Latest news with #AirOperatorCertificate
Cision Canada
5 days ago
- Business
- Cision Canada
WestJet Group completes integration of Sunwing Airlines, successfully unifying all narrowbody operations under WestJet Airlines Français
CALGARY, AB, May 28, 2025 /CNW/ - Today marks a significant milestone for the WestJet Group, as the airline officially completes its integration of Sunwing Airlines. This achievement represents two years (to the month) of dedicated work, strategic coordination and consultation, and a commitment to delivering greater value and connectivity for Canadian travellers. "Completing two airline consolidations in just two years—the first with Swoop in 2024 and now Sunwing—was complex and required coordination across every aspect of our business, from operational, labour, and regulatory areas to experiential and cultural elements," says Alexis von Hoensbroech, Chief Executive Officer of the WestJet Group. "Achieving this milestone is proof of the incredible way our unified team works together and is a clear win for WestJet and our guests; it's also a story of transformation in Canadian aviation. A huge thanks to everyone who contributed!" WestJet acquired Sunwing in May 2023, the first step of many in bringing together two distinctly Canadian travel and tourism success stories, as part of WestJet's ambition to be the leader in providing affordable and accessible sun and leisure travel for Canadians. The vision to integrate Sunwing Airlines, realized on May 29, 2025, is part of the airline's strategy to deliver new and competitive travel options, and greater overall value for Canadians in sun and leisure market, while strengthening Canada's travel industry at a critical time. WestJet has now integrated all jet aircraft under a single Air Operator Certificate (AOC), including 16 former Swoop aircraft, another nine former Lynx Air aircraft which were secured after that airline went out of business, and now 18 more from Sunwing Airlines. WestJet's unified narrowbody operation will begin to realize efficiencies once it transforms these aircraft with cabin reconfigurations to the WestJet standard interior being completed through 2025. The result of this integration will be a consistent onboard experience for guests, with a more diverse range of onboard product offerings, including Premium, Economy, Extended Comfort, and UltraBasic seating available on all 150 Boeing 737 aircraft across the airline. WestJet's concept for expanding cabin optionality will serve the evolving needs of Canadian travellers who appreciate the ability to choose between a range of products and price points, without compromising on network. Additionally, guests flying on WestJet with reservations through the Sunwing Vacations brand, which continues to exist as Canada's post popular vacations provider, or its wholly owned tour operator businesses, can expect an improved end-to-end travel experience, as Canada's leading vacations provider continues to streamline processes and booking flows with guests in mind. "The final Sunwing-operated flight this week is a time to reflect," von Hoensbroech notes, recognizing that Sunwing has played an important and influential role in the Canadian leisure travel market. "I know every Sunwing employee, past and present feels their contributions have mattered to advancing the experience of air travel. To all WestJetters and former Sunwing team members: thank you. This milestone is your achievement, and a proud moment for us all." About WestJet WestJet took to the skies in 1996 with just over 200 employees and three aircraft operating service to five destinations. Since then, WestJet has pioneered low-cost travel in Canada, cutting airfares in half, and increasing the flying population in Canada by more than 50 per cent. Following integration with Sunwing in 2025, more than 14,000 WestJetters support nearly 200 aircraft and connect guests to more than 100 destinations across North America, Central America, the Caribbean, Europe and Asia. As a major Canadian employer that includes WestJet Airlines, Sunwing Vacations Group and WestJet Cargo, the WestJet Group is Canada's leading low-cost airline and largest vacation provider, with a united purpose of providing affordable and accessible air and vacation travel to Canadians. Learn more about WestJet at (also available in French)
New Straits Times
7 days ago
- Business
- New Straits Times
MASwings takeover: All staff to be retained
KUCHING: Sarawak's Transport Minister Datuk Seri Lee Kim Shin today gave his assurance that the entire MASwings workforce would be retained to ensure operational continuity following the handover to AirBorneo Holdings Berhad. He said that the employees' experience and expertise were essential in maintaining service quality and reliability during the transition. "The full handover of MASwings Sdn Bhd is expected to be completed by Dec 31, 2025, upon the transfer of legal and beneficial ownership to AirBorneo Holdings Sdn Bhd," he said during his winding-up speech at the Sarawak Legislative Assembly. The Sarawak government and Malaysia Aviation Group, MASwings' parent company, signed a share purchase agreement on Feb 12, 2025, enabling Sarawak to take ownership of the regional airline. Lee said that AirBorneo, which is currently operating under the MASwings brand, would continue to use the existing Air Service Licence (ASL) and Air Operator Certificate (AOC) throughout the interim period. Following rebranding, AirBorneo will take on a transformative role in strengthening Sarawak's regional and international air connectivity. "AirBorneo will continue to prioritise Rural Air Services while progressively expanding to regional destinations," he said, adding that the airline aims to strike a balance between connectivity, affordability, and economic benefit. Lee said that by enhancing air connectivity and investing in airline capabilities, the Sarawak government was laying the groundwork for inclusive and sustainable development across various sectors, positioning the state as a key player in the regional aviation industry. In the first quarter of this year, MASwings recorded 191,837 passengers and transported 26.6 tonnes of cargo across its Rural Air Services (RAS) network, with 8,670 aircraft movements — a clear indication of the vital role RAS plays in linking rural and remote communities. Lee added that his ministry, in collaboration with the Federal Transport Ministry, the Malaysian Aviation Commission (Mavcom), and MASwings, was committed to ensuring a smooth and seamless transition of RAS operations to AirBorneo. He assured that the schedule, frequency, and network of RAS flights would remain unchanged throughout and beyond the transition period.
Malaysian Reserve
7 days ago
- Business
- Malaysian Reserve
Sin-Kung Logistics rebrands aviation arm, enters private passenger charter market
LOGISTICS service provider Sin-Kung Logistics Bhd has renamed its aviation subsidiary, Prima Air Sdn Bhd, to Sin-Kung Airways Sdn Bhd as part of its expansion from air cargo operations into the private passenger charter segment. In a statement, the group announced that Sin-Kung Airways will soon launch non-scheduled passenger services using its Piaggio P180 Avanti II aircraft, marking the company's formal foray into the chartered air travel market. Operational rollout is targeted for the third quarter of 2025 (3Q25), with the airline planning to lease three aircraft by year-end. The first aircraft delivery is expected in July 2025. Initial charter routes will cover Kuala Lumpur, Kota Kinabalu, Labuan (Sabah) and Hong Kong (HK) International Airport, serving industries such as e-commerce cargo, pharmaceuticals, semiconductors, oil and gas (O&G) and perishables. By integrating air cargo with its existing logistics ecosystem, the group is positioning itself to provide an end-to-end supply chain solution, combining trucking and cross-border air logistics. The move is expected to strengthen the group's service offerings for both domestic and international clients. Sin-Kung views the expansion into air services as a strategic complement to its established airport-to-airport road feeder network in Malaysia and Singapore, giving the company an edge in the competitive regional logistics space. The group believes the integrated approach will lead to greater operational efficiency and improved service delivery. 'This name change is part of Sin-Kung Group's broader corporate strategy to align all operations under a unified identity that reflects its core competencies as an air cargo transportation specialist. 'With Sin-Kung Airways, the company is embarking on an air cargo business to complement and enhance its existing logistics operations,' said the group's MD of Sin-Kung Logistics Alan Ong. Sin-Kung Airways will operate in three segments: Air cargo, private jet charter services, and aircraft maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO). The airline holds both an Air Service Permit (ASP) and an Air Operator Certificate (AOC), allowing it to operate non-scheduled commercial air transport services. Meanwhile, Sin-Kung Logistics continues to offer a wide range of services including trucking, particularly airport-to-air- port road feeder services across Peninsular Malaysia, Singapore and Thailand. Its portfolio also includes container haulage, warehousing and distribution, licensed brokerage and forwarding, express delivery and cargo escort services. — TMR This article first appeared in The Malaysian Reserve weekly print edition
The Star
20-05-2025
- Business
- The Star
Sin-Kung Logistics launches Sin-Kung Airways, expands into air cargo and private jet charters
From left: Sin-Kung Airways Sdn Bhd chief operating officer Azrul Hisham Abdul Wahab, Sin-Kung Logistics Bhd group managing director and CEO Alan Ong, Sin-Kung Logistics executive director Angeline Ong and Sin-Kung Logistics group chief operating officer Ameline Ong. KUALA LUMPUR: Air cargo transportation specialist Sin-Kung Logistics Bhd's aviation subsidiary, Prima Air Sdn Bhd, has officially been renamed to Sin-Kung Airways Sdn Bhd. In a statement, Sin-Kung Logistics said the announcement was made during the prestigious Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace Exhibition (LIMA) 2025, following approvals from the Companies Commission of Malaysia and the Civil Aviation Authority of Malaysia. Sin-Kung Logistics managing director Alan Ong said the name change was part of its broader corporate strategy to align all operations under a unified identity that reflects its core competencies as an air cargo transportation specialist. With Sin-Kung Airways, the company is embarking on air cargo business to complement and enhance its existing logistics operations. 'Sin-Kung Logistics is well-recognised in the air cargo transportation sector. By adopting the 'Sin-Kung' identity for our airline operations, we are enhancing our brand visibility and reinforcing our position as a total logistics solutions service provider. This marks a significant milestone as we accelerate our air cargo expansion plans across the region,' he said in a statement. In a move that complements its cargo operations, Sin-Kung Airways will also commence private passenger charter services using its Piaggio P180 Avanti II aircraft, known for its superior speed, comfort, and efficiency. This marks the Company's official entry into the premium executive travel segment, expanding its portfolio beyond cargo into non-scheduled passenger services. Sin-Kung Airways is expected to begin operations in the third quarter of 2025. The airline plans to lease three aircraft by year-end, with the first delivery scheduled by July 2025. Its initial charter operations will cover routes between Kuala Lumpur International Airport, Kota Kinabalu International Airport, Kuching International Airport, Labuan Airport and Hong Kong International Airport targeting key sectors including e-commerce cargo, pharmaceuticals, semiconductors, oil and gas, and perishables. Sin-Kung Airways is engaged in three segments – air cargo, private jet charter service as well as the maintenance, repair and overhaul (MROs) of aircraft. The airline holds Air Service Permit and Air Operator Certificate, allowing it to undertake non-scheduled commercial air transport operations.
Business Wire
13-05-2025
- Business
- Business Wire
Ink Innovation and Riyadh Air Partner to Rethink Experience for Digital-first Travellers
ALICANTE, Spain--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Riyadh Air, the digitally native national carrier of Saudi Arabia, is joining forces with Ink Innovation to deliver a flexible and convenient air travel experience. Together, they aim to redefine standards of delivery management in a world influenced by e-commerce, cloud computing, and evolving traveller expectations. 'We are developing a platform that aligns perfectly with the Modern Airline Retailing model. Our vision for the future of travel is about empowering passengers much more than they are today.' — Shawn Richards, Co-Founder & CEO, Ink Innovation Share Tony Douglas, CEO of Riyadh Air, said: 'Ink is a key partner to Riyadh Air and continues to foster innovation at every step of the journey. As a like-minded tech-innovator, it is an ideal collaborator as we aim to provide an outstanding digital experience for our guests at their first travel touchpoint.' Moving beyond legacy systems Airlines have long struggled with outdated infrastructure—systems built to move passengers from point A to B, but not to delight or adapt. This partnership aims to change that. Riyadh Air and Ink are implementing a full Delivery Management System aligned with the IATA Modern Airline Retailing (MAR) model. The platform lets you manage and interact with orders in real time, without outdated systems that rely on PNLs or PNRs. This puts travellers in charge of their journeys. Passengers will be able to make changes on-the-go, add services mid-trip, and connect with third-party content in one streamlined experience. Instead of static, pre-booked trips, travel becomes modular, personal, and responsive. Proven in the field The system has already proven its readiness. Riyadh Air achieved its Air Operator Certificate using Ink's platform, with proving flights across continents. All flight handling, check-in, and load control functions were completed using Ink's digital tools. By leveraging mobile-based operations and cloud-native architecture, Riyadh Air teams can respond instantly to passenger or operational needs, whether a last-minute seat change or managing disrupted flights without the drama typical of legacy systems. From airline to travel ecosystem The broader ambition goes well beyond the airport terminal experience and check-in upgrade. Ink and Riyadh Air have built their system to connect travellers to hotels, airport transfers, local experiences, and multimodal transport like rail. It is designed to support upselling, cross-selling, and personalised service delivery, all aligned with the modern expectations of today's traveller. ' We are developing a platform that aligns perfectly with the Modern Airline Retailing model,' said Shawn Richards, CEO and Co-Founder of Ink Innovation. ' Our vision for travel is about empowering passengers much more than they are today. We believe that travellers will want the ability to change, enhance, or remove parts of their journey with ease. Right now, that's not possible. ' While many airlines continue to plan digital upgrades and launch Delivery systems in 2027 and beyond, Riyadh Air and Ink will fully deploy this system in 2025. Ink provides a dynamic platform designed to evolve with passenger travel. About Riyadh Air Riyadh Air, owned by PIF, is a world-class airline. Launched in March 2023, the airline will be a digitally led, full-service airline that adopts the best global sustainability and safety practices across its advanced fleet of aircraft. Riyadh Air will connect guests to over 100 destinations around the world by 2030 through offering an exceptional guest experience with an authentic, warm Saudi hospitality at its heart. About Ink Innovation (Ink) Ink provides a dynamic platform of cloud-hosted systems, self-service devices, and mobile/browser-based solutions for airport and airline operations. It is designed to evolve with passenger travel. Founded in 2011, based in Spain, Ink operates globally, partnering with clients such as Copenhagen Airport, JFK Terminal One, Jet2, TUIfly, Marabu, Lift, and Menzies Aviation. Website:
