December 1st 2024

Print Friendly

FEBRUARY

Financial results published this month by a host of airlines confirmed the industry had maintained profitability despite operating constraints of returning to full capacity, unceasing supply chain disruptions and maintenance and recertification issues. Read More »

Delta Air Lines highlighted the “challenges inherent” in the restoration of services between the U.S. and China, including aero-political challenges, when it requested a temporary dormancy waiver from the U.S. Department of Transportation to retain 32 of the 42 frequencies it did not intend to use from March 31 to October 26 this year.

Japan Airlines said it was on track to meet its full-year guidance despite expecting a 17 billion yen (US$110 million) impact from the A350-900 Tokyo-Haneda accident in January.

Commentary from Air New Zealand and IndiGo, alongside their financial reports, highlighted the impact on their operations of aircraft being unavailable due to maintenance requirements post-pandemic.

Both carriers said significant numbers of their A320neo family fleet were grounded because of required checks on the Pratt & Whitney geared turbofan engines that power the narrow-body family.

In something of a double whammy, the New Zealand carrier also was flying a reduced number of 787s due to a lack of available Rolls-Royce Trent 1000 engines.

At SIA, the company reported net profit for the quarter to December 30, 2023 increased by 4.9% compared with the previous corresponding period.

The airline group, Singapore Airlines and LCC Scoot, said air travel demand was healthy and forward bookings were robust, but yields were under pressure as airlines continued to return capacity to the market.

At Thai Airways International (THAI), there was progress with its debt restructuring and continuing growth in passenger revenue, with the flag carrier reporting a return to profit in 2023.

THAI was one of several airlines in the Asia-Pacific to announce aircraft orders this month, when it committed to 45 787s with options for another 35 of the type.

Vietjet ordered 20 A330neos, STARLUX Airlines signed for five A350F freighters and three A330neos and Royal Brunei Airlines booked with Boeing for four 787-9s.

But in Australia, Qantas Group’s order for ultra-long haul A350-1000s was pushed back to mid-2026, delaying the launch of “Project Sunrise” flights from Australia’s east coast to London and New York.

There were a number of noteworthy C-Suite moves this month. Among was the re-appointment of former CEO, Chandra Rama Muthy, to again lead Batik Air Malaysia. At Virgin Australia, CEO Jayne Hrdlicka announced she will depart the carrier after four years in her role when a successor is appointed.

Capping an eventful month, China’s ARJ21 and C919 made their international debuts at the 2024 Singapore Airshow.