Corporate Travel Analysis Reports

From a terrorist cyber hack to a simple inadvertent removal of a plug from a socket, whatever caused the IT failure that left British Airways' fleet of aircraft grounded for most of the weekend is a lesson learned, not just for the airline, but for the industry as a whole, especially considering the important role technology provides in the day to day needs of the aviation system.

The Transatlantic has been a challenging market for large US network airlines during the past year for a variety of reasons - the UK Brexit vote, terrorist attacks, expansion by low cost airlines and currency fluctuations. As a result of those coalescing factors, unit revenues for American Airlines, Delta Air Lines and United Airlines in their respective Transatlantic entities have been less than stellar.

The world airline industry continues to generate large and growing capital investment needs. The industry's capital investment has grown sharply since the global financial crisis, almost doubling from 2010 to 2016. Aircraft account for by far the majority of airline industry capital spending, which exceeded $120 billion in 2016 and is forecast by Boeing to reach $185 million in 2021.

No environmental impact studies needed, no engineering contracts to let, no pesky banks to borrow from, no landfill, no airline complaints about footing the bill. You can just go ahead and build your own airport if you want, on Brisbane Airport land. What's more you'll be paid for it.

On a daily basis the Blue Swan Daily receives hundreds of press releases from a wide variety of sources. Whether it be airlines, hotel chains, tourism boards, and well just about anyone, what classifies as "news" never ceases to amaze us. In fact we thought we had seen it all…it turns out we can still be shocked (and appalled).

Over the last couple of months Indian carrier SpiceJet has been formulating a plan to grow into the medium- and long-haul markets with the introduction of its first widebodied aircraft. With other airlines in its homeland already planning similar moves, the carrier is reportedly now close to formalising a leasing deal for two Boeing 787-8 Dreamliners to enter the market as early as this winter to gain a competitive advantage.

Premium economy continues to be a key opportunity for carriers the world over. More and more airlines have introduced this important class into their aircraft to improve yields and assist with competitive load factors.

Now in the tenth year of Airbus A380 operations, it is clear that the aircraft has not been the commercial success that Airbus hoped, although you certainly will not be hearing any executive of the company stating this publicly. Maybe the aircraft arrived in the marketplace at the wrong time. Perhaps the SuperJumbo's time has yet to come with infrastructure congestion sure to be a topic discussed with greater regularity in the coming years. What is sure is the aircraft will always remain a niche option, but that exclusivity may just open the door to new markets for the type.

Australian and New Zealand airports were hit with massive disruptions this week as result of a computer outage affecting passport processing. The Australian Border Force confirmed the outage which impacted the Society International Telecommunications Aeronautiques

Hong Kong continues to block attempts by Australia to negotiate a new air services agreement, which would be a benefit to the Australian economy, consumers and tourism. Cathay Pacific's average load factor on Australia routes has been nearly 90% the last two years, an indication the market is undersupplied.