Pilot error to blame for Cuba crash says airline, but officials are still working

The Mexican airline involved in one of the most deadly air crashes in Cuban history has announced that pilot error was to blame for an air crash that killed 112 people in May. However,  the Cuban authorities have dismissed the findings as premature 

The commission investigating the incident issued a statement which indicated that it has not completed its analysis of “many factors” which could have contributed to the accident on the 18th May. “For that reason, any assertion about the possible causes that caused the fatal accident is premature.” the commission asserts.

Damojh Airlines the Mexican airline at the centre of the accident had said in a statement Monday that the pilots of the Boeing 737 took off too steeply, a much higher angle than is usual before the aircraft crashed near the runway of the international airport in Havana.

Damojh Aerolineas, which also operates under the name Global Air, says it had recreated the flight with the black boxes - the flight data recorder and cockpit voice recorder and a simulator, which demonstrated the pilots were at fault. 

Mexico’s civil aviation authority confirmed it was still investigating the crash with its own analysis and has not yet issued a finding.  Damojh is desperate to regain its air operators licence in Mexico so it can resume flying operations. 

AirAsia set to confirm Airbus order today

Expect a big order for Airbus today from Malaysia’s AirAsia as the airline goes for the A330neo over rivals Boeing's offerings. 

Whilst there has been lots of talk and the press offices of both Airbus and Boeing have been really busy over the last couple of days, promoting so many 'commitments' and ''letters of intent' real confirmed and firm orders have been few and far between.  

Two sources advise that the boss and founder of AirAsia / AirAsiaX Tony Fernandes will make the announcement with Airbus later today.  It is understood the order will be for 66 aircraft, plus an option for a further 34 aircraft.

Other sources told news agency Reuters that the undisclosed customer for 10 A320neo's reported by Airbus earlier is, in fact, SaudiGulf, however, this has yet to be confirmed. 

Air Canada boss wins top award at the 2018 Airline Strategy Awards

Air Canada President and Chief Executive Officer Calin Rovinescu has won the Executive Leadership Award at the 2018 Airline Strategy Awards. The award, for the airline president/chief executive who has demonstrated outstanding strategic thinking and leadership, was presented in London. The Airline Strategy Awards are run by established air transport industry news and analysis provider, Flight Airline Business.

Unnamed customers commit to Boeing 737 MAX

Boeing has announced that it and four unnamed customers have signed 'commitments' for a total of 93 737 MAX aeroplanes, at the 2018 Farnborough International Airshow on Wednesday. 

The Boeing media room says this latest order is "including a carrier that has committed to 40 of the high-capacity version of the MAX 8." The company values the deal at nearly $11 billion at current list prices none of these is a confirmed or firm order and therefore the agreements will only be reflected on Boeing's Orders and Deliveries website when and IF they have been finalised. 

The four unidentified customers hail from the airline and aeroplane leasing industries, Boeing says, which might not be very surprising as its highly unlikely a food manufacturer would say they are interested in buying a fleet of planes.  Although anyone can sign a letter of commitment to buy a Boeing bird, it doesn't mean you'll actually go through with the purchase. 

The Top Ten Airlines In The World - 2018

Skytrax held its 2018 World Airline Awards on Tuesday 17th July at The Langham Hotel, London and has published the results of a 10 month long survey period in which travellers from around the world rated airlines on a number of key areas. There were some surprises in the complete listings, for example British Airways didn't even make the top thirty and Ryanair being rated above United.

Here are the top ten 'World's Best Airlines' 

1.  Singapore Airlines

Singapore Airlines has long been one of the most respected travel brands around the world, therefore it is perhaps no surprise that it makes it to the top of the list in this years Skytrax awards. Singapore Airlines seems to be pleasing passengers with its impressive service, flying one of the youngest aircraft fleets in the world to destinations spanning a network spread over six continents. Of course, the Singapore Girl is an internationally-recognisable icon providing the high standards of care and service that customers have come to expect of Singapore Airlines.

