Air New Zealand reported profitbefore unusuals and tax, up 35 percentto NZ$109 million for the six-monthperiod ending 31 December 2006. Cargo revenue was up 20 percent,due to the increased capacity offered bythe new 777 and higher cargo yields. Net profit was $74 million, up 61percent ($28m), and higher yieldscontributed to a 12 percent increasein operating revenue. Operating revenue rose 12% to$2,135 million with group passengeryields up 10.7 percent. Chairman John Palmer said … [Read more...] about NEW ZEALAND: Cargo boosts Air NZ profit
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AUSTRALIA: Virgin Blue orders six 777-300ERs
Virgin Blue Holdings, Ltd., hasconfirmed that the Brisbane-based company has ordered six Boeing 777-300ER (Extended Range) jetliners, withoptions for six more, and will lease oneadditional 777-300ER. The new aircraftwill allow Virgin Blue to establish itsnew long-haul airline, providing servicefrom Australia to the United States andother destinations. The order is valued at US$1.5 billionat list prices. Virgin Blue currentlyoperates an all-Boeing fleet of 53 Next-Generation 737s. Virgin … [Read more...] about AUSTRALIA: Virgin Blue orders six 777-300ERs
KOREA: Calgary woos Asian shippers
Calgary Airport is trying to enticeSamsung, LG and other Asian manufacturersto set up distribution centres onairport, as part of its plans to cementits existing transpacific freighter servicefrom Asiana. Any companies interestedcould be accommodated in a 90,000square metre airside building, whichwill be opened next year. But Tom Kirk, director of cargo developmentat the airport, says it is notactively pursuing more Asian carriers atpresent. "Asiana are getting good loads,but our focus is … [Read more...] about KOREA: Calgary woos Asian shippers
INDONESIA: Schiphol eyes stake in airport operator
The Dutch Schiphol Group, the operatorof Amsterdam Schiphol Airport,has expressed interest in acquiring astake in Indonesia's state-owned airportoperator PT Angkasa Pura II. Finance director of the SchipholGroup, Pieter Verboom said the groupis prepared to support AP II in its moveto become a leading airport operatorin the country. "We don't expect a majority share. The most important thing is that we can co-operate with AP II with a profitable share," Verboom said. Both … [Read more...] about INDONESIA: Schiphol eyes stake in airport operator
INDONESIA: Otorita Batam signs deal with Illinois County
In a bid to make Hang Nadimairport on Batam Island a leading aircargo hub, the development authorityof the island, Otorita Batam, has inkeda deal with St Claire County of Illinois,Evergreen Airlines, and Cardig International.Batam Island is located at thewestern tip of Indonesia. The agreement was signed byOtorita Batam's deputy for administrationand planning, M. Prijanto; StClaire County board chairman MarckA. Kern; vice president Asia operationsof Evergreen Airlines Ranjit Seth; andmanaging … [Read more...] about INDONESIA: Otorita Batam signs deal with Illinois County
MALAYSIA: MAS still ponders A380 order
Malaysia Airlines is still in talks withAirbus over an order for six A380 superjumbos after a newspaper reported theairline is likely to cancel the purchase,Star Online reported. MAS and its parent, PenerbanganMalaysia Bhd, have "yet to come toany conclusion," the airline said in astatement. The order is worth as muchas US$1.8 billion. Some analysts said the company,which agreed to buy the A380s in December2003, might no longer needthe planes. … [Read more...] about MALAYSIA: MAS still ponders A380 order