Condor previews its first Airbus A330neo cabin

Condor has issued this A330neo preview and photos:

The new Airbus A330neo cabin design

This autumn, it will be time for our brand-new 2-litre aircraft, freshly painted in the colour โ€œIslandโ€ in the new Condor look, to take off and bring passengers to their holiday destinations extremely efficiently and with unbelievable levels of comfort and convenienceTake-Off now!

More space and an even better feel-good atmosphere

In addition to the latest technology and maximised efficiency, the A330neo also attracts attention with its successful cabin design. As the quietest cabin of its kind, the whisper cabin impresses passengers with its spacious feeling. When optimising all 310 Business Class, Premium Economy Class and Economy Class seats, achieving a more comfortable seating architecture was the top priority. Whatโ€™s more, significantly larger overhead compartments allow you to store your hand luggage quickly and safely.

More features and an even more attractive ambience

Illuminated handrails and five mood lights that can be set to a variety of class-specific modes create a pleasant ambience during the flight. The USB A/C ports and sockets at each seat give you the best possible flexibility. Experience the latest generation of Inflight Entertainment, presented to you in the highest quality on your in-seat 4K monitor. You can also make the most of a separate holder for mobile devices and a Bluetooth function for using your own wireless headphones.

With maximum comfort and plenty of space for privacy, our high-flyer offers the right option for every one of our passengers: a generous sense of space in Economy Class, pure relaxation in Premium Economy Class and exquisite comfort in the brand new Business Class.

The three classes in detail

Economy Class: a generous sense of space

With a seat pitch of 76 cm, the Economy Class creates a generous sense of space. This is supported by hand luggage compartments that are 66 percent larger, 4-way adjustable headrests and 8.5ยฐ tilting backrests. In addition to a USB A/C connection and socket for each seat, there is also a separate holder for mobile devices. You can listen to the latest generation of Inflight Entertainment on either our on-board headphones or your own wireless headphones via the Bluetooth function and watch it on your 13.3” in-seat 4K monitor.

Premium Economy Class: pure relaxation

It gets even better: enjoy the increased legroom of Premium Economy Class with a seat pitch of 89 cm. Adjust your personally adjustable footrest and the six-way adjustable headrest, then lean back and relax at an angle of up to 12ยฐ in the backrest fitted with memory foam.

As you would expect, the Premium Economy Class also offers you the practical holder for your mobile devices, the new USB A/C connections and the Bluetooth function that enables you to use your own wireless headphones, not forgetting the 13.3โ€ in-seat 4K monitor, which offers you the latest generation of Inflight Entertainment.

Business Class: exquisite comfort

The color concept of the entire cabin, which is marina blue throughout, compliments the dark wood dรฉcor and leather, combining the lounge-like atmosphere with maximum comfort above the clouds.

Each seat provides direct access to the aisle.ย  You can therefore indulge in the new 180ยฐ marvel undisturbed and with even more privacy. You can also transform your seat into a 199 cm-long dream at the touch of a button.

Whatโ€™s more, the six-way adjustable headrest and an abundance of multimedia content provided by the Inflight Entertainment ensure additional relaxation. When using the entertainment, you can choose between the Condor Noise Cancelling Headphones or your own wireless Bluetooth headphones. Select what you want to watch on your 17.3โ€ 4K monitor via touch screen or remote control.
In addition to on-board Wi-Fi, all the necessary connection options such as USB A/C and sockets can be found directly at your seat. The small, stylish cocktail table and the generous storage area for your hand luggage round off the perfect flight experience.

Overview of cabin features

  • Whisper cabin: the quietest cabin in the world (in flight size)
  • Three-class configuration
  • 310 seats: Economy Class (216), Premium Economy Class (64) and Business Class (30)
  • Generous sense of space
  • Optimised seat architecture in all classes
  • 66 percent more space in personal storage compartments
  • Net storage space with an extra bottle holder in Economy Class & Premium Economy Class,
  • cocktail table, generous storage area, coat hooks, indirect light in the footwell and storage in Business Class
  • In-seat 4K monitors
  • Bluetooth function to use your own wireless headphones
  • Latest generation of Inflight Entertainment with connectivity on board
  • Gripping multimedia content of the highest quality
  • Latest USB A/C connections, as well as a socket at each seat
  • Separate holder for mobile devices
  • Class-specific adjustable mood light (service light, sunrise/sunset, relaxed, rainbow, โ€œGreen Spiritโ€)
  • Seats for disabled passengers in all booking classes

Video:

Condor aircraft photo gallery:

Spirit Airlines disagrees with ISS recommendation on proposed transaction with Frontier

Spirit Airlines, Inc. has commented on a report from Institutional Shareholder Services (ISS) regarding the Company’s definitive merger agreement with Frontier Group Holdings, Inc., parent company of Frontier Airlines, Inc.

(PRNewsfoto/Spirit Airlines, Inc.)

“We disagree with ISS’ recommendation against the Frontier-Spirit merger, which we continue to believe is in the best interest of Spirit stockholders. ISS appears overfocused on the absence of a reverse termination fee in that deal, and we have consistently maintained (as ISS also acknowledges) that the JetBlue proposal carries significantly greater regulatory obstacles, and JetBlue absolutely should pay Spirit stockholders more to compensate for that risk,” said Ted Christie, President and CEO of Spirit. “During the extensive discussions held between Spirit and JetBlue, JetBlue admitted that a lawsuit from DOJ seeking to block a merger with Spirit was a 100% certainty; therefore, JetBlue would have to prevail in or settle DOJ litigation in order to consummate the deal. Moreover, ISS did not recognize the elevated business disruption that Spirit would face from a lengthy review and litigation process ultimately resulting from a failed transaction with JetBlue after 18-24 months, nor did it adequately weigh the loss of substantial value Spirit stockholders otherwise would have received in a merger between Spirit and Frontier. We continue to believe the reverse termination fee is a moot point because there is nothing stopping JetBlue from walking away after achieving their goal of disrupting the Spirit-Frontier combination.

“Further, we disagree with ISS’ characterization that stockholders can reinvest the cash proceeds from a JetBlue transaction to maintain exposure to the airline industry recovery. Spirit stockholders would not receive $30 of cash per share for up to two years, if ever, during which time the airline industry recovery may have delivered value for stockholders that far exceeds JetBlue’s capped, inadequate and highly opportunistic offer. In contrast, the Frontier combination presents a compelling value creation opportunity due to the combination of cash and stock consideration, which gives our stockholders the chance to participate in the upside of the post-pandemic recovery in the airline industry upon close and benefit from up to $500 million in annual run-rate operating synergies.

“ISS also recommends Spirit stockholders do not voteย JetBlue’s proxy card, indicating ISS still sees a potential path forward for Spirit to merge with Frontier. Overall, we ask our stockholders not to be distracted by JetBlue’s highly conditional tender offer, and our Board continues to unanimously recommend that Spirit stockholders vote FORย the merger proposal with Frontier,” said Christie.

In its report, ISS highlights:

  • “The Frontier offer does have a sound strategic rationale, as the combined company will be the fifth largest U.S. airline and largest ultra-low cost carrier, and the equity component of the merger consideration would allow shareholders to participate in the potential upside of the combined company.”
  • “Spirit’s argument that the proposed transaction with Frontier has an easier glide path to obtain regulatory approval than JetBlue’s proposed transaction does appear reasonable. While a transaction with Frontier does eliminate the largest ULCC competitor to Frontier, it would create an overall larger ULCC with a more robust nationwide network.”
  • “JetBlue’s proposal arguably faces more complex regulatory headwinds, particularly given the ongoing DOJ lawsuit against the NEA.”
  • “JetBlue’s proposal would likewise remove the largest ULCC from the market, whose planes would be retrofitted to JetBlue standards, resulting in less seats per plane and therefore removing capacity from the market; JetBlue fares are also typically higher than Spirit’s.”
  • “[JetBlue’s offer] is clearly a defensive offer that may also prove to be opportunistic, given that Spirit traded above $33.00 for a sustained period in 2021.”
  • “The board’s view that more patient shareholders would reap greater benefits by staying invested in a combined Frontier/Spirit could prove out over time, as there is robust strategic rationale for the proposed merger.”
  • “Investors reacted positively to the merger announcement with Frontier, driving the SAVE share price up by 17.2 percent to close at $25.46 per share, compared to a 2.8 percent rise in the US Global Jets Index and a 0.3 percent decline in the Russell 3000 Index on the same day.”

Merger Agreement with Frontier

As previously announced, Spirit Airlines, Inc. entered into a merger agreement with Frontier Group Holdings, Inc. on February 5, 2022. The merger is expected to close in the second half of 2022, subject to satisfaction of customary closing conditions, including completion of the regulatory review process and approval by Spirit stockholders. The Spirit Board of Directors unanimously recommends that stockholders vote FOR all proposals relating to the transaction with Frontier.

Spirit Airlines aircraft photo gallery:

 

MYAirline of Malaysia takes delivery of its first Airbus A320

New airline from Malaysia, will become 9M-DAC

MYAirline (MYAirline.my) (Kuala Lumpur) is a new low-cost airline in Malaysia.

The new airline has taken delivery of this Airbus A320 via Honolulu. The pictured ex-Frontier (Finn – The Tiger Shark) N220FR (msn 5661) will become 9M-NAC.

The upstart is planning to launch scheduled operations with three Airbus A320s. Two additional A320s (ex-Thai AirAsia HS-ABK msn 4088, and HS-ABL msn 4126) are being leased from Aircastle.

Top Copyright Photo: MYAirline – MYAirline.my Airbus A320-214 WL N220FR (9M-DAC) (msn 5661) HNL (IVan K. Nishimura). Image: 957763.

ITA Airways is renewed all in the name of Made in Italy, including new uniforms

The new carrier has made this announcement:

In the week of Festa della Repubblica (the Italian Republic Day), which marks Italy’s most symbolic anniversary, ITA Airways sets another milestone in its evolution as the new Italian national flagship carrier.

In a period slightly over 6 months from the begin of its flight operations on October 15, 2021, which represents a record time in the airline industry, and in an unexpected and complex international context, ITA Airways is delivering on its plan featuring a strong focus on Made in Italy and sustainability, courtesy of the commitment and dedication of the Company’s entire workforce.

