New Nonstop Services to Flagstaff/Grand Canyon, Arizona Announced

Flagstaff Convention and Visitor's Bureau has announced that from 5th May this year, US carrier American Airlines will fly a 70-seat jet aircraft from Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) into Flagstaff every week.  The Saturday service will also include a first-class cabin and is scheduled to depart LAX at 2 p.m. and arrive at FLG at 3:30 p.m. The flight to LAX will depart Flagstaff at 3:58 p.m., arriving in Los Angeles at 5:43 p.m.

Beginning 9th June 2018, American Airlines will also add a non-stop flight from Dallas-Fort Worth, Texas (DFW) to FLG every Saturday. The flight departs DFW at 11 a.m. and arrives in FLG at 11:30 a.m. The returning flight will depart Flagstaff at 12:45 p.m. and return to DFW at 5:15 p.m. Note arrival and departure times are listed in FLG and DFW local times. This aircraft will also be a 70-passenger jet with a first-class cabin.

CommutAir and Ohio University Offer Students First Officer Pathway Program

 CommutAir, a United Express carrier, entered into a Memorandum of Understanding with Ohio University's Russ College of Engineering and Technology to offer Ohio University's student pilots a direct path to a CommutAir First Officer position.

Lion Air 737 runway excursion

There was a lucky escape for the 181 passengers and crew of Lion Air Boeing 737-800 PK-LOO which came skidding off the runway and embedded itself in the grass verge.

The incident happened on Sunday and whilst there were no reported injuries due to the runway excursion, some people suffered minor abrasions from the following emergency evacuation. Two people were later taken to hospital for evaluation. 

The aircraft, operating flight JT892 from Makassar to Gorontalo in Indonesia when it skidded off the skidded off the runway shortly after touch down at approximately 6.35 in the evening local time.  According to local media, the airport management said that whilst it was raining at the time, the visibility was far in excess of that which is legally required.  

The airport was closed for some 16 hours following the incident, which snapped the aircraft's nose gear and severely damaged other parts of the frame and engines. It is also being reported locally that the damage is of such a state that it is beyond economic repair, although this has yet to be confirmed.

Lion Air issued a statement of explanation on this incident via its social media without apology. 

Vietnam Airlines A321 lands on the wrong - unfinished - runway

An urgent investigation is underway into how an experienced flight crew of a Vietnam Airlines Airbus landed on the wrong closed runway at Trang Cam Ranh International Airport on Sunday.

The flight, VN7344 from Ho Chi Minh City had 203 passengers and 7 crew aboard when it landed at a runway that was closed as it was still under construction - and not connected rest of the airport's taxiways. 

At the time of the incident, the weather was fine and there were no reported problems on the Airbus A321, which rules out the need an urgent emergency landing on a non-operational runway.  However, during the landing, some debris was sucked into the engines causing minor damage. 

Vietnam Airlines have reportedly suspended the flight crew while an urgent investigation is carried out into what lead the US pilot to put his aircraft on the wrong landing strip.  It's not clear how the retrieval of the aircraft will take place at the present time and an engineering team is inspecting the damage. 

Alaska Airlines opens new airport lounge at New York's JFK

Alaska Airlines today announces the debut of its first Alaska Lounge on the East Coast, opening at John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK). The new, reimagined lounge brings to life the company's West Coast vibe with a cool, comfortable space to work or relax while travelling through JFK.

We included a fireplace to give more of a West Coast vibe, as well as some fun lighting fixtures and a custom sofa with power at every seat.

The JFK Lounge in Terminal 7 is the first Alaska Lounge on the East Coast

Alaska's newest lounge features a living room-esque design with multiple seating areas designed with business and leisure travellers in mind. The lounge includes Starbucks-trained baristas who will create custom handcrafted espresso beverages and full-leaf tea beverages for guests. Travellers will have access to complimentary fresh foods including oatmeal and yoghurt bars in the morning and salad and soup in the afternoon and evening. Guests can also enjoy a wide selection of microbrews, West Coast wines or a signature cocktail from the lounge's welcoming bar.

"We're always looking to create warm, welcoming experiences for our guests," said Brett Catlin, managing director of guest products at Alaska Airlines. "Our newest Alaska Lounge at JFK reflects the future of our lounge offering – a signature West Coast vibe, unique beverage selections and a focus on fresh, healthy food options. We're also thrilled to be the first domestic lounge to introduce a full menu of barista-pulled handcrafted espresso beverages."

Ethiopian Airlines Signs Purchase Agreement for 10 firm Q400 Aircraft

Bombardier Commercial Aircraft announced on Friday 27th April that it has concluded a firm order for 10 new Q400 aircraft with Ethiopian Airlines. The order also includes purchase rights for five additional Q400 aircraft.

Based on the list price of the Q400 aircraft, the firm order is valued at approximately $332 million U.S.

“The Bombardier turboprops continue to deliver unmatched performance to our operators, and we are proud that the flag carrier of Ethiopia is once again recognizing its tremendous value by increasing its fleet of Q400 aircraft,” said Fred Cromer, President, Bombardier Commercial Aircraft. “The market trend for high-performing and larger turboprops is intensifying, and this fifth reorder is a great example of the Q400 turboprop success story and the value it creates for clients around the world.”

The Q400 Turboprop was designed as a modern, 21st-century turboprop, the Q400 aircraft is the most recent development in the Q Series family of aircraft. It provides unmatched performance, operational flexibility and passenger comfort. In addition to the standard single-class configuration, Q400 aircraft are available with an optional dual-class interior for enhanced passenger comfort; in an optional extra-capacity configuration offering up to 90 seats for higher-density markets, and in a cargo-passenger combi configuration.

Air canada's 2018 First-Quarter Results

Air Canada today reported first-quarter 2018 EBITDAR(1) (earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, amortization, impairment and aircraft rent) of $397 million compared to first quarter 2017 EBITDAR of $366 million.  Air Canada reported an operating loss of $14 million compared to an operating loss of $30 million in the first quarter of 2017.  The airline reported an adjusted pre-tax loss(1) of $72 million in the first quarter of 2018 compared to an adjusted pre-tax loss of $63 million in the prior year's quarter.  On a GAAP basis, in the first quarter of 2018, Air Canada reported a loss before income taxes of $184 million, which included losses on foreign exchange of $112 million, compared to a loss before income taxes of $13 million, which included gains on foreign exchange of $70 million, in the first quarter of 2017.

Record first quarter operating revenues of $4.071 billion

Record unrestricted liquidity of $4.883 billion

Leverage ratio of 2.0  

WestJet launches inaugural Halifax/Gatwick flight

WestJet today officially launched its route between Halifax and London (Gatwick). The departure of WS24 marks the start of daily, nonstop service between Halifax Stanfield International Airport and Gatwick Airport until October 26, 2018.

This is the first time the airline has used its newest aircraft, the Boeing 737-8 MAX for transatlantic travel. The aircraft, which has been at WestJet's Calgary hangar since September 29 for inspections, training and test flights, is the first of 50 Boeing 737 Max scheduled to be delivered through 2027.  WestJet's 737 MAX 8 aircraft feature a single cabin with 174 seats. Its seating configuration consists of three rows of Plus in addition to 11 more rows with a seat pitch of 34 inches. Further enhancing WestJet's guest experience, the aircraft comes with Boeing's new Sky Interior which has features such as customizable LED lighting and new speakers to improve sound and clarity of onboard announcements.

"WestJet continues to demonstrate its commitment to innovation using its fleet of fuel-efficient, guest-friendly Boeing MAX aircraft for transatlantic service," said Tim Croyle, WestJet Interim Executive Vice-President, Commercial. "This service also demonstrates our commitment to support efforts on the part of Nova Scotia and Atlantic Canada to enhance trade and tourism, and grow the economies of both Canada and the United Kingdom."

United Airlines increases economic stake in Azul to 8.0%

Azul has announced that current shareholder United Airlines has just concluded a private preferred share transaction with Hainan Airlines. The transaction increased United's economic stake in Azul from 3.7% to 8.0%.

Hainan Airlines to Launch Tel Aviv-Guangzhou Service on 2nd August

Hainan Airlines announced the launch of nonstop service between Tel Aviv and Guangzhou scheduled to start on August 2, 2018. The route will be serviced by a Boeing 787 Dreamliner three flights a week. Following the rollout of Tel Aviv-Beijing and Tel Aviv-Shanghai services, this is Hainan Airlines' third direct flight between Tel Aviv and China. Following the flight from Tel Aviv to Beijing and the flight from Tel Aviv to Shanghai, this is Hainan Airlines' third direct flight between Tel Aviv and China. This new route will deliver a new level of convenience for Israelis when they travel to China while creating more possibilities for business cooperation between Israeli and Chinese companies. 

