Analysis

A start-up backed by a leading Russian airline has resurrected the Cyprus Airways brand and boost connectivity from the Mediterranean island. Established under the name Charlie Airlines, the business, which shares common ownership with S7 Airlines paid just over €2 million to the Cypriot Government for rights to operate under the Cyprus Airways brand for the next ten years.

There is no doubt in anyone’s mind that we are currently living in the age of social media. We are constantly engaging with friends and families from all over the world, and as consumers now interact with businesses on a level that – prior to even a few years ago – would have seemed almost impossible.

Malaysia Airlines has decided to permanently downgauge its Perth product from the A330-300 to 737-800, resulting in a 44% reduction in capacity, due to increased competition.

After selecting its Bavarian hub for the deployment of its initial batch of Airbus A350s at the start of this year, German flag carrier Lufthansa has now revealed that it will transfer more than a third of its Airbus A380 fleet to Munich Airport from summer 2018. The move suggests a recent disagreement with Fraport, the operator of its Frankfurt Airport hub, over changes to its development strategy and costing structure, may be influencing its own network strategy.

Melbourne-Sydney economy air fares experienced an ATP increase of more than 5% year on year for the year ending Mar-2017, according to a new report, the Business Travel Pulse, released today by Carlson Wagonlit Travel, in conjunction with CAPA – Centre for Aviation.

The Blue Swan Daily brings you another exclusive infographic, focussing on aircraft deliveries for 2017 and sourced from the CAPA Fleet Database.

We have all sniggered when Otto, the inflatable autopilot is deployed in the film Airplane!, however the idea of unmanned flight decks is certainly a development many believe we will see in the future. This technological advancement could actually overcome one of the biggest issues that could impact the natural growth of the air transport industry.

In May-2017, the Australian Government released its 2017/18 Federal Budget, which included the development of the proposed Western Sydney Airport at Badgerys Creek. The Government committed to AUD2.3 billion (USD1.7 billion) in funding towards the AUD5.3 billion (USD3.9 billion) cost for building the airport, as well as AUD2.9 billion (USD2.1 billion) over 10 years to enhance transport infrastructure in Sydney’s western suburbs to support the new airport.

If you haven’t heard of Pepper the Robot, you soon will. Pepper is the world’s first personal and emotional humanoid robot (yes you heard correctly, humanoid robot), who is set to take over the world. Airlines, airports, cruise companies and even restaurants around the world are beginning to introduce this artificial creature to improve the customer experience.

European flag carrier KLM Royal Dutch Airlines will phase out its final Fokker 70 on October 29, 2017, ending 20 years of service with the type. There is no room for Netherlands nostalgia in the airline eyes as it replaces the locally-produced airliner with more cost-efficient E175 and E190 models from Brazilian manufacturer Embraer, but it is planning a fond farewell for the Fokker.