China Southern Airlines dropping 737 MAX from its fleet.....

According to unconfirmed reports, China Southern Airlines has been in negotiations with Boeing about dropping out of an order for Boeing 737 MAX jets. It would appear the airline has dropped the 737 MAX from its planned aircraft delivery schedule until at least 2025. China Southern's Chairman Ma Xulun told investors as recently as last week that the firm plans to receive 30 aircraft in 2022, 36 in 2023, and 12 in 2024, all excluding the 737 MAX.  

A Boeing spokesperson said "We communicate regularly with all of our customers. Our delivery commitments and customer expectations have not changed."

The domestic aviation industry in China has been decimated by the coronavirus pandemic seeing passenger numbers down by over 90% which is causing all airlines to rethink their fleet development plans.  

China Southern has retrained some pilots in the operation of the MAX jets prior to the lockdowns in preparedness for when Chinese aviation regulators would clear the model for flight again. However,  no new plans have been put in place. 

China Southern says delivery timetable for Boeing 737 MAX jets not confirmed By Reuters (investing.com)

You can own your very own China Southern 737 MAX aircraft. 

View here....

Were Boeing and Southwest Airlines conspiring to deceive the Federal Aviation Administration?

The Seattle Times newspaper is reporting that legal papers filed recently indicate that Southwest Airlines manager Bill Lusk asked officials at Boeing, including the 737 MAX chief technical pilot Mark Forkner, if engineers could install the then-new 'Maneuvering Characteristics Augmentation System' flight-control safety alert required for the MAX on a single one of Southwest’s older 737s — and then deactivate it once the MAX was certified.  According to the papers, the only reason for this proposal was for Boeing to tell the FAA that the alert was not new on the MAX so that it wouldn’t trigger costly additional pilot training that Southwest was focused on avoiding. 

“It’s hard to come up with any reason for that other than to deceive the FAA,” said Mary Schiavo, former U.S. Department of Transportation Inspector General and advocate for airline safety. “It’s really appalling.”

Southwest and Boeing seem to have colluded in pilot training and the low-cost carrier got its way according to the report.  It 737 NG pilots were able to upgrade to fly the 737 MAX jets after doing a simple three-hour course on a tablet computer. 

Southwest has been the biggest customer of Boeing 737 models, including the MAX and is said to have a much higher spehere of influence at the manufacturer than any other airline. 

 Southwest Airlines proposed a ploy to deceive FAA on Boeing 737 MAX, legal filing alleges | The Seattle Times

Did Southwest Ask For A Modification To A 737 MAX To Deceive The FAA? (simpleflying.com)

Use the voucher code MAY22FREE to get free delivery in May from Help for Heroes.

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AnadoluJet starts flights between Istanbul's Sabiha Gökçen Airport and Bergamo Airport in Milan

AnadoluJet, the successful brand of Turkish Airlines, continues to expand its international flight network with flights from Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen to Milan Bergamo.

Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen-Milan Bergamo flights started on 16 May 2022 and will operate on a daily basis.  The service from Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen Airport is to be performed at 09:55 (local time) and; at 12.40 (local time) from Milan Bergamo Airport. With the new Bergamo flights, AnadoluJet has been increasing the number of international destinations operated to 50.

Bergamo is located in the north of Italy, at the foot of the Alps, very close to Milan, Europe's leading city in fashion, design and art; as a boutique Italian city that feels the influences of the Middle Ages, it is among the cities worth exploring in Europe and awaits its visitors for this unforgettable experience.

Speaking at the Bergamo inaugural flight ceremony, Turkish Airlines Chief Commercial Officer Kerem Sarp said; ‘‘We are delighted to inaugurate flights to Bergamo with AnadoluJet, the successful brand of Turkish Airlines. AnadoluJet continues to expand its international network with newly launched destinations. In addition to flights to Milan with Turkish Airlines; Sabiha Gökçen - Bergamo flights will be strengthening our ties with the region. AnadoluJet will not only contribute to the promotion of Bergamo, one of Europe's boutique and unique cities but also provide new routes for an easy reach via Istanbul to many domestic and international destinations, for our guests from Bergamo.

