Latest news with #all-Boeing
Mint
18-07-2025
- Automotive
- Mint
Better late than never: Air India Express takes delivery of its 50th MAX aircraft
In September 2023, Air India Express took delivery of its first MAX 8 aircraft from Boeing. The airline was an all-Boeing 737 NG operator until then. The delivery was possible within months of announcing the acquisition in February 2023 and formally signing it in July the same year in Paris because these airframes were manufactured for other carriers, mostly Chinese, but weren't taken up by their original owners amidst the global grounding of the MAX aircraft following two deadly crashes. The airline is now taking delivery of the 50th MAX 8, registered VT-BWV. At the ceremony to unveil the new livery of Air India Express, the management had talked about adding 50 new aircraft in 15 months. As the last one makes its way from the United States to India, it eventually took 21 months for the 50th aircraft to be delivered. In January 2022, when the Tata group took over Air India and Air India Express, the low-cost subsidiary, largely restricted to Gulf routes, had a fleet of 26 aircraft, all B737-800NGs. While the group has invested in merging its four airlines to form two airlines, one full service and one low cost, Air India Express has nearly quadrupled its fleet to cross 100 planes. The airline took nearly as many planes at the time of merger of AirAsia India into Air India Express, doubling the fleet. The airline also inducted planes from Air India, the parent entity. This includes A320neo and A321neo, which continue to be in the older Air India livery. A total of 50 planes have been delivered fresh from the factory, all being the MAX 8. The airline's next step will be two-pronged. The first is to convert its dual-class fleet with multiple LOPA (layout of passenger amenities) to a standard single-class offering. The second would see the airline phase out older planes, both Airbus and Boeing, and work towards having a fuel-efficient modern fleet, which will help it compete better with other low-cost carriers, starting with IndiGo. The machinist union at Boeing went on a strike last year, which lasted nearly two months. Not only were the deliveries impacted for those two months, it also had a cascading effect for a longer period, leading to a slippage of delivery schedule for all carriers. Air India Express became part of the delays, even though the airline has been taking delivery of the planes in the configuration meant for the original operator with the livery being painted in India. The parent Air India has been continuously delayed with its timelines for refurbishment. The airline had initially planned to refurbish all its legacy aircraft by 2025, but the first of the widebody will go for refurbishment only now. The airline has made a stop- gap arrangement with the Boeing 777s getting new carpets among other things before the reconfiguration begins next year. The delays have been attributed to supply chain constraints, but for an airline the size of Air India, it does not bode well to give multiple and repetitive guidance on the upgrades but not meet them. The supply chain constraints have been known across the aviation world and one then wonders if the announcements were genuine or not. Air India Express primarily focused on international routes pre-privatisation. Since then, the merger of erstwhile AirAsia India meant that they inherited a plethora of routes on the domestic segments. The airline then took over another set of routes from parent Air India. The group strategy seems to focus on having rapid induction for Air India Express to take on IndiGo on select domestic and international routes where there is IndiGo monopoly currently and in essence be the monopoly breakers with the matured routes which can sustain three-class operations being with Air India, which will complete its fleet wide reconfiguration for the narrowbody aircraft over the course of the next few months. This kind of growth was never seen by either Air India or Air India Express under government ownership. However, the event in Ahmedabad has dented the image of Air India and will take time to recover. When the demand picks up again post-October, the added capacity will be a boon for Air India Express. Better late than never!
