Airline executives expect improved results and a rebound in cargo volumes in the coming year, a “turning point” for a sector closely linked to economic trends, a survey released by the International Air Transport Association (IATA) showed. The survey indicated that confidence had grown markedly among major carriers in Asia, Europe and the Americas. “This does look like a turning point,” IATA said of the quarterly business confidence poll. A return to economic … [Read more...] about MALAYSIA: Airline execs confidence begins to rise: IATA

Government stimulus packages in major Asia-Pacific economies are driving production increases and fueling air cargo growth according to the most recent reports released by The International Air Transport Association (IATA) and Association of Asia-Pacific Airlines (AAPA). The region’s banking system is relatively strong and the region’s consumers are not as burdened by debt as those in Europe and the US, said IATA. But the association’s director general and … [Read more...] about MALAYSIA: Airline bodies warn early recovery still fragile

MASkargo, the air cargo subsidiary of Malaysia Airlines, has said that once its contract on the four Boeing 747-200F’s it wet leases from Air Atlanta Icelandic expires next year it hopes to acquire more modern and larger aircraft, possibly either 747-400’s or Airbus A330’s, to boost its capacity. The carrier had laid up one of its 747’s in March due to plummeting volumes, but this has since returned to service following early signs of a recovery. … [Read more...] about MALAYSIA: MASkargo charts expansion plans

Japan Airlines (JAL) will start code sharing on flights operated by Vietnam Airlines (VN) between Fukuoka and Hanoi from 27 October, JAL said. Vietnam’s sustained high economic growth has continued to attract many foreign investments including from Japanese enterprises, and as a tourist destination, has also been gaining popularity for its unique heritage, art and culture. To meet the rising demand for both business and leisure travel, JAL has been expanding its reach to Vietnam. … [Read more...] about JAPAN: JAL code shares with Vietnam Airlines

Japan’s second-largest air carrier All Nippon Airways posted a first half fiscal 2009 loss of US$278 million for the year ending 30 September, compared with a group net profit of $242 million a year earlier. The ANA group’s revenue from its overall operations tumbled 18.8 per cent in the April-September period from the same six-month period last year to $6.7 billion. ANA attributed the dismal results in the first half of fiscal 2009 to declining domestic and … [Read more...] about JAPAN: ANA posts first half $278 million loss

The Japanese government has effectively placed Japan Airlines under its control over fears that domestic aviation service would be thrown into chaos should JAL be forced to dramatically scale back flights or, cease to fly altogether. Construction and transport minister Seiji Maehara has shown he will not hesitate to use public funds to rehabilitate JAL if circumstances warrant. At the same time, the government plans to ask JAL’s top management, rank-and-file employees and former … [Read more...] about JAPAN: JAL fate still uncertain