Kuwait Airways (Kuwait City) is returning to Munich. According to Airline Route, the airline will restore the Kuwait City – Munich route (three flights a week) starting again on July 16.
Copyright Photo: Antony J. Best/AirlinersGallery.com. Airbus A340-300s will be operated on the restored route. Airbus A340-313 9K-ANA (msn 089) approaches the runway at London (Heathrow).
Kuwait Airways aircraft slide show:ย 
Iraqi Airways (Baghdad) announced on February 20 that it will begin services to Manchester, UK beginning on March 15, 2015.
The twice-weekly service, flown by one of the carrierโs Boeing 737-800s, will include the first flight being between Manchester and Erbil on Wednesdays at 22:00 and the second flight being between Manchester and Sulaymaniyah on Sundays, also departing at 22:00.
Erbil is the largest city and capital of the semi-autonoumous Kurdistan region of Iraq. Erbil is located 55 miles east of Mosul.
Report by Assistant Editor Oliver Wilcock from Manchester.
Copyright Photo: Brandon Farris/AirlinersGallery.com. Brand new Boeing 737-8Z YI-ASR (msn 40080) was just handed over to the carrier on February 20.
Iraqi Airways aircraft slide show:ย
EasyJet UK) (easyJet.com) (London-Luton) has announced two new routes from its London Gatwick and Stansted bases for the summer of 2015.
A new twice-weekly route between Stansted and Monastir, Tunisia will begin on June 2 on Tuesdays and Saturdays.
The new twice-weekly routes from London Gatwick are to Preveza, Greece, beginning on May 17, and Pula, Croatia, beginning on June 23.
Sophie Dekkers, easyJetโs UK director, told Telegraph Travel that the increased connections were because โGreece in particular continues to prove a popular destinationโ and that easyJet is to be the only airline offering direct scheduled flights from the UK to Preveza, a relatively unvisited area of northwestern Greece.
In other news, easyJet on February 26ย launched its Vision for European Aviation calling on the EU, Governments and regulators to improve competitiveness in European aviation.
The airline continued;
The European Commission is currently working on a new Aviation Package and easyJet believes that this is the time to address some long-standing issues such as the reform of airport charges and Single European Skies.
Passengers have hugely benefited from the liberalisation of the airline sector which led to increased competition. Airlines have reduced their fares by 1-2% per year on average over the last 20 years but these reductions have not been mirrored across other aviation sectors in Europe such as airports and air space management. โ
There is no effective control of charges and services at many monopoly airports across Europe, with consumers paying more than they should. For those specific airports, easyJet believe that tougher regulation and a revised Airport Charges Directive is needed.โ
New research by Frontier Economics published today shows that tougher regulation of charges at 15 of Europe’s largest monopoly airports would save passengers โฌ1.48 billion, increasing total one-way passenger trips by 12.2 million, which in turn would increase consumer and tourism spending, and boost trade. In total, the overall impact of better airports regulation would be an increase of GDP in the EEA area of โฌ37bn (+0.23%) or around 470,000 jobs.
Just four key changes would provide these benefits:
โข the move from dual till to single till regulation – when all revenues, both aeronautical and commercial, are taken into account when setting charges
โข the reduction of airports’ return on capital by just 0.5%
โข an increase in airports’ operating efficiency by 10% – reflecting the higher efficiency gains made by airlines, and
โข the removal of the subsidy of transfer passengers – the charges for whom are often half that of origin and destination passengers.
easyJet CEO Carolyn McCall outlined easyJet’s views in meetings with new European Transport Commissioner, Violeta Bulc, a range of MEPs with an interest in transport and in a speech to the European Aviation Club.
In the speech Carolyn McCall called on Europe to put passengers at the heart of decision making;
โThe EU plays a crucial role in supporting European aviation and easyJet is a shining example of that โ without the liberalisation of European skies we would not exist in our current form.โ
โEurope is currently debating which policy framework to put in place, at a national and EU level, to promote the competitiveness of EU aviation.
