GallopAir, a new airline based in Brunei, has successfully launched its first commercial service, operating a flight between Guangzhou, China, and Brunei. The flight was conducted using a C909 aircraft, operated under a partnership with China Southern Airlines, marking a significant milestone for the airline’s entry into the aviation market.
euroAtlantic Airways, a Portuguese charter and ACMI operator, has announced a new partnership with Azul Brazilian Airlines to provide direct flights between Sao Paulo Viracopos Airport and Lisbon. The agreement will commence on December 19, 2024, with one aircraft already in operation and the possibility of adding more in 2025 to meet rising demand.
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.
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.
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.
