- A350-900 MSN1 around 3 tonnes overweight – 777X CFRP wing likely to be made in Japan – 777X CFRP wing could be transported to Everett by ship – Thrust for 777-9X’s GE9X engine increased to 102,000lbs – Halting A350-1000′s rise Boeing’s top priority – 777-9X more weight efficient than A350-1000 & has better seat-mile costs – Boeing ups 777-9X’s MTOW to 351,534kg (775,000lbs) from 340,000kg – Boeing ups 777-8X’s …Read More
Japan Airlines flies into a ‘new sky’
Japan Airlines (JAL) is a black swan, or more precisely, a red crane called “tsurumaru” in the airline industry. It is nothing short of a remarkable turnaround story, a rarity in a highly competitive industry that saw national champions such as Malev go bankrupt and Air France, Iberia and the likes struggle to compete against an onslaught of low-cost carriers (LCCs) that have placed significant pressure on these legacy carriers’ …Read More
International Airlines Group entering a new dawn in 2013
It could have been much worse. International Airlines Group (IAG), formed by the merger between British and Spanish flag carriers British Airways and Iberia, posted a €997 million (US$1.29 billion) 2012 before-tax loss, dragged down by a €343 million impairment charge against the intangible assets and a €202 million transformation cost at the beleaguered Iberia unit. Amid a moribund Spanish economy where the unemployment rate has hit a staggering 26.1% …Read More
Post-merger United Airlines well-positioned for a 2013 recovery
2012 was a difficult year for Chicago-based full service carrier United Airlines, who reported a 2012 full year net profit of US$589 million excluding special charges of US$1.3 billion. For the last quarter of 2012, United lost US$190 million excluding US$430 million in special charges as the airline grappled with the effects of “Superstorm Sandy” and lingering customer unease over the carrier’s operational issues throughout the course of 2012. The …Read More
Boeing 777X & 787-10X unfazed by 787 battery woes
787-10 ‘Gate 4′ formal launch still planned in June 2013 Time between start of final assembly & flight testing on 787-9 narrowed to 4 months Folding wingtip decided for 777X 800lbs weight penalty for 777X folding wingtip, compared to 3,200lbs for 777-200 study in 1995 Folding wingtip contains no moveable parts, to be operated electrically 777X has same wing span as 777-300ER on the ground & stay as ‘Code E’ …Read More
Delta Air Lines deal brings unequal benefits to partners
When Atlanta-based Delta Air Lines announced a partnership with London-based Virgin Atlantic on 11th December last year, it marked an important shift in the transatlantic market dynamics. The deal for 49% of Virgin Atlantic that had been previously owned by Singapore Airlines, purchased in 2000 for £600 million (US$965 million), worth US$360 million, will expand connection opportunities for Virgin frequent flyers in the United States through Delta’s hubs, and on …Read More
Optimism returns to aviation
There is renewed optimism for the airline industry, going by the latest industry body Geneva-based International Air Transport Association (IATA) forecast that 2013 will see an improvement in global airline profitability from US$6.7 billion to US$8.4 billion. This has been revised from an earlier estimate of US$7.5 billion. IATA chief economist Brian Pearce said: “I think we are past the low point, which was earlier this year.” The positive mood …Read More
Delta’s interest in Virgin Atlantic starts a British war
The interest of the world’s second-largest carrier, Delta Air Lines in Virgin Atlantic has certainly caused some excitement in the aviation scene, if not started a British war between old rivals International Airlines Group (IAG) chief executive Willie Walsh and Virgin Group chief executive Richard Branson. The following looks at what the deal means to each of the key players, including those on the sideline. Singapore Airlines Delta has reached …Read More
Bankrupt American Airlines tells a familiar tale
It’s a familiar American airline story. Delta Air Lines went through it, so did United Airlines. Now it is Fort Worth, Texas-based American Airlines’ turn to carry the can. But for American this time, it never rains but pours. Parent AMR Corporation is operating under Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection. A take-over by the fifth-largest US carrier US Airways is on the cards, while American waits out for a better deal. …Read More