2.  Qatar Airways

Qatar Airways has rapidly grown to serve more than 140 destinations worldwide, offering levels of service excellence that helped the award-winning carrier to become the best in the world. Qatar Airways network spans business and leisure destinations across Europe, Middle East, Africa, Asia Pacific, North America and South America. Qatar Airways is a member of oneworld global airline alliance. Despite recent difficulties with its near neighbours and sexist remarks from its CEO, the airline is still rated highly on all levels by its passengers.

read on for the next 8.

VietJet interested in 100 Boeing 737 MAX aircraft

The Vietnamese low-cost carrier VietJet has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Boeing on Wednesday at the 2018 Farnborough International Airshow for an additional 100 737 MAX aircraft.

The deal is split between 80 737 MAX 10s and 20 737 MAX 8s and has a list price of  $12.7 billion at current list prices. If this deal is completed, VietJet would become the largest MAX 10 operator in Asia and would use the MAX 10 aircraft to satisfy the surging demand on high-dense domestic routes, as well as on popular destinations throughout Asia.

"We are excited to introduce Boeing's newest 737 MAX 10 into our rapidly growing fleet. These new airplanes will fit perfectly into our growth strategy, providing the efficiency and range for VietJet to expand its route network and offer more international destinations for our customers and expand alliances across Asia Pacific, the fastest growing aviation market in the world," said Madam Nguyễn Thị Phương Thảo, President and CEO of VietJet.

WestJet recognized as North America's Best Low-Cost Airline by Skytrax

More news from the Skytrax World Airline Awards held in London this week is that despite huge competition, WestJet was named as North America's Best Low-Cost Airline. 

"We're proud to be named the Best Low-Cost Airline in North America as voted on by 20 million global travellers," said Ed Sims, WestJet President and CEO. "More than 13,000 WestJetters and their dedication and commitment to providing exceptional service are the true winners of this award. We look forward to providing our guests with more products, services and destinations, along with our caring guest experience as we transition to a global airline."

Globally, WestJet also ranked sixth in the Best Low-Cost Airlines category for 2018.  WestJet operates more than 700 flights each day to 106 cities in 22 countries and is growing both in North America and into Europe. 

Top accolade for Air Transat

One of Canada's leading airlines, Air Transat, is celebrating this week after being named as the World's Best Leisure Airline during the Skytrax World Airline Awards in London. 

Jean-François Lemay, President-General Manager of Air Transat, was on hand in London to accept the award at the official ceremony. "Being singled out as the World's Best Leisure Airline is an honour we're extremely proud of, since it was awarded by our passengers," says Jean-François Lemay. "This honour extends to all of our employees, whose commitment, quality service and hard work ensure our passengers a pleasant, memorable experience, so their vacation truly begins the moment they set foot on board. Air Transat takes great pride in having been ranked among the best leisure airlines for seven years running, and to have topped the list for the second time in its history. Once again, I am deeply grateful to our passengers for their trust."

Every year, some 20 million travellers from around the world pick the winners by taking part in the largest airline passenger satisfaction survey, a global benchmark of airline excellence. The awards began in 1999 when Skytrax launched its first global airline passenger satisfaction survey. These days the survey covers 320 airlines in 105 countries. The survey runs for 10-months where airlines are marked in over 50 areas, including check-in, boarding, quality of service, seat comfort and many others.  

Boeing sell 5 747-8 Freighters to the Russians -

A big freighter deal between Boeing and Russian cargo specialists Volga-Dnepr Group and CargoLogicHolding was signed at the 2018 Farnborough International Airshow on the intention to buy 29 Boeing 777 Freighters and confirmed an order for five Boeing 747-8 Freighters along with an agreement to work together on future freighter projects.

New meal options from Alaska Airlines

Alaska Airlines passengers in the main cabin will now have a much better meal choice as the airline has started to roll out a new seasonally-inspired food and beverage menu that has been based on research and feedback from guests, the airline says the menu includes local ingredients paired with West Coast staples such as artichokes, tomatoes, asparagus, berries, avocados, artisan breads and cage-free eggs.  Passengers in the main cabin will also be able to sample a rotating selection of craft beers and an an elevated wine program.  

Juneyao Airlines show livery ready for Dreamliner delivery

The Chinese carrier Juneyao Air is getting in early with a new livery designed for its first Boeing Dreamliner aircraft that it is scheduled to arrive in September.

The first Boeing 787 Juneyao receives will feature the "Chinese Peony" livery.

Etihad's Buy on Board menu increased

Etihad Airways recently launched a range of snack items to buy onboard its long haul and ultra long haul to go along with its already fulfilling complimentary in-flight service.

Now the carrier has introduced some more items to that new menu of Buy on Board products, some of the new items include locally sourced brands Munchbox and Freakin’ Healthy, who promise to deliver healthier food options using natural ingredients, no added sugar and are GMO free. Now also available on board are Hunter’s Gourmet Potato and Vegetable Crisps which are all hand cut with no artificial colours, trans fat or preservatives, and are also GMO free.

“Etihad Airways is always looking at new ways to increase our offering to tailor the guest experience by providing premium and unique products. Launched in December 2017, our additional buy on board items have proven to be a popular treat that make travelling with us even more special.” said, Linda Celestino, Vice President Guest Experience and Delivery. 

Other goodies to enjoy whilst watching one of the many movies or shows on the in-flight entertainment system are gourmet salted caramel popcorn, an artisan hot chocolate or choose from a range of gluten, wheat and dairy free Nakd snack bars.

Skytrax Best Airline in Eastern Europe and Best Premium Economy Onboard Catering awards went to...........

The Russian airline Aeroflot has won two categories at the Skytrax World Airline Awards 2018 in London. In addition to being named Best Airline in Eastern Europe, Aeroflot took the award for Best Premium Economy Onboard Catering of any airline worldwide.

Aeroflot was named Best Airline in Eastern Europe for the sixth straight year and seventh time overall. The award for Best Premium Economy Onboard Catering represents a breakthrough for the Russian flag carrier. Previously the award had belonged to Singapore Airlines, recognized by many ratings as the finest in the world.

The World Airline Awards ceremony, which took place today in the Grand Ballroom of The Langham hotel in London on Tuesday, brought together senior executives of leading airlines from around the world.

More commitments for the Airbus A220-300

There seems to be strong demand for the aircraft that was formally known as the Bombardier CSeries CS300, as Airbus has received commitments for 60 of the type. 

A new US start-up airline has issued commitments for 60 Airbus A220-300 aircraft, with deliveries scheduled for the start of 2021 in a deal that was announced at this years Farnborough International Airshow on Tuesday.

This new airline is backed up by a group of experienced investors led by David Neeleman, founder of JetBlue, investor in TAP in Portugal and controlling shareholder in Azul airlines in Brazil.  “After years of U.S. airline consolidation, the conditions are improving for a new generation of U.S. airline to emerge, focused on passenger service and satisfaction,” said David Neeleman, majority investor in the new venture. “The A220 will enable us to serve thinner routes in comfort without compromising cost, especially on longer-range missions. With deliveries starting in 2021, we will have ample time to assemble a world-class management team and another winning business model.”

20 737 MAX8's for Aviation Capital Group

The Aviation Capital Group (ACG) have ordered 20 737 MAX 8 aircraft at the 2018 Farnborough International Airshow, according to Boeing, who valued the order at $2.34 billion. 

"The 737 MAX is core to our strategic growth plans, as the airplane continues to command strong interest in the marketplace," said Khanh T. Tran, CEO of ACG. "This order expands our diverse portfolio, which includes three 737 MAX variants, providing us with more flexibility and some of the most advanced single-aisle jets to serve our customers."

However, despite the announcement, the order hasn't actually been completeled and finalised yet, it will only been confirmed once all contingencies have been met.

"We are pleased to extend our partnership with ACG as they continue to expand their 737 MAX portfolio," said Ihssane Mounir, senior vice president of Commercial Sales and Marketing, The Boeing Company. "This order reflects continued market demand for the best single-aisle airplane in its class. The 737 MAX will deliver exceptional performance and market-leading economics to ACG's world-class customers for many years to come."