“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%.
cargo
Cargo passenger hybrids coming to US airlines
Airlines around the world removed the seats from their passenger planes to make more room for cargo. But not in the US. That could change very soon, as the FAA now allows for exemptions to cargo restrictions, engineering companies are securint certifications for the new configurations and airlines are getting the paperwork in order to make the shift.
Peek inside the largest converted cargo aircraft flying today
Given that the A380 has no real future as a true cargo aircraft (i.e. containers on the main deck, not just in the belly) this is likely the only time we’ll see the Whale flying with so much freight on board. And that’s awesome, even if it is for less than wonderful reasons.
Airbus aims to ease "COVID Combi" temporary freighter conversions
How quickly can an airline convert a passenger plane to freighter service? Airbus hope to ease the process for the A330 and A350 with a new Service Bulletin modification.
The Weekly Wrap: Cargo conversions and funky seating options
Looking to catch up on passenger experience news in recent days? I’ve got a fun new video series with Maryann Simson from APEX Media and we’re covering all the top headlines.
De Havilland, Air Canada Cargo partner on Dash 8-400 cargo conversion
Air Canada Express is the latest operator of a “Covid-Combi” fleet, with up to 13 Dash 8-400s slated for conversion. The planes will help the carrier move critical cargo throughout the country.
Air Canada replaces seats with cargo in 777-300ER cabin
Air Canada is boosting its cargo capabilities with some creativity in the passenger cabin of its 777-300ER aircraft. Three of the planes, the largest in the carrier’s fleet, no longer have seats on board. Instead the large space will be used to increase cargo carrying capacity on board.
Converting to cargo: Putting passenger planes to use in the COVID-19 era
Passenger demand may not exist right now for airlines but global supply chains still demand the cargo capacity those aircraft represent. Passenger aircraft are being pressed into service as freighters, filling their belly space with goods to fly across the globe. And, in some cases, even a bit more.
WOW Air II pivots to cargo
Want to fly on the relaunched WOW Air? Better grow gills. And be dead. The company now expects to relaunch as a cargo operator rather than a passenger carrier, assuming it ever gets off the ground at all.
The bizarre backing behind WOW Air, redux
What do cargo operations in Djibouti, negotiations with Somali pirates, and covert intelligence operations have to do with a failed Icelandic airline? Michele Ballarin is about to show us all.