LUFTHANSA is restoring the A380 on Munich-Los Angeles/-Bangkok; aircraft carries 509 pax in four classes. It decided in 2022 to reactivate the A380 and now has four in service with remaining four due to enter service by end of 2025.
AIR FRANCE-KLM and APOLLO GLOBAL MANAGEMENT signed definitive agreement for quasi-equity financing of €1.3b, with potential upsize to €1.5b prior to closing; transaction will allow Air France-KLM to make an additional step towards its commitment to restore its IFRS equity and strengthen its balance sheet, in addition to net profit generation.
CONDOR ordered three more A330-900s for delivery in 2026/2027 to increase its A330neo fleet to 21 aircraft. Deliveries of its initial order for 16 aircraft are scheduled to be completed in 1H24 to replace its 767s; final five are for growth.
FTAI AVIATION had $33m net income on $291m revenues in 3Q23 vs $22.8m net loss on $230m in 3Q22. It says it closed on 23 engines/10 aircraft at attractive prices to help generate future growth in aviation leasing adjusted EBITDA.
GOL expanded its commerical partnership with Air France-KLM for another 10 years in which both parties will grant each other exclusivity of routes between Europe and Brazil; deal includes CFM56/LEAP maintenance by AFI KLM E&M.
AZORRA, FL signed six lease agreements (for five E195s and one E175) in 3Q23, when it delivered four aircraft (E195s). It ended quarter with fleet of 83 aircraft on lease to 28 operators in 22 countries, plus another 57 on order.
SOUTHWEST AIRLINES had $193m net income on record 6.5b revenues in 3Q23 vs $277m on $6.2b in 3Q22; it now expects to take 85 737-8s in 2023 (vs previous plan for 70), resulting in increase in 737-700 retirements to 41 vs 26.
SPIRIT AIRLINES had $158m net loss on $1.26b revenues in 3Q23 vs $36m loss on $1.34b in 2Q22. It is assuming the average number of grounded A320neos will climb steadily from 13 in January to 41 in December, averaging 26 for 2024.
Loganair’s fleet of 13 Embraer 145 regional jets is being fitted with FLYHT-WVSS-II atmospheric water vapor sensors to measure weather data for the Met Office.
Many questions about the consequences of the deal remain unanswered, including the fate of SAS’ three hubs in the capital cities of Denmark, Norway and Sweden.
