BTN News

Cathay hedging losses higher

: BTN News; Tuesday, 13 January 2009

Cathay Pacific Airways of Hong Kong says losses from fuel-hedging contracts rose to HK$7.6 billion at the end of last year, compared to HK$2.8 billion at the end of October.

New Chinese carrier

: BTN News; Tuesday, 13 January 2009

Pending government approvals, Shenzhen Airlines, China's fifth largest airline group, is to launch a new carrier based in Kunming, Yunnan province, China Daily says. The new carrier, named Kunming Airlines, will be 80 per cent controlled by Shenzhen Airlines with the remaining portion owned by a local businessman.

US airline turnaround tipped

: BTN News; Tuesday, 13 January 2009

US domestic airlines could earn upward of US$3.5 billion this year after losing an estimated US$4.5 billion in 2008, according to Vaughn Cordle, chief executive and founder of AirlineForecasts LLC. He said even if oil averages US$60 per barrel for the year, the fuel bill for the nine largest US airlines will drop US$20.4 billion from 2008 levels.

Heathrow expansion decision soon

: BTN News; Tuesday, 13 January 2009

Days ahead of an expected UK government announcement, airline chiefs have joined business leaders and trade unionists in a series of newspaper advertisements calling for a third runway at London Heathrow airport.

New baggage policy for AirAsia

: BTN News; Tuesday, 13 January 2009

AirAsia will change its baggage policy from 13 January to reduce risk of double billing.

Austrian quits Mumbai

: BTN News; Tuesday, 13 January 2009

Austrian Airlines has confirmed it will cancel all scheduled services to and from Mumbai (BOM) effective 01 February. The current economic slowdown and overcapacity on the India-Europe route is believed to behind the decision.

The carrier will maintain its daily service to Delhi.

Saudi invests in passenger and cargo technology

: BTN News; Tuesday, 13 January 2009

Air transport communications company SITA has signed a five-year, $76 million deal to operate an advanced communications and desktop infrastructure for Saudi Arabian Airlines (SV) globally.

Vietnam profits down

: BTN News; Monday, 12 January 2009

Vietnam Airlines reports that it flew more than 125,000 tonnes of cargo and carried 8.8 million passengers during the 2008 year but pre-tax profits fell to US$14 million dollars, down from US$23 million in 2007.

Air Malawi seeks funds

: BTN News; Monday, 12 January 2009

Malawi’s loss-making Air Malawi says it needs US$12.8 million to continue operating as a viable business. Chief executive officer Wisdom Mchungula said its operations were restricted by the government’s reluctance to guarantee bank loans.

Jumbo accom on offer

: BTN News; Monday, 12 January 2009

A Swedish company has converted a grounded B747-200 into a hostel at the Stockholm Arlanda airport. It offers a range of two and four bed rooms from SEK1200 (A$215) a night for a two-bed room or SEK350 (A$62) for a bed in a four bed dorm. On the web, http://www.jumbohostel.com.