Alaska Airlines names new vice president of maintenance and engineering

Executive John Wiitala joins Alaska with more than 34 years of airline experience

Alaska Airlines has named John Wiitala as its new vice president of maintenance and engineering. In this principal leadership role, Wiitala will lead professionals throughout the division who maintain the highest levels of safety and compliance with more than 237 mainline Boeing aircraft across multiple maintenance bases.

Wiitala joins Alaska after 34 years with United Airlines, most recently as vice president and chief engineer of tech operations, safety and compliance, where he was responsible for the United fleet. Prior to that role, he was vice president of technical services. Wiitala joined United in 1992 and held other engineering jobs throughout the organization including director of engineering and managing director of project engineering. 

His responsibilities at Alaska will include line maintenance operations; maintenance of airframes, components and engines; stores and distribution; quality assurance; maintenance planning; engineering and reliability; and fleet projects.  

Among his accomplishments at United, he expanded the scope of operations of the airline, which grew from under 450 aircraft to 944. He was on board during the United-Continental merger, helping the airline successfully navigate integration and grow its multi-fleet operations.  

“With over three decades in technical operations’ leadership roles to include both narrow and widebody aircraft, I welcome John’s expertise, leadership and vision as Alaska becomes a global airline,” said Constance von Muehlen, executive vice president and chief operating officer at Alaska Airlines. “John will lead our team to uphold the highest standards of safety, quality and compliance for Alaska’s fleet while combining operations with Hawaiian Airlines.”

Wiitala began his aviation career in 1988 in project engineering at Aircraft Modular Products in Miami. He holds a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from the University of Iowa and has served on the board of Argonaut/Davis High School, a Cleveland-based school that empowers youth to pursue pilot and technician certifications.  

Air Canada to Operate from JFK Terminal 6 in 2026

Airline joins Star Alliance partners Lufthansa, SWISS, Austrian Airlines, Brussels Airlines and ANA in new state-of-the-art Terminal

Air Canada Airbus A220-300 (CS300 BD-500-1A11) C-GVDP (msn 55147) YYZ (TMK Photography). Image: 960274.

Air Canada, Canada’s largest airline and a Skytrax Four-Star rated carrier, today announced that Air Canada will operate from T6 when it opens to passengers in 2026, joining fellow Star Alliance partners Lufthansa, SWISS, Austrian Airlines, Brussels Airlines and ANA as future T6 airlines.

Terminal 6 is a key component of the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey’s $19 billion transformation of JFK International Airport into a world-class gateway, with two new terminals, two expanded and modernized terminals, a new ground transportation center, and an entirely new, simplified roadway network.

Air Canada passengers can look forward to T6’s digital-first, boutique guest experience, with a less than 5-minute average walk from the TSA security checkpoint exit to all gates,100,000 square feet of NYC-inspired shopping, dining, lounges and amenities, curated public art, sustainable operating features, and a premium guest experience throughout the terminal.

Air Canada Express-Jazz currently operates two daily flights from Toronto and one daily flight from Montreal to JFK Terminal 7 using its highly-rated Embraer E175 aircraft, with all flights pre-cleared for U.S. customs and immigration in Canada. The JFK service, which has been in place since March 2023, complements Air Canada’s existing operations at New York’s LaGuardia and Newark Airport, offering passengers a combined total of 36 daily flights between the New York market and Canada.

Together with Lufthansa, Air Canada is a founding member of Star Alliance, the world’s most comprehensive air transportation network. It is also the only international network carrier in North America to receive a Four-Star ranking from Skytrax.

“We are thrilled that Air Canada has selected T6 as its future home at JFK, where passengers can expect a boutique, premium experience,” said Steve Thody, CEO, JFK Millennium Partners. “This decision is also a testament to the close partnership we’ve built with Air Canada at T7, and we can’t wait to strengthen that partnership even further as we welcome Air Canada passengers to our new, state-of-the-art T6 facility,” Thody added.

