SSJ100 completes icing trials successfully

"The Sukhoi Civil Aircraft Flight Test Centre has welcomed back Sukhoi Superjet 100 S/N 95001 from Arkhangelsk after the aircraft successfully completed natural icing tests in northern Russia. The aircraft departed to Arkhangelsk on 11 April 2009, since when it performed five flights. The location was chosen to host the tests due to the highly favourable icing conditions there. The flights were performed between Murmansk and Arkhangelsk, on the shore of the White Sea." Next.

Trois groupes seraient prêts à racheter ILFC pour moins de 5 milliards de dollars

" L'assureur américain en difficulté AIG a reçu trois différentes offres de reprise pour sa filiale International Lease Finance Corporation, un loueur d'avions. ..." Article.

Airbus and XAC sign wing agreement

"AIRBUS has signed an agreement with the Xian Aircraft Industry Company (XAC) of China to equip the wing for its A320 family. The wings will be assembled and tested in Tianjin. Assembly will be at the Final Assembly Line in China (FALC), tested at a new facility nearby, specially built by XAC, and then sent back to FALC for final assembly."

Avic Aircraft Sees Itself As the Future Third Force in Large Aircraft

"China's newly established Avic Aircraft intends to become the world's third force in making large airplanes, setting itself up for rivalry with compatriot commercial aircraft builder Comac. The new company is poised to deeply restructure much of the Chinese aircraft industry, reshaping it in the pattern of Airbus. Old regional entities such as Xi'an and Shaanxi Aircraft are to be swept away, replaced with a framework of units each specializing in its own part of the airframe, such as the wing or nose section." Next.

La Russie livrera du titane à Airbus jusqu'en 2020

"Le fabricant de titane russe VSMPO-Avisma et Airbus ont signé lundi un contrat de 4 milliards de dollars pour la livraison de titane à l'avionneur européen et aux différentes filiales de sa maison mère EADS jusqu'en 2020. Ce contrat fait suite à un accord-cadre signé en 2008..." Article.

Source :
http://www.objectifnews.com/node/346
www.flyintelligence.com

"Les alliances aériennes dénoncées par un parlementaire américain"

Le Monde : "Le parlementaire américain James Oberstar, président de la commission des transports de la Chambre des représentants, demande que soit menée une enquête pour déterminer si les alliances aériennes bénéficient ou non au consommateur, notamment sur les liaisons transatlantiques. Robert Crandall, l'ancien patron d'American Airlines, lui emboîte le pas."

Star Alliance and Oneworld members targeted in EU probe

"The European Commission has launched antitrust proceedings again seven airlines, citing "co-operation" on transatlantic routes. The first of two investigations concerns "existing and planned" cooperation between four current or prospective members of the Star Alliance: Air Canada, Lufthansa and United Airlines, which are current members, and Continental Airlines, which is due to join in October. The second investigation will focus on three Oneworld members: American Airlines, British Airways and Iberia." Next.

Minister seeks £1bn for Eurofighters

"John Hutton, the defence secretary, is in urgent talks with the Treasury to secure more than £1bn to enable the UK to pay for several Eurofighter Typhoon jets it has ordered as part of its commitment to the four-nation programme. The talks threaten to hold up an agreement between the partner nations – the UK, Germany, Spain and Italy – on the third production run of the aircraft." Next.

Airbus CEO Says Governments Should Finance Airliner Purchases

"Suggests Plane Manufacturers Can Survive If Airlines Get Some Help. With credit getting more difficult to obtain for new airliner purchases, Airbus CEO Thomas Enders said that governments should provide airlines with financing when other sources are unobtainable." Next.

EADS Willing To Share KC-X Contract With Boeing

"But Boeing Is Still Mum On The Idea. In response to US lawmakers' suggestion that the controversial bidding process on a replacement fleet of aerial refueling tankers be resolved by splitting production between contractors, the European Aeronautic Defense and Space Company CEO indicated he would likely go along with the idea." Next.

Zodiac Aerospace confirms sustained performance

"• Revenue up by 12.5% to €1107.4 million in the first half of 2008/2009.

• Current operating income up by 4.7% to €115.2 million, reflecting an operating margin of 10.4%.

• As previously indicated, current operating income for the fiscal year is likely to show a rise of at least 20% over that for 2007/2008." Next.

