Aeromexico plans to reinforce frequencies to Europe during high season 2018 (El Universal, 24-Jan-2018). Changes are detailed as follows:
The carrier already increased operations to London and Amsterdam.
Mexico Secretary of Tourism Enrique de la Madrid stated (24-Jan-2017) that for the fifth consecutive year, international tourism in Mexico registered record figures with around 39 million international tourists in 2017, a 60% increase over 2012. Revenue in 2017 was around USD21 billion, a 60% increase over 2012. [more - original PR - Spanish]
United Airlines president Scott Kirby stated (23-Jan-2018) the carrier aims to unlock the "full potential" of its network in 2018 and beyond. United plans to increase its capacity 4% to 6% in 2018, with similar rates in 2019 and 2020, driving connectivity from Denver, Chicago and Houston. United will defend its market share in its international gateways, Mr Kirby said, and upgrade to larger aircraft. He noted United's international gateways have higher profit margins than its competitors, while its hubs in Chicago, Denver and Houston have profit margins are lower than its competitors' mid-continent hubs, as reported by Skift. Mr Kirby said: "More scale and more connectivity is what we have to drive at these hubs. A hub-and-spoke airline is really a manufacturing company. It is about manufacturing connections. The more connections you can drive to hubs, the higher profits you drive at that hub". [more - original PR]
Boeing Commercial Airplanes VP marketing Randy Tinseth reported (23-Jan-2018) reception of US FAA amended type certificate (ATC) for the 787-10 clears the aircraft for commercial service. According to Mr Tinseth, the 787-10 "will have the best operating economics of any airplane in its class when it enters service this year", with Boeing reporting the aircraft will have 25% better fuel costs per seat than the A330, and about 10% better than the A350-900, while having lower overall trip costs than both Airbus aircraft. [more - original PR]
US Department of Transportation (DoT) issued (24-Jan-2018) a final order revoking Baltia Air Lines' certificate of public convenience and necessity, due to dormancy. The certificate had authorised Baltia to engage in scheduled international services. As previously reported by CAPA, the carrier had earlier withdrawn its application for air carrier certification. DoT commenced revocation of Baltia's authorisations in late 2017. [more - original PR]
Aerolíneas Argentinas plans to increase Buenos Aires-Porto Alegre frequency to twice daily in Apr-2018, using a mix of Boeing 737-800 and Embraer 190 aircraft (Panrotas, 19-Jan-2018). The carrier also plans to upgauge Buenos Aires-Curitiba service with 737-700 aircraft, replacing E190 equipment.
LATAM Airlines Ecuador CEO Maximiliano Naranjo stated Ecuador's recent open skies policy is most likely to commence with agreements with the US, followed by the European Union (El Universo, 23-Jan-2018). Mr Naranjo added that Ecuador already has around 70 bilateral agreements, but those have frequency limitations. He pointed to the result of Peru's open skies, which increased traffic by around 40%. Current legislation in Ecuador imposes a 5% tax for wiring funds abroad.
Hawaiian Airlines CEO Mark Dunkerley expressed confidence in Airbus' commitment to the A330-800neo, noting: "Airbus is going to build the A330-800. I don't there's much question about that" (Business Insider, 23-Jan-2018). The carrier may deploy the aircraft on routes to Europe, Mr Dunkerley said: "What we always say about Europe is we do have the ambition that we could, one day, fly to Europe. There's no point in us contemplating European service until we have an aircraft that is capable of flying the 15 hours nonstop between the Hawaiian Islands and points in Europe".
Raleigh-Durham Airport Authority president and CEO Michael Landguth commented (23-Jan-2018) on record 2017 traffic growth at Raleigh-Durham International Airport, stating: "Affordable fares and lots of nonstop options powered our growth in 2017. As we look ahead, we are encouraged by strong demand that will fuel growth in 2018 and beyond". The airport welcomed the launch of nine new routes in 2017, including Virgin America's San Francisco service, Frontier Airlines' and Delta Air Lines' Austin service, and Allegiant Air's and Southwest Airlines' New Orleans service. [more - original PR]
US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and the Cayman Islands signed (23-Jan-2018) an agreement to implement a pilot program allowing screening of passengers travelling from Miami International Airport to Grand Cayman Island Owen Roberts International Airport. The agreement allows for Grand Cayman immigration and custom officers to screen passengers at the Miami airport, without any law enforcement or other executive authority in the United States. Grand Cayman passengers who volunteer to be pre-screened in Miami will be expedited through the arrival process. [more - original PR]