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  • Cathay continues its sustainability efforts as it builds momentum for future development

    Cathay continues its sustainability efforts as it builds momentum for future development

    Cathay released its 2024 Sustainability Report, reflecting steady progress in its sustainability journey and reaffirming its commitment to long-term sustainable development. As the Cathay Group moves into its next phase of growth, sustainability remains a key priority.

    Chief Executive Officer Ronald Lam said: Having successfully completed our two-year rebuilding journey, we have now set our sights on growth and development, where sustainability remains an area where we aspire to lead and is at the forefront of our path forward.

    Our environmental focus continues to be on climate change and a circular economy. As a pioneer and early adopter of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), we continue to work towards fostering a local SAF ecosystem and expanding SAF usage globally, while acknowledging the challenges and opportunities ahead. We are also embracing the shift towards responsible use of resources by continuously reducing our reliance on single-use plastics (SUP) and exploring packaging alternatives. Beyond our environmental efforts, we remain committed to our deep roots in Hong Kong, enriching our communities through youth, sports, and arts initiatives while setting our sights on future growth by attracting, developing and retaining a strong pipeline of global talent.

    Key highlights from the 2024 report include:

    • Fostering a local SAF ecosystem with the Group’s record global SAF usage: Cathay launched a landmark tripartite SAF partnership with HSBC Hong Kong and EcoCeres, enabling SAF usage from Hong Kong International Airport while demonstrating the potential of fostering an SAF system in Hong Kong. It also co-initiated the Hong Kong Sustainable Aviation Fuel Coalition (HKSAFC), a multi-stakeholder group, to drive SAF policy development and adoption in Hong Kong. Globally, Cathay’s Corporate SAF Programme recorded a 22-fold increase in SAF usage compared to its launch in 2022.
    • Advancing a circular economy: Cathay Pacific reduced its passenger-facing SUP items to an average of 2.6 pieces and set two new secondary SUP targets for 2025: increasing inflight recycling of water bottles to 33% and ensuring at least 50% of the remaining passenger-facing SUP items are made with recycled plastics. Working towards its goals, Cathay Pacific introduced a first-of-its-kind workflow for recycling plastic bottles and cans at Hong Kong International Airport.
    • Nurturing the Hong Kong community: 2024 marked the 20th anniversary of Cathay’s flagship youth development programme, I Can Fly, with its return after a five-year hiatus, expanding the initiative to include an exchange tour in the wider Greater Bay Area.

    The full 2024 Sustainability Report detailing Cathay’s sustainability performance and commitments is available here.

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  • China Airlines partners with Chunghwa Telecom Laboratories on new roadmap to develop airline AI applications

    China Airlines partners with Chunghwa Telecom Laboratories on new roadmap to develop airline AI applications

    China Airlines (CAL), a Taiwan-based carrier, has strategically positioned itself for the future by signing a memorandum of understanding (MOU) this month with Chunghwa Telecom Laboratories (CHTTL) to expand the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) technology resources. The two companies will share their respective industry applications and R&D technology to co-develop an integrated AI development and management platform. This strategic move will not only make services more accessible to travelers but also define a new roadmap for AI development in the airline industry.

    As the first airline to form such a partnership with CHTTL, CAL will focus on enhancing the AI service experience and strengthening corporate management of on-premises AI applications. The incorporation of “AI interactive voice response” functionality with customer service chatbots into the CAL website will provide travelers with additional answers to their inquiries, enhancing their overall experience. “Customer conservation analytics” performed by generative AI will analyze and categorize questions in audio files in real time to help customer service staff track common traveler questions with great precision. The data can also be used to improve internal education and training as well as enhance the productivity and quality of customer service.$

    For internal enterprise management, CAL will combine AI “forecasting and early warning applications” with big data to accurately predict the number and weight of luggage on each flight. The information can be used to maximize the utilization of belly cargo space on passenger flights and cargo hold space on freighter flights, which promises savings for the workforce. At the same time, the two companies will co-develop a “Smart Generative AI Platform” that uses machine learning model management and the construction of large language models (LLM) to accelerate the scaling and deployment of AI operations. The platform will also assist businesses with more effective management of on-premises AI applications and shorten model development time.

