Tag Archives: Airbus A350-941

Philippine Airlines to return 22 aircraft in Chapter 11 reorganization

Philippine Airlines, as previously reported, is now going through the Chapter 11 bankruptcy reorganization process in the United States.

PAL will use the process to shed 22 unused jets, mainly Airbus and Boeing aircraft on lease.

The carrier expects to trim its fleet from 92 aircraft to around 70 in the process according to Reuters.

The airline has also negotiated with Airbus to delay the delivery of 13 narrow-body aircraft.

COVID-19 has ravaged the airline’s markets.

In other news, Philippine Airlines is operating special flights from the UAE, Malaysia and Thailand in September in support of the Philippine Governmentโ€™s โ€œBayanihanโ€ repatriation program.

PAL Bayanihan flights:

  • Dubai-Manila (PR 659) โ€“ September 2, 4, 6, 8, 11 and 14
  • Kuala Lumpur-Manila (PR 526) โ€“ September 4
  • Bangkok-Manila (PR 731) โ€“ September 9
  • Jakarta to Manila (PR 540)ย โ€“ September 12

For Lufthansa

Above Copyright Photo: This A350 has already gone to Lufthansa: Philippines (Philippine Airlines) Airbus A350-941 RP-C3506 (msn 243) MUC (Arnd Wolf). Image: 954404.

PAL aircraft slide show:

 

Photo: JAL-Japan Airlines Airbus A350-941 JA06XJ (msn 405) (Minna-no JAL 2020 JET Vol. 3) HND (Akira Uekawa). Image: 954735.

Gold logo - "Everyone's JAL 2020 JET Vol. 3" celebrating the 2020 Tokyo Olympics

Copyright Photo: Gold logo – “Everyone’s JAL 2020 JET Vol. 3” celebrating the 2020 Tokyo Olympics: JAL-Japan Airlines Airbus A350-941 JA06XJ (msn 405) (Minna-no JAL 2020 JET Vol. 3) HND (Akira Uekawa). Image: 954735.

SIA Group narrows its fiscal first quarter net loss to $409 million

SIA Group (Singapore Airlines) issued this financial report:

Passenger traffic up as the SIA Group progressively rebuilds its network

Robust cargo performance continues to lead revenue contribution

SIA Group ready to seize revenue opportunities as borders re-open

Strong balance sheet provides foundation to navigate uncertainties and secure growth

GROUP FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE

First Quarter FY2021/22 โ€“ Profit and Loss

Border controls and travel restrictions remained largely in place during the first quarter of FY2021/22, despite the growing pace of Covid-19 vaccinations in Singapore and in key markets for the SIA Group around the world. The Groupโ€™s passenger traffic (measured in revenue passenger-kilometres) grew year-on-year on the back of a calibrated increase in passenger capacity (measured in available seat-kilometres), which rose to 28% of pre-Covid-19 levels by the end of the quarter in June 2021. The passenger load factor (PLF) for the first quarter increased 4.6 percentage points year-on-year to 14.8%.

An increase in both passenger and cargo flown revenue resulted in Group revenue increasing by $444 million (+52.2%) year-on-year to $1,295 million. Cargo flown revenue grew by $214 million (+32.4%), as the calibrated resumption in passenger flights contributed to an increase in cargo capacity (+46.9%) and loads carried (+68.2%). Cargo load factor increased 11.3 percentage points to 89.1%, while yields moderated from the exceptionally high levels during the same period last year. Overall, the strong cargo revenue performance for the first quarter reflected the healthy demand fundamentals and an ongoing capacity crunch in the sector.

Group expenditure fell by $319 million (-16.9%) to $1,569 million. Net fuel cost increased by $205 million (+132.3%) to $360 million mainly due to higher fuel prices, as well as an increase in the volume uplifted in tandem with the capacity expansion. There was a fuel hedging gain of $13 million, compared to a loss of $71 million for the same period last year. Mark-to-market gains of $72 million were also recognized on ineffective fuel hedges, reversing the $464 million losses recognized in the prior year. Non-fuel expenditure was at $1,281 million, up $12 million (+0.9%) as higher costs from the increased flying activities were partially mitigated by lower depreciation after surplus aircraft were removed from the fleet.

As a result, the SIA Group recorded a first quarter operating loss of $274 million, an improvement of $763 million (+73.6%) from the $1,037 million operating loss recorded last year. The Group reported a net loss of $409 million for the quarter, an improvement of $714 million (+63.6%) against last year. This was primarily driven by better operating performance and the absence of non-cash impairment charges relating to the liquidation of NokScoot.

The 115 passenger aircraft in Singapore Airlinesโ€™ operating fleet comprised 23 777-300ERs, 12 A380s, 55 A350s, 15 787- 10s, one A330 and nine 737-800NGs.

The 49 passenger aircraft in Scootโ€™s operating fleet comprised 10 787-8s, 10 787-9s, 21 A321ceos, five A320neos and three A321neos.

FLEET AND NETWORK

Three new Airbus A350s entered into service with SIA during the quarter, while two Airbus A330s were removed from the operating fleet for lease return checks. As at quarter end, Singapore Airlinesโ€™ operating fleet comprised 115 passenger aircraft2 and seven freighters.

Scoot added its first three Airbus A321neo aircraft into its operating fleet, while one Airbus A320ceo was removed for lease return checks. The inaugural A321neo flight was from Singapore to Bangkok on 28 June 2021, offering better operating economics and giving Scoot additional flexibility to add capacity as demand returns. At the end of the quarter, Scootโ€™s operating fleet consisted of 49 passenger aircraft3.

As at 30 June 2021, the SIA Group had an operating fleet of 164 passenger aircraft and seven freighters with an average age of five years and 11 months. This makes it one of the youngest fleets in the airline industry, helping to improve underlying operating efficiency and lower carbon emissions.

A calibrated expansion of the SIA Groupโ€™s network continued during the quarter. At the end of June 2021, the Groupโ€™s passenger network covered 63 destinations including Singapore, up from 60 compared to the previous quarter. SIA served 49 destinations while Scoot covered 24 points. The Groupโ€™s cargo network comprised 76 destinations including Singapore, up from 72 as at the end of the prior quarter. Scoot resumed services to Athens, Cebu, Clark, Kuala Lumpur, Macau and Manado during the quarter.

Based on our current published schedules, the Group expects passenger capacity to be around 33% of pre-Covid-19 levels in the second quarter of FY2021/22. By end of September 2021, the SIA Group expects to serve around 50% of the points that were part of our passenger network before the onset of Covid-19. SIA re-instated services to Cape Town (via Johannesburg) on 1 July 2021, as well as services to Manchester and Rome (via Copenhagen) from 16 July 2021. Scoot re-introduced flights to Sydney from 6 July 2021, and will resume flights to Berlin (via Athens) from 10 August 2021 pending regulatory approvals. No. 03/21 29 July 2021 Page 4 of 5

PAVING THE WAY AHEAD

The SIA Groupโ€™s strong balance sheet and access to liquidity provides the resources to navigate the crisis at hand, and positions us for growth as we recover from the impact of the Covid-19 virus on our business.

Continuously innovating and improving our product and service offerings remains central to our brand promise. During the quarter, SIA became the first airline to offer live in-flight online shopping when KrisShopโ€™s e-commerce platform became available via the KrisWorld in-flight entertainment system.

Vaccinations provide added safety and reassurance for our customers and staff members. Today, all frontline ground staff and around 98% of the active pilots and cabin crew in the SIA Group have been vaccinated. As a result, a vast majority of our flights are operated by vaccinated pilots and cabin crew.

The Group continues to pursue initiatives that reinforce our long-standing strategy of working towards decarbonization and environmental sustainability across our operations. During the quarter, the SIA Group announced its commitment to achieve net zero carbon emissions by 2050. Our continued investment in new generation aircraft, which reduce fuel burn by up to 30% versus prior generation aircraft on comparable missions, is the most effective immediate step towards this target. We are also pursuing additional levers, including the adoption of low-carbon technology such as sustainable aviation fuels and carbon offsetting. We have also launched a voluntary carbon offset program that allows SIA and Scoot passengers, as well as our cargo customers, to offset their emissions.

OUTLOOK

The growing pace of mass vaccination exercises across many countries provides hope for further recovery in international air travel demand. However, the risk of new variants and fresh waves of Covid-19 infections in key markets remains a concern. The recovery trajectory will be dependent on government regulations, vaccination rates, and the risk profile of individual regulatory authorities. The SIA Group strongly supports all efforts to facilitate the safe resumption of international passenger travel.

Cargo demand fundamentals remain strong, with Purchasing Managersโ€™ Indices for most of the key export economies still in expansionary territory and inventory restocking in progress. While overall airfreight demand is expected to be healthy in the coming months, seasonal fluctuations and tighter pandemic controls in certain locations will create short-term volatility. Overall industry airfreight capacity continues to be tight as passenger flights, and hence bellyhold cargo capacity, have yet to recover fully. No. 03/21 29 July 2021

The SIA Groupโ€™s Transformation program aims to drive digital leadership and excellence in product and services, while enhancing health and safety measures across the end-to-end travel journey. This will ensure that customers continue to have a world-class experience when they fly with us in the new normal. We will also actively pursue new engines of revenue growth, as well as initiatives to achieve a more competitive cost base to secure our financial sustainability. We are also investing in our people to ensure that they are able to navigate our current challenges, and be equipped with the necessary skills for the future.

The SIA Group will remain nimble and flexible during this time, and be alert to all possible revenue and growth opportunities that may arise. We will also remain steadfast in exercising cost discipline across the Group.

Singapore Airlines Airbus A350-941 9V-SMU (msn 186) ZRH (Rolf Wallner). Image: 954459.

Above Copyright Photo: Singapore Airlines Airbus A350-941 9V-SMU (msn 186) ZRH (Rolf Wallner). Image: 954459.

Singapore Airlines aircraft slide show:

SAS reports over a million passengers in July

Scandinavian Airlines-SAS Airbus A350-941 SE-RSC (msn 391) TLS (Eurospot). Image: 954529.

Increased traveling during the summer resulted in over a million passengers in July.

July was a month with increased numbers of travelers. More than a millionย passengers chose to fly with SAS, which is an increase of almost 70%ย compared withย June. Capacity was raised during the month with increased frequency and destinations. The load factor ended at 60%, which is the highest number since February 2020.

โ€œWe see the numbers improving gradually which is pleasing. However, we do naturally remain cautious as there are still a high number of uncertainties ahead of us. Remaining travel restrictions are still affecting passengers and we do everything possible to give our customers a smooth travel experience. SAS is offering flexible tickets and rebooking possibilities. We also provide digital tools which help passengers track updates to restrictions to make it easier to travel,โ€ says Anko van der Werff, President and CEO at SAS.

SAS scheduled traffic Jul21 Change1 Nov20-ย Jul21 Change1
ASK (Mill.) 2 300 75.8% 10 012 -46.1%
RPK (Mill.) 1 370 107.1% 3 956 -66.3%
Passenger load factor 59.6% +9.0 pp 39.5% -23.7 pp
No. of passengers (000) 1 023 46.3% 3 891 -62.7%

 

Geographical development, schedule Jul21ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย  vs.ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย  Jul20 Nov20-ย Jul21ย ย ย vs.ย ย  Nov19-Jul20
RPK ASK RPK ASK
Intercontinental 471.3% 160.1% -86.3% -49.8%
Europe/Intrascandinavia 145.3% 104.3% -63.3% -55.3%
Domestic 10.7% -2.8% -41.9% -22.7%

 

SAS charter traffic Jul21 Change1 Nov20-ย Jul21 Change1
ASK (Mill.) 157 790.8% 215 -75.2%
RPK (Mill.) 134 831.3% 157 -79.2%
Load factor 85.6% +3.7 pp 73.1% -13.9 pp
No. of passengers (000) 56 882.7% 64 -74.1%

 

SAS total traffic (scheduled and charter) Jul21 Change1 Nov20-ย Jul21 Change1
ASK (Mill.) 2 457 85.3% 10 227 -47.4%
RPK (Mill.) 1 504 122.5% 4 113 -67.1%
Load factor 61.2% +10.2 pp 40.2% -24.1 pp
No. of passengers (000) 1 079 53.0% 3 955 -63.0%

1ย 1ย Change compared to same period last year. pp = percentage points

Preliminary yield and PASK Jul21 Nominal change FX adjusted change
Yield, SEK 0.87 -21.3% -21.4%
PASK, SEK 0.52 -7.2% -7.4%
Jun21
Punctuality (arrival 15 min) 84.0%
Regularity 98.2%
Change in total CO2ย emissions, rolling 12 months -63.8%
Change in CO2ย emissions per available seat kilometer -13.0%
Carbon offsetting of passenger related emissions 56%


Definitions:

RPK โ€“ Revenue passenger kilometers
ASK โ€“ Available seat kilometers
Load factor โ€“ RPK/ASK
Yield โ€“ Passenger revenues/RPK (scheduled)
PASK โ€“ Passenger revenues/ASK (scheduled)
Change in CO2ย emissions per available seat kilometers โ€“ SAS passenger related carbon emissions divided with total available seat kilometers (incl. non-revenue and EuroBonus), rolling 12 months
Carbonย offsettingย ofย passengerย relatedย emissions โ€“ Share of SAS passenger related carbon emissions compensated by SAS (EuroBonus members, youth tickets and SAS’ staff travel)

From fiscal year 2020 we report change in CO2ย emissions in total and per Available Seat Kilometers (ASK) to align with our overall goal to reduce our total CO2ย emissions by 25% by 2025, compared to 2005.

Top Copyright Photo: Scandinavian Airlines-SAS Airbus A350-941 SE-RSC (msn 391) TLS (Eurospot). Image: 954529.

 

 

SAS increases flights from Scandinavia to the United States

Scandinavian Airlines-SAS Airbus A350-941 F-WZHJ (SE-RSA) (msn 358) TLS (Eurospot). Image: 948367.

Meanwhile SAS reacts:

SAS will finally be operating on all its US destinations when it resumes direct routes to Boston in September and flights to Miami in October.

Also, SASโ€™ first A321LR aircraft will take off from Copenhagen to Boston in September. At the same time SAS will increase the number of flights from Copenhagen to Los Angeles, San Francisco and Washington DC starting in September.

From October 1, 2021 SAS will resume service to Miami from Copenhagen and Stockholm respectively. Towards the end of October, Miami will be served daily with three weekly flights from Copenhagen and Stockholm respectively as well as once weekly from Oslo.

SAS is currently present in the Chicago market with daily passenger flights as well as additional cargo only flights from Copenhagen and will restart the Stockholm-Chicago route later this autumn.

SASโ€™ US routes and departures this autumn:

  • Copenhagen-New York โ€“ 7 weekly
  • Copenhagen-Chicago โ€“ 7 weekly
  • Copenhagen-Los Angeles โ€“ 4-5 weekly
  • Copenhagen-San Francisco โ€“ 4 weekly
  • Copenhagen-Washington DC โ€“ 4 weekly
  • Copenhagen-Boston โ€“ 3 weekly
  • Copenhagen-Miami โ€“ 3 weekly
  • Oslo-New York โ€“ 3 weekly
  • Oslo-Miami โ€“ 1 weekly
  • Stockholm-New York โ€“ 3-5 weekly
  • Stockholm-Chicago โ€“ 3 weekly
  • Stockholm-Miami โ€“ 3 weekly

Although many countries are now easing their entry restrictions, most countries still require various types of travel and test certificates and it is important to be well-prepared well before arriving at the airport. To make it easier for travelers, SAS has developed a new digital platform, SAS Travel Ready Center.

Top Copyright Photo: Scandinavian Airlines-SAS Airbus A350-941 F-WZHJ (SE-RSA) (msn 358) TLS (Eurospot). Image: 948367.

SAS aircraft slide show:

Finnair introduces nonstop long-haul flights from Stockholm Arlanda

Delivered on December 13, 2018

Finnair to complete with SAS at ARN:

Finnair opens nonstop flight routes from Arlanda Airport, Stockholm in Sweden to Bangkok and Phuket in Thailand and Miami in the United States for the winter season 2021/2022.

All three routes will be operated with an Airbus A350-900 aircraft offering a smooth and modern travel experience.

As of October 22, 2021 Finnair flies from Arlanda to Bangkok five times a week on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays and Sundays. From November 28, 2021 the weekly frequencies will be increased to seven and flights are operated from Monday through Sunday until April 22, 2022.

Flights from Arlanda to Phuket will be operated on Sundays as of October 24, 2021. An additional frequency will be added Thursday as of November 4, 2021 and for Tuesdays as of November 30, 2021. Flights to Phuket will be operated until April 21, 2022.

Flights from Arlanda to Miami will start with two weekly frequencies, on Wednesdays and Saturdays as of October 23, 2021. From November 29, 2021 flights will be operated also on Monday and Friday until April 22, 2022.

Finnair flies to Bangkok, Phuket and Miami also from its home base Helsinki Airport.

Top Copyright Photo: Finnair Airbus A350-941 OH-LWM (msn 264) LHR (SPA). Image: 945935.

Finnair aircraft slide show:

Report: Delta is preparing to add additional Airbus A350-900s and Boeing 737-900ERs

Delta Air Lines Airbus A350-941 N515DN (msn 404) AMS (Ton Jochems). Image: 954364.

Delta Air Lines aggressively retired older aircraft at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic when traffic collapsed a year ago. Now traffic is returning. Several airlines have been reluctant to take delivery of their ordered aircraft due to the pandemic and their loss of traffic.

Delta is apparently in talks to acquire these undelivered aircraft presumably at a lower price.

According to Jon Ostrower at The Current, Delta is in the final stages to acquire seven Airbus A350-900s and 29 Boeing 737-900ERs presumably ordered by and not taken up by LATAM Airlines and Lion Air.

Delta has not yet confirmed this report.

Top Copyright Photo: Delta Air Lines Airbus A350-941 N515DN (msn 404) AMS (Ton Jochems). Image: 954364.

Delta aircraft slide show:

Iberojet now operates between Madrid and Lisbon and the Caribbean

Formerly Evelop Airlines and Orbest Airlines

Iberojet (Palma de Mallorca and Lisbon) (formerly Evelop AIrlines and Orbest Airlines) is now offering the following routes to the Caribbean, Mexico and Central America from Madrid and Lisbon:

Route Map:

Madrid – Punta Cana – Madrid

Madrid – Punta Cana – Madrid

Madrid – San Josรฉ – Madrid

Madrid – Cancun – Madrid

Lisbon – Punta Cana – Lisbon

Lisbon – Cancun – Lisbon

Previously on December 8, 2020, it was announced Evelop Airlines of Spain would merge with Orbest Airlines of Portugal to form the pictured Iberojet.

The pictured Airbus A350-900 (top) now displays the livery of the newly created carrier.

Top Copyright Photo: Iberojet Airbus A350-941 EC-NGY (msn 400) FRA (Bernhard Ross). Image: 954059.

Turkish increases the number of flights to Dubai

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Turkish Airlines increased the frequency of its Dubai to Turkey route to three daily flights to its Istanbul hub.

The new flight will start to operate from June 17, 2021. It will depart from Dubai daily at 10:20 and arrive in Istanbul at 14:00 with return flights leaving Istanbul at 20:40 and arriving in Dubai the next morning at 2:00. All times are local times of their departure points. ย 

The flight will be operated with wide body aircrafts.

The airline also launched its Newark route, starting its flights on May 22,ย  2021. Newark is the 10thย USA destination in the extensive network of the flag carrier. Other new destinations launched include Vancouver, Canada and Turkistan, Kazakhstan.

Top Copyright Photo: Turkish Airlines Airbus A350-941 TC-LGB (msn 421) FRA (Bernhard Ross). Image: 953634.

Turkish Airlines aircraft slide show:

Spain reopens to leisure travel, Delta adds new flights to Europe

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Delta Air Lines has made this announcement:

After more than a year of restrictions on international travel, more European countries are reopening for U.S. leisure and other non-essential travelers โ€“ in time for those seeking new adventures this summer and to further support economic recovery from the global pandemic.

Spain is the latest country to reopen to leisure travel, as Spanish government officials announced last week that the country will open to vaccinated travelers beginning June 7. For customers who wish to connect with loved ones or enjoy new experiences, Delta currently serves Madrid daily from New York-JFK and will add three-times-per-week service from New York-JFK to Barcelona beginning June 6 and from ATL beginning Aug. 5.

As the European Union takes steps toward reopening borders, it is up to individual member countries to decide when and how to lift their restrictions. Delta will continue to expand service as travel returns and keep customers up to date on which international destinations are open to visitors.

Customers are encouraged to review entry requirements for their destination, including whether a vaccination certificate or negative COVID-19 test is required. You can find details on theย Delta Discover Mapย on delta.com or check the official government website of their destination country.

Hereโ€™s a snapshot of trans-Atlantic destinations that are currently open or that will open throughout the summer to vaccinated travelers and/or travelers with negative tests (seeย Deltaโ€™s Return to International Travelย page for details specific to each destination):

Destination Schedule Details
Athens, Greece
  • New daily service from ATL begins July 2 on Airbus A330-300
  • Daily service from JFK begins May 28 on Airbus A330-300
Dubrovnik, Croatia
  • New four-times-weekly service from JFK begins July 2 on Boeing 767-300ER
Barcelona, Spain
  • Three-times-weekly service from JFK begins June 6 on Boeing 767-300ER
  • Three-times-weekly service from ATL begins Aug. 5 on Boeing 767-300ER
Madrid, Spain
  • Daily service from JFK is now available on Boeing 767-300ER
Reykjavik, Iceland
  • New service from BOS is now available on Boeing 757-200
  • Service from JFK is now available on Boeing 757-200, 767-300ER from July 2
  • Service from MSP begins May 27 on Boeing 757-200
Milan, Italy
  • Daily service from JFK is now available on A330-300
Rome, Italy
  • Five-times-weekly service now available, daily service from ATL begins May 26 on Airbus A330-300
  • New service from BOS begins Aug. 5 on Boeing 767-300ER
  • Three-times-weekly service from JFK now available on Airbus A330, increasing to daily July 1
Venice, Italy
  • Five-times-weekly service from ATL begins Aug. 5 on Boeing 767
  • Daily service from JFK begins July 2 on Boeing 767-300ER

Flights to Croatia, Greece, Iceland and Spain are operated in partnership with Air France, KLM and Virgin Atlantic. Our flights to Italy are operated in conjunction with Alitalia. This schedule, including routes and frequency, remains subject to change.

Top Copyright Photo: Delta Air Lines Airbus A350-941 N506DN (msn 175) AMS (Ton Jochems). Image: 950895.

Delta aircraft slide show (Airbus):