Morocco World
11-06-2025
- Business
- Morocco World
King Mohammed VI, Trump to Announce Major Boeing Aircraft Purchase Deal
Rabat — Royal Air Maroc (RAM) is expected to renew its fleet through a new deal with Boeing, as well as a new small order from Airbus. Reuters quoted industry sources as saying that Royal Air Maroc is close to securing a deal with Boeing for dozens of jets. Europe's Airbus, however, is also seeking to supply the Moroccan carrier with a small order for 20 A220 jets. 'The sources asked not to be named because the negotiations are not public,' Reuters reported , noting that talks have been ongoing for over a year to enable Royal Air Maroc to renew its virtually all-Boeing fleet. The company is expected to cling to its traditional supplier for its demands, including the 737 MAX and 787 Dreamliner. 'While the fleet plan reinforces the carrier's historic ties with Boeing, the sources said, it opens the door to Airbus for the first time in almost 25 years with an order for the A220,' the news outlet said. It also recalled that the potential order from Airbus comes as Morocco and France are boosting bilateral ties at all levels. These ties have been building rapidly ever since France's historic decision to recognize Morocco's sovereignty over its southern provinces in Western Sahara in July of last year. Reuters' report came a few days after Bloomberg announced the same news, noting that Royal Air Maroc is in the final stages of a significant aircraft deal with Boeing, alongside a smaller agreement with Airbus. Bloomberg cited sources familiar with the matter, noting that the Boeing order could be delayed, potentially pending a high-level meeting between King Mohammed VI and US President Donald Trump. If confirmed, the high-level meeting could further upgrade the already strengthening ties between the US and Morocco, particularly as Washington has recently reaffirmed its steadfast support for Morocco's territorial integrity, especially over the southern provinces in Western Sahara. Earlier this month, Minister of Transport and Logistics Abdessamad Kayouh said in a parliamentary session on June 3 that Royal Air Maroc plans to acquire 10 more aircraft before the end of the year and another 10 in 2026. He said that the company also welcomed three Boeing 787 Dreamliners during the first week of June, on top of two new planes delivered earlier this year. In 2023, Royal Air Maroc announced that it is seeking to increase its fleet of commercial aircraft, boosting the number from 50 to 200 over the next 15 years. The program is part of the government's pledges to support the tourism roadmap. Morocco's ambition is to attract 65 million tourists by 2037. In 2024, the North African country celebrated a major milestone, welcoming over 17.4 million tourists. Tags: Royal Air Maroc (RAM)Royal Air Maroc Best Airline in Africa
Morocco World
11-06-2025
- Business
- Morocco World
Royal Air Maroc to Renew Fleet with New Orders From Boeing, Airbus
Rabat — Royal Air Maroc (RAM) is expected to renew its fleet through a new deal with Boeing, as well as a new small order from Airbus. Reuters quoted industry sources as saying that Royal Air Maroc is close to securing a deal with Boeing for dozens of jets. Europe's Airbus, however, is also seeking to supply the Moroccan carrier with a small order for 20 A220 jets. 'The sources asked not to be named because the negotiations are not public,' Reuters reported , noting that talks have been ongoing for over a year to enable Royal Air Maroc to renew its virtually all-Boeing fleet. The company is expected to cling to its traditional supplier for its demands, including the 737 MAX and 787 Dreamliner. 'While the fleet plan reinforces the carrier's historic ties with Boeing, the sources said, it opens the door to Airbus for the first time in almost 25 years with an order for the A220,' the news outlet said. It also recalled that the potential order from Airbus comes as Morocco and France are boosting bilateral ties at all levels. These ties have been building rapidly ever since France's historic decision to recognize Morocco's sovereignty over its southern provinces in Western Sahara in July of last year. Earlier this month, Minister of Transport and Logistics Abdessamad Kayouh said in a parliamentary session on June 3 that Royal Air Maroc plans to acquire 10 more aircraft before the end of the year and another 10 in 2026. He said that the company also welcomed three Boeing 787 Dreamliners during the first week of June, on top of two new planes delivered earlier this year. In 2023, Royal Air Maroc announced that it is seeking to increase its fleet of commercial aircraft, boosting the number from 50 to 200 over the next 15 years. The program is part of the government's pledges to support the tourism roadmap. Morocco's ambition is to attract 65 million tourists by 2037. In 2024, the North African country celebrated a major milestone, welcoming over 17.4 million tourists. Tags: Royal Air Maroc (RAM)Royal Air Maroc Best Airline in Africa
Yahoo
04-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Tariffs are causing Alaska Airlines to cancel flights. Here's why.
