Monthly Archives: May 2018

Alitalia under scrutiny of a double investigation

The Italian authorities opened an investigation to determine whether or not Etihad Airways was directly responsible for the bankruptcy Alitalia declared on May 11, 2017. The probe started on May 22, 2018, by a police raid in the headquarters of the Italian flag carrier. The prosecutor of Civitavecchia court (where the headquarters are located) opened […]

Ryanair’s cabin crew unions threaten Europe-wide summer strikes

Unions representing Ryanair’s cabin crew across Europe are set to meet on May 28, 2018, in Madrid, Spain, to discuss possible industrial action against the low-cost carrier this summer. Five unions have already issued a June 30, 2018, deadline for the airline to adopt national employment laws for all their employees. They will reportedly be […]

Canada reconsiders airline ownership, passenger rights

Canada’s Transportation Modernization Act became law on May 23, 2018, lifting the cap on foreign ownership of Canadian airlines to 49% and initiating the creation of a passenger bill of rights. At a time when passenger complaints have soared in Canada, the Transportation Modernization Act is aimed at creating “a world-leading approach to air passenger […]

Rwanda receives ICAO’s aviation safety compliance certificate

The International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), on May 22, 2018, awarded Rwanda with a certificate that recognizes the country’s improved competencies in aviation safety and security oversight. The progress that Rwanda has made in aviation safety compliance over the past few years, is significant even by its own standards. According to ICAO, its Council President […]

Xiamen Airlines takes its first Boeing 737 MAX delivery

Xiamen Airlines (China) took delivery of its first Boeing 737 MAX aircraft (serial 42956) on May 22, 2018, in Seattle, Washington (U.S.), expanding its fleet to 200 aircraft, the carrier stated, attributing the expansion to the massive growth in the demand for air travel in China. The airline, based in Xiamen, a coastal city in Fujian, […]

Southwest reaches farther with 50 new international routes

To date, Southwest – the largest airline in the U.S. by passenger numbers as well as the largest low-cost carrier in North America – has been flying  near-international routes. But now, the one-time regional airline is looking to fly further outside the U.S., with up to 50 untapped destinations including South America, the airline’s chief […]

AirBridgeCargo Airlines and PACTL sign MoU to extend solutions for pharma customers in China

AirBridgeCargo Airlines (ABC) and Shanghai Pudong International Airport Cargo Terminal Co., Ltd (PACTL) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding on cooperation in the sector of time & temperature sensitive shipments, primarily focusing on pharmaceutical and healthcare products. The agreement will serve as a commitment by both parties to develop, expand, and promote business cooperation in […]

The British Airways I Do Crew: When Harry Met Meghan

British Airways is adding some extra sparkle to customers’ journeys ahead of His Royal Highness Prince Harry’s marriage to Meghan Markle. To celebrate the Royal wedding, the BA93 on May 19 to Toronto – the city where their relationship took off – will be operated by an all-star crew of only Meghan and Harry’s. The […]

First Nation Airways AOC suspended for fleet too small

The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) suspended the Air Operators Certificate of the carrier First Nation Airways from May 11, 2018. The reason of suspension is the use of only one aircraft for scheduled flights, an infringement to the Nigerian Civil Aviation Regulation. First Nation Airways was a short-lived Nigerian airline who started operating three […]