The International Air Transport Association (IATA) announced an outlook for improved industry profitability in its Economic Performance of the Air Transport Industry report. Airlines are expected to post a collective global net profit in 2014 of some US$19.9 billion (up from the US$18.0 billion projected in June). This looks set to rise to US$25.0 billion in 2015. Lower oil prices and stronger worldwide GDP growth are the main drivers behind the improved profitability. Consumers will … [Read more...] about IATA: Tonnage up but rates to shrink in 2015
Carriers
Qantas shakes up executive management
The Qantas Group has announced changes to its executive leadership team as it continues its accelerated transformation programme. As a result of the new structure the current CEO of Qantas International, Simon Hickey, and CEO of Qantas Domestic, Lyell Strambi, have decided to leave the Qantas Group. Under the leadership of Qantas Group CEO Alan Joyce, the revised executive team will consist of: · Andrew David – CEO of Qantas … [Read more...] about Qantas shakes up executive management
Transaero launches cargo service to Beijing
Transaero Airlines has launched cargo services between Russia and China. Transaero, being the designated scheduled carrier on the Beijing-Novosibirsk route, delivered 22.4 tonnes of mail while performing the first flight on this route using Tu-204C aircraft. The airline will serve this route on a regular basis. Olga Pleshakova, CEO of Transaero Airlines, said: “Transaero assigns a high priority to developing relations with the People’s Republic of China. Our airline operates … [Read more...] about Transaero launches cargo service to Beijing
Korean Air VP quits after nut controversy
Korean Air’s vice president Heather Cho has resigned from the airline yesterday following a dispute over a packet of macadamia nuts. Cho, whose family runs Korean Air, caused a stir over was angered that a steward served her macadamia nuts in a bag instead of on a plate. She had the steward kicked off the flight, forcing the Incheon-bound jetliner holding some 250 passengers to return to a gate at New York's John F. Kennedy International Airport, where it had been preparing to take … [Read more...] about Korean Air VP quits after nut controversy
Swiss WorldCargo head to step down
Oliver Evans will step down as chief cargo officer and head of Swiss WorldCargo at the end of September 2015 to pursue self-employment in the air logistics industry on his way into retirement. The Lufthansa subsidiary has already initiated the search for a successor. Evans is chief cargo officer of Swiss WorldCargo since late 2002. … [Read more...] about Swiss WorldCargo head to step down
IATA releases lithium battery guidance
The International Air Transport Association (IATA) announced the publication of the first edition of the Lithium Battery Risk Mitigation Guidance for Operators. This free online guidance material provides airline operators with critical information related to the safe handling and transport of lithium batteries by air. “Lithium batteries are safe to transport provided that they are designed, tested, manufactured and packaged in accordance with the global transport safety standards. … [Read more...] about IATA releases lithium battery guidance