United Airlines executive VP and chief commercial officer Andrew Nocella reported (16-Oct-2019) ASM, PRASM and capacity for the following markets during 3Q2019 (Seeking Alpha, 16-Oct-2019):

• Domestic: Strong close in bookings;
  • ASM: 57%; 
  • PRASM: +2.1%;
  • Capacity: +1.7%;
• Atlantic: Strong US point of sale offset weak Europe point of sale driven by strong dollar;
  • ASM: 18%; 
  • PRASM: +0.8%;
  • Capacity: +2.8%;
• Pacific: Incremental weakness in Hong Kong;
  • ASM: 15%; 
  • PRASM: -3.4%;
  • Capacity: +2.3%;
• Latin America: Robust demand across the region;
  • ASM: 10%; 
  • PRASM: +7.2%;
  • Capacity: +0.4%.

Mr Nocella noted the carrier had "mixed" results for its international performance. Latin America was United's "best performing international region", with "great results" in parts of Latin America, "including double digit increases in Mexico, Brazil and Puerto Rico". The Pacific "further weakened" during 3Q2019, he noted, with "all the weakness" in Hong Kong and also in Beijing and Shanghai "to a lesser extent". The carrier sees "potential for stronger yields among leisure travellers during the holiday season" in the Atlantic, he said, adding this is a "positive indication" of United's "increasing effectiveness" in its commercial and customer focus. [more - original PR]

CAAC reported (21-Oct-2019) the following traffic highlights for Aug-2019:

• Passengers: 61.2 million, +8.2% year-on-year;
  • Domestic: 54.2 million, +7.1%;
    • Hong Kong, Macau and Taiwan: 936,000, -10.5%;
  • International: 7.0 million, +18.0%;
• Passenger load factor: 86.6%, stable;
• Cargo: 630,000 tonnes, +3.6%;
  • Domestic: 430,000 tonnes, +6.2%;
    • Hong Kong, Macau and Taiwan: 19,000 tonnes, -6.3%;
  • International: 200,000 tonnes, -1.7%. [more - original PR - Chinese]

Brazil's Ministry of Tourism reported (21-Oct-2019) the arrival of SKY Airline and Norwegian Air in the Brazilian market led to reduced air fares on routes by up to 23%, according to KAYAK. Details include:

• Rio de Janeiro Galeao-London: From BRL5990 (USD1450) on average to BRL4611 (USD1116), a 23% reduction;
• Rio de Janeiro Galeao-Santiago: From BRL1772 (USD429) on average to BRL1454 (USD352), a 17% reduction;
• Sao Paulo Guarulhos-Santiago: From BRL2245 (USD544) on average to BRL1454 (USD450), a 17% reduction. [more - original PR - Portuguese]

Delta Air Lines agreed (21-Oct-2019) to lease two A330-900neo aircraft powered with Rolls-Royce Trent 7000 engines from Air Lease Corporation. The aircraft will be delivered between 4Q2020 and 1Q2021. Additionally, the carrier reached an agreement with Airbus to accelerate the delivery of three A330-900 deliveries, with two to now be delivered in 4Q2020 and the other to be delivered in 1Q2020. Delta consequently expects to receive seven A330-900 aircraft in 2020. [more - original PR] [more - original PR - Air Lease Corporation] [more - original PR - Rolls-Royce]

fastjet Mozambique announced (21-Oct-2019) the suspension of domestic operations, including codeshare arrangements with LAM - Mozambique Airlines, until further notice, effective 26-Oct-2019. The suspension follows a review of all services offered in Mozambique. fastjet stated competition in Mozambique intensified from late 2018 with the market entry of Ethiopian Mozambique Airlines, resulting in an increase in aircraft and capacity supply. Two category five cyclones in early 2019 suppressed passenger demand, leading fastjet Mozambique to reduce frequency and capacity. As a result, fastjet Mozambique reported "significantly reduced revenue" in 1H2019. fastjet stated: "The ongoing oversupply of available seats by other carriers on all routes and the negative financial impact this is having on our business means that, regrettably, this is a decision we have had to take". The airline added: "We remain committed to returning to Mozambique when the overall demand for air travel in the country has increased sufficiently in comparison to the capacity supplied to enable long-term financial viability". Affected customers are entitled to full refunds. The suspension of services in Mozambique does not affect the operations of fastjet Zimbabwe. [more - original PR] [more - original PR - II]

TAROM appointed (21-Oct-2019) Costin Barbu as interim CEO, replacing Valentin Gvinda following his resignation. As previously reported by CAPA, Mr Gvinda was appointed as interim CEO in mid Oct-2019. Mr Barbu will serve as interim CEO for a four month term. [more - original PR - Romanian]