Monthly Archives: April 2025

SAS Europeโ€™s most punctual airline and number two in the world

SAS ranked as Europeโ€™s most punctual airline and the worldโ€™s second most punctual in March 2025 – reflecting consistent performance through demanding winter operations. The ranking is awarded by Cirium, a leading authority in global aviation analytics.

Scandinavian Airlines-SAS Airbus A320-251N WL SE-ROL (msn 9352) RHO (Andi Hiltl). Image: 959026.
Scandinavian Airlines-SAS Airbus A320-251N WL SE-ROL (msn 9352) RHO (Andi Hiltl). Image: 959026.

โ€œWeโ€™re extremely proud of this achievement, which reflects the dedication and teamwork across SAS. Punctuality is a core priority, and this recognition shows how far weโ€™ve come โ€” from overcoming challenges to leading the way. For our travelers, on-time performance means smoother journeys, less stress, and greater confidence in choosing SAS. Knowing our efforts truly make a difference drives us to keep delivering the reliable service our customers expect and deserve,โ€ says Anko van der Werff, President & CEO of SAS. 

SAS secured the top spot in Europe with an on-time performance of 91.92% in March, ranking second globally, just behind Saudia and ahead of Aeromexico. This performance rounded out a full SkyTeam podium, occupying the top three spots. 
 

Operational efficiency, winter readiness, and sustainability 
 

In March alone, SAS carried out over 2,000 de-icing events โ€” highlighting the demanding winter conditions faced by the airline as a Scandinavian carrier. 

The strong results in March continue a positive trend that gained momentum throughout 2024. Over the past year, SAS has launched a series of company-wide initiatives to improve operational efficiency, with a strong focus on accountability and cross-functional collaboration. 

These efforts consistently placed SAS among Europeโ€™s most punctual airlines โ€” including first-place rankings in both August and October 2024 โ€” and culminated in a top-three finish for the full year in Europe, as well as ninth place globally. 

Earlier this week, the Cirium team โ€” represented by Chief Marketing Officer Mike Malik โ€” presented SAS with the award for 3rd Place in Europe for On-Time Performance in 2024, recognizing SASโ€™ sustained efforts over time. 

โ€œSASโ€™ outstanding performance in March reflects a combination of operational excellence and robust winter preparedness. Their ability to consistently deliver on-time service, even in the most challenging conditions, underscores their commitment to reliability and efficiency. This achievement places them among the best globally, with sustained focus on both customer satisfaction and sustainability,โ€ says Mike Malik. 

โ€œSAS is determined to build on this momentum, continuing to earn our passengersโ€™ trust through reliable, on-time service. Our goal is to be a leading airline known for operational excellence and the dedication of our people. Being punctual leads to a better experience for our customers and enables a more stable, efficient operation that supports everyone โ€” including our crew. And as Scandinaviaโ€™s leading airline, this consistency is key to strengthening our position and driving the journey aheadโ€, says Anko van der Werff. 

Beyond improving punctuality, these initiatives support SASโ€™ broader efforts to enhance operational efficiency and reduce fuel consumption. Fewer delays mean lower emissions โ€” a tangible step toward more sustainable day-to-day operations. 

Screenshot

Corendon: World’s first fully tattooed aircraft takes flight, a milestone in aviation history

BADHOEVEDORP,ย Netherlands,ย April 9, 2025ย /PRNewswire/ —ย Corendon Dutch Airlines has revealed the world’s first fully tattooed aircraft, marking a symbolic moment in both aviation and art. To celebrate its 25th anniversary, Corendon collaborated with renowned tattoo artistย Henk Schiffmacher, known for inking global icons like Lady Gaga andย Kurt Cobain. The aircraft, Sweet Louise, features a tattoo design covering nearly 200 square meters of its fuselage, serving as a flying tribute to travel.

Corendonโ€™s anniversary aircraft features a full-body tattoo design by legendary Dutch tattoo artist Henk Schiffmacher. Covering nearly 200 square meters, it is the worldโ€™s first fully tattooed plane. The tattoo on the engine represents a pirate, the eternal wanderer of the seas, transformed for Corendon into a heart-shaped symbol, expressing a love for travel, freedom, and discovery. The design turns the aircraft into a flying work of art for Corendonโ€™s 25th anniversary.

BADHOEVEDORP,ย Netherlands,ย April 9, 2025 —ย Corendon Dutch Airlines has revealed the world’s first fully tattooed aircraft, marking a symbolic moment in both aviation and art. To celebrate its 25th anniversary, Corendon collaborated with renowned tattoo artistย Henk Schiffmacher, known for inking global icons like Lady Gaga andย Kurt Cobain. The aircraft, Sweet Louise, features a tattoo design covering nearly 200 square meters of its fuselage, serving as a flying tribute to travel.

