Global air cargo demand fell to its lowest level in 22 months in March, as traffic measured in FTKs increased 1.7% compared to a year earlier, when March 2017 demand grew 14%, according to IATA’s latest Air Freight Market Analysis released May 2.
Central and Eastern European LCC Wizz Air CEO József Váradi has said that newly launched Wizz Air UK could be used as a vehicle to acquire assets from other airlines.
Central and Eastern European LCC Wizz Air has secured its UK air operator’s certificate (AOC) and operating license, paving the way for Wizz Air UK to launch flights on May 3.
Mexican ultra-LCC Volaris reported a MXP1.1 billion ($61.5 million) net loss for the first quarter of 2018, narrowed from a MXP1.3 billion net loss in 1Q 2017, as competitive low-cost fares in the country’s domestic market and increased industry capacity continued to inflict pressure on the Mexico City-based carrier.
Italy has formally pushed back the deadline for selecting a buyer for Alitalia by six months to Oct 31, with the repayment of a controversial government bridge loan that is keeping it flying now set for Dec. 15.
China’s major carriers—including Air China, China Southern, Hainan Airlines, Spring Airlines and Juneyao Airlines all reported 1Q net profit increases because of robust growth of market demand, yuan appreciation and capacity discipline. China Eastern was the only carrier that reported a profit decline.
Saudi Arabian hybrid carrier flynas again plans to increase its exposure to the long-haul sector, as it seeks to take advantage of growing numbers of religious travelers to the country.
Kuwaiti hybrid carrier Jazeera Airways has attributed an improvement in the traditionally weak 1Q figures to a combination of investments in improving passenger experience, a growing route network and higher asset utilization.
Russian authorities have extended the air operator’s certificate (AOC) for Saratov Airlines through May 30 after the carrier resolved issues found in a March inspection that grounded the Antonov An-148 fleet.
Ongoing fleet transition at SkyWest Inc. continues to drive income growth for the Utah-based parent of regional carriers SkyWest Airlines and ExpressJet Airlines.
United Airlines parent United Continental Holdings has boosted its stake in Azul Airlines to 8% after purchasing shares in the Brazilian company from China’s HNA Group subsidiary Hainan Airlines.
United Parcel Service (UPS) saw first-quarter net income rise 15% on the strength of its large US domestic network, helping offset headwinds, including weather disruptions that cost the company a chunk of profit.
The Japan Airlines Group’s net profit dropped by 17.5% in the fiscal year ending March 31, although it saw a 2.5% rise in its operating profit for the same period.
All Nippon Airways (ANA) Holdings achieved another strong profit rise in its fiscal year ended March 31, driven mainly by a sharp increase in international revenue.
Fort Lauderdale-based ultra-LCC Spirit Airlines posted a $44.9 million net loss for the first quarter of 2018, reversed from a $31.3 million net profit in 1Q 2017, as $89 million in special charges related to Spirit’s February labor agreement with its pilots impacted the net result.
Southwest Airlines has exercised 40 Boeing 737-8 options, bringing its total 737 MAX firm orders to 280 aircraft, and plans to retire 40 737-700s as it takes delivery of the additional 737-8s from 2019-2022.
Las Vegas-based Allegiant Travel Co., parent of ultra-LCC Allegiant Air, reported 2018 first-quarter net income of $55.2 million, up 31% from $42.2 million in the 2017 first quarter.
