Vietnam-based low-cost carrier (LCC) VietJet Air is looking to expand its north Asian reach using alliances and joint ventures (JV) with other airlines, rather than extend its existing route network. The airline said it initially wants to establish JVs with other carriers in South Korea, Japan and Taiwan. Speaking to Reuters, VietJet managing director Luu Duc Khanh said the north Asian market holds more appeal for the Vietnamese budget carrier as it is relatively less competitive. … [Read more...] about VietJet in talks over joint ventures
air freighter
Turkish Air CEO Hamdi Topçu resigns
CEO and board chairman of Turkish Airlines, Hamdi Topçu, has announced his resignation on Monday, the airline said in a statement. No details were given about the decision. Topçu will run for parliament as a member of the ruling Justice and Development Party (AK Party) in the elections scheduled for 7 June. According to Turkish media reports, Topçu will be replaced by Ä°lker Aycı as board bhairman of Turkish Airlines. Aycı currently chairs the Prime Ministry … [Read more...] about Turkish Air CEO Hamdi Topçu resigns
IATA: CNY, US port delay boost Feb air freight
The International Air Transport Association (IATA) released February data for global air freight markets showing a sharp increase in year-on-year air freight volumes. Growth measured by freight tonne kilometers (FTK) was up 11.7 per cent in February, compared to February 2014. Capacity grew 7.4 per cent. Much of the impressive February result is due to the timing of the Lunar New Year activities. Air freight is given a strong boost in the weeks leading up to the holiday, which last year fell … [Read more...] about IATA: CNY, US port delay boost Feb air freight
FOCA approves Etihad’s Darwin stake
Etihad Airways gets Switzerland’s Federal Office of Civil Aviation (FOCA) approval for 33.3 per cent investment in the Swiss regional carrier Darwin Airline. Since January 2014, Lugano-based Darwin Airline has operated as Etihad Regional under a brand and partnership agreement with Etihad Airways. FOCA’s approval of the Etihad Airways investment now enables the two companies to leverage fully the benefits of their partnership, including codesharing on each other’s flights … [Read more...] about FOCA approves Etihad’s Darwin stake
ANA firms up A321 order
All Nippon Airways (ANA) has firmed up an order it placed in January for seven A321 aircraft. The order, worth US$830 million based on current list prices, includes three A321neos and four current generation A321 aircraft fitted with sharklets. The new deal brings the Japanese carrier total orders for A320 family aircraft to 37, comprising 26 A321neos, four A321s and seven A320neos. … [Read more...] about ANA firms up A321 order
China Air begins Taoyuan-Shenzhen
Taiwan's China Airlines (CAL) has launched a new freighter service from Taoyuan to Shenzhen. The airline will operate three flights per week on this route using B747-400F jets. CAL said it is believes the new route could meet the growing demand for the shipment of consumer electronics and express air parcel as Shenzhen is a major hub for e-commerce and online shopping. Eyeing more lucrative cargo business in 2015, CAL said it hopes the route could help establish a more comprehensive shipping … [Read more...] about China Air begins Taoyuan-Shenzhen