Delta Air Lines will add weekly Airbus A321 seasonal summer service between the Salt Lake City hub and Puerto Vallarta, Mexico.
According to Airline Route, the temporary route will operate on Saturdays from June 8 through August 10, 2019.
Top Copyright Photo: Delta Air Lines Airbus A321-211 WL N318DX (msn 7441) LAX (Michael B. Ing). Image: 946479.
Delta aircraft slide show:
Enter Air (Warsaw) has signed an agreement with Albex Aviation to acquire a 49% share of Germania Flug (Zurich) of Switzerland.
“The Swiss company has it all, it gives us access to the the of the Swiss tourism market, and in the future, to other markets, in which we are not yet fully present.” – says Grzegorz Polaniecki, CEO of Enter Air.
Germania Flug was not affected by the bankruptcy of its German shareholder Germania in February 2019.
All shares formerly held by Germania of Germany were sold to Albex Aviation.
Top Copyright Photo (all others by the airlines): Germania (Switzerland) (Germania.ch) Airbus A321-211 WL HB-JOI (msn 5843) ZRH (Rolf Wallner). Image: 930268.
Germania Flug aircraft slide show:
Wow Air and Indigo Partners have failed to reach agreement on an investment.
Wow Air is resuming discussions with the rival Icelandair Group.
Wow Air issued this short statement:
The proposed investment of Indigo Partners LLC in WOW air has been cancelled by Indigo Partners. Therefore, all negotiations between WOW air and Indigo Partners have been cancelled.
Subsequently WOW air has started discussions with Icelandair Group. The parties aim to conclude the negotiations by Monday, March 25, 2019.
Icelandair Group had previously announced in November 2018 it was moving ahead with plans to take over Wow Air but the first attempt failed.
Read more from Iceland Review: CLICK HERE
Top Copyright Photo: Wow Air Airbus A321-211 WL TF-WIN (msn 7650) AMS (Ton Jochems). Image: 946028.
Wow Air aircraft slide show:
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The Thomas Cook Group made this announcement:
•Group Airline with a total of four additional short- and medium-haul aircraft compared to summer 2018
•Three further Airbus A321s in service for Condor as of early summer, one additional A321 to take-off for Thomas Cook Airlines UK
•105 aircraft in UK, Scandinavia, Spain and Germany
The Thomas Cook Group Airline is taking delivery of two additional Airbus A321 aircraft, which will be added to the Condor fleet for the 2019 summer flight schedule. The jets will be in service for Thomas Cook Airlines UK from winter 2019/20 afterwards. The Group Airline recently announced to include two further Airbus A321 for summer 2019, and will have a total of 105 aircraft then. Its short- and medium-haul fleet has been expanded by four additional own aircraft in total compared to the previous year.
Two Airbus A321s fly for Condor and are stationed in Leipzig and Hanover in summer 2019. In Leipzig, Condor is significantly increasing capacity with around 100,000 additional seats to the Mediterranean, the Canary Islands, Turkey and Egypt. Another A321 is flying in Germany as well, the fourth airplane completes the A321 fleet of Thomas Cook Airlines UK.
The fleet growth is a clear sign for the Group Airline’s focus on operational stability during high season: “Using additional aircraft of our own is another measure to live up to our quality promise next summer, even during the high season”, says Christoph Debus, Chief Airline Officer of the Thomas Cook Group. With the additional aircraft, the Group Airline has further reserves available and has hired additional personnel on the ground and in the air. As part of an internal project, numerous other measures were implemented to ensure stable flight operations in the summer of 2019.
In other news, Thomas Cook Airlines (UK) on May 13 will introduce “flat beds” for its long-haul routes to the USA.
Video:
Top Copyright Photo: Condor Flugdienst-Thomas Cook Airbus A321-211 WL D-AIAG (msn 6590) AYT (Andi Hiltl). Image: 945978.
Condor aircraft slide show:
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Vietnamese carrier Vietjet has placed a firm order with Airbus for an additional 50 A321neo single aisle aircraft, finalizing an MOU signed at the Farnborough International Airshow last July.
The purchase agreement was signed in Hanoi by Nguyen Thi Phuong Thao, Vietjet President and CEO and Christian Scherer, Airbus Chief Commercial Officer.
The signing was witnessed by Nguyen Xuan Phuc, Prime Minister of Vietnam and Edouard Philippe, Prime Minister of France, during his official visit to Vietnam.
The new purchase agreement increases the number of A320 Family aircraft ordered by Vietjet to 171, of which 46 have already been delivered. This leaves the airline with a backlog of 125 aircraft on order with Airbus for future delivery, comprising 120 A321neo and five A321ceo.
To date, the A320 Family has won more than 14,700 orders and over 8,000 aircraft are currently in service with 334 operators worldwide.
Top Copyright Photo: Vietjet Air (VietJetAir.com) Airbus A321-211 WL VN-A651 (msn 5295) (9000th Airbus Aircraft) HAN (Jacques Guillem Collection). Image: 939474.
VietJet aircraft slide show:
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Wow Air is adjusting its U.S. routes. Due to disappointing results, the Icelandic airline will drop St. Louis on January 7, 2019.
The company will also not renew flights to Cleveland and Cincinnati next summer when it ends flights on October 27.
Top Copyright Photo (all others by Wow Air): Wow Air Airbus A321-211 WL TF-PRO (msn 7680) AMS (Ton Jochems). Image: 943953.
Wow Air aircraft slide show:
Route Map:
Belair Airlines of Switzerland made this declaration on August 15, 2018:
The board of administration of Belair Airlines AG, headquartered in Glattbrugg (Switzerland) on August 15, 2018 resolved to issue a declaration of insolvency for Belair within the week.
This step was preceded by intense preparations since January 2018, aiming at a new start for the company in the summer of 2018. The plan had been to restart flight operations starting summer 2018 as a provider of wet lease flights (ACMI) for other airlines and of charter flights. Belair Airlines AG was acquired by Düsseldorf-based SBC AG from the insolvency assets of Air Berlin in January 2018.
Essential prerequisites for new start initially well on their way
Among the essential prerequisites for taking up flight operations again – as originally intended – from summer 2018 were a sufficient number of skilled and motivated employees, successful negotiations with potential customers, the interim securing of the operating costs, as well as the re-obtaining of the air operator’s certificate (AOC).
Skilled workforce
Immediately after the announcement of the preparation for a restart of the company in Jan- uary 2018, essential know-how carriers of the workforce who had been laid-off already in 2017 during the ownership of Air Berlin returned to Belair. At one point, Belair had approx. 20 employees with comprehensive knowledge of the processes and procedures necessary for flight operations who advanced the intense preparations for the restart of the company, putting forth an immense effort. In addition, more than 100 employees stood by to ensure flight operations.
Contract with new customer concluded
Furthermore, the management of Belair around CEO Michael Hoevel led successful negotia- tions with one of several potential customers. At the end of April 2018, a corresponding con- tract was concluded with a large customer from the tourism industry on the basis of an LOI (“letter of intent”) signed as early as the beginning of April. This contract stipulated the pay- ment of a first significant partial amount shortly after the conclusion of the contract. How- ever, this payment was never made.
Air operator’s certificate (AOC) not granted yet
To take up flight operations again, it was necessary to re-obtain the air operator’s certificate (AOC) through the Swiss Federal Office of Civil Aviation (BAZL – Bundesamt für Zivilluftfahrt). Besides proof of essential skills, suitable processes and in-company structures, proof of suffi- cient funds within the company was an important prerequisite for re-obtaining said air oper- ator’s certificate. Those funds were intended to be ensured in the restart preparation phase by means of contracts with at least one customer as well as the contribution of one or more investors.
Investor discussions finally unsuccessful contrary to expectations
In addition to talks with potential customers, numerous discussions were conducted with in- terested investors. For this purpose, the company including its significantly advanced business model was introduced to several potential investors over the past months. In the process, a potent investor was found and convinced of the advanced business model of Belair and the considerable demand on the market in the course of an intensive review (due diligence) and was planning on making a significant contribution. Unfortunately, said investor has now abandoned discussions at short notice, contrary to previous statements. Consequently, the air operator’s certificate could not be issued.
Declaration of insolvency unavoidable
In view of these developments – following the intensive restart preparation measures taken since the start of the year, the non-payment of aforementioned customer since late April and the surprising cancellation of the prospective investor – this resolution to issue a declaration of insolvency within the week was unavoidable.
The negative repercussions of this development in particular also affect the employees of Belair, who had supported the restart preparations with great commitment and profession- alism. They can now no longer be offered the prospective professional development. The management will provide support for their professional re-orientation within its capacity.
Regarding the development in the past months
Belair was acquired by SBC AG, based in Düsseldorf (Germany), a consulting firm specialising in reorganisation and restructuring, from the insolvency assets of Air Berlin in January 2018. Belair had been part of the Air Berlin Group since 2007. The liquidation of Belair had already been initiated by Air Berlin in the course of 2017. A first attempt by SBC to take over Belair in autumn 2017 initially failed since Air Berlin at the point in time back then was prevented from implementing this transaction for reasons of insolvency law. Subsequent to the takeo- ver, intense work on a restart of Belair had taken place since January 2018. It included further development of the business model as well as numerous intense discussions with customers and investors.
