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

South Korean authorities have warned three Japanese carriers over their possible violation of that nation’s anti-trust law in their international cargo operations. The Korean Fair Trade Commission (KFTC) warned Japan Airlines Corp. (JAL), All Nippon Airways (ANA), and Nippon Cargo Airlines (NCA) about their activities, the latest in the ongoing investigation in cargo price fixing by competition authorities around the globe. JAL, ANA and NCA all said in their statements that they … [Read more...] about JAPAN: Three Japanese carriers warned on cartel activity

Thai Airways International will resume its Phuket-Hong Kong service on October 25 as part of its strategy to turn Phuket into its second hub, the Bangkok Post reported, citing its executive vicepresident for commercial sales, Pruet Boobphakam. The Phuket-Hong Kong service was suspended soon after People’s Alliance for Democracy protesters blockaded Bangkok’s two airports late last year. Industry observers say the move is to combat the budget carrier Thai … [Read more...] about THAILAND; Thai to resume Phuket- Hong Kong service

Thai Airways International plans a share issue to raise funds and repay short-term debt, its newly-appointed president Dr Piyasvasti Amranand said. Some THB29 billion (US$869 million) of debt matures next year with the carrier holding a total debt of THB160 billion. The airline has ordered eight A330 aircraft from Airbus, six of them to be delivered this year. The order of six A380 superjumbos would take delivery of its first three A380 in 2012 and another three in 2013. … [Read more...] about THAILAND: Thai seeks to repay shortterm debt

Australia’s competition regulator has started court action against Thai Airways International, part of an ongoing investigation into alleged price fixing in the air cargo industry. The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) said in a statement on Wednesday that it alleges that between 2001 and 2006, Thai Airways entered into arrangements or understandings with other international air cargo carriers in specific countries that had the purpose or effect of fixing the price … [Read more...] about THAILAND: Oz competition puts Thai in its sights

Thai Cargo’s ambition to regain its former main deck cargo glory will get a boost with the recent block booking agreement for two B777-200LR freighterswhich will arrive in early 2010. Thai Airways International has signed Block Space Agreement to utilise two Boeing 777-200 Long Range Freighters operated by Southern Air Inc. The agreement makes Thai the first operator in the region to offer this capability to its cargo customers using the new B777-200LR Freighter. The two … [Read more...] about THAILAND: Thai block books two B777-200Fs