EUROPE'S LOW FARES AIRLINES CALL FOR UK TAX CUT

"Europe’s low fares airlines today joined forces to call upon UK Chancellor of the Exchequer, Alastair Darling to take decisive action to keep Britain on the move in advance of next week’s crucial UK budget. " Next.

Air Liquide leads $14 million hydrogen energy project at Canadian airports

"Air Liquide is leading a $14 million hydrogen energy project to demonstrate an array of innovative hydrogen energy and fuel cell technologies operating on the site of the Montréal – Pierre Elliott Trudeau International Airport and another international airport to be announced at a later date." Next.

EADS North America’s Lakota program manager to receive leadership award from the National Defense Industrial Association

Article.

L'Inde exclut le Rafale d'un appel d'offres de 12 milliards de dollars

"Un porte-parole du ministère de la défense indien a annoncé hier que le Rafale de Dassault Aviation avait été éliminé de l'appel d'offres en cours pour l'achat de 126 avions de chasse, d'un montant estimé de 12 milliards de dollars. « Le Rafale est hors course [...] parce que lors des évaluations..." Next.

Avions ravitailleurs américains : EADS prêt à un partage du contrat sous conditions

"EADS est prêt à un partage du contrat de renouvellement de la flotte d'avions ravitailleurs du Pentagone pour peu qu'il soit assuré d'un plan de charge minimal pour la nouvelle usine qu'il souhaite construire dans le sud des Etats-Unis, selon son président Louis Gallois." Next.

Raytheon and Narus Partner to Offer Real-Time Network Traffic Intelligence to Protect Government Organizations

"Raytheon Company and Narus have formed a partnership in which Raytheon will embed NarusInsight™ to monitor Internet Protocol (IP) traffic and provide critical knowledge to help manage and protect sensitive government networks. "With this partnership, Raytheon and Narus will provide the best possible solution to ensure our government's sensitive networks remain protected, while also providing capabilities to identify attackers," said Steve Hawkins, vice president of Raytheon Information Security Solutions. "This is the most comprehensive and robust dynamic defense solution available for government networks." Next.

Air China loses $1.34 billion in 2008 but starts 2009 in black

"Air China joined its "big three" rivals in suffering a significant 2008 loss, reporting a CNY9.15 billion ($1.34 billion) deficit under Chinese accounting standards that marked a reversal from the CNY3.7 billion profit in the previous year. China Southern Airlines reported a CNY4.82 billion loss last year and China Eastern Airlines lost CNY13.93 billion. Air China's 2008 deficit under international accounting standards was CNY9.26 billion, according to a filing cited by Dow Jones. The carrier blamed falling demand and fuel hedge losses for the result. Revenue climbed 7% last year to CNY52.97 billion." Next.

American eyes anti-trust immunity in second half '09

"American Airlines in the second half of 2009 expects to receive regulatory approval for the anti-trust immunity application it filed with fellow Oneworld members. Last year, American, British Airways (BA) and Iberia, along with Finnair and Royal JordanianAirlines, applied for anti-trust immunity with the US DOT for a joint agreement on flights between North America and Europe." Next

China Southern to delay A380, 777F and 787 deliveries

"China Southern Airlines plans to delay the delivery of its Airbus A380s, Boeing 777 freighters and Boeing 787s. A report in China's state-run newspaper China Daily quotes the airline's chairman Si Xianmin as saying China Southern has initiated talks with Boeing to delay delivery of its 777 freighters on order, some of which are due to be delivered this year." Next

Air Canada and TAP Portugal partner to create better connections between Canada and Portugal

"Air Canada and fellow Star Alliance partner TAP Portugal announced today they have entered a codeshare agreement that will create more travel options and better connections for customers travelling between Canada and Portugal." Next

AMR Corporation Reports a First Quarter 2009 Net Loss of $375 Million as Weak Economy Hurts Revenue

"AMR Corporation (NYSE: AMR), the parent company of American Airlines, Inc., today reported a net loss of $375 million for the first quarter of 2009, or $1.35 per share. The results include the impact of a $13 million charge, or $0.05 per share, to reflect the net present value of future lease payments related to A300 aircraft retirements during the quarter. The current quarter results compare to a net loss of $341 million for the first quarter of 2008, or $1.37 per share. "While lower fuel prices have provided a significant buffer against falling demand in 2009, the struggling economy and capital markets remain significant challenges for American and the rest of the industry," said AMR Chairman and CEO Gerard Arpey. "Even as we feel the impact of declining revenues, fares and traffic, we continue to make progress in areas within our control." Among accomplishments so far in 2009, Arpey noted that the Company was able to obtain nearly $100 million from a loan secured by aircraft, reduce planned 2009 capital expenditures by about $100 million, and identify ways to help control unit costs. It also received an additional financing commitment for two of its Boeing 737-800 deliveries and put into service two new 737s to begin the process of replacing its MD-80 fleet." Next

