Bogota, Columbia-based consortium, Synergy Aerospace has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Airbus for 10 A350-800s and 10 options. This further commitment comes in addition to the 47 A320 family aircraft and 10 A330-200s that its subsidiaries already have on order, making it a key customer for Airbus in Latin America. The group includes subsidiaries, Colombia-based Avianca and SAM, Ocean Air of Brazil, Peru-based Wayra and VIP in Ecuador. "This new order consolidates … [Read more...] about AMERICAS: Synergy Aero signs for A350-800s
Air & Cargo Services
AMERICAS: Brazil-ME cargo traffic surges
Airfreight traffic between Brazil and the Middle East has expanded by 60 per cent, according to the Arab Brazilian Chamber of Commerce. Air cargo shipment rose from 2,200 tonnes in 2006 to 3,400 tonnes last year. To the United Arab Emirates (UAE), a country to which Brazil got a direct flight in October, shipments have grown even more, 169 per cent, from771 tonnes to 2,000 tonnes. "It was already expected for this to happen," stated Arab Brazilian Chamber of Commerce president … [Read more...] about AMERICAS: Brazil-ME cargo traffic surges
AMERICAS: UA & Continental could be next
United Airlines and Continental are in advanced negotiations and could complete a merger quickly if Delta and Northwest strike a deal, according to US press reports. Such a deal is expected to trigger more consolidation in the highly competitive airline industry as rivals try to match or out-size Delta-Northwest, which would become the world's largest airline. United, owned by UAL Corp., and Continental must wait for the Delta-Northwest talks to run their course because Northwest can … [Read more...] about AMERICAS: UA & Continental could be next
AMERICAS: NW-Delta merger still in limbo
The potential Northwest Airlines-Delta Air Lines merger is stuck in limbo after pilots and state politicians continue to pose significant hurdles. NWA's hometown paper, the Star Tribune, quoted a source calling the merger agreement "ready to sign" as soon as the respective pilot unions resolve issues concerning seniority. Reuters reported that US$445 million in loans and lease concessions provided to NWA prior to its exit from bankruptcy are contingent upon its maintaining a hub and … [Read more...] about AMERICAS: NW-Delta merger still in limbo
AMERICAS: American shifts to Heathrow after open skies
American Airlines Inc. has said it will move its entire London service network from London Gatwick to London Heathrow Airport this year. The move is a result of the recent "open skies" treaty between the European Union and the United States which allows airlines to fly between any US city and any European city from 30 March, replacing treaties between individual countries. The treaty also removes limits on the number of flights, aircraft and routes, and lets airlines set fares … [Read more...] about AMERICAS: American shifts to Heathrow after open skies
AMERICAS: Second Dreamliner begins final assembly
Final assembly started last month on the second flight-test airplane for the new Boeing 787 Dreamliner. While this is the second of six flight-test airplanes, this Dreamliner is actually the fourth on the production line. It follows the two airplanes that will be used for static and fatigue testing. "We've received significantly less ¡®travelled work' on this airplane," said Steve Westby, vice president of 787 Final Assembly and Change Incorporation. "Th e degree of … [Read more...] about AMERICAS: Second Dreamliner begins final assembly
