10 Dec 2018

USA Aviation Industry Newsletter 10 December

Aeromexico and Delta Air Lines reinforce connectivity between Mexico and Detroit by launching new route Starting May 1, 2019, Aeromexico and its joint cooperation agreement alliance partner Delta Air Lines, will launch service to San Luis Potosi a key market for the automotive industry.  Air Lease Corporation Announces Lease Placement of Two New Airbus A321neo Aircraft with Air Macau Air Lease Corporation announced a long-term lease agreement for two new Airbus A321neo aircraft with Air Macau. Featuring Pratt & Whitney PW1133G engines, the aircraft will deliver from ALC’s order book with Airbus in November 2019 and the first quarter of 2020. Steven F. Udvar-Házy, Executive Chairman of Air Lease Corporation said “We are committed to providing the most modern, fuel-efficient aircraft to ALC customers and these two new A321neo aircraft will significantly enhance Air Macau’s fleet operations.” American inducts first CFM56-5B engine American announced it would bring CFM56-5B engine maintenance work to Tech Ops – Tulsa. The work had previously been completed by GE before that contract expired in October 2018. Now, one year after the announcement, the team is celebrating as the first -5B engine was inducted in the Tulsa engine shop 15 November. The -5B powers 151 of American’s Airbus A320 family aircraft. The Tulsa engine shop expects to induct three more -5B engines before the end of 2018 and is estimating 30 engine shop visits for 2019. ATSG Flies High in Q4 with Seven 767 Deliveries Air Transport Services Group announced 6 December the delivery of seven leased freighters by its Cargo Aircraft Management and ATSG West Leasing subsidiaries during the fourth quarter of 2018, pointing to continued strong demand for its converted Boeing 767 freighter aircraft. Mike Berger, Chief Commercial Officer of ATSG, said: "This fourth quarter has been our best ever in terms of aircraft deliveries and meeting the needs of our customers with efficient, timely service. It is especially satisfying because we are providing a platform of growth for existing customers, adding new customers to our portfolio worldwide, and meeting our commitment to deliver ten newly converted 767-300s in 2018." Aviation Capital Group Announces Closing of $800 Million Senior Unsecured Notes Offering Aviation Capital Group announced 3 December the closing of its sale of $800 million aggregate principal amount of senior unsecured notes consisting of $300 million aggregate principal amount of its 4.375% senior unsecured notes due 2024 and $500 million aggregate principal amount of its floating rate senior unsecured notes due 2021. ACG intends to use the net proceeds from the Notes for general corporate purposes, including repayment of outstanding indebtedness and the purchase of commercial aircraft. Boeing Forecasts Continued Health and Growth for Aircraft Financing in 2019 Boeing [anticipates stable growth and broad, diversified funding will continue to support efficient aircraft financing in the next year. The company’s annual Current Aircraft Finance Market Outlook (CAFMO), released, evaluates and forecasts financing sources for new commercial airplane deliveries in the coming year and the industry’s overall delivery financing requirements for the next five years. The CAFMO also explores trends within major funding sources and their potential impact on the broader market. Boeing forecasts continued strong demand for new commercial airplanes in 2019, resulting in about $143 billion in deliveries by major manufacturers, with potential to grow to more than $180 billion by 2023. Mesa Air Group Announces New Vice President of Maintenance Mesa Air Group announced 6 December Douglas “Doug” Shockey as its Vice President of Maintenance. An A&P mechanic himself, Shockey brings over 30 years of airline experience to Mesa, with more than 25 years in senior airline management roles. “Doug is an excellent addition to our executive team, and he will be a great leader of our FAA Diamond Award winning maintenance program,” said Jonathan Ornstein, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Mesa Air Group. “His industry experience, especially in maintenance leadership, is unparalleled and we are excited to have him at the helm of our maintenance department.” Spirit Airlines Adds John Kirby as Vice President of Network Planning Spirit Airlines announced 7 December it has hired airline veteran John Kirby as its newest Vice President of Network Planning. Kirby will oversee what is set to be a large network expansion in the coming years for Spirit. Kirby is a highly experienced, successful and well-regarded leader who has worked at seven different carriers throughout his 35-year career, most recently at Alaska Airlines as the Vice President of Capacity Planning and Alliances. He will oversee network expansion and scheduling, leading a seasoned team already in place. United Airlines Expands Partnership With Copa and Avianca to Better Serve Customers Traveling Between U.S. and Latin America United Airlines announced 30 November it has reached an agreement with Compañía Panameña de Aviación S.A. (Copa), Aerovías del Continente Americano S.A. (Avianca) and many of Avianca's affiliates, for a joint business agreement (JBA) that, pending government approval, is expected to provide substantial benefits for customers, communities and the marketplace for air travel between the United States and 19 countries in Central and South America. Acumen Aviation © 10 December 2018 All Rights Reserved.