Air France supprimera 2.500 à 3.000 postes d'ici 2011

"La compagnie Air France va continuer à réduire ses effectifs et vise 2.500 à 3.000 postes en moins dans les deux années à venir, mais sans licenciement sec, a indiqué mercredi la direction. Confirmant une information parue dans le quotidien La Tribune, une porte-parole de la direction a déclaré à l'AFP: "on devrait réduire nos effectifs de 2.500 à 3.000 emplois au cours des deux prochains exercices". Au cours de l'exercice 2008/2009 qui vient de se terminer, Air France avait annoncé en février avoir supprimé 1.000 à 1.200 postes, en ne remplaçant pas un certain nombre de départs en retraite, en bloquant les embauches et en mettant fin aux contrats à courte durée (intérimaires et CDD). Air France emploie environ 74.000 personnes et est fortement touchée par le ralentissement du trafic aérien. Sur la période octobre-décembre (3e trimestre de l'exercice 2008/2009), la compagnie a affiché 194 millions d'euros de perte d'exploitation." Next

Air France KLM n'attaquera sans doute pas la SNCF bille en tête en 2010

http://www.boursier.com/vals/FR/air-france-klm-n-attaquera-sans-doute-pas-la-sncf-bille-en-tete-en-2010-news-328444.htm

Boeing lance un avertissement sur ses résultats du premier trimestre

Article

Qantas Outlines Delivery Deferrals

"Qantas Airways said it would defer delivery of four Airbus A380s and 12 Boeing 737-800s by about a year today as it announced a series of steps to counter its first projected second-half loss in six years. The Australian flag carrier also said it would effect a 5-percent reduction in passenger capacity, cutting frequencies on both international and domestic routes and grounding “the equivalent of 10 aircraft." Next.

Embraer reports fall in first-quarter deliveries

"Embraer delivered 32 commercial aircraft (compared to 38 in the year-ago period) and 40 overall in the first quarter. Commercial deliveries comprised one ERJ-145, five E-170s, three E-175s, 17 E-190s and six E-195s. Its commercial backlog totals 393 aircraft." Next

China Southern plunges to $704.1 million 2008 loss

"China Southern Airlines yesterday reported its first full-year loss in three years, a CNY4.82 billion ($704.1 million) deficit that represented a reversal from the CNY1.84 billion profit reported in 2008. The airline had warned last month that its loss would be deeper than expected (ATWOnline, March 16), and a 1.6% year-over-year rise in revenue to CNY54.40 billion was not nearly enough to offset high fuel prices, the spring Sichuan earthquake, slowing demand and impairment charges related to retired aircraft. In a filing cited by both Dow Jones and Bloomberg News, CZ reported a 1.8% lift in RPKs to 83.18 billion and a 2.3% increase in passenger numbers to 58.2 million." Next.

A400M Engine Testbed Faces Tight Schedule

"EADS before July is hoping to reach its 50 flight hour target on the Marshall Aerospace C-130 serving as the flying testbed for the A400M's TP400D turboprop engine. The goal to reach that milestone in the second quarter is not easy, though. So far the testbed has flown about 15 hours since its first flight in mid-December. Improving weather should allow the pace of flight testing to increase, however. Also due this quarter is improved engine hardware for the first flight A400M, with the goal of starting static engine ground runs in the third quarter, EADS officials say." Next

Boeing Cuts 2010 Widebody Production

"Boeing will reduce 777 production beginning next year and delay buildups in its 747 and 767 production lines, but leave intact rates on its narrow-body 737s, the company said Thursday. "These are extremely difficult economic times for our customers," said Boeing Commercial Airplanes President and CEO Scott Carson. The company has a backlog of 3,500 airplanes." Next

