Overview
In an eventful week in Asia-Pacific aviation new statistics have revealed the extent of the disruption Hong Kong and its carriers are enduring from growing air traffic congestion across its border in Mainland China. On the Mainland itself, the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC) gave preliminary clearance for Guilin Airlines to take to the skies from November, adding to the congestion. In the interim, Mainland energy conglomerate, CEFC, announced a surprise investment in a Czech carrier, underscoring China’s undiminished appetite for global expansion and influence. In Australia, newly cashed-up Qantas is putting its savings into network development, while Virgin Group chief, Sir Richard Branson, ruled out a further sell-off of its holding in Virgin Australia in his visit Down Under.
Delays challenge Hong Kong’s premier hub position Read More »
Airline News
MAB postpones rebranding and decides to keep MASWings and Firefly – for now
Malaysia Airlines Berhad (MAB), in operation since September 1, will announce the reduction of its fleet in the next few days. “We have some capacity reduction in certain markets that is basically already in place. The company is in the midst of the exercise and will announce it in the next couple of days,” MAB chief, Christoph Mueller, told the New Straits Times. Read More »
Airline News
Guilin Airlines ready to launch as Chinese energy firm invests in Czech carrier
The Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC) has granted preliminary approval to set up Guilin Airlines. The start-up will become the second local Guangxi airline, after Beibu Gulf Airlines, with a registered capital of 600 million yuan ($94 million). Read More »
Airline News
Qantas adds Asia frequencies and Virgin Atlantic says Virgin Australia is a keeper
Qantas Airways will add four frequencies a week to its existing daily Sydney-Hong Kong service and introduce the reconfigured A330s, featuring its well-received new business class product, to the route. The Australian carrier will also add a seasonal flight on its Sydney-Manila route, which will increase its schedule to five services a week to the Philippines capital from early December to late March. Read More »
Airline News
Vistara receives cash injection and signs MRO deal with Pratt & Whitney
Singapore Airlines (SIA)/Tata Group joint venture, Gurgaon-based Vistara, has received an additional two billion rupees ($30.1 million) from its investors. Commenting on the latest cash injection, a Vistara spokesman said the carrier was “sufficiently funded to manage operations in the initial phase, but was likely to review its strategy “as and when required”. Read More »
Airline News
Lessor ALC to lead Oman Air fleet renewal
Omani flag carrier, Muscat-based Oman Air, has selected Air Lease Corporation (ALC) to provide it with 14 new short- and long-haul aircraft to 2019, as part of its fleet renewal. The lease agreements cover three B737-800s, seven B737-8MAXs and one new B787-9 from ALC’s order book with Boeing. The order included one used B737-700 and two used B737-800s. Read More »
People
United Airlines boss Smisek steps down and board appoints Munoz in his place
United Continental Holdings Inc. chief executive, Jeffery Smisek, and two of his senior executives, suddenly departed the Chicago headquartered carrier early this week as the result of a federal investigation into the airline’s relationship with the former chairman of the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, David Samson. Read More »
Short Takes
Manufacturers
Airbus’ year-to-date order book for commercial aircraft soared to a gross total of 748 through to August 31. Rival Boeing booked orders for 462 aircraft during the period, but retained the lead in the total value of its commercial aircraft gross orders year-to-date, with sales of $116.4 billion, compared with Airbus’ $94.9 billion. Read More »
