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.
Lufthansa Group reported a 2018 first-quarter net loss of €57 million ($70.2 million), narrowed from a net loss of €68 million in the year-ago quarter. Group revenue for the quarter was down slightly to €7.6 million, down 0.7% compared to the 2017 1Q.
American Airlines reported a 45.2% year-over-year (YOY) drop in first-quarter net income from $340 million to $186 million as soaring fuel costs overwhelmed an otherwise positive business environment for the Dallas/Fort Worth-based carrier.
Norwegian Air Shuttle reported a first-quarter net loss of NOK46.2 million ($5.9 million), compared with a net loss of NOK1.5 billion in the year-ago period, helped by a NOK1.9 billion financial gain from reclassification of its investment in bank Norwegian Finans Holding.
Oneworld carrier Finnair’s double-digit growth strategy has resulted in a €1.6 million ($1.95 million) first-quarter net profit, reversing an €8 million prior-year loss.
New Belgian airline, Air Belgium, said it would delay its first flight to Hong Kong from April 30 to June 3 as it has not yet received permission to fly through Russian airspace.
Hawaiian Airlines parent Hawaiian Holdings reported a $28.5 million net profit for the first quarter of 2018, down 15.2% from $33.6 million in 1Q 2017, reflecting the impact of expenses and “challenges” related to the delivery delay of the airline’s forthcoming Airbus A321neos.
Fort Lauderdale-based regional carrier Silver Airways finalized its purchase of San Juan, Puerto Rico-based Seaborne Airlines April 23, creating a combined fleet of 31 aircraft serving Florida, the Bahamas, and the Caribbean.
