SpiceJet and Jet Airways: Signalling Code Red

In the September quarter, airlines in the country were caught in a perfect storm. The rout of the rupee in July and August and high crude oil prices sent the cost of aviation turbine fuel soaring. Aircraft maintenance cost and airport charges also headed north.

The September quarter has traditionally been weak for aviation passenger traffic in the country, and the sluggish economy made matters worse. So, despite costs rising sharply, airlines could not pass them on.

Meet the management team at the new American Airlines

There’s a new team sitting in the executive suites at the American Airlines headquarters on Amon Carter Boulevard.

While the combination of American Airlines and US Airways will keep the American name, many of the top executives will hail from US Airways’ offices in Tempe, Ariz.

Doug Parker, 52, who engineered the merger as CEO at US Airways, is stepping in as American’s new CEO to lead the world’s largest carrier, taking over from Tom Horton. Horton will remain as chairman of the new company’s board of directors until the first shareholder meeting sometime next year.

Parker, who started his aviation career in the late 1980s in American’s finance department, is the industry’s longest-serving CEO. He has run US Airways since it merged with America West Airlines in 2005, and was named to America West’s top spot just days before the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001.

Setback for Vijay Mallya as court accepts Kingfisher Airlines winding-up petition

In another setback to liqour baron Vijay Mallya, the Karnataka High Court on Friday admitted a winding-up petition filed against Kingfisher Airlines Ltd, seeking liquidation of the carrier. Aerotron, a UK-based aviation services firm, in its petition has said that Mallya’s airline owes it a sum of Rs 37 crore, or $6 million.

Aerotron is among several companies that have filed winding-up petitions in the Karnataka High Court against the airline. The airline, which has been grounded for more than a year, in a submission to the court has estimated its assets to be worth a little less than Rs 612 crore including the Mumbai headquarters.

EasyJet to fly to Tel Aviv from London Gatwick

EasyJet (easyJet.com) has announced that it plans a third route between the UK and Tel Aviv. The airline, which already flies to the city from Manchester Airport and London Luton Airport, will start services from London Gatwick Airport from April 1, 2014. The new route will operate three days a week on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays.

Finnair to install Zodiac fully-flat seats on its long range aircraft

Finnair has announced it will install new fully flat seats in most of its existing long haul aircraft starting in January. Once the installation program is completed by fall 2014, all of Finnair’s long haul Airbus fleet will have full flat seats in Business Class, with the exception of three older aircraft. 

Vietnam Airlines installs self check-in kiosks

Viet Nam ranks second in Asia in terms of tourism development potential, according to a survey unveiled at the World Travel Market (WTM) in London recently.

In 2012, international tourists to Viet Nam numbered 6.8 million and domestic visitors, 32 million, 27 times and 32 times higher than 1990, respectively. The turnover from tourism reached VND160 billion, 118 times higher than in 1990, which contributed a lot to the country’s GDP.

United Airlines takes Starlight kids on trip to North Pole

United Airlines took a group of children from the Starlight Children's Foundation on a special trip to the North Pole Saturday. 

United Airlines took a group of children on a special trip to the North Pole Saturday. Travelers might recognize the North Pole as gate C-20 at O'Hare Airport. Santa and Mrs. Claus were there to visit with boys and girls from the Starlight Children's Foundation.

Once they arrived at the North Pole they could take part in sleigh rides, face painting and caroling. There was even a full holiday meal.

Foreign airlines woo Indian travellers with ‘wedding gifts’

Marriage is serious business, and the latest to wake up to the importance of the big, fat Indian wedding are foreign airlines. Passing through turbulent times, air carriers operating in the country are now testing their marketing skills during the country’s most celebrated time — the wedding season.

Dubai-based Emirates, in a limited period offer, gave up to 20% off on economy-class and business-class fares to 20 select destinations, including Mauritius, Cape Town, London, Paris, Zurich, Frankfurt and New York.

Al-Qaeda branch in Syria has shot down an Assad regime’s made-in-Iran drone

By David Cenciotti

Al Jazeera has posted exclusive footage of a drone shot down by Jabhat al-Nusra, al-Qaeda’s local branch in Syria, while it was flying over Aleppo.

The drone seems to be a Yasir drone, a small Iranian drone (that can be quickly disassembled to be carried in a suitcase) based on the American Boeing ScanEagle.

Government to invest in Air Uganda - finally

President Yoweri Museveni and His Highness the Aga Khan have reportedly reached an agreement during a meeting in Paris on the sidelines of a security conference the president is attending, that the Government of Uganda will acquire a stake in Air Uganda, which would turn the quasi national airline into a regular national airline. 

The offer was made on start up when Air Uganda went operational in 6 years ago but never taken up until now.

This will put an end too to ongoing rumors fueled by speculators and middlemen to revive Uganda Airlines, which was thought to be a massive scam, attempting to siphon millions of dollars out of government coffers, similar to the failed investment of 700 million Uganda Shillings in Victoria International Airlines, where vested interests by individuals caused a total write off after VIA halted operations within weeks of their maiden flight and not a single shilling returned to Uganda since.

Thai Airways marks 46th anniversary in Nepal

Thai Airways International (THAI) celebrated its 46th anniversary of successful operation in Nepal on Saturday.

During the function, various awards were distributed to top passenger and cargo sales agents along with the top supporting agents to recognize and express appreciation for their outstanding performance and support.

THAI has completed 50 years of operation. It operated its first flight to Kathmandu on December 4, 1968.

Speaking at the function, Chantouch Srinilta, general manager of Thai Airways for Nepal thanked all travel partners for supporting the airways and for safe landing in Nepal.

RAK Airways extends ‘festive season weekend sale’

December being the season of festivities and celebrations, RAK Airways extends attractive travel options to all its loyal customers who will book until today (Dec. 8, 2013). All travel enthusiasts are encouraged to call RAK Airways Call Center or book through the airline’s website www.rakairways.com or through your travel agent. The great fares start from AED190 and travel validity is until March 28, 2014.

Source: Saudi Gazzette

Air China Bags "Best Chinese Airline Serving China" Title 2013

The results of the readers' poll 2013 conducted by Business Traveler China were recently released in Beijing. According to the results of the poll, Air China was honored with the Best Chinese Airline Serving China award. Mr. Fan Heyun, Senior Manager of Branding, Marketing Department, received the award on behalf of Air China.

Philippine Airlines returns to Saudi Arabia

Philippine Airlines fresh from its recent Route of the Week for its return to London, has now resumed flights to Riyadh (RUH) in Saudi Arabia from its Manila (MNL) base. The airline last served the market at the end of March 2011 (with 747s), but on 1 December it restarted operations with four weekly flights operated by the airline’s more fuel-efficient A330-300s. 

The 7,790-kilometre route is already served by Saudi Arabian Airlines with six weekly flights. Next week we will be reporting on the airline’s new route to Dammam.

Source: Anna.Aero

Kairali Airlines boss accused of being a bunko artist

Kairali Airlines (Kochi Int'l) is currently being investigated by the Kerala Police after it was found that CEO Kaithakattu Krishnankutty Praveen Kumar has a record of allegedly dabbling in fake currency rackets. 

Indian journal, Tehelka, claims that Mr Kumar has been arrested three times by the Crime Branch of Kerala Police. Kumar was sentenced to two years imprisonment in a case dating back to 2001, but was acquitted by the Kerala High Court. 

Frankfurt FSV players celebrate after goal. Photo: REUTERS

The Frankfurt-based FSV second league football club terminated its advertising contract with the Saudi Arabian airline “Saudia” because it refuses to sell tickets to Israeli citizens. The Berliner Morgenpost reported on Wednesday in an article titled “Second division Frankfurt ends sponsorship because of anti-Semitism.”

“Despite the request of FSV for a statement to the allegations, Saudi Arabia’s airline as a state owned airline, referred the matter to the Saudi Arabia embassy in Berlin. For this reason, both sides decided to cancel the contractual relationship,” said the FSV club.

Qantas to axe 1000 jobs in next year as it predicts half-year loss of up to $300m

Qantas aircraft on the tarmac at Sydney's international airport. Photograph: Greg Wood/AFP/Getty Images

Qantas will axe 1000 jobs in the next 12 months, after forecasting a half-year pre-tax loss of between $250m and $300m.

The airline's financial troubles have again sparked talk of a possible government bailout after the treasurer Joe Hockey's call for a debate on the airline's foreign investment restrictions.

The independent senator Nick Xenophon called for the heads of Qantas chief Alan Joyce and its board, saying the crisis facing the airline was "of their own making".

55 airlines accept China's defence zone amid Biden's visit

China on Wednesday said 55 airlines from 19 countries have accepted its Air Defence Identification Zone (ADIZ) over the East China Sea. Beijing's announcement aims to demonstrate the success of its ADIZ in the face of resistance from Japan, South Korea and the US, and coincides with US Vice President Joe Biden's visit to China.

These airlines have agreed to submit their flight plans to Chinese authorities before flying into the zone, which includes the disputedDiaoyu Islands being claimed by both China and Japan. China had earlier scrambled its fighter jets after US and Japanese warplanesentered the zone.

The announcement came soon after a meeting between Biden and Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing. Biden, during a meeting with Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe in Tokyo on Tuesday, had expressed concern over China's ADIZ.

TAAG Angola Airlines, Emirates to sign strategic cooperation agreement

TAAG Angola Airlines (DT, Luanda) and Emirates (EK, Dubai Int'l) have signed an operational and commercial cooperation agreement, a precursor to a strategic cooperation agreement, following the recent visit of a high powered Angolan delegation to Dubai late last month. 

Among the dignitaries who oversaw the agreement were the Secretary of State for Civil Aviation, Dr Mário Domingues, representing the Minister for Transport, Dr Augusto da Silva Tomás, and various senior officials from TAAG and Angola's civil aviation regulatory authorities, Instituto Nacional da Aviação Civil (INAVIC) and Empresa Nacional de Exploração de Aeroportos e Navegação Aérea (ENANA). 

Lufthansa Technik Offers Boeing 787 Services

The first Boeing 787 for private and government customers is slated for delivery by year-end, and Lufthansa Technik has already finished all its preparations for the completion and technical care of the aircraft. 

The company has positioned itself to provide to the 787 market services such as completion; rotable provisioning and MROservices on nacelle components designed and manufactured by UTC Aerospace Systems’ aerostructures business; and production inspection for airline and private customers.

Emirates Airline launches longest A380-nonstop service

Emirates A380 at the Dubai Air Show By Victoria Moores

Emirates Airline launched the longest Airbus A380 commercial nonstop flight Dec. 2 on a daily Dubai-Los Angeles service. The aircraft replaced a Boeing 777-300ER on the route.

Emirates took delivery of its 40th and 41th A380 Nov. 28. The newest A380 fleet additions have an increased take-off weight of up to 575 tons.

China Southern to make African début with Guangzhou - Entebbe flights?

China Southern Airlines (CZ, Guangzhou) is reportedly planning to enter the African market next year with the launch of Guangzhou to Entebbe/Kampala flights, Uganda's Monitor has reported. 

Speaking at the commissioning of the Kampala office last week, Mr Abdul Monem Zein, China Southern's senior sales executive manager Middle East Region and Dubai office, said the Kampala office is the first in Africa though other offices in Kenya and Tanzania are expected to open in the coming two months. 

Kazan 737 crash crew received 'pull up' warnings

Pilots of the Tatarstan Boeing 737-300 which crashed during a go-around at Kazan received sink-rate and “pull up” orders from the ground-proximity warning system as it entered its fatal descent.

But preliminary information from Russia’s Interstate Aviation Committee states that there was no “significant” pitch deviation from the control column as the aircraft dove towards the ground.

The jet, arriving from Moscow on 17 November, sharply climbed to 700m (2,300ft) during the go-around despite missed approach procedures showing a level-off altitude of 500m.

Malawi Airlines could operate ten aircraft & widebodies by 2018

Ethiopian Airlines CEO Tewolde Gebremariam sees his airline's latest venture, Malawi Airlines, operating up to ten aircraft by 2018. Speaking to RootsOnline, Mr Gebremariam says he sees the distinct possibility of the Malawian subsidiary operating widebodies as well. 

A joint venture between the Malawian government, Malawian private investors and Ethiopian Airlines, Malawi Airlines is scheduled to launch flights out of Blantyre and Lilongwe on January 1 using a B737-800 and a Dash 8-400 to serve Mozambique, Zambia, Tanzania, Zimbabwe and South Africa. 

Norwegian launches its new route to Fort Lauderdale/Hollywood with its third Boeing 787

Norwegian Air Shuttle  today launched its first nonstop flight from Scandinavia to Fort Lauderdale /  Hollywood in South Florida. The first flight departed from Copenhagen. Tomorrow is the first nonstop flight to Fort Lauderdale/Hollywood from Oslo and on Sunday from Stockholm. The flight took off with Norwegian’s third and newest 787-8 (EI-LNC, msn 34795) which was delivered on November 27.

Malaysia's Caterham, Berjaya Air consider business class venture

Caterham Jet could take a 51% stake in Berjaya Air as AirAsia and Caterham CEO, Tony Fernandez, eyes offering scheduled business class jet services within the region. 

Malaysia's Star reports that despite being established over two years ago, Caterham has been unable to obtain an Air Operators Certificate and is in talks with Berjaya for this reason. It had planned to offer “super-premium” services to Jakarta Soekarno-Hatta, Bangkok Suvarnabhumi and Singapore Changi using two CRJ-700s. 

British Airways holds talks with Chinese carriers

British Airways has held talks with various Chinese carriers including Spring Airlines, China Eastern Airlines and Sichuan Airlines as it looks to boost its presence in the world's second largest economy. 

Speaking to Bloomberg newswire at the CAPA World Aviation Summit, IAG CEO, Willie Walsh, said British Airways had been "very late into China" due to relatively poor Sino-Anglo trade links and a lack of flight slots at its London Heathrow hub.

However, services to Chengdu, added after the purchase of bmi british midland freed up 42 slots, are exceeding expectations. “It is a huge market,” he said. “There is a long list of cities in China we see with opportunities.” In addition to Chengdu, British Airways' Chinese network is limited to Beijing Capital and Shanghai Pudong flights.

Source: CH-Aviation

Airline Operators Elect New Leadership after 14 Years

Capt Nogie Meggison

The Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON) has elected the Chief Executive Officer of Jed Air, Captain Nogie Meggison, as its chairman for the next two years, while Mr. Yvan Drewinsky, the Chief Operating Officer of Dana Air was elected Vice-President.

The election was conducted by an independent organisation, Banwo and Ighodalo during the Annual General Meeting ( AGM ) of the body held in Lagos yesterday.

Etihad Airways boosts capacity between Abu Dhabi, Melbourne

Etihad Airways, the national airline of the UAE, will add more seats between Abu Dhabi and Melbourne by introducing a Boeing 777-300ER to the route.

The larger aircraft, to start operating from December 1, will offer 328 seats in a three-class configuration - 36 more than the Airbus A340-600 which is currently flying the Abu Dhabi-Melbourne sector. The three-class Boeing 777-300ER has eight seats in Diamond First Class, 40 in Pearl Business Class, and 280 in Coral Economy Class. Etihad commenced flights between Abu Dhabi and Melbourne in 2009.

KENYA AIRWAYS INCREASES FREQUENCIES AHEAD OF HOLIDAYS

Kenya Airways has increased it's frequency to 11 destinations starting next month as the airline prepares for an anticipated surge during the festive season. The airline will fly to Malindi seven times every week, up from the current six times and Mombasa, to which it will fly 88 times. Other destinations include; Tanzania, South Sudan, Botswana, Madagascar and Seychelles.

Source: The Star