Southwest Airlines and Angelo State University Announce Destination 225° Partnership

Southwest is proud to welcome Angelo State University (ASU) to the Southwest Family as a university partner in Destination 225°, the airline's First Officer development and recruitment program. The Hispanic Serving Institution in San Angelo, Texas, is the sixth University partner in the program that provides a pathway for qualified aviators to join Southwest as Pilots.

"We're thrilled to welcome Angelo State University as a partner in Southwest's Destination 225° Program," said Lee Kinnebrew, Southwest's Vice President of Flight Operations. "We continue our work of opening career pathways for the next generation of professional pilots, and we look forward to supporting students as they train, gain flight experience and develop into competitively-qualified Southwest First Officer candidates in the years ahead."

ASU launched its Bachelor of Commercial Aviation program in the fall 2021 semester. Currently, there are 25 students in the first Flight Operations class, with 50 new students expected to join the program this fall. ASU students have access to Skyline Aviation's fleet of 12 aircraft and three flight simulators.

"We are honored for Angelo State to partner with Southwest Airlines' Destination 225° Program," ASU President Ronnie Hawkins, Jr., said. "As a Hispanic Serving Institution, we recognize the opportunity a partnership like this presents for all our students to become Pilots and aviation professionals, but especially minorities and women who are underrepresented in both the commercial and military aviation industry."

Norwegian carried over 2.2 million passengers during July

Norwegian had over 2.2 million passengers in July, the highest number since the outbreak of the pandemic. Norwegian operated 99.7 percent of its scheduled flights with a load factor of close to 95 percent, the highest in several years.

”This has been a great summer for Norwegian. In July, we had the highest load factor in many years, and we operated close to all scheduled flights despite the many demanding challenges the industry has faced. These results have been made possible thanks to our dedicated colleagues who are putting our customers at the heart of our operations”, said Geir Karlsen, CEO of Norwegian.

Norwegian flew 2,206,424 passengers in July, compared to 695,830 in July 2021. The load factor in July was 94.5 percent. The capacity (ASK) was 3,322 million seat kilometres, while actual passenger traffic (RPK) was 3,139 million seat kilometres, an increase of 27 percent from June. Punctuality, as measured by the number of flights departing within 15 minutes of the scheduled time, was at 62.2 percent in July. However, as many as 93 percent of all flights arrived on schedule or no more than an hour late. In July, Norwegian operated an average of 70 aircraft and 99.7 percent of scheduled flights were completed.

Norwegian entered into agreements with Widerøe and Norse Atlantic Airways in July with the aim to establish ticketing co-operation and simplify travel for our customers.

KLM will fly to adventurous Finnish Lapland

KLM Royal Dutch Airlines will operate direct service between Amsterdam Airport Schiphol and Rovaniemi in northern Finland every Saturday from 3 December 2022 through 25 March 2023. KLM will deploy a Boeing 737-800 on this route, which can carry up to 186 passengers. Rovaniemi is KLM’s second destination in Finland after Helsinki. By adding Rovaniemi to its network, KLM will meet the growing demand for adventurous winter trips to Lapland.

Rovaniemi is the capital of Lapland and gateway to winter leisure travel. Rovaniemi is the last major city as one travels north into the remote and sprawling wilderness of Lapland, which one can explore on snow scooters or by husky safari. There’s also plenty to do in Rovaniemi itself, which offers a wide array of shops as well as cosy cafes and restaurants. You can also visit the home of Santa Claus, who lives in Santa Park. 

Flight schedule

Weekly flights will be operated on Saturdays with a Boeing 737-800, equipped with 30 seats in Business Class, six seats in Economy Comfort and 150 seats in Economy Class. Flights will only be operated during the winter season from 3 December 2022 through 25 March 2023.

KL1213 departs from Amsterdam Airport Schiphol on Saturdays at 12:25, arriving at Rovaniemi Airport at 16:20.

KL1214 departs from Rovaniemi Airport on Saturdays at 17:10, arriving at Amsterdam Airport Schiphol at 19:15.

Allegiant Travel Company has reported its second quarter of 2022 results .....