NY Fed line of credit could facilitate ILFC sale

"ILFC, which last month admitted that it needed "additional support" owing to its lack of access to financing as a unit of American International Group, reportedly is close to reaching agreement with the Federal Reserve Bank of New York to obtain a $5 billion line of credit that will help facilitate its sale. The NY Fed and the US government have spent more than $180 billion since last fall to bail out AIG and keep the sprawling company solvent. ILFC is believed to be one of AIG's most valuable and profitable assets and has been attempting to find buyers to remove it from AIG's umbrella (ATWOnline, Nov. 25, 2008). In a filing last month with the Securities and Exchange Commission, ILFC said its viability was compromised by AIG's downgraded credit status (ATWOnline, March 26). "We have generally financed our aircraft purchases through available cash balances, internally generated funds and debt financings," the lessor explained in the filing. "A combination of the challenges facing our parent. . . the downgrades in our credit ratings or outlooks by the rating agencies, and the turmoil in the credit markets have eliminated our ability to issue commercial paper and public unsecured debt." It said it needed additional funding going forward "to meet our future liquidity needs." Next.

Textron Sale Rumors Fuel Stock Price Rebound

"Textron's stock price remained buoyed at Wednesday's market close by rumors the company could soon be sold. After soaring 9 percent on the rumor to close at $9.02 Tuesday on double its average volume, TXT gained another 1 percent Wednesday to finish at $9.11." Next.

Finmeccanica officially acquires stake in Sukhoi Civil Aircraft Company

"Aerospace industries in Russia and China have deepened their ties as Finmeccania subsidiary Alenia Aeronautica finalized its 25%-plus one share in Sukhoi Civil Aircraft Company. The agreement was first disclosed in 2005 as Alenia and Sukhoi agreed to develop a joint venture for marketing of the Superjet that was established in 2007, based in Venice. Today Russian and Italian officials in addition to Finmeccanica CEO Pier Francesco Guarguaglini announced completion of the deal. The stock acquired by Alenia is valued at 138 million Euros ($183 million).

"The deal closed today means that the biggest alliance between Russia and Italy in the aircraft industry has been fully developed," says Mikhail Pogosyan, Director General of Sukhoi Holding. "Further on, Alenia Aeronautica, our strategic partner, will solidify the Sukhoi Superjet 100 market potential worldwide and will provide our product with distinct logistic support".Next.

New Russian carrier plans to buy 150-200 aircraft

"Russian Technologies, the state-owned controller of the newly established, Moscow Vnukovo-based Russia Airlines (ATWOnline, Oct. 24, 2008), plans to order 150-200 aircraft starting next year, RT head Sergei Chemezov said, according to Reuters. According to Chemezov, "Boeing has promised to help us find credit in the US. From next year we would like to start buying airplanes. . .The most important question is where [we can] get the money." Next.

AIG aircraft unit seeks $5bn Fed credit line

"AIG’s aircraft-leasing unit is in talks over a $5bn credit line from the Federal Reserve that could be used to facilitate its sale – an unusual move that would raise the stakes in the US government’s bail-out of the stricken insurer. People close to the situation said discussions between International Lease Finance Corp, AIG and the New York Fed were still ongoing and no decision on whether the facility would be provided, and how big it would be, had yet been taken. ILFC, a profitable company and a top customer to both Boeing and Airbus, is in advanced talks with three private equity consortia but it needs extra liquidity because AIG’s collapse has choked off many of its traditional sources of funds. A bitter downturn in demand for air travel has made the task of raising extra funding even more daunting." Next.

Woodward Completes HR Textron Acquisition

" Woodward Governor Company (NASDAQ: WGOV) today announced that it completed the acquisition of all the outstanding shares of stock of HR Textron from Textron Inc. (NYSE: TXT) and substantially all the UK assets and certain liabilities related to the HR Textron business of Textron Limited. Woodward previously announced the signing of a definitive purchase agreement on February 27, 2009."
www.woodward.com.

China's airlines begin to see domestic rebound; international traffic lags

"Following the dramatic slowdown in demand during the second half of 2008, the Chinese airline industry experienced double-digit domestic growth in January and February that is being credited to Beijing's economic stimulation policies. Chinese carriers transported 34.5 million domestic passengers in the first two months of 2009, up 15.3% over the year-ago period. Boardings on domestic routes climbed 21.3% to 16.3 million in January and 17% to 16 million in February, according to CAAC. But industry analysts warned that it is too early to say the industry is recovering, as passenger boardings on international routes and cargo traffic continued to plummet." Next

Kingfisher Airlines expand network for summer.

"In addition to its recently launched services between Mumbai and Sholapur Kingfisher have enhanced their network for the summer season with the addition of new routes and additional capacity on others. The additions and enhancements are effective from this coming weekend and are as follows: A twice daily flights from Mumbai to Vadodara, a direct daily service from Mumbai to Thiruvananthapuram, direct daily flight between Aurangabad and Hyderabad which will also allow passengers to connect onward to Kolkata, Chennai & Bangalore via Hyderabad. A new direct flight will be introduced from Mumbai to Patna and also to Ranchi via Patna, the new schedule will see reinstatement of late night departure from Mumbai to Delhi and lastly Mumbai to Bhuj will NOW be operated by Kingfisher Red (the even lower cost) airlines."

Air France-KLM lorgne sur Czech Airlines

"Le ministère des Finances de la République tchèque a lancé le 5 février 2009 un appel à candidatures pour l’achat de sa participation dans la Compagnie Czech Airlines. Dans ce cadre, Air France-KLM va remettre aujourd’hui une lettre non engageante d’expression d’intérêts dans le but d’accéder à une documentation détaillée sur cette entreprise."

JPMorgan cancels Private Jet purchase

"JPMorgan Chase, the global financial services firm, will be canceling its plans of purchasing new private jets and renovating its aircraft hangar. Those plans will have to wait until the company has paid the billions it borrowed from the US government. Initially, the New York-based company planned on spending over $130 million to purchase tow corporate jets and to renovate a new hangar." Next

ILFC in compensation talks with Boeing over 787 delay

"US leasing giant International Lease Finance Corp (ILFC) is in talks with Boeing about compensation and penalties related to delayed deliveries of the 787 twinjet. The company, an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of troubled insurance giant AIG, at the end of 2008 had deals in place with Airbus and Boeing to buy a total 168 new aircraft for delivery through 2019 with an estimated purchase price of $16.7 billion, 49 of which will deliver during 2009."Next.

Boeing remains confident in estimated 2009 deliveries

"A top Boeing executive says that sharply declining passenger traffic this year has not yet affected projected aircraft deliveries. Boeing Commercial Airplanes President and CEO Scott Carson says airlines have responded to slowing passenger demand in the near-term by retiring older aircraft faster.Although Carson acknowledges the current economic crisis has raised new questions about the availability of aircraft financing, Boeing's delivery forecast for this year remains intact." Next.

SkyTeam to restructure governance under new manager

"SkyTeam members have unveiled a new Amsterdam-based governing structure for the alliance which includes the appointment of Air France executive Marie-Joseph Malé as managing director. The alliance detailed the arrangements during a briefing by its steering committee in Milan today. SkyTeam will have a centralised management structure, based in the Netherlands, which will handle marketing and sales, finance, alliance operations and administration, cargo and airport synergies." Next.

ILFC chief recommends Airbus and Boeing slash production by 25%

"Leasing companies today recommended that Airbus and Boeing should slash production by about 25 percent due to the current difficulties faced by operators and lessors in financing aircraft in today's economic environment. ILFC chief Steven Udvar-Hazy believes a 25-to-30 percent cut makes sense, while others on a leasing panel today at ISTAT suggested "similar" reductions, albeit at a slightly lesser range. Whatever the amount, Udvar-Hazy believes it is "inevitable" there is going to be production cuts, "it's just a matter of when and to what degree". Next

Arik Air: Pressing ahead with international plans

"While many carriers are battening down the hatches and clawing capacity back during the economic crisis, managing director of ambitious Nigerian carrier Arik Air International, Michael Arumemi-Ikhide, says the airline is pressing ahead with its aggressive international expansion. Having built a strong position in the Nigerian domestic and African regional market since launching three years ago, Arik in December launched its move onto the international stage by launching on the Lagos-London Heathrow route. London will be followed by flights from Lagos to Johannesburg in the second quarter and New York JFK flights in the third quarter as the third of its new Airbus A340-500s, an order it opportunistically took over from Indian carrier Kingfisher, arrive." Next.

Aviation d’affaires: 6.400 jets privés verront le jour d’ici à 2013

" Malgré la crise financière, les constructeurs mondiaux de jets privés envisagent de produire 6.415 appareils entre 2009 et 2013, lit-on dans un rapport préparé par l'agence analytique Forecast Int. à l'occasion d'un forum d'aviation d'affaires. Selon le rapport, la compagnie américaine Cessna arrivera en tête pour le nombre de jets construits pendant cette période: elle en fournira 1.925 (environ 30% du marché)." Next.

VIDEOS: London Heathrow Terminal 5 - first anniversary but is it working?

"One year on from the disastrous opening of Terminal 5 at London’s Heathrow Airport, British Airways and BAA believe they are now delivering a world-class passenger experience. T5 opened for business on 27 March 2008 amid great fanfare. But after just a few hours on that March morning T5 rapidly descended into chaos as the baggage system failed. British Airways cancelled hundreds of flights, passengers missed their connections and thousands of bags were lost." Next

ANA to take most of China's early Dreamliners, first six test 787s unallocated

Source : Flightblogger
"ANA set to take delivery of 11 787s in first three months. Chinese Airlines abandon early delivery slots. First six flight test aircraft go unallocated to airline customers"

ILFC commande 40 avions à Bombardier

"Le loueur américain, ILFC, a passé commande de 40 appareils (dont la moitié en option) de type C-Series au canadien Bombardier. Le montant du contrat est d'un montant d'environ 1,4 milliard de dollars. Le C-Series de Bombardier, d'une capacité de 90 à 130 sièges, est équipé de moteur "PurePower" PW 1000G." Source: GIFAS

Le loueur d'avions ILFC, gros client d'Airbus et de Boeing, menacé ...

"Le loueur américain d'avions International Lease Finance Corporation (ILFC ), gros client des constructeurs aéronautiques Airbus et Boeing, risque de se retrouver confronté à brève échéance à une crise de liquidités menaçant sa survie. ..." la suite.

Boeing : 100 appareils livrés en Inde d'ici 5 ans

(Boursier.com) - "Le management local de Boeing a affirmé que le constructeur aéronautique serait en mesure de livrer environ 100 appareils pour un montant totalisant 17 Mds$ sur quatre à cinq ans, aux transporteurs aériens indiens. ..."

Bombardier vindicated by first C Series order

"Bombardier finally received its long-awaited first order from Deutsche Lufthansa for its C Series airliners, the Canadian manufacturer announced last month. The contract includes a “firm purchase agreement” for 30 of the smaller, CS100 (formerly C110) version of the 110- to 145-seat pair of jets, valued at $1.53 billion. The Lufthansa Group served as the launch customer for the airplane when it signed a letter of interest for up to 60 of the airplanes, including options on 30, during last year’s Farnborough airshow in July. Speculation about when Bombardier would secure a firm order has run rampant ever since, however, frustrating a tight-lipped. C Series braintrust while the supervisory board at Lufthansa took about eight months to finally seal the deal" Next

Lufthansa parks four more aircraft

"Lufthansa increased the number of deactivated aircraft from 20 to 24 last month in response to falling demand, a source close to management told ATWOnline." La suite.

EADS reassures customers over future of A400M

"EADS is prepared to accept a limited cut in orders for the A400M military transport plane, in a bid to keep Europe's biggest defence contract alive as government clients grow restless over rising costs and long delays. Louis Gallois, EADS chief executive, speaking in an interview with the FT, said for the first time that a limited reduction in orders would be "manageable" for the Franco-German aerospace group." Next.

Carnival coming to an end for Brazil's airline industry

"While the world's aviation industry faces one of its worst years on record, Brazil's airlines appear to be pulling off a feat of levitation. Passenger numbers on domestic flights are rising. Airlines that cancelled orders for new aircraft have reinstated them after Brazil's civil aviation authority allowed airlines to expand operations at Rio de Janeiro's Santos Dumont, the city's main domestic airport last month." la suite.

Embraer 190 Jet Begins Steep Approach Tests At LCY

"Embraer now has another member of its E-Jets family, the Embraer 190, formally beginning its steep approach campaign to enable operations at London City Airport (LCY). This certification is expected to be earned by the end of 2009." la suite.

SAS Group signs 10 year technology partnership with Amadeus

"The Group's airlines, Scandinavian Airlines, Widerøe and Blue1 have signed a long-term agreement and will adopt Amadeus Altea Customer Management platform. SAS Group and Amadeus, a global leader in technology and distribution solutions for the travel and tourism industry, have signed a 10 year technology partnership for the provision of a new generation passenger service system." la suite.

BA: Sale of Boeing 757 fleet

British Airways is to sell 11 of its 15 Boeing 757 aircraft for cargo conversion with the aircraft leaving the airline's mainline fleet between 2010-2012.