Tag Archives: Boeing 767

AmeriJet to start a new cargo operation at Rickenbacker International Airport on July 7

AmeriJet International, Inc. (Fort Lauderdale/Hollywood and Miami) has announced its selection of Rickenbacker International Airport as one of its key air cargo hubs connecting eleven cities within the U.S.. Amerijet continues to spread its wings and has signed a long-term lease agreement with the Rickenbacker Airport for a 20,000 square foot facility, including five loading dock doors, located at 2566 Jerrie Mock Ave, Columbus, Ohio 43217. Service from Rickenbacker starts on July 7, with dedicated Boeing 767 wide body freighter service for intercontinental and domestic freight coast to coast.

AmeriJet International, Inc. is a full-service multi-modal transportation and logistics provider, offering U.S. Domestic and International, scheduled all-cargo transport via land, sea, and air. AmeriJet connects over 600 destinations worldwide, providing global transportation solutions for customers throughout the Americas, Mexico, the Caribbean, Europe, Asia, and the Middle East.

Schedules from the Miami hub: CLICK HERE

Copyright Photo: Bruce Drum/AirlinersGallery.com. Ex-Delta Boeing 767-232 (F) N743AX (msn 22218) arrives back at the Miami cargo hub.

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United Airlines launches Houston-Munich flights

United Airlines (Chicago) yesterday (April 24) launched daily nonstop service between its Houston hub at George Bush Intercontinental Airport and Munich, linking the fourth-largest city in the U.S. with the capital of Bavaria.

United will operate the service with Boeing 767-400 aircraft with 242 seats – 39 in United BusinessFirst and 203 in United Economy, including 70 Economy Plus extra-legroom seats.

Flight UA 104 departs Bush Intercontinental daily at 4:10 p.m. (1610) and arrives at Munich’s Franz Joseph Strauss International Airport at 9:50 a.m. (0950) the next day. On the return, flight UA 105 will depart Munich at 9:30 a.m. (0930) and arrive in Houston at 2:20 p.m. (1420) the same day.

The new Munich flights complement the daily nonstop service between Houston and Frankfurt that both United and its joint-venture partner Lufthansa offer today.

United is the leading U.S. carrier to Germany, operating year-round nonstop flights to five German cities from hubs in Chicago, Houston, New York, San Francisco and Washington.

Copyright Photo: Arnd Wolf/AirlinersGallery.com. Boeing 767-424 ER N76055 (msn 29450) in the Star Alliance motif taxies at Munich.

United Airlines (current):

UPS produces an operating profit of $1.5 billion in the first quarter, down $106 million due to harsh winter weather

UPS (United Parcel Service) (UPS Airlines) (Atlanta) today released first quarter 2014 results. Diluted earnings per share totaled $0.98, a $0.06 decline from first quarter 2013 adjusted results. Operating profit for the quarter was $1.5 billion, down $106 million from the prior-year’s adjusted results. Unusually harsh weather weighed on operating profit by approximately $200 million, due to increased expenses and slower revenue growth. Average daily shipments in the U.S. climbed 4.2% driven primarily by large e-commerce shippers using lightweight deferred shipping solutions.

The International segment operating margin expanded to 14.0% on daily volume growth of 7.9%. Supply Chain and Freight experienced improved operating profit and margin expansion.

For the first quarter of 2013, UPS reported diluted earnings per share of $1.08, which includes $36 million in after-tax gains related to the attempted acquisition of TNT.

“Much of the U.S. economy was negatively affected by the severe weather conditions in the first quarter, resulting in lower UPS operating results versus the prior year,” said Scott Davis, UPS chairman and CEO. “International and the Supply Chain and Freight segment benefitted from positive momentum during the quarter as customers utilized the strategic investments made by UPS to strengthen our portfolio.”

Cash Flow

For the three months ended March 31, UPS generated $1.9 billion in free cash flow. The company paid dividends of $596 million, up 8.1% per share over the prior year, and repurchased 6.8 million shares for approximately $660 million.

U.S. Domestic Package

U.S. Domestic revenue increased 2.6% over the prior-year period, to $8.5 billion. Daily volume improved 4.2%, led by UPS SurePost and UPS Second Day Air.

The segment generated $927 million in operating profit, down $158 million compared to the prior year, due to the impact of severe winter weather. The company experienced lost revenue and additional cost as a result of significant network disruptions on more than half of the operating days during the quarter. Overtime wages, purchased transportation and snow removal costs increased substantially over the prior year. Operating margin contracted 220 basis points to 10.9%.

