Air Transport

U.S. regional carrier ExpressJet Airlines is relaunching operations on Oct. 24 under a new leisure brand—“aha!”—with flights between Reno, Nevada and

The Northeast Alliance between American and JetBlue is at risk after the Biden administration sued to block it on antitrust grounds.

Long-term need for pilots remains strong but getting through the next few years will present challenges.

Modeling future demand for electricity and hydrogen and ensuring safe airport handling are key focuses of 15 research projects awarded a total of £3 million ($4 million) in UK government funding.

EXPRESSJET AIRLINES is relaunching October 24 under brand name aha! out of Reno-Tahoe International Airport serving eight cities in California/Oregon

JETSTAR ASIA plans December 20 to begin three-times-weekly Singapore-Darwin (A320).

CMA CGM GROUP, France ordered two 777Fs for its air freight division. BOEING currently has >60 777Fs on backlog.

FLY BAGHDAD, Iraq leased ex-Eastar Jet 737-900ER (35711) from FTAI (Fortress Transportation).

Fleet renewal is a huge part of CEO Ben Smith’s plans to improve the profitability of the group and close the gap on its European peers.

CASTLELAKE AVIATION was formed as corporate lessor of commercial aircraft; Castlelake is now in negotiations for >40 jets.

The UK plans to build a center to lead research, testing and certification of new sustainable aviation fuels (SAF).

NORDSTAR AIRLINES, Russia is expected to acquire two 737-800BCFs (TBA), becoming third -800BCF operator in Russia.

ATRAN, Russia leased 737-800BCF (33547) from GECAS; aircraft was converted by BOEING SHANGHAI AVIATION SERVICES.

HOKKAIDO AIR SYSTEM took delivery of new ATR 42-600 (1610), powered by sustainable aviation fuel; it now has three.

LUFTHANSA GROUP says it is launching additional flights to US in November due to booming demand, citing end of travel ban.

HESTON AIRLINES, Lithuania agreed to lease three ex-Aeroflot A330-200s (1014/1045/1047) from Avolon for delivery in 4Q21.

A quartet of newly acquired Boeing 777Fs are headed into European air freight operations as the last of Lufthansa Cargo’s McDonnell Douglas MD-11s prepares for its final flights.

United Airlines said it will soon begin the process of firing 593 employees who refused to get vaccinated for COVID-19, as the company makes good on a threat to part with unvaccinated workers following a Sept. 27 deadline.

The European Commission (EC) has warned that the EU emissions trading scheme (EU ETS) is about to get more expensive, but ICAO’s CORSIA emissions trading scheme will be implemented with amendments to avoid double charging.

C&L AVIATION sold two Saab 340B+ (to undisclosed operator) as part of group of 12 aircraft formerly operated by US carrier.

NORSE ATLANTIC filed request to US DOT to serve Fort Lauderdale, New York Stewart and Ontario, CA from Oslo (787).

LUFTHANSA CARGO acquired ex-Emirates 777F (35612) and new 777F (67146), and now has 11 777Fs. It also announced its last MD-11 (48783) will be removed

AIR FRANCE took delivery of its first of 60 A220-300s from Airbus; aircraft is configured in single-class, 148-pax layout.

Finnair has completed its largest-ever aircraft financing transaction as it continues to strengthen its balance sheet.

Chinese MRO provider Ameco has signed numerous maintenance services deals at the Zhuhai Airshow, including with Honeywell and Collins Aerospace to support Air China’s fleet.