Turkish Airlines finalized MOUs it had for widebodies from Airbus and Boeing March 9, but changed the mix of aircraft, ordering more A350s and fewer 787s than in its original agreements.
Global mobile satellite communications provider Inmarsat reported $1.4 billion in total group revenue for 2017, up 5.4% from 2016, largely on the strength of 36.7% growth in Inmarsat’s aviation sector, which includes in-flight connectivity (IFC), business/general aviation (BGA) and safety/operational services (SOS) revenue. The aviation sector reported $195 million in total revenue for the year.
The Competition Commission of India (CCI) has penalized three of the country’s airlines for what it says was concerted action in fixing and revising fuel surcharge (FSC), a component of freight charges.
Ethiopian Airlines launched 5X-weekly Addis Ababa-Buenos Aires Ezeiza services, March. 8. The flight is being operated with a Boeing 787-8 and makes a stop in Sao Paolo Guraulhos, Brazil.
Turkish LCC Pegasus Airlines’ predicted rebound from 2016’s losses materialized in 2017, with the Istanbul-based carrier recording a TL501 million ($131.5 million) net profit, compared to a loss of TL136.2 million in the previous year.
COMAC has confirmed that it expects the first 150-seat C919 to be delivered in 2021, verifying earlier indications from the Chinese manufacturer that there is another year’s delay.
NATO is calling for proper provision for military requirements in the creation of so-called U-space – airspace populated with unmanned aerial vehicles.
Boeing, Embraer, and other potential stakeholders are working to wrap up joint venture (JV) talks involving the two aircraft manufacturers "very soon," Embraer CEO Paulo Cesar Silva said. In response to an analyst’s question on a timeline, Silva said, "we don't know," about whether the talks will lead to a major announcement in the short-term. "I think what's important is that [the] parties are working very hard to have an outcome as soon as possible."
Ryanair has signed a union recognition agreement with Italian pilots union ANPAC, continuing the formalization of the airline’s decision to recognize unions across Europe.
The global air cargo market produced a strong start to 2018, as traffic increased 8% year-over-year (YOY) in January, up from 5.8% annual growth in December. Per IATA’s January Air Freight Market Analysis, released March 7, global manufacturers continue to report strong demand for their exports, particularly in Asia-Pacific and Europe.
Virgin Atlantic plans to offer hand luggage-only economy fares and remove six seats from its Boeing 787s for an extra-legroom product as a response to increased competition from long-haul LCCs like Norwegian.
Thailand-based LCC NokScoot intends to add its first Boeing 737s this year, which will allow the carrier to downgauge some of its lower-demand widebody routes.
WestJet, Canada’s second largest airline, made a surprise CEO change, announcing March 8 that Gregg Saretsky was stepping down “effective immediately” after eight years leading the company.
São Paulo-based LCC GOL reported a BRL378.2 million ($114 million) net profit for 2017, a 65.7% drop from BRL1.1 billion in 2016 net income, as the company paid BRL547 million in deferred income taxes during the year.
British Airways (BA) has refreshed the cabins of its 10-strong Boeing 777 fleet based at London Gatwick Airport with World Traveller Plus and World Traveller seats.
organized labor, following its December 2017 recognition of trades unions, although the risk of industrial action from some national groups cannot yet be ruled out, the airline’s COO said in London March 7.
