Turkish Airlines yet to make decision on whether to bid for LOT; SAS planning reverse share split

February 28, 2010, 11:54 pm

European carriers’ shares moved higher with wider European markets on Friday (26-Feb-2010), following news the US economy grew faster than expected in 4Q2009, with banking and mining sectors leading a rise in the markets. Reports Germany is...

Shanghai Airport's commercial and F&B revenue rises, but overall revenues dip

February 28, 2010, 9:14 pm

Shares in China’s Shanghai International Airport Co closed 1.9% lower on Friday, ahead of the release of the airport operator’s financial report for the 12 months ended 31-Dec-2009 (on Saturday, 27-Feb-2010).

Vietnam Aviation Outlook: GFC hurts export-oriented economy, but full impact cushioned by government

February 28, 2010, 8:54 pm

Vietnam’s aviation market is an extremely dynamic and high-potential one. But like most emerging markets, infrastructure issues and the regulatory environment (including rising conservative forces during the economic downturn) are providing some...

Tiger Airways to establish a third country base? Virgin Blue to introduce a new 'economy section'

February 28, 2010, 7:46 pm

Tiger Airways CEO and President, Tony Davis, stated the group will “continue to look at opportunities to set up new Tiger ‘Cubs’, to grow its existing business in the growing Asia Pacific region. The carrier added that Tiger Airways...

Safran Group revenue shrinks in 2009, outlook strong for 2H2010 – Suppliers Share Wrap

February 28, 2010, 7:41 pm

Safran Group’s headline revenue grew 1.5% in 2009, to EUR10.45 billion, which was a “strong performance… in an unsettled civil aerospace environment”, according to CEO, Jean-Paul Herteman. However, organic revenue growth actually fell 2.9%,...

Thai Airways returns to profitability, improves outlook; JAL’s losses widen

February 28, 2010, 7:38 pm

Thai Airways’ shares gained 6.1% on Friday, rising to the highest level in more than four months in Bangkok, after the airline reported a better-than-expected FY2009 net profit (of USD222.5 million, compared to a loss of USD647.7 million in the...

Tiger Airways profitable in Dec-2009 quarter, as unit revenues and passenger grow. Third "cub" soon?

February 28, 2010, 7:36 pm

Newly-listed Tiger Airways Group reported a recovery in profitability in the three months ended 31-Dec-2009, with Group President and CEO, Tony Davis, stating he was “pleased” with the “strong” financial results in the quarter, driven by...

Cincinnati Airport: Another casualty in the US hub wars

February 28, 2010, 7:11 pm

Cincinnati has a great location. Located on the Ohio/Kentucky border, it is far enough south to avoid much of the extreme winter weather that afflicts cities a bit further north. It is roughly equidistant from New York and Washington. In its annual...

Japan Airlines in a sorry state. USD2 billion loss in first nine months. What’s next?

February 28, 2010, 6:55 pm

In a brief statement, the JAL Group has revealed a USD1.36 billion operating loss for the nine months ended 31-Dec-2009, compared to a loss of USD100 million in the previous corresponding period. Operating revenue for the nine-month period slumped...

Emirates denies reports it is considering IPO,1time rallies; Lonrho and Air Arabia down;

February 26, 2010, 12:02 am

1time Holdings (+9.0%) shares surged on Thursday (25-Feb-2010), shrugging off another slip in the South African All-Share Index (-0.8%). The South African Rand (ZAR) fell to its lowest level since Nov-2009, as investors sold high risk stocks on weak...

Republic Airways orders 40 Bombardier aircraft; United Airlines also orders aircraft

February 26, 2010, 12:01 am

US stocks fell on Thursday (25-Feb-2010) pushing North and South American carriers’ stocks down. The Dow (-0.5%) ended trading lower on news durable goods sales unexpectedly fell in Jan-2010, while jobless claims were up, suggesting the economic...

Iberia net losses worsen, but confident British Airways merger agreement will be signed soon

February 25, 2010, 11:17 pm

European airline shares fell again on Thursday (25-Feb-2010), as the wider market retreated over renewed concerns about Greece’s ability to manage its debt issues and disappointing economic data in the US. Energy shares also pushed wider markets...

Republic still holding centre stage: Blockbuster Bombardier CSeries order

February 25, 2010, 11:14 pm

After releasing its fourth quarter and full year results late Wednesday night, Republic Airways Holdings executives held court on Thursday morning as anxious analysts tried to gain more clarity on how the company is evolving now that it has branded...

Southwest sticks to organic growth strategy; GOL to become a oneworld alliance member?

February 25, 2010, 9:35 pm

Southwest Airlines CFO, Laura Wright, stated the LCC is open to acquisitions, although such a strategy would come second to growing the carrier organically. The carrier has only made three acquisitions in its nearly 40-year history and failed in its...

Air France-KLM CEO calls for regulation of global oil prices

February 25, 2010, 9:31 pm

Air France–KLM CEO, Pierre-Henri Gourgeon, has labelled the state of oil prices as “abnormal”, “uncontrollable” and “unmanageable” and is pushing for regulators to create “coalitions to limit this indecent spiral”.

Worldwide airports data: Monthly aircraft movements now tracked by CAPA

February 25, 2010, 9:28 pm

US airports dominate the Top 20 rankings of global airports, in terms of aircraft movements, according to a new worldwide airport traffic report being assembled by the Centre for Asia Pacific Aviation (CAPA), underscoring the importance for US...

Auckland expects full year 2010 net profit after tax in the range of NZD100 million-USD105 million

February 25, 2010, 9:20 pm

Shares in New Zealand's Auckland International Airport gained 0.5% yesterday, ahead of the operator’s financial report for the six months ended 31-Dec-2009. The company’s operating EBITDA remained stable (+0.1%) at USD96.4 million, on a 0.6%...

Air New Zealand doubles net profits; AirAsia and Tiger Airways return to profitability in Dec-2009

February 25, 2010, 8:36 pm

Air New Zealand’s shares fell 0.8% yesterday, ahead of the release of the carrier’s financial results for the six months ended Dec-2009 this morning.

Air New Zealand doubles net profitability but warns of tougher second half conditions

February 25, 2010, 8:33 pm

Air New Zealand reported a more than doubling of net profit in the six months to 31-Dec-2009, as the carrier reduced costs in response to declining passenger demand and yields. However, the carrier has warned of a weaker, yet profitable, result in...

Air China and Cathay Pacific set up Shanghai cargo JV. Chipping away the Hong Kong hub

February 25, 2010, 8:23 pm

It may be two years overdue, but cross-equity partners Air China and Cathay Pacific have made good on their 2006 promise to develop a cargo JV carrier in Shanghai. As cargo markets come out of their two-year trough, the timing is good for the 51:49...

Dubai Duty Free to extend lead at the top of the global duty free rankings

February 25, 2010, 8:15 pm

Dubai Duty Free is likely to have maintained its position at the forefront of worldwide duty-free retailers by revenue in 2009, a position the company first attained in 2008. This conclusion is based upon Dubai International Airport’s solid...

AirAsia profits in 2009, but times are getting tougher

February 25, 2010, 8:10 pm

AirAsia cannot be immune from the cold economic winds sweeping the world. The LCCs is facing increasing headwinds: fuel prices are rising in line with recovering economic growth, Malaysia Airlines is being recapitalised and coming out of its shell,...

Orders, orders, orders! Bombardier, Boeing and Mitsubishi sell next generation jets

February 25, 2010, 7:58 pm

Three major purchases from three different US carriers have brightened the outlook for aircraft ordering in 2010. The largest, by value, is United Airlines’ order for 25 B787-8, valued at list prices at USD4.2 billion. United also took an option...

Can scheduled cross-Strait air services deliver rich rewards?

February 25, 2010, 5:37 pm

The first half of 2010 is shaping up as a critical period for cross-Strait air service expansion. Carriers on both sides remain hopeful that there will be further progressive liberalisation of access arrangements on the route, to enable carriers to...

1time falls with wider market; Royal Jordanian and Kenya Airways up; Comair flat

February 25, 2010, 12:17 am

The majority of African and Middle Eastern carriers’ shares were flat on Thursday (24-Feb-2010).

Cimber Sterling plummets after revising outlook; Lufthansa & Austrian to enhance cargo cooperation

February 25, 2010, 12:16 am

European airline shares were mixed on Wednesday (24-Feb-2010), as strikes across the continent continued to have a negative effect on some carrier’s shares. In the wider European markets, shares gained, pushed higher by the banking sector, after...

Republic Airways slips ahead of financial results; Continental aiming to start making money in 2010

February 25, 2010, 12:13 am

North and South American carriers’ stocks were mixed on Wednesday (24-Feb-2010), with the AMEX Airline Index (+0.2%) ending trading up slightly, as oil prices (+1.5%) gained, to USD80.00.

Republic profit nearly doubles revenues on Midwest, Frontier acquisitions

February 25, 2010, 12:03 am

Thanks to an 87% increase in fourth quarter operating revenues, Republic Airways Holdings posted USD20.1 million in net income in the quarter, slightly higher than the year-ago period when net income was USD19 million. The company doubled operating...

Hong Kong responding to congestion in the Pearl River Delta

February 24, 2010, 11:11 pm

Aircraft movements at Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA) are still on the decline, with the airport handling nearly 22,000 fewer movements in 2009 than in 2008. However, there is concern that, as the economic recovery takes hold, airport...