Top Copyright Photo: Airberlin (airberlin.com) – Operated by Belair Airlines Airbus A321-211 WL HB-JOU (msn 6454) ZRH (Rolf Wallner). Image: 938930.
Airberlin-Belair aircraft slide show:
Below Copyright Photo: Before Airberlin, Belair Airlines was an independent carrier. Belair Airlines (flybelair.com) Boeing 767-3Q8 ER HB-ISE (msn 27600) ZRH (Paul Denton). Image: 911970.
Belair aircraft slide show:
Anisec Luftfahrt is the name of IAG’s new airline subsidiary in Austria. The new airline is operating under the Level brand.
IAG was unsuccessful in acquiring or partnering with Niki Lauda. This is IAG’s answer to Ryanair which was successful.
As reported, Level’s first flight from Vienna took off to London Gatwick at 1620 CET/1520 BST on July 17, 2018.
The inaugural flight on International Airlines Group’s (IAG) new shorthaul low-cost Austrian subsidiary, arrived in London Gatwick at 1750 (local time) with all seats sold on the Airbus A321.
Flights to London operate 14 times per week and on the same the company commenced its seven weekly services to Palma de Majorca.
Level (Austria) has four Airbus A321 aircraft based in Vienna from where they are operating to 14 European destinations. Each aircraft is fitted with 210 economy seats.
Over the next four weeks, flights from Vienna will start to Barcelona, Malaga, Venice, Olbia, Ibiza, Paris Charles de Gaulle, Milan Malpensa, Dubrovnik, Larnaca, Alicante, Valencia and Bilbao.
Details of destinations, start dates and weekly frequencies from Vienna are below:
| Destination | Frequencies | Start Date |
| London Gatwick |
14 |
17 July 2018 |
| Palma |
7 |
17 July 2018 |
| Barcelona |
7 |
23 July 2018 |
| Malaga |
3 |
30 July 2018 |
| Venice |
7 |
31 July 2018 |
| Olbia (Sardinia) |
3 |
31 July 2018 |
| Ibiza |
3 |
7 Aug 2018 |
| Paris Charles de Gaulle |
13 |
11 Aug 2018 |
| Milan Malpensa |
13 |
11 Aug 2018 |
| Dubrovnik |
4 |
11 Aug 2018 |
| Larnaca |
3 |
11 Aug 2018 |
| Alicante |
2 |
11 Aug 2018 |
| Valencia |
2 |
12 Aug 2018 |
| Bilbao |
3 |
13 Aug 2018 |
Top Copyright Photo: Level (Austria) Airbus A321-211 WL OE-LCR (msn 6719) PMI (Javier Rodriguez). Image: 942893.
Germania is adding two new destinations. Next year, the independent German airline’s schedule will include two new destinations, and many existing routes will be expanded.
Larnaca in Cyprus and Djerba in Tunisia are being added to the network of popular holiday destinations next summer and further destinations – such as Croatia – are being planned.
Next summer will see flights to Larnaca introduced from Bremen, Dresden and Münster/Osnabrück airports, and Berlin-Tegel and Munich will be connected with Djerba.
In addition, the schedule of flights to Ibiza, Corsica, Lanzarote and Antalya will be expanded further. For example, an Airbus A321 will service the route between Bremen and Antalya, offering further seating capacity on the then-daily flights. Connections to popular and established destinations such as Turkey and Egypt and the Canary -, Balearic – and Greek Islands will continue to operate.
In order to support the expanded flight schedule, an additional aircraft will be stationed at Germania’s bases in Berlin-Tegel, Bremen and Münster/Osnabrück.
Top Copyright Photo (all others by Germania): Germania Fluggesellschaft Airbus A321-211 WL D-ASTW (msn 970) PMI (Javier Rodriguez). Image: 942491.
Germania aircraft slide show:
Delta Air Lines today reported financial results for the first quarter (march) of 2018. Highlights of those results, including both GAAP and adjusted metrics, are below and incorporated here.
Adjusted pre-tax income for the March 2018 quarter was $676 million, a $104 million decrease from the March 2017 quarter, as record revenues were offset by higher fuel prices and other increased costs including a $44 million impact from severe winter weather.
“The Delta people delivered a strong March quarter, and our record revenue was a direct result of the great service and operational reliability they provided for our customers. It’s an honor to recognize their hard work with $183 million toward our 2018 profit sharing,” said Ed Bastian, Delta’s chief executive officer. “We have confidence in our plan to grow earnings in 2018 through top-line growth, improving our cost trajectory, and leveraging our international partnerships.”
Revenue Environment
Delta’s adjusted operating revenue of $9.8 billion for the March quarter improved 8 percent, or $715 million versus the prior year. This revenue result marks a March quarter record for the company, and was driven by improvements across Delta’s business, including a 23 percent increase in cargo revenue and a $78 million increase in total loyalty revenue. Delta’s Branded Fares initiative drove $421 million in premium up-sell revenue in the period, a 23 percent increase from the prior year.
Total unit revenues excluding refinery sales (TRASM) increased 5.0 percent during the period, with foreign currency contributing just over 0.5 points of benefit. This marks the fourth consecutive quarter of year-over-year growth, with all geographic regions delivering positive results.
“We are seeing Delta’s best revenue momentum since 2014, with positive domestic unit revenues, improvements in all our international entities, strong demand for corporate travel and double-digit increases in our loyalty revenues,” said Glen Hauenstein, Delta’s president. “With our solid pipeline of commercial initiatives, delivered with industry-leading Delta service, we expect to maintain this momentum and deliver total revenue growth of 4 to 6 percent for the full year.”
June 2018 Quarter Guidance
For the June quarter, Delta expects solid top-line growth and an improving cost trajectory will mitigate the impact of higher fuel prices. The company will also benefit from a reduction in its book tax rate.
Cost Performance
Total adjusted operating expenses for the March quarter increased $817 million, driven by higher fuel prices, investments in employee wages and profit sharing, and higher depreciation expense.
Adjusted fuel expense increased $317 million, or 20 percent relative to March quarter 2017, as the year- over-year increase in market fuel prices was tempered by the lapping of prior year hedge losses and improved fuel efficiency. Delta’s adjusted fuel price per gallon for the March quarter was $2.01, which includes $0.05 of benefit from the refinery.
CASM-Ex increased 3.9 percent for the March 2018 quarter compared to the prior year period driven by April 2017 wage increases and accelerated depreciation due to aircraft retirements. Unit costs were further pressured by approximately 1 point from the impact of severe weather and foreign exchange. Delta expects this period will mark the highest non-fuel expense growth for the year.
“We expect unit cost growth of 1 to 3 percent in the June quarter, as we lap prior year investments in our people and our business,” said Paul Jacobson, Delta’s chief financial officer. “As we move through depreciation pressure from our fleet retirements and gain benefits from our upgauging and One Delta initiatives later in the year, we are on track for our 0 to 2 percent full year unit cost target.”
Adjusted non-operating expense was flat year-on-year for the March quarter as a $62 million improvement in pension expense was offset by higher interest costs and the seasonality of joint venture partner earnings. The company expects 2018 full-year adjusted non-operating expense to be $200-250 million lower than 2017, due to pension expense savings.
Tax expense declined $117 million for the March quarter, primarily due to the reduction in Delta’s book tax rate from 34 percent to 23 percent.
Cash Flow and Shareholder Returns
Delta generated $1.3 billion of operating cash flow, as the seasonal build of cash was partially offset by the $1.1 billion profit sharing payment to employees and a $500 million voluntary pension contribution in the March quarter, completing funding for the full year. Delta generated $173 million of free cash flow during the quarter, after the investment of $1.2 billion into the business primarily for aircraft purchases and improvements.
For the March quarter, Delta returned $542 million to shareholders, comprised of $325 million of share repurchases and $217 million in dividends.
Strategic Highlights
In the March quarter, Delta achieved a number of milestones across its five key strategic pillars.
Culture and People
Operational Reliability
Network and Partnerships
Customer Experience and Loyalty
Investment Grade Balance Sheet
Changes to Accounting Standards
On January 1, Delta adopted several new accounting standards, including the new revenue recognition standard which drove 0.5 points of margin and $0.05 per share of pressure in the March quarter. This represents substantially all the margin and earnings impact related to new accounting standards for 2018.
The prior periods presented here have been recast to reflect adoption of these new standards. In addition, Delta made the following changes to its income statement:
March Quarter Results
Special items for the quarter consist primarily of mark-to-market adjustments on refinery fuel hedges and unrealized gains/losses on investments.
Copyright Photo: Delta Air Lines Airbus A321-211 WL N327DN (msn 7777) FLL (Andy Cripps). Image: 941525.
Delta Air Lines aircraft slide show (Airbus):
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