Lufthansa will take over Brussels Airlines, the carriers announced recently, in a deal that potentially values the Belgian carrier at €250 million (US$355.6 million) and could pave the way for its entry into Star Alliance. In a first step, LH will take a 45 per cent “strategic” stake in Brussels Airlines parent SN Airholding for €65 million. It will have the option of acquiring the remaining 55 per cent from 2011. The two-phased agreement is dependent upon approval of … [Read more...] about Europe/ CIS: Lufthansa to take over Brussels Airlines
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Europe/ CIS: Alitalia rescued from death throes
The last unions holding out against a deal to salvage beleaguered Italian national carrier, Alitalia agreed late last month to a plan which will see the bankrupt airline’s assets to a group of Italian investors. The breakthrough with the AVIA and SDL unions, which represent mostly fl ight attendants, came after a meeting with the investors and government offi cials, the premier’s office said. All nine Alitalia unions are now on board. Pilots, who had been resisting the deal, … [Read more...] about Europe/ CIS: Alitalia rescued from death throes
Middle East: Etihad enjoys good passenger volumes
Etihad Airways has enjoyed its busiest summer period in its four year history with more than 1.6 million passengers flying onboard the Abu Dhabi-based airline’s flights during the months of June, July and August, the carrier said. The summer months also saw Etihad flights operate at an average of 83 per cent full, an increase of 46 per cent on the same period from the year before. Etihad has now flown more than four million passengers across its network of 48 destinations so far in … [Read more...] about Middle East: Etihad enjoys good passenger volumes
Middle East: New codeshare between Etihad and Malaysia Air
Etihad Airways has signed a new codeshare agreement with Malaysia Airlines. Under the deal, the Abu Dhabi-based airline will place its two-letter ‘EY’ code on Malaysia Airlines’ flights between the country’s capital city, Kuala Lumpur, and Kota Kinabalu, Penang, Kuching and Langkawi. In turn, Malaysia Airlines will place its ‘MH’ code on services operated by Etihad between its home base of Abu Dhabi and Bahrain, Doha and Muscat in the Gulf region. The … [Read more...] about Middle East: New codeshare between Etihad and Malaysia Air
Middle East: Qatar’s freight business sees healthy growth
Qatar’s freight transport business will grow at an average 8.1 per cent annually up to 2011, according to a recent study entitled Qatar Freight Transport Report, by global emerging markets specialist Business Monitor International (BMI). On the edge of a new gas-led export boom, and with fairly open markets, Qatar leads the Middle East and Africa freight transport business environment ranking with a score of 46, compared to a “theoretical maximum” of 70 and a regional … [Read more...] about Middle East: Qatar’s freight business sees healthy growth
Middle East: ME air cargo resilient despite slowdown
The Middle East air cargo industry continues to show signs of resilience, despite slouching global demand thatled to sharp drop in this year’s air cargo growth projections. Supported by the regional economic boom, the regional air cargo industry grew more than seven times ahead of the global industry in the first seven months of 2008 to maintain the top growth rate in the industry. According to the latest figures by the International Air Transport Association (Iata), demand for air … [Read more...] about Middle East: ME air cargo resilient despite slowdown
