Etihad Airways (Abu Dhabi) today announced an order for 56 Boeing widebody airplanes with options and purchase rights for 26 additional airplanes at the start of the 2013 Dubai Airshow.

In addition, the airline has ordered 30 787-10s, the newest and largest member of the 787 Dreamliner family. When today’s order is combined with the carrier’s previous order for 41 787-9s, Etihad Airways becomes the world’s largest airline customer for the Dreamliner family with a total of 71 787s on order. The order includes options and purchase rights for an additional 12 787-10s.

Today’s announcement also marks the 1,000th order for the 787 Dreamliner family since its launch in 2004. The 787 has reached this milestone faster than any other twin-aisle airplane in aviation history.

Etihad’s order also includes one additional 777 Freighter for its cargo fleet, with options for two additional 777 Freighters.

According to Boeing, advanced technology including a new composite wing, all-new engines and superior aerodynamics will result in the incredible fuel efficiency promised by the 777X family.

The 777-9X, with around 400 seats, will be the largest and most efficient twin-engine commercial jet in the world with 12 percent lower fuel consumption and 10 percent lower operating costs over the competition. It will have the lowest operating cost per seat of any commercial airplane and no competitor in its market segment.

The 777-8X will be the most flexible commercial jet in the world with breakthrough economics and greater range capability than today’s 777.

The 787-10 is the third and longest member of the super-efficient 787 family. With its greater passenger and cargo capacity, high degree of commonality and its passenger-pleasing features, the 787-10 will complement the family while setting a new benchmark for fuel efficiency and operating economics. The 787-10 will be 25 percent more efficient than airplanes of its size today and more than 10 percent better than anything offered by the competition for the future.

Final assembly and flight test of the 787-10 are set to begin in 2017, with first delivery targeted for 2018.

In addition, Etihad Airways also ordered from Airbus. Etihad Airways also announced a firm order for 50 A350 XWBs, 36 A320neo aircraft and one A330-200F as part of its fleet modernization strategy. The contract was signed today at the 2013 Dubai Airshow by James Hogan, Etihad Airways CEO and Fabrice Brégier, Airbus President and CEO.

The order comprises 40 A350-900s, ten A350-1000s, one A330-200F, 26 A321neo’s and 10 A320neo’s. Etihad currently operates a fleet of 23 A320 Family aircraft, 25 A330s and 11 A340s. The new aircraft will fit seamlessly into the airline’s existing long-haul fleet delivering operational efficiencies and cost savings.

The A350 XWB (Xtra Wide-Body) is an all-new mid-size long range product line comprising three versions. The new Family, whose fuselage cross-section is optimized to accommodate Airbus’ 18-inch economy seat-width for long range passenger comfort, will also bring a 25 percent step change in efficiency compared with existing aircraft in this size category. Scheduled for entry-into-service in 2014, the A350 XWB to date has already won 764 firm orders from 39 customers worldwide.

The A320neo is offered as an option for the A320 Family and incorporates new more efficient engines and large “Sharklet” wing tip devices, which together will deliver up to 15 percent in fuel savings. At the end of October 2013, firm orders for the NEO stood at 2,487 from 44 customers, making it the fastest selling commercial airliner ever and underlining its market leadership position.

The A330-200F is the all-freight version of the best-selling A330 Family. It is the world’s most modern mid-size freighter and can carry 70 tons of payload with a range capability of up to 4,000 nm. To date, Airbus has won more than 1,280 orders for the various versions of the A330, with over 1,010 aircraft currently flying with more than 100 operators worldwide.

Images: Boeing (above) and Airbus (below).

Etihad Airways: 

Darwin Airline (Lugano and Geneva) and Etihad Airways (Abu Dhabi) have jointly announced the later has acquired a 33.3 percent interest in the Swiss carrier. Darwin as a result will be rebranded as Etihad Regional and will feed Etihad Airways flights from secondary markets in Europe. Etihad is building an extensive worldwide feeder relationship network with its acquisitions. The two airlines issued this joint statement:

Copyright Photo: Andi Hiltl/AirlinersGallery.com. The company now operates a fleet of 10 SAAB 2000 turboprops. SAAB 2000 HB-IZJ (msn 015) prepares to touch down in Zurich.

Darwin Airline: 

Current routes from Geneva:

Etihad Airways (Abu Dhabi) has added another partner airline as its airline empire grows. The fast-growing airline has entered into a new strategic partnership with Jet Airways (Mumbai) following the final approval for their alliance and 24 percent equity purchase. The airlines have issued this statement:

Etihad Airways, the national carrier of the United Arab Emirates and Jet Airways have announced that both airlines closed the transaction for the subscription of a 24 percent equity stake by Etihad Airways in Jet Airways. All requisite Indian regulatory approvals had been obtained by November 12, 2013. Jet Airways has, on November 20, 2013, issued and allotted 27,263,372 equity shares of a face value of Rs. 10 each at a price of Rs. 754.7361607 per equity share on a preferential basis to Etihad Airways.

Consequent to the above allotment, the paid up share capital of Jet Airways stands increased to 11,35,97,383 equity shares of Rs. 10 each. Following this issue and allotment of the said equity shares on a preferential basis to Etihad Airways, Etihad Airways holds 24 percent of the post issue paid up share capital of Jet Airways (on a fully diluted basis). Additionally, Mr. James Hogan and Mr. James Rigney, being nominee Directors of Etihad Airways, have been appointed as additional directors on the board of directors of Jet Airways as from November 20, 2013.

Mr. Naresh Goyal, Chairman of Jet Airways said: “The infusion of foreign direct investment in the aviation sector will result in economies of scale, grow traffic at our airports, and create job opportunities. I am confident that this investment will greatly benefit all our stakeholders whilst significantly benefitting our customers who will now have access to a more expanded global network.”

Mr. Goyal also stressed that together with Etihad Airways, Jet Airways would enhance connectivity for tourists, business travellers, Indian families and the wider travelling public.

Mr. James Hogan, President and Chief Executive Officer of Etihad Airways said: “India is one of the largest and fastest-growing markets in the world and a key part of the Etihad Airways growth strategy. Through this association, Etihad Airways and Jet Airways will both be strengthened, as will the economies of India and the UAE. By linking our two networks and adding new flights, new routes and more code-share options, travel to, from and within India will become much easier.”

Mr. Goyal and Mr. Hogan confirmed that the collaboration between the airlines would commence immediately with a view to delivering network and service benefits to customers as soon as possible. Specific details will be released progressively.”

Copyright Photo: TMK Photography/AirlinersGallery.com. Jet Airways’ Airbus A330-302 VT-JWR (msn 1351) taxies at Toronto (Pearson).

Etihad Airways: 

Jet Airways: 

Air Seychelles (Mahe), the national airline of the Republic of Seychelles, has announced, subject to regulatory approval, it will launch flights to Paris-Orly as part of a significant expansion to its international schedule.

The island carrier use to operate an extensive nonstop Boeing 767 nonstop network to Europe before its new partnership with Etihad Airways (Abu Dhabi).

Starting in February 2014, Air Seychelles will operate two roundtrip services per week between Seychelles and Paris-Orly via Abu Dhabi with its Airbus A330-200 aircraft, configured with 18 flat-bed Business Class seats and 236 Economy seats.

The new Paris-Orly services complements Etihad Airways’ existing double-daily services to Paris-Charles De Gaulle.

Currently, the island carrier code shares on 14 flights per week to Paris-Charles De Gaulle with equity partner Etihad Airways, offering a daily service between the archipelago and the French capital. The new flights will increase the connections to 18 per week.

The airline also unveiled a new regional network plan, subject to approvals, which will see significant expansion of its operations in the Indian Ocean in the fourth quarter of 2014, following the delivery of an Airbus A319.

Highlights of the plan include:

• The launch of regional services to Antananarivo, Reunion and Mumbai
• An increase in services to Abu Dhabi from seven to eleven per week, offering a double daily service with equity partner Etihad Airways
• A network designed to maximise connectivity through the Seychelles, with two way connectivity throughout the region with Mumbai and Abu Dhabi and beyond.

The new regional schedule will see Air Seychelles operate three roundtrip flights per week to Mauritius and Mumbai, two roundtrip flights per week to Antananarivo and Reunion, and 11 return flights per week to Abu Dhabi.

The airline will also offer three return flights per week to Hong Kong, three return flights per week to Johannesburg, and two flights per week to Paris-Orly.

Altogether, the airline will see its weekly international services nearly double from 16 to 29 flights per week.

Copyright Photo: Rainer Bexten/AirlinersGallery.com. The pictured Airbus A330-243 A6-EYY (msn 751) is actually leased from partner Etihad Airways.

Air Seychelles: 

Current Route Map:

Etihad Airways (Abu Dhabi) will add a new long-range route to Dallas/Fort Worth on December 3, 2014 becoming the fifth destination in the United States. Etihad has a code-share agreement with American Airlines (Dallas/Fort Worth). The new route will operate three days a week with three-cabin ultra-long range Boeing 777-200 LR aircraft (Etihad is acquiring five 777-200 LRs from Air India). The aircraft will be configured to carry 237 guests, with 8 Diamond First Class suites, 40 Pearl Business Class flatbed seats, and 189 Coral Economy Class seats.

Flight EY 161 will depart every Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday from Abu Dhabi at 9.45 am (0945) and arrive in Dallas/Fort Worth at 4.30 pm (1630) the same day. The return flight, EY 160, will depart Dallas/Fort Worth at 6.45 pm (1845) on the same day and arrive in Abu Dhabi at 7.50 pm (1950) the following day.

DFW joins the other US cities of Chicago (O’Hare), New York (JFK), Washington (Dulles) and Los Angeles (to launch on June 1, 2014).

Etihad is also launching its fourth route to Australia on July 15, 2014 with daily flights to Perth, Western Australia. The new route will operate with Airbus A330-200 aircraft with 262 seats – 22 seats in Pearl Business Class and 240 in Coral Economy Class.

Copyright Photo: Paul Denton/AirlinersGallery.com. Airbus A330-243 A6-EYN (msn 832) prepares to land in Johannesburg.

Etihad Airways: 

Alitalia (2nd) (Rome) is reportedly in advanced discussions with Etihad Airways (Abu Dhabi) about a possible sale of 49 percent of its shares to the fast-growing carrier. Etihad has been steadily adding a growing list of struggling airlines and turning them around creating a large profitable feeder network.

Alitalia is struggling to avoid another bankruptcy. Any purchase would require a radical remake of the loss-making Italian flag carrier. Are we ready for Alitalia 3?

Read the full story from the Financial Times: CLICK HERE

Copyright Photo: Paul Bannwarth/AirlinersGallery.com. Alitalia’s Airbus A320-216 EI-DTN (msn 4143) prepares to land in Frankfurt.

Alitalia (2nd): 

Etihad Airways: 

Aegean Airlines (Athens) and Etihad Airways (Abu Dhabi) have signed a code-share agreement.