Allegiant Travel Company has reported the following financial results for the second quarter of 2022, as well as comparisons to prior years:

   

Consolidated	Three Months Ended June 30,						Percent Change
(unaudited) (in millions, except per share amounts)	2022		2021		2019		YoY		Yo3Y
Total operating revenue	$           629.8		$           472.4		$            491.8		33.3 %		28.1 %
Total operating expense	603.7		333.6		383.7		81.0		57.4
Operating income	26.1		138.9		108.1		(81.2)		(75.8)
Income before income taxes	5.8		122.6		91.8		(95.2)		(93.6)
Net income	4.4		95.0		70.5		(95.4)		(93.8)
Diluted earnings per share	$              0.24		$              5.49		$              4.33		(95.6)		(94.5)
	Six Months Ended June 30,						Percent Change
(unaudited) (in millions, except per share amounts)	2022		2021		2019		YoY		Yo3Y
Total operating revenue	$        1,130.0		$           751.6		$            943.4		50.3 %		19.8 %
Total operating expense	1,096.6		588.1		744.2		86.5		47.4
Operating income	33.4		163.5		199.2		(79.6)		(83.3)
Income (loss) before income taxes	(4.7)		131.2		165.7		(103.6)		(102.9)
Net income (loss)	(3.5)		101.9		127.7		(103.5)		(102.8)
Diluted earnings (loss) per share	$            (0.20)		$              6.04		$              7.84		(103.3)		(102.6)

(1)	Recognition bonus awarded despite not meeting internal profit-sharing targets
(2)	Denotes a non-GAAP financial measure. Refer to the Non-GAAP Presentation section within this document for further information

"Demand surged in the second quarter resulting in the highest revenue-generating quarter in company history," stated John Redmond, CEO of Allegiant Travel Company. "Total operating revenue was up over 28 percent as compared with 2019. We saw impressive increases in TRASM of over 15 percent, year over three-year, particularly considering scheduled capacity was up over 13 percent. Earnings per share, adjusted to exclude the impact from the 2022 recognition bonus, was $0.62, pressured by lower productivity levels due to heightened fuel prices and a challenging operating environment.

"As we head into the third quarter, we continue to focus on operational integrity, ensuring safe and reliable travel for our customers. Our operations and planning teams have made significant progress combating the challenges present within the current operating environment. We have seen significant improvements in reliability into the third quarter, with a July controllable completion factor of 99 percent, as compared with 97 percent in June. We expect to finish the quarter with a controllable completion of over 99 percent.    

"Looking ahead to 2023, we remain focused on improving margins and our major strategic initiatives, including integration of the Boeing MAX fleet, and the opening of Sunseeker Resort Charlotte Harbor. These are major undertakings for the company, but I believe these ventures will create significant shareholder value in the coming years. Retaining our talented leaders is critical to ensuring success with these initiatives. I was pleased to announce the appointments of Scott Sheldon and Gregory Anderson to President. Their superior leadership skills and combined 30 years of experience at Allegiant will play an integral role in the long-term success of the company.

"In closing, I am humbled by the hard work and dedication of our more than 5,000 team members across the network. This industry is not for the faint of heart, but we truly have the best employees. I cannot thank them enough for making Allegiant the successful airline we are today."

640,000 passengers passed through from London City Airport over June and July

As the summer getaway commenced, London City served 640,000 passengers across June and July and remains on course to reach the 3 million mark by the end of the year.

August is also set to be busy, with over 300,000 passengers expected to travel as the airport closes in on one million passengers for the core summer travel months.

With the airport teams fully staffed since the start of the getaway, London City has delivered a consistently high level of customer service and continues to, on average, get passengers from the DLR to their gate lounge inside 25 minutes.

London City is also urging passengers who are booked to travel in August to turn up no more than 2 hours before their flight and to be prepared for security in order to make the experience as smooth and as stress free as possible for everyone.

While the UK Government’s slot amnesty resulted in small changes to the airport schedule, London City’s operation has been largely unaffected through August and airlines have some remaining capacity on key domestic and short-haul European routes.

With the airport welcoming almost 70% of its 2019 passenger numbers over the same period, the staples of Amsterdam, Edinburgh and Zurich remained the busiest overall routes. However, Ibiza has been the strongest leisure performer, followed by Florence, Palma, Nice and Malaga.

Commenting on the results the Airport’s Chief Executive, Robert Sinclair, said:  “We have made a conscious effort with our airlines to attract more leisure routes and passengers this summer and the fact we could reach close to 1 million passengers for the period is testament to the resilience of our operation and quality of the passenger experience we offer. For anybody considering a last-minute getaway, we would love to welcome them at London City.

American Airlines announces investment in hydrogen-electric engine developer ZeroAvia

American Airlines announced this week, its investment in ZeroAvia, a leader in hydrogen-electric, zero-emission aviation. In addition to the investment, a memorandum of understanding provides American the opportunity to order up to 100 engines from ZeroAvia’s hydrogen-electric powertrain development program. The engines are intended to power regional jet aircraft with zero emissions.

“Our investment in ZeroAvia’s emerging hydrogen-electric engine technology has the potential to play a key role in the future of sustainable aviation,” said Derek Kerr, American’s Chief Financial Officer. “We are excited to contribute to this industry development and look forward to exploring how these engines can support the future of our airline as we build American Airlines to thrive forever.”

ZeroAvia is working to achieve certain type certifications of its innovative propulsion technology that will pave the way for the engines to be incorporated into the regional jet market in the future. The ZA2000-RJ powertrain is anticipated to enable passengers to fly in zero-emission regional jets as early as the late 2020s.

June Air Cargo: Stable and Resilient

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) released data for global air cargo markets showing healthy and stable performance.  Note: We returned to year-on-year traffic comparisons, instead of comparisons with the 2019 period, unless otherwise noted.  Global demand, measured in cargo tonne-kilometres (CTKs*), was 6.4% below June 2021 levels (-6.6% for international operations). This was an improvement on the year-on-year decline of 8.3% seen in May. Global demand for the first half-year was 4.3% below 2021 levels (-4.2% for international operations). Compared to pre-COVID levels (2019) half-year demand was up 2.2%.   Capacity was 6.7% above June 2021 (+9.4% for international operations). This was an increase on the 2.7% year-on-year growth recorded in May. Capacity for the first half-year was up 4.5% (+5.7% for international operations) compared to first half-year of 2021. Compared to pre-COVID levels demand was up 2.5%.    Air cargo performance is being impacted by several factors.   Trade activity ramped-up slightly in June as lockdowns in China due to Omicron were eased. Emerging regions (Latin America and Africa) also contributed to growth with stronger volumes.   New export orders, a leading indicator of cargo demand and world trade, decreased in all markets, except China.   The war in Ukraine continues to impair cargo capacity used to serve Europe as several airlines based in Russia and Ukraine were key cargo players.

Etihad Airways has firmed up its order with Airbus for seven new generation A350F freighters

Etihad Airways has firmed up its order with Airbus for seven new generation A350F freighters, following its earlier commitment announced at the Singapore Airshow. The freighters will upgrade Etihad’s freight capacity by deploying the most efficient cargo aircraft available in the market.

This order of the A350F sees the national carrier of the UAE expanding its relationship with Airbus, and adding to its existing order of the largest passenger version of A350-1000s, five of which have been delivered. 

Tony Douglas, Group Chief Executive Officer, Etihad Aviation Group, said: “In building one of the world’s youngest and most sustainable fleets, we are delighted to extend our long-term partnership with Airbus to add the A350 Freighter to our fleet. This additional cargo capacity will support the unprecedented growth we are experiencing in the Etihad Cargo division. Airbus has developed a remarkable fuel-efficient aircraft that, in tandem with the A350-1000 in our passenger fleet, supports our commitment to reaching net-zero carbon emissions by 2050.”

“Airbus is delighted to extend its long-standing partnership with Etihad Airways, who recently introduced the A350 passenger services and is continuing to build on the Family with the game-changing freighter version, the A350F,” said Christian Scherer, Chief Commercial Officer and Head of Airbus International. “This new generation large freighter brings unprecedented and unmatched benefits in terms of range, fuel efficiency and CO₂ savings, that support customers by enhancing operational efficiencies at the same time as reducing environmental impact.”

Two new Airbus A321neo aircraft for Qanot Sharq Airlines of Uzbekistan

Air Lease Corporation leases two new Airbus A321neo jets to Qanot Sharq Airlines

Aircraft leasing giant Air Lease Corporation has placed two new Airbus A321neo aircraft on a long-term lease basis with Uzbekistan's Qanot Sharq Airlines, the first privately-owned airline in the country.

Qanot Sharq is led by a team of highly accomplished airline industry professionals and operates as a scheduled carrier, performing services from multiple regional airports in Uzbekistan, providing regular and charter air service to international destinations such as Istanbul, Ankara, Dubai, Jeddah, Medina, Almaty and other Central Asian countries.

 

“We are very pleased with this placement of two new A321neo aircraft with Qanot Sharq Airlines. Thanks to positive economic reforms intended to encourage private sector growth, the Uzbek economy and middle class have been expanding and Qanot Sharq is successfully servicing the increased travel needs of this growing economy,” said AJ Abedin, Vice President of Air Lease Corporation.  "With the addition of these two new state-of-the-art A321neos equipped with long-range fuel tanks for expanded flight mission capabilities, Qanot Sharq and its passengers will benefit from new destinations, operational efficiencies and a premium travel experience.”

SWISS expands its customers’ carbon-neutral air travel options

SWISS is introducing a new ‘Green Fare’ for customers flying from Denmark, Sweden or Norway which ensures that the carbon dioxide emissions generated by their air travel are fully offset through the use of sustainable aviation fuel and investments in climate protection projects. SWISS customers’ use of the carbon-neutral flying option has increased tenfold since this was integrated into the flight booking process. All SWISS long-haul guests will also be able to make their flight carbon-neutral via an onboard carbon offset option by the end of this year.

Swiss International Air Lines (SWISS) and its sister carriers within the Lufthansa Group are launching a new trial ‘Green Fare’ today for customers travelling from Denmark, Sweden or Norway. As a further element in SWISS’s endeavours to ensure sustainable air travel, the new Green Fare includes a full offset of the carbon dioxide emissions generated by the customer’s flight – 20 per cent through a corresponding purchase of sustainable aviation fuel and 80 per cent via investments in long-term climate protection projects. The Green Fare also earns customers additional Miles & More status and award miles, and further permits rebookings free of charge.

The new Green Fare is offered alongside the further fare options available – Light, Classic or Flex – in the booking process. Green Fares can be booked as of today via swiss.com for flights from Denmark, Sweden or Norway to European destinations, and are available for both Economy and Business Class travel. SWISS’s B2B travel partners in Scandinavia will also be able to make use of the new Green Fare option from this autumn onwards. The trial phase of the new Green Fares will extend for around six months.

“At SWISS we’ve set ourselves ambitious climate care objectives,” explains Chief Commercial Officer Tamur Goudarzi Pour. “We aim to reduce our net carbon dioxide emissions to zero by 2050. And among other actions, innovative and attractive offers like the new Green Fares that we are now introducing in selected test markets will be a key means of achieving this.”

Integration into booking process raises popularity

Bonza becomes first Australian airline to take delivery of the new 737 MAX

Boeing has delivered the first 737 MAX 8 aeroplane to Bonza, a new carrier that becomes the first Australian airline to fly the new 737 MAX. Bonza held an arrival ceremony to commemorate the milestone and welcome the arrival of the fuel-efficient 737-8 at its Sunshine Coast base.  

“We are beyond excited to welcome our first 737 MAX to Sunshine Coast Airport and with so much buzz around the country for Bonza, we hope today is also exciting for the communities we’ll be flying to,” said Tim Jordan, CEO of Bonza. “Our teams have been working hard behind the scenes to reach this significant milestone and we cannot wait to launch operations in the near future. The efficiency, reliability and overall capability of the 737 MAX will enable us to provide our customers with low-cost flights and the highest level of comfort onboard.”

Air Models have a range of aircraft models, including some special 737 MAX models, including this one in the colours of flydubai.  

Other airlines featured include Air China,  Xiamen Air and China Southern 

“This is a tremendous milestone for Bonza and Boeing as the airline joins many operators around the world who have launched service with the 737 MAX,” said Christy Reese, vice president of Commercial Sales and Marketing Asia Pacific, Boeing Commercial Airplanes. “Bonza has created a new business model to create new markets in Australia’s dynamic commercial aviation market. We are confident that the fuel-efficient 737-8 aeroplanes will enable the airline to provide their passengers with a comfortable flying experience and a more sustainable option to travel throughout the country.”