Lufthansa, Air France and British Airways stoppages in the air. Three strikes and you’re out?

February 24, 2010, 11:09 pm

The silly season is under way, as pilots (at Lufthansa), flight attendants and pilots (at British Airways), and air traffic controllers (France and Spain) all signal a willingness to hold the blowtorch at the feet of management. As spring fever...

MAp reports USD672.3 million loss before tax compared to USD2 billion profit in 2010

February 24, 2010, 9:31 pm

Australia’s MAp Group has released its financial highlights for the 12 months ended 31-Dec-2009. While operating costs reduced 29.3% year-on-year, revenue slumped 75.8% year-on-year to USD1,083 million, due to the "de-consolidation" of Brussels...

GOL forecasts steady yields, despite rapid growth in demand

February 24, 2010, 6:40 pm

Brazilian airline GOL Linhas Aereas Inteligentes SA (GOL) forecast that yields (a key profitability measure) will remain stable in 2010 and demand will rise rapidly.

US airline uptick could finally be here

February 24, 2010, 6:38 pm

Just as airline CEOs indicated during the fourth quarter analyst calls, the industry may finally be seeing the turnaround, reflected by new statistics from the Air Transport Association (ATA). Reversing a 14-month trend, US airlines saw January...

Qantas, Virgin Blue and Air New Zealand shares ease

February 24, 2010, 6:28 pm

Shares in Qantas, Virgin Blue and Air New Zealand fell back yesterday, in line with softer equity markets around the region.

AerCap reports profit, updates on Genesis Lease buy

February 24, 2010, 6:26 pm

Amsterdam-based integrated global aviation company, AerCap Holdings revealed 4Q2009 net income of USD43.2 million, reversing a net loss of USD19.0 million for the same period in 2008. Investors liked the result, sending AerCap’s shares soaring...

Airline alliances in Latin America provoking major changes. How TAM helps Star

February 24, 2010, 3:50 pm

Despite strong growth in several markets, Latin America’s aviation scene is in flux—perhaps more so than any other geographic region on the globe. Political and economic instability have been rampant across the region and continue to be a part...

Virgin Blue's better-than-expected profitability in 1HFY2010; Expects tougher second half

February 24, 2010, 12:39 am

Virgin Blue delivered a better-than-expected result in the six months to Dec-2009 (1HFY2010), returning to profitability in a challenging operating environment, aided by strict cost control efforts and improved domestic yields. The carrier reported...

Fly540 to launch sales campaign aimed at British passengers; Kuwait National Airways flat

February 24, 2010, 12:15 am

The majority of Middle East and African shares ended trading either down or flat on Tuesday (23-Feb-2010). Lonrho subsidiary, Fly540, announced plans during trading to launch sales campaigns to increase British passenger demand to Kenya.

United Airlines and US Airways open to mergers; Expressjet reports net profit

February 23, 2010, 11:56 pm

North and South American shares declined with the wider market on Tuesday (-3.6%), with the Dow (-1.0%) sliding after The Conference Board's Consumer Confidence Index declined sharply in Feb-2010 to 46.0, down from 56.5 in Jan-2010.

British Airways and cabin crew union make negotiation progress; analysts expects losses for Iberia

February 23, 2010, 11:30 pm

European carriers mostly witnessed a decline in shares on Tuesday (23-Feb-2020), moving lower with the wider market which fell after the US Conference Board Consumer Confidence Index declined sharply in Feb-2010 to 46.0, down from 56.5 in Jan-2010.

Pittsburgh Airport: From hub airport to point-to-point in three decades

February 23, 2010, 11:27 pm

Pittsburgh is an outstanding example of the boom and bust US hub saga. Serving a metro area that now ranks amongst the top 25 in the US, population-wise, its football team, the Steelers, give a big hint as to its claim to fame—steel. Like many US...

Outsourcing and online bookings. Latest moves by American Eagle and Continental to cut jobs

February 23, 2010, 10:30 pm

Even as pilots are continuing to grumble about mainline jobs going to regional airlines, so too are American Eagle pilots, now that Chautauqua has joined the American Airline stable at Chicago from its former TWA deployment over St Louis. American...

Porter Airlines to press advantage with new terminal at Toronto City Center Airport

February 23, 2010, 10:10 pm

With Air Canada and others chomping at the bit to gain access to the Toronto City Center Airport, three-year old Porter Airlines pressed its advantage at the site by showing off the initial phase of the new CAD50 million, 150,000 sqft terminal set...

ExpressJet achieves 4Q2009 profit, but not from operations

February 23, 2010, 9:59 pm

Citing a one-time tax benefit, ExpressJet reported a USD30.2 million fourth quarter net profit or USD1.79 per share. However, the airline, while saying it is happy to be able to report a profit, indicated it has a long way to go to achieve...

Ferrovial narrows net loss to EUR92.4 million, including divestment in London Gatwick

February 23, 2010, 9:48 pm

Shares in Spain’s Ferrovial, owner of BAA, dipped 2.2% yesterday upon the release of the company’s financial report for the 12 months ended 31-Dec-2009. EBITDA of EUR2,540 million for the year was flat (-0.2%), on an 8% reduction in revenue to...

Vueling profitable in 2009 following clickair merger; Nok Air expects USD9 million profit in 2010

February 23, 2010, 8:23 pm

Spanish LCC Vueling reported a EUR27.7 million profit in 2009 (+225% year-on-year), for a net profit margin of 4.6%, (+2.7 ppts), as revenues increased 36% (to EUR602 million), reflecting the integration of Vueling and clickair on 01-Jul-2009....

Airbus and Boeing hope for more large aircraft orders this year, but programme losses continue

February 23, 2010, 8:18 pm

Boeing’s B747-8 took to the skies for the second time yesterday, with three more aircraft to join the test programme shortly. However, the ordering outlook for very large aircraft is expected to be slow over the next couple of years.

Air New Zealand’s yields remain depressed in Jan-2010

February 23, 2010, 7:46 pm

Air New Zealand’s yields remained depressed in Jan-2010 despite strong capacity reductions, reversing the yield improvements witnessed in Dec-2009. Group yields fell 10.4% last month year-on-year, or by 6.6% removing the impact of foreign...

Malaysia Airlines’ outlook improves; Kingfisher to join oneworld; Thai sees revenue improvements

February 23, 2010, 7:19 pm

Shares in Malaysia Airlines soared 12.1% yesterday, after analysts upgraded the carrier on increased optimism of the carrier’s outlook, following the carrier’s return to black in 4Q2009.

Kingfisher Airlines’ big win; shifts alliances landscape in Asia with oneworld move. BA to invest?

February 23, 2010, 6:35 pm

Kingfisher Airlines has trumped rivals Jet Airways and Air India with confirmation it intends to join the oneworld alliance in the second half of 2011, subject to government approvals. Given the mess surrounding Air India’s integration with Indian...

Macau Outlook: Aviation stalemate reached, new ideas needed

February 23, 2010, 6:26 pm

Macau, one of Asia’s potential high growth aviation markets, is in need of a shake-up, having struggled since 2007 under a strategic, political and operational stalemate. North Asian aviation’s year of radical transformation in 2010 could...

Malaysia Airlines poised to enter growth phase, but yield concerns persist. Where to with alliances?

February 23, 2010, 12:14 am

Malaysia Airlines (MAS) is entering a rapid fleet and network growth phase, emboldened by fresh funding support under a well-supported rights issue and a return to profitability (albeit slight) in 4Q2009. Investors liked the result, sending MAS’s...

Royal Jordanian loses some of previous day's gains, Jazeera Airways flat; 1time and Lonrho down

February 22, 2010, 11:52 pm

Royal Jordanian (-1.6%) yesterday lost some of its gains the day prior. Over the weekend, the carrier announced it is targeting a 17% year-on-year increase in cargo volume in 2010. The carrier transported 44,000 tons of cargo in 2009.

President elect sells part of LAN stake; yields for US carriers mixed in Jan-2010

February 22, 2010, 11:50 pm

The majority of North and South American carriers’ stocks rose slightly on Monday (22-Feb-2010). The AMEX Airline Index (+0.1%) ended trading up, despite another rise in oil prices (+0.4%), to USD80.16.

British Airways cabin crew vote in favour of strike; Aegean Airlines and Olympic Air to merge

February 22, 2010, 11:14 pm

The majority of European airline shares moved lower with wider markets on Monday (22-Feb-2010), following concerns of strikes across the continent, including Lufthansa’s (-1.7%) pilot strike and British Airways’ (-1.6%) cabin crew strike and...

A slow start to the year for Airbus and Boeing, no recovery until 2011 or beyond

February 22, 2010, 8:32 pm

Neither large manufacturer expects much in the way of new orders this year, with a barren start of 2010 for Airbus and Boeing. The remarkable ordering boom between 2005 and 2008, when the manufacturers took a combined 8,200 orders (more than in the...

BAA does not regret Gatwick sale, Ferrovial dips on BAA’s GBP821.9 million loss after tax

February 22, 2010, 8:28 pm

Shares in Spain’s Ferrovial, owner of BAA, dipped 0.4% yesterday, upon the release the airport operator’s financial report for the 12 months ended 31-Dec-2009. BAA reported a 17.1% increase in EBITDA, to GBP885.2 million for 2009, on an 8.3%...