Corendon CEO Gunay Uslu, founder Atilay Uslu, and tattoo legend Henk Schiffmacher unveil the worldโ€™s first fully tattooed aircraft. Designed by Schiffmacher for Corendonโ€™s 25th anniversary, the artwork spans 200 mยฒ, turning the plane into a flying tribute to travel, freedom, and discovery.
Corendon CEO Gunay Uslu, founder Atilay Uslu, and tattoo legend Henk Schiffmacher unveil the worldโ€™s first fully tattooed aircraft. Designed by Schiffmacher for Corendonโ€™s 25th anniversary, the artwork spans 200 mยฒ, turning the plane into a flying tribute to travel, freedom, and discovery.

From skin to sky 
Named Sweet Louise after Schiffmacher’s wife, the design is inspired by classic nautical symbols and executed in traditional tattoo style. This project celebrates Schiffmacher’s unique artistic legacy.

“The design is a tribute to the traveler,” says Schiffmacher. “The tattoo on the engine represents a pirate, the eternal wanderer of the seas, transformed for Corendon into a heart-shaped symbol. Tattoos tell stories, and this one reflects my years of traveling the world and connecting with people from all walks of life. It symbolizes movement, connection and the desire to explore. I’m proud that it will now fly across the skies.”

Vision realized
The idea was born during a conversation between Corendon CEO Gunay Uslu and Schiffmacher, who once dreamed of tattooing an entire aircraft. Uslu embraced the opportunity to fuse art and aviation in an unprecedented way.

“To celebrate Corendon’s 25th anniversary, we wanted to do something bold and unforgettable, something that reflects who we are. This collaboration with Henk Schiffmacher is more than just eye-catching; it symbolizes Corendon’s adventurous spirit and our willingness to go off the beaten track. The tattooed aircraft is a tribute to our roots and our journey, and it shows that travel, like art, can tell powerful stories and bring people together in unexpected ways,” Gunay explained.

Art in the sky 
Applying the tattoo design was a complex process. It had to be carefully scaled to fit the aircraft’s contours without losing its artistic integrity.

“We worked closely with aviation and art experts to ensure the design maintained its integrity. It was a meticulous process, but seeing the final result has been incredibly rewarding,” says Uslu.

A first for passengers
Unveiled at Schiphol-East, Sweet Louise will soon operate Corendon’s most popular holiday routes, offering passengers a truly one-of-a-kind experience in the sky.

Delta Air Lines announces March quarter 2025 financial results

Delta Air Lines today reported financial results for the Marchย 2025 quarter and provided its outlook for the June quarter.ย ย 

"100 Years" logo jet, delivered March 1, 2025, in service March 2, 2025 (flight DL1067 ATL-SEA)
Delta Air Lines Airbus A321-271NX WL N589DT (msn 12417) (100 Years) SAN (Michael B. Ing). Image: 965481.

ATLANTA, April 9, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Delta Air Lines (NYSE: DAL) today reported financial results for the March quarter and provided its outlook for the June quarter.  Highlights of the March quarter, including both GAAP and adjusted metrics, are on page five and incorporated here.

“While the first quarter unfolded differently than initially expected, we delivered solid profitability that was flat to prior year and is expected to lead the industry.  I would like to thank our people for their outstanding performance and hard work during the quarter,” said Ed Bastian, Delta’s chief executive officer.

“With broad economic uncertainty around global trade, growth has largely stalled.  In this slower-growth environment, we are protecting margins and cash flow by focusing on what we can control.  This includes reducing planned capacity growth in the second half of the year to flat over last year while actively managing costs and capital expenditures.”

“We expect June quarter profitability of $1.5 to $2 billion.  Given the lack of economic clarity, it is premature at this time to provide an updated full-year outlook.  Given our position of strength, our bias toward action and the decline in fuel prices, Delta remains well positioned to deliver solid profitability and free cash flow for the year.  I expect that our financial results will continue to lead the industry and validate our strategy to create differentiation and greater financial durability.”

March Quarter 2025 GAAP Financial Results

  • Operating revenue ofย $14.0 billion
  • Operating income ofย $569 millionย with an operating margin of 4.0 percent
  • Pre-tax income ofย $320 millionย with a pre-tax margin of 2.3 percent
  • Earnings per share ofย $0.37
  • Operating cash flow ofย $2.4 billion
  • Payments on debt and finance lease obligations ofย $531 million
  • Total debt and finance lease obligations ofย $15.8 billionย at quarter end

March Quarter 2025 Non-GAAP Financial Results

  • Operating revenue ofย $13.0 billion
  • Operating income ofย $591 millionย with an operating margin of 4.6 percent
  • Pre-tax income ofย $382 millionย with a pre-tax margin of 2.9 percent
  • Earnings per share ofย $0.46
  • Operating cash flow ofย $2.4 billion

Financial Guidance1

2Q25
Total Revenue YoYDown 2% – up 2%
Operating Margin11% – 14%
Earnings Per Share$1.70 – $2.30
1Non-GAAP measures; Refer to Non-GAAP reconciliations for historical comparison figures

Given current uncertainty, Delta is not reaffirming full year 2025 financial guidance and will provide an update later in the year as visibility improves.

Revenue Environment and Outlook

“Delta delivered revenue of $13 billion, 3.3 percent higher than last year, consistent with revised guidance.  Through the quarter, diverse, high-margin revenue streams showed resilience, improving over prior year and approaching 60 percent of total revenue,” said Glen Hauenstein, Delta’s president.

“Based on current trends, we expect June quarter total revenue to be down 2 percent to up 2 percent over prior year, with continued resilience in premium, loyalty and international partially offsetting Domestic and main cabin softness.  2025 is playing out differently than we expected at the start of the year.  As a result, we are adapting to current conditions while staying true to our long-term strategy.”

  • Record March quarter revenue supported by diverse revenue streams: Delta’s year-over-year revenue growth of up 3.3 percent in the March quarter was driven by the resilience of diversified revenue streams, which contributed nearly 60 percent of total revenue in the March quarter and grew mid-single digits over prior year.ย  Adjusted total unit revenue (TRASM) was down 1.0 percent from the March quarter of 2024.
  • Premium and loyalty highlight the strength of Delta’s core customer: Premium revenue growth continues to outpace main cabin, growing 7 percent on a year-over-year basis in the March quarter.ย  American Express remuneration ofย $2.0 billionย was a March quarter record, up 13 percent year-over-year, driven by strong cobrand spend and acquisitions.
  • International revenue grew mid-single digits year-over-year: Pacific revenue grew 16 percent on double-digit capacity growth, with unit revenue inflecting positive.ย  Transatlantic revenue was up 5 percent over prior year, with unit revenue up 8 percent.ย ย Latin Americaย revenue grew 5 percent over prior year with modestly negative unit revenue growth.
  • Corporate growth moderated through the quarter:ย After starting the year with momentum, a reduction in corporate confidence stalled growth in February and March.ย  For the quarter, corporate sales* were up low-single digits compared to prior year, with strength led by the banking and technology sectors.

Cost Performance and Outlook

“Our teams ran a strong operation despite challenging weather at the start of the year, enabling us to drive efficiency and deliver non-fuel unit cost growth of up 2.6 percent over prior year.  This was better than our initial expectation and a sequential improvement from the end of 2024,” said Dan Janki, Delta’s chief financial officer.  “As we reduce capacity growth, we are taking incremental action to manage costs.  We expect non-fuel unit cost growth consistent with our long-term target of up low-single digits in the second quarter and through the rest of the year.”

March Quarter 2025 Cost Performance

  • Operating expense ofย $13.5 billionย and adjusted operating expense ofย $12.4 billion
  • Adjusted non-fuel costs ofย $9.9 billion
  • Non-fuelย CASM was 14.44ยข, an increase of 2.6 percentย year-over-year
  • Adjusted fuel expense ofย $2.4 billionย was down 7 percent year-over-year
  • Adjusted fuel price ofย $2.45ย per gallon decreased 11 percent year-over-year with a breakeven refinery contribution

Balance Sheet, Cash and Liquidity

“Delta’s decade-plus commitment to our consistent strategy, investment and execution has created a differentiated and durable business that positions us to navigate periods of uncertainty,” Janki said.  “We ended the first quarter with gross leverage of 2.6x and expect to repay at least $3 billion of debt this year as we continue to strengthen our investment grade balance sheet.  During the quarter, we achieved our highest credit rating in decades following an upgrade from Moody’s, reflecting our continued focus on debt reduction as we progress towards our long-term gross leverage target of 1x.”

  • Adjusted net debt ofย $16.9 billionย at March quarter end, a reduction ofย $1.1 billionย from the end of 2024
  • Payments on debt and finance lease obligations for the March quarter ofย $531 million
  • Weighted average interest rate of 4.2 percent with 95 percent fixed rate debt and 5 percent variable rate debt
  • Adjusted operating cash flow in the March quarter ofย $2.4 billion, and with gross capital expenditures ofย $1.2 billion, free cash flow wasย $1.3 billion
  • Air Traffic Liability ended the quarter atย $10.0 billion
  • Liquidity* ofย $6.8 billionย at quarter-end, includingย $3.1 billionย in undrawn revolver capacity

March Quarter 2025 Highlights

Operations, Network and Fleet

  • Operated the most on-time airline year-to-date, leading competitive set in on-time departures and arrivals and network peers in completion factor1
  • Recognized as the Top U.S. Airline for operational performance in 2024 by theย Wall Street Journalย for the fourth consecutive year
  • Earned theย Cirium Platinum Award for operational excellence in 2024 for the fourth consecutive year and named the most on-time airline inย North America
  • Took delivery of nine aircraft in the quarter, including A321neo, A220-300, A330-900 and A350-900 aircraft
  • Announced Delta’s first ever service fromย ATL to Marrakech,ย Morocco, beginning in October, and seasonal service toย Accra, Ghana, starting in December
  • Launching the first internationalย Deltaย flight fromย Austinย with new nonstop service toย Cancun, Mexico, starting inย December 2025
  • Resumed daily, non-stop service fromย JFK toย Tel Avivย onย April 1
  • Introducing nonstop service fromย Los Angelesย toย Melbourne, Australia, startingย December 2025

Culture and People

  • Celebrated Delta people withย $1.4 billionย in profit sharing on Valentine’s Day, recognizing the outstanding performance of Delta’s 100,000 employees in 2024
  • Recognizing our people first culture, Delta ranked No. 15 on theย Fortuneย 100 Best Companies to Work For list, selected by the workplace culture experts at Great Place to Work
  • Returned toย CES in 2025 to give the keynote address highlighting Delta’s innovative vision for the next century of flight including Delta Concierge and the evolution of Delta Sync, along with new partnerships with Uber and YouTube
  • Named No. 11 on theย Fortuneย World’s Most Admired Companies list and the top airline, the twelfth year Delta has been recognized
  • Ranked No. 9 on theย Forbesย list of America’s Best Large Employers 2025
  • Recognized by JUST Capital andย CNBC as the No. 1 airline and one of the top transportation companies on the annual list of JUST 100, a ranking of companies based on the issues Americans care about most
  • Unveiled the newest livery celebrating Delta’s centennial year during the airline’s Centennial Gala in front of the newly renovated Delta Flight Museum
  • Contributedย $1 millionย to the American Red Cross forย Los Angelesย wildfire relief efforts and an additionalย $325,000ย toย Los Angelesย Fire Department Foundation, Los Angeles Regional Food Bank, YMCA of Metro Los Angeles and Kings Cares Foundation to help with local response

Customer Experience and Loyalty

  • Completed construction of the new Sky Club inย ATL Concourse D, spanning 25,000 square feet with seating for more than 500
  • Continued rolling out fast, freeย WiFi for SkyMiles members with over 90 percent of the mainline fleet now equipped
  • Began flying aircraft with the new, previously announced cabin design on A350 and Boeing 757 aircraft, elevating the travel experience with new seating materials, enhanced lighting and a refreshed color palette
  • Expanded first-of-its-kind Shake Shack partnership to customers sitting in First Class departing fromย ATL, LAX, LGA and SEA on flights over 900 miles
  • Announced partnership with luxury Champagne brandย Taittinger, available to Delta One customers on international flights, further enhancing the best-in-class Delta One experience
  • Revamped the Special Meals menu for customers in First Class and Delta One departing from the U.S. with chef-curated meals made fresh in-house for those with dietary restrictions and preferences
  • Named the Official Global Airline of theย PGA TOUR and PGA TOUR Champions, beginning a multi-year partnership with the organization

Environmental Sustainability

  • Announced deepened partnership with Airbus, shaping the future of global travel through Airbus’ย UpNext Innovation lab and Delta’s Sustainable Skies Lab and announced collaboration on the next phase of testing a new, more fuel-efficient flying technique, fello’fly
  • Partnering withย JetZero to develop an aircraft incorporating a Blended-Wing-Body (BWB) design that is expected to be 50 percent more fuel efficient than aircraft in operation today
  • Recognized by Fast Company as one of its Most Innovative Companies for 2025 due to sustainability initiatives, including Delta’s industry leading work to scale sustainable aviation fuel (SAF)
1FlightStats preliminary data for Delta flights system wide, Delta’s competitive set (AA, UA, B6, AS, WN, and DL) and Delta’s network peers (AA, UA, and DL) from Jan 1 – Mar 31, 2025. On-time is defined as A0

March Quarter 2025 Results

March quarter results have been adjusted primarily for third-party refinery sales and gains/losses on investments as described in the reconciliations in Note A.

GAAP$
Change
%
Change
($ in millions except per share and unit costs)1Q251Q24
Operating income569614(45)(7) %
Operating margin4.0 %4.5 %      (0.5) pts(11) %
Pre-tax income320122198NM
Pre-tax margin2.3 %0.9 %      1.4 ptsNM
Net income24037203NM
Diluted earnings per share0.370.060.31NM
Operating revenue14,04013,7482922 %
Total revenue per available seat mile (TRASM) (cents)20.5320.98(0.45)(2) %
Operating expense13,47113,1343373 %
Cost per available seat mile (CASM) (cents)19.6920.04(0.35)(2) %
Fuel expense2,4102,598(188)(7) %
Average fuel price per gallon2.472.79(0.32)(11) %
Operating cash flow2,3782,408(30)(1) %
Capital expenditures1,2241,193313 %
Total debt and finance lease obligations15,82319,364(3,541)(18) %
Adjusted$
Change
%
Change
($ in millions except per share and unit costs)1Q251Q24
Operating income591640(49)(8) %
Operating margin4.6 %5.1 %       (0.5) pts(11) %
Pre-tax income38238021 %
Pre-tax margin2.9 %3.0 %       (0.1) pts(3) %
Net income298288103 %
Diluted earnings per share0.460.450.012 %
Operating revenue12,97812,5634153.3 %
TRASM (cents)18.9719.17(0.20)(1.0) %
Operating expense12,38811,9234654 %
Non-fuel cost9,8759,2276487 %
Non-fuel unit cost (CASM-Ex) (cents)14.4414.080.362.6 %
Fuel expense2,3882,571(183)(7) %
Average fuel price per gallon2.452.76(0.31)(11) %
Operating cash flow2,4442,478(34)(1) %
Free cash flow1,2801,378(98)(7) %
Gross capital expenditures1,1741,110646 %
Adjusted net debt16,87620,087(3,211)(16) %

About Delta Air Lines  Through exceptional service and the power of innovation, Delta Air Lines (NYSE: DAL) never stops looking for ways to make every trip feel tailored to every customer. 

There are 100,000 Delta people leading the way to deliver a world-class customer experience on up to 5,000 peak day Delta and Delta Connection flights to more than 290 destinations on six continents, connecting people to places and to each other.โ€ฏ

Delta served more than 200 million customers in 2024 โ€” safely, reliably and with industry-leading customer service innovation โ€” and was recognized by J.D. Power this year for being No. 1 in First/Business and Premium Economy Passenger Satisfaction. The airline also was recognized as the top U.S. airline by the Wall Street Journal and as North America’s most on-timeโ€ฏairlineโ€ฏin 2024 and our people earned the Platinum Award for Operational Excellence from Cirium. 

We remain committed to ensuring that the future of travel is connected, personalized and enjoyable. Our people’s genuine and enduring motivation is to make every customer feel welcomed and cared for across every point of their journey with us. 

Headquartered in Atlanta, Delta operates significant hubs and key markets in Amsterdam, Atlanta, Bogota, Boston, Detroit, Lima, London-Heathrow, Los Angeles, Mexico City, Minneapolis-St. Paul, New York-JFK and LaGuardia, Paris-Charles de Gaulle, Salt Lake City, Santiago (Chile), Sao Paulo, Seattle, Seoul-Incheon and Tokyo. 

As the leading global airline, Delta’s mission to connect the world creates opportunities, fosters understanding and expands horizons by connecting people and communities to each other and to their own potential. 

Powered by innovative and strategic partnerships throughout the world with Aeromexico, Air France-KLM, China Eastern, Korean Air, LATAM, Virgin Atlantic and WestJet, Delta brings more choice and competition to customers worldwide. Delta’s premium product line is elevated by its unique partnership with Wheels Up Experience. 

In addition to the awards from J.D. Power and Cirium, Delta has been recognized among Fast Company’s Most Innovative Companies; the World’s Most Admired Airline and one of the Best 100 Companies to Work For according to Fortune; one ofโ€ฏGlassdoor’s Best Places to Work; the top carrier for business travelers by Business Travel News; and topped 5 categories, including the Best U.S. Airline award, in Forbes Travel Guide’s Verified Air Travel Awards. In addition, Delta has been named to the Civic 50 by Points of Light for the past seven years as one of the most community minded companies in the U.S. 

Boeing Announces First Quarter Deliveries

ARLINGTON, Va.,ย April 8, 2025 — The Boeing Company [NYSE: BA] announced today major program deliveries across its commercial and defense operations for the first quarter of 2025.

The company will provide detailed first quarter financial results on April 23. Major program deliveries during the first quarter were as follows:

Major Programs1st Quarter
2025
Commercial Airplanes Programs
737105
7675
7777
78713
Total130
Defense, Space & Security Programs
AH-64 Apache (New)4
AH-64 Apache (Remanufactured)11
CH-47 Chinook (New)1
CH-47 Chinook (Renewed)2
F-15 Models1
F/A-18 Models5
MH-139 1
P-8 Models1
Total126
1 Deliveries of new-build production units, including remanufactures and modifications
Note: Delivery information is not considered final until quarterly financial results are issued.

Let’s Tokyo! WestJet bolsters connectivity between Calgary and Japan with new daily year-round service


Airline also further enhances global network through expanded codeshare partnership with Japan Airlines, adding new seamless connections within Japan between Tokyo and Osaka (Itami) and Nagoya.

WestJet Airlines Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner C-GUDH (msn 64974) YYZ (TMK Photography). Image: 959378.
WestJet Airlines Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner C-GUDH (msn 64974) YYZ (TMK Photography). Image: 959378.

CALGARY, AB, April 7, 2025 /CNW/ – Today, WestJet announced the expansion of non-stop service between Calgary and Tokyo’s Narita International Airport to daily year-round through the winter schedule which begins on October 27, 2025. The airline attributes the increase of service to the continued success of the route on both sides of the Pacific, after first having increased to daily service for its 2025 summer schedule.

“Leveraging our Boeing 787 Dreamliner fleet, WestJet continues to strengthen Calgary’s tourism pipeline with expanded Trans-Pacific service, creating new inroads for economic growth across Western Canada and beyond,” said John Weatherill, WestJet Executive Vice-President and Chief Commercial Officer. “Today’s announcement of our expansion to daily year-round service between Calgary and Tokyo further reaffirms our commitment to bolstering Canadians’ access to Asia.”

RouteFrequencyService dates
Calgary TokyoDailyMarch 30 – October 26, 2025
Calgary TokyoDaily*October 27 โ€“ March 29, 2026
*New for 2025

Expanded codeshare agreement with Japan Airlines opens doors for more seamless connectivity to new Japanese destinations beyond Tokyo

Through WestJet’s longstanding codeshare partnership with Japan Airlines, guests connecting from Tokyo Narita (NRT) will now have seamless access to two additional Japanese destinations:ยญ Osaka (Itami) and Nagoya. Guests exploring these unique destinations will enjoy the convenience of a single purchased ticket, booked through WestJet, including baggage transfers and the ability to earn WestJet Dollars throughout their journey.

“These additional options to connect, made possible by our codeshare partnership with Japan Airlines, expands WestJet’s global codeshare network and will open doors for guests looking for convenient and affordable ways to explore popular destinations across Japan,” continued Weatherill.

Origin CodeOrigin NameDestination CodeDestination Name
NRTTokyo (Narita), JapanITMOsaka (Itami), Japan
NRTTokyo (Narita), JapanNGONagoya, Japan
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Together with Airline Partners, The Weather Company Launches Maverickโ„ข Dispatch to Turn Weather Intelligence into Operational Advantages

Breeze Airways, Horizon Air Among First Carriers to Use Advanced SaaS Platform that Streamlines Aviation Operation

Breeze Airways Airbus A220-300 (Bombardier CS300 - BD-500-1A11)  N223BZ (msn 55209) BWI (Tony Storck). Image: 962349.
Breeze Airways Airbus A220-300 (Bombardier CS300 – BD-500-1A11) N223BZ (msn 55209) BWI (Tony Storck). Image: 962349.
Registration and livery salute to the founder of Horizon Air: Milton G. โ€œMiltโ€ Kuolt II
Alaska Horizon – Horizon Air Embraer ERJ 170-200LR (ERJ 175) N652MK (msn 17000929) SEA (Bruce Drum). Image: 106144.

ATLANTA,ย April 8, 2025ย —ย The Weather Companyย has launchedย ย Maverickโ„ขย Dispatch, a global weather and flight tracking solution that transforms how aviation dispatchers handle mission-critical weather and operational data. The SaaS-based platform, already in use by Breeze Airways and Horizon Air, combines industry-leading forecast technology and expertise with artificial intelligence to help airlines anticipate and respond to weather-related challenges, enhancing operational efficiency and safety.

“Our team spends less time hunting for data and more time making smart decisions that benefit our Guests,” Garrett Urry

Created by The Weather Company, a leader in flight-following solutions for aviation dispatchers, Maverick Dispatch offers high-resolution, multi-layered mapping that integrates critical weather data in context for situational awareness.
Created by The Weather Company, a leader in flight-following solutions for aviation dispatchers, Maverick Dispatch offers high-resolution, multi-layered mapping that integrates critical weather data in context for situational awareness.

“In today’s complex aviation environment, dispatchers are overwhelmed with data but starved for actionable intelligence,” said Sheri Bachstein, president of The Weather Company. “While others are reducing their spend in aviation technology, we’re accelerating efforts. Maverick Dispatch transforms fragmented data streams into clear, contextual insights that enable faster, more informed decision-making.”

Launch partner Breeze Airways reports significant early benefits. “The reduced alert fatigue and contextual highlighting of critical information means our team spends less time hunting for data and more time making smart decisions that benefit our Guests,” said Garrett Urry, manager of flight dispatch at Breeze Airways.

Developed in collaboration with leading airlines for faster real-time decision making, key capabilities of Maverick Dispatch include:

  • Advanced Weather Visualization:ย The Weather Company’s proprietary Global High-Resolution Atmospheric Forecasting (GRAF) system offers comprehensive weather impacts through intuitive mapping technology.
  • AI-driven Insights:ย Predictive models for terminal airspace convective risk (TrACR), airport capacity insights, and taxi time analytics help airline operators anticipate and recover more quickly from operational disruptions, reducing costs.
  • Unified Cloud Platform:ย SaaS-based architecture ensures consistent access across teams for expert oversight and rapid feature deployment.
  • Streamlined Workflows:ย Intelligent alert management and integrated data visualization reduce cognitive load.