Lose yourself in the streets of Milan, stand on the roof of the magnificent Duomo Cathedral, gaze in wonder at Leonardo da Vinci's ‘The Last Supper', shop till you drop in the fashion district and take in an opera at the world-famous La Scala Opera House. Savour the rich Milanese cuisine and don't forget to enjoy an aperitivo in the city that has made it an art form.

Stay in the Italian capital of fashion, design, and business with Radisson Blu

Stay close to Milan city centre and less than 3 kilometres from MiCo Convention Centre and San Siro Stadium at the Radisson Blu Hotel. This stylish, downtown hotel in Milan, Italy, is convenient for public transportation, with easy access to Linate and Malpensa Airports.

Visit nearby attractions such as the Milan Duomo (Cathedral) and the museums and art exhibits of Castello Sforzesco, all less than 7 kilometres from the hotel. Milan's fashion district is also nearby, as well as San Siro Stadium, where top musical acts such as U2 and One Direction have performed.

If you're in the mood for some shopping, take a quick drive to Arese and spend a day at one of Europe's largest malls, with more than 200 stores.

Leonardo, the hotel's restaurant offers a signature breakfast buffet, then feast on delicious lunch and dinner favourites such as pasta, lamb chops, and veal Milanese. The hotel & Lobby Bar provides an elegant setting for after-dinner drinks or socializing with business colleagues.

For the best deals, information or reservations, please visit here.

Palazzo Touring Club Milan, A Radisson Collection Hotel

Plan an unforgettable stay in one of Milan's iconic buildings. Once the headquarters of the Touring Club Italiano, this historic building is being renovated in 2021 to become the 5-star Radisson Collection Hotel, Palazzo Touring Club Milan.

Boasting 89 charming rooms designed for the comfort of both business and leisure travellers, the hotel’s elegant spaces will captivate you, making it a great choice in the centre of Italy's fashion capital. When planning an event, be inspired by this stylish venue, perfect for business meetings, social gatherings, and private events. Additional facilities include a courtyard, the charming Bistrot Bertarelli 1894 Milano Restaurant, and a relaxing spa.

The new Radisson Collection Palazzo Touring Club Milan is a 5-minute walking distance from the city's famous Duomo. It is also a 10-15-minute walk from the Teatro alla Scala and the world-renowned “Quadrilatero della Moda” or Fashion District, full of Milanese boutiques, bakeries, and traditional coffee shops.

For more information, reservations and bookings, please visit here.

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Apply the code at the checkout for UK standard delivery. Not applicable to international or next day delivery. 

Help for Heroes Charity helps to rebuild the lives of those with injuries and illnesses sustained while serving in the British Armed Forces. No matter when someone served, H4H give them the support they need to lead active, independent and fulfilling lives. They provide support to the whole family to help them all cope with the challenges they face. Long-term recovery is more than repairing damaged bodies and minds; it’s about rebuilding lives.

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Emirates celebrates 10 years of sponsoring the Roland-Garros tennis championship.

This year, Emirates will also be celebrating 30 years of operations to Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport.

Dubai based mega-carrier, Emirates, is back for its tenth consecutive year as the Official Airline and Premium Partner of Roland-Garros 2022. The premier clay-court event is set to take place from 22 May until 5 June, 2022 at Stade Roland Garros. This year, Emirates will also be celebrating a significant milestone in France as the airline marks 30 years of operations to Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport.

Boutros Boutros, Divisional Senior Vice President, Corporate Communications, Marketing & Brand for Emirates, said: “We are very proud to be marking our tenth year at Roland-Garros 2022. Roland-Garros is one of the four Grand Slams and one of the most highly followed tournaments in the world. We are thrilled to be using our platform to engage with tennis fans worldwide, bring communities together, and offer our customers exclusive access and experiences.

