Air Transport World

With an overall 1.4% increase in market demand year-over-year, global air cargo exhibited a measured but steady improvement in 2013, according to IATA’s year-end air freight market analysis.

German-based leisure carrier Condor Airlines will operate Boeing 767-300ER long-haul services from Cologne to Varadero beginning Nov. 4.

Airline Routes

The European Parliament voted Wednesday on proposals from the European Commission to strengthen passenger rights.

FAA administrator Michael Huerta told Congress flight delays are expected to be reduced by 41% by 2020 owing to the US’s ongoing transition to the satellite-based NextGen air traffic control (ATC) system.

LAM Mozambique has ordered three Boeing 737-700s, and taken purchase rights on a further three, in a deal valued at $228 million at list prices.

Lufthansa has called on European regulators for a fair environment to avoid unfair competition, following Etihad Airways’ plans to invest in Alitalia.

The European Commission (EC) has launched in-depth investigations into the financial rescue deals for Cyprus Airways and Estonian Air, to verify whether cash infusions breach European Union (EU) state aid rules.

American Airlines and US Airways, which closed their mega-merger in December and began the first phase of codesharing in January, have expanded codesharing to include nearly 6,500 daily flights to more than 275 destinations for travel starting on Feb. 6.

Middle East carrier Oman Air CEO Wayne Pearce will leave Feb. 28, after two years in the post.

A Joy Air Xian MA60 crashed while landing at China’s Zhengzhou-Xinzheng Airport Feb. 4, significantly damaging the aircraft.

Russia’s UTair has decided to split its aircraft and helicopter businesses.

Aircraft News

The latest airport passenger traffic and aircraft movements for 245 airports worldwide - current through December 2014 - presented by monthly and year-to-date figures.

Briefs from the Feb. 5, 2014 issue of ATW’s MRO Digest

Fokker Services will restructure, reducing staff by 200, as part of measures to enhance growth in non-Fokker aircraft.

Irish regional carrier Aer Arann has extended its global maintenance agreement (GMA) with ATR covering eight 72-600s and two -500s for five more years.

Flydubai will implement Boeing's suite of mobile maintenance applications—Maintenance Turn Time, Toolbox Mobile Library and Toolbox Mobile Parts—to provide real-time access to information so techs can quickly resolve maintenance issues.

SuperJet International, a joint venture of Alenia Aermacchi and Sukhoi Holding, has executed a spares agreement with Gazpromavia, the first airline to operate the long-range SSJ100.

Romanian MRO Aerostar continues to penetrate the Middle East market.

The Association of European Airlines (AEA) has called on the European Parliament to “take a realistic approach on air passenger rights” when it votes on a draft revision to the existing EU legislation on Wednesday.

Avianca said it has “taken the preventive decision to temporarily ground” its fleet of four Fokker 50 turboprops.

LOT Polish Airlines is preparing for a fresh barrage of criticism after the European Commission released details of its restructuring plan as part of a state aid probe.

Middle East lessor Palma Holding has firmed up an order for four Bombardier Q400s and four options, finalizing a letter of intent that was inked at the Dubai Air Show in November.

UK regional Flybe reported third-quarter trading in line with overall management expectations, and has revised downward the number of job losses it will need to make.