SOUTHWEST AIRLINES had $219m net loss on $6.8b revenues in 4Q23 vs $220m loss on $6.2b in 4Q22; and $498m net income on record $26.1b revenues in 2023 vs $539m on $23.8b in 2022. It expects to take delivery of 79 737 MAXs in 2024 vs 85 under contract and says current capacity plans do not assume placing the 737-7 into service in 2024.
ROYAL JORDANIAN took delivery of first two (116/123) of eight E195-E2s on order as part of fleet modernization plan that also includes nine 787-9s and 20 A320neo Family aircraft, resulting in fleet of 41 aircraft in the coming few years.
ALASKA AIR GROUP had $2m net loss on $2.6b revenues in 4Q23 vs $22m profit on $2.5b in 4Q22; and $235m net income on record $10.4b revenues in 2023 vs $58m on $9.6b in 2022. It initiated a thorough review of Boeing's production quality and control systems, including Boeing's production vendor oversight to enhance quality control on new aircraft.
AMERICAN AIRLINES had $19m net income on $13.1b revenues in 4Q23 vs $803m on $13.2b in 4Q22; and $822m net income on record $52.8b revenues in 2023 vs $127m on $49b in 2022. It ended year with $10.4b in total liquidity vs $12b.
EUROPEAN COMMISSION opened in-depth investigation to assess, under EU Merger Regulation, the proposed acquisition of sole control of AIR EUROPA by IAG as deal may reduce competition in air transport market in Spain.
Boeing is seeking an exemption from FAA to allow the 737-7 to be certified and enter service as the airframer works to address engine inlet durability issues.
Following receipt of an approved inspection and maintenance process from the FAA, Alaska expects to bring its first few 737-9s back into service on Jan. 26.
Labor actions and negotiations throughout the European aviation sector indicate social unrest will continue in 2024 and will be expensive for the airlines.
A three-year project to mature technologies for a low-drag strut-braced wing for future ultra-efficient airliners has been kicked off by an ONERA-led team.
