SkyWest's August

SkyWest reported its August results earlier this week, which showed the airline achieved 155,900 block hours in August 2018, compared to 162,200 block hours in August 2017, a decrease of 6,300 or 3.9%.  The net decrease was consistent with SkyWest's fleet transition plan to improve the mix of aircraft in its fleet.

The year-over-year net change was primarily driven by approximately 7,800 additional block hours from its E175 aircraft (includes the E175 aircraft and the E175 SC aircraft) and a decrease of approximately 14,100 block hours from its other aircraft types.   

Southwest releases its latest figures.

August was another busy month for the US low-cost airline, Southwest Airlines, which was shown by the latest figures released by the carrier this week.

The latest results, released on Wednesday showed the company flew 11.4 billion revenue passenger miles (RPMs) in August 2018, an increase of 1.3% from the 11.3 billion RPMs flown in August 2017. Available seat miles (ASMs) increased 2.0 % to 13.5 billion in August 2018, compared with August 2017 ASMs of 13.3 billion. The August 2018 load factor was 84.3%, compared with 84.9% in August 2017.

Boeing get another US Air Force contract for the KC-46A Tanker

The U.S. Air Force and plane maker Boeing confirmed a $2.9 billion contract for 18 KC-46A tanker aircraft, spares, support equipment, spare engines and wing air refuelling pod kits, on Tuesday.

“We’re excited to partner with the Air Force on an aircraft that will provide its fleet unmatched capabilities and versatility,” said Mike Gibbons, Boeing KC-46A tanker vice president and program manager. “This is another big milestone for the team and we look forward to delivering this next-generation, multi-role tanker for years to come.”

Boeing plans to build 179 of the 767-based refuelling aircraft for the Air Force to replace its legacy tanker fleet. Tanker deliveries are expected to begin later this year.

Ryanair boss warns of an end to air services in Europe as a result of Bexit

The aggressive chief executive of the low-fare-high-fee carrier Ryanair, Michael O’Leary has again warned that flights between Europe and the UK will be halted for many days because of Brexit.

The airline boss, trying desperately to deflect media attention away from yet another strike by disgruntled employees, this time taking place in Germany today, stoked up media attention by repeating his dire Bexit warnings.

O'Leary claims he's had been no assurances on the issues of flights being allowed to continue, despite conversation to the contrary with officials from both the UK and European side. “Flights to and from Europe will be stopped in a hard deal Brexit,” the boisterous boss who favours the 'bullying' style of management said at a press conference in London on Wednesday. He said he believed the grounded flights scenario would not last more than “a couple of days or a couple of weeks”.

Although softening his stance, he uttered “I do think it’s possible that there will be an agreement on flights between the UK and the European 27, I’m just not sure that that will be reached in time for the first of April next year if there’s a hard Brexit,”

Canada's Swoop will head to Jamaca in December, the airline said today.

The ultra-low-cost airline owned by Canada's WestJet, Swoop has announced a new route today. The latest addition to the route network for the carrier will be Montego Bay, Jamaica.

The airline advises that its first Caribbean sun-destination will be Montego Bay in Jamaica. The airline will operate a service from John C. Munro Hamilton International Airport (YHM) to Sangster International Airport (MBJ) twice a week starting on 16th December until 24th April next year. 

"The addition of Montego Bay to our network is another important milestone," said Steven Greenway, President of Swoop. "Many Canadians of Jamaican origin live in the Toronto area, which makes this new route ideal for connecting friends, family and loved ones, as does the vacation appeal of replacing ten feet of snow with ten miles of white sand beaches this winter.".

"We are very excited to see Swoop continue to grow and expand its route offerings," said Cathie Puckering, President & CEO, John C. Munro Hamilton International Airport. "Swoop began operation in June with domestic service, before adding U.S. destinations beginning this fall and further adding Caribbean service which will begin in December. We are proud to partner with Swoop and look forward to bringing our customers more services and destination offerings."

Norwegian is the most fuel-efficient airline on transatlantic routes and British Airways is the worst

A new white paper report from The International Council on Clean Transportation analysing the fuel efficiency of the 20 leading airlines on routes between Europe and the United States during 2017 has been released today.

According to the study, the long-haul low-cost airline Norwegian was the most-fuel efficient carrier across the Atlantic on sample routes from New York to London, Los Angeles to London and New York to Paris. In fact, on the New York to London route, Norwegian’s competition including Virgin Atlantic, American, Delta, United and British Airways burned 33% to 78% more fuel per passenger-km. The results show that British Airways, which ranked last in the results, burned a staggering 63% more fuel per passenger kilometre than Norwegian, a marked increase since the last assessment in 2014. Additionally, Norwegian has reduced its per passenger emissions by 30% since 2008, thanks to its investment in new aircraft.

The report also showed Norwegian, on average, achieved 44 passenger kilometres (pax-km/L), which is 33% higher than the industry average - soaring past 19 of its competitors. Norwegian, flies one of the youngest fleets in the world, comprised of Boeing 787 Dreamliners, 737-800s and 737-MAXs.

Read on for more details including the reports airline comparisons.

Passenger numbers up for Allegiant in August

The US ultra-low-cost airline, Las Vegas-based Allegiant has reported preliminary passenger traffic results for August 2018, this week. The airline saw a jump in passenger numbers, up 15.7% year on year, with the airline carrying 1,180,474 people during August this year.

The budget airline also saw rises in revenues, loads and available seat miles. The airline says it continues to be focused on linking travellers from small underserved cities to world-class leisure destinations. The airline offers low fares on an all-jet fleet of over 85 aircraft, flying on some 350 routes.  

Ryanair to introduce Cardiff - Malta route in 2019

Europe's largest budget carrier, Ryanair, announced a new route from Cardiff to Malta on Tuesday, promising a twice-weekly service linking the two from April next year.

Ryanair’s Robin Kiely said,  “Ryanair is pleased to announce a new Cardiff route to Malta, commencing in April 2019, which will operate twice weekly as part of our Summer 2019 schedule."

Deb Barber, CEO of Cardiff Airport, added, “Our customers have been asking for the return of flights to Malta for some time, so we’re absolutely thrilled with today’s announcement that Ryanair will operate regular, low-cost services to this popular Mediterranean destination from early 2019. South Wales is home to a thriving Maltese community and so this service makes it easier to travel between both destinations, whilst also serving as another access point for European visitors seeking to explore Wales.”

(Photo David O'Brien /Ryanair)

Mombasa four times a week from Doha - Qatar Airways

Mombasa is the next new destination for Doha-based Qatar Airways, the company has revealed this week.  The airline will start flying to Kenya’s second city from 11th December and operate the route direct four times each week.

The airline is scheduling an Airbus A320, with 12 Business Class seats and 120 Economy Class seats to the route which will complete the journey in a little over.  CEO of Qatar Airways,  Akbar Al Baker, said: “Qatar Airways sees Kenya as an important market for our passengers, so we are delighted to offer this new service to a second Kenyan destination. We are sure our new direct daily service to Mombasa will prove very popular with tourists interested in exploring Kenya’s beautiful tropical beaches and coastline, as well as immersing themselves in the city’s fascinating diverse cultural mix.

Dmitry Saprykin steps down as CEO of Rossiya Airlines

Earlier this week the Board of Directors of Rossiya Airlines announced they had approved the early termination of CEO, Dmitry Saprykin's contract which would have expired in November 2018.

Dmitry Saprykin led Rossiya since November 2015, when Aeroflot Group management was tasked with integrating a number of regional carriers belonging to the Group under the Rossiya brand. The new carrier absorbed the experience and best practices of Rossiya, the largest carrier in north-west Russia, as well as Donavia and Orenair. The new mid-market airline launched nationwide in March 2016. In its first year, the new Rossiya achieved significant operational success. In 2017 it was the second biggest carrier in Russia, carrying 11 million passengers, an increase of 27% year-on-year. As of June 2018, Rossiya Airlines served more than 130 destinations in Russia and abroad.

Sergey Alexandrovsky, Deputy CEO for Sales and Property, has been named as acting CEO of Rossiya Airlines,  “The outstanding qualities of Rossiya’s management team are its youth, understanding of contemporary trends and high level of professionalism,” PJSC Aeroflot CEO Vitaly Saveliev said. “Dmitry Saprykin not only combined all of these qualities but was able to create an efficient, creative and innovative team capable of delivering against highly challenging tasks. I have no doubt that a manager of his class will find success in any area of business that he chooses to pursue.”.

(Image Rossiya Airlines)

The August sun shone brightly for Azul

One of the leading airlines of Brazil and the largest by the number of cities served, Azul has released its latest figures for the month of August. 

Consolidated passenger traffic (RPKs) increased 21.5% compared to August 2017 on a capacity increase (ASKs) of 20.3%. As a result, load factor was 82.4%, just 0.8 percentage points higher than August last year. Domestic load factor was 81.2% and international was 85.7%.

"In addition to the healthy demand environment we are seeing, we have recently received our 17th A320neo, the key driver of our margin expansion plan going forward. We are just at the beginning of our fleet transformation process and I couldn't be more excited", says John Rodgerson, Azul's CEO.

Virgin Australia leads Australian first with delivery of sustainable aviation fuel at Brisbane Airport

One of the leading Antipodean air carriers, Virgin Australia announced it has achieved an Australian first, with the successful completion of a trial to deliver sustainable aviation fuel through Brisbane Airport’s general fuel supply system.

Working in partnership with the Queensland Government, Brisbane Airport Corporation, US-based biofuel producer Gevo, Inc. and supply chain partners Caltex and DB Schenker, Virgin Australia led the procurement and blending of sustainable aviation fuel, or biojet, with traditional jet fuel for supply into the fuel infrastructure at Brisbane Airport.

This is the first time that sustainable aviation fuel has been delivered through the general fuel supply system at any airport in Australia and makes Brisbane Airport one of the few airports globally where this has occurred.  

Exeter to get three new routes next summer whilst airline staff ignore illegal drug taking during flight

Exeter Airport will have three new jet services for Summer 2019 when the low-cost-high-fee airline Ryanair starts its first ever flights from the airport.

The new services will be to Malaga, Malta and Naples and are due to start during April next year, as part of the budget carriers Summer 2019 schedule.

Ryanair’s Robin Kiely said: “We’re pleased to announce Ryanair’s low fares have arrived at Exeter, our newest airport and 21st in the UK. Our three new routes to Malaga, Malta and Naples start in summer 2019, each operating twice weekly, ensuring customers in the Devon region can book low fare flights to the sun."

Exeter Airport MD, Matt Roach said,  “This is a significant vote of confidence in the continued growth of Exeter Airport and we are delighted to be welcoming Ryanair for the very first time. These routes are popular destinations and offer customers even more choice and greater connectivity from their local airport.”

It is the last straw, according to Virgin Australia.

The last straw........   

A leading Australian airline is helping to lead the aviation industry. both locally and internationally by completely removing plastic straws and stirrers from both its lounges and its in-flight service product.

Virgin Australia says the move will see more than 260,000 plastic straws and 7.5 million plastic stirrers a year removed from operations and have been replaced with paper straws and bamboo stirrers. This is just one step that Virgin Australia is undertaking to ensure that its products and services are aligned with greener solutions.

Virgin Australia General Manager of Group Sustainability, Rob Wood, said that introducing paper straws and bamboo stirrers, although being small changes, will have a positive impact both in the air and on the ground. “We are proud to have eliminated plastic straws and stirrers from our services. This is part of our focus to improve the sustainability of the packaging we use as a business and to reduce the amount of single-use plastic across our in-flight and Lounge offerings.

August was a bumper month for the Lufthansa group of airlines.

Lufthansa Group Airlines welcome around 13.8 million passengers on board in August 2018

Passenger numbers were 10% up in August for the Lufthansa Group the airline has confirmed this week. The group's airlines welcomed around 13.8 million passengers, 10% more than they did last year.

The available seat kilometres were up 8.2% over the previous year, at the same time, sales increased by 8.7%. In addition as compared to August 2017, the seat load factor increased by 0.5 percentage points to 86.4 %. 

Aeroflot orders 100 more Sukhoi SSJ100 Superjets

The Russian national carrier and one of the worlds most recognised aviation brands, Aeroflot and plane manufacturer United Aircraft Corporation have signed an agreement for 100 Superjet 100 (SSJ100) aircraft. 

Aeroflot CEO Vitaly Saveliev and President of PJSC United Aircraft Corporation Yury Slyusar signed the deal at the Eastern Economic Forum in the presence of President of the Russian Federation Vladimir Putin.  The aircraft will be deliver between 2019 and 2026 and will adopt Aeroflot's standard configuration for the type, with 12 seats in business class and 75 seats in economy class.

Vitaly Saveliev, CEO of PJSC Aeroflot, said, “We have signed the largest aircraft delivery agreement in Aeroflot’s history, under which the Company will receive 100 modern Russian-built SSJ100 aircraft. Including the expected delivery of 50 MC-21, by 2026 Aeroflot will operate 200 Russian-built aircraft. Aeroflot has historically been the largest operator of Russian aircraft and has helped to improve all Russian aircraft models currently in operation. It is Aeroflot’s top priority to act in the interests of Russian aviation and our country.” 

How did United Airlines do in August?

How did United Airlines do in August? 

The mega US airline released its figures for August this week, which showed it the carrier had a good August, increasing load fact by 2 points over last years figures. The airlines consolidated traffic (revenue passenger miles) also increased, up  7.8% and consolidated capacity (available seat miles) increased 5.4 % compared to August 2017. 

Other August Highlights

Announced several new international routes including year-round nonstop service between Washington Dulles and Tel Aviv, daily, year-round service between San Francisco and Amsterdam, and nonstop seasonal summer service between Newark/New York and Naples, Italy and Newark/New York and Prague, all subject to government approval.

Finished in the top-tier among largest competitors in on-time departure and completion performance.

As part of a previously announced $8 million commitment, announced a $1 million grant to the San Francisco Immigrant Legal & Education Network.

United's MileagePlus loyalty program awarded Favorite Frequent-Flyer program at the annual Trazee Awards.

Debuted United Corporate Preferred, the industry's newest corporate travel program designed to offer top travel benefits to the airline's most loyal business customers.

Biman Bangladesh Airlines orders three Bombardia Q400 Turboprops

The national flag carrier of Bangladesh, Biman Bangladesh Airlines, has ordered three new Q400 turboprop aircraft from the Canadian manufacturer, Bombardier Commercial Aircraft.  

“We are very pleased that Biman is expanding its Q400 fleet with this order for three new aircraft,” said François Cognard, VP, Sales, Asia Pacific. “The Q400’s greater seating and cargo capacity really set it apart from the competition. Furthermore, the Q400’s mix of turboprop economics and jet-like performance were the best match for Biman’s mix of short and long-range routes. Operators coming back for more Q400 aircraft really validates the benefits of the aircraft’s unique characteristics.”

The order was announced this week and based on the list price of the Q400 aircraft, the firm order is valued at approximately US$106 million.

August results from Hawaii

Hawaiian Airlines announced its system-wide traffic statistics for the month of August this week, which showed the airline welcomed more than one million guests during the month.

Total traffic (revenue passenger miles) increased 7.6% on an increase of 9.9 % in capacity (available seat miles).  Load factor decreased by 1.8 points to 84.4%.  The airline is now in its 89th year of continuous service. It currently offers non-stop services from Hawai'i to more U.S. gateway cities (12) than any other airline. The carrier also offers flights to Japan, South Korea, China, Australia, New Zealand, American Samoa and Tahiti.

Finnair adds capacity to Lisbon, Alanya-Gazipasa and Brussels

Finnair adds capacity to Lisbon, Alanya-Gazipasa and Brussels  

Finland's leading airline, Finnair will add flights between its Helsinki hub and Lisbon, Portugal and Alanya (Gazipasa), Turkey for the winter season 2018-2019 the carrier revealed today. 

Finnair opened its Lisbon route during the summer 2018 season, and due to strong demand, it will now fly the route daily year-round. The frequencies added to the Lisbon route increase the capacity on this route by 70% during the winter season.  

Finnair is also adding flights to Alanya (Gazipasa), a popular holiday destination in Turkey, and flies there twice a week during the winter season (October 28, 2018 to March 31, 2019). This is the first time a destination on the Turkish Mediterranean coast will now be available on Finnair scheduled flights year-round. 

In addition, capacity will be added to Finnair’s Brussels route as of October 31 when Finnair will start to fly one of its daily frequencies, on both Wednesdays and Saturdays, with a wide-body Airbus A330. This change will offer added passenger and cargo capacity between both cities and an excellent business class product with full-flat seats for this busy route. 

“These additions are a direct response to the strong demand and wishes from our customers and serve both our Nordic customers as well as our customers connecting from Asia,” says Juha Järvinen, Chief Commercial Officer at Finnair. 

August results for LATAM

LATAM Airlines Group reported its preliminary monthly traffic statistics for August 2018 this week, which showed system passenger traffic increased 2.7%, while capacity rose by 6.3%. As a result, the company's load factor for the month fell 2.8 percentage points to 81.6%. International passenger traffic accounted for approximately 58% of the month's total passenger traffic.

LATAM Airlines has one of the largest route networks in the world, offering air services to around 143 destinations in 26 countries, and is present in six domestic markets in Latin America: Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador and Peru, in addition to its international operations in Latin America, Europe, the United States, the Caribbean, Oceania and Africa. It has a fleet of around 315 aircraft that have an average age of seven years and features modern craft like the Boeing 787, Airbus A350 and A320neo.

Recently the airline recieved a colourful welcome from the airport fire service at Lisbon Airport following the inaugural service from São Paulo/Guarulhos.

Air France - KLM release August figures

The Air France - KLM group released its figures for August this week and despite the recent industrial action by staff, passenger numbers continued to grow, up by 2.3% to 9.6 million people. Load factor for the group was also up slightly to 90.8%. The biggest increases in passenger numbers were seen in the Latin America and North America markets for the group. 

Gulf Air appoints new chief commercial officer

The national carrier of the Kingdom of Bahrain, Gulf Air, announced recently the appointment of a new Chief Commercial Officer, taking up the role is Vincent Coste.  

Mr Krešimir Kučko, the Chief Executive Officer of Gulf Air welcomed Mr Coste to his new post along with the good wishes of the rest of the board. Coste comes with a wealth of aviation business experience, having spent 25 years in various commercial roles with airlines in the Europe, Americas,  Middle East and Africa. His most recent post was as Chief Commercial Officer of Kenya Airways where he spent the last 2 years establishing a new business model for the airline, to develop and grow. 

Mr Coste joins the Gulf Air management team at a significant time of change for the airline, earlier in 2018 the executive management of the carrier stated that 2018 was the #YearOfChange for the airline. Some of the changes include new livery, new fleet, new uniform, new destinations and a new strategy. 

By end of 2018, the airline is scheduled to receive 5 Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners and 1 Airbus A320neo aircraft in total. The new Dreamliners will be put on Gulf Airs double daily London Heathrow service as well as the flights to Casablanca. These latest additions to the fleet will enhance the on-board products and services the airline can provide.

(photo Gulf Air)

Hi Fly's A380 has a prang in Paris

The Hi Fly Airbus A380 is having a bit of a bumpy baptism with its first few clients,  first, there were massive delays in New York when the delightful double-decked superjumbo had been wet leased by Norwegian for its LGW to JFK route. 

The delays were not really of Hi Fly's making, more to do with the congestion at the departure gate configured for use by Airbus A380 aircraft which was already in use at the time of Norwegian's JFK flights. It seems the New York port authority wouldn't allow passengers to board the aircraft manually, via old-fashioned stairs, so they had to wait to use the departure gate.  

Now the brightly painted aircraft has been hired by Air Austral to operate its flights to Reunion.  Indeed, the A380 was operating the longest non stop domestic flight in the world, the airline said on  1st September, flying the St. Denis, Reunion to Paris. The double-decked plane carried 506 people over the 5,809 miles in 11 hours on the 1st. Everything was going well, until Friday last week, when one of the A380's engine cowlings was damaged by a jetbridge at Paris Charles de Gaulle airport.  It has been reported that the aircraft was being towed by airport staff when the prang happened, although this hasn't yet been confirmed. According to FlightRadar24 the aircraft is still in Paris and undergoing repairs, although it isn't clear when the jet will be back in the air, we hope it will be soon. 

HiFly A380 is under maintenance after one of its engines has been hit by an airbridge at Paris CDG
https://t.co/n0LBXzgPn7

— AIRLIVE (@airlivenet) September 9, 2018

More on the A380 from Hi Fly and its special 'save the coral reefs livery here.

WestJet passenger numbers increase during August

The Canadian airline, WestJet has announced its August 2018 traffic results today which show the carrier saw its load factor decreasing by 1.6% year on year to 89.0%.

The airline also reported its revenue passenger miles (RPMs), or traffic, increased 8.1 % on the same period last year. Capacity, measured in available seat miles (ASMs), grew by 10.0% on last years numbers and the carrier welcomed an additional 128,000 guests during August, that's up 5.4%. 

"In August, we flew two of our busiest-ever traffic days with more than 80,000 guests choosing one of our four airline brands. In only its second full month of operation, Canadians continue to embrace Swoop with load factors consistently above ninety-five per cent," said Ed Sims, WestJet President and CEO. "I want to thank every individual WestJetter for continuing to provide our guests with an award-winning service experience."

Worst UK airlines for delays named.

According to a report by Which magazine, around 1.3 million UK air passengers have endured severe delays in the last 12 months alone.

The study said that 13,000 flights to or from UK airports were delayed by three hours or more in 12 months up to June this year.  On average, nearly 3,500 passengers faced lengthy delays each day.

According to the delay report, budget carrier, Easyjet was the worst with 2,618 late flights,  its low-cost-high-fee rival Ryanair was second with 1,868 flights and the former 'world's favourite airline' British Airways was third with 1,668 flights being delayed.

SpiceJet embarking on cargo only project from next Tuesday!

SpiceJet Ltd confirmed today that it will be launching a dedicated cargo service from next Tuesday, 18th September.  

The move comes as the airline is desperate to boost income and expand its offering above and beyond the normal commercial passenger operations.  SpiceJet says they are working towards a separate pure air cargo fleet Boeing 737 jets and expects to be operating the first four in the early part of next year.  

The airline also expects air freight demand within India to increase by at least 60% during the next five years and as such the carrier wants to be ready to capitalise on this growth.  The airline said, it ideally wanted to increase its cargo capacity to up to 900 tonnes per day during 2019.  The current tonnage as approximately 500 tonnes per day. 

19 dead in Sudan plane crash

South Sudan Plane Crash -   It has been confirmed that nineteen people were killed when a small passenger plane crashed into a lake as it tried to land in thick fog in central South Sudan. 

According to government official Taban Abel Aguek, four people, including two children, survived the crash. Victims include the pilot and co-pilot, a staff member of the Red Cross and an Anglican bishop, he told local media. 

"When it arrived the weather was so foggy and when it tried to land it crashed into Lake Yirol adjacent to Yirol town," Mr Abel Aguek, said. "The whole town is in shock, the shops are closed, some people have taken their relatives for burial. It is a commercial plane that crashed," he added.

The aircraft was carrying 23 people from the capital, Juba, to the city of Yirol on Sunday when the incident happened.  Images appearing on social media seemed to show the tangled wreckage of the aircraft part submerged in water with some locals using canoes helping the rescue effort. 

..

End of the 'Open Skies' era

The 'Open Skies' era has come to an end, at least in terms of the airline called Open Skies set by British Airways in 2008, which operated its last flight last week.

Open Skies was a premium brand flying a premium service between New York and Paris Orly and has been absorbed into the new IAG budget carrier, Level, which used the Open Skies operators certificate to get airborne.   Now the last aircraft featuring the Open Skies livery doing an Open Skies route has flown its last revenue flight for the airline. The Orly operation is now run with two Level-branded Airbus A330-200s.

The last flight from Newark to Paris took place on 2nd September and the Boeing 767 is now in the process to be retired from service and as it bows out, so too does the last remnants of OpenSkies brand, at least in public eyes.

The aircraft, registration: F-HILU was flown to St Athan, a few miles from Cardiff, Wales on 3rd September to end its 28-year working life. 

Photo © Dominique Scarmure 

Vietnam Airlines and Aeroflot sign agreement for codeshare deal

The leading air carriers of Russia and Vietnam have agreed to strengthen cooperation between the two with a codeshare arrangement.

Aeroflot and Vietnam Airlines signed a special Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to strengthen the ties between the two aviation leaders.  This MoU indicates that starting in 2019 the airlines will codeshare on domestic routes in Russia and Vietnam and also be expanding their cooperation over several areas of business.

Both airlines are members of the Sky Team global airlines alliance and believe the codeshare deal with help drive new passengers into their respective networks.  The agreement signed on 7th September marks the 25th anniversary of Vietnam Airlines’ services to Russia. The Executive Vice President of  Vietnam Airlines, Trinh Ngoc Thanh “The MoU takes our cooperation further in the direction of a solid and mutually beneficial partnership, offering customers a wider choice of travel options and world-class quality of two leading 4-Star airlines.” 

Aeroflot operates nine flights per week on routes between Moscow and Vietnam with a daily flight to Hanoi and a twice-weekly service to Ho Chi Minh city, utilizing Airbus A330 and Boeing 777 aircraft. Vietnam Airlines offers three direct flights per week between Hanoi and Moscow, operated on Boeing 787-9 aircraft. 

Air New Zealand celebrates a decade as Australasia’s number 1 airline

Air New Zealand has been named Australasia’s Leading Airline for the 10th consecutive year at the World Travel Awards in Hong Kong.

The airline has also been named Australasia’s Leading Airline Brand for the second year in a row, an award that was first introduced last year. The awards are voted for by travel and tourism professionals, as well as business and leisure travellers worldwide.

Air New Zealand Chief Marketing and Customer Officer Mike Tod says it's fantastic to have been recognised as Australasia’s top airline by both consumers and the travel industry for the past decade.

"This is a huge achievement and I'd like to thank all of our customers as well as those in the industry who voted for Air New Zealand. This award is a reflection of the commitment our 12,000 staff around the world put into ensuring we deliver products and services that our nation can be proud of," Mr Tod says.

Four new international routes for Aeroflot

The leading Russian airline, Aeroflot has confirmed that it will start four new international flights from the start of this coming winter season.

The airline is introducing services to Colombo, Gothenburg, Ljubljana. The flights will operate under the winter schedule effective 28th October 2018 and run through 30th March 2019.

Moscow-Colombo
- flight SU 0286 will depart Sheremetyevo on Mondays, Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays at 22:05, and arrive in Colombo at 9:05.

- return flight SU 0287 will depart Colombo on Mondays, Tuesdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays at 10:45, and arrive at Sheremetyevo at 17:30.

Photo Arvind Kumar

Colombo is the largest city of Sri Lanka and its financial and cultural centre. It is the main tourist hub from which travellers start their journeys across the country. Five weekly flights on Airbus A330 aircraft.

Da Nang service to start in December for Qatar Airways

The Doha based Qatar Airways will be launching a flight to Da Nang, Vietnam, from 19th December 2018, its confirmed this week.

The service will operate four times a week on a Boeing 787-8 aircraft, featuring 22 seats in Business Class and 232 seats in Economy Class. Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive Akbar Al Baker, said: “We are delighted to announce the launch of our newest gateway to Vietnam, the beautiful city of Da Nang. This new direct route demonstrates our commitment to expanding our presence in the Far East, a highly-important market for Qatar Airways.

Jet2 increase service Bourgas in Bulgaria

The UK holiday airline Jet2 will be adding more flights to Bourgas in Bulgaria during summer 2019 the airline has said.

A new Saturday service will be taking off from Manchester and Leeds Bradford Airports next summer.  in Summer 19! The new flights will mean the carrier will operate up to 14 services a week to Bourgas from across its nine UK bases.

The two additional services will both operate on Saturdays, on the following schedule:

Air India crew of brand new A320neo land on wrong runway that was under construction at Male, Maldives

An investigation is underway into why the crew of an Air India Airbus A320neo landed on an unfinished runway at Malé Velana International Airport in the Maldives on 7th September.

The aircraft, registration VT-EXL, was operating flight AI263 from Thiruvananthapuram International Airport with 136 passengers onboard at the time of the incident. During the landing on the unfinished runway that was still under construction at least one tyre in the main gear deflated and there was some damage to the aircraft's braking systems. Following the landing, the aircraft had to be towed to a parking stand where all passengers disembarked safely. 

The flight deck crew of the aircraft have been grounded pending results of the investigation which is being carried out by officials from both the Maldives and India. 

KLM launches Augmented Reality app for hand baggage check

As of today, it will be very easy for passengers with a telephone camera to see whether their

hand baggage is of the correct size. KLM Royal Dutch Airlines is using Augmented Reality (AR) for this new service.

The KLM’s AR hand baggage check uses a transparent, virtual KLM suitcase, which indicates the permitted dimensions for hand baggage on board. AR technology makes it possible for a virtual image to be placed in reality and to be used interactively. This makes it easy for a passenger to check at home whether their hand baggage is of the correct size. The hand baggage check is available in the KLM App for iOS users.

KLM at the forefront of AR - The KLM App uses Apple’s AR technology. KLM is also one of a group of leading companies that use Apple’s Augmented Reality-technology to provide customer services in the KLM App. KLM will continue to develop and improve the service in the future so that it grows in line with the latest AR technology available.  

The 49th Sukhoi Superjet 100 arrives for Aeroflot.

The Russian airline Aeroflot has taken delivery of its 49th Sukhoi Superjet 100 (SSJ 100). The airline names its aircraft after famous Russian's throughout history, this aircraft, registration RA-89116, is named in honour of the legendary military commander Konstantin Rokossovsky.

Konstantin Rokossovsky was a prominent Red Army commander and Marshal of the Soviet Union. He was a key figure in some of the most important battles of World War II, including the Battles of Moscow, Stalingrad and Kursk, and is particularly renowned for his planning and executing of Operation Bagration, which freed Soviet Belarus from Nazi occupation.

Aeroflot has configured the new SSJ100 with 12 seats in business class and 75 seats in economy class. The carrier supports Russian manufacturing and is currently the largest operator of Sukhoi Superjet 100 aircraft. The airline will soon take delivery of another SSJ 100, bringing the total number to 50. The Sukhoi Superjet 100 planes will operate flights on Aeroflot routes within Russia, CIS countries and also to a number of European countries.

Sun Country to head to Belize and St Kitts & Nevis

The new ultra-low-cost-carrier Sun Country Airlines has announced two new destinations to be introduced to its route network.

The airline will offer new services to Belize and St. Kitts & Nevis – from its home base of Minneapolis/St. Paul.   “At Sun Country, we pride ourselves on delivering fantastic value to our guests, connecting them to their favourite people, places and memories. Belize and St. Kitts and Nevis are amazing beach destinations that we have no doubt Minnesotans will be excited to flock to in the winter,” said Ben Brookman, the vice president, network and pricing of Sun Country Airlines. “We are pleased to be the first airline to offer scheduled nonstop service from MSP to these two great destinations, and look forward to offering Minnesotans affordable nonstop service to even more vacation hot spots.”

Southwest passengers might have been exposed to measles!

US Health officials say they are trying to find passengers from four Southwest Airlines flights last month who might have been exposed to measles.

The passengers' would have taken flights on 21st August and 22nd August on which a fellow passenger from North Texas who was later diagnosed with the highly contagious virus. The flights went to Dallas, Houston and Harlingen.

The Houston Health Department says it’s helping to find the passengers who might have been exposed to the virus.  They say people exposed to this patient might develop symptoms as late as 12th September. Those symptoms include rash, high fever, cough, runny nose and red, watery eyes.

Garuda Indonesia and Japan Airlines agree codesahe deal

Japan Airlines and Garuda Indonesia have agreed a new codeshare deal starting on 28th October. The deal will see the airlines share capacity on various domestic routes and select routes between Japan and Indonesia and on some trans-Pacific routes Japan Airlines operates.

"Indonesia is well known for its warm hospitality and rich diverse culture," said Yuji Akasaka, President of Japan Airlines. "We look forward to the partnership with Garuda Indonesia, who continuously strives through its transformation program and has achieved a 5-star Airline rating by Skytrax. I truly believe we can provide our mutual customers with the highest level of service, which excels the industry standard.”

More cabin crew strikes ahead for Ryanair

The low-fare high-fee airline Ryanair is facing more industrial action towards the end of this month as not none, not two, but Seven trade unions representing the budget carriers cabin crew in five countries have threatened strike action unless the airline agrees to improve working conditions. 

On Friday unions representing Ryanair cabin crew in Italy, Portugal, Belgium, Spain and the Netherlands issued a joint letter to advising they would hold “the biggest strike action the company has ever seen” unless improvements are made to their employment conditions.

The key amendment the cabin crew are seeking is being employed on local contracts under local laws of the country in which they are employed, rather than Dubin contracts that Ryanair demand staff sign.