EU Extends Pandemic-Era Slot Waivers
The European Commission extended the waiver on usage requirements at slot-controlled European airports through October 29, 2022, despite concerns that the body would end the exemption prior to next summer.
IATA Director General Willie Walsh was pulled away from reading about the destinations British Airways* would operate from London/Gatwick when it launches to thank the commission for its decision. With the waiver in place, carriers will be forced to operate money-losing, slot-squatting routes at 64% of historic levels, rather than the normal 80%. This will allow carriers to focus on losing money the old-fashioned way: poor fleet management and spiraling personnel costs.
With the slot waiver extended, Walsh and IATA are now free to go back to lobbying EU governments for tax breaks and kickbacks like they did pre-pandemic.
Qantas Reportedly Chooses Airbus to Replace B737 Fleet
Qantas is expected to announce Thursday that it will go with Airbus and its A320 family for a significant airplane order to replace at least 75 older-generation B737 aircraft in its fleet.
The carrier had been courted by both major manufacturers for the order, but seems to have sided with Airbus over Boeing and its 737 MAX. In addition to this order, the carrier is also examining options to replace its fleet of B717 narrowbodies that operate for QantasLink, its regional carrier. The winner for the QantasLink planes seem to be between the A220 and Embraer’s E2.
The order, which is expected to consist of over 100 planes, will likely be announced Thursday morning in Australia (Wednesday evening in the United States). Airbus was more willing to meet Qantas’ demands for the new planes, which included passenger enhancements such as Vegemite dispensers at every seat and kangaroo-shaped tray tables.
IAG’s Acquisition of Air Europa Put on Ice…For Now
IAG is in advanced discussions with Air Europa’s parent Globalia to end the on-again, off-again acquisition saga that’s been going on since at least 2019.
On November 4, 2019, the two signed an agreement for IAG to purchase its rival for $1.13 billion, and then at an amended price of $564 million this past January following the downturn in demand due to the pandemic. The two parties then revealed today in a disclosure to the Madrid Stock Exchange that they are planning to terminate the agreement and redownload dating apps to find a new partner.
Both parties also feared a veto from the European Commission which was going to require significant concessions from IAG on anti-competitive grounds to allow the transaction to go through. IAG is paying Globalia $85 million to end the negotiations – double what it is contractually obligated to pay, in order to hopefully be first in line when Air Europa goes back on the market in the future.
- Air India could hire Fred Reid as its CEO under its new Tata Sons ownership. It also could choose someone else.
- Air New Zealand received a $338 million aid package from the NZ government.
- Austrian released its summer 2022 schedule which will feature up to 1,300 weekly flights.
- Breeze took delivery of the first A220 it has on order.
- Delta announced Pamela Fletcher will join the airline as its first Chief Sustainability Officer. Fletcher was flown to the announcement on a private jet where attendees enjoyed refreshments on paper plates and in paper cups to ensure easy clean up.
- easyJet and Virgin Atlantic have signed an agreement allowing customers to connect between flights on both airlines at London/Gatwick.
- Lufthansa acquired four former Philippine Airlines A350-900, expected to enter service next spring.
- Polar Airlines is sub-leasing a Q300 to Yakutia.
- Singapore signed a LOI for seven Airbus A350F Freighters powered by Rolls-Royce Trent XWB-97 engines.
- Trade Air is wet-leasing a Q400. It gave up two baseball cards and a PB&J in exchange.
- Virgin Australia announced a new, Aussie-focused onboard menu to debut later this month. Enjoy the Vegemite, people.
- Winair received a $1.5 million loan from the Dutch federal government.
How did the picture end up in jail?
It was framed.