British Airways World Cargo has announced a reduction to its fuel surcharge. The surcharge will be GBP0.60 / USD0.90 / EUR0.90, with effect from 3 November 2008. The fuel surcharge reduction follows a second consecutive week that the fuel index has been below the level 18 threshold. The index was developed by BA World Cargo to provide customers with more information about the calculation of fuel surcharges and is updated on a weekly basis and posted on the BA World Cargo website. … [Read more...] about Europe & CIS : Statement on fuel surcharge
Carriers
Europe & CIS : Air Berlin, S7 and Niki join forces
S7 Airlines, Air Berlin and Austria’s Niki are entering into a broad codesharing alliance, ending S7’s bid for Austrian. Air Berlin and Niki will put their codes on many of S7’s Russian domestic routes while S7 will grow its international presence by offering code-shares on Air Berlin and Niki. The surprise announcement effectively means the end of S7’s ambitions to buy Austrian Airlines. Air Berlin and its 25 per cent subsidiary Niki have about a 30 per cent share … [Read more...] about Europe & CIS : Air Berlin, S7 and Niki join forces
Europe & CIS : S7 phases out Russian-built fleet to stay airborne
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 : 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