Category Archives: News

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Japan Airlines Begins a New Era Retiring the Legendary 777-300ER on the Tokyo to London Route and Introducing the Revolutionary Airbus A350-1000 for Unmatched Comfort and Efficiency

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Japan Airlines marks a new milestone retiring the iconic 777-300ER on the Tokyo-London route, replacing it with the cutting-edge Airbus A350-1000 for superior travel.

Japan Airlines (JAL) has officially retired the iconic Boeing 777-300ER from its international operations on the Tokyo Haneda (HND) to London Heathrow (LHR) route, marking the conclusion of an era for this long-serving aircraft.

Starting January 2, 2025, the route will be operated by the advanced Airbus A350-1000, reflecting JAL’s commitment to modernizing its fleet with next-generation aircraft. The Boeing 777-300ER, which joined JAL’s lineup in 2004 as a successor to the Boeing 747-400, became a flagship model for the airline’s long-haul routes, including key destinations like New York (JFK) and London (LHR).

Between 2004 and 2009, JAL added 13 Boeing 777-300ERs to its fleet. The last international flight for the aircraft, operated by JA739J, took place on January 1, 2025. Designated as flight JL43, it departed Tokyo Haneda at 10:01 AM local time and landed at London Heathrow at 2:56 PM local time, completing its 14-hour and 25-minute journey. This final mission featured JAL’s “W84” cabin layout, accommodating 244 passengers: 8 in First Class, 49 in Business Class, 40 in Premium Economy, and 147 in Economy.

Although retired from international routes, the Boeing 777-300ER will continue to serve JAL on select routes, including major destinations like Chicago, Los Angeles, Paris, and Sydney, as well as various Asian and domestic flights.

The introduction of the Airbus A350-1000 offers several benefits, including enhanced fuel efficiency and reduced noise, in line with JAL’s environmental sustainability initiatives. As part of its fleet renewal strategy, the airline is transitioning to the A350 to meet growing passenger demand on routes to Europe and North America while minimizing its environmental footprint.

By 2025, JAL plans to have 11 A350s in operation, progressively expanding their deployment across high-demand routes such as Paris and key cities on the U.S. West Coast. This move underscores the airline’s commitment to providing state-of-the-art services and maintaining seamless connectivity for its passengers.


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Delta Retains its Place as Most On-Time North American Airline

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Delta Air Lines retains its spot as North America’s most punctual carrier in 2024, winning Cirium’s Platinum Award for Operational Excellence for the fourth year running.

Delta Air Lines has maintained its position as North America’s most punctual carrier in 2024. It earned Cirium’s prestigious Platinum Award for Operational Excellence for the fourth year running.

This award celebrates airlines that consistently deliver on-time flights while managing complex operations and minimizing passenger disruptions, setting a gold standard in the aviation industry.

The achievement marks a significant milestone as Delta enters its 100th year of service, demonstrating the airline’s enduring commitment to excellence across generations.

Consistency in a Challenging Era


The carrier’s consistency in maintaining high operational standards has become increasingly noteworthy. This is particularly notable in an era where air travel faces numerous challenges, from weather disruptions to staffing shortages.

John Laughter, Delta’s Executive Vice President and Chief of Operations gave comment on the recent accolade. “Receiving Cirium’s recognition again highlights our team’s dedication to operational excellence,” he said.

“Reliable, safe operations form the foundation of Delta’s growth and represent our century-old brand promise.” This commitment to reliability has become particularly crucial as air travel continues to recover and expand post-pandemic.

Performance Statistics


The airline’s performance statistics paint a compelling picture. 83.46% of Delta’s 1.7 million flights arrived on schedule in 2024, demonstrating remarkable consistency across its vast network.

This performance surpassed both North American and global industry standards of 76.37% and 83.04% respectively.

Delta outperformed its nearest North American rival by 2.53%, a significant margin in an industry where fractions of a percentage can represent thousands of passengers. Cirium considers flights “on-time” when they arrive within 15 minutes of their scheduled time.

Mike Malik, Cirium’s Chief Marketing Officer, emphasized the significance of Delta’s achievements. “Through continuous investment in their workforce, operations, and technology, Delta Air Lines continues to set industry standards for operational excellence.”

“It shows others how to deliver outstanding travel experiences.” This investment strategy has proven particularly effective in maintaining service quality while adapting to changing market conditions.

2024 Awards and Accolades


Throughout 2024, the airline has garnered numerous accolades across various aspects of its operations.

J.D. Power ranked it highest in First/Business and Premium Economy Passenger Satisfaction, reflecting the carrier’s dedication to providing superior service across different cabin classes.

The Points Guy named it the best U.S. airline, considering factors such as customer service, route network, and overall value proposition.

Perhaps most notably, Delta achieved a unique distinction as the only airline included in Fortune’s ‘100 Best Companies to Work For’ list, highlighting its commitment to employee satisfaction and workplace culture. This recognition is particularly significant as it demonstrates that Delta’s operational excellence is built on a foundation of engaged and satisfied employees.

The airline’s success in maintaining high standards across multiple areas of operation – from punctuality to customer service and employee satisfaction – has earned it the title of America’s most awarded airline.

Looking Forward


As Delta celebrates its centennial year, these achievements reflect its level of current success. They also serve to position the airline strongly for future growth and continued leadership in the aviation industry.

Looking ahead, Delta’s consistent performance and multiple recognitions suggest a promising future as the airline. It continues to set benchmarks for operational excellence and customer service in what is an increasingly competitive aviation sector.


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UAE reveals forward-looking vision in aviation sector

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The UAE has solidified its position as one of the world’s leading aviation hubs in 2024, given its significant advancements that include increased infrastructure investments, clean energy initiatives, and expanded seating capacity at major airports.

The aviation sector’s performance reflects the UAE’s continued commitment to developing this industry as a key driver of the national economy. Through ambitious projects and notable announcements, the country has showcased its forward-looking vision.

The UAE carriers fully recovered their capacity, surpassing 2019 levels last year, and further increased their capacity in 2024 to 87.1 million seats – a 10.5% rise from 2023 and a 15% growth compared to 2019.

Global aviation data provider OAG reported that UAE carriers’ seat capacity growth exceeded the global average growth rate of 2.4% compared to 2019 and 6.4% compared to 2023.

In November, the UAE General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) predicted that passenger traffic at the country’s airports would reach approximately 150 million by the end of 2024, compared to 134 million the previous year.

The UAE’s civil aviation network serves over 400,000 passengers daily, with a monthly average exceeding 12 million passengers. Additionally, it handles over 10,000 tonnes of cargo daily.

Leading national carriers, including Emirates, Etihad Airways, flydubai, and Air Arabia, continued to expand their global networks. Collectively, these airlines offered over 6.39 million seats in December 2024.

This year witnessed key strategic announcements that enhanced the aviation sector’s performance. Among them was the launch of construction for a new passenger terminal at Al Maktoum International Airport, with a budget of Dhs128 billion. Upon completion, it will become the world’s largest airport, with a final capacity of 260 million passengers, 400 aircraft gates, and five times the current capacity of Dubai International Airport.

In 2024, the newly named and branded Zayed International Airport, celebrated for its innovative and seamless passenger experience, was inaugurated. Abu Dhabi Airports earned the prestigious “World’s Leading Airport Operator” award at the 2024 Aviation Achievement Awards 2024.

Zayed International Airport (AUH) was crowned “World’s Most Beautiful Airport” at the prestigious Prix Versailles, recognising its outstanding architectural design in the Airports category.

Meanwhile, Dubai International Airport maintained its global leadership in international flight capacity throughout 2024 and twice surpassed Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport in combined international and domestic seat capacity rankings, in January and December, according to OAG.

Emirates Airlines garnered four awards at the 2024 World Travel Awards for its various products and services. It also topped the Ultras Awards 2024 as the best airline in the world and was awarded a total of 7 impressive accolades at the 2024 Skytrax World Airline Awards.

Additionally, Emirates ranked first in the Telegraph’s list of the best global airlines for 2024.

Etihad has also been recognised with the best Economy Class, best in-flight entertainment and best First Class Lounge.

The UAE has continued its commitment to sustainability in the aviation sector, with 2024 witnessing several initiatives aimed at promoting sustainable practices within the industry. These include the expansion of sustainable aviation fuel usage, ground operations sustainability initiatives at airports by service providers such as dnata, and airport-led projects.

Dubai Airports announced the launch of the world’s largest rooftop solar panel installation at any airport. The solar energy generated will meet 6.5 percent of Dubai International Airport’s energy requirements and 20 percent of Al Maktoum International Airport’s energy needs.

The General Civil Aviation Authority also highlighted that UAE airline fleets are among the newest globally, with an average aircraft age of 12-15 years, contributing to reduced carbon footprints.


