Airlines

AirAsia to resume Airbus A321neo deliveries in 2024 as growth returns

Malaysia’s low-cost airline AirAsia aims to start taking delivery of the 362 Airbus SE A321neos from 2024

Airbus starts A321 aircraft production in China's Tianjin

According to the chief executive of parent company Capital A Bhd, Malaysia’s low-cost airline AirAsia aims to start taking delivery of the 362 Airbus SE A321neos that are still on order in 2024 after delaying them due to the pandemic.

The airline, one of Airbus’ largest clients, had only ordered four A321neo aircraft before COVID-19 obliterated the aviation industry. Despite not having specified a commencement date at the time, it and Airbus last year decided to restructure the deal with deliveries continuing through 2035.

By taking receipt of the new Airbus A321neos in 2024, we will be able to further reduce our emissions per seat by 20% while still accelerating our company’s expansion. Tony Fernandes, the chief executive of Capital A, said in a statement late on Friday after the company reported a smaller operational deficit for the second quarter.

A return to full operations is anticipated by the second quarter of 2023, according to AirAsia Aviation Group Chief Executive Bo Lingam, who noted that as of August, 108 operating aircraft had returned to the skies. This number is anticipated to rise to 160 by the end of the year to support strong and growing consumer demand.

For the three months ending June 30, Capital A reported an operational loss of 491.3 million ringgit ($110.03 million), down from a loss of 792.2 million ringgit in the same period last year.

The business announced last month that its aircraft load factor, a gauge of the proportion of seats full, increased to 84% in the second quarter, levels similar to those prior to the pandemic. In an effort to overcome Malaysia’s stock exchange’s designation of Capital A as a financially troubled corporation, Capital A stated in June that it was considering various fundraising strategies for a planned U.S. listing.

Source:

Airlines

PIA Reinstates Manchester and Paris Routes After EU Ban Lift

Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) has announced plans to resume flights to Europe starting in January, beginning with Paris as its first destination.

The decision follows the European Union Aviation Safety Agency’s (EASA) removal of a long-standing ban on the airline. PIA’s inaugural flight to Paris is scheduled for January 10, with bookings opening on December 9.

DOT Proposes New Passenger Compensation Rules for Flight Disruptions

In an official statement, PIA spokesperson Abdullah Hafeez Khan confirmed that the first flight schedule has been approved, marking a significant milestone in the airline’s recovery efforts. The EU ban had previously cost PIA approximately Rs40 billion ($144 million) annually in lost revenue, compounding its financial struggles.

With European operations restarting, PIA is now setting its sights on the United Kingdom. The airline plans to seek approval from the UK Department for Transport (DfT) to resume flights to major British cities such as London, Manchester, and Birmingham.

Top 10 Best Airlines in the World by AirHelp Survey

These routes are anticipated to see high demand once necessary clearances are obtained. The lifting of the EU ban represents a key achievement for PIA as it works to rebuild its international network and regain its standing in the global aviation market.

By restoring flights to Europe and aiming for UK destinations, PIA is taking critical steps toward recovering lost ground and improving its financial outlook.