02 May 2017
USA Aviation Industry Newsletter 2 May
Airlines looking to land new top lobbyists
The three largest U.S. airlines — including United Airlines — are all looking for a new top lobbyist at a time when their industry is coming under heavy scrutiny for the way it treats passengers. Lawmakers are zeroing in on the domestic airline industry after a passenger was forcibly removed from a United flight, suffering heavy injuries.
Budapest targets 2018 for US route relaunch
The airport operator's head of airline development Balazs Bogats told FlightGlobal at the Routes Europe conference in Belfast that the airport is in talks with seven airlines about opening direct services between the Hungarian capital and either New York or Chicago. He indicates the group includes European and US airlines, and third country-based carriers that would operate the services under fifth-freedom rules.
Chorus Aviation Capital to buy six ATR 72-600s from Avation PLC
Chorus Aviation Capital will acquire six ATR 72-600 turboprops with attached leases from Singapore-based lessor Avation PLC. Chorus Aviation is the parent company of Canadian regional carrier Jazz Aviation. Three of the 72-600s are on lease with UK-based regional carrier Flybe; the other three aircraft are leased to Virgin Australia.
Hawaiian Airlines introduces new brand and livery
Hawaiian Airlines unveiled an updated brand identity and the freshly painted livery of a Boeing 717, the first of its fleet of more than 50 aircraft that will feature the new design. Painting of all aircraft and ground service equipment is scheduled to be completed by 2020. Hawaiian worked with Lippincott, a global creative consultancy, on the new identity.
Southwest Airlines profit misses estimates as costs rise
Southwest Airlines reported a smaller-than-expected quarterly profit, hit by higher operating expenses and a decline in average fares. The No.4 U.S. airline by passenger traffic said its unit revenue, a key metric that compares ticket sales with flight capacity, fell 2.8 percent in the quarter ended March 31, hurt by competitive fare pricing and a shift in Easter travel demand to April.
US regional Republic exits Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection
Republic Airways Holdings, parent of Republic Airline, has emerged from Chapter 11 restructuring, effective April 30. Republic said it will be closely held by certain unsecured creditors as outlined in its court-approved plan of reorganization. Republic operates a fleet of 170 Embraer E170/E175 aircraft and expects to expand its fleet by more than 10% by the end of the year with the delivery of 18 additional aircraft.
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