Boeing's Sales Prospects Looking Up in China, LCCs Now Account for a Third of Global Airline Capacity, and More
Aviation news brief June 12
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Boeing's Sales Prospects Looking Up in China
Boeing is witnessing a revival in its prospects in China, the world's fast-growing commercial aviation market, after a period of weakened sales.
Previously, the country accounted for nearly one-third of Boeing 737 jet purchases. However, Boeing's sales suffered after two fatal crashes involving its 737 Max model, escalating trade tensions with the US, and the impact of China's stringent COVID-19 lockdowns.
Now, with China's increasing demand for aircraft to support its domestic and international flights, the tables appear to be turning in Boeing's favor. source
Cirium and Aireon Extend Partnership for Enhanced Aircraft Analytics
Aviation analytics firm Cirium has extended its agreement with Aireon, a space-based aircraft tracking leader, to offer enhanced aircraft positional analytics.
The partnership combines Cirium's comprehensive data on schedules, fleet status, weather, and emissions with Aireon's satellite-based flight positions data, offering a complete gate-to-gate data stream. This collaboration will offer airlines full network visibility, potentially enhancing operational efficiency, reducing fuel burn, and mitigating passenger disruption.
The enriched data, including aircraft utilization and flight history, can be seamlessly integrated into the existing systems of various air transport industry stakeholders. source
JSX Air Defends Its Operational Model Amid Criticism from American Airlines and ALPA
JSX Air has refuted claims by American Airlines and the Air Line Pilots Association (ALPA) that it utilizes a regulatory loophole to operate as a Part 135 carrier.
Critics argue that JSX's business model allows for operation of pre-scheduled trips using less experienced pilots and avoiding TSA security checks, distorting competition and degrading the aviation system.
However, JSX maintains that it fully complies with all regulations and provides a crucial pathway for pilots to gain valuable experience, while offering an innovative model that benefits both the airline and its passengers. source
WestJet to Absorb Low-Cost Subsidiary Swoop
WestJet is folding its low-cost subsidiary Swoop into its primary operations, with the last Swoop flight set for 28th October 2023.
Following a pay agreement with pilots, which equalized wages across both airlines, Swoop's cost-base became similar to WestJet's, making it economically inefficient to operate separately.
Launched in 2017, Swoop's fleet of sixteen aircraft will gradually be rebranded to WestJet. source
Korean Air Continues Advancements in Drone Swarm Aircraft Inspections
Korean Air is progressing with its innovative program using drone swarms for aircraft inspections, aimed at detecting wear and damage in fuselage components. The company, which first announced its plan in 2021, has steadily increased the sophistication and functionality of drone inspections, influencing other major carriers like KLM.
Recent advancements include AI applications, object avoidance technology, geofencing, and pre-set flight instructions, which reduce pilot involvement.
While the program has received increased support from the South Korean government and has proven beneficial, it is not expected to completely replace human inspections due to limitations in operation spaces and the current development phase of the technology. source
Low-Cost Carriers Now Account for a Third of Global Airline Capacity
Low-cost carriers (LCCs) now constitute almost a third of the global airline capacity, accounting for 32% of all scheduled airline seats in March, according to an analysis by OAG.
Despite a drop during the Covid-19 pandemic, LCCs have seen a rise, at times occupying more than one in three seats. India has the highest share of LCC seats at 74%, while 21 countries have more than half their capacity from LCCs.
OAG also discussed the rise of 'ultra low-cost carriers' and the blurring lines between LCCs and legacy airlines as more hybrid models emerge. source
Turkish Airlines Targets Southeast Asia Growth
Turkish Airlines is planning to enhance its service frequencies to Malaysia and Indonesia, as part of its Southeast Asia network expansion, according to Chairman Ahmet Bolat. The move is in response to increasing demand from Malaysians and Indonesians to travel to Turkey.
Currently, the airline operates double daily flights from Istanbul to Kuala Lumpur and is exploring codeshare opportunities with Malaysia Airlines Bhd.
Bolat also announced plans to expand the airline's fleet by purchasing 600 new aircraft, which will nearly double the current fleet size to 813. The company aims to become one of the top three global airlines, projecting to serve over 86 million passengers this year. source
Canada to Transfer Grounded Russian Aircraft to Ukraine
Canada has decided to seize a grounded Russian aircraft at Toronto Pearson Airport and give it to Ukraine, as part of its pressure on Russia to end the war against Ukraine.
The plane, suspected to be owned by a subsidiary of Volga-Dnepr Airlines LLC and Volga-Dnepr Group, has been grounded since February 2022.
The Canadian government has said that it may either transfer the plane directly to Ukraine or sell it and give the proceeds to the country to aid in its rebuilding efforts and compensation for victims of human rights abuses. source
Flight Savings Trick 'Skiplagging' Comes with Significant Risks
Travel expert Gilbert Ott warns that 'skiplagging', a method of booking flights with a layover at the desired destination and then not completing the second leg of the journey, doesn't guarantee savings and involves substantial risks.
Factors like the departure location and final destination affect the effectiveness of this strategy. Risks include potential banning by airlines, loss of air miles and points, and complications when flights are canceled or luggage is checked to the final destination.
Carriers such as American Airlines, United Airlines, and Lufthansa are taking measures to combat this practice. source
Ryanair Expands Winter '23 Schedule with 17 New Albanian Routes
Ryanair has expanded its Winter '23 schedule with the addition of 200 weekly flights and 17 new routes to and from Albania, making it the 37th nation on Ryanair's network.
These new routes will boost Albania's access to key inbound tourist markets such as Belgium, the UK, and Germany, and facilitate domestic travel.
The expansion, which includes destinations like Brussels, London, and Rome, is expected to create over 1,000 local jobs and transport an estimated 700,000 passengers to and from Tirana annually.
This step is part of Ryanair's broader growth strategy, supported by its recent order of 300 new B737-MAX-10 aircraft. source
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