    Research and development of telecommunications and information-communications technologies have always been the focus of CHTTL. The Labs have played a key role in defining international standards and industrial innovation as well. Current fields of research include the core technologies for broadband networking, mobile networking, AI, and information security. CHTTL has already developed numerous AI applications for enterprise use, including AI customer service chatbots, AI voice assistances, and the customer sentiment analysis platform (DeepVoice). These solutions have been recognized by the Taiwan Excellence Awards, National Brand Yushan Awards, and other top awards, demonstrating the quality and innovation of CHTTL’s work. The latest partnership will lead to new milestones in the use of smart AI technology in the Taiwanese airline industry.

    CAL continues to promote innovative services by incorporating the latest AI applications into its traveler experience and into internal management to boost team productivity. In 2024, CAL became the first Taiwanese carrier to receive the award for Best AI System Application Team at the Customer Service Excellence Awards (CSEA). CAL will continue to track the latest developments in the AI industry and collaborate with leading external organizations to build strategic partnerships that will accelerate AI development and boost international competitiveness through smart airline AI services.

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  • Vietnam Airlines flights impacted by strikes in Germany

    Vietnam Airlines flights impacted by strikes in Germany

    According to an official announcement from the airline, Vietnam Airlines flights have changed their operating schedule due to a strike in Germany from midnight to 11.59 p.m. on March 10 (local time).

    This is the second time the airline has been affected by this reason this year.

    Specifically, flight VN36 from Frankfurt to Hanoi on March 10 will depart at 11:55 a.m. on March 11 (local time), flight VN30 from Frankfurt to Ho Chi Minh City on March 10 will depart at 11:05 a.m. on March 11 (local time), and flight VN34 from Munich to Hanoi on March 10 is planned to depart at 11:05 a.m. on March 11 (local time).

    In addition, due to the chain reaction from adjusting the fleet and general schedule, about 20 domestic and international flights of Vietnam Airlines from March 11 to 12 may be changed from wide-body to narrow-body aircrafts, delayed departure times or canceled.

    The airline representative informed me that the airline would regularly update the operation plan in the following newsletters.

    Affected passengers will be supported by the airline according to regulations.

    They also can check official Vietnam Airlines Facebook Fanpage; contact ticket offices, official agents, and Customer Care Center 1900 1100 (in Vietnam) or +84 24 38320320 (abroad).

  • DHL Global Forwarding Japan and Nippon Cargo Airlines successfully complete charters for semiconductor manufacturing equipment to Hokkaido

    DHL Global Forwarding Japan and Nippon Cargo Airlines successfully complete charters for semiconductor manufacturing equipment to Hokkaido

    DHL Global Forwarding Japan, the freight specialist of DHL Group, and Nippon Cargo Airlines (NCA) have successfully transported semiconductor manufacturing equipment via four charters aimed at significantly reducing transit time from Amsterdam Schiphol Airport (AMS) in the Netherlands to New Chitose Airport in Japan.

    To support this process, a main deck loader specifically designed for unloading and loading semiconductor equipment was transferred from Narita Airport to New Chitose Airport. Additionally, onsite personnel have been trained to take all necessary precautions to ensure smooth operations.

    Flexible measures, including regular cargo temperature checks and close collaboration with ground handling and logistics shed companies, have been implemented to minimize temperature fluctuations, even in winter conditions. Efforts have also been made to shorten the time between aircraft and truck loading.

    “As Japan experiences a strong 17.3% year-on-year growth in semiconductor equipment sales from January to August 2024, it has also maintained a 30% market share in the sector, second only to the United States. This remarkable growth reflects the country’s strength in advanced manufacturing and innovation,” said Karsten Michaelis, President/Representative Director, DHL Global Forwarding Japan.

    “It also underscores the importance of efficient and reliable transportation solutions to support the semiconductor industry. Our collaboration with Nippon Cargo Airlines is a key step in ensuring that Japan continues to lead in this critical sector.”

    In the year leading up to the four charters, DHL Global Forwarding’s local semiconductor specialist teams worked closely with NCA and customers to plan the necessary infrastructure requirements and strategize the safe, efficient transport of semiconductors. This ensures the transportation process adheres to the strictest requirements, even in Hokkaido’s severe winter weather.

    “This charter was very challenging for us under severe weather and constraints of operations in Chitose, and we could never achieve to success without cooperation of our reliable partner, DHL Global Forwarding Japan. I am honored that we could build our collaboration and to be a part of this national project. I would like to express my sincere appreciation to the great efforts of DHL Global Forwarding Japan and partner companies. NCA will keep on serving to meet customers’ requirement”, said Hitoshi Watanabe, Executive Officer, Nippon Cargo Airlines.

