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
Carriers
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
India : Indian gov't cuts carriers slack on fuel bills
The Indian Ministry of Civil Aviation announced recently that airlines will have an extension until 31 March to pay their present outstanding fuel bills to the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas and, in addition, will be able to procure their fuel on credit until that date. In exchange, the airlines were asked to refrain fromany retrenchment of staff . … [Read more...] about India : Indian gov't cuts carriers slack on fuel bills
India : Jet Airways trims int'l network
In reaction to the spreading global economic downturn, specifically in the USA and UK, Jet Airways plans to optimise its network, focusing more on its established international gateways and routes, the carrier said. The airline’s much heralded, recently established Mumbai- Shanghai-San Francisco route will be discontinued effective 13 January. Passenger traffic between India and San Francisco will be served via Jet Airways’ London gateway in cooperation with partner airlines. … [Read more...] about India : Jet Airways trims int'l network
Indonesia : Mandala and Total E & P Indo sign agreement
Indonesian carrier, Mandala Air has signed an agreement with French petroleum company, Total E & P Indonesie to provide air travel to Total’s employees following an audit of Mandala by Total E & P Indonesie in February 2008. The audit was conducted in Jakarta and included a visit to Singapore Airlines Engineering Company (SIAEC) in Singapore as the aircraft maintenance provider for Mandala. CEO of Mandala, Warwick Brady said that Mandala has an open door policy inviting any interested … [Read more...] about Indonesia : Mandala and Total E & P Indo sign agreement