Airlines
Can’t We All Be Friends
Partnerships among all stakeholders, including governments, to help aviation fulfill its important role as a catalyst for global economic growth and development are being welcomed by IATA. IATA's director general and CEO, Tony Tyler said that: “Airlines will transport 3.8 billion passengers and 53 million tonnes of air cargo this year. In doing so, they will support some $2.4 trillion in economic activity and some 58 million jobs. In Asia-Pacific, the corresponding numbers are over $700 billion in GDP and 33 million jobs. By 2034, global demand will reach 7 billion passengers, but that...
Fleet Renewal
Air Canada has entered into a Letter of Intent (LOI) with Bombardier Inc. for the acquisition of up to 75 Bombardier CS300 aircraft powered by Pratt & Whitney PurePower PW1500G engines as part of its narrow-body fleet renewal plan. The LOI contemplates 45 firm orders plus options to purchase up to an additional 30 aircraft and includes substitution rights to CS100 aircraft in certain circumstances. Deliveries are scheduled to begin in late 2019 and extend to 2022. The first 25 aircraft on delivery will replace Air Canada's existing mainline fleet of Embraer E190 aircraft, with...
Transat Offers Zika Update
Transat has issued an updated advisory to agents on the Zika virus. In the advisory, Transat tells agents: “As you are surely aware, the Zika virus is affecting many destinations around the world. This virus is mainly transmitted through mosquito bites. As such, it is strongly recommended that travellers take precautionary measures to protect themselves from mosquito bites.” And it continues: “It should be noted that those most at risk are pregnant women and women who are planning to become pregnant. Your clients should be encouraged to obtain further information on the...
A Year Of Contrasts
IATA has released data for the 2015 safety performance of the commercial airline industry. The 2015 global jet accident rate (measured in hull losses per 1 million flights) was 0.32, which was the equivalent of one major accident for every 3.1 million flights. This was not as good as the rate of 0.27 achieved in 2014 but a 30% improvement compared to the previous five-year rate (2010-2014) of 0.46 hull loss accidents per million jet flights. There were four accidents resulting in passenger fatalities in 2015, all of which involved turboprop aircraft, with 136 fatalities. This compares...
Transformed By Change
Air Canada has reported record full year adjusted net income of $1.222 billion or $4.18 per diluted share compared to record adjusted net income of $531 million or $1.81 per diluted share in 2014 – an improvement of $691 million or $2.37 per diluted share. EBITDAR (earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, amortization and aircraft rent) amounted to $2.534 billion compared to EBITDAR of $1.671 billion in 2014 -- an improvement of $863 million or 51.6%. On a GAAP basis, Air Canada reported operating income of $1.496 billion in 2015, an increase of $681 million or 83.6% from...
US, Cuba Air Deal Earns Praise
Following the U.S. Department of Transportation's announcement that an agreement has been reached between the United States and Cuba restoring scheduled air service between the two countries, ASTA president and CEO, Zane Kerby commented: “ASTA congratulates DOT and its Cuban counterparts on reaching this agreement, which will increase air service to Cuba five-fold and will mean more and more affordable transportation options for Americans wishing to undertake authorized travel to Cuba. Resuming commercial air travel will benefit American consumers and the ASTA travel agents who serve...
Taking Off From YVR
Air Canada rouge launched seasonal, non-stop service between Vancouver and Cancun yesterday (Mon., Feb. 15, 2016). Benjamin Smith, president, passenger airlines for Air Canada, said: “We are delighted to launch seasonal, non-stop flights from YVR to Cancun, one of the most popular vacation destinations on the Mayan Riviera.” Smith noted that: “This winter, Air Canada offers service to Cancun from seven Canadian cities: Vancouver, Calgary, Winnipeg, Toronto, Montreal, Ottawa and Halifax. We continue to strategically deploy Air Canada rouge on routes with high leisure travel...
What’s NEO At LH
Lufthansa, Airbus and Pratt & Whitney were celebrating the delivery of the first A320neo in Hamburg, Germany recently. The A320neo offers better fuel efficiency and more passenger comfort through quieter engines. Carsten Spohr, chairman of the Board and CEO of the Lufthansa Group, Airbus president and CEO Fabrice Brégier and the president of Pratt & Whitney, Robert Leduc welcomed 700 guests to the official delivery at Hamburg-Finkenwerder Airport. Following the ceremonial handover, the first two new-type aircraft were presented to the public. The first A320neo, with the...