    As global competition and geopolitical pressures intensify, Japan is shifting its focus towards its semiconductor industry, emphasizing growth and localization. The goal is to triple semiconductor sales from 2020 until 2030, reaching over US$108 billion. Hence, establishing efficient transportation for sensitive semiconductors is crucial in supporting market growth.

    DHL Global Forwarding Japan and NCA will support the further development of Hokkaido and the Japanese manufacturing industry by exploring ways to strengthen transportation for the local semiconductor sector.

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  • Malaysia’s flight operators announce flight reductions until December following technical troubles

    Malaysia’s flight operators announce flight reductions until December following technical troubles

    “This is to ensure the long-term reliability of our fleet and robustness of our operations and enhance our ability to ensure our customers on Malaysia Airlines, Firefly and Amal services face minimal disruptions and have the best experience possible flying with us,” Izham Ismail, Managing Director of MAG, explained in a statement released on Aug. 24.

    “I personally apologize for the disruption to passenger travel plans and the inconvenience this has caused,” he added.

    Ismail stated the group has been working to tackle supply chain issues, manpower challenges, and “other external factors as part of the continuing normalization of global aviation operations post-pandemic.” He also noted that delays in the delivery of new aircraft this year have resulted in a reduced number of planes available for flights.

    “We are working closely with our aircraft and engine manufacturers, and a wide range of suppliers to comprehensively address supply chain and technical issues,” he said.

    The urgency of the decision was underscored by several recent incidents involving Malaysia Airlines flights. On Aug. 20, a Melbourne-Kuala Lumpur flight from the same operator made an emergency stop in Alice Springs, Australia, due to a technical problem.

    Later that same day, a Malaysia Airlines flight from Kuala Lumpur to Shanghai encountered a cabin pressure issue and had to return to the departure airport.

    Two days later, another Malaysia Airlines flight bound for Medina from Kuala Lumpur was forced to return to its origin, marking the third such incident for the Malaysian national carrier that week.

    The series of disruptions has led former Malaysian transport minister Wee Ka Siong to urge the government to investigate and assist the country’s flag carrier.

    “Due to the frequent incidents of emergency landings and technical issues involving Malaysia Airlines, the public is questioning: ‘What has happened to Malaysia Airlines? Is it safe to fly with Malaysia Airlines?’” he said in a Facebook post.

    “This seems to be a crisis of confidence among passengers in Malaysia Airlines, which is likely to damage the country’s reputation and potentially lead to losses for MAG if these incidents continue, which will ultimately affect the country’s economy.”

    Public reaction has been similarly critical. Khatijah Khaur, a member of the True Malaysia Airlines Fans Group on Facebook, criticized what she described as a “tidak apa” attitude among the staff.

    “Our tidak apa attitude has come back to bite us,” she noted. “There is no motivation to be better, to do better. At the end of the day, we have nothing to be proud of.”

    In response, Malaysia’s Minister of Transport Anthony Loke has announced that a special audit conducted by the Civil Aviation Authority of Malaysia (CAAM) into Malaysia Aviation Group (MAG) and the recent technical issues affecting Malaysia Airlines will be presented to the Cabinet on Wednesday.

    “Follow-up action will be taken by CAAM and we view what is happening seriously,” he told in a press conference on Monday.

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  • Austrian Airlines takes off with sharkskin

    Austrian Airlines takes off with sharkskin

    Austrian Airlines will be the first airline globally to equip their Boeing 777-200ER aircraft with innovative “AeroSHARK” surface technology. On a total of four Boeing 777-200ERs the fuselage and engine nacelles will be covered with the “sharkskin” film developed by Lufthansa Technik and the company BASF. The significantly reduced frictional resistance resulting from the film will reduce the CO2 emissions of Austrian Airlines’ long-haul fleet and fuel consumption.

    By applying a total of 830 square meters of Riblet film per aircraft to the surface of the fuselage and engine nacelles, a saving of around one percent of the total fuel consumption per flight can be achieved. Applied to four B777s, the technology can achieve savings of around 2,650 tons of fuel and over 8,300 tons of CO2. This corresponds to around 46 flights from Vienna to New York.

    “We take our responsibility seriously and take every possible step to reduce CO2 emissions within our flight operations. At one percent, the sharkskin’s efficiency potential may not sound like much, but in total it will save thousands of tons of CO2 per year on long-haul flights,” says Austrian COO Francesco Sciortino. “Even though our B777s are in their final years of service, we take this investment to get one step closer to our CO2 reduction targets.”

    “The fact that we are rolling out the fuel-saving sharkskin technology on another aircraft type with Austrian Airlines is also good news for other Boeing 777-200ER operators,” emphasizes Harald Gloy, COO at Lufthansa Technik. “These are the first of hopefully many more aircraft of this type that will have lower fuel consumption and an improved carbon footprint thanks to AeroSHARK.”

    AeroSHARK is a surface technology jointly developed by Lufthansa Technik and BASF, which consists of transparent ribs around 50 micrometers in size – the so-called riblets. It imitates the properties of particularly aerodynamic sharkskin and thus optimizes aerodynamics in relevant areas of the aircraft.

    Austrian Airlines will successively equip four of its six Boeing 777-200ER long-haul aircraft with surface technology from December 2024. The application to all four aircraft will be completed by March 2025.

    The sharkskin technology is another important building block on Austrian Airlines’ CO2 reduction path. Together with the Lufthansa Group, Austrian aims to reduce its CO2 emissions by 30.6% by 2030 compared to 2019.

  • Carriers struggle to ease aircraft shortage

    Carriers struggle to ease aircraft shortage

    Vietnamese airlines have been taking various measures in the face of a fleet contraction triggered by the manufacturer’s engine recall, including adding and replacing aircraft.

    As of July, 195 aircraft of Vietnamese carriers had been granted air operator certificates (AOC), 36 less than a year earlier. According to the Civil Aviation Authority of Vietnam (CAAV), an average of 167 planes were operated during the period, down 51.

    Meanwhile, the CAAV forecast the air transport market in 2024 will record approximately 78.3 million passengers and 1.21 million tonnes of cargo, respectively increasing 7.7% and 13.4% from last year.

    Facing that fact, domestic carriers have continually leased aircraft. So far this year, Bamboo Airways has conducted wet-leasing, also known as ACMI (aircraft, crew, maintenance, and insurance) leasing, of three planes to fly on in-demand routes in the summer travel season like those connecting with Nha Trang, Da Nang, and Quy Nhon.

    General Director of Bamboo Airways Luong Hoai Nam said the firm has strived to add more aircraft to its fleet to serve the domestic market by seeking and negotiating with partners worldwide. It plans to lease another aircraft between now and the year’s end to open some new domestic routes such as Ho Chi Minh City – Da Lat, HCMC – Thanh Hoa, and HCMC – Phu Quoc.

    Le Hong Ha, General Director of Vietnam Airlines, predicted that the aircraft shortage may linger on to 2025. He noted the national flag carrier has devised many solutions, including suspending or reducing the frequency of some routes in off-peak times or inefficient ones, increasing the operational time of each aircraft, and wet-leasing some planes.

    The airline is also boosting flights with attractive ticket prices in early mornings and late evenings. Occupancy rates of the flights to tourist magnets like Hanoi, HCMC, Da Nang, Nha Trang, Da Lat, Quy Nhon, and Phu Quoc that took off after 9 p.m. and before 5 a.m. in May and June were high, reaching 75 – 94%, Ha added.

    For its part, Vietjet plans to receive 10 planes between now and the end of 2024, including eight A321Neos and two E190s. It is scheduled to add more A321Neo, A330-300, E190, and Boeing 737 Max to its fleet in 2025.

    However, CAAV Deputy Director Do Hong Cam pointed out that it is still hard for carriers to lease aircraft due to rising rental, increasing fuel prices, and foreign exchange rate differences. These factors have affected supply and are among the reasons behind airfare fluctuations on domestic routes.

    Sharing the view, Deputy Minister of Transport Le Anh Tuan said the aviation sector will still encounter numerous difficulties in the coming time, including the aircraft shortage, carriers’ restructuring, route rearrangement, higher fuel costs, and foreign exchange differences.

    During the first half of 2024, Vietnamese airlines served nearly 37.5 million passengers, up 3.7% year on year and equivalent to 96% of the figure in the same period of 2019, when the aviation market was enjoying good growth.