“In an environment where seconds count, Maverick Dispatch is streamlining and simplifying flight tracking and weather awareness on the dispatch desk,” said Kenneth McNaught, dispatch manager at Horizon Air, a regional subsidiary of Alaska Air Group that operates in challenging weather conditions across the western U.S. “Leveraging the advanced weather forecasting and tools of The Weather Company into this updated platform is sure to become another game changer from this innovative company helping us to become safer and more efficient as an airline.”

The world’s most accurate forecaster,1 The Weather Company supports 25,000 flights daily and serves a majority of commercial airlines in North America and many globally. Built on nearly three decades of aviation forecasting expertise, Maverick Dispatch represents the next evolution in aviation operations technology, offering reduced alert fatigue, seamless integration, flexible deployment options, and rapid software updates.

Ethiopian Airlines Prepares to Launch Passenger Flight Service to Sharjah, the UAE

"Bangkok"
Ethiopian Airlines Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner ET-AYC (msn 65091) JFK (Jay Selman). Image: 404204.

Addis Ababa, 08 April 2025

Ethiopian Airlines, one of the fastest-growing airline brands in the world and Africa’s largest airline is excited to announce that it will launch a new passenger flight service to
Sharjah, United Arab Emirates, effective June 1, 2025. This new route will operate four
times weekly, connecting passengers to one of the UAE’s vibrant cities, known for its rich culture and economic opportunities.
The new service will be operated by the state-of-the-art Boeing 737 MAX aircraft,
ensuring a comfortable and efficient travel experience.
The flight schedule is as follows:
ET 622 will depart from Addis Ababa (ADD) every Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, and
Sunday at 10:05 p.m. and arrives at Sharjah (SHJ) at 03:25 a.m.
ET 623 will depart from Sharjah (SHJ) every Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, and
Saturday at 04:25 a.m. and arrives at Addis Ababa (ADD) at 07:45 a.m.

Regarding the launch of the new service Mesfin Tasew, Ethiopian Airlines Group CEO
Stated, โ€œWe are excited to expand our passenger flight network in the U.A.E. with the addition of Sharjah, a key economic hub in the United Arab Emirates. This new service complements our existing cargo operations and strengthens our connectivity to the Middle East. With enhanced travel options, our customers can now explore the UAEโ€™s rich cultural heritage and dynamic business landscape with greater convenience.โ€

Ethiopian Airlines operates over 100 weekly passenger and cargo flights to more than 17 destinations across the Middle East. The airline’s presence in the region dates back to 1979 when it launched flights to Dubai, marking nearly five decades of service to the United Arab Emirates.
The newly introduced Sharjah route enhances Ethiopian’s connectivity to the UAE and
strengthens its network across the Middle East. This expansion fosters trade, tourism,
and cultural exchange between Ethiopia and the UAE while reaffirming the airlineโ€™s
dedication to safety, reliability, and exceptional customer service.

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Spirit Airlines Announces Senior Leadership Transition

Spirit Airlines tail (2018) (USA) (Michael B. Ing)Visit the Spirit Airlines gallery: https://airlinersgallery.smugmug.com/Airlines-USA5/Spirit-Airlines
Spirit Airlines tail (2018) (USA) (Michael B. Ing)

DANIA BEACH, Fla.,ย April 7, 2025 — Spirit Aviation Holdings, Inc., parent company of Spirit Airlines, LLC, (together, “Spirit” or the “Company”) today announced the following changes to its leadership.

Ted Christie, President and Chief Executive Officer, is stepping down from the Company and from the Board of Directors, effective Monday, April 7, 2025. The Board of Directors is in the process of appointing a permanent replacement.

On an interim basis, an Office of the President consisting of Fred Cromer, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer; John Bendoraitis, Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer; and Thomas Canfield, Senior Vice President and General Counsel has been formed to lead the Company  until the new CEO is appointed.

“On behalf of the Board and the Spirit team, I thank Ted for his tireless efforts over the course of his 13 years at the Company. He has seen a lot and done a lot during his tenure here, including navigating the Company through the COVID crisis and multiple strategic junctures, as well as most recently, a corporate restructuring. Ted has kept the company together through challenging times, and for this we wish him all the best going forward,” said Robert Milton, Chairman of Spirit Airlines.

In addition, Matt Klein, Executive Vice President and Chief Commercial Officer, will be stepping down. He will be succeeded by Rana Ghosh, as Senior Vice President and Chief Commercial Officer, effective immediately. Rana joined the Company in 2015 and has served as Senior Vice President and Chief Transformation Officer since June 2024.