It’s also an important year for us in France, as we’ll be celebrating 30 years of operations to the country. Over the past three decades, customers have truly experienced what it means to fly better with Emirates, and we look forward to continuing raising the bar even higher with our world-class products, exceptional services, and extensive network of more than 130 destinations via Dubai.”

Emirates and Roland-Garros

Emirates’ partnership with Roland-Garros started in 2013, and the airline became a Premium Partner of the Grand Slam in 2018. Under the agreement, Emirates enjoys a significant presence throughout the tournament, including branding on the Philippe-Chatrier centre court, Suzanne-Lenglen court and Simonne-Mathieu Court.

Emirates is also a sponsor of Trophée des Légendes, which takes place from May 31 to June 5 at Roland-Garros. This year, the airline will partner with a local organisation to offer children with mobility challenges an exclusive behind the scenes tour of the stadium and a chance to meet world-renowned tennis legends on 30 May.

The first of seven Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft has been delivered to Turkish Airlines from the leasing giant BOC Aviation Limited.

 The first of seven Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft has been delivered to Turkish Airlines from the leasing giant BOC Aviation Limited.   All seven aircraft are part of the Company’s existing order book and will be powered by CFM LEAP-1B engines.

“We are delighted to build on our 18-year relationship with Turkish Airlines and to support the airline in its fleet development plans with the most fuel-efficient, technologically advanced aircraft,” said Robert Martin, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, BOC Aviation. “This transaction illustrates our strategy of long-term, sustainable growth by building a portfolio of latest technology aircraft.”

 

Use the voucher code MAY22FREE to get free delivery in May from Help for Heroes.

Apply the code at the checkout for UK standard delivery. Not applicable to international or next day delivery. 

Help for Heroes Charity helps to rebuild the lives of those with injuries and illnesses sustained while serving in the British Armed Forces. No matter when someone served, H4H give them the support they need to lead active, independent and fulfilling lives. They provide support to the whole family to help them all cope with the challenges they face. Long-term recovery is more than repairing damaged bodies and minds; it’s about rebuilding lives.

Leading Australian airline offering flights on a fly now, pay later credit basis......

As the global financial crisis begins to bite, an Australian airline is offering flights on credit with a fly now and pay later offer.

Qantas customers can ‘fly now, pay later with a new payment option which is available on both domestic and international flights with credit provider Zip and earn Qantas Points.  Frequent Flyers will also be able to choose to earn Qantas Points through Zip’s loyalty program, Zip Rewards, when making some everyday purchases providing another way for members to maximise the points they earn.

Specifically, frequent flyers can earn:

3,000 points when they sign up and link their Zip account and complete their first transaction.

500 points each time they reach their Zip Rewards goal (see below for further details).

1 point for every $3 spent on eligible flights on qantas.com with Zip.

Qantas Loyalty CEO Olivia Wirth said this is the first time the airline has partnered with a buy now, pay later provider to offer the payment option for flight bookings.  "After two years of restricted travel Australians are making up for lost time. Domestic travel is back at pre-COVID levels while international travel is building back strongly to destinations like the US, Europe, Bali and Fiji.  The option to buy now, pay later through Zip gives our customers more choice in how they pay for their flights. With Zip they can spread the cost over time choosing flexible repayments, and also earn Qantas Points on the payment as well as the flight itself."

The airline seems to have no issues with sharing the details of its 14 million frequent flyers with Zip.  "Zip is thrilled to partner with Qantas to transform the way Australians pay for travel. By giving customers access to Zip’s fair, flexible and transparent payment solutions, travellers can sit back and enjoy their trip knowing they’re in control of their finances when they get home." Said Zip ANZ Managing Director, Cynthia Scott, adding:  "We are also giving freedom and choice back to customers by giving them the option to pay for their trip before they go, or when they get back. Plus, they can earn Qantas Points along the way. We want Zip to be the first payment choice everywhere and every day and partnering with leaders in travel like Qantas will help get us there sooner.

