West Asia/Africa

ATW Daily News

Flight recorders recovered from downed Ethiopian 737

Tuesday February 9, 2010

Ethiopian Airlines 737-800's flight data recorders were recovered from the Mediterranean Sea over the weekend and sent to France for study, the carrier said. The Jan. 25 crash killed all 90 people onboard (ATWOnline, Jan. 27).

Monday February 8, 2010

Gulf Air was transferred from government investment vehicle Bahrain Mumtalakat Holding to the government, which will own it directly, according to a Mumtalakat statement cited by Reuters. The airline expects to post a 2009 operating loss of $510 million.

Friday February 5, 2010

Biman Bangladesh Airlines took delivery of one 777-200ER and one 737-800 this week and introduced a new logo and livery. MD and CEO Muhammad Zakiul Islam told reporters that Biman intends to resume suspended service to Delhi, Bangkok, Mumbai and New York JFK by March and to launch new flights to Tripoli, Colombo and Guangzhou. A second -200ER, one A310-300 and one 737-800 are expected to arrive next month. All aircraft are on lease; the two newest from EuroAtlantic Airways and GECAS, according to Reuters. Biman currently serves 16 international and three domestic destinations with four DC-10s, two A320s, two F-28s and two 747s. In 2008 it placed orders for four 777-300ERs, four 787-8s and four 737-800s (ATWOnline, June 26, 2008).

Friday February 5, 2010

Sichuan Airlines yesterday took delivery of the first of three new A330-200s on lease from AerCap. It already operates 13 A319s, 21 A320s and 10 A321s. The A330 will seat 36 in first class and 209 in economy.

AirTran finds pulse of economic, industry recovery

Thursday February 4, 2010

Six of the 10 American carriers that have reported 2009 fourth-quarter results turned a profit in the period, among them AirTran Airways, whose CFO Arne Haak said that "yield and average prices are very different from what we saw 3-6 months ago" and that "even on an absolute basis, things are looking more normal than in quite some time." [more]

Airlink claims Comair was source of fare collusion e-mail

Thursday February 4, 2010

South African regional Airlink responded to the South Africa Competition Commission's announcement regarding an investigation into possible collusion on airfares for flights during this summer's World Cup (ATWOnline, Jan. 8). The Commission said South African Airways divulged e-mails with "indications that the airlines might adjust airfares." In a statement, Airlink said it "has not participated in any such discussions" and that it was referenced by the Commission because an Airlink employee received an e-mail from a Comair employee "raising the issue of coordinating pricing strategies ahead of the World Cup." The e-mail also was sent to members of the Airline Sub-Working Group, a body convened by the Dept. of Transport to work on transport logistics during the tournament. Airlink said its employee did not respond to the e-ail and the airline "did not seek to involve itself in the collusive conduct unilaterally suggested by another airline." CEO Rodger Foster said, "We fully intend to determine our own pricing strategies for flights that will take place during the World Cup, and we will do that without any form of coordination with our competitors." Comair parent British Airways, SA Express, 1Time and SAA low-cost subsidiary Mango also were named by the Commission.

Separately, Airlink announced a joint venture with TTA of Mozambique to operate and market a six-times-weekly Johannesburg-Maputo service beginning Feb. 14. TTA will fly the route with an 83-seat, two-class RJ85 leased from Airlink. TTA plans to launch flights from Maputo to Beira, Tete and Nampula to provide feed.

Wednesday February 3, 2010

SITA deployed the world's first Common Use Self-Service kiosks with an Arabic interface at Sharjah International, the parties announced yesterday. Passengers flying Air Arabia, Nas Air, Sama, Air India and Jet Airways are using the kiosks. SITA also is providing Web check-in for Air Arabia under a five-year deal.

Tuesday February 2, 2010

SITA implemented its baggage management system comprising BagManager and BagMessage for Middle East Airlines at Beirut. System initially will used for flights handled by Middle East Airlines Ground Handling and eventually will be made available to other handlers at the airport.

Articles

Chutzpah Airline

By Leonard Hill

Privatized and profitable, El Al broadens its market niche as a takeover by Arkia looms

Tunisair Aims for Recovery

By Tony Vandyk

The historically profitable airline saw profits fall with tourism in the wake of terrorist attacks.

Heavy Maintenance Directory

Our guide to the world's commercial airframe and engine repair bases.

A New Cargo Heavyweight

By Cathy Buyck

At many airports, the cargo business is an afterthought. Dubai sees it as a main course.

The Sky is the Limit

By Cathy Buyck

With more than $4 billion committed to new infrastructure projects, Dubai International Airport is on its way to becoming one of the world's premiere international hubs.

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