Airline Market News
US authorities provisionally approve oneworld transatlantic tie-up
The American Department of Transport (DOT) has issued a tentative decision approving antitrust immunity for American Airlines and its oneworld partners, allowing the formation a global alliance. If granted final approval, the decision will allow the oneworld Alliance to join Star and SkyTeam – both of which have operated with antitrust immunity in the USA for some time – in the North American market.
Elia breaks silence over Globespan collapse
Elias Elia, the owner of E-Clear, the online transactions company linked to the collapse of the Globespan airline, has broken his silence over his company’s position, saying that his firm was not responsible for the airline’s collapse, and that he was getting on “extremely well” with administrators.
All Nippon Airways, Continental, and United Apply to U.S. DOT for Approval
All Nippon Airways, Continental Airlines (NYSE: CAL), and United Airlines (NASDAQ: UAUA) today filed an application with the U.S. Department of Transportation for antitrust immunity to enable the three carriers to create a more efficient and comprehensive trans-Pacific network, generating substantial service and pricing benefits for consumers.
United, Continental and ANA seek trans-Pacific tie-up
United, Continental and All Nippon Airways are seeking a three-way tie-up which will enable them to co-ordinate schedules and fares between the US and Japan in a bid to “compete more effectively” with other global airline alliances. The application comes less than a fortnight after an “open skies” agreement between the US and Japan.
Jet Airways launches Jetescapes for International Travellers
Jet Airways, India’s premier airline today launched its exclusive holiday product – JetEscapes for the discerning international traveller.
United Airlines Issues Travel Waivers, Encourages Customers to Travel Before Forecasted Midwest Snow
With snow and ice expected this week in the Midwestern United States, United Airlines is encouraging customers ticketed for travel Dec. 22-27 to, from or through the region - particularly the airline’s Chicago hub - to consider rebooking their itineraries and traveling early, as inclement weather may drive delays or cancellations on Wednesday, Thursday and Christmas Day.
OAG Reports Global Airline Capacity Up 4% In December 2009
Low Cost Sector Continues to Show Growth with Frequencies and Capacity Up 10%
Tremendous Potential for Airport Infrastructural Development in the Middle East
The growth of Middle East’s aviation industry has been notable, and has been further amplified as a result of the impact of the global economic slowdown on other regions. Despite the slowdown, the aviation industry in the region has expanded and is expected to grow further. This will mandate facility enhancement and hence the need for airport infrastructural development.
Iata revises airline losses up for 2010
The airline industry’s losses for next year will reach $5.6bn – $1.8bn higher than previously predicted by Iata. But even with the upward adjustment, the massive loss is just over half of what the airline industry is predicted to lose this year – $11bn.
Flybe adds 16 new routes for summer 2010
Flybe has announced plans to add 16 new routes to its summer 2010 programme. These will operate from its UK regional hubs – Birmingham, Exeter, Guernsey, Jersey, Manchester and Southampton and Gatwick – to mainland Europe. The new routes will boost Flybe’s summer weekly schedule to 3,738 flights.
United $10bn order signals aviation recovery
The aviation industry has received one of the clearest signals yet of embarking on the road to recovery after United Airlines placed an order for 50 aircraft from Boeing and Airbus, worth almost $10bn, and marks its first order in over a decade.
American raises JAL offer to $1.1bn
American Airlines has stepped up its bidding war with Delta Airlines for a controlling stake in Japan Airlines by offering a US$1.1bn sweetener. Much of the injection is being fronted by TPG, a private equity group. This follows Delta’s attempt to lure the debt-riddled carrier from oneworld by offering US$500m in new equity, plus another US$500m in asset-backed funding.
Gulf Air unveils new strategy to stem losses
Gulf Air has announced a new strategy to turn itself into a commercially sustainable business in 2012. The strategy will focus on expanding its network with 20 new networks and upgrading its fleet. However it will also cut up to fifteen other routes and close some overseas offices in a bid to curb losses.
BA reignites talk of Qantas tie-up
The planned merger between British Airways and Iberia could pave the way for possible tie-up with Qantas, according to the airline’s chief executive Willie Walsh. He also warned BA cabin crew that he will not compromise over his cost-cutting plans, despite as the workers’ union Unite gearing up for possible strike action over Christmas.
Global airline capacity up 3% reports OAG with release of November figures
Certain hubs reflect positive growth over 30%; Others report negative growth over 20%
Bangkok Airways-Air Berlin announce codeshare agreement
Recently, Bangkok Airways and Air Berlin jointly announced the first codeshare agreement between the two airlines which is set to fly passengers nine weekly flights from Germany (Dusseldorf, Berlin-Tegel, Munich) to Bangkok.
YouGov Survey: 80% of the population support reform of Air Passenger Duty
The vast majority of people in the UK support a reform of Air Passenger Duty (APD), according to a representative YouGov survey published today. The opinion poll was commissioned by easyJet, the UK’s largest airline in the run up to the forthcoming increase in APD on 1 November.
US airline shares fall on biz travel fears
U.S. airlines have reported falling revenues Q3 this week, expressing little confidence in a sustainable turnaround, especially for business travel, and their shares have taken a corresponding dive.
Unions bid to block alliances
U.S. airline unions have intensified their calls for greater scrutiny of industry alliances in a move that could create major problems for the proposed venture between AA, BA and Iberia. The Allied Pilots Association has urged the U.S. Department of Transportation to decline the application for worldwide antitrust immunity, citing European Commission concerns and AA’s refusal to address job-security, anti-competitiveness and national-security issues.
BAA shelves plans for Heathrow third runway
BAA has abandoned hopes of building a third runway at Heathrow in the face of staunch opposition from the Conservative party, saying it will not submit a planning application ahead of the general election in June.