Air China Limited Announces 2018 First Quarter Results

Earlier this week Air China announced its first quarter results for 2018, which showed that total profit increased 66.31% year-on-year to RMB4.024 billion. 

In the first quarter of 2018, the Chinese economy developed steadily. As residents' demand for travel was strong, air passenger traffic maintained steady growth while demand in the cargo market continued to improve. During the Period, the Group recorded operating income of RMB31.607 billion, an increase of 9.11% over the same period of last year. Total operating cost was RMB 28.230 billion, an increase of 6.71% over the same period of last year. Total profit was RMB4.024 billion, an increase of 66.31% over the same period of last year, and net profit attributable to shareholders of listed companies was RMB2.628 billion, an increase of 79.23% over the same period of last year.

Gulf Air takes delivery of its first Dreamliner

Boeing and Gulf Air celebrated the delivery of the first 787 Dreamliner for the national carrier of the Kingdom of Bahrain. The aeroplane also debuts the carrier's new livery. 

"This delivery is a historic moment for Gulf Air and Bahrain and yet another important step in our strategic direction towards furthering Gulf Air's fleet modernization process and supporting our network and overall passenger experience enhancement strategies," said Krešimir Kučko, Chief Executive Officer, Gulf Air.

"The 787-9 Dreamliner orders will ensure we maintain one of the youngest fleets in the region while building upon our award-winning reliability, on-time performance and product and service standards," Kučko.

Profits up by 28% at SkyWest

SkyWest, Inc. reported financial and operating results for the first quarter of 2018 this week, including net income of $54 million, or $1.03 per diluted share, compared to net income of $35 million, or $0.65 per diluted share for Q1 2017.
The improvement in Q1 2018 pre-tax income from Q1 2017 was primarily due to SkyWest's ongoing fleet transition. Since Q1 2017 19 new E175 aircraft have been added and 46 CRJ and ERJ 50-seat aircraft and 25 CRJ700/CRJ900 aircraft have been removed. 
Commenting on the results, Chip Childs, Chief Executive Officer and President of SkyWest, said "Demand for our product remains strong, and I'm proud of our professionals who continue to provide best-in-class operations to our customers.  Our financial results reflect continued solid operating performance combined with the ongoing improvements in our fleet mix.  We remain disciplined in our approach to risk and flying commitments and focused on executing a strategy to improve our overall model."   

Double Daily New York service for Norwegian from Dublin

Norwegian now offers a double daily service to New York Stewart International from Dublin providing passengers with greater choice and flexibility at an affordable price. With fares from €109 one way there has never been a better time to enjoy the sites of the Big Apple or go on a shopping spree to the renowned surrounding shopping outlet.

The second rotation started on Thursday, 26th April with the introduction of a new early morning departure at 8:10 am which offers passengers the earliest flight from Ireland to the USA, which lands at 10:30am local time. The convenient flight schedule will give passengers several hours to shop at Woodbury Common Premium Outlets in New York State and depart for Dublin at 8:30pm the same evening.

Southwest Reports First Quarter Profit

Southwest Airlines have reported its first quarter of 2018 results earlier this week, which showed good growth, welcome news for the carrier which is going through somewhat of a turbulent time following the events on flight 1380.

Net income of $463 million, net margin1 of 9.4 percent, and record first quarter earnings per diluted share of $.79
Operating income of $616 million and operating margin2 of 12.5 percent
Excluding special items3, net income of $438 million, net margin4 of 8.9 percent, and earnings per diluted share of $.75
Excluding special items, operating income of $584 million and operating margin5 of 11.8 percent
Operating cash flow of $1.0 billion and free cash flow3 of $708 million
Returned $648 million to Shareholders through a combination of share repurchases and dividends
Return on invested capital (ROIC)3 pre-tax of 27.1 percent for the 12 months ended March 31, 2018, or 20.8 percent on an after-tax basis
Revised Boeing firm order delivery schedule by exercising 40 737 MAX 8 options, adding 10 firm orders in each year 2019 through 2022, to support future fleet modernization

Gary C. Kelly, Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer, stated, "It remains a sombre time for the Southwest Family following the Flight 1380 accident, and our thoughts and prayers continue to be with the Riordan family, and all of our Customers on the flight. I want to extend my immense gratitude for the compassion and support shown by our Employees, Customers, and airline peers. We continue to cooperate with the National Transportation Safety Board's thorough investigation to understand the cause of the accident. We will never compromise the Safety of our Customers and Employees. It is our highest priority—today and always.