Trougled carrier Japan Airlines (JAL) will discontinue a total of 16 routes starting next month as part of its own efforts to reduce operating costs and cut losses, Dow Jones reported. The airline said it will cut eight international passenger routes, mainly to destinations in Asia. A further eight domestic passenger routes will be discontinued, including short-haul flights like Tokyo to Kobe, as well as one cargo route. JAL also said it will downsize the aircraft used on a further five routes. … [Read more...] about JAL cuts 16 routes, turnaround plan next year
Carriers
India to consider upping limit on foreign airline stake
The Indian government is set to consider a proposal to allow foreign airlines pick up to 49 per cent equity in Indian carriers. The government now allows 49 per cent foreign direct investment (FDI) in domestic carriers but bars foreign airlines from holding any stake directly or indirectly. … [Read more...] about India to consider upping limit on foreign airline stake
Airbus’ A330-200 Freighter makes maiden flight
Airbus’ new A330-200 Freighter took to the skies Thursday during a four hour maiden flight over Toulouse. This milestone marks the start of a 180 hour flight-test and certification campaign, and paves the way for first delivery of the type to launch operator, Etihad Crystal Cargo, in the summer of 2010, Airbus said. India’s Flyington Freighters start-upwas to originally have been the launch customer but exchanged slots due to the global recession. The aircraft has already … [Read more...] about Airbus’ A330-200 Freighter makes maiden flight
Aryan Cargo Express to fly early 2010
India’s newest air cargo carrier, Aryan Cargo Express Pvt. Ltd, is likely to start flying early next year, according to managing director Mukut Pathak. “The launch window is between 15 January and 1 February,†he said, adding that the period between February and March is peak season for air cargo. The airline firm will start services with two Airbus A310 freighters it has leased from a Turkish firm. As India recovers from an economic slowdown, domestic air freight has been … [Read more...] about Aryan Cargo Express to fly early 2010
Air NZ places order for 14 A320s
Air New Zealand said Tuesday that it will consolidate its short-range fleet around Airbus aircraft saying it will buy 14 new Airbus A320 aircraft to replace its current domestic fleet of 15 Boeing 737-300 aircraft. Air New Zealand's general manager for short haul operations, Bruce Parton, told Dow Jones the decision was motivated by technical factors, such as the width and cargo system of Airbus aircraft, as well as price. The first A320 will arrive in January 2011, Air New Zealand said, with … [Read more...] about Air NZ places order for 14 A320s
FedEx expands Asian freight forwarding biz
FedEx Trade Networks, a subsidiary of FedEx Corp, has expanded its global presence with the addition of ten new freight forwarding offices in Asia. The new facilities are located in Singapore, Taipei, Taiwan, and in Beijing, Guangzhou, Qingdao, Shenzhen, Tianjin, Xiamen, and Dalian, China. In addition, FedEx Trade Networks opened a representative office in Vietnam on 31 October 2009. These openings add to FedEx Trade Networks' freight forwarding operations in Hong Kong and Shanghai, which … [Read more...] about FedEx expands Asian freight forwarding biz