- Kingfisher & SpiceJet: Focus on Low-Cost Ops to Drive Profits[Aug. 17, 2011]
A shift in traveller preference towards low-fare carriers will play a crucial role in defining the focus of Indian airlines in the months ahead, said analysts. Even full-service private carriers such as Kingfisher Airlines, reeling under high fuel costs and mounting losses, may rely on its low-cost operations to tide over the challenging cost environment.
- Air Canada Defends United Deal[Aug. 16, 2011]
Air Canada has fired back at the Competition Bureau in the fight over its partnership with a U.S. airline, arguing the deal is crucial to Canadian aviation and that the agency's attempt to block it is "misconceived."
- Airbus Says Medium-Haul Jet Demand to Help Offset Economic Downturn[Aug. 16, 2011]
European planemaker Airbus expects aircraft production to be flat or slightly higher in the event of another global economic downturn as growing demand for medium-haul jets in Asia helps it keep the pressure on rival Boeing.
- Mexican Airline Aeromexico Sees Record Occupancy Amid Sector Woes[Aug. 15, 2011]
Mexican airline operator Grupo Aeromexico SAB said Monday it registered its highest-ever monthly passenger load factor in July, flying with 86.9% of seats full, as a decrease in competition helped it overcome general weakness in the country's travel segment.
- Airlines Risk Deeper Seat Cuts Amid U.S. Wealth "Destruction"[Aug. 15, 2011]
U.S. airlines may have to cut back on flying as the slowing economy erodes their ability to boost fares while they struggle with higher costs for jet fuel.
- European Airline Buys 4 Bombardier Q400 Planes[Aug. 16, 2011]
An unidentified European airline has signed a firm order to buy four Q400 NextGen turboprop planes made by Bombardier Inc, the Canadian-based plane maker said on Tuesday.
- Cathay Pacific Says July Cargo Traffic Down 11 Percent on Year[Aug. 16, 2011]
Cathay Pacific Airways said on Tuesday that its cargo throughput in July fell 11 percent from the same month a year earlier, the fourth consecutive month of contraction, on continued weak demand in Hong Kong and mainland China.
- Air China Becomes the Global Business Travel Solutions Provider for Siemens[Aug. 16, 2011]
According to an agreement signed by Air China and Siemens on August 16, 2011, Air China becomes the first provider to be considered by Siemens when it comes to global travel solutions. The signing ceremony was attended by Air China Commercial Committee Vice Chairman Shi Zengqi and Siemens World Procurement Vice President Bernd Schulz.
- Chinese Airlines Report 26% Growth to 12.78 Billion Yuan in H1[Aug. 16, 2011]
Global Airlines encountered a loss of US$800 million in the first half of 2011, but Chinese airlines appear to have improved operating profits, posting a 26% year-on-year growth in combined net profit to 12.78 billion yuan, according to an International Air Transport Association (IATA) report.
- Qantas Delays A380 to Buy 110 A320s, While Eyeing First 787[Aug. 16, 2011]
Qantas is ordering a staggering 110 new Airbus A320s -- the largest single aircraft order in Australian aviation history -- to enable it to rapidly grow its Asian travel strategy.