Revenue per package declined 1.5% from the previous year due to changes in customer and product mix, as well as lower fuel surcharges. Product mix continues to be impacted by the rapid increase of UPS SurePost. More e-commerce retailers are choosing this product to serve their value-conscious customers.
International Package

The International segment revenue improved 5.0% and produced operating profit of $438 million, 12% more than the prior-year adjusted results. Operating margin expanded to 14% driven by improved network efficiency and in-country leverage.

On a reported basis, the segment recorded operating profit growth of 24% more than the prior-year result of $352 million. This reflects the operating profit impact of a $39 million net charge in 2013, related to the attempted acquisition of TNT.

Export shipments climbed 7.7% driven by 15% growth in Europe and modest gains in Asia and the Americas. Transborder shipments in Europe continue to expand rapidly as customers migrate to Pan-European distribution using UPS solutions.

To support strong Intra-European growth and intercontinental trade, the company announced the completed expansion of its Cologne, Germany, air hub. This $200 million investment increased facility capacity by 70%.
Non-U.S. Domestic deliveries increased 8.1%, driven by growth in Europe and Canada. Poland led the European countries with more than 20% growth, while Germany and the U.K. contributed strong gains.

Average revenue per package declined 2.1% due to product mix changes as non-premium Export products jumped almost 13%, overshadowing improved growth in premium products.

Supply Chain & Freight

Supply Chain and Freight operating profit increased 3.5% to $148 million. Operating margin expanded 30 basis points to 6.8%, driven by gains in the Forwarding and Distribution units.

The Forwarding business delivered improved operating profit and margin gains during the quarter as the unit adapted to market changes. International Air Freight growth in shipments and tonnage were offset by lower revenue per pound. Ocean Freight and Brokerage showed both improved revenue and operating profit.
Gains from retail and healthcare customers drove higher revenue growth in the Distribution business unit.

Operating profit improved more than 10% despite additional expansion costs during the quarter.

UPS Freight revenue increased slightly on a 3.1% increase in LTL revenue per hundredweight. Both tonnage and operating profit were negatively impacted by the severe winter weather.

Outlook

“During the quarter, the momentum of the underlying business was masked by the disruption of inclement weather,” said Kurt Kuehn, UPS chief financial officer. “We are encouraged by the positive trends in our business and expect the remainder of the year to perform as we originally guided. However, due to the challenging start to 2014, we anticipate diluted earnings per share to be at the low end of our full-year guidance range of $5.05 to $5.30.”

Copyright Photo: Tony Storck/AirlinersGallery.com. Boeing 767-34AF ER N328UP (msn 27754) in Blended Winglets prepares to land at Philadelphia International Airport (PHL).

UPS Airlines:

American Airlines Group reports a record first quarter net profit of $480 million

American Airlines Group (American Airlines and US Airways) (Dallas/Fort Worth) today reported its first quarter 2014 results.

First quarter 2014 net profit was a record $480 million. This represents a $777 million improvement versus the company’s combined first quarter 2013 net loss of $297 million.

Excluding net special credits, the company reported a record first quarter net profit of $402 million. This represents a $340 million year-over-year improvement versus the company’s combined net profit of $62 million excluding net special charges in the first quarter 2013.

First quarter 2014 pretax margin excluding net special credits was 4.1 percent, a 3.6 point year-over-year improvement.

The company ended the quarter with $10.6 billion in total cash and short-term investments. Since the close of the merger, the company has used more than $542 million of cash to reduce its diluted shares outstanding by approximately 20 million.

For the first quarter 2014, American Airlines Group reported a record GAAP net profit of $480 million. This compares to a net loss of $341 million in the first quarter 2013. The company’s GAAP results for the first quarter 2013 reflect AMR Corporation prior to the merger.

The company believes it is more meaningful to compare year-over-year results for American Airlines and US Airways on a combined basis, which is a non-GAAP formulation that combines the results for AMR Corporation and US Airways Group. Therefore, it includes the results of US Airways Group for the full period. See the accompanying notes in the Financial Tables section of this press release for further explanation of this presentation, including a reconciliation of GAAP to non-GAAP financial information.

First quarter 2014 net profit excluding net special credits was a record $402 million. This compares to a combined non-GAAP net profit of $62 million excluding net special charges for the same period in 2013. Excluding net special credits, first quarter 2014 diluted earnings per share was $0.54.

“We are very pleased to report a record profit in our first full quarter as a merged company,” said Doug Parker, CEO of American Airlines Group. “Our team of dedicated professionals did an excellent job of taking care of our customers despite particularly difficult weather conditions throughout the quarter. We are excited for the future and expect our synergies to build as we continue to integrate our operations.”

Merger Integration

Since closing the merger on December 9, 2013, the company has made significant progress in integrating American Airlines and US Airways. Key accomplishments:

Launched the world’s largest codeshare, offering customers improved access to the company’s global network by allowing them to book flights on both airlines’ networks

Provided reciprocal benefits for airport lounge and frequent flyer elite members, including priority check-in, waiving fees for checked bags, complimentary access to preferred seats, priority security lines, early boarding and priority baggage delivery

Enabled AAdvantage® and Dividend Miles® members to earn and redeem miles when traveling across either airline’s network

Joined operations at 58 airports, including Phoenix and Miami hubs

Moved US Airways into the oneworld alliance on March 31 and to the trans-Atlantic joint venture with American, British Airways, Iberia and Finnair on April 3

Aligned award travel options, checked baggage policies and inflight services for First and Business Class customers

Announced Sabre as the new Passenger Services System for the combined company

Closed the sale of the slot divestitures required by the U.S. Department of Justice at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA). In total, the company received $381 million in cash from the DCA sales and the sale of slots at New York’s LaGuardia (LGA) Airport, which closed in the fourth quarter 2013.

Revenue and Cost Comparisons

On a combined basis, total revenues in the first quarter were a record $10 billion, up 5.6 percent versus the first quarter 2013 on a 2.0 percent increase in total available seat miles (ASMs). Driven by a record yield of 17.03 cents, up 3.2 percent year-over-year, combined consolidated passenger revenue per ASM (PRASM) was also a record for the first quarter at 13.67 cents, up 2.9 percent versus the first quarter 2013.

Total combined operating expenses in the first quarter were $9.3 billion, down 0.3 percent over first quarter 2013. Combined first quarter mainline cost per available seat mile (CASM) was 13.50 cents, down 2.7 percent on a 2.7 percent increase in mainline ASMs versus first quarter 2013. This cost improvement was largely due to a 4.8 percent decrease in year-over-year mainline fuel prices. Excluding special charges, fuel and profit sharing, mainline CASM was up 4.0 percent compared to the first quarter 2013, at 8.96 cents. Regional CASM excluding special charges and fuel was 16.62 cents, up 5.0 percent on a 3.2 percent decrease in regional ASMs versus first quarter 2013.

Liquidity

As of March 31, 2014, American had approximately $10.6 billion in total cash and short-term investments, of which $947 million was restricted. The company also has an undrawn revolving credit facility of $1.0 billion. Approximately $750 million of the company’s unrestricted cash balance was held in Venezuelan bolivars, valued at the weighted average applicable exchange rate of 6.32 bolivars to the dollar. This includes approximately $94 million valued at 4.3 bolivars, approximately $611 million valued at 6.3 bolivars and approximately $45 million valued at 10.7 bolivars, with the rate depending on the date the company submitted its repatriation request to the Venezuelan government.

In the first quarter of 2014, the Venezuelan government announced that a newly-implemented system (SICAD I) will determine the exchange rate (which fluctuates as determined by weekly auctions and at March 31, 2014 was 10.7 bolivars to the dollar) for repatriation of cash proceeds from ticket sales after January 1, 2014, and introduced new procedures for approval of repatriation of local currency. The company is continuing to work with Venezuelan authorities regarding the timing and exchange rate applicable to the repatriation of funds held in local currency. The company is monitoring this situation closely and continues to evaluate its holdings of Venezuelan bolivars for potential impairment.

Since the merger, the company paid $542 million in tax withholdings for employees in lieu of issuing shares of common stock as compensation as permitted under the Plan of Reorganization, thereby reducing the number of shares expected to be issued under the Plan by approximately 20 million. Additionally, the company has elected to utilize the cash settlement feature for the remaining $22 million principal amount of US Airways Group 7.25% convertible notes due May 15, 2014, which will further reduce diluted shares by approximately 4 million shares.

Special Items

In the first quarter, the company recognized a combined total of $78 million in net special credits, including:

$137 million in net special credits consisting primarily of the gain on the sale of slots at Reagan National Airport offset in part by integration and merger-related expenses

$47 million in non-operating special charges due primarily to non-cash interest accretion on bankruptcy settlement obligations

$8 million in non-cash deferred income tax provision related to certain indefinite-lived intangible assets

$4 million in regional non-operating charges

Additional Integration Related Developments

Distributed $11 million to employees for baggage handling and on-time performance in the month of January; this distribution of $100 per employee is part of the company’s Triple Play program which measures on-time arrivals and baggage performance as reported in the DOT’s Air Travel Consumer Report (ATCR)

Conducted first joint Captain Leadership Training with newly promoted captains from both airlines

On April 9, Piedmont flight attendants ratified a new five-year Collective Bargaining Agreement
Opened a new Admirals Club lounge at the company’s Philadelphia (PHL) hub

Fleet/Network Developments

As part of its plan to modernize its fleet by replacing older aircraft with newer, more fuel-efficient aircraft, the company inducted 12 new Airbus A321 aircraft into service between New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) and Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), and JFK and San Francisco International Airport (SFO). American is now the only U.S. carrier to offer three classes of service between these key markets.

The company also took delivery of one Airbus A330-200 aircraft, five Boeing 737-800 aircraft and one Boeing 777-300 aircraft during the first quarter.

Revealed new Boeing 767-300 and 777-200ER cabin retrofits, which feature lie-flat seats with direct aisle access in Business Class

In April 2014, the company exercised its option to purchase (and thus terminated its existing lease financing arrangements) for 62 Airbus A320 family aircraft scheduled to be delivered between first quarter 2015 and third quarter 2017. In connection with this decision, the company also exercised its right to convert firm orders for 30 Airbus A320 family NEO aircraft (scheduled to be delivered in 2021 and 2022) to options to acquire such aircraft.

Top Copyright Photo: Rolf Wallner/AirlinersGallery.com. American Airlines’ Boeing 767-323 ER N346AN (msn 33085) taxies at Zurich.

American Airlines:

US Airways:

Bottom Copyright Photo: Jay Selman/AirlinersGallery.com. US Airways is now planning to operate the last Boeing 737 revenue flight on August 18 at the Charlotte hub. Boeing 737-4B7 N450UW (msn 24933) arrives back at CLT.

United Airlines reports a first quarter net loss of $489 million

United Airlines (Chicago) today reported a first quarter 2014 net loss of $489 million, or $1.33 per share, excluding $120 million of special items. Including special items, UAL reported a first quarter 2014 net loss of $609 million, or $1.66 per share.

Historic severe weather increased United’s first quarter loss by approximately $200 million.

United’s consolidated passenger revenue per available seat mile (PRASM) decreased 2.0 percent in the first quarter of 2014 compared to the first quarter of 2013. Weather-related cancellations reduced first quarter 2014 consolidated PRASM by approximately 1.5 percentage points.

First quarter 2014 consolidated unit costs (CASM) increased 1.0 percent year-over-year. First-quarter 2014 consolidated CASM, excluding special charges, third-party business expenses, fuel and profit sharing, increased 3.1 percent year-over-year on a consolidated capacity reduction of 0.3 percent.

UAL ended the first quarter with $6.0 billion in unrestricted liquidity.

“This quarter’s financial performance is well below what we can and should achieve. We are taking the appropriate steps with our operations, network, service and product to deliver significantly better financial results,” said Jeff Smisek, UAL’s chairman, president and chief executive officer. “The entire United team is sharply focused on accomplishing the goals we have laid out for long-term financial success.”

First Quarter Revenue and Capacity

For the first quarter of 2014, total revenue was $8.7 billion, a decrease of 0.3 percent year-over-year. First-quarter consolidated passenger revenue decreased 2.3 percent to $7.4 billion, compared to the same period in 2013. Ancillary revenue per passenger in the first quarter increased 7.6 percent year-over-year to more than $21 per passenger. First-quarter cargo revenue decreased 7.9 percent versus the first quarter of 2013 to $209 million. Other revenue in the first quarter increased 18.0 percent year-over-year to $1.1 billion, in large part due to an agreement to sell jet fuel to a third party.

Consolidated revenue passenger miles and consolidated available seat miles each decreased 0.3 percent year-over-year for the first quarter, driven largely by adverse weather, resulting in a first quarter consolidated load factor of 81.1 percent.

First quarter 2014 consolidated PRASM and consolidated yield each decreased 2.0 percent compared to the first quarter of 2013.

“We recognize that we have lagged on revenue and are taking the necessary actions to remedy that,” said Jim Compton, UAL’s vice chairman and chief revenue officer. “Our employees pulled together during the unprecedented extreme winter weather that marked this quarter. We appreciate their hard work, which resulted in higher customer satisfaction scores than for the same period last year.”