Delta A321neo lifts off on inaugural flight from Boston

Photo Delta Air Lines

The latest addition to Delta's fleet, the A321neo, lifted off from Boston Logan International Airport Friday morning, bound for San Francisco International Airport. Customers on the inaugural flight were the first to experience an improved cabin experience throughout - including an industry-leading domestic First Class seat - and flew with confidence that their trans-continental journey is more fuel-efficient.

The inaugural flight takes off as Delta continues to grow as Boston’s No. 1 global airline, offering the most flights and seats of any carrier. This summer, Delta will operate up to 150 daily nonstop flights from Boston to over 50 destinations, a more than 10% increase in capacity since our pre-pandemic height in October 2019. By mid-August, Delta will serve each of Boston's 20 most popular markets nonstop, including new service to five additional destinations: Tel Aviv (TLV), Athens (ATH), Baltimore (BWI), Denver (DEN) and San Diego (SAN).

Photo Delta Air Lines

“Delta’s A321neo product will deliver a superior premium travel experience for our customers in Boston and around the country,” said Mahendra Nair, Delta's S.V.P. – Fleet and TechOps Supply Chain. "The introduction of this state-of-the-art, more fuel-efficient aircraft to our fleet is also an important commitment on our Flight to Net Zero, our journey to decarbonize aviation."

The aircraft's comfortable cabin configuration features thoughtful touches throughout, including a new domestic First Class seat design with larger, improved privacy space, a sturdier tray table, and more stowage space for personal items, as well as enhanced memory-foam seat cushions in all cabins.

Photo Delta Air Lines

Customers can enjoy Delta's industry-leading seatback entertainment on board, with the airline introducing an expanded library of content on A321neos with 50% more hit movies, TV shows and music than other aircraft in its fleet. Fast-streaming Wi-Fi is available for purchase, and power ports are available at each seat, along with spacious overhead bins and state-of-the-art HEPA cabin air filtration systems throughout.

Photo Delta Air Lines

Delta's newest fleet helps to reinforce the company's position as an industry leader in environmental sustainability. Powered by Pratt & Whitney GTF™ engines, Delta’s A321neo offers 20% better fuel efficiency over Delta's current A321ceos.

Delta's A321neos can seat 194 customers, with 20 in First Class, 42 in Delta Comfort+ and 132 in the Main Cabin. The new model will be deployed primarily across Delta's extensive domestic network, complementing the Airbus A321ceo fleet of more than 125 aircraft.

Delta has purchase commitments for a total of 155 A321neos and is scheduled to take delivery of these aircraft through 2027, many from the Airbus U.S. Manufacturing Facility in Mobile, Alabama. Delta now has 233 new aircraft purchase commitments, including both widebody and narrowbody jets – reinforcing Delta's strategic fleet objectives to boost operational simplification and drive productivity.

Photo Delta Air Lines

 

 

Save up to £400 per person (or £800 per booking) as partners can fly for free on selected tours departing in 2022 or 2023 this month. Solo travellers can also save 50% of their airfare, or they can choose to book their single room supplement for half the price on selected tours, saving up to £600 per person.

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Garmin delivers 750th integrated flight deck upgrade for King Air aircraft

Garmin International, Inc,  celebrated the delivery of its 750th G1000/G1000 NXi integrated flight deck upgrade for King Air aircraft. Certified and introduced in 2007, the G1000 retrofit program modernized the King Air cockpit by providing operators with enhanced operational benefits and increased aircraft utility, while also offering significant weight savings and a lower cost of operation. Its successor, the G1000 NXi, carries on the lineage and success of the renowned G1000 integrated flight deck with an even faster, more modernized and lighter avionics suite.

