China Eastern Airlines has achieved a significant milestone by operating the C919’s first scheduled commercial flight outside mainland China. The flight, which departed from Shanghai and landed in Hong Kong, marks the aircraft’s debut on an international route, replacing the Airbus A321 on this sector.
Animawings, a Romanian carrier, has announced the launch of a new seasonal route from Bucharest to Ibiza, set to begin on June 5, 2025. The route will be operated using the Airbus A220-300, a modern and efficient aircraft well-suited for short- and medium-haul flights.
The Association of Asia Pacific Airlines (AAPA) reported that its member airlines collectively carried 31.0 million international passengers in November 2024, representing a 19.8% increase compared to the same period last year. Revenue Passenger Kilometers (RPKs) grew by 21.7% year-on-year, reflecting the ongoing recovery of international travel demand in the region.
Two former executives of Thai Airways International, Phrit Bupphakham and Poonsak Chumchuai, have been found guilty by corruption regulators for their involvement in the illegal approval of landing fees. The misconduct resulted in total damages of US$2 million to the airline.
Skymark Airlines, a leading Japanese carrier, has announced an anticipated change in its major shareholders. UDS Airlines Investment Limited Partnership plans to transfer 3.0 million shares to Sojitz Corporation through an off-market transaction. Following this transfer, Sojitz will hold more than 5% of voting rights in Skymark Airlines, positioning itself as a key shareholder.
Six West Aviation, an Ireland-based global provider of flight operations and leasing solutions, has appointed Donal Young as its new Chief Development and Strategy Officer. This key leadership position underscores Six West’s commitment to expanding its market presence and driving strategic growth initiatives.
Alaska Airlines has announced the appointment of John Wiitala as its new Vice President of Maintenance and Engineering. This strategic leadership change reflects the airline’s commitment to maintaining the highest safety and operational standards as it continues to modernize its fleet and expand its network.
airBaltic, the Latvian flag carrier, faces mounting financial pressures as current bond liabilities and rising interest rates threaten its long-term sustainability. According to Klavs Vasks, chairman of airBaltic, a state capital injection may be inevitable unless the Latvian government is willing to fully relinquish its stake to other investors.
PSA Airlines, a regional carrier in the United States and a wholly owned subsidiary of American Airlines, has reactivated a CRJ700 aircraft with serial number 10181. The aircraft, previously stored in Arizona, has now returned to service and operates under the American Eagle brand, providing enhanced capacity and connectivity for regional routes.
Mexicana has announced significant changes to its wet-leasing contract with TAR Aerolineas, a move that includes the cancellation of several routes. The agreement, which involves the leasing of three ERJ145 aircraft, may even be fully terminated after Mexicana reported substantial annual losses.