First Quarter Costs

Total operating expenses increased $60 million, or 0.7 percent, in the first quarter versus the same period in 2013. Excluding special charges, first-quarter total operating expenses increased $100 million, or 1.1 percent, year-over-year.

First quarter consolidated CASM increased 1.0 percent year-over-year. First quarter consolidated CASM, excluding special charges, third-party business expense, fuel and profit sharing, increased 3.1 percent compared to the first quarter of 2013. Third-party business expense was $193 million in the first quarter of 2014.

“We are making good progress in reducing costs and delivering sustainable efficiencies, all while improving the product for our customers,” said John Rainey, UAL’s executive vice president and chief financial officer. “While we are not pleased with our first-quarter financial results, we are building a strong foundation that will result in improved financial performance.”

Liquidity and Cash Flow

UAL ended the first quarter with $6.0 billion in unrestricted liquidity, including $1.0 billion of undrawn commitments under a revolving credit facility. The company generated $694 million of operating cash flow in the first quarter. During the first quarter, the company had gross capital expenditures of $737 million, excluding fully reimbursable projects. The company made debt and capital lease principal payments of $637 million in the first quarter.

Why is United Airlines losing money?

Read the analysis by Bloomberg Businessweek: CLICK HERE

United Airlines (current):

Hawaiian Holdings reduces its first quarter net loss to $5.1 million

Hawaiian Holdings, Inc. (Honolulu), parent company of Hawaiian Airlines, Inc. (Honolulu), today reported its financial results for the first quarter of 2014.
Operating income grew to $10.0 million in the first quarter compared to an operating loss of $11.9 million in the prior year period.

GAAP net loss in the first quarter of $5.1 million or $(0.10) per diluted share compared to a loss of $17.1 million in the prior year period or $(0.33) per diluted share.

Adjusted net loss, reflecting economic fuel expense, in the first quarter of $0.9 million or $(0.02) per diluted share compared to $14.8 million in the prior year period or $(0.29) per diluted share.

Unrestricted cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments of $479 million compared to $438 million in the prior year period.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

As of March 31, 2014 the Company had:

Unrestricted cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments of $479 million.

Available borrowing capacity of $69.5 million under Hawaiian’s Revolving Credit Facility.

Outstanding debt and capital lease obligations of approximately $940 million consisting of the following:

$570 million outstanding under secured loan agreements to finance a portion of the purchase price for nine Airbus A330-200 aircraft.

$150 million outstanding under secured loan agreements to finance a portion of the purchase price for 15 Boeing 717-200 aircraft.

$108 million in capital lease obligations to finance the acquisition of an Airbus A330-200, two Boeing 717-200 aircraft and aircraft-related equipment.

$34 million outstanding under floating rate notes for two Boeing 767-300 ER aircraft (above).

$78 million of outstanding Convertible Senior Notes.

Hawaiian Airlines:

A 16-year boy survives a flight from San Jose to Honolulu in the wheel well!

A 16-year old boy somehow survived a 5 and a half hour flight from San Jose, California to Honolulu, Hawaii. The boy from Santa Clara, California hopped the fence at Norman Y. Mineta San Jose International Airport (SJC) and climbed into the wheel well of a Hawaiian Airlines (Honolulu) Boeing 767-300 departing for Honolulu. Running away from home according to ABC News, the boy somehow survived the long flight and the color temperatures. The airliner was flying over the Pacific Ocean at 38,000 feet. On arrival at HNL, he jumped down and started walking around the tarmac!

Read the full report: CLICK HERE

Copyright Photo: Michael B. Ing/AirlinersGallery.com. Boeing 767-3CB ER N592HA (msn 33468) of Hawaiian Airlines taxies to the runway at Seattle/Tacoma.

Hawaiian Airlines:

Hawaiian and Air China sign a codeshare agreement

Hawaiian Airlines (Honolulu) has announced the signing of a codeshare agreement with Air China (Beijing), China’s exclusive national flag carrier, that leverages the reach of their respective hubs in Honolulu and Beijing to offer more options and a more streamlined experience for customers traveling to further destinations. The new partnership takes effect following Hawaiian’s launch of its three-times weekly nonstop service to Beijing on April 16.

Top Copyright Photo: Michael B. Ing/AirlinersGallery.com. Boeing 767-33A N591HA (msn 33423) approaches the runway at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX).

Hawaiian Airlines:

Air China:

Bottom Copyright Photo: Michael B. Ing/AirlinersGallery.com. Boeing 777-39L ER B-2033 (msn 38673) arrives at the Beijing hub.

American Airlines and US Airways issue their fleet plans

American Airlines Group (American Airlines and US Airways) (Dallas/Fort Worth) has issued its new fleet update (see below) for 2014. Overall the fleet will grow by only three aircraft this year. The Group will take delivery of 83 new mainline aircraft during 2014, namely 10 Airbus A319s, 42 A321s, three A330-200s, 20 Boeing 737-800s, two 787-8s and six 777-300s (more Airbus aircraft than Boeing aircraft). The Group expects to retire during 2014 26 McDonnell Douglas DC-9-82/83s (MD-80s), 14 Boeing 737-400s, 22 757-200s, 13 767-200s and five Airbus A320s.

The last eight Boeing 737-400s being operated by US Airways (top) are expected to be retired before the end of the third quarter (September 30).

On the regional side, the Group is significantly reducing its Embraer ERJ 140 fleet but it will also operate a large amount of inefficient 50-seat Bombardier CRJ200s (138) and Embraer ERJ 145s (118).

Here is the full report:

In addition, according to Airline Route, American Airlines and US Airways will begin assigning certain routes to either American or US Airways:

Effective June 1: American Airlines routes to be operated entirely by US Airways:

Charlotte – Chicago (O’Hare)
Charlotte – Miami
Los Angeles – Phoenix

Effective July 2, the following American routes will be operated by US Airways:

Miami – Detroit
Miami – New Orleans
Miami – Raleigh
Miami – Tampa

Effective July 2, the following US Airways routes will be operated by American:

Phoenix – Detroit
Phoenix – Newark
Phoenix – Orange County
Phoenix – Seattle

Top Copyright Photo: Bruce Drum/AirlinersGallery.com. A significant milestone is approaching quickly. US Airways has had a long association with the Boeing 737 and the last 737-400 is expected to be retired before the end of September according to this fleet update. Boeing 737-4B7 N433US (msn 24555) taxies to the runway at Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT).

US Airways:

American Airlines (current):

American Airlines (historic):

Bottom Copyright Photo: Michael B. Ing/AirlinersGallery.com. American is quickly replacing the older Boeing 767-200 ERs currently being operated between New York (JFK) and Los Angeles with newer Airbus A321s. The last AA 767-200 is expected to be retired on May 7 according to ch-aviation although the type will continue with US Airways into 2015. American Airlines’ Boeing 767-223 ER N335AA (msn 22333) departs from Los Angeles bound for New York (JFK).

Mega Maldives Airlines to expand its fleet and destinations

MEGA Global Air Services (Maldives) Pvt. Ltd. (dba Mega Maldives Airlines) (Male) and it’s offshore partner, MG Holdings Limited, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with BB Airways Pvt. Ltd. of Nepal, whereby the companies agreed to collaborate on developing flights and sharing of resources for cost effective operation of both airlines. The two airlines plan to develop operations both within the SAARC region and beyond.

The cooperation between BB Airways and Mega Maldives Airlines will help both parties expand and open new markets.

According to CAPA, Mega Maldives plans to add four additional Boeing 757-200s and one additional Boeing 767-300 and add its first routes to the Middle East and Southeast Asia. The second phase of expansion will see the possible launch of services to Australia and Europe using a second type of widebody aircraft.

Mega Maldives currently operates regular flights throughout the year from Male to Beijing, Shanghai and Hong Kong. These operations include 6 to 18 round trips per month from these cities depending on the time of the year (see map below).

Mega Maldives also operates seasonal routes from Male to Gan, Chengdu, Chongqing, Hangzhou and Seoul (Incheon). Due to the seasonality of demands on these routes, Mega Maldives does not normally operate flights to these destinations in mid-December to early January and between March and May.

According to the privately owned airline, “Mega Maldives Airlines is the privately owned international airline of the Maldives and serves the Chinese market with the greatest number of frequencies of any nonstop carrier. The airline operates Boeing 767 and 757 aircraft in a multi-class configuration. Mega, founded in 2010, carries up to 30% of the Chinese market to Maldives and up to 14% of all traffic to the Maldives. The airline plans to take delivery of several additional aircraft and expand to several new points over the coming year.”

Copyright Photo: Paul Denton/AirlinersGallery.com. Boeing 767-3P6 ER 8Q-MEG (msn 24496) of Mega Maldives Airlines prepares to depart from its Male base.

Video: