HNA Group is planning the revival of its subsidiary in the northwestern Chinese province Shaanxi as the next major airline project after establishing Ningbo Airlines next year.
HNA Group subsidiary Ningbo Airlines—already established as a company but not yet ready for operations—should begin flying next year, following the arrival of support from its other intending shareholder: the government of the city of Ningbo in eastern China.
Air Canada will fly daily from Vancouver to Brisbane, Australia, starting June 17, rather than the three-times-weekly service initially announced for the new route, the carrier said on Dec. 20. Air Canada suggested it changed after the governments of Canada and Australia reworked their bilateral agreement in early December, allowing carriers to add considerable capacity (see story page 2). Each country is now allowing 6,000 seats per week in overall capacity, up from 3,000. By December 2016, the two nations will each permit 9,000 weekly seats.
Passing a safety audit by European regulators represents an important milestone for Thai Airways, after other countries sought to restrict Thailand-based airlines because of concerns about oversight deficiencies.
Sensing a late opportunity this winter and spring in Orlando, Frontier Airlines is adding two new seasonal routes in February: one to Minneapolis and the other to Omaha, Nebraska.
The European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) is giving operators of the Airbus A350 until Jan. 11 to begin daily post-flight checks of the aircraft’s two inboard ailerons to verify that the electro-hydrostatic actuators (EHAs) that drive the roll-control surfaces are working correctly.
Avcorp’s acquisition of Hitco’s Aerostructures division, Hitco Carbon Composites, has strengthened its ability to address the growing market for composite airframe structures in the aviation sector, its CEO said.
60 Years Ago Dec. 21, 1955 —Aviation Daily—then American Aviation Daily—published a report, “Communist Airlines Busy and Improving,” on the state of air travel on “the other side of the Iron Curtain.” The report noted that “U.S. equipment will cause sensation,” as there were no four-engine transports available in the east, only twin-engine piston aircraft. 36 Years Ago
Singapore Airlines (SIA) has hit back against criticism of its attempt to fully take over LCC Tiger Airways, refuting claims that its offer is not high enough.
Silver Airways is hiring advisors at Raymond James to “evaluate a range of strategic alternatives,” including a merger or “ownership transition,” strategic partnerships, or new investments from outside groups.
Canada and Australia are doubling the number of seats airlines can fly per week between the two countries under an expanded air transport agreement, effective immediately, the Canadian government said on Dec. 17.
Airbus, which is struggling to deliver its first A320neo, has increased its firm orderbook of the reengined narrowbody with an order from International Airlines Group (IAG).
Brussels Airlines is expanding its widebody fleet with two Airbus A330-300s to support a new route to Toronto, additional frequencies to Africa and Washington Dulles International Airport, and possibly a new service to Mumbai.
China Southern’s intended order for 80 Boeing 737s, despite its size, suggests the carrier’s narrowbody fleet will become increasingly dominated by the Airbus A320 family.
Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport forecasts its annual passenger numbers will expand by 50% in the next five years, as it grows into its now-official role as China’s fourth long-haul gateway.
