December 1st 2022

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June

Airline leaders gathered in Doha at the International Air Transport Association (IATA) annual general meeting at what director general, Willie Walsh, described as a “time for optimism”, even with the challenges of the pandemic, higher fuel costs and the impact of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine on supply chains and airspace availability on certain routes. Read More »

This optimism was reflected in the airline trade association’s improved outlook for the industry - airlines were expected to report losses of US$9.7 billion in 2022, smaller than IATA’s previous forecast of a US$11.7 billion loss. It added profitability in 2023 appeared within reach.

The administration of refunds has been a difficult one for airlines to manage during the pandemic given the huge number of passengers impacted by cancelled flights. No airlines were spared the wrath of consumers’ frustration, often expressed on social media. AirAsia and AirAsia X group carriers appeared to have copped the worst of the criticism. But during the month, the two airlines said 99% of passenger refunds caused by COVID-19 had been finalised. The expanding route networks of the two LCCs meant consumers had an increasing number of options to use their flight credits, they said.

Twelve years after unveiling the economy Skycouch, Air New Zealand (Air NZ) again showcased its pioneering spirit with the launch of bunk-style sleeping pods, the Skynest. The concept offers passengers the option of booking four-hour sleep sessions in the pods. They are part of a “cabin of possibility”, AirNZ CEO, Greg Foran, said, alongside a new business class product and refreshed premium economy and economy seats available from 2024 on 787-9s. Airbus’s long-range narrow-body, the A321XLR, completed its maiden flight this month, flying five hours across parts of Germany after taking off from Hamburg Finkenwerder. The airframer said entry into service is set for early 2024.

The Central Jakarta District Court approved Garuda Indonesia’s restructuring strategy in the month, which included consolidating its debts with creditors, cutting its fleet and scaling back its international network. The airline also was to receive a 7.5 trillion rupiah (US$520 million) capital injection from the Indonesian government.

There were a few personnel changes of note this month. Qantas Group announced Gareth Evans was stepping down as Jetstar Group CEO after five years in the role.

The second was Greater Bay Airlines naming Stanley Hui to succeed Algernon Yau as CEO. Yau resigned after he was appointed secretary for commerce and economic development by new Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) chief executive, John Lee Ka Chi.

And at IATA, Dr Xie Xingquan is the association’s new regional vice president for North Asia.