As a result, Aegean Airlines will commence four flights a week service between Athens and Abu Dhabi starting on March 30, 2014 and, subject to regulatory approvals, Etihad Airways will place its EY flight code on the new flight.  Aegean Airlines will operate its new Athens-Abu Dhabi service with a 168-seat Airbus A320 aircraft.

Beyond Athens, Etihad Airways will also place its flight code on Aegean-operated flights to 16 Greek destinations, and to a further 10 cities across Europe.

In other route news, Aegean will restore a route to Hamburg starting on May 27. The route will be operated three days a week.

Copyright Photo: Paul Bannwarth/AirlinersGallery.com. Aegean Airlines’ Airbus A320-232 SX-DGD (msn 4065) with the promotional visitgreece.com sub-titles taxies past the camera at Nantes, France.

Aegean Airlines:

Airberlin (airberlin.com) (Berlin) and Etihad Airways (Abu Dhabi) today (January 13) unveiled an Airbus A320 aircraft in specially designed joint livery, symbolizing the close ties between the two airlines and marking the launch of a new Moving Forward media campaign, according to the announcement.

At the event in Berlin, Wolfgang Prock-Schauer, Airberlin’s Chief Executive Officer, and James Hogan, Etihad Airways’ President and Chief Executive Officer and Vice Chairman of the Board of Directors of Air Berlin PLC, gave details of how air travellers will continue to benefit from the special partnership and the progress made in the first two years.

Wolfgang Prock-Schauer, said: “The comprehensive commercial partnership with Etihad Airways has brought many benefits to airberlin, including our shares of joint revenues of EUR 200 million, which is integral part of our turnaround program.

Partnerships are vital in today’s aviation industry. Our partnership provides significant benefits to Etihad Airways, airberlin, as well as to our guests. Not only do we provide an expanded offering of destinations and services, we also have developed synergies through the entire value chain.

This means an increasingly attractive offer with numerous benefits for customers, and continuously improved productivity and lower costs. The positive response from our guests illustrates that we are on the right path.”

Following the implementation of joint codesharing across the networks both airlines will strengthen the commercial partnership in 2014. That will include the expansion of joint sales operations, building on the current services provided by 17 joint sales offices located around the world, and representation in more than 50 international markets.

The Airberlin touristic expertise, an important pillar in Airberlin’s business, will also continue to be central to marketing the combined network.

The developments in the commercial partnership are set to further increase the number of passengers who fly on the airberlin and Etihad Airways network, which currently serves 228 destinations in 84 countries.

James Hogan said: “Since the launch of the partnership two years ago, commercial ties between Etihad Airways and Airberlin have deepened significantly. This has increased the destinations and flight options for guests and enabled both airlines to carry nearly 900,000 guests across the two networks.

During this time Airberlin’s new business strategy has made great progress and Etihad Airways continues to place its full support behind the airline and its management. We are confident that airberlin is on the right path back to profitability and the next phase in the airline’s proud history.”

A new joint “Moving Forward” media campaign will be launched in January and run until March 2014 and will see the new partnership logo of the two airlines featured in advertising and marketing across Germany.

James Hogan added: “During its 35 years of operations, airberlin has established itself as one of Europe’s leading business and leisure airlines, regularly carrying more than 30 million passengers each year.

This strong history and heritage, as well as its great potential, attracted Etihad Airways to make the equity investment and establish the commercial partnership, and this long term commitment remains key to the Etihad Airways business strategy.”

Airberlin and Etihad Airways operate 42 weekly flights between destinations in Germany and Abu Dhabi, the capital of the United Arab Emirates. This will increase to 49 weekly flights in February 2014 when a second daily Munich flight commences.

In 2013, 563,000 common codeshare passengers flew across the two networks, a 74 per cent increase on the previous year. Currently, 66 airberlin routes carry Etihad Airways’ EY code and 33 Etihad Airways’ routes carry airberlin’s AB code.

Wolfgang Prock-Schauer announced new routes for this year: “We shall continue to expand the joint route network with Etihad Airways and look forward to offering airberlin guests new codeshare destinations in India, Australia and South Korea.”

Copyright Photo: Airberlin. Airbus A320-214 D-ABDU (msn 3516) was unveiled today in the joint livery.

Airberlin: 

Etihad Airways: 

Alitalia (2nd) (Rome), according to this report by Reuters, will seek additional funding from the banks. The debt-filled airline could also be forced to seek another shareholder infusion if the business plan does not perform as planned, its CEO stated yesterday.

Alitalia is struggling to keep its airplanes flying and previously raised $410 million in an emergency capital increase last month.

Meanwhile possible savior Etihad Airways is taking its time in its consideration of whether it will make an investment. As we have asked before, can this version of Alitalia be saved?

Read the full report: CLICK HERE

Copyright Photo: Paul Denton/AirlinersGallery.com. Airbus A321-112 I-BIXA (msn 477) taxies to the runway at Geneva.

Alitalia: 

Flight EY 103 will depart Abu Dhabi International Airport at 1.45 am, arriving at New York’s John F Kennedy Airport at 7.45 am the same day, while the return flight, EY102, will leave New York at 11.35 am, arriving in Abu Dhabi at 9.20 am the next day.

The new flights will complement the airline’s current 10.30 am departure to New York, providing a choice of services for Abu Dhabi’s business, Government, expatriate and leisure travellers, while passengers travelling from New York to Abu Dhabi and beyond will now have the option of a late morning flight as well as the current 9.40 pm departure.

Initially, the new flights will be operated by Etihad Airways using two tri-class Boeing 777-300ER aircraft leased from its strategic partner, India’s Jet Airways. From May 1, 2014, Jet Airways will operate these flights.

The second New York service will increase substantially the connections available via the Abu Dhabi Airport hub, with the schedule designed to link in both directions with Etihad Airways and partner airline flights between Abu Dhabi and more than 30 destinations in India, the Middle East, Central and South East Asia, Africa and island nations in the Indian Ocean region.

In other news, Etihad Regional, operated by Darwin Airline (Lugano and Geneva), unveiled yesterday (January 16) its first painted 50-seat SAAB 2000. All aircraft are expected to be repainted by the end of June. Etihad Airways is acquiring a 33 percent stake in the regional carrier.

Etihad Regional will expand to 34 destinations. Stuttgart will be added next month, followed by Berlin, Dusseldorf, London (City), Poznan, Tirana, Toulouse, Wroclaw, Zagreb and Zurich in April. Next will be Belgrade and Turin in May and finally Bordeaux, Graz, Linz, Marseille, Nantes and Verona in June.

With these additions Etihad Regional will feed the seven Etihad Airways gateways in Europe.

Top Copyright Photo: Greenwing/AirlinersGallery.com. Etihad Airways’ Boeing 777-3FX ER A6-ETC (msn 34599) in the special Abu Dhabi Grand Prix markings taxies at Dublin.

Etihad Airways: 

Darwin Airline: 

Bottom Copyright Photo: Darwin Airline.

Boeing (Chicago), Etihad Airways (Abu Dhabi), Takreer, Total and the Masdar Institute of Science and Technology today announced they will collaborate on a new initiative to support a sustainable aviation biofuel industry in the United Arab Emirates.

BIOjet Abu Dhabi: Flight Path to Sustainability will engage a broad range of stakeholders to develop a comprehensive framework for a U.A.E. biofuel supply chain. This initiative will focus on research and development and investments in feedstock production and refining capability in the U.A.E. and globally.

Etihad Airways showed the promise of this homegrown effort yesterday with a 45-minute demonstration flight in a Boeing 777 powered in part by U.A.E.-produced sustainable aviation biofuel. The biofuel was partially converted from plants by Total and refined into jet fuel by Takreer, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Abu Dhabi National Oil Co. (ADNOC). U.A.E. is now among a handful of countries that have produced and flown on their own aviation biofuel, which emits at least 50 percent less carbon dioxide than fossil fuel over its lifecycle.

Boeing and Etihad Airways are also among the founding partners of the Sustainable Bioenergy Research Consortium, hosted by the Masdar Institute in Abu Dhabi. The consortium has been researching and developing salt-tolerant plants that would be raw material for the same refining processes used to produce renewable fuel for the Etihad Airways flight.

The flight and BIOjet Abu Dhabi announcement lead into Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week and the World Future Energy Summit. These activities and Masdar Institute’s aviation biofuel research are aligned with the Abu Dhabi Economic Vision 2030, which seeks to develop sustainable energy sources to diversify the U.A.E. economy and increase workforce opportunities for Emiratis.

Etihad Airways is an airline industry leader in supporting the development of lower-carbon renewable fuels. A member of the Sustainable Aviation Fuel Users Group (SAFUG), the airline operated the Gulf region’s first biofuel flight in January 2011 with a Boeing 777 delivery from Seattle to Abu Dhabi powered by a blend of petroleum-based and certified plant oil-based jet fuel.

Boeing collaborates with airlines, research institutions, governments and other stakeholders to develop sustainable biofuel supply chains around the world, including the United States, Middle East, China,Brazil, Europe and Australia.

Copyright Photo: Michael B. Ing/AirlinersGallery.com. Etihad Airways’ Boeing 777-3FX ER A6-ETG (msn 39681) with special “Abu Dhabi Grand Prix 2014 Formula 1″ emblems arrives in Bangkok.

Etihad Airways: 

Etihad Airways (Abu Dhabi) has announced new code share agreements with both AirEuropa (Palma de Mallorca and Madrid) and JetBlue Airways (New York).

Under the terms of the agreement with AirEuropa and subject to regulatory approvals, AirEuropa plans to commence a three times a week direct service between Madrid and Abu Dhabi in late 2014.

Etihad Airways will place its EY flight code on the new Airbus A330 operated flights, offering direct access to Madrid for the very first time through its global Abu Dhabi hub.

The two airlines will work together in the run up to the route launch, with Etihad Airways initially placing its code on AirEuropa-operated flights to Madrid from Amsterdam, Brussels and Milan Malpensa and beyond Madrid to Barcelona and Palma de Mallorca.

In return, AirEuropa will place its UX flight code on Etihad Airways flights from Amsterdam, Brussels and Milan Malpensa to Abu Dhabi.

Furthermore, during summer 2014, both airlines plan to expand the number of codeshare destinations to include new cities in Spain and South America via Madrid, and more cities beyond Abu Dhabi across the Gulf region, Africa, Asia, and Australia.

For the new code share agreement with JetBlue Airways, Etihad will connect with JetBlue at New York (JFK) and Washington (Dulles). Etihad flies daily from JFK’s Terminal 4 and from Washington Dulles’ Concourse A to its hub in Abu Dhabi and in March will begin a second daily nonstop service from JFK. The airline also serves Chicago (O’Hare) and Toronto (Pearson) and later this year will begin service to Los Angeles and Dallas/Fort Worth.

JetBlue Airways will announce further details today.

Copyright Photo: Bernhard Ross/AirlinersGallery.com. Etihad Airways’ Boeing 777-3FX ER A6-ETB (msn 34598) is pictured at a cold Frankfurt.