US LCC employment levels stable, but overall airline employment falls to 17 year low: LCC share wrap

February 22, 2010, 7:40 pm

US Department of Transportation's Bureau of Transportation Statistics (BTS) reported that US LCCs employed the same number of workers in Dec-2009 as in Dec-2008, with four LCCs reporting year-on-year full-time equivalent employee (FTE) increases:...

CAI helps lead Singapore Changi out of the economic doldrums

February 22, 2010, 7:38 pm

Singapore had a tough time in 2009, and was one of the Asia Pacific region’s weaker performing economies. Singapore Airlines (SIA) was at one stage heading for a full year loss and its situation impacted on Changi Airport, though both SIA’s...

Kaunas Airport unsure of the benefits of new Ryanair base

February 22, 2010, 7:37 pm

In Feb-2010, Ryanair announced plans to open its 40th - and first Central European - base at Kaunas in Lithuania in May-2010 with two based aircraft (B737-800s) and 18 routes, nine of them new, in a USD140 million investment. Ryanair also confirmed...

China Southern getting more government cash, Malaysia Airlines and Skywest earnings out

February 22, 2010, 6:18 pm

China Southern Airlines confirmed yesterday that it was likely to receive a CNY1.5 billion (USD219 million) capital injection from its state-owned parent company funded by the Chinese Ministry of Finance, to "support the development of the airline's...

Malaysia Airlines poised to enter growth phase, but yield concerns persist. Where to with alliances?

February 22, 2010, 6:13 pm

Malaysia Airlines (MAS) is entering a rapid fleet and network growth phase, emboldened by fresh funding support under a well-supported rights issue and a return to profitability (albeit slight) in 4Q2009. Investors liked the result, sending MAS’s...

Airbus sees V shaped recovery, Boeing foreshadows more staff cuts – Suppliers Share Wrap

February 22, 2010, 12:27 am

Airbus’ Executive Vice President Programmes, Tom Williams, stated he believes 2H2011 will see return to aircraft ordering. Speaking to Reuters, the executive stated that 2010 will be a “low” year for ordering, repeating the experience of 2009....

Royal Jordanian targeting 12% year-on-year increase in revenue in 2010; Kenya Airways flat

February 22, 2010, 12:17 am

Royal Jordanian was up at the end of trading on Friday. Over the weekend, President and CEO, Hussein Dabbas, stated the carrier is targeting a 12% year-on-year increase in revenue in 2010 and a 10% year-on-year increase in passenger numbers. For...

United Airlines rebounds from recent slide; GOL, TAM, Republic Airways down

February 22, 2010, 12:14 am

North and South American carriers’ stocks mostly made gains on Friday (19-Feb-2010). The Dow (+0.1%) was up as investors viewed the US Federal Reserve's discount rate increase as an indication banks no longer required assistance, and a recovery...

Danish and Norwegian governments prepared to sell SAS stakes; Aer Lingus, Aeroflot down

February 21, 2010, 11:44 pm

European markets ended trading at a three week high on Friday (19-Dec-2010), posting a fifth consecutive day of gains, pushing airline shares higher, after economic data and policy makers eased concerns the US Central Bank may tighten monetary...

Aeroports de Paris sees stable earnings in 2009, freezes charges. Fraport reaches agreement on fees

February 21, 2010, 9:18 pm

In Europe, Aeroports de Paris' (AdP) shares jumped 3.7% on Friday, as the airport owner stated it expects roughly stable earnings in 2010. AdP reported a 4.1% increase in EBITDA, to EUR883 million for FY2009, on a 4.2% increase in revenue to EUR2.6...

UBS prefers Ryanair to easyJet; 28% decline in Brazil domestic airfares in 2009

February 21, 2010, 7:27 pm

easyJet was downgraded by UBS from “buy” to “neutral”, with UBS commenting, "while we still like the business model and see upside to forecasts, we think the shares will take a breather."

Will the CANSO declaration lead to real progress?

February 21, 2010, 7:23 pm

Jan-2010’s CANSO Middle East High Level Meeting ended with a declaration regarding the transformation of air traffic management in the Middle East through the members of CANSO’s Middle East office and other aviation stakeholders.

SpiceJet seeking investors; JAL delisted; PAL narrows net loss

February 21, 2010, 7:16 pm

SpiceJet’s shares gained 5.5% on Friday, after the company confirmed it is seeking fresh investments to raise USD50-75 million for its future expansion. According to media reports, the LCC is in talks with media baron, Kalanithi Maran, who is...

Bangladesh aviation: A review of 2009 and outlook for 2010

February 21, 2010, 6:04 pm

International traffic to and from Bangladesh has experienced steady growth in recent years. However, due to the poor performance of domestic airlines, foreign carriers have grown to control 64% of capacity to/from Bangladesh, although the forces of...

Triple digit net profit growth for Pinnacle in 4Q2009

February 19, 2010, 12:46 am

Blowing all other airlines out of the water, Pinnacle Airlines reported its 4Q2009 net income – USD5.6 million – was a massive 153% more than its 4Q2008 results. Its earnings per share, at USD0.31, rose 158%. Net income for the year, reached...

Air Arabia looking to expand to Egypt; Comair may claim damages from South African Airways

February 19, 2010, 12:32 am

Middle East and Africa shares were mainly down on Thursday (18-Feb-2010), with only Air Arabia (+4.3%) and Jazeera Airways (+1.0%) shares ending trading up.

LAN down despite reports of potential share sale; Alaska Air, Hawaiian Airlines up

February 19, 2010, 12:29 am

The majority of North and South American carriers’ stocks were down on Thursday (18-Feb-2010), as oil prices (+1.1%) continued to move upwards, ending the day at USD78.19. The AMEX Airline Index (-0.5%) was down as a result.

Airport hubs and their evolution

February 19, 2010, 12:13 am

US hub airports are often host to extraordinary dominance wielded by a single carrier or alliance. In some cases, this concentration far exceeds anything seen in other geographies, even where “national” carriers exist. The US is also the only...

Swedish Government to reduce stake in SAS in future; Ryanair expecting “surge” in traffic

February 18, 2010, 11:03 pm

The majority of European airline shares were down on Thursday (18-Feb-2010), despite a fourth consecutive day of gains in wider European equity markets, thanks to some positive 4Q2009 earnings results. Airline shares were down as oil prices (+1.1%)...

Sri Lankan aviation: A review of 2009 and outlook for 2010

February 18, 2010, 10:47 pm

Sri Lanka’s aviation industry has suffered on several fronts in recent years, with its hub role to India diminished by that country's liberalisation of airline market access with its key trading partners, coupled with a major downturn in...

ILFC cut to junk by Fitch Ratings – Suppliers Share Wrap

February 18, 2010, 10:02 pm

ILFC, the world’s second largest leasing company, has been downgraded to junk status by Fitch Ratings, with the ratings agency disconnecting the leasing unit from its rating for parent, AIG. ILFC’s issuer default rating was lowered three levels...

Mexico’s Grupo Aeroportuario del Sureste (ASUR) still suffering

February 18, 2010, 9:01 pm

Shares in Mexico’s Grupo Aeroportuario del Sureste (ASUR) dipped 0.7% yesterday, upon the release of the airport operator’s financial and traffic highlights for the three and 12 months ended 31-Dec-2009.

Air Berlin increases stake in NIKI; easyJet to focus on profitable growth in the medium term

February 18, 2010, 7:20 pm

In Europe, shares in easyJet and Ryanair gained yesterday, by 1.7% and 1.6%, respectively, while shares in Air Berlin slipped 0.5% yesterday.

IEA increases 2010 energy consumption forecast

February 18, 2010, 7:15 pm

The International Energy Agency has again marginally increases its 2010 forecast for global oil consumption, with demand from emerging economies, particularly a resurgent China, responsible for much of the increase.

Qantas shares slump on lowest first half result in a decade, weak outlook; JAL to be delisted

February 18, 2010, 7:02 pm

Qantas’ shares slumped 8.1% yesterday, after falling as much as 9% in intra-day trading, with disappointed investors wiping AUD540 million from the market capitalisation of the carrier amid a heavy day of trading in Sydney, as the carrier scrapped...

Corporatised airport authority attempts to restore Taipei as an East Asian hub

February 18, 2010, 6:29 pm

Frequently overlooked in the wider scheme of the Northeast Asian air transport, and with local international airlines that have struggled over the past few years, Taiwan is often overlooked in the region. But since President Ma promised 12 projects...

Airline structural change in Europe: a major turning point – if labour allows it

February 18, 2010, 12:31 am

Announcing British Airways’ response to moribund business travel within Europe, Mr Walsh in mid Feb-2010 outlined a plan which reflects the dilemma that now confronts all major European carriers – BA, Air France-KLM and Lufthansa in particular....

FAA fines American Eagle again

February 18, 2010, 12:22 am

The Federal Aviation Administration hit American Eagle with a USD2.9 million fine for safety violations related to maintenance yesterday. It is the agency’s latest muscle flexing after the withering criticism heaped on it by Congress, the National...

ExpressJet increases United Express ops

February 18, 2010, 12:17 am

As a measure of its successful diversification beyond Continental Express, ExpressJet Holdings is increasing its operations for United Express in a deal announced this week with United Airlines. The new agreement covers 22 Embraer ERJ 145s...

American Airlines ground staff looking to end negotiations; GOL and Copa up, TAM slips

February 18, 2010, 12:14 am

North and South American carriers’ stocks were mixed on Wednesday (17-Feb-2010), with only a slight majority moving higher with the market, as oil prices (+0.4%) edged higher to USD77.33. The Dow (+0.4%) meanwhile rose following the release of...

WestJet reports 19th consecutive quarterly profit, but bottom line halved

February 18, 2010, 12:09 am

Saying it was pleased with its performance, given the challenges of the past year and claiming to be the second most profitable North American carrier, WestJet reported fourth quarter net earnings of CAD20.2 million or 14 cents per diluted share and...

Lonrho climbs; 1time flat; Air Arabia and Kuwait National Airways down

February 18, 2010, 12:03 am

Comair (-1.7%) shares were down yesterday, while Kenya Airways and 1time Holdings were flat. Also in Africa, Lonrho (+8.5%) shares climbed after the company increased its stake in building solutions company, Kwikbuild, to 70%.

Airline structural change in Europe: a major turning point – if labour allows it

February 17, 2010, 11:16 pm

Announcing British Airways’ response to moribund business travel within Europe, Mr Walsh in mid Feb-2010 outlined a plan which reflects the dilemma that now confronts all major European carriers – BA, Air France-KLM and Lufthansa in particular....

Aeroflot reports increase in passenger numbers; Lufthansa pilots to hold four day strike

February 17, 2010, 10:48 pm

European airline shares continued to rise on Wednesday (17-Feb-2010), moving with the wider market, which rose for a third consecutive day on the back of strong US economic data and another day of gains in the banking sector, after the announcement...

Delta requests oneworld and Star Alliance members are prevented from access Haneda Airport

February 17, 2010, 10:45 pm

Shares in Japan Airport Terminal Co, operator of terminal facilities at Tokyo Haneda Airport have remained relatively flat since the announcements regarding potential slot allocation to US airlines later this year. Shares in the company slipped 0.6%...

Qantas slashes aircraft residual valuations – Suppliers Share Wrap

February 17, 2010, 10:42 pm

Airbus may have raised aircraft prices at the beginning of the year, but aircraft residual values are sliding, putting multi-million dollar holes in airline balance sheets. This is due to a reduction in secondary market demand, reflecting weaker...

WestJet profitable despite 4Q2009 slump; Equal mix of profitable/non-profitable routes for AirAsia X

February 17, 2010, 7:20 pm

WestJet (shares up 1.2%) reported its 19th consecutive quarter of profitability in the three months ended Dec-2009, but unveiled a 52% slump in net profit (to USD19.3 million) and a 7.4% reduction in revenues (to USD545 million).

Qantas first half profits slump, but profitability maintained; SIA seeing demand recovery

February 17, 2010, 7:17 pm

Qantas’ shares were down over 7% in early morning trading, upon the release of the carrier’s financial results for the six months ended Dec-2009, containing a cautious assessment of the full-year outlook.

Qantas clawing its way back, but big challenges remain. Cautious outlook, shares plunge

February 17, 2010, 6:38 pm

Qantas has controlled costs and benefited from a surge in profits at its Jetstar and Frequent Flyer businesses to report a profit before tax (PBT) of AUD90 million for the six months ended 31-Dec-2009 and an underlying PBT of AUD267 million, but...

United Airlines investors expecting erosion in share price; American Airlines up

February 17, 2010, 12:25 am

The majority of North and South American carriers’ shares gained on Tuesday (16-Feb-2010), despite a 3.9% rise in oil prices, to USD77.01.

Comair sees no signs of recovery in South African airline industry, Jazeera Airways continues to ris

February 17, 2010, 12:20 am

Comair (-0.3%) shares slipped after warning that it does not see any signs of a recovery in the South Africa airline industry.

Alliances, immunity, and the future of aviation. Warren Dean and Jeff Shane endorse alliance role

February 16, 2010, 11:10 pm

Seventeen years after the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) granted antitrust immunity (ATI) to an innovative KLM-Northwest joint venture, ATI has become one of the most controversial issues in current aviation law and policy. This article,...

Turkish Airlines posts net profit for FY2009; Aer Lingus and Aeroflot gain

February 16, 2010, 11:07 pm

A slight majority of European carriers’ shares were down on Tuesday (16-Feb-2010), as oil prices surged 3.9% to USD77.01. Wider markets meanwhile surged higher due to rises in the banking sector, after Barclays posted a better than expected FY2009...

Aercap, Aircastle, Genesis Lease, Air Partner, Babcock & Brown Air post solid gains. Veling win

February 16, 2010, 10:59 pm

Leasing companies continue to enjoy strong share price gains, with Aercap (+4.7%), Aircastle (+4.8%), Genesis Lease (+5.3%) and Air Partner (+5.4%) all reporting significant gains yesterday. Also trading well as Babcock & Brown Air, which gained...

US airlines jump at first opportunity at Tokyo Haneda Airport in 30 years

February 16, 2010, 9:47 pm

Haneda Airport with its close proximity to Tokyo's central business district, is expected to be opened to US and other foreign airlines later this year, for the first time in over 30 years, under the Dec-2009 Japan-US open skies agreement.

Air Berlin in negotiations to raise stake in NIKI; Thai to increase stake in Nok?

February 16, 2010, 7:00 pm

LCC ownership continues garner headlines around the world, with Germany and Thailand in focus today with moves by Air Berlin to increase its stake in NIKI and Thai Airways to do likewise at Nok Air.

SpiceJet considers domestic capacity expansion; ANA upgraded by Citgroup

February 16, 2010, 6:36 pm

SpiceJet, which currently has a 12% Indian domestic market share, stated it is considering expanding domestic capacity as it takes delivery of four new aircraft in 2010 (followed by a further three aircraft in 2011) reflecting a recovery in air...

Airlines lose six years of premium travel growth – IATA. Will it ever come back?

February 16, 2010, 6:16 pm

The international airline industry lost six years of premium travel growth in the global financial crisis, according to new research from IATA. The lifeblood of the network airline industry, the extent to which this growth can be recovered is a very...

Rebundling: The inevitable conclusion to the unbundling race for airline ancillary revenues

February 16, 2010, 5:17 pm

Airlines are falling all over themselves to develop new merchandising options to increase ancillary revenue. After all, this high-yield revenue offers a life savings mechanism to keep airlines afloat in tough economic periods. While the trend is...

Investors like mergers says United Airlines CEO, Glenn Tilton

February 16, 2010, 5:08 pm

Citing the reaction to the successful Northwest/Delta merger, United Chair & CEO Glenn Tilton said he’s interested in renewing merger talks with Continental. Sending what can only be described as a Valentine’s signal to the Houston-based...

Jazeera Airways purchases Sahaab Aircraft Leasing Co.; Royal Jordanian posts net profit

February 16, 2010, 12:11 am

Jazeera Airways' (+2.1%) shares made gains after the carrier announced it has fully acquired Sahaab Aircraft Leasing Co (Sahaab), a private aircraft leasing firm, for KWD25.6 million. The acquisition gives Jazeera Airways a platform to "pursue...

LAN shares down, market awaits sale of President elect’s stake

February 16, 2010, 12:06 am

LAN (-0.8%) shares were down on Monday (15-Feb-2010), after Chile’s IPSA (-0.9%) index closed slightly lower in light trade, as US markets were closed for Presidents Day. The market is currently awaiting Chile's President-elect, Sebastian...

British Airways and Iberia shares gain from DOT approval; Finnair eases

February 15, 2010, 11:20 pm

The majority of European airline shares were up on Monday (15-Feb-2010), after the US Department of Transportation (DOT) recommended antitrust approval of an alliance between British Airways, American Airlines, Iberia, Royal Jordanian and Finnair....

CAE continues strong upward trend – Suppliers Share Wrap

February 15, 2010, 11:16 pm

Simulator manufacturer CAE reported another strong day of trading on Monday, with its share price gaining 4.1%, to finish the day at CAD9.20, a gain of just under 50 cents since it announced a weak third quarter result late last week.

AoT cuts net losses, share price weak. Vienna resumes VIE-Skylink construction

February 15, 2010, 8:01 pm

Shares in Airports of Thailand (AoT) lost 1.9% yesterday, upon the release of the group’s financial report for the three months ended 31-Dec-2010. AoT increased aeronautical revenue by 18.2% in the quarter, while non-aeronautical revenue jumped...

Asia Pacific and Middle East airlines to add over 600 widebodies by 2013

February 15, 2010, 6:30 pm

The Asia Pacific region is powering ahead as the world’s largest market for widebody aircraft, with some 82 widebodies scheduled for delivery to the region’s airlines in 2010, jumping to 141 in 2011 and peaking at 148 in 2012, according to the...

Iberia reportedly halts plans for a new LCC subsidiary: LCC SHARE WRAP

February 15, 2010, 6:25 pm

Shares in Vueling gained 2.5% yesterday, on reports in El Economista that Vueling’s majority shareholder, Iberia, will put on hold plans for an LCC for domestic and medium-haul sectors.

Government ownership questions affect Thai Airways’ shares; reduced jet fuel prices in India

February 15, 2010, 6:24 pm

The Thai Finance Ministry is considering reducing its majority 51.03% stake in Thai Airways, according to reports in the Bangkok Post. Thai Finance Minister, Korn Chatikavanij, subsequently clarified the speculation, denying the Thai Government...

Air Arabia net profit down for FY2009; Royal Jordanian gains alliance boost

February 15, 2010, 12:52 am

The majority of Middle East and African airline shares were down on Friday (12-Feb-2010), with 1time Holdings (+2.7%) the only carrier to close higher.

Continental and Delta increase fares; American Airlines wins on the Pacific and Atlantic

February 14, 2010, 11:03 pm

Most North and South American carriers’ stocks were up on Friday (12-Feb-2010), boosted a decline in oil prices (-2.0%), to USD73.05 and a rise in fares by five major US carriers. The AMEX Airline Index (+1.7%) made gains as a result.

Multiplus up 6.1%, runs against Brazilian stock exchange - Suppliers Share Wrap

February 14, 2010, 10:04 pm

Multiplus, the frequent flyer management company of TAM, Brazil's largest airline, raise USD393 million in its IPO on Brazil’s Bovespa index in early Feb-2010. Despite the IPO price of BZR0.16 per share, well below the IPO estimate of BZR0.18-24,...

Aer Lingus, SAS and British Airways slump, Iberia drops, Finnair and Aegean gain

February 14, 2010, 9:52 pm

Shares in Jet2.com’s parent, Dart Group, slumped 10.8% on Friday, while Aer Lingus (-7.1%), SAS (-6.6%) and British Airways (-4.1%) all came in for heavy selling.

AirTran tardy, but will seldom lose your bag

February 14, 2010, 9:48 pm

AirTran Airways’ shares rose 4.2% on Friday, despite new DoT data revealing the carrier ranked 17th of 19 airlines in on-time performance for 2009, finishing just ahead of two Delta regional affiliates. AirTran was also third last in the Dec-2009...

DoT grants British Airways-American Airlines, oneworld anti-trust immunity

February 14, 2010, 9:46 pm

On 13-Feb-2010, the US Department of Transportation tentatively authorised American Airlines and British Airways’ application for anti-trust immunity to permit a trans-Atlantic joint venture that will allow joint pricing, scheduling and marketing...

US on-time performance improves. Good news, sort of

February 14, 2010, 9:44 pm

There is good news for American travelers. Data just released confirms that, according to the metrics used by the US Government, airlines performed at stellar levels in the most recently released report. So, problem solved. Air travel is making a...

Fraport seeks airport fee compromise; Dufry merger set for March; improved profits for AoT?

February 14, 2010, 8:55 pm

Fraport stated it is hoping for a compromise with airlines in its negotiations over airport charges, with spokesman, Juergen Harrer, commenting to Dow Jones, that "if all parties are want to agree, we will reach a workable solution”.

Cathay Pacific rises on January traffic performance. Singapore Airlines eases

February 14, 2010, 6:44 pm

Cathay Pacific’s shares gained 2.5% on Friday as the airline released traffic figures for Jan-2010 showing a small increase in passenger volumes and a “significant” rise in cargo tonnage.

Singapore Airlines leads the way in slashing labour costs. SAS still worst in class

February 12, 2010, 1:18 am

Singapore Airlines, British Airways, United Airways and Kingfisher Airlines all reported better than expected earnings for the three months ended 31-Dec-2009. The reason: they each aligned capacity levels much more closely with demand; but it was...

Kulula fights back at 1time, Royal Jordanian and Air Arabia up, Comair down

February 12, 2010, 12:32 am

Lonrho (-4.1%), 1time (-3.5%) and Comair (-1.3%) shares all dropped on Thursday (11-Feb-2010). South Africa’s FTSE/JSE Africa All Share Index (-0.1%) fell for a second consecutive day, pushed down by a fall in mining stocks, after the European...

Copa Airlines up; United Airlines calls on governments to continue liberalising air traffic

February 12, 2010, 12:30 am

The majority of North and South American carriers' shares were up on Thursday (11-Feb-2010), moving with the wider market. The Dow (+1.1%) was up after the US Labor Department stated first-time jobless claims fell to their lowest point since...

SkyWest reports still impressive results

February 12, 2010, 12:04 am

SkyWest Inc reported USD19.5 million profit in 4Q2009, down from the USD21.2 million profit reported in the corresponding period last year. For the full year, the company reported USD83.7 million in net income, compared to USD118.7 million in 2008,...

Air France plunges, Turkish Airlines gains on improved traffic data

February 11, 2010, 11:23 pm

European markets were down slightly on Thursday (11-Feb-2010), after the European Council stated it would assist Greece with its debt issues, but declined to outline its plans, with banking stocks declining as a result. Consequently, European...

Rolls-Royce reports record year – Suppliers Share Wrap

February 11, 2010, 11:17 pm

Rolls-Royce reported a record year for revenue in 2009, with group revenues surpassing GBP10 billion and the company’s order book growing to GBP58.3 million, of which Boeing civil aerospace accounts for GBP47 billion.

Miami Airport's rising international status

February 11, 2010, 11:12 pm

For centuries New York has been the point of entry for persons headed for the US. In recognition of this status, Eliis Island is now a National Monument dedicated to the millions who passed through its facilities. In the 20th century, as aviation...

Commercial revenue at Zurich Airport on the rise, shares up too

February 11, 2010, 8:15 pm

Zurich Airport reported a 5.6% increase in commercial revenue from retail, duty-free and F&B for Jan-2010, in line with a 6.5% increase in passenger traffic, although revenue per departing passenger dipped 0.9% year-on-year to EUR31.82. Shares in...

LCCs account for 22% of global capacity in Feb-2010; Norwegian Air Shuttle returns to profitability

February 11, 2010, 8:09 pm

OAG stated the world’s airlines expanded capacity levels for the sixth consecutive month in Feb-2010, with a 5% year-on-year increase in seat capacity and 4% increase in frequencies, led by an 11% increase in seat capacity and frequency by LCCs,...

More US airports explore a privatisation alternative – to be joined by the first Canadian one?

February 11, 2010, 8:01 pm

Considering the limited number of slots (five) available under the FAA’s airport Pilot Privatisation Programme a lengthy queue of airports seems to be forming to take advantage of it if they can. Two airports in the Los Angeles area have recently...

MAS shares fall to lowest level in more than 7 years; EVA Air’s pax yield down, cargo yields improve

February 11, 2010, 7:35 pm

Malaysia Airlines’ shares fell to their lowest level in more than seven years yesterday, to close at MYR1.92, as investors sold stock in the airline to seek cheaper rights shares. Under the rights issue, MAS is offering 1.7 million new ordinary...

Jazeera Airways flat; Royal Jordanian up; Kenya Airways and Lonrho down

February 11, 2010, 12:40 am

Jazeera Airways' shares were flat again on Wednesday (10-Feb-2010) after the airline announced it has merged its three existing Economy fare classes, which the airline claims makes fare classes much easier to understand, as well as offering much...

Air Canada narrows losses in 4Q2009; Copa falls on declines in yield and RASM

February 11, 2010, 12:28 am

The majority of North and South American carriers were down on Wednesday (10-Feb-2010) as terrible weather conditions on the US east coast played havoc with airline operations. However, Stifel Nicolaus analyst, Hunter Keay, told MarketWatch the...

Vueling gains on rise in passenger numbers; Air France-KLM sees some signs of recovery

February 10, 2010, 11:12 pm

European markets rose again on Wednesday (10-Feb-2010), taking airline shares with them, as German politicians, euro-zone finance ministers and French President, Nicolas Sarkozy, met to discuss possible assistance for Greece amid mounting concerns...

AirAsia's fourth cross-border JV: Vietnam. Next stop: The Philippines (then India and North Asia)?

February 10, 2010, 10:51 pm

AirAsia has at last broken into the high potential Vietnam aviation market, revealing the acquisition of a 30% stake in a local airline. This is the carrier's fourth ASEAN venture (after Malaysia, Thailand and Indonesia) and setting it on course to...

Air Canada: Edging back from the brink

February 10, 2010, 10:29 pm

After more than a year of serious brinkmanship to avoid bankruptcy, Air Canada reported a substantial narrowing of its operating loss in 4Q2009 to CAD83 million compared to CAD146 million in the year-ago period, an improvement of CAD63 million.

Ferrovial shares up as BAA sees “encouraging signs of growth”

February 10, 2010, 8:27 pm

Shares in Ferrovial, parent company of BAA, gained 2.0% yesterday. BAA remarked that there are “encouraging signs of growth”, although the “market remains a difficult one”.

2010 – a return to growth for MRO providers? – Suppliers Share Wrap

February 10, 2010, 7:45 pm

2009 was a hard year for aviation MRO providers and parts suppliers, with airlines, original equipment manufacturers and other sector companies employing strict cash-conservation measures. Airlines cut back significantly on operations, cutting...

Vueling pax soar due to clickair merger; AirAsia adds Vietnam to its JV portfolio

February 10, 2010, 7:45 pm

Shares in Vueling soared 9.2% yesterday, as the carrier reported a 94.8% increase in passenger numbers, to slightly over 675,000 in Jan-2010, as the number of flights offered by the carrier doubled, due to increased traffic volumes attributed to the...

Air France-KLM slowly crawling out of a very deep hole

February 10, 2010, 7:38 pm

Air France-KLM reported “some signs of recovery in activity” during the Dec-2009 quarter (its fiscal third quarter), but it expects to report a fourth quarter loss on par with last year’s result as the economic environment “remains...

Asiana Airlines expects to return to profit in 2010; AirAsia adds Vietnam to its JV portfolio

February 10, 2010, 7:20 pm

Asiana Airlines’ shares slipped 3.2% yesterday, as the carrier reported continued losses in 4Q2009 and FY2009, but it expects a return to operating profits in FY2010.

AirAsia's fourth cross-border JV: Vietnam. Next stop: The Philippines (then India and North Asia)?

February 10, 2010, 6:35 pm

AirAsia has at last broken into the high potential Vietnam aviation market, revealing the acquisition of a 30% stake in a local airline. This is the carrier's fourth ASEAN venture (after Malaysia, Thailand and Indonesia) and setting it on course to...

Canada's Jazz Air to restructure

February 10, 2010, 6:15 pm

Jazz is working on a restructuring plan to accommodate the tax reform on income trusts, such as Jazz, passed in Canada last year. The reform is effective in 2011 and the company, which said the conversion costs – between CAD2 and CAD3 million this...

1time Holdings reports Kulula to competition tribunal; Comair and Air Arabia down

February 10, 2010, 12:24 am

1time Holdings (+0.0%) reportedly referred its complaint of unfair competition against Kulula and Lanseria Airport regarding Kulula’s exclusive use of the airport to the Competition Tribunal of South Africa.

United, American Airlines, US Airways close to upgrade; Delta/US slot swap tentatively approved

February 10, 2010, 12:07 am

All North and South American carriers' stocks were pushed higher on Monday (09-Feb-2010) following better than expected Jan-2010 traffic results from United Airlines (+17.5%) released the day prior, which led investors to believe carriers are...

SAS shares plummet on wider loss; Lufthansa load factors down; BA dropping short-haul J class?

February 9, 2010, 11:44 pm

European carriers’ stocks were mixed on Tuesday (09-Feb-2010), with some carriers pushed down by the release of weak earnings and traffic reports.

Aviation after Copenhagen: ICAO must now develop a bold strategic vision

February 9, 2010, 11:28 pm

Now that the dust has settled on the UNFCCC COP 15 meeting in Copenhagen, it is worth stepping back from the fray to take a strategic look at the implications for aviation, writes Chris Lyle.

Jazz continues income streak, opts for Q400s

February 9, 2010, 10:59 pm

After posting solid net income for both the fourth quarter and year-end 2009, Air Canada Jazz announced a letter of intent with Bombardier Commercial Aircraft covering the purchase of 15 Q400 NextGen aircraft and options for another 15.

Have the US airlines turned the corner? Impressive PRASM performance for Southwest and United

February 9, 2010, 10:52 pm

Southwest, the star performer in improving its unit revenues in recent months, continued to trump JetBlue, US Airways and Continental Airlines in the yield growth stakes in Jan-2010, with double-digit PRASM growth.

Market dominance concerns could derail Delta/US Airways slot swap deal

February 9, 2010, 9:01 pm

If Delta and US Airways are forced to give up 34 slots to gain government approval of its LaGuardia/Washington National slot deal, the two airlines said they would drop the whole idea. The news was in response to a tentative decision by the Federal...

Aircraft suppliers rally on generally stronger equity markets. Boeing, Embraer and MTU lead the way

February 9, 2010, 8:30 pm

Major aircraft equipment manufacturers and suppliers rose with stronger equity market conditions in Europe and the US yesterday. Boeing gained 3.2%, after the successful test flight of its B747-8F on Monday, while Embraer was up 3%.

Ryanair looking to Central Europe; GOL to benefit from strengthening Brazilian Real

February 9, 2010, 8:26 pm

Ryanair announced plans to open its 40th (and first Central European) base at Kaunas (Lithuania) in May-2010 with two based aircraft and 18 routes (9 of which will be new).

OMA traffic down 10.5% in Jan-2010 – Airport share wrap

February 9, 2010, 8:24 pm

Shares in OMA - Grupo Aeroportuario del Centro Norte, operator of 13 international airports in North and Central Mexico, gained 1.1% yesterday, upon the release of the group’s traffic report for Jan-2010.

Asiana’s parent to receive fresh loans; JAL remains with oneworld; Jet & FedEX in cargo JV talks

February 9, 2010, 7:18 pm

Asiana Airlines’ shares soared 13.6%, reversing recent weakness, on reports that Kumho Asiana Group, parent of Asiana Airlines and Air Busan, is expected to receive USD326 million (KRW380 billion) in fresh loans from creditors for two of its...

oneworld dodges a bullet. But the war is not won yet

February 9, 2010, 6:49 pm

For some months now, the aviation community has been watching the situation at Japan Airlines unfold. Paramount in this drama has been the question of alliance affiliation and the various benefits of staying put with oneworld or moving to SkyTeam....

Japan Airlines sticks with oneworld. Major victory for American Airlines, British Airways and Qantas

February 9, 2010, 2:30 am

Japan Airlines (JAL) today announced its highly anticipated alliances decision. It has turned away from Delta and SkyTeam to strengthen its existing partnership with American Airlines. The carriers, both members of the oneworld alliance, will...

Indian airline financial wrap 3QFY2009/10: Jet Airways, Kingfisher Airlines, Air India and SpiceJet

February 9, 2010, 1:35 am

Third quarter FY2009/10 financial results for India’s three large airline groups – Air India, Jet Airways and Kingfisher Airlines – and domestic LCC, SpiceJet, show mixed results at the net profit level, as two of the four carriers increased...

Lonhro rebounds; 1time and Air Arabia up; Kuwair National Airways stumbles

February 9, 2010, 1:30 am

The majority of listed African carriers’ shares were up on Monday (08-Feb-2010), as Middle East carriers, expect for Air Arabia (+1.1%) saw shares drop or remain stable.

United Airlines estimates 9.5-11.5% improvement in PRASM; Copa up; LAN down

February 9, 2010, 1:29 am

North and South American carriers’ stocks were mixed on Monday (08-Feb-2010), as the wider market dropped. The Dow (-1.0%) fell as investors remained concerned over sovereign debt issues in Europe, possible global rate hikes and the US...

Republic Airways plays it closer to the chest than usual

February 9, 2010, 12:30 am

It has always been difficult getting information out of Republic Airways Holdings, Inc. Ask any analyst covering the company how difficult it is. That may simply be its strategy on how to handle inquiring minds. But this is a public company, one...

Another new Boeing takes off. B747-8F takes to the skies – Suppliers Share Wrap

February 8, 2010, 11:22 pm

Boeing’s new B747-8F took flight for the first time yesterday (08-Feb-2010), another milestone for the US manufacturer. Boeing’s other new aircraft, the B787, took to the skies in Dec-2009, and has so far completed more than 30 flights between...

Air France-KLM yields remain down year-on-year; Aegean Airlines hit by ATM strike

February 8, 2010, 11:17 pm

European markets recovered on Monday (08-Feb-2010), ending their three day slump, pushed higher by defensive stocks and commodities.

Virgin Blue outlook improves; Norwegian yields slump in Jan-2010, US traffic on the improve

February 8, 2010, 9:01 pm

Virgin Blue (shares up 2.7%) was upgraded by Goldman Sachs JB and RBS, following the carrier’s earnings revision last week.

Airport shares mixed on Monday. Traffic performance reflects regional differences

February 8, 2010, 8:33 pm

Shares in China’s Shenzhen Airport were up 0.6% yesterday. Passenger traffic at the airport rose 5.1% year-on-year in Jan-2010 to 2.2 million, while aircraft movements increased by 6.1% year-on-year in Jan-2010 to 18,200.

GIP selling off Gatwick by the pound – is that what the airlines expected?

February 8, 2010, 7:44 pm

During negotiations for the enforced sale of London’s Gatwick Airport during 2009, the resident airlines there, and especially those with extensive operations like easyJet, let it be known that what they really wanted next was a ‘real’ airport...

Asiana Airlines’ parent avoids court receivership; China Eastern seeking strategic investor

February 8, 2010, 7:32 pm

Asiana Airlines’ shares slumped 5.7% yesterday, on fresh concerns regarding the outlook for its parent, Kumho Asiana Group, after the Group’s owners rejected a demand by creditors that they offer their stockholdings and assets as collateral for...

Qantas leveraged to premium travel improvements, discount fares under pressure

February 8, 2010, 7:16 pm

Australian domestic Business Class fares reached their highest levels in 11 months in Feb-2010, according to the Bureau of Infrastructure, Transport & Regional Economics fare survey. The index of real Business Class fares (July 2003 = 100) rose to...

Airlines see improved yields ahead, but risks remain – IATA survey

February 8, 2010, 7:02 pm

Airlines are becoming more optimistic about the outlook for yields, with a recent IATA survey of airline executives noting over three-quarters of respondents indicated that yields should increase over the coming year. IATA stated that further demand...

Kenya Airways up with improved traffic; Royal Jordanian’s exclusive right to Jordan cancelled

February 8, 2010, 12:56 am

Middle East and Africa airlines’ shares were mixed again on Friday (05-Feb-2010). Royal Jordanian (+1.1%) continued to make gains on Friday despite Jordan's Civil Aviation Authority cancelling the carrier’s exclusive right to operate scheduled...

Hawaiian Airlines reports stronger financial & traffic results; American Airlines back in with JAL?

February 8, 2010, 12:54 am

The majority of North and South American carriers made gains despite a very modest rise in the wider US market on Friday (05-Feb-2010), with the Dow ending trading up 0.1%, following mixed US jobs data. It was announced during trading that the US...

Bombardier to cut commercial aircraft output by 20% this year - Suppliers Share Wrap

February 7, 2010, 11:36 pm

Canadian aircraft manufacturer Bombardier saw 2009 aircraft deliveries down by more than 10% for the year to 31-Jan-2010, and expects deliveries to be cut by double-digit levels in the current fiscal year for both business and commercial aircraft.

British Airways reports surprise profit, Vueling suffers over concerns for Spain’s debt

February 7, 2010, 11:30 pm

European markets were down for a second day on Friday (05-Feb-2010), dragging down airline shares, as investors continued to express concern over debt in Eurozone countries. Early in trading, investors were also concerned ahead of US unemployment...

Abu Dhabi buys Gatwick stake, Dubai World unit sells SpiceJet stake

February 7, 2010, 9:41 pm

Dubai may have found another oil field recently, but it is the neighbouring emirate of Abu Dhabi that has all the cash. Abu Dhabi provided USD10 billion in emergency funding late last year to Dubai (although recent reports suggest the figure was...

British Airways’ surprise profit, Finnair’s unsurprising loss. A contrast in styles

February 7, 2010, 9:12 pm

Oneworld partners, British Airways and Finnair are each beset by significant challenges, not least labour unrest and a need to cut costs. Despite this, BA managed to restore some respectability to its bottom line in the Dec-2009 quarter. The carrier...

Improved RASK for Air Berlin; “gradual” yield improvements for GOL; Norwegian’s yields slump in Jan

February 7, 2010, 8:36 pm

Norwegian Air Shuttle reported a 21% reduction in both yield and revenue per ASK in Jan-2010 (to NOK0.48/EUR5.87 and NOK0.34/EUR4.15), for the largest year-on-year yield reduction in over 21 months.

Asiana Airlines’ parent may be put under court receivership - reports

February 7, 2010, 7:13 pm

Owners of Kumho Asiana Group, parent of Asiana Airlines, have rejected a demand by creditors that they offer their shareholdings and assets as collateral for fresh loans, according to a report in the Korea Times. All restructuring steps would now be...

Kuwait National Airways rebounds; 1time and Kenya Airways fall

February 5, 2010, 12:22 am

Kuwait National Airways (+3.7%) shares rebounded on Thursday (+3.7%) more than making up for the previous day's losses. Also in the Middle East, Jazeera Airways (+2.1%) and Royal Jordanian Airlines (+0.5%) made gains, while Air Arabia (-1.1%) ended...

Delta, Continental and Alaska Air fall on downgrades, US Airways and LAN upgraded

February 5, 2010, 12:20 am

North and South American carriers’ stocks plunged on Thursday (04-Feb-2010), following the release of weak economic data in the US, including an unexpected increase in US jobless claims in Jan-2010, and an analyst downgrade of some carriers....

US airline outlook: Fundamental restructuring is in the wind but will the industry revert to type?

February 5, 2010, 12:15 am

A simple question on the lessons learned from the downturn, posed during last week’s Continental analyst call, resulted in the clearest indication yet of the structural changes now under way at US carriers. They go far beyond capacity, revealing...

Philippines Outlook: Philippine Airlines in trouble again; Cebu Pacific growing. Low cost long-haul?

February 5, 2010, 12:11 am

Philippines is one the fastest growing air travel markets in the world, joining the likes of India, Mexico and Brazil in experiencing rapid passenger growth, driven by strong domestic air travel growth rates, as LCCs, especially locally based Cebu...

The party's over: Ryanair's ancillaries are stuttering, to raise fares, slow growth

February 4, 2010, 11:46 pm

Ryanair has raised its FY2010 earnings forecast to EUR275 million, as a smaller than expected yield fall (a 12% reduction, rather than the up to 20% reduction previously guided) helped narrow the carrier’s third quarter loss to EUR11 million...

Austrian Airlines to be delisted soon; Vueling and Iberia fall with wider market

February 4, 2010, 10:24 pm

European stock markets took a hammering on Thursday (04-Feb-2010), falling the most in ten weeks, and taking airline stocks down with them. Shares were affected by a decline in the banking sector, on concerns of peripheral Euro countries’ debts....

Bombardier bites back at Airbus and Boeing – Suppliers Share Wrap

February 4, 2010, 10:16 pm

Bombardier’s new 110-149 seat CSeries regional jet is creating a storm of words in international aircraft manufacturing and the battles over the aircraft will help determine the future structure and rules governing financing of aircraft...

Ferrovial hit by big drop on the Spanish IBEX index

February 4, 2010, 9:22 pm

Shares in Ferrovial, shareholder in BAA, slumped 11.3% yesterday, as Spain’s IBEX slid 5.94% yesterday. Spain’s sovereign debt levels and weak economic outlook is contributing to a lack of investor confidence in the past few days, with the...

Impressive PRASM improvement for Southwest, not so for JetBlue. Strong growth for easyJet

February 4, 2010, 8:09 pm

Southwest Airlines (shares down 3.8% yesterday) stated passenger revenue per ASM for Jan-2010 is estimated to have surged 14-15% in the month - it largest PRASM increase by far in the past 12 months. The increase built on growth of 6.0% in Jan-2009.

Pinnacle poised for coming industry contract shifts

February 4, 2010, 7:36 pm

Standing pat with solid contracts that do not change for another seven years, Pinnacle, which a market capitalization of about USD144 million as of 01-Feb-2010, is casting about for more opportunities in picking up business, as contracts between...

Virgin Blue and Thai AirAsia see profits, Tiger Airways' shares down 5% since listing

February 4, 2010, 7:22 pm

Shares in Virgin Blue slipped 1.8% yesterday, despite the carrier stating it expects to report a net profit (before tax and exceptional items) of AUD80-100 million in FY2009/10, compared to a loss of AUD93 million in FY2008/09.

Oil prices smashed on economic worries, stronger US dollar. Dubai finds new oil field

February 4, 2010, 6:02 pm

Oil prices slumped 5% on Thursday, dropping USD3.84 per barrel in New York (the biggest one-day fall since Jul-2009), to settle at USD73.14. Growing concerns about debt-laden European economies and rising US unemployment claims have sparked a...

Issues NTSB can do little about remain in play

February 4, 2010, 5:47 pm

That the Colgan 3407 accident was caused by pilot error comes as no surprise, given the string of failures identified at this week's National Transportation Safety Board meeting. Indeed, so much of the board meeting seemed to be marked by failure...

Q400s out of Frontier, Embraers in

February 4, 2010, 5:31 pm

News of the Republic/Frontier/Midwest integration is eked out like a near-springtime trickle from a great glacier. You know there is more to come, but have to wait for warmer weather. The weather was balmy yesterday, as Republic Airways Holdings CEO...

SkyWest paints optimistic picture for regionals

February 4, 2010, 5:27 pm

Not only is there plenty of opportunity for regionals, said SkyWest CFO Brad Rich, but there are still opportunities for 50-seat lift; a good thing considering the high concentration of those aircraft in its 451-aircraft fleet. But the company is...

Air Arabia and Kenya Airways make gains, Kuwait National Airways, 1time down

February 4, 2010, 12:39 am

Both Air Arabia (+4.4%) and Kenya Airways (+3.0%) made solid gains on Wednesday (04-Feb-2010). Kenya Airways’ shares moved with the wider market, with the All-Share Index (+0.1%) up for a third consecutive day.

American Airlines and US Airways report weak traffic; TAM frequent flyer IPO raises funds

February 4, 2010, 12:30 am

The majority of North and South American carriers were down at the end of trading on Wednesday (03-Feb-2010), dragged lower by the wider market. The Dow (-0.3%) fell on weaker than expected service sector activity. A rise in oil prices (+0.3%), to...

Air France frequent flyer programme taking off; airberlin and TUI drop

February 3, 2010, 11:55 pm

European carriers’ shares were mixed on Wednesday (03-Feb-2010), as equities markets ended trading down, on investor concern of the economic health of smaller countries on the periphery of the EU. Portugal’s sovereign debt reached its highest...

Airbus sees strong Asian orders, but not until 2012. Right now, there is too much capacity

February 3, 2010, 10:57 pm

Airbus has released its Asia Pacific aircraft orders forecast for the next 20-years, showing demand for some 8,000 new passenger and cargo aircraft valued at USD1.2 trillion. But with massive near-term deliveries, spare capacity on the ground, lower...

“Clear” signs of renewed passenger traffic demand, with traffic surge in Dec-2009: ACI

February 3, 2010, 10:55 pm

Global airport passenger traffic in Dec-2009 showed "clear signs” of renewed passenger traffic demand at many airports worldwide, according to Airports Council International (ACI), with a “surge” in both passenger and freight traffic worldwide...

Asia’s aircraft ordering to top 8,000 – Suppliers Share Wrap

February 3, 2010, 10:46 pm

Asian growth could be the story of 2010 and beyond, with IATA stating that in 2009 intra-Asia-Pacific travel had eclipsed the number of travelers in North America as the world’s largest aviation market and Airbus forecasting that the Asia Pacific...

Singapore Changi seeking to acquire a stake in GEMINA (Aeroporti di Roma) - report

February 3, 2010, 9:57 pm

Singapore Changi Airport reportedly announcing plans to acquire Clessidra Sgr’s stake in GEMINA. Shares in GEMINA, the holding company that controls Aeroporti di Roma Spa (which was formerly under the MAp stable), lost 1.6% yesterday.

Load factors improve at WestJet; Garuda to launch an LCC; AirAsia X to be profitable in FY2009

February 3, 2010, 7:40 pm

WestJet reported a sixth consecutive year of record January load factors in Jan-2010, with load factors gaining 2.0 ppts to 78.8% in Jan-2010. The load factor occurred as the carrier’s 6.9% capacity (ASMs) increase was more than matched by a 9.7%...

Improvement in airline share prices in Jan-2010; Asian airlines raising cash: SHARE WRAP

February 3, 2010, 7:38 pm

IATA, in its Airlines Financial Health Monitor for Dec-2009/Jan-2010, commented that airline share prices worldwide gained 5% in Jan-2010, as financial markets became “more positive about airline performance” and increasingly confident about...

Australia’s Sydney Airport shows resilience amid the downturn

February 3, 2010, 5:47 pm

Sydney Airport has announced its financial and traffic highlights for the 12 months ending 31-Dec-2009, and also 4Q2009, the final three months. It remains MAp’s top performing airport, with positive figures across most business activities. But...

Will Japan's new Ibaraki Airport rise above its critics?

February 3, 2010, 5:37 pm

Largely spurned by Japan’s domestic airlines and with only one daily international scheduled flight, Japan’s latest airport to open, Ibaraki, is setting its sights on developing a role as gateway to the Greater Tokyo Area for foreign low-cost...

1time up with wider market; Royal Jordanian continues fall; Air Arabia flat

February 3, 2010, 12:12 am

Middle East and African airline shares were mixed again on Tuesday (02-Feb-2009). In the Middle East, Royal Jordanian's (-4.6%) shares continued to fall, pushed lower by a 1.2% drop in the Amman Stock Exchange.

UPS forecasts improved earnings in 2010; Alaska and Continental report improved load factors

February 2, 2010, 11:46 pm

North and South American carriers’ stocks rallied on Tuesday (02-Feb-2010), pushed higher by Continental’s narrower than expected loss in unit revenue for Jan-2010. The AMEX Airline Index (+3.2%) ended trading up.

Continental Airlines’ yields and traffic levels improve, but long and slow road to recovery

February 2, 2010, 11:42 pm

Continental reported an encouraging set of traffic results for January, with the smallest yield contraction in over 12 months, record load factors and improved traffic results.

Aeroflot to be merged with other Russian carriers; Austrian and Vueling drop

February 2, 2010, 11:37 pm

European markets climbed for a third consecutive day, following gains in the mining sector. Also pushing the markets higher was euro-zone producer-prices data, which reinforced investors’ expectations the European Central Bank will next week keep...

Allegiant and AirTran increasing capacity; Ryanair full year outlook improves

February 2, 2010, 8:29 pm

US airline stocks were boosted yesterday after Continental Airlines reported strong traffic growth for January, driven by international demand, and improving (though still falling) yields.

GEMINA shares surge, Autogrill gains

February 2, 2010, 8:26 pm

Shares in GEMINA, the holding company that controls Aeroporti di Roma Spa, surged 5.7% yesterday, on reports the Benetton family, the largest shareholder in GEMINA, plans to restructure its shareholdings.

B/E Aerospace declares 4Q2009 profit, better outlook for 2011 – Suppliers Share Wrap

February 2, 2010, 8:24 pm

B/E Aerospace's shares jumped 9.3% yesterday on better profitability figures in 4Q2009 and bullish statements from Chairman and CEO, Amin J Khoury, on better ordering later in 2009 and an improving long-term outlook.

Singapore Airlines falls on earnings report, Cathay Pacific also lower, Qantas gains

February 2, 2010, 6:49 pm

Singapore Airlines reported a significant swing in operating and net profitability in its third fiscal quarter to 31-Dec-2009, as yields showed some sign of stabilisation as passenger demand improved and cargo volumes rebounded.

Singapore Airlines in recovery mode, though economic uncertainties persist

February 2, 2010, 6:47 pm

Singapore Airlines has released its most upbeat assessment of market conditions since late 2007, declaring the business outlook for the Group in 2010 is “encouraging”. But SIA was quick to acknowledge, “uncertainties linger over the global...

Mounties to the rescue? YVRAS about to nail UK’s Peel Airports?

February 2, 2010, 5:00 pm

As the saying goes, the Mounties (Royal Canadian Mounted Police) always get their man. Could it be that Vancouver Airport’s YVRAS arm is about to nail the UK’s Peel Airports? The Mounties were formed in Canada’s Northwest Territories and it is...

Kuwait National Airways up despite wider market slip; Jazeera up; Kenya Airways flat

February 1, 2010, 11:49 pm

Kuwait National Airways (+1.9%) made the greatest gains of the region's airlines on Monday (01-Jan-2010), resisting a 0.2% slip on the Kuwait Stock Exchange Index.

EC assessing American Airline antitrust immunity; US Airways and Continental gain

February 1, 2010, 11:02 pm

North and South American carriers’ stocks surged on Monday (01-Feb-2010), pushed by gains in the wider market. The Dow (+1.2%) ended trading higher on improved energy stocks, thanks to better than expected results from Exxon Mobil, while materials...

NextGen gets USD2.1 billion in Obama budget

February 1, 2010, 10:57 pm

President Barack Obama introduced his transportation budget yesterday, calling for a USD285 million increase in NextGen funding to USD1.1 billion. In addition, a USD1 billion NextGen capital programme is included in the budget. In more good news,...

British Airways and Iberia merger seeming more likely to analysts; Ryanair and SAS up

February 1, 2010, 10:53 pm

European airline shares were up on Monday (01-Feb-2010) due to Ryanair’s better than expected third quarter financial results and an analyst upgrade on a number of carriers. Banking and insurance stocks, and gains on Wall Street, also pushed...

Airbus ups list prices – Suppliers Share Wrap

February 1, 2010, 9:24 pm

Airbus has increased list prices for its aircraft by 5.8% from Jan-2010, citing US dollar weakness and higher cost of materials and commodities.

Beijing International Airport Company issuing cooperate bonds today

February 1, 2010, 9:20 pm

Shares in Beijing International Airport Company dipped 1.6% yesterday, as the company announced plans to issue domestic corporate bonds today (02-Feb-2010).

Asia traffic eclipses North America: CAPA celebrates 20 years with 20% off and FREE iPad

February 1, 2010, 8:00 pm

IATA yesterday revealed that intra-Asia Pacific travel eclipsed North America as the world’s largest aviation market in 2009. Asia Pacific passenger numbers rose to 647 million; this compares with 638 million within North America last year. This...

Prospects for Asia Pacific carriers “improving fasters” than other regions: IATA

February 1, 2010, 8:00 pm

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) yesterday stated intra-Asia Pacific travel had eclipsed North America as the world’s largest aviation market in 2009, for the first time. Asia Pacific travelers numbered 647 million, compared to...

Ryanair raises full year forecast as 3Q losses narrow; Tiger Airways pax growth of 54% in 4Q2009

February 1, 2010, 7:29 pm

Ryanair’s shares gained 7.2% after Europe’s largest LCC raised its earnings forecast, as a smaller than expected yield fall (a 12% reduction, rather than the up to 20% reduction previously guided) helped narrow the carrier’s third quarter loss...

JAL takes neutral stance on alliance issue. New Chairman: carrier to be rebuilt “swiftly”

February 1, 2010, 7:26 pm

Kazuo Inamori, Japan Airlines’ (JAL) new Chairman, completed his first day in the job yesterday, pledging to carry out the rehabilitation plan “swiftly and steadfastly”. While Inamori admitted he is a “total outsider” to the airline...

ANA to establish superiority now JAL is caught short; international and low cost operations the way

February 1, 2010, 1:03 am

All Nippon Airways is Japan’s the quiet achiever. Privately owned and mostly profitable, ANA has always been overshadowed by its more conspicuous competitor and flag carrier, Japan Airlines. A quarter of a century ago, while it was the largest...

TAM reportedly planning to purchase stake in LAN; US Airways CEO calls for consolidation

February 1, 2010, 12:58 am

The majority of North and South American carriers’ stocks were down on Friday (29-Jan-2010), moving with the wider market. The Dow (-0.5%) ended trading down, despite early gains on stronger than expected economic growth in the US in 4Q2009,...

Royal Jordanian Airlines only carrier to gain; Air Arabia down; Jazeera Airways flat

February 1, 2010, 12:54 am

Royal Jordanian (+2.0%) was the only Middle East/African carrier tracked by CAPA to gain on Friday (+2.0%), despite the Amman Stock Exchange closing in negative territory for the second consecutive week, down 0.9%.

British Airways expected to post 3Q2009-10 loss; Aeroflot reports declining passenger traffic

February 1, 2010, 12:52 am

European carriers’ stocks were mixed on Friday (29-Jan-2010), despite gains in the European markets on data the US economy grew at a 5.7% pace in 4Q2009, a better than expected result, and the fastest climb in over six years. Also boosting the...