Annual report shows massive loss for Qatar Airways in one of the most difficult years in aviation history.

Qatar Airways Releases 2019-20 Annual Report

Qatar Airways published its Annual Report for 2019-20 on Sunday, showing a massive loss as the carrier coped with the continued illegal airspace blockade against the State of Qatar by its near neighbours as well as the coronavirus COVID-19 pandemic. 

Qatar Airways is familiar with facing exceptional challenges; however, 2019-20 has been one of the most difficult years in the airline’s history. The combination of the ongoing illegal air space blockade against the State of Qatar, the liquidation of Air Italy by the majority shareholder, changes to accounting policy and reporting standards and the COVID-19 pandemic crisis has resulted in the Qatar Airways Group reporting a net loss of QAR 7 billion for the year 2019-20. Excluding these exceptional items, the Group’s results at both operating and net levels would have been better than that reported in the year before clearly demonstrating the Group’s improving performance. 

Such improvement is evidenced from the increasing in the Group’s overall revenue and other operating income to QAR 51.1 billion, up 6.4 per cent compared to last year. Passenger revenue grew by 8.9 per cent with capacity (Available Seat Kilometers) growth of 3.2 per cent. Qatar Airways carried 32.4 million passengers, an increase of 9.8 per cent over last financial year.

Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive, His Excellency Mr. Akbar Al Baker, said: “Despite the momentous challenges our Group has faced in 2019-20, Qatar Airways Group continues to remain resilient, reporting strong underlying fundamentals. If not for the exceptional circumstances of fiscal year 2020, our results would have been better than the year before.

“During the fiscal year 2020, the Group’s revenue increased to QAR 51.1 billion, seat capacity increased by 3.2 per cent, freight tonnes handled increased by 2.8 per cent and passenger traffic at Hamad International Airport increased by 8.6 per cent. Qatar Airways invested QAR 16.8 billion in fleet and other assets during the year and had a cash balance of QAR 7.3 billion at year end. Significant progress has been achieved in the three-year transformation plan, which began pre-COVID-19 and will position the Group’s operations and practices to meet the current challenges.

Royal Air Force A400M showcased in Kazakhstan

During a recent visit, which promoted the bilateral military co-operation between the UK and Kazakhstan, the capability of the RAF A400M was showcased to the Kazakh Government.

After landing in Nur-Sultan, representatives from the RAF explained their operational experience and the aircraft’s capabilities to the Kazakh Prime Minister, Askar Mamin; Minister of Defense, Nurlan Yermekbayev; Minister of Emergency Situations, Yuri Ilyin; Minister of Industry and Infrastructure Development, Beibut Atamkulov; Vice Minister of Industry and Infrastructure Development, Talgat Zhanzhumenov.

With the ability to carry a 37-tonne payload over 2,000 miles, the A400M provides the RAF with tactical airlift and strategic oversize lift capabilities. The Kazakh Government are currently considering purchasing an aircraft to meet their requirements for strategic airlift.

An RAF A400 has been showcased during a visit to Kazakhstan.
 Photo Defence Section British Embassy Nur-Sultan.

As part of the demonstration, the A400M was loaded with an Arlan Armoured vehicle and Airbus Test pilots showcased the aircraft’s technical capabilities to Kazakh Air Defense Force Officers.

Air Canada Announces Longer-Term Refinancings to Replace Short-Term Facilities

$787.7 million secured refinancings of 18 Airbus A220 aircraft
US$552.6 million Class A and B Enhanced Equipment Trust Certificates, Series 2020-2

Air Canada announced that it recently completed two longer-term refinancing transactions for a total amount of approximately $1.52 billion, replacing short-term facilities.

The first transaction consists of a committed Secured Facility totalling $787.7 million to finance Air Canada's purchase of the first 18 Airbus A220 aircraft with a term of 12 years from delivery of each aircraft on a floating interest basis based on CDOR. This equates to an interest rate of approximately 2.39% using current CDOR rates. As aircraft are financed under this new Canadian dollar Secured Facility, the Bridge Financing of $787.7 million for the same 18 Airbus A220 aircraft put in place in April 2020 will be repaid concurrently. Any amount left unpaid under the Bridge Financing will be repaid following the financing of the 18th A220 aircraft expected in the first quarter of 2021.

Air France updates its flight schedule for November and December 2020

Air France is continuing to adapt its flight schedule for the period up to 3 January 2021. In the context of currently applicable travel restrictions, Air France will operate 50% of its flight schedule planned for November and December 2020.

By the end of the year, Air France will serve 170 destinations, i.e. almost all of its regular winter network, with frequencies adapted to the level of demand.

On the domestic network, 43 routes will be operated on departure from Paris-Charles de Gaulle, Paris-Orly and Lyon Saint-Exupéry, most of which will offer day return flights.

In Europe, Air France will serve 67 destinations, i.e. its entire regular network for this time of year.

Capacity deployed on the long-haul network - mainly for essential travel and cargo - will continue to increase, particularly to destinations in the Caribbean and Indian Ocean, with additional frequencies being introduced to Fort-de-France and Pointe-à-Pitre on departure from Paris-Charles de Gaulle, and to Saint-Denis de La Réunion, on departure from Paris-Orly.

DSV’s Air Charter Network expands cargo air bridge between Europe and Asia

Introducing an extra weekly inbound departure from Shanghai and a new Hong Kong-Luxembourg route, DSV accommodates the high demand for air cargo capacity and provides efficient solutions for customers during peak season.

DSV’s Air Charter Network keeps growing. Only two months after the latest addition of routes and extra capacity, DSV now adds an additional two 747 freighters to its Europe-Asia cargo air bridge.

From October 2020, one of the freighters will be operating on the existing route between Shanghai and Luxembourg – thereby creating as many as three scheduled departures per week and a total inbound capacity of up to 1,000 tons a month to and from Shanghai.

SAS to start flying to China again

From 29 September, it will once again be possible to fly direct from Scandinavia to China with SAS. There have been no direct flights since 31 January, but SAS has now obtained approval from the Chinese authorities and is reopening the route from Copenhagen to Shanghai with a weekly frequency.

The reopening of the route is vital for trade. With the reopening of the route, SAS is aiming to meet demand for business travel and air freight services between Scandinavia and China.

At the end of October, SAS is also planning to resume flights to Beijing provided that SAS obtains the necessary approval from the authorities.

SAS will operate the Shanghai route using the new Airbus 350. This state-of-the-art aircraft will enable SAS to offer a unique travel experience. The aircraft has a much lower fuel consumption and up to 30 percent lower CO2 emissions than previous comparable aircraft.

Massive loss reported by Qatar Airways

Qatar Airways Releases 2019-20 Annual Report

Qatar Airways published its Annual Report for 2019-20 on Sunday, showing a massive loss as the carrier coped with the continued illegal airspace blockade against the State of Qatar by its near neighbours as well as the coronavirus COVID-19 pandemic. 

Qatar Airways is familiar with facing exceptional challenges; however, 2019-20 has been one of the most difficult years in the airline’s history. The combination of the ongoing illegal air space blockade against the State of Qatar, the liquidation of Air Italy by the majority shareholder, changes to accounting policy and reporting standards and the COVID-19 pandemic crisis has resulted in the Qatar Airways Group reporting a net loss of QAR 7 billion for the year 2019-20. Excluding these exceptional items, the Group’s results at both operating and net levels would have been better than that reported in the year before clearly demonstrating the Group’s improving performance. 

Such improvement is evidenced from the increasing in the Group’s overall revenue and other operating income to QAR 51.1 billion, up 6.4 per cent compared to last year. Passenger revenue grew by 8.9 per cent with capacity (Available Seat Kilometers) growth of 3.2 per cent. Qatar Airways carried 32.4 million passengers, an increase of 9.8 per cent over last financial year.

Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive, His Excellency Mr. Akbar Al Baker, said: “Despite the momentous challenges our Group has faced in 2019-20, Qatar Airways Group continues to remain resilient, reporting strong underlying fundamentals. If not for the exceptional circumstances of fiscal year 2020, our results would have been better than the year before.

“During the fiscal year 2020, the Group’s revenue increased to QAR 51.1 billion, seat capacity increased by 3.2 per cent, freight tonnes handled increased by 2.8 per cent and passenger traffic at Hamad International Airport increased by 8.6 per cent. Qatar Airways invested QAR 16.8 billion in fleet and other assets during the year and had a cash balance of QAR 7.3 billion at year end. Significant progress has been achieved in the three-year transformation plan, which began pre-COVID-19 and will position the Group’s operations and practices to meet the current challenges.

Oman Air ready to fly from 1st October 2020 - International route network resumes.

Oman Air is ready to recommence scheduled flying operations are a hiatus caused by the ongoing coronavirus COVID-19 pandemic.

The airline has confirmed that it will resume flying to 18 cities in 12 countries starting from 1st October 2020. Oman Air has also confirmed it will maintain its comprehensive safety program throughout all elements of the travel journey to ensure that guests fly confidently. Masks are required when guests are onboard the aircraft and in Oman's airports. Social Distancing is maintained while guests board and exit the aircraft, which are carefully cleaned after each flight and at the end of every day. Cabin crew all wear a full set of personal protective equipment, meal service has been modified to further ensure safety and a number of other steps have been taken to ensure that the airline’s guests and crew are safe at all times.

What’s New in the Flying Business 

This industry is in constant improvement. The times change, necessities are different, and evolution takes part. It’s not only about planes themselves, but everything that takes part in this business, from airports to lounges, to aeroplanes and to security measures. Not only due to technological evolution, but also because of the current world’s state, it is necessary to take different precautions when you find yourself in the necessity of flying, as you want to feel protected and safe. This year has brought so many alterations to airports, and even though many are still closed, next time you travel, be aware of these next trends I’ll be going through, which will make flying so much more comfortable, easier, and even more pleasant.

Private Jet Charter Companies

Even though these companies have existed for quite a while now, they’re still new for some people. Private jets came to make life easier for those who are constantly travelling, and it looks like they’re here to stay. This industry took private jets and made them more accessible to a larger number of people, easing up their trips. This way, for those travelling a lot, it becomes an option to have in mind. Not only more comfortable, but sometimes cheaper than regular plane tickets, with companies offering monthly subscriptions, which in some cases might be beneficial and help save you some money. If you’re interested in finding out more about their cost and average prices, click here.

 

One important reason why people are choosing this service is the safe feeling it offers its passengers. A global pandemic it’s not something you should take lightly, and if there’s a way to avoid taking risks, it’s always better. This said, a private jet will always be safer than a commercial plane, full of people, even if they follow all the safety measures. So, next time you travel, keep this option in mind. 

Airbus H175 to bolster Omni's oil and gas operations in Brazil

Photo  Airbus

Omni Taxi Aereo, Brazil’s leading oil and gas transport company and part of OMNI Helicopters International group (OHI), becomes the first operator to introduce the H175 in Brazil. The aircraft has arrived in Brazil, where it will perform cargo load and passenger transport missions for the country’s key oil and gas industry.

“The H175 offers the right mix of comfort, performance and cost-effectiveness and I am very pleased with the introduction of this aircraft in Omni’s fleet”, said Roberto Coimbra, CEO of Omni Taxi Aereo. “With a range that enables Omni to reach 100 percent of Brazil’s offshore installations and high technology equipment onboard it is a very promising aircraft to serve the Brazilian oil and gas market”.

Canadian airline WestJet enhances free COVID-19 travel insurance - now with U.S. coverage

Good news for customers of budget carrier WestJet,  which has just announced that its customers travelling to, through or from the United States are now eligible for the airline's enhanced $200,000 CAD COVID-19 travel insurance coverage for air-only and vacation reservations.

The enhanced coverage will retroactively include all bookings made as of September 18, 2020 and will increase by $100,000 CAD to include up to a maximum of $200,000 CAD at no additional charge to eligible guests.

Also includes Europe and UK

Any WestJet air-only reservation including WestJet Vacations bookings for travel to and from the U.S., Mexico, the Caribbean, Europe (including U.K.) and inbound to Canada will be eligible for the coverage for up to 21 days for travel into and including August 31, 2021 through new partner TuGo®. For one-way travel reservations, coverage is available for up to seven days.

Delta's boss emails customers - Prioritizing your safety and preparing for the future

Photo  Delta

It would have been a quiet week had the boss od Delta Air Lines, Ed Bastian, not do some kind of public statement or message.  This week, the ever-smiling CEO has sent an email to all the airline's customers telling them how the carrier is putting safety first as well as getting ready for the future. 

Here's the email:

It has been more than six months since COVID-19 began altering our lives in the U.S. In that time, we’ve focused on offering you the safest and cleanest experience possible. By sharing what we’ve learned and what is to come, you can feel confident when you’re ready to travel with us. We are partnering with the best medical experts, including Mayo Clinic’s Dr. Henry Ting, to:

Prioritize your health and safety

Mayo Clinic continues to provide input on a range of health and safety practices throughout the travel journey via weekly meetings of the Integrated Advisory Council made up of Delta leaders and Mayo Clinic medical experts. Just last week, members of Mayo Clinic’s team reviewed the in-flight service you receive by watching a group of Delta flight attendants in action and shared additional key health and safety considerations to keep in mind as we continue to refine our processes.

To date, Delta people have evaluated and delivered more than 100 enhanced cleanliness and safety innovations, processes and ideas to safeguard you and fellow employees, including:

Installing more than 5,300 hand sanitizer stations onboard and throughout airports and 2,600 plexiglass shields throughout your journey

Cleaning aircraft nearly 300,000 times using electrostatic spraying to disinfect every flight

Replacing nearly 500 aircraft HEPA air filters – twice as often as recommended – and installing almost 600 MERV14 filters in jetways to ensure the air you breathe is cleaner than the air in almost any public space

Distributing more than 1 million care kits and more than 14.5 million snack bags to customers

Continuing to block middle seats through Jan. 6, 2021 to provide space for safer travel

Take care of the people who take care of you

Partnering with Mayo Clinic, Quest Diagnostics and CVS Health, we designed an unprecedented employee COVID-19 testing program across our entire workforce. Widespread, proactive testing is one of the best ways to slow the spread of the virus, in addition to putting other layers of protection in place, according to Mayo Clinic. The infection rate among Delta’s customer-facing employees is below the national average and shows that our safety measures are working.

Prepare for the future and stay one step ahead

We understand that finding accurate and reliable information around COVID-19 can be difficult. Mayo Clinic recently developed a dashboard that allows you to monitor COVID-19 trends, both locally and nationally, and provides recommendations on the steps you can take to protect yourself and your loved ones.

The medical experts at Mayo Clinic agree that the accumulation of layers in place makes a difference. We hope you find comfort in the policies we’ve implemented to keep you safe, including blocking middle seats, using electrostatic spraying on surfaces in the airport and onboard between flights, and requiring masks. Wearing a mask is the No. 1 thing each of us can do to help control the spread of the virus and protect each other.

Beyond what’s in place, we are committed to assessing health and safety measures going forward. For example, we’ve recently implemented the use of ATP testing devices – which are regularly used to swab surfaces in hospitals and restaurants – to spot check high-touch surfaces in the airport and onboard. Early tests indicate promising results about the cleanliness of Delta touchpoints, and we’ll be gathering more data in the months ahead to continue building upon our standards to ensure surfaces are consistently cleaned to the highest internal specifications.

This year has been challenging, but we have been able to prioritize what is important – people. Your health and safety have been and will remain our top priority. Thank you for continuing to protect yourself and others by wearing a mask and for trusting us to take the best care of you when you’re ready to return to the skies.

Sincerely,

Ed Bastian

CEO, Delta Air Lines

 

Dr. Henry Ting

Chief Value Officer

On behalf of the Mayo Clinic and Delta Advisory Council

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OSI Systems Receives $59 Million Contract to Provide Security Inspection Systems to Hamad International Airport

-OSI Systems, Inc. confirmed this week that its Security division was awarded a contract from the Qatar Company for Airports Operation and Management (“MATAR”) for approximately $59 million to provide hold (or checked) baggage screening systems, trace detection systems, and related services for the Hamad International Airport (“HIA”) in Qatar. Under the terms of the award, the Company will supply its high-speed Rapiscan® RTT®110 for baggage screening along with its Itemizer® 4DX desktop trace detection system and has commenced deliveries.

OSI Systems’ Chairman and CEO, Deepak Chopra, commented, "We are honored to be selected by MATAR for the supply of hold baggage and trace detection systems as part of the process to upgrade its security screening facilities ahead of the planned FIFA World Cup in 2022. We believe these systems will enhance overall passenger safety while helping to improve the flow of passengers at HIA.”

OSI Systems is a vertically integrated designer and manufacturer of specialized electronic systems and components for critical applications in the homeland security, healthcare, defense and aerospace industries. The Company combines more than 40 years of electronics engineering and manufacturing experience with offices and production facilities in more than a dozen countries to implement a strategy of expansion into selective end product markets. For more information on OSI Systems or its subsidiary companies, visit www.osi-systems.com. 

 

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