“In order to get the best outcome for consumers, we believe that this framework should be based on fair competition, freedom of choice, and with passengers at the heart of policy making. We are calling on EU policy makers to revise the Airport Charges Directive and to rethink how we deliver Single European Skies.
โIf we just tackled these two issues, they would improve the efficiency of our industry, drive down fares for consumers and create billions of Euros of GDP, equivalent to hundreds of thousands of jobs.”โ
EasyJetโs Vision for Europeโ
EasyJetโs Vision for Europe outlines the passenger journey, from booking, to the airport, to in-flight and arrival which explains at each step of the way our views on the right policy framework that can make travel easier and more affordable for all of our passengers. In addition to airport charges the document highlights four other key issues which if properly addressed would bring benefits to airlines and their passengers.
Single European Sky
EasyJet proposes a rethink based on three principles:
1) A pragmatic approach to address the deep rooted underlying concerns of key stakeholders. For example, there will be no compulsory redundancies amongst air traffic controllers. Airspace sovereignty is guaranteed and Member States can ensure they have control over their airspace
2) Governance is shared, so airspace users have an equal seat at the table.
3) SES should be on an opt-in basis, but with EU funding only available for those who opt inโ.
Social dimensionโ
At easyJet we aim to be a good corporate citizen and to operate a model of responsible profitability – that means that we employ people on local contracts and in line with local conditions and legislation, according to where they are based. We also work with trade unions right across Europe.
The current framework enables easyJet to do the right thing but this should be enforced equally and fairly across countries.
Ground handling services
There is not enough competition on ground handling services which means passengers still pay too much and do not receive the right level of service.
Slot trading
It is critical that airlines are allowed to trade slots to ensure they are used as efficiently as possible.
Copyright Photo: Gerd Beilfuss/AirlinersGallery.com. Airbus A319-111 G-EZDK (msn 3555) arrives in Hamburg dressed in the “new look” 2015 livery.
EasyJet (UK) aircraft slide show:ย
Aer Lingus (Dublin), adding to our previous story, reported a net loss of โฌ95.8 million ($107.8 million) for 2014, reversing the โฌ34.1 million ($38.3 million) net profit for 2013.
Christoph Mueller Aer Lingusโ CEO commented: โThe year 2014 proved the strength of our โvalue carrierโ business model across both our short and long haul businesses. We profitably expanded our long haul network utilizing our cost advantage and favorable geographic position and helped establish Dublin as the 7th largest European hub for trans-Atlantic connections. Our short haul business continued to demonstrate its resilience despite a highly competitive market. Commercial initiatives, in addition to cost control, led to the highest operating profit since the financial crisis and 17.8% above last year.
The focus on our business is unabated and in the coming months we will invest in our customer proposition and distribution model in addition to reducing costs. Now that the complex IASS pension funding issues have been addressed, we are re-launching our CORE program, starting with the introduction of a new voluntary severance scheme at the beginning of this year.
I am delighted to hand the reins to Stephen Kavanagh at the end of this week. I know that the entire Aer Lingus team has a lot of work planned for 2015 and I am confident that they will drive further improvements in profitability, customer satisfaction and employee engagement.โ
International Consolidated Airlines Group, S.A. (IAGโ offer update:
1. Board willing to recommend the financial terms of IAGโs offer to shareholders
2. Compelling strategic rationale and significant benefits for Aer Lingus, its current and future employees, its customers and for Ireland. The combination would:
A. Enhance Irelandโs position as a natural hub for Europe on the North Atlantic; Accelerate Aer Lingusโ transatlantic, long haul growth plans;
B. Grow employment;
C. Enhance short haul growth;
D. Strengthen Irelandโs connectivity; and Provide access to a global cargo network
3. Aer Lingus has confirmed IAGโs intentions to preserve Aer Lingus as a separate operating business within the group with its own brand, management, head office and operations
Colm Barrington, Aer Lingus Chairman, said: โOur performance in 2014 was strong, with significant growth in long haul and resilient short haul operations. To enhance these excellent results and to accelerate Aer Lingusโ growth, it is the Boardโs strong belief that the company should now take the opportunity to combine with IAG. In this combination Aer Lingus will operate as a separate business while gaining access to IAGโs extensive network and benefiting from its scale. These significantly positive benefits will de-risk Aer Lingusโ future, strengthen its operations and enhance the future success of the company .โ
The Irish government as we previously report, still has reservations about the sale of the flag carrier to IAG and has requested additional clarification.
