Orient Aviation's Week in the Asia-Pacific
By Dominic Lalk
More signs of growth in Asia-Pacific aviation emerged this week when IATA released better than expected July traffic figures for the region and Vietnam’s three major carriers boosted Airbus’ order book with 40 new aircraft orders, including ten A350s. In China, Mainland carriers continued their rapid network expansion and Juneyao decided to buy another round of A320Family jets. In Japan, All Nippon Airways (ANA) is dealing with the discovery of corrosion cracks on its B787 engines and in South Korea, the bankruptcy filing of Hanjin Shipping looks to be a blessing in disguise for flag carrier, Korean Air.
News
Vietnam defies market and places new order for 40 Airbus jets
What a week it’s been for Vietnamese aviation. On Tuesday, the nation’s three largest airlines – Vietnam Airlines, VietJet Air and Jetstar Pacific – ordered 40 new Airbus aircraft during a visit to the country by French president, Francois Hollande, for an estimated $6.46 billion at list prices. Read More »
News
China Southern receives 700th aircraft and Colorful Guizhou orders more E190s
Mainland carriers are quickly becoming the world’s largest aircraft owners. This week, China Southern Airlines took delivery of its 700th aircraft, an A321. Read More »
News
ANA to seek compensation from Rolls-Royce and ends NCA partnership
All Nippon Airways (ANA) parent, ANA Holdings Inc., will seek compensation from Rolls-Royce following the cancellation last month of more than a dozen flights after the airline found fatigue cracks in blades in the intermediate pressure turbine (IPT) on three B787 aircraft, Reuters reported. Read More »
News
Air China to take 49% LOT holding for €150 million?
Air China is in advanced negotiations to take equity of 49% in fellow Star Alliance member, LOT Polish Airlines, for €150 million, sources close to the deal disclosed to Orient Aviation. Read More »
News
EVA Air orders B787 FFS ahead of fleet expansion
Taiwan’s EVA Airways is quietly growing its market share across the Pacific. With 26 B777-300ERs in service and another ten on order the airline has gradually added frequencies on its trans-Pacific routes, including Guam, Houston, Los Angeles, New York, San Francisco, Seattle, Toronto and Vancouver. Read More »
News
Pakistan International Airlines swapping five -300ERs for eight B787s
Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) is set to convert an existing order for five B777-300ERs to eight B787s (variant unspecified), the BBC has reported, quoting PIA chairman, Azam Saigol. Read More »
Airline Statistics
IATA: Asia-Pacific demand up 9.8%
In July, despite all predictions to the contrary, Asia-Pacific airlines increased their passenger numbers 9.8% year-on-year, reported the International Air Transport Association (IATA) this week. Read More »
News
Cathay plans Melbourne A350 service, following THAI and SIA
Thai Airways International (THAI) was the first to announce the A350 on its double daily Bangkok-Melbourne route, from September 16, after it received its first A350, christened ‘Wichian Buri’. Read More »
News
Korean Air faces $345 million Hanjin Shipping write-off
Korean Air’s (KAL’s) exposure to troubled sister company, Hanjin Shipping, is expected to deal a huge hit to the airline’s balance sheet this year. Read More »
Short Takes
Airlines
AirAsia on Wednesday took delivery of its first A320neo, equipped with Airbus’ Space Flex Cabin seating 186 passengers. The aircraft is powered by CFM International’s LEAP-1A. AirAsia has another 403 A320neos on firm order. Read More »
People
OAG appoints new Asia-Pacific director
OAG this week appointed Mark Clarkson to spearhead the company’s expansion as its new business development director for the Asia-Pacific region. Formerly OAG's London-based commercial director, Mark will be based in Singapore. Read More »