    Vietnam’s aviation safety index was rated at 77.1%, up 11.54% from 2016 and well above the Asia-Pacific average of 65.31% and the global average of 68.81%, according to the Universal Safety Oversight Audit Programme of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO).

  • Garuda Indonesia and Singapore Airlines receive regulatory approval for commercial joint venture

    Garuda Indonesia and Singapore Airlines receive regulatory approval for commercial joint venture

    Garuda Indonesia and Singapore Airlines (SIA) received the Competition and Consumer Commission of Singapore’s (CCCS) approval of their commercial joint venture agreement.

    With this approval, the airlines will be able to deepen their strategic partnership on a wider range of commercial activities that will bring greater benefits to both airlines, as well as Indonesia and Singapore. These potentially include operating joint revenue sharing flights between the two countries, coordinating flight schedules to offer travellers more options and seamless connectivity between Singapore and Indonesia and beyond, and exploring joint sales and marketing initiatives that provide greater value to both airlines’ customers.

    Since Garuda Indonesia and Singapore Airlines signed an agreement to deepen their partnership in May 2023, the carriers have been working on initiatives including giving GarudaMiles and KrisFlyer members the option to earn and redeem miles on codeshare routes. They have also embarked on joint marketing initiatives to promote tourism activities.

    The airlines today codeshare on a wide range of flights, including between Singapore and Indonesian cities of Bali, Jakarta, Medan, and Surabaya, as well as on long-haul routes between Singapore and Johannesburg, London (Heathrow), and Mumbai.

    Mr Irfan Setiaputra, President and Chief Executive Officer, Garuda Indonesia, said, “We are very pleased to receive this approval, as it marks significant progress towards our commitment to enhance service quality as well as broaden both Garuda Indonesia and Singapore Airlines’ networks through a deepening partnership.

    The joint venture initiative that we are preparing today has been one of the strategies to ensure extensive value creation for our loyal customers. Having regulatory approval as the first step in a commercial agreement will provide more opportunities for developing well-executed strategic ideas.

    “Moreover, we hope that this joint venture agreement can provide seamless services for passengers with more flight schedule options and ease in earning and redeeming mileage. Also, this collaboration may deliver concrete action to contribute to boosting Indonesian tourism activities, which will support the post-pandemic economic recovery progress,” Mr Irfan explained.

    Mr Goh Choon Phong, Chief Executive Officer, Singapore Airlines, said, “The robust strategic partnership between Garuda Indonesia and Singapore Airlines has enabled us to broaden our codeshare services over the last few years, offering our customers more choices on flights. With the CCCS’s approval, we are poised to deepen our collaboration across a wider scope of commercial activities.

    Along with the ongoing work to strengthen the links between our frequent flyer membership programmes, this will provide our customers with even more options and enhanced value. This partnership underscores both airlines’ commitment to improving connectivity between Indonesia and Singapore and beyond, boosting both business and leisure travel, and contributing to economic growth.”

  • Vietnam Airlines Group eyes record revenues

    Vietnam Airlines Group eyes record revenues

    Vietnam Airlines Group, which operates three airlines, targets record revenues of VND80.89 trillion (US$3.18 billion) this year but expects the profit rate to be less than 1%.

    Its first quarter revenues rose by 25% to VND28.27 trillion.

    Amid high demand, the company expects to see international and domestic passenger numbers rise by 20% and 13%.

    High fuel costs are expected to be a drag on profits. The company disclosed to shareholders that if fuel prices increase by $1 per barrel, its costs rise by VND230 billion a year.

    The economic slowdown is causing international travel to recover at a slow pace, while geopolitical tensions show no signs of abating, it said. Its top market, China, is also seeing an extremely slow recovery.

    Many of its debts start falling due in July, posing a financial burden.

    Vietnam Airlines Group, the parent of Vietnam Airlines, Pacific Airlines and Vietnam Air Services Company, plans to sell its stakes in Tan Son Nhat Cargo Service Company this year for VND1.7 trillion.

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  • Qatar Airways passengers endure 3-hour delay without air conditioning

    Qatar Airways passengers endure 3-hour delay without air conditioning

    During a Qatar Airways flight from Athens to Bangkok via Doha, passengers suffered extreme discomfort when they were confined for more than three hours in oppressive heat due to a malfunctioning air conditioning system.

    The incident, which occurred on Monday while the plane was on the Athens International Airport’s tarmac, caused temperatures inside the cabin to soar to nearly 100 degrees Fahrenheit (37.8 degrees Celsius).

    Referencing a Matichon reporter on board, stated that despite the malfunction, the captain decided against allowing passengers to disembark, leading to the distressing situation.

    South African sports therapist Garth Collins, a passenger on the flight, shared his experience, stating: “Passengers were literally dehydrating and passing out on the plane.”

    “They were left stranded on the plane for 3.5 hours with doors closed and no air conditioning.”

    As seen in videos circulating online, a passenger had to resort to stripping off their clothes while others fanned themselves with safety instruction cards during the delay.

    Garth noted that after enduring the heat, passengers were finally permitted to leave the aircraft and return to the cooler confines of Athens International Airport. However, the relief was fleeting as they encountered extensive delays without communication from the airline. He emphasized that many missed their connecting flights in Doha due to the incident.

    Criticizing the airline’s response, Garth remarked that the assistance provided, which included only a cup of water and a small soft drink, was “completely insufficient to rehydrate an individual after the enforced sauna on the plane.”

    The flight was carrying 49 members of the Thai boxing team and accompanying reporters returning from the IFMA Senior World Championships in Patras, Greece. Among them, footage highlighted Muay Thai fighter Damian Collins visibly overwhelmed by the heat.

    “Damian is a fit, conditioned athlete, imagine the stress and danger for any normal individual,” commented Garth.

    Thai boxer Thannachai Sidsongpeenong also expressed his astonishment at the conditions and reflected on his relief at surviving the ordeal: “Now I feel that I was lucky to get through that situation.”

    The flight ultimately arrived in Doha at approximately 10:30 a.m. local time on Tuesday, significantly delayed from its expected arrival time of 6:20 p.m. the previous day.

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  • Vietnam Airlines to ground 12 planes for maintenance

    Vietnam Airlines to ground 12 planes for maintenance

    Vietnam Airlines has to ground 12 A321 aircraft, representing 20% of its domestic fleet, for up to 300 days due to engine issues, as supply chain disruptions have doubled the maintenance time, its CEO said.

    Le Hong Ha said engine issues are plaguing over 3,500 A321/A320neo aircraft worldwide with Pratt & Whitney engines.

    Vietnam Airlines uses 24 of the engines, he said Thursday on the sidelines of the 2024 International Airline Symposium in Hanoi.

    The engine problems have also impacted Vietnam Airlines’ Airbus A350 aircraft, he added.

    The problem is caused by a rare condition in the powder metal used to manufacture certain engine parts, a concern flagged by Pratt & Whitney in July 2023 as affecting engines produced between October 2015 and September 2021.

    This has caused numerous airlines globally to ground or inspect their aircraft.

    Budget carrier Vietjet may also have fleet trouble due to the engine issues.

    A shortage of aircraft has been partly blamed for the recent jump in domestic airfares, which is turning passengers away.

    Before and after the Lunar New Year holidays airlines carried 13% fewer passengers than last year.

    But Ha pointed out that Vietnam is among the few countries still capping airfares, adding the ceilings should be scrapped in future.

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  • Philippines’ Clark airport makes pitch as aviation hub

    Philippines’ Clark airport makes pitch as aviation hub

    Last week, Philippine delegates pitched Clark International Airport’s viability as an attractive regional hub for global aerospace and aviation companies

    Airport developer Berthaphil is calling on maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) companies to consider setting up at Clark, where SIA Engineering has already established its own airframe maintenance operations. 

    Located 80 kilometres north of the capital Manila, the international airport can be accessed via the expressway and is situated within the free trade zone. This means interested parties can get favourable tax concessions, including up to a 7-year tax holiday and then a 5 percent corporate income tax rate.

    Berthaphil, which also built the first bonded warehouse and logistics centre at Clark, is offering a 10-hectare airfield site, with access to the primary runway, which can accommodate large widebody aircraft. The developer said the vacant property is available ‘as is’ or for a ‘a build to suit’ project.

    Apart from MRO companies, the groups are also targeting cargo airlines, logistics companies, fixed-based operators, business aviation companies, original equipment makers, regional and international airlines, and training organisations.

    Companies that have established operations at Clark include Singapore-based SIA Engineering and Hong Kong-based MetroJet. With a new terminal building, the airport has capacity for 80 million passengers, It is also an air cargo gateway for UPS, DHL and FedEx.

