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Zawya
13 hours ago
- Business
- Zawya
Flyadeal announces impressive 2025 half year performance topped by global No.1 ranking for operational punctuality
Six-month highlights include first ever widebody aircraft order Jeddah, Kingdom Of Saudi Arabia – flyadeal, Saudi Arabia's fast-growing low-cost carrier (LCC), has announced half-year performance figures that exceeded growth expectations with milestones and achievements topped by becoming the world's most punctual airline in June. Compared with the first half of 2024, the six months to June 2025 saw flyadeal passenger numbers increase 25% to just over five million which outstripped the 21% seat capacity growth. With 33,400 flights operated – 200 daily for the first time since flyadeal's inception in 2017 – thanks largely to a near 60 per cent increase in the number of routes flown during the six months, the airline surpassed the industry average for best On-Time Performance of any low-cost Middle East airline for six consecutive months. In June, flyadeal was acclaimed for being the world's most punctual airline achieving 91.77% operational performance based on flights within 15 minutes of scheduled arrival. Operational highlights for January – June 2025 over the same period in 2024 Number of passengers carried rose 25 per cent to 5.05 million Seat capacity increased 21 per cent Total flights operated were up 20 per cent to 33,400 Number of routes flown went up 57 per cent to 127 from three bases in KSA Fleet grew by five aircraft to 39 Most punctual airline in the world with On-Time Performance peaking at 91.77% Six consecutive months as best Mid East low-cost airline for punctuality Launched scheduled flights to Pakistan signaling first move into South Asia Key milestones and achievements in H1 2025 Joined sister airline Saudia's AlFursan loyalty scheme for members to earn and redeem miles on flyadeal flights Historic order for 10 Airbus A330 widebody aircraft for long-haul flying Graduation of first 10 of 150 cadet pilots under new Saudi government scholarship programme flyadeal announced Saudi cabin crew to be trained as certified tour guides in ground-breaking regional initiative flyadeal joined industry body International Air Transport Association Headcount rose 21% to 1,600 employees Steven Greenway, flyadeal Chief Executive Officer, commented: 'The 2025 first-half performance demonstrated flyadeal's ongoing commitment to growth in both passengers flown and available seat capacity. But more importantly our business evolved in areas with continued focus on core values of operating at low-cost airline, at high efficiency and with service excellence. 'With the number of routes flown increase by almost 60% compared with the six corresponding months of 2024, we achieved 200 daily flights for the first time in June. As the fleet reached 39 aircraft, our milestone 40th has just been delivered in July giving us more capacity to increase frequency on existing services and add new destinations.' He added: 'Achieving status as the world's most punctual airline in June was indicative of our commitment to operational excellence while increasing capacity. The introduction of scheduled flights to Karachi in Pakistan – our first move into South Asia – and the addition of Istanbul's second airport of Sabiha Gökçen and Alexandria as our fourth year-round destination in Egypt, is evident of our approach to introduce new markets and strengthen existing ones. 'As we look forward to the coming months of boosting our network including adding Islamabad, Sialkot and Peshawar to boost our Pakistan operations, we are on course for year-end to reach another milestone of 40 million passengers carried since our very first flight. 'We will continue to invest in increasing our personnel across all departments which has already touched 1,600 and on target to triple the number by 2030. This will include onboarding more Saudi First Officers trained through a cadet pilot initiative that began in February under the Saudi government's scholarship programme that will see 150 trainees undergo training over the next two years.' Greenway explained that joining sister airline Saudia's AlFursan loyalty programme, securing a first-ever strategic airline partnership with the Philippines' LCC Cebu Pacific for a two-way wet-leasing aircraft arrangement, and placing a historic order for Airbus A330 widebody aircraft to enter the long-haul scheduled market, showed how flyadeal was evolving its LCC business model into other areas yet maintaining its low-cost principles. flyadeal currently operates a fleet of 40 aircraft from bases in Riyadh, Jeddah and Dammam to more than 30 year-round and seasonal destinations in the Middle East, North Africa, Europe and South Asia. By 2030, in line with Saudi Vision 2030, flyadeal expects to triple its network to over 100 destinations and more than 100 aircraft. About flyadeal On 23 September 2017, National Day of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, flyadeal began operations with its historic maiden flight from Jeddah to Riyadh. A pioneer and innovator, flyadeal was the first regional low-cost airline to be launched only across digital distribution channels. Being the sister airline of full-service national carrier Saudia — both under the umbrella ownership of Saudi Arabian Airlines Corporation (Saudia Group) — flyadeal was created for the price-conscious and tech-savvy consumer in mind in a market where 80 per cent of the Saudi population is aged less than 40 years and has at least two mobile phones. flyadeal aims to stimulate travel, tourism and trade with its affordable, value for money everyday fares catering to leisure, religious, family and business travellers. Simplicity is key with an all-Economy Class cabin across flyadeal's narrowbody fleet. With the Kingdom undergoing dramatic transformation through its Vision 2030 economic diversification drive, aviation and tourism are among the many sectors earmarked for dynamic growth. flyadeal is the fastest growing airline in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and Middle East, recognised for excellence in on-time performance that is consistently above the global industry average. In May 2024, flyadeal placed its biggest ever order for 51 aircraft – 12 A320neos and 39 larger A321neos – with a delivery schedule beginning in 2027. In addition, flyadeal will operate long-haul scheduled services from 2027 with the phased induction of 10 Airbus A330neo widebody aircraft ordered by Saudia Group in April 2025. flyadeal's aggressive expansion drive makes the rapidly growing airline one of the country's most desirable companies to work for. For more information, please contact: Updesh Kapur Corporate Communications Department Email:
The Star
3 days ago
- The Star
Open-air jet repair exposes Kathmandu airport's limitations
KATHMANDU: In a rare and rather dramatic sight for many at Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA), the open-air engine replacement of a wide-body aircraft of Hong Kong's flag carrier Cathay Pacific is captivating aviation enthusiasts, airport workers and travelers alike. For nearly two weeks, a Cathay Pacific Airbus A330 bearing the call sign 'Bravo-Lima Bravo Hotel' has been grounded at the TIA. Work of detaching its left engine has been completed in front of Nepal Airlines' maintenance hangar. The massive engine, weighing about 12 tonnes, had to be replaced after an unexpected malfunction during a routine departure to Hong Kong. On the night of July 11, the aircraft, carrying 310 passengers, had completed all pre-flight procedures and was being pushed back from the apron towards the taxiway. As the pilots powered both engines to move towards the runway, the left engine suddenly malfunctioned, forcing the crew to abort the takeoff. 'There was no prior report of engine trouble when the aircraft landed in Kathmandu from Hong Kong earlier that evening. The pilot reported the issue just before entering the runway and sought permission to return the aircraft to the apron,' said a senior air traffic controller at the TIA. Cathay Pacific sources confirmed the failure was entirely unexpected and it had not been flagged during previous servicing. The engineer on board attempted minor repairs but deemed the issue too complex. The captain recorded the engine problem in the aircraft logbook, and the plane was officially declared grounded. The passengers were deboarded and alternative travel arrangements began. With no immediate aircraft available to replace the grounded flight, Cathay Pacific arranged accommodation for passengers at Radisson Hotel in Lazimpat and at Soaltee Hotel in Kalimati. The 12-member crew, who were scheduled to rest at the Hyatt Hotel in Bauddha, also had to stay with passengers in Radisson due to room unavailability. Most of the stranded passengers were flown to Hong Kong over the next two days via scheduled and special ferry flights. On July 13, Cathay Pacific operated a dedicated ferry flight to accommodate remaining travelers. After nearly two weeks, on July 24, Cathay Pacific flew in a spare engine using one of its Boeing 747-400 cargo aircraft. The 747-400 is one of only six such cargo planes in Cathay's 179-aircraft fleet and is slightly smaller than the airline's larger 747-800 series. Kathmandu's airport cannot accommodate the newer 747-800 cargo jets due to limited parking space, making the older 747-400 a more feasible option. 