Aviation
British Airways owner buys low-cost airline Niki
ritish Airways owner IAG has emerged as the preferred bidder to take over bankrupt Austrian airline Niki, German news agency DPA reported on Thursday.
“In the search for a solution for the insolvent Air Berlin subsidiary, Niki, everything is pointing to a sale to British Airways parent IAG,” DPA wrote, without revealing its sources.
Niki’s insolvency administrator Lucas Flöther earlier announced that creditors had agreed to begin final talks with a chosen bidder. He did not identify the bidder, but IAG — which also owns Spanish carrier Iberia — was widely reported to be one of four parties in the running to snap up all or parts of the holiday carrier.
Flöther has previously said he wanted a deal to be clinched before the end of the month given Niki’s urgent need for fresh funding. IAG declined to comment when contacted by AFP.
Niki, the Austrian unit of failed Air Berlin, was forced to stop flying on December 14 after Lufthansa dropped plans to buy it because of EU competition concerns. One of the four bidders for Niki, Austrian former Formula One champion Niki Lauda told reporters his bid to re-acquire the airline he founded in 2003 had failed.
“I’m no longer in the race,” he told Austrian media, predicting that the airline would be dismantled. “A sale abroad, as now seems likely, means a break-up [of the airline]. This is a tragedy.”
Germany’s Tuifly and Thomas Cook’s German subsidiary Condor were understood to be the other two parties interested in scooping up Niki, which employs some 1,000 people.
The airline, whose fleet of about 20 planes served resorts in southern Europe and north Africa, opened insolvency proceedings on December 13 after German giant Lufthansa unexpectedly withdrew its purchase offer. Niki ceased flying the next day, stranding thousands of passengers.
Lufthansa dropped its interest in acquiring Niki along with large parts of parent company Air Berlin after EU regulators expressed their concerns. Last Thursday, the European Commission approved Lufthansa’s more modest bid to acquire the operations of Air Berlin’s LGW unit, comprising some 30 leased aircraft and 800 employees.
While 2017 has been a bruising year for some European airlines — after the collapse of Air Berlin and Monarch Airlines in the UK, and as Alitalia in Italy went into administration — IAG has bucked the trend. The Anglo-Spanish group, which also owns Aer Lingus and budget airline Vueling, has said it expects underlying operating profit to hit €3.bn ($3.5bn) in 2017, a 20% jump on the year before, thanks to rising demand and falling costs.
Aviation
Air India’s B747 Makes Its Final Journey, Waving Farewell to Fans
In a poignant moment marking the end of an era in aviation history, Air India’s iconic Boeing 747 aircraft, affectionately known as the ‘Queen of the Skies,’ embarked on its ultimate journey from Mumbai’s international airport.
The departure, bound for Plainfield, USA, where it will undergo dismantling and part-stripping under the ownership of American AerSale, signals the closure of a storied chapter for the airline.
Once revered for transporting dignitaries ranging from prime ministers to presidents, the Boeing 747 has etched itself into aviation lore. Yet, as airlines worldwide pivot towards more contemporary and cost-effective aircraft, Air India’s decision to bid farewell to its remaining Boeing 747s reflects the pragmatic realities of today’s aviation landscape.
The sale of these majestic planes to AerSale represents a strategic move by Tata Group, Air India’s new custodian, towards optimizing operational efficiency and embracing modern industry standards. Out of the four aircraft sold, two will be repurposed into freighters, while the remaining pair will be meticulously disassembled to salvage valuable components.
The final flight from Mumbai witnessed a touching tribute as pilots performed a traditional ‘Wing Wave,’ symbolizing the conclusion of the Boeing 747‘s distinguished service with Air India. This poignant gesture encapsulates the deep sentiment attached to the aircraft’s departure and its significant contribution to the airline’s legacy.
As the Boeing 747 embarks on its journey to Plainfield, USA, nostalgia permeates the air, evoking memories of its maiden flight on March 22, 1971. Over five decades, Air India operated a total of 25 Boeing 747s, each leaving an indelible mark on the annals of aviation history.
Middle East
British Airways Resumes Daily Flights to Abu Dhabi, After 4-Year hiatus
British Airways made its way back to Abu Dhabi, landing at Zayed International Airport. Following a four-year break in service, both crew and passengers were greeted with enthusiasm.
In the summer of 2024, British Airways plans to launch a daily route, utilising a Boeing 787-9, from London Heathrow to Abu Dhabi. The new route enhances ties between the UAE and the UK and expands vast worldwide network, catering to passengers who may be visiting friends and family or travelling for business.
Arriving in Abu Dhabi at 08.30+1, flight BA073 to Abu Dhabi leaves London Heathrow at 22.25. Departing at 10.10 and landing at London Heathrow at 15.20 is the inbound flight (BA072).
The chief executive officer and managing director of Abu Dhabi Airports, Elena Sorlini, stated: “We are delighted to welcome British Airways to Zayed International Airport. Their daily schedule is expected to improve connectivity and stimulate travel and business.” Visitors may experience the dynamic capital of the United Arab Emirates like never before at our brand-new, award-winning, state-of-the-art terminal, where they will be welcomed with the best kind of Emirati hospitality.”
Flight schedule:
| London Heathrow (LHR) to Zayed International (AUH)All times are local | ||||||
| Season | Flight number | Departing LHR | Arriving AUH | Flight number | Departing AUH | Arriving LHR |
| Summer ‘24 | BA73 | 22:25 | 08:30+1 | BA72 | 10:10 | 15:20 |
| Winter ‘24 | BA73 | 22:25 | 09:30+1 | BA72 | 11:10 | 15:20 |
Aviation
FAA investigation: Passenger seated in Captain’s seat inside cockpit at cruising altitude
A viral video capturing a startling moment aboard a United Airlines charter flight from Denver to Toronto has triggered a federal investigation.
The footage, initially shared on social media by Hensley Meulens, the hitting coach for the Colorado Rockies baseball team, depicts a member of the coaching staff seated in one of the pilot seats while the aircraft was in mid-flight.
In his caption, Meulens expressed gratitude to the captain and first officer for allowing him this unusual experience. The video, filmed by another passenger, reveals the cockpit door open, and at one point, a third passenger briefly enters the flight deck. Alarmingly, during this time, the captain was absent from the cockpit.
Despite the flight being a private charter operated by United Airlines, company and Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regulations strictly prohibit passengers from entering the cockpit during flight or leaving the flight deck unsecured.
United Airlines swiftly responded, expressing deep concern over the incident. A spokesperson emphasized that the video depicted an unauthorized person in the flight deck at cruising altitude with the autopilot engaged, constituting a clear violation of safety and operational policies.
The FAA confirmed that it is actively investigating the incident, highlighting that unauthorized access to the flight deck during flight is a violation of federal regulations. The agency assured that it is taking the matter seriously and will conduct a thorough examination to ensure compliance with aviation safety standards.
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