Air Transport

Sanctions targeting Russia’s airlines and broader economy will disrupt one of the strongest post-downturn domestic-market recoveries and put much of its international flying at immediate risk.

A webinar presented by aviation analytics company IBA on March 1 summarized some of the effects of the Ukraine-Russia crisis as can be ascertained so far.

Boeing has suspended support of Russian airlines operating its products, including spare parts sales and engineering services, adding to previously announced pauses affecting its Russian and Ukrainian operations.

COMMUTAIR finalized new long-term employment contract with its ALPA-represented pilots.

Irish startup Emerald Airlines has undertaken its first flight, as it gears up to operate to a series of UK destinations.

Christian Daoud to Vice President-Maintenance and Technical Operations of Mesa Air Group, AZ.

IATA is projecting enplanements will reach pre-pandemic numbers (4b pax) in 2024; it was at 47% of 2019 levels in 2021 and will grow to 83% in 2022

Clem McCloskey to Managing Director and Head of Europe/CIS Marketing of Nordic Aviation Capital.

Aashish Sonawala to Managing Director and Head of APAC/MEA Marketing of Nordic Aviation Capital.

Etihad Airways is looking to a strong 2022 as traffic returns post-pandemic, the company’s Group CEO said March 1.

Ed Sheard to Executive Vice President and General Counsel of Nordic Aviation Capital.

ETIHAD posted US$476m loss for 2021 (vs US$1.7b loss in 2020) on 14% lower revenues. It ended year with 67 aircraft.

IATA’s latest estimate of the returning global passenger market continues to set 2024 as the point at which traveler numbers finally outstrip those of 2019.

Lilium is modifying the design of its electric air taxi, building a third demonstrator to accelerate flight testing and partnering with NetJets to offer the vertical takeoff Lilium Jet for private and business aviation.

Eyes are on China to finally relax its strict COVID measures now that the rest of Asia is largely open for business.

Canadian regional aviation specialist Chorus Aviation is to acquire UK-headquartered lessor Falko Regional Aircraft for $855 million, with investment firm Brookfield Asset Management slated to take a 12.5% stake in Chorus once the deal completes.

Russia is maintaining air connection to Europe with its ally Belarus as well as Serbia and Turkey.

Air India’s newly named CEO Ilker Ayci is withdrawing from the role before his tenure has officially begun.

Business travelers and corporate travel managers are coming to terms with new factors that are enabling work trips to make a comeback, but which are also making journeys more complicated.

Etihad Airways has announced its business results for 2021, recording a strong recovery in passenger operations along with a significant improvement in financial performance.