'This particular cargo aircraft had been scheduled to transport electronics, garments, pharmaceuticals and machinery to destinations like New York, Milan and Toronto,' said a source familiar with the operation. 'Cathay Pacific rearranged its fleet to divert this aircraft to Kathmandu with the 12-tonne replacement engine on board.' Once delivered, Cathay's technical team began the engine replacement in front of Nepal Airlines' hangar. The removed engine, still considered airworthy, was sent back to Hong Kong on July 25 for maintenance at Cathay's state-of-the-art maintenance facility. The engine, a Rolls-Royce Trent model, is expected to be repaired and returned to service. The incident highlighted significant logistical challenges at Tribhuvan International Airport. The grounded wide-body jet occupied valuable parking space for 14 days, causing congestion and delays for other aircraft. Airport authorities tried to move the aircraft to various remote parking zones, including near the Nepal Oil Corporation depot and the northeastern apron area. However, Cathay Pacific declined these requests, opting instead to pay full parking fees to keep the aircraft on the main apron. 'After Cathay's cargo aircraft arrived carrying the spare engine, their grounded wide-body plane was moved in front of the Nepal Airlines hangar. The Nepal Airlines aircraft previously parked there was shifted to the parking space where the Cathay aircraft had been stationed,' said Hanshraj Pandey, general manager of Kathmandu Airport. Airport authorities did not allow Cathay Pacific to replace the engine at its original parking spot. This episode has stressed the urgent need for an international-standard hangar facility in Nepal for large aircraft maintenance. Due to the absence of such infrastructure, Cathay Pacific could not obtain approval to conduct a full engine overhaul in Kathmandu. Instead, technicians were allowed only to perform the basic installation under open skies—an operation rarely permitted, especially during monsoon. Aviation experts recall a similar incident before the Covid-19 pandemic, when an Etihad Airways aircraft remained grounded for several days after an engine issue. Although there are a few small workshops for foreign Maintenance, Repair and Operations within the seven-decade old Tribhuvan International Airport compound, they are primarily limited to light servicing. Spare parts and essential tools for wide-body aircraft are almost entirely absent in Nepal, leaving airlines with little choice but to fly in parts and equipment when technical emergencies arise. - The Kathmandu Post/ANN
South China Morning Post
5 days ago
- Business
- South China Morning Post
Hong Kong Airlines to launch new direct routes to Melbourne and Lijiang
Hong Kong Airlines will roll out a new direct service to Melbourne and Lijiang in Yunnan province as part of an aggressive network expansion, with the carrier pledging to capitalise on the increased capacity of the city's international airport. The carrier said on Friday it would operate its direct service to Melbourne three times a week from December 12 using an Airbus A330 aircraft. The flight schedule will be flexibly timed to facilitate connections for passengers transiting through Hong Kong to popular destinations such as Vancouver, Bali, Tokyo and Osaka, it added. On Thursday, the company said it would launch the service between Hong Kong and Lijiang three times a week from September 8, using an Airbus A320 aircraft as the sole local carrier operating the route. Following the launch of services to Hulunbuir and Xi'an, Lijiang will become the airline's third new mainland China destination this year. 'This move aligns with the company's strategy to continuously develop its mainland China network and provide travellers with more diverse travel options,' it said. 'The new route … also facilitates convenient connections for transit passengers travelling on the airline's long-haul routes, such as Sydney and Vancouver, thereby strengthening Hong Kong's position as a leading international aviation hub.' Hong Kong Airlines' president Jeff Sun Jianfeng said the new destination of Melbourne would boost its Australian network following the resumption of its Gold Coast service in January and the launch of the Sydney route in June.
Yahoo
5 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Alaska Airlines gains cargo momentum from Hawaiian integration
Alaska Airlines has already surpassed initial cargo volume targets since launching its first international widebody service, from Seattle to Tokyo Narita airport, on May 12 as the company continues to reap the fruits of its September merger with Hawaiian Airlines, executives said Thursday during a quarterly earnings presentation. Alaska Air (NASDAQ: ALK) is operating daily nonstop service to Tokyo with Boeing 787-9 passenger jets from Hawaiian's fleet. Carrying cargo in the lower deck is driving the equivalent of 30 passenger seats worth of revenue per flight, according to management. The Alaska Air Group reported $136 million in cargo revenue during the second quarter, a 34% increase from the same period in 2024. The revenue gains include the Alaska Airlines, Hawaiian Airlines and Amazon cargo lines of business as compared to those three business units before the merger. Legacy Alaska Air Cargo second-quarter revenue increased 15% to $80 million. The carrier has effectively backfilled most of the cargo volume displaced by repositioning the 787s from Honolulu to Seattle, according to the company. Meanwhile, Alaska brought into service the final two of 10 Airbus A330 converted freighters operating under contract with Amazon to support its package delivery network. The Amazon business was inherited from Hawaiian Airlines, which began flying for the online retailer in late 2023. Alaska Airlines and Amazon are both based in Seattle. The acquisition of Hawaiian Airlines for $1.9 billion gave Alaska Airlines access to widebody aircraft for the first time and more cargo capacity on domestic and international routes. In the nine months since Alaska Airlines combined with Hawaiian Airlines, the air cargo teams have worked to integrate their operations and systems, and improve processes for customers shipping to more than 130 cargo destinations. 'We're bullish on where we can go with this as we combine the two networks,' said Jason Berry, who heads Alaska's cargo business and also serves as president of regional subsidiary Horizon Air. Alaska will begin passenger and cargo service from the Seattle gateway to Seoul, South Korea, on Sept. 12 and launch its first transatlantic route to Rome next May. Alaska Air Cargo in late March introduced sharing booking across the combined Alaska and Hawaiian cargo network. Shipments that originate on Alaska Air and continue on Hawaiian Airlines, or vice versa, can now be booked and tracked by customers on a single air waybill. Alaska is also working to co-locate cargo operations at stations served by both Alaska and Hawaiian, allowing customers to pick up and drop off shipments at a single location. Stations at New York JFK and Seattle, for example, were combined in early this year, according to company announcements. Three of six daily nonstop flights between Seattle and Honolulu now operate with Airbus A330 Hawaiian widebody jets, offering increased cargo capacity. Alaska Airlines has also increased capacity for the Alaska fishing season — which runs from June 12 until Aug. 15 — by deploying A330 aircraft between Seattle and Anchorage twice daily to take advantage of the aircraft's larger belly hold. Overall, Alaska Air beat analysts' expectations on the top and bottom lines, with revenue of $3.7 billion (up 2.1%) and earnings per share of $1.78 versus a consensus prediction of $1.44. Solid demand, especially in the premium segment, CEO Ben Minicucci noted that the Hawaiian Airlines segment produced a quarterly profit for the first time since 2019, underscoring the power of combining the two carriers. Repositioning more A330 passenger jets to fly from Seattle to Honolulu and Anchorage has maximized asset utilization and improved the bottom line, he said. Click here for more FreightWaves/American Shipper stories by Eric Kulisch. RELATED READING: Boeing raises outlook for widebody freighters as 777-8 production begins Alaska Air changes cargo leaders in wake of Hawaiian merger The post Alaska Airlines gains cargo momentum from Hawaiian integration appeared first on FreightWaves.
Time of India
22-07-2025
- Time of India
Auxiliary power unit of Air India Airbus catches fire at Delhi airport, all flyers safe
New Delhi: The auxiliary power unit (APU) of an Air India Airbus A321 (TV-TVG), located in the tail section, caught fire at Delhi's Indira Gandhi International Airport when passengers were disembarking after its arrival from Hong Kong on Tuesday. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now The aircraft, which had around 170 people on board, was damaged, but the passengers and crew were unhurt. The airline reported the incident to regulator Directorate General of Civil Aviation. Sources say this could be a maintenance issue. An AI spokesperson said, "Flight AI 315, operating from Hong Kong to Delhi on July 22, 2025, experienced an APU fire shortly after it landed and parked at the gate. The incident occurred while passengers began disembarking, and the APU was automatically shut down as per system design. There was some damage to the aircraft; however, passengers and crew members disembarked normally and are safe. The aircraft has been grounded for further investigations, and the regulator has been duly notified. " According to aviation website Skybrary, APU allows an aircraft to operate autonomously without reliance on ground support equipment such as a ground power unit, external airconditioning unit or a high-pressure air start cart. "APU is a small jet engine, which is normally located in the tail cone of the aircraft, but, in some cases, is located in an engine nacelle or in the wheel well. APU can be started utilising only the aircraft battery(s) and, once running, will provide electrical power to aircraft systems as well as bleed air for AC and for engine start," the website says. There have been instances of APU failure or fire both on the ground and in flight globally. In June 2016, the cabin of a fully loaded Airbus A330 of a foreign airline on the ground at London's Heathrow Airport was engulfed with smoke, and an emergency evacuation was initiated. Investigation found that the smoke was caused when an APU seal failed and hot oil entered the bleed air supply. In July 2013, passengers boarding an Air France Boeing 777-300 at Paris CDG felt a burning smell, followed by thin smoke in the cabin. The aircraft was evacuated.