Etihad Airways: 

AirEuropa: 

JetBlue Airways: 

Lufthansa (Frankfurt) has called on the European Commission to block any alliance and buy-in between Alitalia (2nd) (Rome) and Etihad Airways (Abu Dhabi). Etihad, which already has alliances with Aer Lingus, Airberlin and Air Serbia in Europe, is reportedly close to a deal with Alitalia according to Reuters. Lufthansa has lobbied against state-owned Gulf airlines (especially Emirates Etihad Airways and Qatar Airways) from expanding in Europe because of their unfair state aid.

Read the full report: CLICK HERE

Copyright Photo: Michael B. Ing/AirlinersGallery.com. Boeing 747-830 D-ABYH (msn 37832) climbs majestically from the runway at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX).

Lufthansa: 

Alitalia’s (2nd) (Rome) CEO Gabriele Del Torchio stated Etihad Airways (Abu Dhabi) is doing its due diligence (reviewing all of the data) which will take between three and fours week according to this report by Reuters. After its review, Etihad will then decide whether it will invest in the faltering flag carrier.

Alitalia is facing increased low-fare competition on its home turf and any rescue will face stiff opposition from other carriers and will need European Union approvals. Etihad, if it proceeds with an acquisition, is likely to ask for drastic cuts to personnel and costs (like Air France-KLM did).

Is there Alitalia 3 on the horizon?

Read the full report: CLICK HERE

Copyright Photo: Paul Bannwarth/AirlinersGallery.com. Embraer ERJ 170-200LR (ERJ 175) EI-RDO (msn 17000348) approaches the runway at Zurich.

Alitalia (2nd): 

Airberlin (ariberlin.com) (Berlin-Tegel) and Etihad Airways (Abu Dhabi), which currently controls  29.21 percent of the Airberlin stock, are reportedly in negotiations about Etihad Airways raising its stake to 49.9 percent according to Reuters, citing the Wirtschafts Woche magazine.

Wirtschafts Woche magazine is reporting a group of German shareholders, among them former and current Airberlin executives, will raise their share to more than 50 percent as required by German law.

The article also reports Airberlin would be delisted if the sale is completed.

This report, if correct, would explain why Airberlin delayed its annual meeting by one week citing an imminent announcement to be made about ownership.

Etihad Airways has been on a buying spree lately for airlines that need financial help. The fast growing Gulf carrier has been in negotiations with Alitalia (2nd) (Rome) about a possible buy-in. This has lead to speculation that Airberlin, Niki and Alitalia could be combined with a common Etihad ownership thread.

Read the full report: CLICK HERE

Copyright Photo: Paul Bannwarth/AirlinersGallery.com. Airberlin’s Boeing 737-86J D-ABML (msn 37773) prepares to land at Tenerife in the Canary Islands.

Airberlin: 

Etihad Airways: 

Fiji Airways (2nd) (Nadi) and Etihad Airways (Abu Dhabi), the national airlines of Fiji and the United Arab Emirates, respectively, announced a new and far reaching interline agreement between the two carriers.

This agreement will allow reciprocal sales from and to 12 cities in Europe, 17 cities in the Middle East, five cities in Africa, five cities in North America, 29 cities in Asia and three cities in Australia to and from Fiji. The agreement is effective immediately and is the starting point of further negotiations between the two airlines.

Etihad Airways joins Fiji Airways’ list of codeshare or interline partners, which includes American Airlines, Cathay Pacific, QANTAS Airways and Air New Zealand.

On the financial side, Air Pacific Group reported an operating profit before income tax of $14.2 million for the nine-month period ended December 31, 2013, compared to an operating profit before income tax of $22.4 million for the preceding twelve month period ended March 31, 2013.

On a net basis, the Group reported an after tax profit of $14.5 million for the nine months period compared to $17.8 million from the preceding 12-month period. The nine months performance was driven by an increase in passenger numbers by 2.5 % with an additional revenue of 1.0%, hence a slight yield decrease of -1.5 % due to the relentless competitive environment, especially from/to the U.S. and Australia.

All amounts are in Fijian dollars.

Copyright Photo: Colin Hunter/AirlinersGallery.com. Airbus A330-243 DQ-FJT (msn 1394) of Fiji Airways arrives in Auckland.

Fiji Airways: 

Etihad Airways: 

Airberlin (Berlin) today called for an “accelerated and fundamental restructuring”  of the loss-making carrier.

Etihad Airways (Abu Dhabi) secured a 29.21 percent stake in Airberlin in 2011 and the ownership will remain at this percentage as it pumps in more capital to keep Airberlin in operation. Etihad Airways has subscribed to a convertible bond in the amount of 300 million euros.

The European Union is currently looking into whether Etihad Airways has more control than what is allowed under the European Union’s rules.

Airberlin today issued this statement on its financial health, restructuring and its financial losses in 2013:

Airberlin has set necessary preconditions to accelerate and deepen the turnaround leading to sustainable profitability. By means of a substantial recapitalization, the company will receive a cash inflow of 450 million euros before the end of 2014, equipping Airberlin with an improved financial structure for a deeper and comprehensive restructuring.

This recapitalization is based on two pillars: first, Etihad Airways has subscribed to a convertible bond in the amount of 300 million euros. As this is a perpetual subordinated bond, it will be posted as equity under IFRS accounting principles.

Second, in order to further strengthen the financial structure, Airberlin will issue a bond in the amount of a minimum of 150 million euros. This bond is arranged by Anoa Capital. The proceeds will be used for general corporate financing purposes. Further the holders of the 2014 and 2015 bonds will be offered to exchange their existing bonds at preferential terms as set out in the exchange offer into the new bonds with a maturity in 2019. In addition, Airberlin has a partially undrawn credit facility from its largest shareholder, the maturity of which has been extended from 2016 to 2021. After the recapitaliZation the current ownership structure of Air Berlin PLC will remain unchanged.