“Spirit owes thanks to Matt for his many contributions since arriving in 2016, and we all wish him the best,” Milton continued. “We are also enthusiastic to welcome Rana into his new role.”  

EVA Air expands fleet with more A350-1000 and A321neo aircraft

Toulouse, France, 7 April 2025 โ€“ Taiwanโ€™s EVA Air has placed a firm order for six long-range A350-1000s and three single-aisle A321neo aircraft, finalising a commitment announced by the airline in March 2025. The new orders will bring EVA Airโ€™s backlog of aircraft to be delivered to 24 A350-1000s and 18 A321neo aircraft. 

โ€œThe new additions to our fleet reaffirm our commitment to sustainable aviation and delivering an exceptional travel experience. Both the A350-1000 and A321neo set a high standard in their respective categories, offering remarkable efficiency and comfort to our passengers. As we move forward with our fleet and network expansion plans, we look forward to leveraging the aircraftโ€™s extended range and efficiency to strengthen our market position,โ€ said Clay Sun, President of EVA Air.

โ€œEVA Airโ€™s new orders underscore the enduring appeal of the A350-1000 Long Range Leader as the benchmark for intercontinental operations, and the A321neo as a leader in regional efficiency. We deeply value EVA Airโ€™s confidence in these latest generation aircraft and stand ready to support their seamless integration into the airlineโ€™s fleet for future success,” said Benoรฎt de Saint-Exupรฉry, Airbus EVP Sales of the Commercial Aircraft business. 

The A350 is the worldโ€™s most modern and efficient widebody aircraft and has set new standards for intercontinental travel. It offers the longest range capability of any commercial airliner in production today. Powered by the latest generation of Rolls-Royce engines, the aircraft is capable of flying up to 9,700 nautical miles / 18,000 kilometres non-stop, using 25% less fuel than previous generation types and with a similar reduction in carbon emissions. 

As with all Airbus aircraft, the A350 is already able to operate with up to 50% Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF). Airbus is targeting to have its aircraft up to 100% SAF capable by 2030.

The A350 Family has received more than 1,360 orders from 60 customers worldwide, with more than 640 aircraft currently in the fleets of 38 operators, flying primarily on long-haul routes.

The A321neo is part of the A320neo Family, incorporating the latest technologies including new generation engines, Sharklets and cabin efficiency enablers, which together deliver 20% fuel savings. With over 6,800 orders by more than 90 customers since its launch in 2016, the A321neo has captured more than 80 percent share of the market.

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EVA AIR AND HOUSTON ROCKETS HONOR FILIPINO HERITAGE NIGHT


Fans Enjoyed Exclusive Experiences, Commemorative Jerseys, and EVA Air Prizes At the Recent Game

HOUSTON,ย April 3, 2025 —ย EVA Air, a leading carrier in the aviation industry and official partner of the NBA’s Houston Rockets, was proud to take part in the Filipino Heritage Night celebration at their home game onย April 2. The special event provided fans with an exciting game day experience that featured exclusive giveaways and interactive activations.

EVA Air President Clay Sun attended the game and took part in the evening’s events, including the pre-game ceremony, where he delivered the official game ball and officiated a special prize giveaway. During the game, the Houston Rockets selected two audience members to compete in a timeout interactive challenge designed in collaboration with EVA Air to simulate a pre-boarding experience. The participant who completed the challenge in the shortest time was the sole winner and received a pair of round-trip premium economy tickets from Houston to the Philippines. The prize was personally presented on-site by President Clay Sun in a celebratory moment shared with the crowd. The winner will have the flexibility to choose their arrival destination within the Philippines, with EVA Air offering routes to Manila, Cebu, and Clark.

“We’re proud of our partnership with the Houston Rockets,” said EVA Air President Clay Sun. “As an airline deeply committed to connecting people across cultures, this partnership reflects our shared commitment to inclusivity and community. It was an honor to take part in this special celebration and highlight how we’re bringing the world closer togetherโ€”on and off the court.”

In addition to the night’s festivities, EVA Air hosted a concourse booth where fans engaged with the airline representatives and participated in fun activities to win exclusive prizes while learning more about the new routes and services offered aboard EVA Air. Prizes included EVA Air-themed tote bags, miniature seatbelt detachable key chains, and co-branded Rockets – EVA Air T-shirts. Fans also received a limited-edition Filipino Heritage jersey featuring the EVA Air logo prominently displayed on the back. The jersey was available only through a special ticket package, which included one game ticket and one Filipino Heritage jersey.

“Partnering with EVA Air for our Filipino Heritage Night was a natural fit,” said Houston Rockets President of Business Operations Gretchen Sheirr. “Our shared passion for connecting people across communities made this an exciting opportunity, and we were excited to offer our fans a fun night highlighting Filipino culture.”