOL departures increased by 0.6% and the number of seats was up 1.0% in April, resulting in an increase in total supply (ASKs) of 0.8%. GOL's total load factor was 79.9% in April 2018, 0.9 p.p up over the same period of 2017, due to the growth in GOL's total demand (RPK) of 1.9% in the period.
In the domestic market, volume of departures and number of seats increased by 1.1% and 1.4%, respectively over April 2017, resulting in an increase in GOL domestic supply (ASK) of 1.3%. GOL domestic demand (RPK) grew by 3.0% and GOL's domestic load factor was up 1.3 p.p in comparison to the same month of the previous year, achieving 80.5%.
In April 2018, GOL's international market supply (ASK) and demand (RPK) decreased by 3.6% and 7.2%, respectively, decreasing international load factor by 2.9 p.p. in relation to April 2017.