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Lufthansa Group Purchases Latest-Generation Long-Haul Aircraft

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The group have ordered five more Airbus A350-1000s, bringing the total combined orders of A350-900s and A350-1000s to 75. The newest order is an important step towards the group achieving its goals of fleet modernisation, produce enhancement and CO₂ reduction.

One of the Largest A350 Customers Worldwide

28 of the 75 aircraft ordered are already in scheduled service, with the remaining 47 to be delivered by 2030. With a total order value of two billion US dollars at list price, the 60 A350-900s and 15 A350-1000s make Lufthansa Group one of the largest A350 customers globally.

Carsten Spohr, Chairman of the Executive Board and CEO of Deutsche Lufthansa AG said:

“Our today’s order underscores our great confidence in our long-standing, close and successful partnership with Airbus. With the state-of-the-art A350 long-haul jets, we are accelerating the largest fleet modernization in our history. We are investing more than ever before in our history to make air transport more sustainable, to achieve our CO₂ reduction targets and at the same time offer our customers the highest level of comfort with a first-class travel experience.

Throughout its history, the Lufthansa Group has ordered 770 aircraft from Airbus, making it the largest customer worldwide.

Long-Term Goal of Emissions Reduction

Lufthansa Group has approximately 250 new, fuel-saving aircraft on its order list, including 100 long-haul aircraft of the latest design. The highly efficient aircraft will help the group meet its long-term strategies of quality, cost efficiency and emissions reduction. In the medium term, the twin-engine long-haul jets are set to replace four-engine aircraft models that are gradually being phased out.

The latest additions to the Lufthansa fleet consume up to 35% less fuel consumption and correspondingly less CO₂ than their predecessors.

The group aims to halve its net CO₂ emissions by 2030 compared to 2019. By 2050, it hopes to achieve a neutral CO₂ balance.


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Pegasus Airlines (PC, Istanbul Sabiha Gökcen) has signed a firm order for 100 B737-10s from Boeing with a further 100 options, committing to a dual-manufacturer fleet starting in the late 2020s.

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The Turkish low-cost carrier said that the deliveries of the first of the firm-ordered B737-10s are scheduled for 2028. It did not outline a further timeline.

The order marks Pegasus Airlines’ return to a large Boeing fleet. The history module shows it initially launched operations in 1990 with a fleet of B737-400s. It also operated three B737-500s between 2006 and 2012. It ordered its first B737-800 in 1997. With all B737 Classics retired by 2013, Pegasus’ B737-800 fleet peaked at 53 units in 2016. However, it has since been gradually decreasing in favour of A320-200s and, more recently, A320-200Ns and A321-200NX.

The module shows that the airline currently operates nine remaining B737-800s, six A320-200s, forty-six A320-200Ns, and fifty-seven A321-200NX. It also has 52 additional A321-200NX on order from Airbus. All of the remaining A321s are due to deliver by 2029.

While Pegasus Airlines previously planned to retire the B737-800s and focus on an all-Airbus fleet, the rapid capacity growth after the pandemic prompted it to extend their leases with no imminent retirement plans.

Separately, the airline has secured a sustainability-linked financing deal with CCB Financial Leasing, a wholly-owned subsidiary of China Construction Bank Corporation, for three A321-200NX, in line with its recently released Pegasus Guidelines for the Aviation Sector. The carrier says it is working to finance nine A321neo, which are part of its current aircraft order and due for delivery by the end of 2025.


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First A220 in Romania delivered to Animawingsv

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The first ever Airbus A220 for a Romanian airline when the first of 22 of the type was delivered to Animawings.

The A220-300 was delivered to Bucharest from the Montreal production line and is one of four being financed from US-based Lessor Azorra.

Powered by two  Pratt & Whitney PW1500G engines, the A220 will help the airline with its growth plans after majority shareholder Aegean sold its share to holiday company Memento Group.

Animawings co-owner Marius Pandel said: “This advanced aircraft enables us to commit to delivering connectivity to sought-after destinations such as Dubai, Cluj, Iasi, Oradea, Paris, Larnaca or Stockholm,” adding “Our partnership with Azorra has been instrumental in helping us take this significant step,”.

Azorra chief John Evans commented: “With its unmatched performance and efficiency, this aircraft is perfectly suited to support Animawings’ growth objectives and will play a vital role in the future of aviation in Romania,”.


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AirAsia eyes 100-strong regional jet order

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AirAsia (AK, Kuala Lumpur International) is looking at ordering around 100 regional jets and is in technical talks with Airbus, Embraer, and COMAC, according to a recent Aviation Week report. Any order would represent a break away from the all-A320 Family fleet that AirAsia carriers operate and potentially end AirAsia’s status as an Airbus-only operator.

Bo Lingam, CEO of AirAsia Aviation Group, says the low-cost airline group, which includes the Malaysian operator as well as joint ventures AirAsia Cambodia, Indonesia AirAsia, Philippines AirAsia, and Thai AirAsia wants the ability to rapidly scale its operations and meet the growing demand for low-cost travel across Asia and Africa. He told ch-aviation the regional jet discussions were in the preliminary stage, and there was no particular lean towards any manufacturer at this stage.

The AirAsia Group had 221 aircraft in its fleet as of September 30, 2024, with 181 aircraft available for operations, including spares. Lingam says the active fleet will grow to 205 aircraft by the end of 2024, and 233 by the end of 2025. Since resuming deliveries from its existing order book in mid-2024, AirAsia has taken delivery of four new A321-200NX with five more due soon. Aside from any future regional jet order, AirAsia has 334 A321-200NX and thirty-six A321-200NX(LR)s on order.

AirAsia may use any future regional jets to connect more secondary airports, which is part of its strategy of pursuing broader growth in Asia-Pacific by 2027 and developing Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) as a top-tier hub. It also replicates the model being deployed by Scoot (TR, Singapore Changi), who have started using their recently arrived E190-E2s to link smaller cities in Southeast Asia to Singapore and build out their network.

Tony Fernandes, CEO of Capital A, the entity that ultimately controls the AirAsia carriers, says he wants to position Malaysia and KLIA “as a central hub for affordable global connectivity.”

AirAsia currently accounts for 43% of KLIA’s flights and 74% of the airport’s total LCC capacity. Fernandes says its longer-term network strategy is to rival large Middle Eastern hubs such as Dubai International. However, relatively few operators presently use regional jets on services to and from KLIA. The only carrier doing so is MAI – Myanmar Airways International (8M, Yangon), which operates thrice weekly roundtrips from Yangon using E190s.


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Airbus Marks Strong November Performance with 84 Aircraft Deliveries

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Airbus has turned in a strong performance for November, with 84 aircraft deliveries made to 24 customers, and 30 further orders secured.

Airbus demonstrated remarkable resilience in November 2024, successfully delivering 84 aircraft to airlines across the global market. This achievement highlights the company’s ongoing dedication to meeting the aviation industry’s increasing demand for modern, fuel-efficient aircraft.

The month’s deliveries showed a diverse portfolio, featuring a mix of single-aisle and wide-body aircraft. The A320neo family and the A350 series dominated the delivery lineup for the month.

Moreover, the company continued to secure new orders, with a further 30 orders obtained from undisclosed customers.

Key Highlights from November 2024


Total Deliveries: 84 aircraft delivered to 24 customers. 

Notable Deliveries: A mix of single-aisle and wide-body aircraft, including popular models like the A320neo family and the A350.

Notable deliveries for November were Malaysia Airlines A330neo and Icelandair’s first A321LR. Two airlines – Emirates and Ethiopian – received their first A350 widebody aircraft.

Strong Order Book: Airbus continues to secure new orders, taking a further 30 aircraft orders from undisclosed buyers. This breaks down as: 10 A321neo, 15 A330-900 and 5 A350-900 aircraft.

Analyzing Airbus’ November Performance


Airbus’ strong November performance can be attributed to several factors:Robust Demand for Fuel-Efficient Aircraft: Airlines are increasingly seeking fuel-efficient aircraft to reduce operating costs and environmental impact. Airbus’ modern fleet, including the A320neo and A350 families, aligns well with this demand.  Effective Supply Chain Management: Despite ongoing global supply chain challenges, Airbus has demonstrated its ability to manage its supply chain effectively, ensuring timely deliveries.Strong Aftermarket Business: Airbus’ commitment to providing comprehensive aftermarket services, including maintenance, repair, and overhaul, contributes to its overall business performance.

Summary 


Despite persistent global supply chain challenges, Airbus has distinguished itself through exceptional supply chain management.

The company’s ability to ensure timely deliveries demonstrates its operational excellence and strategic planning. Additionally, Airbus’ comprehensive aftermarket services, including maintenance, repair, and overhaul support, have been instrumental in bolstering its overall business performance.

Looking forward, Airbus appears well-positioned to capitalize on the aviation industry’s continued recovery from the pandemic.

The manufacturers total 2024 deliveries to date now sits at 643 aircraft deliveries to 82 customers.


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easyJet Expands Italy Operations Following Lufthansa-ITA Acquisition

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easyJet will expand its Italian operations after being granted EU approval as a short-haul provider in connection with the Lufthansa-ITA acquisition.

easyJet has received approval from the European Commission to serve as the short-haul remedy provider in connection with Lufthansa’s proposed acquisition of ITA Airways. This marks a significant development in the European aviation landscape.

The decision comes after months of regulatory scrutiny and negotiations, addressing potential competition concerns in the Italian air travel market.

easyJet Expansion in Milan and Rome


Starting in spring 2025, easyJet will establish new bases with five aircraft at Milan Linate and three at Rome Fiumicino. This will create approximately 300 jobs across these locations.

This strategic expansion will bring easyJet’s total Italian fleet to 38 aircraft across four bases. These are Milan Malpensa, Milan Linate, Rome Fiumicino, and Naples. The airline will operate through 20 Italian airports, serving over 20 million customers annually.

The background of the ITA Airways-Lufthansa merger is complex and rooted in the transformation of Italy’s national airline. ITA Airways replaced the bankrupt Alitalia in October 2021. Since that time, it has been seeking a strategic partner to ensure its long-term viability.

Lufthansa emerged as a potential savior, offering a lifeline to the struggling Italian carrier after a competitive bidding process. This saw several potential investors involved.

The European Commission’s approval came with specific conditions to maintain market competition. easyJet’s role as a short-haul remedy taker is crucial in this context.

It ensures that the merger does not create a monopolistic situation in the Italian air travel market. By requiring Lufthansa to divest certain routes and slots, the commission aims to protect consumer interests and maintain competitive pricing.

Milan Malpensa as Key Italian Base


Milan Malpensa continues to be the focus of easyJet’s European and Italian network, having recently celebrated a remarkable milestone of 100 million passengers since beginning operations in 1998. Over the past 26 years, the airline has transported more than 210 million passengers to and from Italy. It has established itself as a key player in the country’s aviation sector.

Kenton Jarvis, easyJet’s CFO and incoming CEO, highlighted the importance of the approval. “We are delighted to be selected as the short-haul remedy taker in Milan and Rome. This decision ensures continued market competitiveness, allowing easyJet to provide expanded destination choices and affordable fares for Italian consumers.”

“Travelers to and from Linate and Rome will benefit from new services starting this spring, reinforcing our commitment to investment, job creation, and growth in the Italian market.”

Lorenzo Lagorio, easyJet’s Country Manager for Italy, provided additional context: “Throughout our 26-year history of carrying over 210 million passengers, we have been instrumental in democratizing air travel in Italy, enabling seamless European travel for more Italians.”

“We are excited about expanding our presence in Milan and Rome, creating employment opportunities and offering increased choices for our customers.”

Summary


The merger and subsequent remedy arrangement represent a complex solution to the challenges facing European aviation. With ITA Airways struggling to find profitability and Lufthansa seeking expansion, the deal provides a strategic opportunity for both parties.

easyJet’s involvement ensures that the transaction does not come at the expense of market competition. This ultimately benefits Italian travelers through increased options and potentially lower fares.

As the aviation industry continues to recover from the challenges of the global pandemic, this merger and easyJet’s expanded role demonstrate the ongoing transformation and resilience of European air travel.


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Dublin FBO/MRO Receives EASA Part 145 Approval

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Alliance Aviation Group plans to expand expertise to more aircraft types

Dublin, Ireland-based MRO provider Alliance Aerospace—a division of Alliance Aviation Group—has received EASA Part 145 approval from the Irish Aviation Authority. The accreditation bolsters capabilities at its 32,300-sq-ft (3,000-sq-m) FBO hangar facility at Dublin Airport (EIDW).

This announcement caps a six-month process and will allow the company to provide MRO and AOG support services from its Dublin base to general aviation customers, with an initial focus on Gulfstreams. The facility holds line maintenance approval for the G650 but plans to add ratings for the remainder of the Gulfstream fleet and business aircraft types from Bombardier and Dassault.

The Part 145 approval augments Alliance Aviation Group’s portfolio of services, including CAMO support, aircraft management, aircraft charter, hangarage, ground handling, trip support services, and technical assistance.

“This approval is another milestone achievement for our ever-expanding facility in Dublin,” said Liam Murphy, Alliance Aviation Group’s FBO regional manager. “Having developed our FBO and ground handling capabilities over the last 18 months, achieving this Part 145 status permits us to expand further and position ourselves to deliver a full-service FBO package to existing and potential new clients.”