ITA Airways (Italy) chairman Antonino Turicchi has expressed optimism that the airline will secure final approval for its acquisition by Lufthansa Group (Germany) from the European Commission (EC) before the end of 2024. This approval marks a critical step in solidifying Lufthansa’s stake in the Italian national carrier.
Tony Fernandes, co-founder of AirAsia (Malaysia), has expressed skepticism about the practicality of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), calling it an idea that “makes absolutely no sense.” Instead, Fernandes advocates for the aviation industry to focus on adopting new-technology aircraft and engines to achieve sustainability goals.
Kenya Airways CEO Allan Kilavuka has been appointed as the new Chairperson of the African Airlines Association (AFRAA), succeeding Joao Carlos Po Jorge. The appointment marks a significant milestone in Kilavuka’s leadership career and highlights his growing influence in Africa’s aviation industry.
Fastjet Zimbabwe, a leading regional airline, has successfully achieved IATA Operational Safety Audit (IOSA)registration, a globally recognized certification for operational safety in the aviation industry. This accomplishment underscores the airline’s commitment to adhering to the highest standards of safety and operational excellence.
The Mauritian government has announced plans to investigate Air Mauritius, the nation’s flag carrier, in response to a series of internal disputes that have reportedly created a climate of unrest within the organization. The move aims to address issues ranging from resignations and corruption allegations to workplace grievances and accusations of intimidation.
AV AirFinance, a global commercial aviation loan servicer headquartered in Dublin, Ireland, has announced the appointment of Jonathan O’Dowd as Senior Vice President of Investments. Based in Singapore, O’Dowd will oversee global credit underwriting and manage strategic airline relationships, contributing to the company’s expansion in the Asia-Pacific region.
Klaus-Michael Kuhne, a significant shareholder of Lufthansa Group, has publicly voiced concerns about a perceived decline in service quality at Lufthansa and its subsidiary, SWISS. In his statement, Kuhne highlighted dissatisfaction with operational standards and hinted at plans to exert greater influence on the airline’s management to address these issues.
LOT Polish Airlines, the national carrier of Poland, has strengthened its leadership team with the appointment of Jerzy Kurella and Piotr Karnkowski as new members of the airline’s management board. This strategic move is part of LOT’s efforts to enhance its governance and leadership capabilities as it navigates a competitive aviation landscape.
Garuda Indonesia, the national flag carrier of Indonesia, has announced the appointment of Wamildan Tsani Panjaitanas its new Chief Executive Officer (CEO), succeeding Irfan Setiaputra. This leadership change marks a pivotal moment for the airline as it seeks to navigate the challenges of the aviation industry and strengthen its position in the regional and global markets.
Boeing has announced the election of Tim Buckley as the newest member of its Board of Directors, effective January 1, 2025. Buckley will serve on Boeing’s Finance and Governance & Public Policy committees, bringing his extensive experience and expertise to these critical areas of the company’s operations.
