Airline News
Profits fall at IAG as coronavirus battle continues
International Airlines Group has seen operating profit before exceptional items fall 5.7 per cent, to €3,285 million, for the year to December 31st. The group said it was currently unable to offer guidance on its 2020 financial performance as a result of the spreading coronavirus.
Qatar Airways signs Air Malta codeshare deal
Qatar Airways has signed a codeshare agreement with Air Malta. The partnership reinforces Qatar Airways’ long-term commitment to Maltese passengers and to boosting tourism to the Mediterranean country.
LATAM signs loyalty reciprocation deal with Delta Air Lines
LATAM Airlines Group has signed a loyalty program agreement with Delta that will enable reciprocal frequent flyer benefits. The deal will come into effect on April 1st.
Court of appeal throws Heathrow expansion into question
The court of appeal has ruled a government decision to grant permission for a third runway at London Heathrow Airport was illegal. A case against government approval for the scheme was brought by environmental groups, councils and the mayor of London.
Doniz appointed chief information officer with Boeing
Boeing has appointed Susan Doniz to the role of chief information officer and senior vice president of information technology and data analytics. She will take up the position in May.
Qatar Airways cuts capacity to South Korea and Iran
Qatar Airways has cut capacity to Iran and South Korea as both countries battle the coronavirus outbreak. Flights to and from Seoul will temporarily operate with a smaller aircraft, while some services to Iran will be halted.
Virgin Galactic to release more tickets to space
Virgin Galactic has said it will slowly reopen sales of spaceflights to meet growing demand. The company formally closed its doors to new ticket sales after its first space flight in 2018, having sold around 600 spaces at £250,000 apiece.
Heathrow sees slight increase in passenger numbers for 2019
Heathrow welcomed a record 80.9 million passengers in 2019, up one per cent on the previous year. The airport also remains in strong financial health, with revenues climbing 3.4 per cent to £3.1 billion on the back of increased demand to fly.
Hospitality industry widens battle against plastic
British Airways and Radisson Hotel Group have become the latest hospitality organisations to outline plans to reduce dependence on single-use plastic.
American Airlines reconciles with Qatar Airways
American Airlines has renewed its codeshare agreement with Qatar Airways, a fellow member of the oneworld alliance. The move comes just over two years after the pair very publicly fell out in a row over government subsidies.
ANA places latest 787 Dreamliner order with Boeing
Boeing and Japanese airline group ANA Holdings have signed a deal for 20 more 787 Dreamliner planes. The agreement includes 11 787-10s, one 787-9 and options for five 787-9s and is valued at more than $5 billion at list prices.
China poised for HNA Group takeover as debts mount
HNA Group is on the point of being taken over by the Chinese government and dismantled according to reports. The coronavirus outbreak in the country has hit the conglomerate’s ability to meet financial obligations, leaving it vulnerable to default.