News
First A380 commercial flight to Rio de Janeiro
RIOgaleão – Tom Jobim International Airport approved for A380 operations
On 22nd of August at 20:15 (TBC on the D day) the first A380 commercial flight landed at RIOgaleão – Tom Jobim International Airport. This Paris-Rio Air France flight was specifically scheduled on the occasion of the Rio 2016 Summer Olympics. This milestone was celebrated by the airport with a water salute on the arrival of the aircraft. The airport is joining the list of the 230 A380 compatible airports around the world.
RIOgaleão offers three A380 parking stands to allow future A380 scheduled operations. As a result of steady certification efforts in recent years, four airports in Latin America are now ready to welcome A380 commercial operations and support long-term air traffic growth in the region. Joining Tom Jobim International Airport are Benito Juarez Mexico City Airport, Sao Paulo-Guarulhos International Airport and Cancun International Airport.
The A380 is the world’s largest, most spacious airliner that offers passengers the smoothest, quietest ride. Comfortably seating an average of 544 passengers on routes up to 8,200 nautical miles, the A380 has a unique ability to generate revenue, stimulate traffic and attract passengers. The A380 is the only aircraft which has two full decks. Over 130 million passengers have enjoyed the experience of flying on board an A380. Every three minutes, an A380 either takes off or lands around the world.
Airlines
Alaska Airlines Acquisition of Hawaiian Airlines Reshapes the Air Travel Landscape
Alaska Air Group, Inc. (NYSE: ALK) and Hawaiian Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ: HA) jointly announced today the execution of a definitive agreement, signifying Alaska Airlines’ acquisition of Hawaiian Airlines at a cash price of $18.00 per share. The total transaction value stands at approximately $1.9 billion, encompassing Hawaiian Airlines’ net debt of $0.9 billion.
The combination of complementary domestic, international, and cargo networks
This strategic union is poised to open up an array of additional destinations, providing consumers with increased choices in crucial air service options across the Pacific region, Continental United States, and globally.
The transaction is anticipated to establish a robust platform for growth and competition in the U.S., offering enduring employment opportunities, ongoing community investments, and a commitment to environmental stewardship.
Key Points:
- Acquisition Overview:
- Fleet Expansion and Network Reach:
- Creates the fifth-largest U.S. airline with a fleet of 365 narrow and wide-body airplanes.
- Enables access to 138 destinations through combined networks and over 1,200 destinations via the oneworld Alliance.
- Hub Development and Connectivity:
- Honolulu to become a key hub for the combined airline, offering expanded services to the Continental U.S., Asia, and the Pacific.
- Tripling the number of destinations from Hawai‘i to North America, while maintaining robust Neighbor Island service.
- Commitment to Hawai‘i:
- Strong commitment to Hawai‘i, ensuring robust Neighbor Island air service.
- Aiming for a more competitive platform supporting growth, job opportunities, community investment, and environmental stewardship.
- Employee and Union Commitment:
- Commitment to maintaining and growing the union-represented workforce in Hawai‘i.
- Immediate value creation with at least $235 million of expected run-rate synergies.
- Investor Call and Timeline:
- Investor conference call scheduled for today at 5:00 p.m. ET / 2:00 p.m. PT / 12:00 p.m. HT.
- Anticipated closing of the transaction within 12-18 months.
- Strategic and Financial Rationale:
- Complementary networks to enhance competition and provide greater choice for consumers.
- Preservation of both Alaska and Hawaiian Airlines’ brands on a single operating platform.
- Expected to deliver high single-digit earnings accretion for Alaska Airlines within the first two years.
- Community and Sustainability Commitment:
- Focus on growth in union-represented jobs and strong operational presence in Hawai‘i.
- Commitment to environmental stewardship, aligning with Alaska Airlines’ five-part path to net zero by 2040.
- Synergies and Accretion:
- Expected run-rate synergies of at least $235 million.
- Transaction multiple of 0.7 times revenue, approximately one third the average of recent airline transactions.
- Conditions to Close:
- Approval by regulatory authorities and Hawaiian Holdings, Inc. shareholders.
- Expected to close in 12-18 months, with the combined organization based in Seattle under the leadership of Alaska Airlines CEO Ben Minicucci.
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