Russia’s second largest carrier in terms of passenger numbers, S7 Airlines, plans to phase out the last of its 35 Russian-built aircraft, including 27 Tu-154s and eight Il-86s, due to lower passenger demand. S7 will reduce its maintenance costs by 50 per cent with the move but also will have to eliminate 600 crew and 1,000 MRO positions as it closes the base that handles Tupolev and Ilyushin maintenance. The carrier said it will concentrate on growing yield rather than seat factor … [Read more...] about Europe & CIS : S7 phases out Russian-built fleet to stay airborne
Europe & CIS : Russian gov't proposals to help carriers
The Russian government recently presented a series of proposals to help beleaguered airlines, including a suggestion from Transportation Minister Igor Levitin that tariffs on foreign aircraft leased by Russian carriers be abolished if additional domestic aircraft are leased as well, Prime-Tass reported. The ministry did decide to cancel import tariff s on certain components and equipment for a nine-month period beginning in December. Other tax and customs related initiatives, including state … [Read more...] about Europe & CIS : Russian gov't proposals to help carriers
Europe & CIS : Turkish Air plans 75 aircraft purchase
Turkish Airlines moved forward with its fleet renewal despite the uncertain airline environment, recently announcing its intention to place an order for 25 widebody and 50 single-aisle aircraft plus 10 widebody and 10 narrowbody options. Requests for proposals will be solicited from both Boeing and Airbus and Turkish said it is considering the A350 XWB, A330, 777 and 787 for the twinaisle order and the entire A320 and 737NG families (except the 737-600) for its narrowbody purchase. It … [Read more...] about Europe & CIS : Turkish Air plans 75 aircraft purchase
Europe & CIS : Train rival to airfreight soon up and running
Within the next few months, a new container train service linking Germany and China run by German train operator, Deutsche Bahn along with DB Schenker, DB’s transportation and logistics service provider, will be up and running. The Trans Eurasia Express will provide a weekly rail service in both directions between Shanghai/Beijing and cover the more than 10,000-kilometer long land route in less than 20 days, crossing five national borders, six time zones and seven climatic zones to German … [Read more...] about Europe & CIS : Train rival to airfreight soon up and running
Europe & CIS : Alitalia saga may be near a conclusion
The long-running saga over the future of Alitalia looks like it may be finally nearing a resolution, with an Italian 16- strong consortium, named CAI and led by Roberto Colaninno, poised to take over. The final piece in the jigsaw will be the selection of a foreign minority shareholder partner. The Italian carrier was placed into receivership in September, and has been allowed to carry on operating, despite breaking EU financial rules on both government aid and cash reserves. The takeover … [Read more...] about Europe & CIS : Alitalia saga may be near a conclusion
Europe & CIS : Lufthansa Cargo boosts NA capacity
Lufthansa Cargo is further expanding airfreight capacity for shippers and forwarders at the start of the winter flight schedules on 26 October 2008. The cargo carrier’s customers will have a greater choice of destinations and frequencies especially on routes to North America, the carrier said. Aside from an additional MD-11 freighter connection on Fridays to New York (JFK), a further flight from Frankfurt will be added to Chicago on Wednesdays. Additional direct freighter connections … [Read more...] about Europe & CIS : Lufthansa Cargo boosts NA capacity