In fact, the new Airbus A350 โ€“ a first for Italy and for the Company โ€“ is the new Ambassador of ITA Airways in the world, boasting the skillful craftsmanship of three prestigious Italian talents, in the evolution of its image:

– The new uniforms created by the ITA Airways team with the kind stylistic consultancy of Brunello Cucinelli – The new aircraft interiors created by designer Walter De Silva
– The new on-board catering designed by Michelin-starred chef Enrico Bartolini

The emblem of excellence, style, elegance, taste and, in a single word, Italian creativity becomes an integral part of ITA Airways and underlines the Company’s strong ties with the territory and the passions of Italians, first of all sports.

To confirm the strong link with the Italian spirit, on ย June 1, ITA Airways will be flying the Italian national football team to the match against the Argentinian national team that will be played at the Wembley Stadium in London.

The special ITA Airways flight carrying the Italian national team represents the kick-off of the flagship carrier’s renewed collaboration with the world of sports, to which the new livery of its Airbus A319, A320, A330 and A350 aircraft named after the great champions of Italian sports history is dedicated.

On June 2, the ribbon-cutting ceremony of the new ITA Airways Roma Fiumicino – Buenos Aires flight will be attended by Roberto Baggio. Named after the famous Italian soccer champion, the Airbus A350 operating the new Rome FCO โ€“ Buenos Aires route will see flying for the first time the Companyโ€™s new uniforms, its new catering, and new interiors. The Airbus A350 will be the first aircraft to sport all the Company’s new on-board features, which will be gradually introduced throughout its fleet.

“The idea of this stylistic consultancy with ITA Airways certainly stems from a common vocation, which aims at transferring the style of fine Italian clothing also through the uniforms of the cabin crew,” commented Brunello Cucinelli, “this to represent an image of Italy that is recognized internationally as the cradle of a culture inspired by beauty, art and traditions. All this will be achieved also through the great contribution of the medium-sized Italian enterprises that will produce them, following this new idea developed together with ITA Airways’.

“To create the ITA Airways on-board gastronomic proposal, we were inspired by the culinary excellence of our country, the tradition of Italian cuisine made with high-quality raw materials combined to a contemporary approach, which is at the same time simple and elegant and provides to customers a service that has Italy in its heart. I am honored to be part of the team of chefs who will take turns for the catering offer on board: this is a truly innovative project of our flagship carrier and represents an extraordinary message of great national harmony and international breath,” said Enrico Bartolini.

“Design is a transversal and universal language and the interior of an aircraft, like any space in motion, is a place to be shared. A place that, as it revolves more and more around travelers, enters directly and profoundly into the mood and state of mind of every single person,” said Walter De Silva. “In the project with ITA Airways, the idea of borrowing Gino Paoli’s famous song ‘Il Cielo in una stanza’ (โ€˜The Sky in a Roomโ€™) immediately crossed my mind, because it brings back to the interior of an aircraft a pleasant sensation that is consistent with the mode chosen for a journey above the clouds.”

NEW AIRBUS A350-900 โ€“ THE CONCRETENESS OF SUSTAINABILITY

On 2 June, for the celebration for the Italian Republic Day, three Airbus A350-900 aircraft will be in operation.
Having arrived at Fiumicino a few weeks ago, they are now ready to enter service, while waiting for the fourth unit planned to join the fleet in the next few days.

ITA Airways once again confirms the sustainability plan for its fleet, which will ensure that 75% of its aircraft will be of New Generation by 2025. This will enable the Company to become one of the greenest in Europe and have one of the youngest fleets in the civil aviation industry.

The new Airbus A350-900 features 334 seats, including 33 full-flat bed seats in Business and 39 seats in Comfort Economy ensuring more legroom. The introduction of the Airbus A350 in the ITA Airways fleet, represents an important step towards sustainability in line with the international ‘Fit for 55’ protocol, whose objectives are shared by ITA Airways.

The A350 is lighter, quieter, and more efficient than any previous generation aircraft.

A 70% weight reduction has been achieved courtesy of advanced, lighter materials, for 70 percent of the airframe, while cutting-edge aerodynamics and the highly efficient Rolls-Royce aeroengine (the Trent XWB) optimize range and payload for greater efficiency.

In fact, thanks to the new aircraft, ITA Airways will benefit from a reduction of more than 20 percent in fuel consumption and CO2 emissions per seat. On the A350-900, every detail has been designed with aerodynamic efficiency in mind, from the 3D curved windshield to the way the flaps uniquely deploy along the line of flight. This state-of-the-art, nature-inspired aerodynamics includes a unique wing morphing technology that continuously optimises the wing profile to reduce drag and lower fuel burn.

NEW INTERIOR BY WALTER DE SILVA

The genius of the designer Walter De Silva was inspired by the idea of bringing back a pleasant as well as coherent sensation to the interior of the aircraft, one that was consistent with the choice of a journey above the clouds. Comfort, elegance, simplicity, materials and colours were the starting point for designing the new ITA Airways aircraft interiors. All this with the aim of satisfying the need for ‘people centricity’. Blue and sand are the predominant colours, but the most important feature is the progressive set-up of the lighting, which changes seamlessly based on the different situations on board (boarding – take off – fly – dinner – lunch – sun rise – sun set – night). This last option will be available only on long-haul flights where it represents an added value for the quality of life on board.