Read the full report: CLICK HERE
Copyright Photo: SPA/AirlinersGallery.com. Airbus A319-111 EI-EPT (msn 3054) arrives in London (Heathrow).
Aer Lingus Aircraft slide show:ย
Branson AirExpress (Branson, Missouri) has announced on social media it is expanding its relationship with Orange Air (Sanford) and their McDonnell Douglas DC-9-83 (MD-83) aircraft (above). The company is introducing four new routes on May 1, flown by Orange Air (all operated three days a week): Branson-Cincinnati, Branson-New Orleans, New Orleans-Cancun and Sanford (near Orlando)-Cancun.
The DC-9-83 will operate in this sequence and then return: Sanford-Cancun-New Orleans-Branson-Cincinatti.
Above Photo: Orange Air.
Route Map:
United Airlines (Chicago) will introduce new premium-cabin dining service on United Express flights beginning next week, featuring freshly prepared entrees served on chinaware and expanded meal-service times for United First and United Business customers on regional flights.
The airline continues:
These dining improvements are part of United’s previously announced multi-million-dollar investment in in-flight food service.
The new meal service will be introduced in phases by aircraft type, with the new menus available on United Express North America flights operated with Embraer E170 (above) and E175 aircraft beginning March 1, and on Bombardier CRJ700 and Q400 aircraft beginning in April.
More Choices, More Often
New breakfast, lunch and dinner menus designed by United’s team of chefs will be offered on flights of more than two hours and twenty minutes.
Breakfast flights may include a fresh fruit plate served with cereal, creamy Greek yogurt and breakfast bread.
Lunch and dinner will feature two freshly-prepared entree choices that may include an artisanal pretzel roll filled with tangy barbecue chicken and coleslaw paired with a tri-color quinoa side salad; or ginger and garlic marinated beef with pickled vegetables and crisp edamame, served with Asian sesame dressing and a side of fresh fruit. Flight attendants will serve signature triple chocolate chunk cookies as dessert on lunch and dinner flights.
Other highlights include:
On flights of less than one hour, gourmet biscotti will be served on early morning flights and a premium fruit and nut snack mix will be served on later flights.
On flights between one hour and two hours and twenty minutes, flight attendants will offer light refreshments that include a selection of premium snacks and fresh fruit.
The airline is also adding light refreshments to flights departing between 1:30 p.m. and 4 p.m. and after 8 p.m.
Photo Above: United Airlines. The barbeque chicken and coleslaw sandwich.
United Express Inflight Entertainment
The airline is continuing improvements to the United Express inflight experience by outfitting more than 200 E175, E170 and CRJ700 regional jets with Gogo’s ATG-4 advanced air-to-ground Wi-Fi product. By mid-2015, United expects to complete installation on these aircraft.
Additionally, the company will begin providing Personal Device Entertainment on these regional jets this year, offering customers hundreds of complimentary movies and television shows to view on their Apple iOS and Android devices using United’s mobile app, as well as on laptop computers.
Eco-Skies Recycling Program Expanded to United Express Flights
In mid-January, United Express carriers began recycling on board E175 aircraft, furthering United’s Eco-Skies commitment to operating sustainably and responsibly. These E175 flights originate from Houston, Chicago and San Francisco.
These flights follow the same recycling program currently in place on United’s mainline fleet, using United Eco-Skies recycling bags for recycling paper, aluminum cans, plastic bottles and the carrier’s new hot beverage cups. The hot beverage cups – introduced in 2014 and boarded on all E175 flights – are recyclable and made in the United States from 50 percent recycled materials.
Top Copyright Photo: Ton Jochems/AirlinersGallery.com.ย Shuttle America’s Embraer ERJ 170-100SE N639RW (msn 17000057) taxies at the Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD) hub.