“New York is extremely popular for business, leisure and family travel for Canadians, and we are pleased to serve all the city’s major airports. Moving our operation to T6 will improve the airport experience for our customers and facilitate connections with our partners. Through our connections at our Toronto, Montreal and Vancouver hubs, travelers from New York can easily reach anywhere in Canada or onward on our international network,” said Mark Galardo, Executive Vice President of Revenue and Network Planning at Air Canada.

Ethiopian Bale Robe Wako Gutu Airport Terminal Project Receives a Grand Inauguration

Ethiopian Airlines Group, the largest airline brand in Africa, and one of the fastest
growing airline network in the world, proudly announces the inauguration of the newly
built Wako Gutu Airport Terminal at Bale Robe in the presence H.E. Shimelis Abdisa,
President of the Oromia Regional State, high government officials, Ethiopian Airlines
Group executive management members and dignitaries. The new state of the art airport terminal is aimed at advancing the socio-economic and cultural interrelation between the domestic regions and beyond providing seamless domestic air transportation service.

Regarding the inauguration of the new passenger terminal, Ethiopian Airlines Group
CEO Mr. Mesfin Tasew said, “We are delighted to announce the completion of this terminal project, which brings an enhanced travel experience to our passengers flying to and from this destination. Our commitment to improving the airport experience across our domestic network drives us to invest in upgrades and renovations like this. We take great pride in delivering this state-of-the-art facility and look forward to offering our passengers an elevated level of comfort and convenience.”
Bale is among the iconic Ethiopian tourist destinations, with its proximity to one of the
most spectacular and extensive underground caverns in the world, “Holqa Sof Omar”,
famously known as the Sof Omar cave. Ethiopian Airlines’ flight to Bale Robe also plays
a crucial role in enhancing the tourism potential of the Bale Mountains National Park by
improving accessibility and promoting the region as a prime tourist destination.

Ethiopian Airlines Airbus A350-1041 F-WWXL (ET-BAW) (msn 691) TLS (Eurospot). Image: 964141.

Ethiopian Airlines continues to enhance regional connectivity, serving over 22
destinations across the country. Demonstrating its commitment to transforming domestic aviation, Ethiopian Airlines operates up to 14 weekly flights to and from Robe Wako Gutu Airport. This dedication is further highlighted by the recent inauguration of Gode Ugaas Miraad and Jinka Airports Terminals, the renovation of Addis Ababa Bole
International Airport’s Domestic Terminal, the resumption of services to Dembi Dollo
and Axum Airports, the launch of new air services to Nekemite, and the inauguration of
Bale Robe’s Wako Gutu Airport Terminal Building along with its ancillary facilities.
Since the acquisition of the Ethiopian Airports Enterprise by Ethiopian Airlines Group
as a Strategic Business Unit (SBU) in 2017, Ethiopian Airlines Group has taken over the
administrative role including construction and renovation projects of airports in the
country.

AvAir is Now Climate Neutral Certified

BizCap® Facilitates $60 Million in Financing for AvAir - BizCap

AvAir is Now Climate Neutral Certified

The Only Company in Aviation Aftermarket to Achieve this Certification

Phoenix, Ariz. — AvAir, a leading inventory solutions provider in the aviation aftermarket is proud to announce it is officially Climate Neutral Certified. AvAir joins the growing movement of companies achieving the Climate Neutral Certified standard, the first company in the aviation industry, by measuring 12 months of greenhouse gas emissions, taking action on reduction plans, and compensating the brand footprint with eligible-verified credits.

Climate Neutral Certified is the leading consumer label for climate neutrality. It is earned by organizations that have chosen to be accountable for the greenhouse gas emissions generated in the production, operations, and shipping of goods and services.

“We are extremely proud to receive this certificate and be Climate Neutral Certified,” said Tyler Botthof, vice president of operations at AvAir. “As a company, we have committed to removing nearly 7,000 tons of carbon dioxide emissions which is equal to driving 1,500 gas-powered cars for one year and taking steps to continue to reduce carbon dioxide emissions that are a result of the company’s and team’s actions.”

“Climate Neutral Certified companies are demonstrating immediate action on climate change is possible and essential,” says Austin Whitman, CEO of Change Climate. “Climate Neutral Certified brands have built a powerful movement that gives companies and consumers meaningful ways to act on climate—today. They are leading the way, taking immediate voluntary action to address their carbon emissions, and engaging their consumers around this important issue like never before.”

Change Climate’s certification label builds on internationally recognized standards for carbon measurement and neutrality. All certified brands must measure cradle-to-customer greenhouse gas emissions each year to maintain certification. Then commit to reduction action plans to cut future emissions within a 12-24 month timeline. Finally, certified brands must invest in verified carbon credits to compensate for all of its emissions.

In addition to this comprehensive evaluation and commitment, AvAir is working with the leading environmental service and solutions provider in North America, WM to invest, improve and build upon its sustainability strategy and endeavor. AvAir is assessing its processes and data to benchmark procurement, waste, water, energy, fuel, transportation and other potential contributors to greenhouse gas emissions.

“AvAir is modeling what companies can do when they lean into environmental commitments,” said Eric Dixon, vice president, sustainability & environmental solutions, WM. “WM is thrilled to support AvAir’s sustainability agenda, which authentically aligns with our company’s sustainability ambitions. For over two years, we’ve helped AvAir better understand its environmental footprint, from procurement and waste generation to transportation and utilities. This certification demonstrates how they go beyond measurement and continue to take action to reduce the company’s impacts. On top of these initiatives, AvAir has also supported the WM Phoenix Open’s Working for Tomorrow Fund®, helping finance water restoration and renewable energy projects on Tribal Nations land right here in Arizona. We look forward to continuing this collaboration and seeing what’s next for AvAir.”

AvAir is headquartered in Chandler, Ariz. with operations in Dublin, Ireland. It has been named Parts Supplier of the Year for four consecutive years from 2021 through 2024 by Airline Economics, the leading industry trade publication. It has also been recognized for its work in sustainability by The Aviation 100 two years in a row, AvAir received the Environmental Sustainability award.

The Cathay Group Surpasses the 100,000-Passenger Milestone in a Single Day

The Cathay Group is pleased to announce that it has achieved a significant milestone by carrying more than 100,000 passengers, the most on a single day since the start of its rebuild.

On 15 December 2024, Cathay Pacific and HK Express, the Group’s two passenger airlines, carried a combined total of 100,856 passengers, surpassing the 100,000-passenger mark on a single day.

Since the milestone was first reached, the Group exceeded the 100,000-passenger mark on a total of eight days during the year-end travel peak ending 31 December 2024.

Cathay Pacific Airways Boeing 777-367 B-HNI (msn 27508) CGK (Michael B. Ing). Image: 963925.

Cathay Group Chief Executive Officer Ronald Lam said: “We are thrilled to have concluded the year 2024 on a high note with yet another milestone. The past year saw unprecedented progress and expansion for the Cathay Group, thanks to our people’s dedication and efforts. In particular, I would like to extend my heartfelt thanks to our global frontline teams, who have been working tirelessly over the holiday period to ensure that our customers enjoy a smooth journey as they explore new destinations or reunite with their friends and families during the holidays.

“We are pleased to have successfully completed our two-year rebuilding journey, during which we were firmly focused on adding more flights and destinations for our customers and our home hub. A new chapter has now begun for Cathay.”

Cathay Pacific recently resumed its seasonal service to Cairns, Australia and will be launching several long-haul routes in 2025, including Hyderabad in India, Dallas in the United States, and Munich and Brussels in Europe. In addition, HK Express added Shizuoka, Japan to its network recently and will be launching a new service to Sendai, Japan later this month.

Together as a Group, Cathay Pacific and HK Express have reached 100% of pre-pandemic flights from January 2025. It is projected that the two airlines will operate passenger services to 100 destinations around the world within 2025, marking another meaningful milestone for the Cathay Group.

With the commissioning of the Three-Runway System, Hong Kong has entered an exciting new era. As the city’s home airline, Cathay will continue to contribute to Hong Kong’s status as a world-leading international aviation hub, connecting Hong Kong, the Chinese Mainland and the world.

Daily airline news headlines from Airline News Daily on AirlinersGallery.com:

Hot New Photos – The Top 100

Daily airline news headlines from around the world as an aircraft photo slide show:

Air Canada inaugurates motorcoach service linking Hamilton and Waterloo Airports with Toronto Pearson

Air Canada has begun offering residents of the Hamilton-Wentworth and Waterloo Region more convenient, one-stop access to the airline’s global network and a world of travel possibilities.

With today’s launch of its new motorcoach service in collaboration with The Landline Company, Air Canada is connecting the Hamilton and the Region of Waterloo airports to Toronto Pearson. Customers can now create a single itinerary when booking travel with Air Canada from Waterloo Region or Hamiltonthrough Toronto to any destination. The service includes a high-end motorcoach service connecting with Air Canada flights, offering a smooth and hassle-free travel experience. This integrated service is a trial initiative from John C. Munro Hamilton International Airport and the Region of Waterloo International Airport, with the potential to make it available elsewhere in Canada in the future.

How it works

Landline will operate six, non-stop round trips daily to Toronto Pearson from each of the Hamilton and Region of Waterloo airports in southern Ontario. Air Canada customers beginning their journey at Hamilton or Region of Waterlooairports will check in as normal for their flight and obtain boarding passes for all segments of their trip. At a designated departure point at the local airport, they will board a luxury, Air Canada-branded motorcoach and their checked baggage will be loaded. Upon arrival at Toronto Pearson, customers will proceed directly with their bags to the departure level.

In the event of coach or flight delays, customers travelling on Landline will be automatically rebooked like customers travelling on air-only itineraries. Members of Air Canada’s Aeroplan program will earn points for both ground and air segments, as on any normal connecting flight itinerary. For more information see www.aircanada.com/landline

From	To	Day of Week	Departure Time	Arrival Time
Hamilton (YHM)	Toronto (YYZ)	Daily	5:00am6:00am10:45am1:40pm3:45pm5:40pm	06:00am06:55am11:50am2:45pm5:00pm6:50pm
Toronto (YYZ)	Hamilton (YHM)	Daily	8:05am9:50am1:00pm3:05pm6:00pm9:40pm	9:10am10:55am2:05pm4:20pm7:20pm10:40pm

From	To	Day of Week	Departure Time	Arrival Time
Kitchener/Waterloo (YKF)	Toronto (YYZ)	Daily	5:00am6:05am10:55am1:40pm3:50pm5:45pm	6:05am7:15am12:05pm2:55pm5:15pm7:00pm
Toronto (YYZ)	Kitchener/Waterloo (YKF)	Daily	8:15am9:40am1:15pm3:15pm6:15pm9:35pm	9:30am10:50am2:25pm4:40pm7:35pm10:40pm

Premium motorcoaches

The motorcoaches used by Landline for Air Canada are made in Canada by Prevost, a manufacturer of touring coaches based in Sainte-Claire, Quebec. Each Landline motorcoach provides a premium experience, with 36 spacious, leather seats in a two-by-one configuration. The coaches are equipped with free WiFi, power and a table tray available at each seat, generous overhead storage for carry-on baggage, and an onboard lavatory. Announcements will be made in both Official Languages and the coaches are fully accessible, including a power lift for customers requiring mobility aids.

Air Canada Regional Services

Air Canada operates to 40 communities across Canada, including in partnership with regional carriers Jazz Aviation LP and PAL Airlines. Through its innovative new partnership with Landline, Air Canada is extending its regional network to conveniently connect local airports directly to its global network. There is potential to further expand the partnership with Landline to connect with other regional airports in Canada at a future date.

Air Canada aircraft photo gallery:

Avelo Airlines opens 6th base at Sonoma County Airport in the Bay Area

Avelo Airlines celebrated today the opening of its 6^th aircraft base at the Charles M. Schulz Sonoma County Airport (STS) – doubling its route network from the Bay Area’s best airport.

Avelo will also inaugurate service to four new destinations from STS: Portland/Salem, Oregon (via SLE); Boise, Idaho (via BOI); Tri-Cities/Pasco, Washington (via PSC); and Kalispell, Montana (via FCA). Avelo currently flies from STS to Los Angeles, California (via BUR); Las Vegas, Nevada (via LAS); Palm Springs, California (via PSP); and Bend/Redmond, Oregon (via RDM).

Avelo will now serve eight nonstop destinations from STS – offering more nonstop routes than any other airline operating at STS.

Avelo Crewmembers and STS airport representatives inaugurated the new flights at a gate-side celebration for Wednesday morning’s first flight to Kalispell. Customers were welcomed aboard with local favorites from the four new destinations, as well as a commemorative boarding pass.

With the new base opening, Avelo has hired 32 STS-based Crewmembers, which is how the airline refers to its employees. New Crewmembers include flight attendants, pilots, and maintenance technicians. Avelo expects to employ approximately 50 STS-based Crewmembers by the end of this year.

Avelo is the only airline flying nonstop between STS and these four destinations:

Kalispell, Montana via Glacier Park International Airport (FCA) – The first flight departs today, May 1, 2024, with twice-weekly service on Wednesdays and Saturdays.

Pasco/Tri-Cities, Washington via Tri-Cities Airport (PSC) – The first flight departs today, May 1, 2024, with twice-weekly service on Wednesdays and Saturdays.

Boise, Idaho via Boise Airport (BOI) – The first flight departs Thursday, May 2, 2024, and will operate twice-weekly on Thursdays and Sundays.

Portland/Salem, Oregon via Salem Municipal Airport (SLE) – The first flight departs Friday, May 3, 2024, and will operate twice-weekly on Mondays and Fridays.

West Coast route map:

Avelo Airlines aircraft photo gallery:

Great Airlines Series of books by Brian Worthington (Volumes 1-6 now available on Amazon) – new volumes announced:

Avianca Group reports a net profit of $13 million in the first quarter

Avianca Group International Limited affiliated passenger airlines (“AGIL”, “the Group” or “the Company”) reported its first quarter 2024 results. Avianca’s capacity increased by 26.1% year-over-year, with a robust load factor of 81.4%, 1.2 percentage points higher than first quarter 2023, and a 37.5% increase in transported passengers, reaching 9.3 million.

The Company posted $272 million in EBITDAR at a 21.5% margin during first quarter 2024, 16.3% ahead of the same period in 2023. For the period, Net Income was $13 million.

“We remain committed to transporting our customers to more destinations in an affordable way,” said Frederico Pedreira, Avianca’s Chief Executive Officer. “In the first quarter, we introduced a new, more simplified and flexible fare scheme that allows our customers to fly according to their needs, and we continued to expand our network and improve our connectivity with the launch of new routes, including the reopening of Bogota-Paris, after 20 years, as well as Bogota-Montreal. We achieved this while delivering solid operating results, demonstrating our commitment to transporting our clients safely, on time and with their baggage. For all the achievements, I would like to thank our team for their commitment and the outstanding work they continue to do”.

First Quarter 2024 Highlights

Consolidated capacity, measured in Available Seat Kilometers (ASK), reached 15,135 million in the first quarter of 2024; a 26.1% increase relative to first quarter 2023. The Group transported 9.3 million passengers during the period, representing a 37.5% increase over the same period in 2023.
Total operating revenues in the first quarter of 2024 reached $1,265 million; a 16.4% increase over the same period in 2023, while total operating expenses were $1,131 million, a 15.2% increase over the same period in 2023, in spite of a 26.1% capacity increase.
EBITDAR was $272 million in the first quarter of 2024, at a 21.5% margin, while Net Income for the period was $13 million.
Our cash balance was $971 million at March 31, 2024.
Passenger revenues were $1,013 million for the first quarter of 2024, reflecting a 22.2% increase relative to first quarter 2023. This increase is a result of the Company’s continued efforts to make flying more accessible to a broader range of passengers.
Cargo, Loyalty and other revenues for the first quarter of 2024 were $252 million. Quarterly LifeMiles Cash EBITDA increased 15.3% relative to first quarter 2023, reaching $36 million. Cargo revenues during the period were $152 million, an 8.3% decrease relative to first quarter 2023 due to continued market softening and industry freighter capacity remaining above prepandemic levels. However, Cargo revenues were ahead of Business Plan.
Net Debt to last-twelve-month EBITDAR was 3.2x.
Passenger Costs per Available Seat Kilometer excluding fuel (PAX CASK ex-fuel) in the first quarter of 2024 was $4.1 cents.
We ended the first quarter of 2024 with an operating passenger fleet comprised of 141 aircraft: 128 Airbus 320 family aircraft, and 13 Boeing 787s.
Avianca reintroduced Business Class service on the Narrowbody operation from Bogota to 11 destinations in the Americas: Chile, São Paulo, Buenos Aires, Montevideo, Río de Janeiro, Miami, Washington, New York, Boston, Toronto, and Mexico City. The service will be available starting July 1st.
Avianca resumed the Bogota-Caracas route, and announced 5 new routes from Medellin to Buenos Aires, Santiago, and Lima; and from Bogota to Montreal, and Paris. In the first quarter of 2024, our network consisted of 150 routes connecting 76 destinations.
Avianca’s first reconfigured B787 started operations the third week of April, with number of seats increased from 250 to 291. offering 16.4% additional cabin capacity. We are on track to complete the reconfiguration of our remaining 12 widebody aircraft this year.
Avianca Cargo continued to lead the flower market from Colombia to the US during Valentine’s season, transporting ∼18,000 tons of flowers in over 300 cargo flights from Colombia and Ecuador, while further strengthening its competitive position within the region.
Also, Avianca Cargo won the ESG Award during the Aviation Achievement Awards 2024, reflecting its commitment to sustainability.
LifeMiles announced new policies that make it easier for customers to qualify for Elite status.

Avianca (Colombia) aircraft photo gallery:

KLM Royal Dutch Airlines announces multi-year partnership with Toronto FC, becoming the team’s official international airline

KLM Royal Dutch Airlines is proud to announce a multi-year partnership with Toronto Football Club (TFC) as the team’s official international airline. This collaboration marks a significant step forward in KLM’s commitment to Ontario, building on the airline’s longstanding legacy of connecting Ontarians to destinations worldwide.

By partnering with Toronto FC, KLM aims to deepen its ties within the community and provide fans of the beautiful game with even more memorable experiences in the years to come.

KLM Tunnel Club Entrance (CNW Group/KLM Royal Dutch Airlines)

As part of the partnership, KLM will proudly be the title sponsor of the Tunnel Club, affectionately known as the heartbeat of BMO Field. Nestled just steps away from the TFC locker room, the KLM Tunnel Club serves as the epicenter of matchday excitement, where the rhythm of anticipation builds before each kickoff. Drawing inspiration from the renowned KLM Crown Lounges in Amsterdam as well as the newly renovated one at Toronto Pearson Airport, KLM will reimagine the space to provide an unmatched experience for fans.

In addition to the Tunnel Club, KLM will launch a season-long contest open to the public, giving fans the chance to win seats in the KLM field side section, access to the KLM Tunnel Club and airline tickets anywhere in the world where KLM flies. The winning fans will get to experience the pulse of the game firsthand. This initiative embodies KLM’s commitment to being a part of the heartbeat of Toronto FC, supporting it proud and true through every match.

KLM aircraft photo gallery: