Latest news with #AirbusA220-300
Yahoo
01-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Supply chain crisis forces airlines to get creative with aircraft parts
The commercial aviation industry is navigating a serious supply chain crisis, leading airlines and aircraft lessors to adopt innovative strategies to maintain operational readiness. Recently, aircraft lessor Azorra partnered with Delta Material Services (DMS) to dismantle an Airbus A220-300 for spare parts, marking the first such occurrence for this relatively new aircraft model. Although dismantling modern aircraft is uncommon, this situation underscores the severity of the ongoing component shortage. At the heart of the crisis are persistent issues concerning Pratt & Whitney's PW1500G engines, widely used in the Airbus A220 fleet. These engines, despite their efficiency, have faced frequent reliability concerns, resulting in numerous inspections and prolonged maintenance periods. With multiple aircraft grounded due to such complications, the demand for available spare engines and parts has grown significantly. Beyond specific engine-related challenges, manufacturers are experiencing dramatic backlogs in aircraft production, intensifying constraints across the sector. According to Alton Aviation Consultancy's latest analysis, narrowbody aircraft — which are the backbone of airlines' short- and medium-haul services — now face delivery delays of nearly a decade. Moreover, widebody aircraft production has also slowed, leaving airlines facing waits of seven to eight years for new deliveries. In turn, airlines have been compelled to adjust fleet strategies, opting to extend the useful life of existing aircraft to cope with prolonged delivery extension of aircraft lifespans has directly impacted the maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) industry, resulting in significantly heightened demand precisely as MRO providers themselves face severe operational constraints. Skilled labor shortages remain a central challenge as many technicians exited aviation during the pandemic and have not returned, creating a workforce gap that could take years to mend. Training new aviation maintenance personnel is a long process, and the marked increase in maintenance requirements has overwhelmed existing capacities, prolonging maintenance downtimes substantially. These challenges extend maintenance downtime significantly and complicate securing aircraft parts to keep these aged aircraft flying these operational delays are shortages in essential aerospace materials like titanium, a situation driven largely by geopolitical disruptions in traditional supplier regions. Sanctions on primary exporters like Russia have forced manufacturers to seek alternative suppliers, leading to procurement challenges and increased costs. Given these constraints, airlines and lessors are increasingly exploring unconventional solutions, like the recent A220 dismantling, to temporarily alleviate these mounting pressures by repurposing valuable components. Despite the challenges, industry observers also recognize potential opportunities created through these constraints. Avolon, one of the world's largest aircraft leasing firms, has stated that the unprecedented disparity between supply and demand will likely reshape aviation market dynamics over the next decade. Supply deficits could bolster airline profitability, especially if carriers concentrate efforts on their most profitable route networks and achieve optimal fleet utilization amid capacity limitations. According to Avolon's analysis, net airline profits could rise as much as 16%, reaching approximately $36 billion by the broader economic environment remains uncertain. Typical economic recovery cycles last four to six years, and the current expansion is already well into its fifth year, suggesting potential economic downturn risks. Europe's economic growth is showing early signs of stagnation, and broader geopolitical instability introduces additional volatility. Related: Airbus postpones rollout of A350 freighter until late 2027 The post Supply chain crisis forces airlines to get creative with aircraft parts appeared first on FreightWaves.
Yahoo
07-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
airBaltic CEO 'dismissed' from Latvian airline
Latvian Transport Minister Atis Svinka said on Monday that Riga-based carrier airBaltic had parted ways with its German-born longtime CEO Martin Gauss. "I inform you that Martin Gauss has been dismissed from his position. It is important for me to see results," Svinka said on social network X. The Latvian state has a majority stake in the carrier, which last month said it had posted a net loss of 118 million euros ($129 million) last year. "AirBaltic is a company of national importance, and it must be able to independently develop and adapt to external conditions," Svinka added. AirBaltic announced in January that additional engine maintenance demands would force the cancellation of more than 4,600 flights this year. The airline flies exclusively Airbus A220-300, which are equipped with modern fuel efficient Pratt & Whitney engines that have been found to be susceptible to microscopic cracks and require replacement ahead of schedule. Parts shortages mean several aircraft have to be taken out of service during the peak summer travel season. The transport ministry said in a statement that the decision regarding Gauss was taken by the supervisory board after Monday's shareholder meeting. The ministry said it "expressed its loss of confidence in" Gauss at the meeting, "calling for a vote to oust him from the job". Gauss had been with the airline for more than a decade. "Today, my journey as CEO of @airBaltic comes to an end," he wrote on X. "The Latvian government, as majority shareholder, has withdrawn its trust — and the Supervisory Board has acted accordingly," he said. The airline said in a statement on X that management board member and chief operating officer Pauls Calitis would take over as interim CEO. The chairman of the supervisory board, Andrejs Martinovs, said "core objectives remain unchanged, and airBaltic continues to implement its strategy and move forward toward a potential IPO". bur-amj/rl Sign in to access your portfolio
Yahoo
05-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Parking is now free at Ogdensburg airport, and passengers are up
Apr. 5—OGDENSBURG — The Ogdensburg Bridge and Port Authority is waiving parking fees at Ogdensburg International Airport. Meanwhile, enplanements in March reached a level not seen in years, according to the airport manager. The OBPA Board of Directors voted unanimously to offer free parking during their March 13 meeting. OBPA Chief Financial Officer cited several reasons for waiving the fees, which including anticipated construction disruptions caused by the terminal overhaul project. CFO Patricia Nisco said parking will be free "for the foreseeable future" and the board can reinstate fees at any time. The terminal project, which was awarded $18 million from Gov. Kathy C. Hochul's $230 million Upstate Airport Economic Development and Revitalization Competition, will expand the check-in, ticketing and baggage drop-off areas, construct a new canopy over the curbside drop-off/pickup area, install new passenger information display systems, among other improvements. A new, multi-purpose great room will be created to provide community space for civic gatherings, conferences, business meetings and other public events. OBPA Board Chair Vernon J. "Sam" Burns said he hopes the free parking will be an enticement for Canadian travelers. "Considering everything that's happening between our country and Canada, I think this also pertains to helping our Canadian travelers that thankfully come to our airport and use our airline out of here," Burns said. "We are taking into consideration some of the issues that seem to be between our country and theirs. We love having them coming here. We hope they continue" "Hopefully a lot of North Country residents and other Americans will decide to go to Canada and continue the friendship our countries have had for over 200 years." Airport Manager Charlie Garrelts said Wednesday that enplanements at the airport for February totaled "800 to 900." That's up from 470 enplaned passengers in January. "We saw more enplanements because of Florida flights. That's climbing. We're seeing good feedback from the Florida flight as well," he said. "We haven't seen that number for years." Breeze Airways took over as Ogdensburg's Essential Air Service carrier last year. Essential Air Service is a U.S. Department of Transportation program that subsidizes flights between smaller rural airports and larger air hubs. Breeze also offers connecting flights from Dulles to Provo, Utah. On Nov. 8, Breeze started offering connecting flights from Dulles to South Bend, Indiana, and on Nov. 21, the carrier began a third connecting flight from Dulles to Vero Beach, Florida. They also offer flights to and from Orlando, Fla. through April 27. All of the flights are on 137-passenger Airbus A220-300 jets.
Yahoo
12-03-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
AirBaltic CEO lauds new Starlink installation despite Musk controversy
AirBaltic CEO Martin Gauss has defended the firm's decision to partner with Space X's Starlink to provide in-flight internet to customers. 'It made…some controversial headlines because Elon Musk is the owner of that company. But the technology, of course, is outstanding,' he told Euronews. 'I'm sure if we look ahead ten years from now, this kind of high-speed internet …will be a standard in our industry,' he added. The Latvian airline announced in late February that it would equip its Airbus A220-300 fleet with Wi-Fi powered by Starlink, making it the first European airline to integrate the technology. Half of the 50-craft fleet will be equipped during the first six months of the year, while the rest will be upgraded by the end of 2025. While many outlets offered positive coverage of the airBaltic Starlink collaboration, some individuals were unhappy with the decision to partner with billionaire Elon Musk. 'Musk's actions threaten the very existence of Latvia,' one user wrote on X, the social platform owned by Musk. 'You shouldn't sponsor him. Was looking forward to flying via Riga with Air Baltic, but this ruined the fun, have to rethink,' added the user. Another individual claimed that they were boycotting the airline: 'No support for Musk & Trump during these times.' Others were more supportive of the news, with one user stating: 'Congrats on pushing boundaries of aviation and space tech, huge milestone for airBaltic and SpaceX.' A number of airlines outside of Europe have also partnered with Elon Musk's Starlink to offer in-flight Wi-Fi. Qatar Airways and Hawaiian Airlines are already offering the service, while US firm United Airlines is currently in the installation process. Musk, who also owns EV firm Tesla, has become more politically active over the last year. Sales of Tesla vehicles have been dropping recently, a trend which some analysts link to Musk's political rhetoric. The South African entrepreneur is notably a supporter of US President Donald Trump, donating at least $288 million (€264mn) to help elect the President and other Republican candidates. Related Scared of flying? These airlines have been ranked the safest in Europe for 2025 Tesla's European buyers turn away? Sales slide amid Musk's political controversy Musk now heads up the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), created by Trump to slash state spending. Outside of the US, the entrepreneur has also shown his support for the far-right AfD party in Germany, as well as for the British far-right extremist Tommy Robinson. Robinson is currently in prison in the UK for contempt of court. With regards to Russia's war in Ukraine, Musk has not always been a defender of the smaller country. The Tesla CEO created a Twitter poll in 2022, suggesting that Crimea should be formally recognised as part of Russia. Musk has also acknowledged that he restricted his Starlink satellite service to Ukrainian officials during the same year, thwarting a Ukrainian drone attack. 'If I had agreed to their request, then SpaceX would be explicitly complicit in a major act of war and conflict escalation,' he wrote on X. Earlier this week, Musk said that Ukraine's 'entire front line' would now collapse if he turned the Starlink satellite system off. The EU is now working with major satellite operators to look for alternatives to Starlink, viewing Musk as an unreliable backer. Luxembourg's SES, Spain's Hisdesat, Viasat - owner of the UK's Inmarsat - , and France's Eutelsat/OneWeb told the Financial Times last week that they are in talks with EU officials. CEO Martin Gauss told Euronews that airBaltic is 'a very strong supporter of Ukraine' and 'really committed' to investing in the country post conflict. 'In the Baltic states, we have a very special relationship…therefore we will really want to help in the early phase of rebuilding Ukraine,' he said. Gauss explained that airBaltic has been working with airports in Ukraine, specifically in Kyiv and Lviv, to make sure that they are ready to start operations as soon as it is safe to do so. This could be the same day as a ceasefire. 'We were the last ones out and we will be the first ones in,' he said. 'But you know, it's not about the sport of who is the first. I think lasting support is needed.' A number of airlines will be looking to cater to Ukraine's post-war travel market, including Ryanair and Wizz Air, as well as local operator Ukraine International Airlines. Gauss said he expects demand to be high, not only from Ukrainians but also from individuals working to rebuild the country. Expectations of an approaching ceasefire in Ukraine are growing as US President Donald Trump pushes for an end to the war.
Euronews
12-03-2025
- Business
- Euronews
AirBaltic CEO lauds new Starlink installation despite Musk controversy
The Latvian firm is the first European airline to introduce in-flight Wi-Fi powered by Elon Musk's Starlink. ADVERTISEMENT AirBaltic CEO Martin Gauss has defended the firm's decision to partner with Space X's Starlink to provide in-flight internet to customers. 'It made…some controversial headlines because Elon Musk is the owner of that company. But the technology, of course, is outstanding,' he told Euronews. 'I'm sure if we look ahead ten years from now, this kind of high-speed internet …will be a standard in our industry,' he added. The Latvian airline announced in late February that it would equip its Airbus A220-300 fleet with Wi-Fi powered by Starlink, making it the first European airline to integrate the technology. Half of the 50-craft fleet will be equipped during the first six months of the year, while the rest will be upgraded by the end of 2025. While many outlets offered positive coverage of the airBaltic Starlink collaboration, some individuals were unhappy with the decision to partner with billionaire Elon Musk. 'Musk's actions threaten the very existence of Latvia,' one user wrote on X, the social platform owned by Musk. 'You shouldn't sponsor him. Was looking forward to flying via Riga with Air Baltic, but this ruined the fun, have to rethink,' added the user. Another individual claimed that they were boycotting the airline: 'No support for Musk & Trump during these times.' Others were more supportive of the news, with one user stating: 'Congrats on pushing boundaries of aviation and space tech, huge milestone for airBaltic and SpaceX.' A number of airlines outside of Europe have also partnered with Elon Musk's Starlink to offer in-flight Wi-Fi. Qatar Airways and Hawaiian Airlines are already offering the service, while US firm United Airlines is currently in the installation process. Musk's political activism Musk, who also owns EV firm Tesla, has become more politically active over the last year. Sales of Tesla vehicles have been dropping recently, a trend which some analysts link to Musk's political rhetoric. The South African entrepreneur is notably a supporter of US President Donald Trump, donating at least $288 million (€264mn) to help elect the President and other Republican candidates. ADVERTISEMENT Musk now heads up the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), created by Trump to slash state spending. Outside of the US, the entrepreneur has also shown his support for the far-right AfD party in Germany, as well as for the British far-right extremist Tommy Robinson. Robinson is currently in prison in the UK for contempt of court. Support for Ukraine With regards to Russia's war in Ukraine, Musk has not always been a defender of the smaller country. The Tesla CEO created a Twitter poll in 2022, suggesting that Crimea should be formally recognised as part of Russia. ADVERTISEMENT Musk has also acknowledged that he restricted his Starlink satellite service to Ukrainian officials during the same year, thwarting a Ukrainian drone attack. 'If I had agreed to their request, then SpaceX would be explicitly complicit in a major act of war and conflict escalation,' he wrote on X. Earlier this week, Musk said that Ukraine's 'entire front line' would now collapse if he turned the Starlink satellite system off. The EU is now working with major satellite operators to look for alternatives to Starlink, viewing Musk as an unreliable backer. ADVERTISEMENT Luxembourg's SES, Spain's Hisdesat, Viasat - owner of the UK's Inmarsat - , and France's Eutelsat/OneWeb told the Financial Times last week that they are in talks with EU officials. AirBaltic's investment in Ukraine CEO Martin Gauss told Euronews that airBaltic is 'a very strong supporter of Ukraine' and 'really committed' to investing in the country post conflict. 'In the Baltic states, we have a very special relationship…therefore we will really want to help in the early phase of rebuilding Ukraine,' he said. Gauss explained that airBaltic has been working with airports in Ukraine, specifically in Kyiv and Lviv, to make sure that they are ready to start operations as soon as it is safe to do so. This could be the same day as a ceasefire. ADVERTISEMENT 'We were the last ones out and we will be the first ones in,' he said. 'But you know, it's not about the sport of who is the first. I think lasting support is needed.' A number of airlines will be looking to cater to Ukraine's post-war travel market, including Ryanair and Wizz Air, as well as local operator Ukraine International Airlines. Gauss said he expects demand to be high, not only from Ukrainians but also from individuals working to rebuild the country. Expectations of an approaching ceasefire in Ukraine are growing as US President Donald Trump pushes for an end to the war.