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  • Singapore Airlines’ cargo volume up 7 percent in October

    Singapore Airlines’ cargo volume up 7 percent in October

    Singapore Airlines saw cargo loads jump 7 percent year on year in October, on the back of e-commerce flows and freighter charters, according to the company’s latest operating results.

    The carrier’s cargo operations posted a load factor of 56.1 percent, or 3.5 percentage points higher year-on-year, with load factors on routes to The Americas (12.5 percentage points), South West Pacific (9.5 percentage points) and West Asia and Africa (7.8 percentage points), seeing notable gains. Meanwhile, cargo load factors on East Asia routes fell-10.1 percentage points.

    Capacity for the month expanded 23 percent YoY, which was outpaced by 23.5 percent passenger traffic growth, with SIA and Scoot registering 3.1 million passengers in total, up 36.1 percent from the same month a year before.

    As of end-October, the group’s cargo network comprised 121 destinations in 37 countries and territories.

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  • Vietnam Airlines postpones annual general meeting for 4th time

    Vietnam Airlines postpones annual general meeting for 4th time

    Vietnam Airlines has canceled its annual general meeting for a fourth time this year pleading “unfinished” preparations even as it continues to struggle with losses.

    The state-owned carrier informed the Ho Chi Minh Stock Exchange Monday that its meeting scheduled for Nov. 22 has been moved to Dec. 16.

    The AGM was first scheduled for June 20 but the company has been postponing it repeatedly.

    Public companies are required to hold their AGM within four to six months from the end of the financial year.

    In the first nine months of this year the company posted a loss of VND3.3 trillion (US$135.34 million) as against VND7.75 trillion in the same period last year.

    Its revenues were up 32% to VND68.09 trillion.

    Vietnam Airlines’ HVN shares have been restricted to trading in the afternoons only as a penalty for its delay in submitting its financial reports. They have plunged 21% this year to VND10,950.

  • Singapore Airlines to host AAPA’s 67th Assembly of Presidents

    Singapore Airlines to host AAPA’s 67th Assembly of Presidents

    Singapore Airlines (SIA) will host the 67th edition of the Association of Asia Pacific Airlines (AAPA) Assembly of Presidents on 9 and 10 November 2023.

    The AAPA, which has 14 member airlines, is the trade association for scheduled international carriers based in the Asia Pacific region1.

    More than 200 delegates, attendees, and members of the media from around the world are expected at the Assembly, which will be held at Singapore’s Mandarin Oriental Hotel.

    Delegates from member airlines, including Chief Executive Officers and senior management, will be joined by representatives from key stakeholders such as the International Air Transport Association (IATA), International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), Airports Council International (ACI), Singapore’s Ministry of Transport and the Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore, as well as the wider aerospace and aviation community.

    Mr Chee Hong Tat, Singapore’s Acting Minister for Transport, will be the guest of honour at the opening session on Friday, 10 November 2023.

    This year’s theme, Sustainable Air Transport Growth in the Asia Pacific, underscores the importance of international air transport and the industry’s commitment to sustainability. The Assembly provides a platform to discuss the opportunities and challenges in the airline industry, and focus on developing a strategy for sustainable growth in the region.

    The Asia Pacific airline industry has rebounded from the impact of the pandemic, with the region’s passenger capacity reaching 77% of pre-pandemic levels in August 2023. This has helped to meet the robust demand for air travel, with international passenger traffic in the Asia Pacific doubling from a year before in August 2023 and expected to reach 80% of pre-pandemic levels by the end of the year.

    Mr Goh Choon Phong, CEO of Singapore Airlines, commented: “Deeper collaboration between airlines, as well as with our partners and stakeholders in the ecosystem, is critical for sustainable growth. This will help to ensure that future generations continue to enjoy the many benefits that aviation brings. We look forward to meaningful discussions that will help to lay the groundwork for an even brighter future for the Asia Pacific’s airline industry.”

    Mr Subhas Menon, Director General of the AAPA, added: “2023 is a watershed year for Asia Pacific aviation. Air travel is again charging ahead even as the broader global economy comes off the boil. As it looks to return to growth, the industry must navigate challenging geopolitical, economic and climate realities. Against this backdrop, and with the line-up of influential speakers, no doubt that this year’sAssembly of Presidents will deliver many provoking yet inspiring conversations.”

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