Alaska Airlines is canceling more than a dozen flights a day as tariffs hinder its ability to accept delivery of new aircraft, according to the carrier. The Seattle, Washington-based airline said it wouldn't immediately accept delivery of two Embraer 175 regional jets in order to avoid incurring the extra tariff-related costs. The aircraft were meant to serve Horizon Air, a regional subsidiary of Alaska Airlines. President Trump's tariff agenda has upended supply chains for a range of businesses, and has forced many companies to raise prices on consumers in order to protect their margins. The aviation industry has also warned that the levies will affect its business. "We deeply regret the impact this situation will have on our guests this summer," Alaska Airlines said in a statement to CBS News Wednesday. "Amid the ongoing uncertain economic environment, we are focused on controlling what we can control — including costs, productivity, operational performance and taking care of our guests to the best of our ability. As part of this effort to control our costs, Alaska will not accept additional costs imposed by tariffs throughout our supply chain," it added. Without the new aircraft, Alaska said it must cancel 14 flights a day through the end of July. Horizon operates all of its flights on Embraer jets. Alaska operates an all-Boeing fleet. The delayed aircraft were expected to arrive from Brazil in May. Brazilian imports to the United States have been subject to a 10% tariff since April. Delta Air Lines also took steps to avoid paying tariffs on new aircraft earlier this year. In April, it had new Airbus A350 airlines delivered from France to Japan, and flew the planes internationally first, before bringing them to the U.S. Because the aircraft were not new on arrival in the U.S., the airline was not on the hook for paying tariffs on them. Which routes is Alaska canceling? The new planes had been scheduled to arrive by the end of May and were expected to go into service during the summer season for Horizon, which serves the Pacific Northwest, Alaska, California, Colorado, Utah and western Canada. Alaska said it is cutting routes that are served by multiple flights, so that no single route is eliminated entirely, even temporarily. "When deciding which flights to cancel, we put our guests at the center of consideration. We don't take these decisions lightly as we know it means disruption for our guests and their travel plans. We assessed our network and protected the communities we serve that already have limited service. Our teams are working to reaccommodate all impacted guests on the next best option for their travel plans," Alaska said in a statement. Sneak peek: Where is Jermain Charlo? Baldwin grills McMahon on unallocated funds for students, schools, approved by Congress Hegseth orders Navy to rename USNS Harvey Milk, Jeffries calls it "a complete and total disgrace"
Yahoo
20-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
GOL Receives U.S. Court Approval for Plan of Reorganization
Company to Emerge from United States Chapter 11 Process with Strengthened Competitive Position, Balance Sheet and Operational Performance New US$ 1.9 Billion Exit Financing Facility Provides Ample Cash to Support Strategic Execution Following Emergence Expects to Complete Chapter 11 Process in June 2025 SíO PAULO, May 20, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- GOL Linhas Aéreas Inteligentes S.A. (B3: GOLL4) ("Company" or "GOL"), one of the leading airlines in Brazil, today announced that the U.S. Bankruptcy Court has decided to confirm GOL's Chapter 11 Plan of Reorganization (the "Plan"). With confirmation secured, GOL remains on track to emerge from its restructuring process in early June 2025. Throughout the course of its United States Chapter 11 process, GOL has made significant strides forward in improving its competitive position, financial foundation and operational performance. Key milestones of the process included: Securing US$ 1 billion in debtor-in-possession ("DIP") financing, which bolstered liquidity and allowed GOL to re-invest in its aircraft fleet; Negotiating concession packages totaling US$ 1.1 billion from lessors covering all aircraft in GOL's fleet, including financial support to clear its maintenance backlog while also providing permanent savings on rent and end of lease obligations; Obtaining support from Brazilian banks, including restructuring approximately US$ 150 million of local debentures and access to approximately US$ 340 million of receivables factoring, a critical working capital tool for Brazilian companies; Identifying and beginning implementation of a US$ 181 million annual profit improvement program to solidify GOL as one of the most cost competitive airlines in South America; Negotiating a Plan Support Agreement with Abra Group Limited ("Abra") and the Unsecured Creditors Committee to deleverage GOL through a reduction of up to approximately US$ 1.6 billion of prepetition funded debt and up to US$ 0.8 billion of other obligations; Finalizing an agreement with the Brazilian governmental authorities to reduce unpaid government taxes, contingencies, and other liabilities by approximately US$ 750 million and to generate approximately US$ 184 million of liquidity through 2029; Reaching an agreement with The Boeing Company on modifications of the purchase contracts to provide US$ 262 million of concessions and incremental liquidity through 2029 and over US$ 0.7 billion of total relief; and Securing US$ 1.9 billion in exit financing which provides ample liquidity to repay the Company's DIP maturity in full upon emergence, while also providing additional liquidity to support GOL's execution of its business plan. The Company is now positioned to emerge from the process with: Meaningfully strengthened balance sheet: Upon emergence, GOL will move forward with a strong liquidity position of approximately US$ 900M and significantly reduced leverage of 5.4x at exit, and projected net leverage of 2.9x by year-end 2027. Overhauled all-Boeing 737 fleet on track to return to pre-pandemic domestic capacity: In 2024, GOL overhauled over 50 engines and remains on track to have all aircraft in the air by the first quarter of 2026. The Company also continues to strengthen its fleet, with expected delivery of five additional Boeing 737 MAX in 2025. Positive business momentum built on recent outperformance: As a result of the fleet overhaul, in the fourth quarter of 2024 and first quarter of 2025, GOL's operational and financial performance has exceeded the expectations previously outlined in its 5-Year Plan, with strong and growing demand translating to 17.4% year-over-year recurring EBITDA growth and 19.4% year-over-year net revenue growth in the first quarter. GOL is entering its next phase with a strong market position and best-in-class customer offering as it continues to rebuild its network in key markets, serving 30 million passengers across 65 domestic destinations and 16 international destinations in 2024. Driven by its mission of being "First for All," GOL offers passengers the largest number of seats, more space between seats and the greatest onboard experience including internet, movies and live TV. Through its Smiles loyalty program, which is the largest loyalty program in Brazil and the second largest program in Latin America, GOL offers customers access to over 50 partner airlines, three co-branded credit card options and over 550,000 product options to redeem on non-travel partners. As the Company continues to execute its proven network expansion strategy, GOL is well-positioned to deploy its rebuilt capacity both domestically and internationally by leveraging its significant presence in key Brazilian hubs. In particular, its strategic global partnerships allow for adding new service profitably to new or underserved domestic and international routes. Next StepsHaving secured confirmation of its Plan, GOL is now focused on completing the final steps necessary to complete its exit from the Chapter 11 process, including its shareholders' meeting to approve the capital increase contemplated under the Plan, which will take place on May 30, 2025. Following implementation of the Plan, Abra will remain GOL's largest indirect shareholder. GOL reiterates that, under the terms of the Plan, it will significantly reduce its indebtedness by converting into equity or extinguishing up to approximately US$ 1.6 billion of its pre-Chapter 11 funded debt and up to approximately US$ 850 million of other obligations. As such, considering that the conversion will be carried out based on the economic value of GOL's shares prior to the conversion, in accordance with applicable law, a substantial dilution of GOL's currently outstanding shares is expected (subject to shareholders' preemptive rights as provided under Brazilian law). AdvisorsIn the context of its restructuring efforts, GOL is working with Milbank LLP as legal advisor, Seabury Securities, LLC as investment banker, lead placement agent for the US$ 1.9 billion exit notes, financial advisor and sole restructuring advisor, BNP Paribas Securities Corp. as bookrunner (B&D) and placement agent for the exit notes, and AlixPartners, LLP as financial advisor. In addition, Lefosse Advogados acts as GOL's Brazilian legal advisor. Special note regarding forward-looking statementsThis material fact contains certain forward-looking statements. Statements that are not historical facts, including statements about our beliefs and expectations, are forward-looking statements. The words "will," "maintain", "plans" and "intends" and similar expressions, as they relate to GOL, are intended to identify forward-looking statements. Such statements reflect the current views of management and are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties. The statements are based on many assumptions and factors, including general economic and market conditions, industry conditions, and operating factors. Any changes in such assumptions or factors could cause actual results to differ materially from current expectations. Undue reliance should not be placed on such statements. Forward-looking statements speak only for the date they are made. About GOL Linhas Aéreas Inteligentes is one of Brazil's leading airlines and is part of the Abra Group. Since it was founded in 2001, the company has had the lowest unit cost in Latin America, democratizing air transport with the aim of "Being the First for All". GOL has alliances with American Airlines and Air France-KLM and offers customers more than 60 codeshare and interline agreements, making connections to any place served by these partnerships more convenient and easier. GOL also has the Smiles loyalty program and GOLLOG for cargo transportation, which serves various regions in Brazil and abroad. The company has 14,5 thousand highly qualified professionals focused on safety, GOL's number one value, and operates a standardized fleet of 139 Boeing 737 aircraft. The Company's shares are traded on B3 (GOLL4). For further information, visit GOL Media Contacts U.S. Joele Frank, Wilkinson Brimmer Katcher: Leigh Parrish / Jed Repko lparrish@ / jrepko@ South America In Press Porter Novelli gol@ GOL Investor Relations ir@ View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE GOL Linhas Aéreas Inteligentes S.A. Sign in to access your portfolio