The whole project naturally complies with todayโ€™s keyword in all sectors: sustainability which is also one of the pillars of ITA Airways. In this sense, the design on board of ITA Airways aircraft does not waste, is economically efficient and has the task of conveying emotions, with the aim of improving people’s lives by generating profit that can be reinvested in welfare.

NEW UNIFORMS – a creative project developed by the ITA Airways team with the kind stylistic consultancy of Brunello Cucinelli

โ€˜โ€™Italy of small things that make the biggest difference and of things done well that are good for the heart.โ€

This is the core of the kind stylistic consultancy offered by Brunello Cucinelli for the creation of ITA Airways uniforms. Both companies are flagships of made in Italy and share a common vocation: to bring Italian style into the world, or in other words, an Italy that can continue to be recognised internationally as the cradle of a culture, inspired by the beauty of its landscapes, art, and traditions.

This is the message of Brunello Cucinelli, who uses regeneration as a point of reference in the development of his style. The entire process, which led to the stylistic consultancy for the new uniforms was inspired by sustainability and ‘Made in Italyโ€™; it is a project with a very clear vision and which, above all, has concrete benefits for the Italian production system. In this context, in fact, Brunello Cucinelli, who was guided exclusively by the passion for this project, without any economic return, gave his stylistic contribution to the creative development of the models. Once these models are defined, they will then be produced and manufactured by an array of medium-sized Italian enterprises as a testament to ITA Airways’ focus on the national system.

The men’s uniform consists of a dry-fitting jacket and trouser suit with a one-and-a-half-breasted jacket, in which the man’s upper body and shoulders are enhanced. For the woman, both a jacket and trouser combo and the traditional combination with a skirt were chosen, to balance a refined sartorial elegance with a contemporary touch given by clean lines and volumes.

The new uniforms will enter service on the entire fleet progressively over the next few months. This gradual approach is intended precisely to avoid wasting money by managing the end-of-stock of old uniforms and thus making the operation neutral with respect to the Company’s budget.

These include the following items for the Women’s and Men’s wardrobe:

Women: Coat, mackintosh, double-breasted jacket, trousers, skirt, blouse, t-shirt, waistcoat, cardigan, and dress. Women’s accessories: blue scarf, beige scarf, gloves, bag, and scarf.

Men: Coat, mackintosh, padded waistcoat, double-breasted suit, shirt, long-sleeved V-neck, and V-neck waistcoat. Men’s accessories: blue tie, grey tie, gloves, belt, and scarf.

NEW GASTRONOMIC PROPOSAL, THAT IS UNIQUE IN THE INDUSTRY. SEVERAL INTERNATIONALLY RENOWNED ITALIAN CHEFS AND YOUNG TALENTS WILL PERIODICALLY TAKE TURNS

For the new on-board gastronomic proposal, ITA Airways has developed a creative idea guided by a vision that would allow all customers not only to experience Italian quality, but to place it in context according to specific themes. A project offering an experience that represents real added value for passengers and for the national gastronomic chain. Guided by this vision, from 2 June on board all intercontinental flights in the ITA Airways network, customers will travel through new fragrances and new flavors inspired by the excellence of our country, in a simple and elegant style marked by the talent of the Italian chefs who will take turns in the on-board service. Periodically, depending on the identification of specific themes, several internationally renowned Italian chefs and young talents recognized by their community as highly promising will alternate in the on-board food and wine proposal. This approach represents a uniqueness in the airline industry and aims to offer to the Italian culinary excellence the opportunity to provide a varied experience in a unique environment.

ITA Airways is proving to be spreading Italian talent, and the first to get on board is Italy’s most star-studded chef, Enrico Bartolini, who is characterised by a contemporary approach to transforming luxury into simplicity and offering customers a service that has Italy in its heart. With Bartolini, traditional Italian dishes will be served in Business class, such as a reinterpretation of pappa al pomodoro (served as a hot first course) and chicken hip with Amalfi scents. The menu will be enriched with desserts, coffee, and beverages โ€“ all examples of Italian delicacies.

Names of the upcoming Chefs will be unveiled progressively, to offer each of them a world-class showcase and the opportunity to study the best proposal to make the journey an all-embracing experience. This new “food & beverage” offer of ITA Airways will provide passengers with a totally renewed menu also in economy class, which offers only products produced in Italy and connected to the country’s gastronomic tradition.

NEW ADVERTISING CAMPAIGN

ITA Airways’ new advertising campaign “DESTINATION: YOU” will also be launched on June 1.

The campaign revolves around the concept of “people-centricity” and – by showing significant images of the new ITA Airways features, such as the new Airbus 350, the new uniforms, the new interiors, and the new gastronomic proposal โ€“ it will tell the stories of 3 passengers on board alternating them with emotional flashbacks of the experience behind each story, because “our flights don’t unite only cities, they unite your stories”. We will therefore discover that behind every traveler and every flight experience there are values such as friendship, love, family that turn every story and every journey into a special moment.

The campaign will start on June 1 with a 60″ TV spot aired during the Italy-Argentina match and from June 2, the Italian Republic Day, it will be on air on the main TV networks in 60″ and 30″ formats, as also in the main national newspapers and on the main news websites and web portals.

In the days to follow, the planning will be joined by important digital maxi-billboards in Rome and Milan to cover key areas and guarantee a selected presence in the periodical press.

The advertising campaign will also be adapted in international markets. And it will be the occasion to launch the Company’s new payoff โ€œThe Italian Airlineโ€ which will be used from now on for all communication activities towards customers worldwide.

THE FUTURE…ON BOARD

ITA Airways continues to work for the future, developing new ideas and new proposals which are always characterised by a vision that aims at customer satisfaction and the uniqueness of projects. In the coming months it will announce some important partnerships with world leaders in specific sectors.

Coffee in Italy is “an experience”, it is among the icons of our culture. ITA Airways wants to bring this experience on board and wants to do so as a protagonist.

Attention to wellness is another pillar of Italian culture. The Company is working to offer unique experiences on board its aircraft that will transform the journey into a moment to take care of oneself and one’s body.

NETWORK EVOLUTION

Starting tomorrow, June 1, ITA Airways new destinations from Rome Fiumicino to Los Angeles and Sao Paulo will kick off, while the first flight to Buenos Aires will depart on June 2.

The Rome – Buenos Aires flight is operated with the Company’s new A350 with 5 weekly frequencies every Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday from Rome and every Monday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday from Buenos Aires. The frequencies in August will become daily.

In addition, thanks to the code share agreement with Aeroliฬneas Argentinas, ITA Airways customers will be able to reach 34 domestic destinations in Argentina every day, connecting via Buenos Aires, and by purchasing a single ticket.

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The new Rome – Sao Paulo flight is operated with 5 weekly frequencies every Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday from Rome and every Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday, and Sunday from Sao Paulo and will be daily from August. These new routes will allow ITA Airways to start expanding in South America, which has always been a favorite destination for Italian holidays and a destination with the highest population of Italian origin, as well as a very important market along with the United States for business and cargo traffic.

Starting June 6, the code share agreement with AZUL – Linhas Aeฬreas Brasileiras will be active, offering ITA Airways passengers the opportunity to reach 8 destinations within Brazil, connecting via Saฬƒo Paulo.

The launch of these new routes consolidates the process of expansion in the US market, which aims to reach a total of 42 weekly flights between the United States and Italy by August. Moreover, through the code share agreement signed last year with Delta, there are more than 130 domestic destinations that ITA Airways customers can access through the hubs in the domestic network of the American company, with 40 destinations served through New York JFK and an array of equally important connections from Boston, Miami, and Los Angeles offered to meet the needs of business and leisure customers.

Moreover, the multiple offers of the Rome Fiumicino hub will allow ITA Airways to be the reference carrier from the United States to Italy and via Rome to Europe and the Mediterranean for the Italian community and the main communities of the Mediterranean countries.

In fact, the 2022 ITA Airways summer season will also feature the most popular Mediterranean destinations with new flights to the islands of Italy, including Sardinia served from both Rome Fiumicino and Milan Linate, as well as Spain, Greece and Croatia, and seasonal flights in August from Rome FCO and Milan Linate to Lampedusa, Pantelleria, Corfu, Heraklion, Rhodes, Ibiza, Menorca, and Majorca. Also, in August the destinations of Kefalonia, Dubrovnik and Split will be served from Rome FCO and Thessaloniki from Milan Linate.

The North American and South American markets are also of primary importance for ITA Airways’ Cargo development strategy, given the importance of import and export traffic flows between Italy and the United States and the demand for related transport services by manufacturing companies, with reference to Made in Italy manufacturing, to the export of agri-food and automotive-related products and the transportation of pharmaceutical products. The expansion of the number of flights and the portfolio of U.S. destinations, therefore, enriches the ITA Airways cargo offer, with direct and connecting transport solutions to and from the main cities in the United States and Europe, which will be further strengthened with the progressive use of the latest generation Airbus A330 and A350 aircraft, featuring greater load capacity and lower CO2 emissions.

Launched in early March, ITA Airways 2022 summer season includes 63 new destinations, of which 22 are domestic, 34 are international and 7 are intercontinental. Thanks to code share agreements with the major international carriers, ITA Airways is continuing to grow its network via partnerships with other global carriers – giving a privileged access route to the markets of greatest interest for the Company, firstly and foremostly in Europe and America, but also in Africa and Saudi Arabia.

Codeshare agreements enable ITA Airways to reach the entire domestic network of other international carriers with direct flights from Rome Fiumicino and Milan Linate to their hubs. In all, 24 codeshare agreements have been signed so far, for a total of over 300 destinations served on which ITA Airways will use its own codes.

Marco Finelli reporting from Italy.

ITA Airways aircraft photo gallery:

Ethiopian to connect Washington with Lomรฉ, Togo

Ethiopian Airlines has announced it will commence thrice-weekly passenger service to Washington Dulles via Lomeฬ, Togo as of today, June 1, 2022.

The new flight increases the frequency of Ethiopian Airlinesโ€™ flights to Washington DC to 10 from the existing seven weekly flights it operates via Dublin. The new flight is operated with Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner aircraft as per the below schedule.

Currently, Ethiopian is operating flights to Chicago and two airports in New York in addition to its services to Washington DC.

Ethiopian Airlines aircraft photo gallery:

Jet2.com and Jet2holidays announce major expansion for Summer 2023

Jet2 has made this announcement:

Jet2.com and Jet2holidays have once again responded to strong demand for flights and holidays by announcing a significantly expanded programme for Summer 2023 from three of their biggest UK bases. The companies are today announcing more flights, more holidays and brand-new destinations for next summer from Birmingham, London Stansted and Manchester Airports, with an additional aircraft coming into operation at the airline and tour operatorโ€™s three biggest bases to support the extension.

On the back of being recognized as Which? Travel Brand of the Year, the leading leisure airline and UKโ€™s leading tour operator to many leisure destinations across the Mediterranean and Canary Islands have added brand-new Sicily and Sardinia from Birmingham Airport and Tivat from Manchester Airport. The introduction of two world famous capitals, Athens and Rome from London Stansted will also see Jet2.com and Jet2CityBreaks operate city breaks to these destinations from the base.

It means the companies are offering customers and independent travel agents a choice of 57 sun and city leisure destinations from across their network of ten UK bases for Summer 23.

Key Summer Sun highlights for 2023 from Birmingham, London Stansted and Manchester Airports include:

Birminghamย 

  • 52 sun and city destinations on sale (peak number of flights per week in brackets).
  • Includes BRAND NEW Sardinia and Sicily as well as the reintroduction of Bourgas (Bulgaria).
  • Antalya (9), Bodrum (3), Dalaman (11), Izmir (2), Tenerife (13), Lanzarote (9), Fuerteventura (5), Gran Canaria (5), Barcelona (2), Reus (3), Alicante (10), Malaga (7), Girona (2), Costa de Almeria (2), Palma (Majorca) (19), Ibiza (8), Menorca (5), Faro (Algarve) (10), Madeira (1), Athens (2), Crete (Heraklion) (8), Crete (Chania) (2), Corfu (6), Kefalonia (3), Skiathos (2), Santorini (2), Kos (5), Kalamata (1), Preveza (2), Rhodes (7), Halkidiki (2), Zante (5), Larnaca (5), Paphos (4), Rome (4), Naples (2), Pisa (1), Sicily (1), Sardinia (1), Venice (2), Verona (2), Bourgas (Bulgaria) (2), Dubrovnik (3), Split (2), Malta (2), Bergerac (1), Jersey (1), Innsbruck (1), Amsterdam (2), Budapest (2), Krakow (2), Prague (2).
  • Over 200 departing weekly flights during peak periods.
  • A 14th based aircraft coming into operation for Summer 23.

London Stanstedย 

  • 42 sun and city destinations on sale (peak number of flights per week in brackets).
  • Includes BRAND-NEW city break destinations โ€“ Rome and Athensย 
  • Antalya (11), Bodrum (4), Dalaman (12), Izmir (2), Tenerife (14), Lanzarote (8), Fuerteventura (5), Gran Canaria (5), Reus (3), Alicante (7), Malaga (6), Girona (2), Palma (Majorca) (18), Ibiza (16), Menorca (8), Faro (Algarve) (11), Madeira (2), Crete (Heraklion) (9), Crete (Chania) (2), Corfu (7), Kefalonia (5), Skiathos (4), Santorini (3), Kos (5), Kalamata (1), Preveza (2), Lesvos (1), Rhodes (7), Halkidiki (2), Zante (5), Larnaca (5), Paphos (6), Rome (4), Naples (2), Sicily (1), Sardinia (1), Verona (1), Dubrovnik (4), Split (3), Malta (2), Jersey (1), Athens (2).ย 
  • Over 200 departing weekly flights during peak periods.
  • A 14th based aircraft coming into operation for Summer 23.

Manchesterย 

  • 55 sun and city destinations on sale (peak number of flights per week in brackets).
  • Includes BRAND-NEW Tivat
  • Antalya (17), Bodrum (6), Dalaman (16), Izmir (3), Tenerife (17), Lanzarote (9), Fuerteventura (6), Gran Canaria (7), Barcelona (5), Reus (5), Alicante (10), Malaga (10), Girona (4), Costa de Almeria (3), Palma (Majorca) (28), Ibiza (16), Menorca (9), Faro (Algarve) (12), Madeira (3), Athens (3), Crete (Heraklion) (10), Crete (Chania) (3), Corfu (9), Kefalonia (6), Skiathos (4), Santorini (3), Kos (7), Kalamata (2), Preveza (3), Mykonos (2), Lesvos (2), Rhodes (11), Halkidiki (3), Zante (8), Larnaca (6), Paphos (7), Rome (6), Naples (3), Pisa (3), Sicily (2), Sardinia (2), Venice (4), Verona (2), Bourgas (Bulgaria) (3), Dubrovnik (4), Split (4), Malta (3), Bergerac (1), Jersey (2), Innsbruck (1), Budapest (4), Krakow (2), Nice (3), Prague (2), Tivat (2).ย 
  • Over 325 departing weekly flights during peak periods.
  • A 23rd based aircraft coming into operation for Summer 23.

In other news, Jet2 has started using its 327-seat Airbus A330 at Manchester.

Jet2 aircraft photo gallery:

Flybe expands fleet with new lease agreement with Aerogo Capital

Flybe (2nd) has taken delivery of the first of five additional Dash 8s (Q400s) on lease from Aerogo Capital.

The reorganized airline willย continue growing its planned fleet to a total of 32 aircraft โ€œover the next few yearsโ€.

Flybe (2nd) aircraft photo gallery:

Flybe (2nd)

SAS reports a loss in the first quarter as traffic increases

Scandinavian Airlines-SAS has issued this report for the second quarter:

SAS continues the ramp-up and has during the quarter seen the highest number of passengers since the pandemic started. Meanwhile, the work with the necessary transformation plan, SAS FORWARD, continues.

The plan was presented when the Q1 results were released on February 22 and is designed to secure long-term competitiveness. It will allow SAS to effectuate a deleveraging of its balance sheet while substantially improving its liquidity position. In addition to reducing the cost structure and improve efficiencies, SAS is seeking to convert approximately SEK 20 billion of debt and hybrid notes into common equity and will also seek to raise not less than SEK 9.5 billion in new equity capital. The success of the plan depends upon SAS attracting potential new capital from the capital markets and other sources and upon SAS fully achieving the targeted SEK 7.5 billion annual cost reduction by fiscal year 2026.

Earnings before tax ended at negative SEK 1.6 billion for the quarter and the cash balance at the end of the quarter was SEK 8.5 billion.

FEBRUARY 2022โ€“APRIL 2022

  • Revenue: MSEK 7,048 (1,932)
  • Income before tax (EBT): MSEK -1,557 (-2,331)
  • Income before tax and items affecting comparability: MSEK -1,613 (-2,331)
  • Net income for the period: MSEK -1,520 (-2,410)
  • Earnings per common share: SEK -0.21 (-0.35)

SIGNIFICANT EVENTS DURING THE QUARTER

  • SAS presented a comprehensive transformation plan: SAS FORWARD. A successful implementation of the plan will secure long-term competitiveness and improved financial strength
  • The SEKย 3,000ย million credit facility securedย with the main owners in 2021 was drawn
  • Erno Hildรฉn was appointed as Executive Vice President and CFO

SIGNIFICANT EVENTS AFTER THE QUARTER

  • The aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic has led to most of the airline industry experiencing difficulty in rebuilding operations. This has led to SAS reducing its summer program by 4,000 of a total of 75,000 flights

NOVEMBER 2021โ€“APRIL 2022

  • Revenue: MSEK 12,593 (4,214)
  • Income before tax (EBT): MSEK -4,154 (-4,246)
  • Income before tax and items affecting comparability: MSEK -4,234 (-4,258)
  • Net income for the period: MSEK -3,962 (-4,443)
  • Earnings per common share: SEK -0.55 (-0.63)

QUARTERLY RESULTS ARE IMPROVED AS A RESULT OF RAMP-UP

Looking back at the second quarter, we can see that demand improved as travel restrictions were eased. Passengers flying with SAS increased 28% compared to the previous quarter and the flown load factor reached approximately 67%, up 11 percentage points compared with the earlier quarter. Our capacity was increased by 3% compared to the first quarter. The transformation of SAS has to continue to adapt to the new market conditions in order to be able to remain flexible, competitive and financially strong for the long-term future. Earnings before tax ended at negative SEK 1.6 billion, an improvement of SEK 1.0 billion compared with last quarter, or a SEK 0.7 billion improvement year-on-year. Ticket sales continue to increase ahead of the summer period and SAS is targeting 80% capacity deployment compared to summer 2019.

Cost reductions across all of SAS remain in focus to secure our cost competitiveness. Total operating expenses during the quarter ended at SEK 7.8 billion and total operating revenue landed at SEK 7.0 billion for the quarter. Total revenue increased 27% compared with the first quarter, an improvement of approximately SEK 5.1 billion compared with last year, but still 31% below the second quarter in 2019, which was unaffected by COVID-19.

The cash balance at the end of the quarter was SEK 8.5 billion. At end of the first quarter of FY2022 the cash balance was SEK 3.4 billion. Operational cash flow during the quarter amounted to SEK 2.5 billion, compared with SEK -1.4 billion for the same period last year.

UPDATE ON SAS PROGRESS ON TRANSFORMATION PLAN

Despite this positive development, SAS continues to face substantial structural cost challenges while also facing growing competition with substantially lower cost structures than SAS. SAS also incurred substantial additional debt during the pandemic that added to its pre-COVID highly leveraged balance sheet. In addition, recent macroeconomic changes (including fuel and exchange rates) and geopolitical events are limiting operations and create additional costs. Given these factors, the SAS Board has concluded that a substantial restructuring is needed to enable SAS to become profitable by implementing SAS FORWARD.

Key Elements of SAS FORWARD

  • Reducing the annual costs by SEK 7.5 billion
  • Redesigned fleet, network and product offerings
  • Digital transformation
  • Positioning SAS as the leader in sustainable aviation
  • Operating platform acceleration
  • Strengthening SASโ€™ balance sheet by deleveraging and raising new capital

Debt-to-equity conversion and equity raise

SAS is seeking to convert approximately SEK 20 billion of existing debt and hybrid notes into common equity, of which a majority is on-balance sheet debt and hybrid instruments (state hybrid notes, commercial hybrid notes, lease liabilities, Swiss bonds and term loans from states and commercial banks) and some relates to maintenance contract obligations and other executory contract obligations. The contemplated conversions are designed to strengthen the balance sheet and significantly reduce the debt-burden being carried in order to relieve SAS from elevated financial costs that currently weigh on profitability, and to position SAS for future growth.

In addition to debt conversions, SAS is looking for alternatives to raise new equity. SAS will seek to raise not less than SEK 9.5 billion in equity capital. The planned SEK 9.5 billion or more equity raise is expected to provide sufficient liquidity to fund operations through the full implementation of SAS FORWARD and the recovery in passenger demand post COVID-19. It is currently expected that a significant share of such new equity will likely be sought from new investors.

The new equity capital and debt-to-equity conversions contemplated as part of SAS FORWARD will entail substantial dilution to existing shareholders.

Labor discussions

SAS continues to pursue negotiations with all of its organized labor groups as a means of achieving a consensual outcome with respect to laborโ€™s share of the burden sharing program. Notably, the requested labor concessions are an important element of SAS achieving a competitive and sustainable business model, but in aggregate represent less than 20% of the targeted annual cost improvements. An agreement with organized labor groups is a condition of SAS FORWARD and it will not be possible to raise new capital or secure the future of the airline without labor burden sharing.

Update on discussions with stakeholders

Discussions are currently ongoing regarding stakeholdersโ€™ participation and acceptance of burden sharing. Given the limited progress made so far, there can be no guarantees that SAS FORWARD will be successfully completed. In the event that the expected burden sharing, debt conversions, and new capital raise are not completed as planned, SAS will not be able to support its existing capital structure and current liquidity levels and it cannot be ruled out that SAS could become unable to meet its obligations over the longer term as they fall due.

Implementation processes

SAS FORWARD involves complex multiparty negotiations. As is usual in a restructuring process, it is possible that SAS may seek to utilize one or more court restructuring proceedings designed to assist in the resolution of SAS’s financial difficulties and help implement parts of SAS FORWARD.

Finally, it should be noted that the completion of the cost reduction programs, the debt-to-equity conversions, the fleet restructuring and the significant equity capital raise are subject to uncertainty and there can be no guarantee of success in such efforts by SAS. Further, the transactions envisaged are subject to various conditions including EU Commission and other state aid approvals and other regulatory clearances and various stakeholder approvals, which have not yet been obtained.

POSITIVE MARKET DEVELOPMENT TOWARD THE SUMMER SEASON

SAS continues the ramp-up and has during the quarter had the highest number of passengers since the pandemic started. We have recently experienced positive market development and strong ticket sales ahead of the important summer season. SAS and Apollo (a provider of charter travel services to and from the Nordic market) also signed an agreement during the quarter, concerning summer charter flights, within the framework of their three-year collaboration. Flights will depart from around 20 locations in Sweden, Norway and Denmark and fly to around 30 Mediterranean destinations.

The SAS traffic program and capacity are increased according to customer demand, but there are constraints to the growth of traffic, as effects of the pandemic linger on. The whole airline ecosystem has difficulties ramping up, which also has an implication on SAS. We foresee challenges during summer relating to everything from airports and ground staffing to crew training bottlenecks such as availability of training instructors, and we also see continued delayed aircraft deliveries. In order to minimize the risk of disruption and create more stability for the upcoming summer travels, SAS has made adjustments to the traffic program during June to August, after the quarter ended.

SAS aims to be a global leader in sustainable aviation and during the quarter we launched the Travel Pass Biofuel, a punch card for corporate customers who regularly travel to the same destination and want to include biofuel to reduce the climate impact of their trips.

LOOKING AHEAD

We see a pent-up demand for traveling and underlying demand is healthy, both for business and for leisure travel. However, we still remain cautious due to the prevailing uncertainties. Traffic to and from Asia remains affected by remaining COVID-19 restrictions as well as the geopolitical situation.

I am grateful for the hard work my colleagues at SAS are delivering, to ensure that we take care of our customers in the best possible way. Together we are working our way through these challenging times and we welcome our customers on board our aircraft.

Anko van der Werff

President and CEO

Stockholm, May 31, 2022

SAS aircraft photo gallery:

Ethiopian Airlines to commence flights to Chennai, India

Ethiopian Airlines is set to start thrice-weekly operations to Chennai, India as on July 2, 2022.

Chennai will join the vast Ethiopian network as a fourth destination in India after New Delhi, Mumbai and Bengaluru.

Ethiopian started its service to India with a debut flight to New Delhi in 1966, just 20 years after the airline was founded.

Ethiopian pioneered the air transport linkage between Africa and India. Recently, Ethiopian marked its 50th year anniversary of uninterrupted service to Mumbai, the commercial capital of India.

The flights to Chennai will be operated using Boeing 737-8 aircraft as per the below schedule.

Ethiopian Airlines aircraft photo gallery:

Virgin Atlantic postpones its return to Havana, Cuba, retires last A330-200

Virgin Atlantic Airways has reversed course and will not return to Havana, Cuba this year.

The airline had planned to resume thrice-weekly service from London Heathrow to Havana on November 1, 2022.

This will not be delayed for at least a year.

Virgin Atlantic last operated to HAV on March 23, 2020 and suspended flights due to COVID-19.

In other news, the airline retired its Airbus A330-200 G-VLNW on May 12, 2022, the last A330-200 in the fleet. The aircraft was ferried to Tarbes/Lourdes (LDE) on May 12 for storage.

Virgin Atlantic aircraft photo gallery: