RAK Airways (RT) plans to expand its fleet to four aircraft by the end of 2013 to stabilize its network, add new destinations and boost frequencies on newly launched domestic flights.
American Airlines’ oneworld partners expressed their support for the carrier as it navigates through a turbulent period in its Chapter 11 bankruptcy restructuring.
Mexico’s Interjet’s (4O) first Sukhoi Superjet 100 (SSJ100) has arrived in Venice, Italy at the Sukhoi Superjet International (SJI) base to be customized for service in Mexico.
New Japanese regional carrier LINK—which will launch in 2013—will acquire three ATR 72-600s, becoming the first carrier in Japan to operate ATR aircraft.
Doric Asset Finance has rebranded, changing its name to Doric. The rebranding is intended to reflect “the company’s growth across different markets and conveys its performance and experience since its establishment in 2005,” it said.
Santiago de Chile-based LAN Airlines and Brazil’s TAM Airlines, subsidiaries of the new LATAM Airlines Group, are moving to fill some of the gap left by Uruguay’s Pluna (PU), which suspended operations July 3.
Abu Dhabi-based Etihad Airways (EY) said it is confident of full-year profitability due to synergies with its partner airlines despite the challenging global economic environment.
Qatar Airways (QR) was officially invited to join oneworld Monday and appears set to become the first major Gulf carrier to enter into one of the three global airline alliances when it becomes a full member in 12-18 months.
SkyTeam member Air France-KLM (AF-KLM), oneworld’s Air Berlin (AB) and Abu Dhabi-based Etihad Airways (EY) have announced a strategic partnership to strengthen their route networks.
Emirates named Jon Sheppard manager, national accounts-UK. Sheppard previously served as field sales manager-London and UK South for Air France-KLM. Alaska Air Group elected Tammy Young VP-HR. Young joins the carrier from accounting firm Moss Adams LLP where she served as MD-HR. Island Air (WP) hired Les Murashige as president and promoted Lesley Kaneshiro to CFO. Murashige has previously served as an executive with WP and Aloha Airlines.
AeroSvit (VV) and Ukraine International Airlines (PS) are supporting Kiev Boryspil International’s (KBP) transformation plan into a competitive international hub. KBP handles about 8 million passengers annually.
Japan’s Mitsubishi UFJ Lease & Finance (MUL) has purchased San Francisco-based lessor Jackson Square Aviation (JSA) as it continues it expansion program.
AirBaltic (BT) CEO Martin Gauss is keen to explore the potential for regional consolidation with Baltic carrier Estonian Air (OV), although management at the neighboring carrier has been quick to dismiss the idea.
India’s Director General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) on Friday issued a show-cause notice to the cash-strapped Kingfisher Airlines (IT), requiring it to demonstrate why it should keep its operating license.
American Airlines (AA) expects to have all of its Boeing 757s back in service Saturday after taking additional measures to prevent the seats from becoming loose, necessitating cancellation of nearly 100 flights Thursday and Friday for repair work to be done.
Armenian carrier Armavia (U8), which took delivery of the first production Sukhoi Superjet 100 in April 2011, has reached a new leasing agreement with Sukhoi Civil Aircraft Co. on operating terms.
Saudi Arabian carrier Nasair (XY) is planning to phase out its six Embraer E-190s and two E-195s, and grow to a single-type fleet of 40 Airbus A320s within four years to bring down operating costs.
American Airlines (AA) believes a mechanical issue, not improper maintenance, caused rows of seats on two of its Boeing 757s to repeatedly come loose during flights.
Oneworld appears to be preparing to announce a new member next week. Media speculation has focused on Qatar Airways (QR) as the new member, but the airline isn’t confirming.
