Airlines

First Qantas group A220 on Assembly line as Australians invited to name new fleet

Construction of the first Airbus A220 aircraft for the Qantas Group has begun, marking a significant turning point for the company as its fleet renewal programme picks up speed.

Air Canada is adding more international routes as travel demand picks up(Opens in a new browser tab)

The centre and rear fuselages, as well as other significant airframe parts, are being assembled at Airbus’ production site in Mirabel, Canada, and the first of the 29 aircraft is anticipated to land in Australia by the end of the year. The aircraft will go through regulatory approvals, airport readiness checks, and training exercises before it enters the QantasLink fleet in early 2024 as the first A220 to be operated in Australia. Additionally, QantasLink has started training its pilots to fly the new planes.

The Boeing 717 fleet that runs routes throughout Australia will progressively be replaced with the new generation A220 aircraft. Between Melbourne and Canberra, the first QantasLink A220 will fly, with more aircraft being deployed to other regional and domestic network locations. The A220 is anticipated to open up new domestic and short-haul international routes when more aircraft are added to the fleet since it has a range that is double that of the 717.

Qantas and Jetstar discount one million seats in Mega scale.(Opens in a new browser tab)

The Qantas Group is asking Australians to help name its new A220 fleet, based on the idea of “native wildlife,” now that construction is in full swing. Australians can submit up to six names starting today via a special page on qantas.com. Before the official names are released, a shortlist will be made public so that the public can vote on their preferences.

To suggest names for the new QantasLink A220 fleet, visit qantas.com/a220name by 8 August 2023.

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.