23 May 2022

North American Aviation Newsletter 23 May

Israel Aerospace Industries to Convert 4 Boeing 777-300ER Aircraft for Cargojet Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) has signed an agreement to carry out passenger-to-freighter (P2F) conversions for Cargojet. The agreement was signed as a result of the growing global demand for cargo aircraft and includes the conversion of 4 Boeing 777-300ER aircraft and additional options in the future. IAI is converting the first Boeing 777-300ER aircraft for AerCap Cargo, who are also the co-investor on the program, in a process which is expected to finish in 2022. This is the first conversion of this model in the world. Interim authorisation for Virgin Australia and United Airlines codeshare pricing The ACCC has granted interim authorisation for a proposed codeshare pricing arrangement between Virgin Australia and United Airlines. Interim authorisation allows United Airlines to set the fares at which Virgin Australia may sell the services operated by United Airlines, whether those services are sold as a standalone itinerary or as part of an itinerary that includes flight segments operated by Virgin Australia. ACCC Commissioner Stephen Ridgeway stated “The ACCC’s preliminary view is that this proposed codeshare arrangement with United Airlines is likely to result in a public benefit as it will help Virgin Australia re-establish its international network. Currently, it appears that Virgin Australia is unlikely to be able to operate its own long-haul international services in the short term. These arrangements are not likely to lessen competition as there is no operational overlap on any routes between Virgin Australia and United Airlines and there are other airlines operating on the routes.” Investec partners with WNG Capital in air freight transaction Investec Aviation Finance announced it has partnered with WNG Capital LLC, a leading aircraft lessor focused on investing in mid-life and older narrow-body commercial aircraft and engines, on the financing of a Boeing 757-200F on lease to Icelandair. The aircraft was recently acquired by WNG. This is the first transaction between Investec and WNG. Head of Aviation Finance – Africa at Investec Bradley Gordon stated “We are delighted to conclude our first transaction with WNG. Investec continue to be active in the financing of mid-life and end-life passenger and freighter aircraft which aligns with the WNG strategy. We see opportunity to partner together with WNG supporting their future growth.” Silk Way West Airlines further expands its global network in the US Silk Way West Airlines announced expansion of its US network by adding regular services to and from Dallas Fort Worth, the second major freight hub in the country to be served by scheduled services alongside Chicago O'Hare . In addition to the Dallas and Chicago routes, Silk Way West Airlines operates charter flights to Rockford Illinois, Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky and Rickenbacker airports. The carrier has chosen Dallas, one of the key gateway locations in the US, as an additional hub facility. Conveniently located along several major highways, Dallas is ideally positioned to allow the airline to meet strong demand from consumer goods, high-tech and oil and gas cargo for inbound and outbound transportation. Silk Way West Airlines President Wolfgang Meier stated “Silk Way West Airlines continues to build on our recent competitive success and favourable market conditions by creating more options for direct freight services between North America, Asia and Europe, allowing our valued customers greater flexibility in scheduling and efficiently transporting their freight across the globe. In addition to adding services to the US, we are also expanding our wider global network to include new destinations such as Hanoi and Bangkok in Asia and East Midlands in Europe." SKY express partners with leading Delta Air Lines Greek carrier SKY express announced a new partnership with Delta Air Lines enabling onward connectivity to 34 destinations in Greece over Sky Express Athens hub. SKY express Commercial Director Yiannis Lidakis said "The agreement with Delta comes as a result of systematic work and discussions and makes us very happy. It is based on the combination of the youngest and greenest fleet and an unrivalled network that will allow travellers across the U.S. to connect to the magical charm of our country.” Acumen Aviation © 23 May 2022  All Rights Reserved.