Kuala Lumpur-based, long-haul, low-cost carrier AirAsia X announced this week its return to New Zealand, launching daily flights to Auckland from Kuala Lumpur via Australia's Gold Coast beginning 22 March. The service will utilise A330-300 aircraft and will also mark AirAsia X’s first foray into the trans-Tasman market. The low-cost carrier suspended its KL-Christchurch service in May 2012, citing high operating costs. And despite reporting substantial losses - RM288 million (US$65.8 million) … [Read more...] about AirAsia X to return to Auckland from March
Carriers
Lufthansa Cargo rides out a challenging year 2% up
Lufthansa Cargo again maintained its leading position in Europe last year, with a total of 1.6 million tonnes of freight and mail flown and 8.4 billion revenue tonne-kilometres sold. The total volume grew slightly by 2.0 per cent in what the German carriers said was a "challenging market environment". The carrier increased the capacity offered by two per cent over the last twelve months, but noted that with sales falling slightly, capacity utilisation was also down. The full-year load factor … [Read more...] about Lufthansa Cargo rides out a challenging year 2% up
Emirates upscales its Zambia, Zimbabwe route to B777-300ER
Emirates is set to increase capacity on its Zambia and Zimbabwe route with the deployment of a larger B777-300ER aircraft from 1 February 2016, replacing the current Airbus A340-300. Businesses and traders will benefit from the aircraft’s larger belly-hold to carry cargo, offering 23 tonnes of capacity per flight to support the two countries’ exports such as vegetables and flowers, and imports ranging from pharmaceuticals to mining equipment. The move is aimed at "meeting growing demand on … [Read more...] about Emirates upscales its Zambia, Zimbabwe route to B777-300ER
ANA to take 8.8% stake in Vietnam Airlines
All Nippon Airways (ANA) has signed a memorandum of understanding to buy an 8.8 per cent stake in Vietnam Airlines for VND2.4 billion (US$108 million). The move is part of ANA’s strategy of investing in the fast-growing Southeast Asian aviation sector, which in 2013 saw the Japanese carrier take a 49 per cent share in Myanmar’s Asian Wings Airways, which was subsequently cancelled. It has also teamed up with Thailand’s Nok Air to open a pilot training school in Bangkok. “Asia is a key … [Read more...] about ANA to take 8.8% stake in Vietnam Airlines
United Cargo inaugurates Newark TempControl Center
United Cargo recently celebrated the grand openingof its new TempControl Center at its hub at Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR). TempControl is United Cargo’s service for commodities requiring temperature-controlled transport. The new facility includes the features and innovations most requested by United’s TempControl customers, including +15C to +25C controlled room temperature, the capacity to simultaneously house 48 RKN units, electrical connectivity for all units and a number of … [Read more...] about United Cargo inaugurates Newark TempControl Center
Emirates doubles down on Geneva
Emirates has announced the expansion of its operation in Switzerland with the addition of a second daily B777-300ER service to Geneva effective 1 June 2016. The second daily flight will double capacity on the route and represents an overall increase of 26 per cent for Emirates in Switzerland. "Demand is strong year-round, with high traffic from Thailand, Australia, Hong Kong and the Indian Ocean, with travellers visiting the city for business and pleasure," said Thierry Aucoc, Emirates’ … [Read more...] about Emirates doubles down on Geneva