Tag Archives: #airlines

  • 07
    Nov 24
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Turkish Airlines posts Q3 2024 profits of $1.3 billion

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The airline carried 24.5 million passengers in the third quarter of this year

Dubai: Turkey’s flag carrier, Turkish Airlines, posted profits of $1.3 billion on Thursday from its main operations during the third quarter of this year. The airline also reported a 5.4% increase in passenger capacity, carrying 24.5 million passengers.

The airline said it achieved growth amid a rather turbulent time for the aviation sector, including global geopolitical tensions, supply chain disruptions in aircraft production, and engine issues. It attributed its growth to “its agility and extensive flight network.”

From July to September 2024, Turkish Airlines’ total revenues increased by 4.9% year-on-year to $6.6 billion, even with the high base effect from the same period in 2023.

“Passenger revenues, which accounted for 84% of the total, increased to $5.6 billion driven by the strong contribution from the Far East region,” the airline explained in a statement.

The carrier’s third-quarter cargo revenues rose 47% year-on-year to $911 million.

Turkish Cargo increased the cargo transported by 16.8% compared to the same period in 2023. It became the world’s third-largest air cargo carrier in September, with a market share of 5.7%, citing data published by the International Air Transport Association (IATA).

“Due to competitive pressure on passenger unit revenues along with the negative impacts of global inflationary environment and engine problems on costs, Profit from Main Operations recorded as $1.3 billion in the third quarter of 2024,” it explained.

The airline’s EBITDAR amounted to $2.3 billion, and its EBITDAR margin stood at 35.2%, exceeding its historical average and peers. “Financial income generated through Turkish Airlines’ effective and dynamic portfolio management also played a key role in supporting net profit,” it said.

Fleet growth

The carrier aims to expand its fleet to 800 aircraft by 2033 as part of its 100th Anniversary strategy. In spite of bottlenecks in aircraft production, the airline increased its number of aircraft by 9% in the first nine months of the year to 467.

“As a part of its diversification strategy to minimize financing costs and currency risks while growing its fleet, Turkish Airlines became the first airline outside of China to finance three Airbus A350 aircraft in Chinese Yuan in the third quarter,” it said.

The airline also secured a sustainability-linked loan for two fuel-efficient A321-Neo aircraft, marking its entry into sustainable finance.

The airline currently employs over 93,000 workers, along with its subsidiaries. “Turkish Airlines proudly represents its nation in the global air transportation industry with its unique flight network, modern fleet, superior service, and successful performance,” it said.

  • 06
    Nov 24
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Jet Aviation retires only Global 5000 in its Maltese AOC

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Jet Aviation (Malta) (JML, Malta International) has retired its sole Global 5000, Nevertheless, the Jet Aviation group will continue to operate the type as part of the approximately 300 aircraft it manages worldwide.

9H-DMC (msn 9586) completed its final flight under Maltese registration on October 15, 2024, flying from Belgrade Nikola Tesla to London Biggin Hill, where it has remained parked since being re-registered in the Isle of Man as M-ARIA, on October 29, 2024. At 11.2 years old, the aircraft was originally delivered to Global Jet Luxembourg (SVW, Luxembourg) and has already operated under an Isle of Man registration between 2016 and 2018. Before joining Jet Aviation’s Maltese fleet in December 2023, it was operating privately under a US registration.

Following this retirement, Jet Aviation has paused Bombardier Business Aircraft operations in Malta, where it offers aircraft management and charter services, with a fleet now comprised of four aircraft – one B737-700(BBJ), one GVII-G500, one GVII-G600, and one PC-12. The Jet Aviation group, a wholly owned subsidiary of General Dynamics with a global presence, also provides aircraft sales, completions, maintenance, staffing, and FBO (fixed base operator) services.

  • 28
    Oct 24
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Airlines Successfully Shifting to Fuel-Efficient Aircraft Models

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Economic efficiency and sustainability, as well as environmental protection, have become a priority in the development of the aviation industry. Airlines have begun to use advanced aircraft models which require reduced operating costs and also leave a lower carbon footprint. Examples include the Boeing 737 MAX and Airbus A320neo models. Their fuel efficiency is consistent with the improved version and allows airlines to develop globally and remain competitive in the market.

Importance of Fuel Efficiency for the Aviation Industry

The aviation industry reduces its annual costs through fuel efficiency. Global market prices often fluctuate and affect airline profits. This is becoming more noticeable because approximately 30% of the operating costs are spent on fuel. Thus, the innovation of economical aircraft models significantly curtails costs, reduces airlines’ dependence on fluctuating market conditions and ensures financial stability. The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has also confirmed this fact.

The aviation industry is responsible for 2-3% of global carbon footprint. Undoubtedly, this has a devastating influence on climate change and demands consideration of solutions to the problem. For this reason, the use of more economical new aircraft models can lead to less pollution. This will not only support international sustainable aviation development but also provide an opportunity for passengers to travel more ecologically.

Examples of Upgraded Economical Aircraft Models

The first example of a leading model of an aircraft is the Boeing 737 MAX. Compared to its previous series 737NG, the Boeing 737 MAX has CFM International LEAP-1B class engines and improved wings’ construction. This model saves approximately 14% of the fuel and $112,000 per year for the airline. All this happens in the classic conditions of using the aircraft on regular flights.

Another example, which uses advanced technologies and consequently reduces costs compared to other models is the Airbus A320neo. This economical model demonstrates more than 15% improved fuel efficiency through its Pratt & Whitney PW1100G engines and aerodynamic wings of the sharklets type. With the Airbus A320neo operating on a regular basis, the airline saves up to 500,000 gallons of fuel each year.

Airline Leaders in Fleet Modernization

Companies need to upgrade their fleets to successfully implement economical models as replacements for obsolete and less efficient aircraft. At the moment, Delta Air Lines, Ryanair and American Airlines achieved the most significant goals in fleet modernization. Delta Air Lines has committed to maintaining one of its newest fleets in the United States, having contracts for more than 200 Airbus A321neo models. As the largest European budget carrier, Ryanair has invested in supporting the Boeing 737 MAX. The airline’s goal was to make its fleet to become 100% economical by 2025. These aspects have helped airlines to become leaders in the field of sustainable aviation, increase operational savings and reduce carbon emissions, further improving environmental performance.

Further Prospects

Technological development takes the aviation industry to a new level. The use of different models of economical aircraft will soon lead to low or even zero carbon emissions. Fuel efficiency contributes to sustainable development and the future of aviation, as well as laying the foundation for an environmentally friendly industry.

  • 22
    Oct 24
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Elevate MRO Installs Starlink on Bombardier Global 7500

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Starlink installation boosts in-flight connectivity

Elevate MRO, a division of Elevate Aviation Group, has completed the installation of Starlink’s high-speed internet system on a Bombardier Global 7500, enhancing in-flight connectivity for passengers. This development follows the opening of a new maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) facility at Rocky Mountain Metropolitan Airport (KBJC).

According to Elevate MRO president Jim Slack, this installation positions the company at the forefront of aviation technology. “With Starlink, we’re able to offer a seamless connectivity experience that meets the demands of today’s travelers,” he said. 

Starlink Aviation, a SpaceX subsidiary, provides high-speed, low-latency in-flight internet service with global connectivity. Its download speeds range from 40 to 220 Mbps, allowing multiple passengers to stream content simultaneously while maintaining latency under 99 ms for activities such as video calls, online gaming, and using VPNs.

Starlink is authorized for use over international waters worldwide, while coverage over local territorial waters and land is subject to government approval. As of April 2024, regulatory approval for in-motion aviation service has been granted in more than 80 countries and territories.

Starlink Aviation has supplemental type certificates (STCs) available for 14 aircraft, including models from Airbus, Beechcraft, Bombardier, Embraer, and Gulfstream. More than 30 other STCs are currently in development, with approvals expected for a range of models over the next two years.

  • 21
    Oct 24
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Wizz Air and Airbus Partner in a Pioneering Sustainable Aviation Fuel Trial to Redefine Industry Benchmarks with Bold Innovation

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Wizz Air, recognized as the world’s most environmentally sustainable airline group by the CAPA Centre for Aviation, has announced its upcoming trial of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) in collaboration with Airbus. This initiative positions Wizz Air as a leader in adhering to the EU’s upcoming RefuelEU aviation regulations, which are slated to be enforced in 2025. The collaboration highlights the airline’s commitment to reducing carbon emissions in line with the EU’s Destination 2050 goals.

The RefuelEU aviation regulation, part of the EU’s Fit for 55 package, mandates that fuel suppliers at certain EU airports must offer a minimum percentage of SAF, with this share increasing over time. Airlines will also be required to refuel 90% of their fuel needs from these designated airports. By integrating SAF into its operations, Wizz Air is not only enhancing the efficiency of its Airbus A321neo fleet but also proactively aligning with these upcoming regulations and gauging passengers’ awareness of SAF and related policies.

The trial will include flights on two key routes: Barcelona to Budapest (BCN-BUD) and Brussels Charleroi to Budapest (CRL-BUD). SAF for these flights will be supplied by Cepsa and distributed by World Fuel Services (a World Kinect Company) at each departure airport. The trial, expected to conclude by the end of the year, will utilize the mass balance approach. Wizz Air plans to purchase up to 16 metric tons of pure SAF with a blend of up to 5% SAF at Barcelona-El Prat Airport and up to 18 metric tons of pure SAF with a 10% blend at Brussels Charleroi Airport.

Commenting on the initiative, Yvonne Moynihan, Wizz Air’s Corporate and ESG Officer, said: “This cross-industry collaboration with Airbus is a demonstration of the commitment of the aviation community to reduce emissions intensity. It’s crucial for all actors in the aviation ecosystem to play their part and join forces to reach the industry goal of net zero by 2050. SAF is a key enabler and that is why Wizz Air supports this pioneering EU policy and has made significant strategic investments into SAF as a result. As a proud EU airline, celebrating 20 years of transformative travel this year, we are committed to reducing our carbon footprint and leading the industry by example with our goal of having 10% of our flights powered by SAF by 2030. Through this project, we are not only testing SAF operations but also gathering insights from our passengers on their awareness of levers to decarbonise aviation. Our valued passengers are key stakeholders in the value chain and their feedback will play a crucial role in shaping our future sustainability initiatives.”

The trial will also feature a passenger survey, inviting Wizz Air travelers to provide feedback on their awareness and perceptions of SAF and aviation sustainability initiatives. The results will be made publicly available, offering insights into changing passenger expectations and helping Wizz Air, along with the broader aviation industry, to refine and strengthen their sustainability efforts.

Julie Kitcher, Airbus’ Chief Sustainability Officer and Communications said: “At Airbus, we are committed to driving the adoption of SAF as an essential element of our decarbonisation strategy. Fuel-efficient aircraft and SAF will provide the majority of the emissions reductions our industry needs to make by 2050, which is why working together – with partners like Wizz Air – to efficiently integrate SAF across airline operations is such an important step to be taking today. We also look forward to the insights from Wizz Air’s upcoming passenger survey. Understanding how flying customers feel about decarbonisation can support the aviation industry’s SAF adoption. We’re pleased to be partnering with Wizz Air during this trial.”

Airbus will collaborate with Wizz Air in this trial, offering technical expertise and support to optimize the use of SAF within the airline’s operations. By taking early steps to integrate SAF and prepare for upcoming regulatory changes, Wizz Air is positioning itself to offer more environmentally friendly air travel options to millions of passengers across Europe.

Local fuel suppliers working with Wizz Air recognize the importance of partnerships like this, as they create industry visibility and build confidence in producers, encouraging the growth of SAF supply to meet the increasing demand from airlines.

Duncan Storey, Senior Vice President, supply and commercial development EMEA, World Fuel stated: “Aligning with the upcoming RefuelEU aviation requirements is an important milestone in our efforts to expand the availability of sustainable fuels. We are supporting Wizz Air’s goals by delivering a consistent supply of SAF to their key European routes, selling 18 metric tons of neat SAF in a 10% blend. Since 2015, we have been actively working to increase the availability of lower-carbon aviation fuels across the globe. Our SAF supply network in Europe includes multiple key locations such as the UK, Germany, and France.”

Marta Cencillo, Head of Sustainable Aviation at Cepsa added: “Cepsa is pleased to participate with Wizz Air in this important initiative to move towards effective emissions reduction ahead of the REFuelEU mandate. As a leading energy supplier to the aviation sector in Spain, we are committed to working with our customers to decarbonize their business and SAF is an immediate solution to help decarbonize flights without the need for changes to aircraft engines.”

  • 18
    Oct 24
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Emirates ramps up fleet refurbishment; adds B777 freighters

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Emirates (EK, Dubai International) has upped its investment in fleet refurbishment programs to USD4 billion to help counter ongoing aircraft delivery delays, according to vice president and chief operating officer Adel Al Redha.

Speaking at this week’s Aviation Future Week event in Dubai, Al Redha said Emirates is increasing the number of B777s and A380-800s it will refurbish to over 200. Since starting the program in 2022, the airline has completed 22 jobs.

Al Redha’s comments coincide with Boeing confirming that first deliveries of its B777X would not occur until 2026. Emirates has thirty-five B777-8s and 170 B777-9s on order. He said Emirates has sought compensation from Boeing due to the delays.

In a statement shared with ch-aviation earlier this week, Emirates President Tim Clark said given the past and present problems with the B777X programme, he “failed to see how Boeing can make any meaningful forecasts of delivery dates.”

Clark also told The Air Current that unless Boeing can secure additional capital through a rights issue, “I see an imminent investment downgrade with Chapter 11 looming on the horizon.” Boeing has since secured credit of USD10 billion from lenders and has also announced plans to issue up to USD25 billion in shares or debt over the next three years in order to address ongoing operational woes.

Emirates undisclosed buyer of additional B777Fs

Despite Emirates’ apparent displeasure with Boeing, Reuters reports it has recently ordered additional B777-200Fs to add to its existing 12-strong fleet. The news agency says Emirates is the undisclosed buyer of some of the B777Fs recently added to Boeing’s public order data. The order, forming part of the 11 additional freighters added to Boeing’s order backlog but not linked to a specific airline, was signed before the OEM announced the latest delay in B777X deliveries.

First A350-900 in November

Regarding Emirates’ sole Airbus order, Al Redha said the first of sixty-five A350-900s is now due to arrive in November and will initially be deployed onto the Dubai – Edinburgh city pair. Service entry was originally slated for August but was delayed until September and then until November.

“The aircraft is in the final stages of testing, and things are going in the right direction,” Al Redha said. “When the aircraft comes, it’s going to take over the Edinburgh flights, and later on, when we receive more of the aircraft we will do more destinations in India and some more in the Gulf.”

  • 16
    Oct 24
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Delta Air Lines updates MAX 10 delivery schedule

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Delta Air Lines (DL, Atlanta Hartsfield Jackson) has announced an updated delivery schedule for its B737-10 order, with the first aircraft now set to arrive at the earliest in 2026.

In its third-quarter 2024 financial report, Delta disclosed that Boeing expects to deliver the first twenty B737-10s in 2026, followed by 80 more thereafter. This shifts the timeline from the original 2025 target. However, Delta’s CEO, Ed Bastian, noted earlier this year that delays might extend into 2027.

Delta placed an order for 100 B737-10s in 2022, with options for 30 more. Both the B737-10 and the smaller B737-7 are still awaiting certification by the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). Boeing’s former CEO, Dave Calhoun, suggested earlier this year that this could occur in 2025, but stressed that the FAA will determine the final timeline.

Boeing is also facing multiple problems, including increased regulatory scrutiny and labour disruptions from a strike involving 33,000 workers, which has nearly halted operations while intensifying delivery delays even more. To address its woes, the US planemaker recently announced the offloading of 10% of its workforce, the delay of the B777X, and the halting of the B767-300F program in 2026.

As of September 30, 2024, Delta’s purchase commitments entail 305 aircraft – seventy-four A220-300s, ninety-one A321-200Ns, nine A330-900Ns, eleven A350-900s, twenty A350-1000s, and 100 B737-8s. The carrier has taken delivery of 27 planes so far in 2024, including nine in the third quarter. “We continue to expect our fleet growth to be less than 2% this year with 20 net aircraft additions as half of our new deliveries are replacements,” Daniel Janki, chief financial officer and executive vice president at Delta, said during the airline’s investors call.

Restoring full regional capacity

Janki said Delta expects to resume its full regional capacity in the summer of 2025. Going into 2025, “we’re going to continue to get utilisation out of the fleet and better utilisation out of the regional aircraft [which] will be, by next summer, 100% restored,” he said. Delta’s regional capacity is handled by SkyWest Airlines, Republic Airways, and subsidiary Endeavor Air. In total they operate 317 planes for Delta, including seventeen CRJ700s, 157 CRJ900s, eleven E170s, and 132 E175s.

  • 15
    Oct 24
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Bulgarian aviation is developing more and more successfully

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Our airline with 10th aircraft this year and 2 more in 2025, and it is also the only one that has a license to operate in the USA.

Low-cost airlines have fundamentally changed the aviation market over the past two decades. The coronavirus pandemic has also left its lasting mark on the sector. Under these conditions, it is very difficult for airlines to survive, let alone expand.In reality, however, there is a market for everyone. One of the Bulgarian airlines welcomes its 10th aircraft to its fleet and plans to add 2 more in 2025. It operates charter flights, with the new two machines expected next year to fly to popular holiday destinations. The contract was concluded between the Bulgarian airline and one of the largest German tourist operators. Some of the flights will also be between Germany and the Bulgarian Black Sea coast.„The new machine is from the A320-321 family – currently the most common aircraft worldwide as a type and family. This type of machine has proven its reliability over the years”, said Captain Petar Lavrinov, responsible manager and executive director of the airline.

The machine offers short and medium distance flights. It is unparalleled and without competition, in terms of seats, mileage, reliability.

„It is not by chance that we do the demonstration flight over Sofia. Our base is in Sofia, everything is connected with Sofia. If we retrospect, about 3% to 4% of all the flights we make are connected to Sofia airport. This is a good percentage for us – about 400 landings“, added cap. Lavrinov.

The airline is also the first Bulgarian airline that has a license to operate in the USA. “We work in partnership with the American World Arlantic, having 1 aircraft based in Miami with a Bulgarian crew”, added Captain Lavrinov.

In the next 2 to 5 years, the aviation market will grow significantly. The two main factors that lead analysts to believe that this forecast will come true are a large number of new aircraft orders, especially in Asia, as well as strong competition in the travel industry, which leads to attractive prices, especially for week-long summer vacations .

  • 14
    Oct 24
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Akasa Air new partnership with Rolls-Royce

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Akasa Air also known as SNV Aviation Private limited, founded in 2021 originally from India and headquartered in Mumbai, is the newest innovation from India for low cost aviation. The company formed merely a couple years ago, already have a good fleet of aircrafts consisting of a Boeing 737 MAX  and totaling the fleet size to more than 20. The low cost budget airline has now come to partnership with the engine manufacturer Rolls-Royce to further enhance its fleet by leasing engines from the company.

A little bit more about Rolls Royce in the aviation industry

Rolls-Royce known for its luxury automobiles are a prominent player when it comes to aviation engines. The continuous innovation as well as engineering masterclass of the company give it the edge against other competitors in the industry. The Rolls-Royce engines have been powering different commercial, military as well as private aircrafts since a long time. The most popular being the Rolls-Royce Trent Family engines. This includes the Trent XWB, which is known to be the most powerful engine powering the Airbus A350. To add to this, the company also looks for continuous environmental safety by producing  engines which are fuel efficient and also known to use SAF (Sustainable Aviation Fuel).

Partnership between Akasa Air and Rolls-Royce

The partnership between Akasa Air and Rolls-Royce & Partners Finance Engine Leasing (India) IFSC Pvt Ltd s a lease deal where Akasa Air are leasing the advanced Rolls Royce LEAP-1B engines. This is a significant step in expanding the brand over more international markets and it hopes that this deal would add benefits to their long term vision of profitability and comfort to passenger’s. The engines are estimated to arrive by the end of October.

Priya Mehra, Chief of Governance & Strategic Acquisitions at Akasa Air had a few words to share on the deal;

As the aviation industry continues to evolve, we recognize the importance of aligning with innovative partners who share our vision for the future.

  • 04
    Oct 24
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Cebu Pacific orders 70 Airbus A321neos

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Manilla-based low-cost carrier Cebu Pacific has confirmed an order for 70 Airbus A321neo airlines firming up an MoU it signed in July.

The selection of the A321neo will help the airline reduce operating costs and help to reduce the airline’s carbon footprint and become more sustainable.

Cebu Pacific already operates 61 A320 family aircraft on its regional network as well as nine A330s on its high-density routes.

Speaking about the order Mike Szucs, CEO of Cebu Pacific said: “This milestone signals our ongoing dedication to expanding air travel accessibility and affordability while supporting the Philippine’s broader economic growth and connectivity goals.”

Benoît de Saint-Exupéry added: “The A320 Family has supported Cebu Pacific’s domestic and short-haul international network growth over the last two decades. We’re grateful to the airline for its continued endorsement of our best selling single-aisle product line. The A321neo is highly regarded for its unparalleled economics, performance and fuel efficiency. We’re confident that these additional A321neo aircraft will contribute strongly to the all-Airbus operator’s next phase of expansion as one of Asia-Pacific’s leading low cost carriers.”

This order brings the total number of aircraft on order for Cebu Pacific with Airbus to 94 A320 family aircraft and seven A330s.

Airbus A321neo Fact Sheet

General Overview:

  • Manufacturer: Airbus
  • Type: Narrow-body, twin-engine jet airliner
  • First Flight: February 9, 2016
  • Entered Service: 2017
  • Family: Part of the Airbus A320neo family (New Engine Option)

Dimensions:

  • Length: 44.51 meters (146 ft)
  • Wingspan: 35.80 meters (117.5 ft) with Sharklets
  • Height: 11.76 meters (38.6 ft)
  • Wing Area: 122.6 square meters

Capacity:

  • Seating:
    • Typical 2-class configuration: 206 passengers
    • Maximum capacity: 244 passengers

Performance:

  • Range:
    • Up to 7,400 km (4,000 nautical miles)
    • Extended range variant (A321XLR): up to 8,700 km (4,700 nautical miles)
  • Maximum Takeoff Weight (MTOW): Up to 97,000 kg (213,848 lb)
  • Maximum Cruising Speed: Mach 0.82 (876 km/h or 544 mph)
  • Engines:
    • CFM LEAP-1A
    • Pratt & Whitney PW1100G

Fuel Efficiency:

  • Fuel Burn: Approximately 15% lower than previous generation A321 aircraft due to new engines and aerodynamic improvements.

Features:

  • Advanced Aerodynamics: Incorporates larger wingtip devices called “Sharklets” to reduce drag and improve fuel efficiency.
  • Noise Reduction: Engine and aerodynamic improvements result in quieter operations, making it suitable for noise-sensitive airports.
  • Cabin Comfort: Features the Airbus Airspace cabin, providing passengers with larger overhead bins, LED mood lighting, and improved seat ergonomics.

Avionics and Technology:

  • Fly-by-Wire: Fully digital fly-by-wire system for better flight precision and reduced pilot workload.
  • Advanced Navigation and Communication Systems: Equipped with the latest avionics for more efficient flight management.

Environmental Impact:

  • Emissions: Up to 20% reduction in CO2 emissions compared to previous generation aircraft.
  • Noise Footprint: Significantly lower, contributing to more environmentally friendly operations.

The A321neo is favoured by airlines for its excellent fuel efficiency, long-range capabilities, and versatility for both short-haul and long-haul operations.

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