United Express-Shuttle America aircraft slide show:ย
Republic Airways Holdings Inc. (Republic Airlines and Shuttle America) (Indianapolis) has reported its financial results for the fourth quarter and full year ended December 31, 2014. The companyย reported net income of $64.3 million for 2014, a significant increase from its ย net income of $26.7 million in 2013.
As planned, Chautauqua Airlines ended operations on December 31, 2014 and was rolled into Shuttle America as previously reported.
The company issued this report:
Republicโs pre-tax income excluding special items, for the fourth quarter of 2014 was $32.1 million, an 8.4 percent increase over the fourth quarter or 2013. Republicโs adjusted income from continuing operations for the fourth quarter of 2014 was $19.8 million, or $0.39 per diluted share, and its adjusted pre-tax margin was 9.3 percent.
For the full year of 2014, Republicโs pre-tax income, excluding special items, was $120.2 million, a $17.7 million increase over 2013. Republicโs adjusted income from continuing operations for 2014 was $73.4 million, or $1.40 per diluted share, with an adjusted pre-tax margin of 8.7 percent.
On a GAAP basis, including special items, Republicโs fourth quarter 2014 pre-tax loss was $1.4 million, pre-tax margin was -0.4 percent and income from continuing operations was $11.7 million, or $0.23 per diluted share. On a GAAP basis, including special items, Republicโs 2014 pre-tax income was $85.2 million, pre-tax margin was 6.2 percent and income from continuing operations was $64.3 million, or $1.24 per diluted share.
On January 1, 2015, Republic completed its consolidation of all Chautauqua Airlines operations onto the Shuttle America operating certificate. All operating aircraft and related employees are now transferred to Shuttle Americaโs operation. Republic hopes to sell the remaining Chautauqua Airlines entity and related assets during the first half of 2015.
During the fourth quarter of 2014, Republic extended the service terms of aircraft under its fixed-fee capacity purchase agreements with US Airways, Inc. and Delta Air Lines, Inc. Republic also agreed to operate an additional nine E170 aircraft for Delta Air Lines, Inc.
โWe took some significant steps in 2014 in our effort to simplify and streamline our business,โ said Republic Airways Holdings Chairman, President and CEO Bryan Bedford. โWhile this simplification strategy results in near-term transition expenses, such as the fleet impairment charge we took this quarter, the actions that weโve taken in 2014 and that we intend to take in 2015 are key to the future success of our airline.โ
The impairment and other charges in 2014 were due to impairment and other charges on owned E140 aircraft which were abandoned of $19.9 million; owned E190 aircraft which are in the process of being sold of $14.4 million; owned Q400 aircraft which are scheduled to come out of service in the third quarter of 2016 of $13.3 million, and a loss on sale of E190 aircraft of $5.8 million. The 2013 impairment charges of $21.2 million related to owned E190 aircraft and the write-off of maintenance deposits on leased E190 aircraft.
Fleet Highlights
During 2014, our operational fleet decreased from 258 to 244. The company took delivery of 22 E175 aircraft, permanently parked 15 E140 aircraft, temporarily parked 13 E145 aircraft, sold two E190 aircraft and leased three E145 aircraft and three E190 aircraft.
During 2014, we took delivery of 22 E175 aircraft and removed 28 small regional jets.
In December 2014, we completed the sale of two E190 aircraft and executed an agreement to sell three other E190 aircraft. The sale of these five aircraft will leave us with two owned E190 aircraft and three leased E190 aircraft that are expected to be removed from fixed-fee charter service in August of 2015. We expect to return the three leased aircraft to the lessor in 2015 and the remaining two aircraft are under a firm sales agreement.
Balance Sheet and Liquidity
The Companyโs total cash balance decreased $55.1 million to $245.6 million as of Dec. 31, 2014, compared to Dec. 31, 2013. Restricted cash decreased $2.3 million, to $21.7 million, from Dec. 31, 2013, due to the escrow requirements under our fixed-fee charter agreements. The Companyโs unrestricted cash balance decreased $52.8 million, to $223.9 million, from Dec. 31, 2013, due primarily to equity investments in new aircraft and the redemption of the $22.3 million and $26.5 million convertible notes on April 7, 2014, and Oct. 28, 2014, respectively. The Company also purchased 212,881 shares of its common stock on the open market, during the third quarter of 2014 for total consideration of $2.1 million. A consolidated balance sheet and summary cash flow statement have been included in the tables section of this release.
The Companyโs debt increased to $2.34 billion as of Dec. 31, 2014, compared to $2.17 billion at Dec. 31, 2013, primarily related to the financing of 22, new E175 aircraft purchased for our American Airlines fixed-fee agreement. As of Dec. 31, 2014, approximately 98 percent of our debt is at a fixed interest rate. The Company has significant long-term lease obligations for aircraft that are classified as operating leases and are not reflected as liabilities on the Companyโs consolidated balance sheet. At a 6 percent discount factor, the present value of these lease obligations was approximately $0.48 billion and $0.59 billion as of Dec. 31, 2014, and Dec. 31, 2013, respectively.
Corporate Information
Republic Airways Holdings Inc., based in Indianapolis, Indiana, is an airline holding company that owns Republic Airlines, Shuttle America and Chautauqua Airlines, collectively โthe airlines.โ As of Dec. 31, 2014, the airlines operated a combined fleet of about 245 aircraft and offered scheduled passenger service on more than 1,300 flights daily to approximately 100 cities in the U.S., Canada and the Caribbean through fixed-fee flights operated under our major airline partner brands, including American Eagle, Delta Connection, United Express, and US Airways Express. The Company currently employs about 6,500 aviation professionals.
Copyright Photo: Brian McDonough/AirlinersGallery.com. During 2014 Republic took delivery of 22 Embraer E175 aircraft. Republic Airlines’ Embraer ERJ 170-200LR (ERJ 175) N415YX (msn 17000378) arrives in Washington (Reagan National).
American Eagle-Republic Airlines:ย
Air Pacific Ltd, trading as the Fiji Airways Group (Fiji Airways) (Nadi), has announced its financial results for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2014. Mr. Nalin Patel, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Air Pacifc Ltd., trading as Fiji Airways said the airline and its consolidated group (Fiji Airways Group) made record operating profits. The Group comprises of Fiji Airways, Fijiโs National Airline, its subsidiaries Fiji Link & Pacific Call Comm Ltd, and a 38.75% stake in the Sofitel Fiji Resort & Spa on Denarau Island, Nadi. Fiji Airways reported another record breaking year in terms of revenue and passenger numbers.
Fiji Airways reported a profit before income tax of $65.2 million compared to a profit before income tax of $8.3 million for the nine-month period ended December 31, 2013.
Air Pacific Ltd (the Group) reported a profit before income tax of $60.8 million compared to a profit before income tax of $14.2 million for nine-month period ended December 31, 2013.
On a net basis, Fiji Airways reported an after tax profit of $55.6m and the Group reported an after tax profit of $52.9m (versus after tax profits of $8.7m and $14.5m respectively for the nine-month period ended 31st December 2013.
These results are more than two times better than the best operating profit achieved in the history of APL back in 2005.
โThe airline is already prepared for a busy year ahead, with the addition of a Boeing 737-800 and a new Airbus A330-300 to its fleet, the launch of new routes (Nadi-Wellington) and increased frequencies to key destinations. It is also assessing a new long-haul route in Asia. Our guests can also look forward to further enhancements to our on-board offering, as well as further enhanced customer service at its airports and new Reservations Centre.โ
In other news,ย Fiji Airways is planning to commence a new nonstop route linking Fiji with the ย Solomon Islands, with Saturday only Nadi โ Honiara flights with Boeing 737-700 aircraft from April 4 per Airline Route. The airline currently operates once-a-week flight on the Nadi โ Port Vila โ Honiara route on Tuesdays.
Copyright Photo: Keith Burton/AirlinersGallery.com. Boeing 737-8X2 DQ-FJH (msn 29969) taxies at Sydney.
Fiji Airways aircraft slide show:ย
Route Map:
Delta Air Lines (Atlanta) will upgrade the in-flight Wi-Fi service its customers experience with broadband speeds and expanded coverage. The upgrades will extend Wi-Fi access beyond the shores of the North America for customers traveling between the U. S. and Latin America or the Caribbean. Gogo will begin updating Delta’s long-haul domestic aircraft currently using air-to-ground technology with satellite-based technology starting in 2016.
In addition, Delta will support Gogo’s efforts to develop the industry’s newest technology with Gogo’s next generation air-to-ground service for its short-haul aircraft, which will feature faster connection at broadband speeds. Today’s announcement is the latest step Delta is taking to improve the travel experience and continue leading the industry with innovative technology solutions for its customers.
Satellite-based 2Ku upgrades
More than 250 of Delta’s aircraft on long-haul domestic, Latin American and Caribbean routes will have access to Wi-Fi when they fly over water or outside existing air-to-ground service areas with the upgrades to 2Ku. The satellite-based system will be installed on:
Boeing 757-300 aircraft
Boeing 757-200 aircraft (above)
Boeing 737-900ER aircraft
Boeing 737-800 aircraft
Airbus A319 aircraft
2Ku service will also be offered on Delta’s Airbus A321 aircraft when they enter the Delta’s fleet beginning in 2016.
Air-to-ground technology improvements
Short-haul domestic aircraft in Delta’s fleet with air-to-ground systems will be upgraded with Gogo’s next generation air-to-ground technology as it becomes available. Delta’s Boeing 717-200, MD-88 and MD-90 aircraft are slated to get the system and will also offer significantly upgraded speeds.
International Wi-Fi
Delta has completed installation of Ku-band satellite Wi-Fi on more than one-third of its international fleet and will be 85 percent complete by the end of 2015. In mid-2016, its entire international fleet, including all of its Boeing 777, 767, 747, Airbus A330 and transoceanic Boeing 757 aircraft operating on long-haul routes will offer Wi-Fi. The addition of in-flight Internet on nearly 150 aircraft will expand the number of Delta’s aircraft equipped with Wi-Fi to approximately 1,000 to offer customers the most global Wi-Fi access of any carrier. 2Ku service will be offered on Airbus A330-900neo and A350-900 aircraft when they enter the Delta fleet.
Delta Studio
Customers can access free and paid streaming entertainment options through Delta Studio on any of Delta’s Wi-Fi-equipped domestic flights using their own portable electronic devices. With expanded connectivity options, Delta Studio will be available on Caribbean and Latin American routes operated by domestic aircraft. Delta Studio was introduced in 2014 and features a new customer portal with improved navigation for accessing entertainment options. Customers in First Class and Economy Comfort receive complimentary access to premium content while customers in the Economy have access to a wide selection of complimentary entertainment.
Delta already operates the world’s largest Wi-Fi-equipped fleet, with more than 3,500 Internet connected flights daily, including its entire fleet of 620 domestic mainline aircraft. More than 940 Delta aircraft, including all Delta Connection two-class regional jets and more than 35 percent of its international fleet are equipped with in-flight Wi-Fi service offering more than 370,000 customers per day access while in the air.
Copyright Photo: Michael B. Ing/AirlinersGallery.com. Boeing 757-232 N695DL (msn 29727) departs from Los Angeles International Airport.
Delta aircraft slide show (current livery):ย
Bombardier Commercial Aircraft (Montreal) confirmed, pending optimal weather conditions, the CS300 aircraftโs first flight is expected to occur on February 26, 2015. The first flight follows last weekโs receipt of the Transport Canada flight permit that allowed the first CS300 flight test vehicle to join the flight test program and the successful high speed taxi runs conducted earlier this week.
Update: Bombardier later issued this statement:ย Due to weather conditions in Mirabel, Quรฉbec, the first flight of the CS300 flight test vehicle will not take place on February 26, 2015.
Photo: Bombardier.
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