U.S. Army to take delivery of the milestone G1000 NXi

From fleet workhorses to individual operators, G1000/G1000 NXi installations have been completed on a variety of King Air aircraft that has grown to include the King Air C90A/B, 200, B200, 300 and 350 series. The milestone G1000 NXi retrofit was installed by Stevens Aerospace and Defense in Greenville, S.C. in a King Air B200C operated by the U.S. Army, a long-time Garmin customer. This upgrade allows the U.S. Army to take advantage of the scalable G1000 NXi platform, including the new mission-specific capabilities recently certified for the King Air G1000 NXi upgrade.

“The global acceptance of the G1000/G1000 NXi King Air upgrade has made it the most successful integrated flight deck retrofit for this family of aircraft,” said Carl Wolf, Garmin vice president of aviation sales and marketing. “We’d like to thank our talented and trusted worldwide dealer network, which has helped us achieve such a tremendous milestone, and extend our humbled appreciation to the U.S. Army for its trust in Garmin. We look forward to continuing to grow the success of the G1000 NXi integrated flight deck retrofit in the King Air cockpit to even more owners and operators around the world.”

The G1000 integrated flight deck revolutionized the King Air cockpit by incorporating key benefits like Synthetic Vision Technology (SVT™), Electronic Stability and Protection (ESP) with the coupled go-around feature, geo-referenced approach charts, datalink weather and more. As a complete retrofit, this upgrade solved parts obsolescence among the King Air fleet with state-of-the-art zero-time avionics and provides an estimated weight savings of 250 pounds or more compared to the original system, allowing additional baggage, passenger and fuel load flexibility.

Building on the success of the G1000 retrofit program, the G1000 NXi offers modernized flight displays that support faster map rendering and smoother panning throughout the primary flight display (PFD) and multifunction display (MFD). Features like wireless cockpit connectivity, including wireless aviation database updates using Garmin Flight Stream 510, visual approach capability, enhanced situational awareness with SurfaceWatch™ and more, are all available with the G1000 NXi. Modernized situational awareness tools such as geographical map overlay within the HSI and visual approaches add to the G1000 NXi feature set. Additionally, King Air owners and operators with an existing G1000 integrated flight deck can upgrade to the G1000 NXi with minimal aircraft down time and disruption to the panel as the displays preserve the same footprint and wiring harness connections.

Garmin has made additional upgrades and investments to the Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) to support the U.S. Army aircraft, including the TA-24 third-party GPS and the APX-119 IFF transponder interface, as well as additional aircraft-specific system integrations.

For additional information on the G1000 NXi King Air upgrade, visit garmin.com/kingair
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Surf Air Mobility signs agreement to merge with Southern Airways Corporation

Surf Air Mobility, a company working to accelerate the adoption of green aviation, announces today that it has entered into a definitive agreement, subject to closing conditions and regulatory approval, which will result in a merger with Southern Airways Corporation, parent company of one of America’s largest commuter airlines. Southern Airways serves 39 cities across the Mid-Atlantic, Gulf South, Rocky Mountains, West Coast, New England, Hawaii, and soon the Far Pacific. The merger will establish the Company as the country’s leading air mobility platform with scheduled routes and on-demand charter flights operated by Southern and other third-party operators.

The definitive agreement coincides with Surf Air Mobility’s announcement that it plans to go public through a merger with Tuscan Holdings Corp. II, subject to the satisfaction or waiver of certain closing conditions.

The merger with Southern Airways, along with its affiliated brand, Mokulele Airlines, will enable the combined companies to create a national air travel platform and to accelerate efforts to commercialize hybrid-electric aircraft. The ability to serve more consumers through the integration with Southern, the largest passenger operator of Cessna Caravans in North America, provides Surf Air with a powerful foundation to introduce its proprietary electrified powertrain technology to the market.

Surf Air Mobility intends to upgrade Southern’s current fleet of nearly 40 Cessna Grand Caravans to hybrid-electric aircraft using technology developed along with magniX and AeroTEC, two pioneers and market leaders in aviation innovation and electrification. Cessna Grand Caravans are the most prolific aircraft in their category, with over 2,800 delivered.

“Southern Airways sees the regional routes between 50 and 500 miles that we’re currently flying as the quickest, most practical solution for bringing electric air travel to market. We’re excited to be a part of Surf Air Mobility’s mission to electrify aviation and to bring sustainable innovation to market faster,” said Stan Little, Chairman and CEO of Southern Airways, who will continue to run the airline post-merger and will serve as president of Surf Air Mobility.

“The addition of Southern Airways will allow us to more rapidly bring green flying solutions to real flyers,” said Carl Albert, Chairman of Surf Air Mobility. “Southern’s fleet of Cessna Caravans will be the foundation for the next generation of aircraft as we upgrade the fleet to hybrid electric powertrains. Our first generation of electrified aircraft will meaningfully decarbonize aviation and help alleviate the environmental impact of flying by targeting emission reductions by as much as 25 percent versus conventional propulsion systems.”

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Airbus opens unique creative studio for business jet customers

Airbus Corporate Jets (ACJ) has opened its exclusive new ACJ TwoTwenty creative studio in Toulouse, France.

The studio dedicated to ACJ customers showcases a real-size section of the ACJ TwoTwenty cabin, offering double the space and volume of any competitor aircraft, so they can customize it to make it their own. With an integrated use of virtual reality technology complemented by configurable customer-specific mock-ups, all these assets available under one roof make the creative studio a unique and attractive one-stop-shop for interior design.

Customers can imagine and design their own luxury interior with the ACJ designers and technical specialists who will help guide and advise them during the visit.

“We are extremely proud to open this unique creative studio for our customers. Our ACJ TwoTwenty is featuring unmatched personal space with 786 ft2 of floor space. It is important to make them feel the space and ultimate comfort it is bringing. Thanks to latest technologies we offer our customers a real-time and immersive design experience.”, said Benoit Defforge, ACJ President.

ACJ TwoTwenty customers will be invited to explore their layout ideas, see them develop, adjust and review before immersing themselves in their perfect cabin. The unique experience of the ACJ TwoTwenty is reflected with hundreds of soft natural fabrics, plush carpets, smooth wood veneers and plated metal finishings. They will have the chance to study the array of colours under different lighting before deciding their colour schemes for seating, carpets and walls or the wood effects and finishes for the handcrafted cabinets. They may also choose one of the three available cabin ambiences and one special Cyril Kongo edition configuration which are part of the signature cabin catalogue.

More than 210 Airbus corporate jets are in service worldwide, flying on every continent, including Antarctica, and more than 1,800 private and business aviation Airbus helicopters are in service worldwide.

 

Use the voucher code MAY22FREE to get free delivery in May from Help for Heroes.

Apply the code at the checkout for UK standard delivery. Not applicable to international or next day delivery. 

Help for Heroes Charity helps to rebuild the lives of those with injuries and illnesses sustained while serving in the British Armed Forces. No matter when someone served, H4H give them the support they need to lead active, independent and fulfilling lives. They provide support to the whole family to help them all cope with the challenges they face. Long-term recovery is more than repairing damaged bodies and minds; it’s about rebuilding lives.

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LunaJets Nearly Doubles Revenue but Sees Clouds Ahead

As the private aviation charter market continues to enjoy a "new golden age", Geneva-based LunaJets warns at this EBACE of a hard landing as it sees more signs of market bubbles.

"This year-to-date, our growth is over 90%, considering a $110M revenue in 2021 for our private jet charter division" comments Guillaume Launay, LunaJets Sales Director "our Web platform model and industry position puts us at the front line of any market changes; and I can tell you that the shift has been dramatic" Launay adds.

LunaJets' website and mobile app receives thousands of visitors every day. A large portion of whom are newcomers who aim to avoid post-Covid commercial airport and airline experience at any cost.  Last year, LunaJets acquired north of 1,000 new clients.

Eymeric Segard, CEO and Alain Leboursier, Managing Director
Photo LunaJets

Eymeric Segard, LunaJets CEO, warns "I am delighted with our performance so far.  We continue to deliver on our strategy based on the best technology, and expand with new offices into new markets.  Nonetheless, I maintain a cautiously optimistic and opportunistic approach as I don't believe in the current euphoria and see more risks ahead for our industry.  Either the current trend lasts, and the market faces a major supply issue, or it reverses dramatically and faces a new wave of bankruptcies.  2021 was like a wild pendulum, from one side to the other in 3 months and I don't see any indication of a soft landing.  Having said that I will not be surprised if we experience another >50% growth in our revenue this year if the current situation remains."

Segard adds "Most of our competitors have either been acquired, gone into administration or are currently for sale. With our long-term track record and cash rich balance sheet we are ready to seize any opportunity as we expect more consolidation ahead when the market reverses".

Segard lists his view of the risks for the industry:

Post-Covid recovery mostly based on new clients and short flights, rather than existing and long haul.

Business clients have not returned to pre-Covid level as video and remote working are still favoured

Financial market volatility may send new clients back to commercial airlines 

The crypto wealth effect may disappear as fast as it stormed our industry

War in Ukraine

Supply chain disruption will delay plane delivery and maintenance

Pilot and crew shortage

Impact of inflation on charter rates

Rising cost of debt and financing will impact the velocity of sales and acquisition market

IPO's, SPAC's and M&A activity at nonsense prices will fade

New Covid variants

Sustainability regulations

LunaSolutions, the sales & acquisition division of the group, is also experiencing a strong year and hits a new record of transactions.  "We see aircraft that we sold within the last 18 months coming back on the market at a premium of 50%" comments Alain Leboursier, LunaJets MD.  "The market has shifted from struggling to find buyers to struggling to find enough good aircraft in a few months.  The situation is very similar to the charter market, and maybe worse than the 2008 bubble peak" fears Leboursier.

"We will continue to diversify our revenue stream into other aviation services markets.  During Covid we opened a new Cargo division, LunaLogisitisk, and a Group Charter division, run by Rémi Aubin in Paris, who has already organised flights for more than 18,000 passengers this year".

International Airlines Group Finalizes Agreement for Up to 150 Boeing's troubled MAX Jets.......

Photo Boeing

Boeing and International Airlines Group confirmed this week that had struck a deal for up to 150 of the firm's troubled MAX jets.  This comprises of an option for 100 jets and a firm order of 50 aircraft, comprising of 737 MAX 8 and MAX 10 models. 

Both the aircraft manufacturer and IAG are seeking to mislead passengers, by dropping the MAX mantle from all publicity over the deal, referring to the planes by just the designation of 737-8 and 737-10. 

IAG had been talking with a European planemaker about a possible mass order however when Airbus refused to reduce by half the cost of each airline, the airline group, which includes British Airways, Aer Lingus and Iberia headed to the U.S. for a deal.

"The addition of new Boeing 737s is an important part of IAG´s short-haul fleet renewal," said Luis Gallego, IAG´s chief executive, who is banking on these jets to enable the group to be net-zero by 2050. Something which many aviation analysts say is not possible. 

IAG is also going to be reducing seat-pitch by cramming in 200 seats to the 737 MAX 8-200 jets which would tie in with rumoured plans to turn all its airlines into a more low-cost model. IAG has said it will seat 230 people in the 737 MAX 10 jets. 

"IAG has invested in a sustainable and profitable future, as both variants will significantly lower operating costs and CO2 emissions," said Stan Deal, president and CEO of Boeing Commercial Airplanes. "Today's agreement for up to 150 aeroplanes, including 100 options, is a welcome addition of the 737 to IAG´s short-haul fleets and reflects our commitment to support the Group's continued network recovery and future growth with Boeing's unrivalled family of aeroplanes."

The 737 MAX variety of aircraft has a chequered history since the two fatal crashes cost the lives of nearly 360 passengers and saw a grounding of the type for nearly two years while Boeing tried to correct the design flaws and manufacturing issues that lead to the two disasters. According to manufacturing reports, some of the MAX jets currently being produced are showing an increased number of flaws or issues as Boeing ramps up production.   

 Hotel 101: Soho House Copenhagen set to open in July.....

Use the voucher code MAY22FREE to get free delivery in May from Help for Heroes.

Apply the code at the checkout for UK standard delivery. Not applicable to international or next day delivery. 

Help for Heroes Charity helps to rebuild the lives of those with injuries and illnesses sustained while serving in the British Armed Forces. No matter when someone served, H4H give them the support they need to lead active, independent and fulfilling lives. They provide support to the whole family to help them all cope with the challenges they face. Long-term recovery is more than repairing damaged bodies and minds; it’s about rebuilding lives.

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London Gatwick - Genoa and Jerez routes to start in July from Vueling.

Vueling, which forms part of IAG, has announced two new direct routes connecting London Gatwick with Genoa from 3 July and Jerez (Cádiz) from 01 July.

Vueling has been significantly increasing its presence at London Gatwick Airport. Since the beginning of April, Vueling added to the summer schedule Seville, Granada, Malaga, Almeria, Menorca and La Coruña.

Carolyn Prowse, Vueling’s Chief Commercial, Customer, Strategy and Network officer, says:   “Vueling has scheduled a total of 113 destinations in 31 countries until 29 October 2022, reaching a very similar level of operations to 2019. We are very excited to see a progressive development of business this year and to keep expanding the airline’s offering across Europe. The recent announcement of new operations from London Gatwick Airport to Jerez Airport and Genoa City Airport evidence the strong confidence in UK tourism to popular European destinations”.

Routes summer 2022 London Gatwick

Origin	Destination	Country	Lead in Price	Weekly Frequencies
London Gatwick	Jerez	Spain	£31.99	2
	Genoa	Italy	£31.99	3
	Malaga	Spain	£26.99	14
	Barcelona	Spain	£31.99	55
	Bilbao	Spain	£22.99	22
	Granada	Spain	£17.99	3
	A Coruña	Spain	£21.99	4
	Almeria	Spain	£26.99	3
	Menorca	Spain	£12.99	4
	Asturias	Spain	£41.99	6
	Santiago de Compostela	Spain	£21.99	7
	Sevilla	Spain	£26.99	4
	Valencia	Spain	£26.99	7
	Rome	Italy	£34.99	23
	Florence	Italy	£52.99	15
	Paris Orly	France	£32.99	17

 

The airline offers a total of 11 direct routes at other UK airports, from which Vueling also operates (Cardiff, Birmingham, Manchester, Edinburgh, Newcastle and Glasgow). As a result, the airline will operate a total of 27 direct routes from UK airports to destinations in Spain, France and Italy.

Origin	Destination	Country	Lead in Price (£)	Weekly Frequencies
Cardiff	Malaga	Spain	47.99	3
	Alicante	Spain	40.99	5
	Palma de Mallorca	Spain	24.99	2
	Paris Orly	France	21.99	3
Birmingham	Barcelona	Spain	48.99	7
	Paris Orly	France	30.99	2
Newcastle	Paris Orly	France	28.99	2
Edinburgh	Barcelona	Spain	62.99	5
	Paris Orly	France	50.99	2
Glasgow	Paris Orly	France	29.99	2
Manchester	Barcelona	Spain	59.99	7

 

Across its network, the airline will be offering 330 routes for sale, of which 224 will be international. In the domestic market, where Vueling has shown a great leadership for around 10 years, the airline has maintained a stable recovery with pre-pandemic levels of activity since 2021, operating up to 106 routes (origin and destination in Spain).

 

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