“We have successfully pivoted from an airline to an all-in-one digital lifestyle company anchored on travel.” This was the key message delivered by AirAsia Group CEO Tony Fernandes as part of the company’s Q2 financial results that showed a 96% drop in quarterly revenue. Airline-related revenue dropped 98% while non-airline revenue, a much smaller portion of the company’s operations, dipped only 55%.
Swiss swaps planes for trains to Geneva
Passengers connecting from Geneva to Zurich and beyond have more options than ever with Swiss, now that the airline will use trains as part of its “flight” network.
Spirit Airlines avoids pilot furloughs in October
Spirit Airlines will not involuntarily furlough any pilots in October when the CARES Act Payroll Support Program funding expires. The news comes just days after the company and the Air Line Pilots Association representing its pilots indicated that 117 positions were at risk.
ExpressJet to wind down operations on 30 September
ExpressJet will halt its regional operations for United at the end of September rather than trying to slowly trim the schedule through the end of the year.
Gogo execs to score big bonus payouts for CA sale
The 2020 bonus plans at Gogo will look a bit different than in prior years. A handful of executives are in line for a big score thanks to the planned sale of the Commercial Aviation segment, while regular employees now have a new target to realize their annual reward.
American to suspend 15 markets as CARES Act funding expires
With federal government subsidies set to expire airlines will undoubtedly trim their route maps. American Airlines announced its cuts first, with 15 markets set to be suspended in October, barring additional federal funding.
AERQ brings new IFE solution, cabin digitalization to market
Airlines now have another option for delivering inflight entertainment to passengers. AERQ, a joint venture of LG and Lufthansa Technik, is bringing its new cabin digitalization platform to market and already has at least one airline signed up as a customer.
Alaska pushes for renewed role as global passenger hub
Sure, the aviation industry is hurting right now. But the airports of Alaska are thinking big about the future. The state wants to see its airport infrastructure eligible to serve as hubs for foreign airlines, boosting local tourism while also allowing for broader connections into the lower 48.
Global Eagle’s connectivity business shines as content falters
Global Eagle quietly released its Q2 2020 earnings last Friday and the numbers are bad. But, in at least one context, not nearly as bad as they could have been. Somehow the company’s global connectivity business segment managed to eke out a positive margin for the quarter.
Diehl Aviation secures BFE supplier status at Boeing
Airlines can now select Diehl Aviation galleys and monuments for assembly-line installation on Boeing aircraft. The deal significantly expands Diehl’s market opportunities in the segment.