To strengthen management capacity for the turnaround-process, the Management Board of Airberlin will be expanded to include the function of a Chief Restructuring Officer (CRO). Effective May, Marco Ciomperlik will take up responsibility to coordinate and drive the restructuring and turnaround process in his role as CRO.

In previous years, Marco Ciomperlik has worked in a leading role in consultancy companies and the last five years in the role of Chief Maintenance Officer at Airberlin where he successfully implemented restructuring projects in his area of responsibility. As already announced Götz Ahmelmann will assume responsibility as Chief Commercial Officer as of 1 July 2014. Götz Ahmelmann has extensive experience in all commercial areas of aviation, most recently as of Head of European Sales at airberlin’s main competitor.

“On the basis of an improved financial structure, with a strengthened management capacity, we are able to intensify and accelerate the fundamental restructuring of the business,” said Wolfgang Prock-Schauer, CEO Airberlin. “Even though the Turbine efficiency program has delivered according to plan and will take full effect in 2014, we have to increase the pressure during implementation, drive further measures as well as thoroughly evaluate our possible courses of action including airberlin´s long-term business model. This restructuring will focus on efficiency, while our core proposition to offer best service to our guests and partners remains unchanged. We value the confidence our shareholders and the capital market have placed in us to enable a more fundamental restructuring.”

Wolfgang Prock-Schauer also called upon Germany’s authorities to put more emphasis on creating a positive business environment for the aviation industry including the abolishment of the aviation tax. For Airberlin, last year’s tax payment amounted to 142.9 million euros.

“With our successful and comprehensive recapitalization we have the necessary financial breathing space to deeply restructure the airline and bring it back to operative profitability. We are putting out an attractive offer to exchange the 2014 and 2015 bonds with the aim to further ease and streamline the maturity profile going forward in order to support the focus on operational restructuring”, said Ulf Hüttmeyer, Chief Financial Officer of airberlin

In 2014 already scheduled further Turbine measures will be implemented with the introduction of a new Revenue Management System, the further optimisation of the airline´s network and fleet structure and improvement of staff productivity. Furthermore, the synergies with partners Etihad Airways on the one hand and oneworld® carriers on the other hand will show continuous improvements. To evaluate the efforts and support the top management in the implementation of a deeper and more radical restructuring airberlin will commission a management consultancy.

These intensified efforts have to be seen in the context of a challenging environment. Airberlin closed the 2013 financial year with an operating loss (EBIT) of 231.9 million euros ($321.5 million). The Turbine efficiency program achieved the desired contribution of 200 million euros to the cost and turnover side and a number of performance indicators delivered positive results. However, the company was faced with an unexpectedly sluggish summer season due to high temperatures in Central Europe, followed by the traditionally difficult winter period.

Airberlin carried 31.5 million guests last year, the fourth year in succession in which the company exceeded the 30-million mark. By focussing on core routes Airberlin managed to achieve a better market position and to increase capacity utilisation by five percentage points to 84.8%. Optimized flight schedules enabled the company to reduce the fleet by 15 aircraft to 140 and to increase its leading market position in its two most important hubs Berlin and Dusseldorf.

With a reduced capacity offer of 5.1%, group revenues fell by 4% to 4.147 billion euros. The yield (revenue per passenger) increased by 0.8% to 121.0 euros (previous year: 120.1 euros). Revenue per available seat kilometre (RASK) increased in 2013 by 1.3% to 7.24 euro cents (previous year: 7.15 euro cents) while the costs per available seat kilometre (CASK) rose by 3.5% including fuel and restructuring charges.

Collaboration with Etihad Airways and other partners was further expanded last year. The partnership with Etihad Airways led to a significantly higher shared turnover of 200 million euros on joint codeshare routes. More than 560,000 joint codeshare passengers flew in the network – an increase of 75.3% compared to the previous year.

The number of flight guests on joint codeshare routes with oneworld partners also increased significantly in 2013 to over one million, and more than doubled compared to the previous year.

As of December 31, 2013 and therefore before the recapitalization, Airberlin had equity capital of minus 186.1 million euros, liquid assets of 223 million euros and a partially undrawn credit facility of $120 million (US).

Meanwhile Etihad Airways today issued this statement about Airberlin:

Etihad Airways today welcomed Airberlin’s decision to accelerate structural change within the airline to target sustainable profitability.

Airberlin announced a strategic review of its long-term business model as it reported its 2013 annual financial results. The predominant objective will be to restructure the airline and shape a robust business model that is fit for purpose in today’s competitive market conditions. For this purpose Airberlin will strengthen its management board with the appointment of a Chief Restructuring Officer.

In support of this restructuring, Etihad Airways will subscribe to a €300 million eight percent perpetual subordinated cumulative convertible guaranteed bond. This will form part of a recapitalization which is intended to strengthen and assist in the reorganization of Airberlin’s capital structure and secure the improved long-term prospects for the business and its stakeholders. Etihad Airways’ stake in Airberlin will remain unchanged at 29.21 per cent. Airberlin will issue a further bond of a minimum of €150 million for general corporate financing purposes.

James Hogan, President and Chief Executive Officer of Etihad Airways, reaffirmed that Etihad Airways was a strategic minority investor in Airberlin, and remained confident and committed for the long term.

He said: “The airline is clearly in a very challenging position. However, we are confident the business is moving in the right direction, and can be turned around but it needs an accelerated and fundamental restructuring. airberlin has our full support in this process.

“We’re here for the long term – for the airline, the travelling public and the community. With the right strategic vision, and the right implementation, Etihad Airways believes airberlin can become a sustainably profitable business, securing the jobs of its 8,900 employees and the many thousands more workers it indirectly supports.”

Explaining the merits of Etihad Airways’ equity investment strategy in Germany, Mr Hogan said: “This partnership has very clear benefits for Etihad Airways too. When we embarked on our partnership with Airberlin in 2011 our access into the tightly restricted German market was limited. We operated just 25 flights per week to three destinations.

“In one single transaction at that time, for less than the cost of a single wide-body aircraft, Etihad Airways gained access to more than 30 million passengers and a combined European network of 228 destinations across 84 countries.

“Today the picture is very different and Germany is at the center of our European network. Just two years on, the two airlines now operate 56 weekly flights and, in 2013, delivered more than 560,000 passengers onto each other’s networks. This is an increase of 75.3 percent on 2012, generating more than €200 million in new revenues.

“The cumulative total of codeshare passengers since our partnership with airberlin began is now approaching one million, and Germany has overtaken the United Kingdom as Etihad Airways’ largest outbound European market. Airberlin is the biggest contributor of passengers to Etihad Airways’ global network.”

Both airlines’ passenger numbers are expected to grow further as Etihad Airways’ equity alliance partners, such as Air Serbia and Etihad Regional, and Airberlin’s broad range of commercial partners extend codesharing to Airberlin’s route network.

The benefits of this equity partnership extend beyond network access. Leveraging economies of scale and collective purchasing power, the cost synergies came through joint procurement initiatives in aircraft, engines, maintenance, catering and technology.

The successful contribution came despite very challenging market conditions for airberlin, which reported operating losses for the year ended at December 31, 2013 of -€231.9 million.

The German carrier was successful in reaching its €200 million cost reduction and revenue contribution target for the year, achieving key elements of its ‘Turbine’ turnaround program and reducing available seat kilometres, a key measure of capacity, by 5.1 percent. Business and cost synergies achieved with Etihad Airways played an important part in these savings.

However, Airberlin reported an unusually sluggish outbound summer season due to the hot weather, followed by the traditionally difficult winter quarter. This was compounded by increased competition and on-going weakness in the European economies.

Copyright Photo: Andi Hiltl/AirlinersGallery.com. Airberlin and Etihad Airways are now more deeply involved then ever. Both need to prosper for the alliance network to work well. Airbus A320-214 D-ABDU (msn 3516) at Zurich in the joint livery now symbolizes this “Moving Forward” marriage.

Airberlin: 

Etihad Airways: 

Jet Airways (Mumbai) is expected to report a loss of around $330 million for its financial year according to Forbes. The majority owner, India’s Naresh Goyal, now lives in Dubai, not in India. Etihad Airways has taken a strategic investment of 24 percent of the stock so things are bound to change soon. Efforts to cut costs have been going on for a long time although the financial situation continues to worsens. What will happen next?

Read the full article: CLICK HERE

Copyright Photo: Paul Denton/AirlinersGallery.com. Boeing 737-85R VT-JGV (msn 34803) in the special Disney Channel motif arrives in sand-blown Dubai.

Jet Airways: 

Etihad Airways (Abu Dhabi), the national airline of the United Arab Emirates, has unveiled the new product and service offering on its Airbus A380 and Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft, including The Residence by Etihad™, the world’s most luxurious living space in the air, available only on the airline’s A380 aircraft.

The Residence Lounge

The Residence (above top and above) will be the breath-taking and completely new forward upper-deck cabin on the A380. Accommodating single or double occupancy, it features a living room, separate double bedroom and ensuite shower room. Guests in The Residence will also have a personal Butler.

The Residence Bed

With the launch of these new fleets, the Abu Dhabi-based airline will also redefine and rename its cabin classes.

First Apartment

The A380 will feature the revolutionary First Apartments (above), which are fully private suites with a separate reclining lounge seat and full-length bed, as well as a chilled mini-bar, personal vanity unit and wardrobe.

Etihad Airways has allocated the upper deck of the A380 to its premium cabins.

First Suite on the 787

On the Boeing 787, Etihad Airways has designed an enhanced First Suite, adding many new features including a chilled mini-bar.

The Business Studio (above) and Economy Smart Seat (below) will feature on both the A380 and the 787.

Etihad Airways is introducing the latest Panasonic eX3 entertainment system across both fleets, providing more than 750 hours of on-demand entertainment, improved gaming and high definition screens across all cabins.

The system has video touchscreen handsets, offering an additional screen for guests to maximize their entertainment, so they can play games or view the moving map while watching a movie.

Noise cancelling headsets are provided across all cabins, with built-in magnetic audio jacks to ensure the best sound quality.

The Airbus A380 aircraft will have full mobile and Wi-Fi service while the Boeing 787 (below) will be equipped with Wi-Fi. Etihad Airways is planning to introduce the Airbus A380-800 on December 27, 2014 on the Abu Dhabi-London (Heathrow) route.

Etihad is also planning to introduce the Boeing 787-9 on December 1, 2014 between Abu Dhabi and Dusseldorf according to Airline Route. This will be followed by Abu Dhabi-Mumbai service on January 1, 2015 and Abu Dhabi-Washington (Dulles) flights also on January 1, 2015. The Etihad 787-9 features 8 First Suite (1-2-1), 28 Business Studio (Staggered 1-2-1) and 199 Economy Smart Seats (3-3-3).

Unveiled at a global media launch in Abu Dhabi today (May 4), the new cabins and service offering follow the airline’s pledge to transform air travel and make every guest journey a remarkable one.

James Hogan, Etihad Airways’ President and Chief Executive Officer, said: “These new living spaces will raise inflight product and service standards to their highest level yet in commercial aviation and alter air travellers’ expectations of inflight comfort and luxury forever.

“Etihad Airways’ Airbus A380 and Boeing 787 will deliver the most advanced airline cabins in the industry, while meeting all weight, range and cost targets at our desired seat count. This will allow us to offer products unparalleled in quality and style, yet at competitive prices across all three cabins.”

In 2008, recognizing that no single design agency could deliver its vision for the new cabins, Etihad Airways established the Etihad Design Consortium (EDC) which brought together three leading design companies, Acumen, Factorydesign and Honour Branding to develop innovative cabin and seat designs for the new fleets.

The EDC collaborated with Promise Communispace, a leading co-creation agency, to launch comprehensive consumer research and workshops in Abu Dhabi, Sydney, London and New York, with the goal of understanding what makes a ‘perfect flight’ and asking consumers to help design the perfect airline.

Eighty percent of the new product offering is a direct result of the feedback and information garnered from these workshops.

Etihad Airways’ design vision was to bring the individuality and exclusivity of a luxury boutique hotel experience to the sky in a way that embraced Arabian Modernism, an aesthetic that combines the traditions of the region with contemporary design.

The Residence by Etihad™

The Residence, which is certified by the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) for single or double occupancy, offers levels of luxury and total privacy normally found only on private jets.

Each Etihad Airways A380 will offer a boutique version of The Residence with different color palettes, table marquetry and custom carpets.

Guests in The Residence will have the services of a personal Butler throughout their flight. These fully trained service professionals will receive specialist training at the Savoy Butler Academy in London.

Guests in The Residence will also have a dedicated VIP Travel Concierge team who will ensure every detail of their travel experience, including ground transport, cuisine, and amenities, are tailored to their requirements.

First Apartments

Etihad Airways will redefine First Class and set a remarkable new industry standard with the launch of the First Apartment on the A380.

Nine First Apartments will be installed on the upper deck in a 1-1 configuration creating the only single aisle First Class cabin in the industry.

Each First Apartment, which has a 64 inch high sliding door, includes a reclining armchair and a full-length ottoman, both upholstered by Poltrona Frau. The ottoman transforms into a separate 80 inch long fully flatbed.

The First Apartment, which also includes unique features such as a chilled mini-bar, a personal vanity unit and a swiveling TV monitor for viewing from either the seat or the bed, has a 74 per cent larger footprint than the airline’s current award-winning First Class Suites.

A fully equipped shower room is available on the A380 for exclusive use by First Class guests.

First Suites

On the Boeing 787, Etihad Airways has designed an enhanced First Suite with many new features. The eight First Suites in a 1-2-1 configuration along a unique curved aisle, another first in commercial aviation.

Each completely private First Suite has a large seat and ottoman, both upholstered by Poltrona Frau, which converts into an 80.5 inch long full-flat bed.

On the center seats, the armrests retract and the suites can be joined to create a ‘double’ bed. Other features include a chilled mini-bar and a 24 inch TV monitor.

Business Studios

On both the A380 and the 787, Etihad Airways will launch its new Business Studios which provide 20 per cent more personal space than the airline’s current business class seat.

Configured 1-2-1 in a forward and aft ‘dovetail’, the Business Studios all have aisle access and the seat converts into a fully flat bed of up to 80.5 inches long.

With its privacy, ample storage and surface space, the Business Studio has been designed with the diverse needs of the premium business or leisure traveller firmly in mind.

The Lobby

On the Airbus A380, First and Business Class guests will be able to relax in The Lobby which is a serviced lounge and bar area located between the First and Business cabins.

Providing a semi-circular leather sofa, a marquetry table and a large TV screen, The Lobby is designed for relaxing and socialising.

The TV has a USB connection so it can be used for sharing content or it can also be set to the airline’s Live TV channels for sporting and other events.

Economy Smart Seat

New Economy Smart Seat will offer a unique ergonomic fixed-wing headrest, giving guests a place to rest their head for added comfort and relaxation.

The seat also has a lumbar support feature, allowing guests to adjust their seat comfort, and an 11 inch personal monitor screen, with all the IFE peripherals conveniently set into the seatback in front.

The latest Panasonic eX3 personal entertainment system, of which Etihad Airways is a launch customer, is installed across all cabins

Cabin Entrances

A key design objective for Etihad Airways was to transform the boarding experience making it more akin to stepping into the lobby of a boutique hotel.

In all entry-ways in both aircraft and in all cabins, the galley equipment is concealed behind custom Arabic fretwork screens and blinds, while the trolleys are covered by elegant wood-finish doors, setting a stylish and welcoming environment for all guests.

Importantly for the airline’s Muslim guests, Etihad Airways has developed prayer areas which can be curtained off for privacy and are equipped with a real-time electronic Qibla-finder showing the exact direction of Mecca based on the aircraft’s geographical position.

In the premium class boarding areas, Etihad Airways will collaborate with cultural institutions in the UAE to exhibit artwork and artefacts in display cabinets installed throughout. Items from the Etihad Airways Boutique Duty Free catalogue will also be displayed.

With the launch of these new aircraft, Etihad Airways will update its dining equipment, amenities and soft furnishings across its entire fleet.

Copyright Photos: Etihad Airways.

Etihad Airways Aircraft Slide Show: 

Airbus A380 video:

Boeing 787 video: