SAS confirmed (30-Nov-2023) it "intends to eventually exit the Star Alliance and join the SkyTeam Alliance, of which Air France-KLM is a founding member". The carrier stated: "This move towards a partnership with SkyTeam determines a clear path forward for the company", and expects to "be able to further enhance SAS' offerings for the benefit of our colleagues, customers and communities" as a result. SAS noted "nothing is changing immediately", and it is still part of Star Alliance. [more - original PR]
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Below is a sample of the latest news headlines. 354 news briefs have been published for CAPA Members in the past 2 days.
CAPA - Centre for Aviation announced (29-Nov-2023) the following winners of the CAPA Aviation Awards for Excellence at the CAPA World Aviation Summit & Awards for Excellence in Abu Dhabi on 28/29-Nov-2023:
- Airline/Airline Group of the Year: Alaska Airlines;
- Low Cost Airline of the Year: Jet2.com;
- Regional Airline of the Year: SunExpress;
- Airline Turnaround of the Year: avianca;
- Start-up Airline of the Year: Arajet;
- Large Airport of the Year: London Gatwick Airport;
- Medium Airport of the Year: Austin-Bergstrom International Airport;
- Small Airport of the Year: Querétaro Intercontinental Airport;
- Airline Executive of the Year: Air France CEO Anne Rigail. [more - CAPA PR]
SunExpress CEO Max Kownatzki, speaking at the CAPA World Aviation Summit & Awards for Excellence, stated (28-Nov-2023) "We've been profitable for three years in a row and will have one of the best results in 2023".
Air Serbia announced (29-Nov-2023) plans to host the CAPA 2024 World Aviation Summit, together with the City of Belgrade. CAPA Airline Leader Summit World & Awards for Excellence will take place on 21/22-Nov-2024, bringing together more than 250 global leaders from the aviation industry, including CEOs and high ranking representatives of the most significant global and regional airlines, airports, and other participants in the passenger and cargo air transport, tourism, and conference travel sectors from around 40 countries. [more - original PR - English/Serbian]
Etihad Airways announced (29-Nov-2023) plans to deploy A380 equipment on one of two daily New York JFK frequencies from 22-Apr-2024. The other daily flight will be operated with Boeing 787-9 featuring first, business and economy cabins. The introduction of the A380 marks a significant enhancement to Etihad's capacity in the US market, connecting to the broader GCC and Indian subcontinent. It will further attract an increased number of visitors to Abu Dhabi. The US route becomes the second destination after London to enjoy the remarkable A380 experience. The aircraft offers economy, business and first class seats, as well as a three room suite. [more - original PR]
Air Arabia group CEO Adel Ali Low, speaking at the CAPA World Aviation Summit & Awards for Excellence, commented (29-Nov-2023) on issues with slot availability at airports, stating: "You can't have a bus stop and not allow buses to pull in".
Tus Airways CEO Omar Kshtari, speaking at the CAPA World Aviation Summit & Awards for Excellence, stated (29-Nov-2023) "People are looking for value over luxury, they want attractive prices and reliability, and they don't want cancellation".
Arajet founder and CEO Victor Pacheco, speaking at the CAPA World Aviation Summit & Awards for Excellence, mused (29-Nov-2023) "We would like to outsource the outsourcing department". Mr Pacheco added: "We want to be disciplined with the mindset of outsourcing".
Arajet founder and CEO Victor Pacheco, speaking at the CAPA World Aviation Summit & Awards for Excellence, stated (29-Nov-2023) "We will have more than 60 destinations in the next four years". Mr Pacheco added: "Latin America deserves to be better connected at a lower price".
Etihad Airways: You will never find an airline executive wanting a high cost airline
Etihad Airways chief revenue officer Arik De, speaking at the CAPA World Aviation Summit & Awards for Excellence, stated (29-Nov-2023) "The lexicon is dead, you will never find an airline executive that wants to be a high cost airline".
Abu Dhabi Airports VP customer experience & relationship management Muna AlGhanim, speaking at the CAPA World Aviation Summit & Awards for Excellence, stated (29-Nov-2023) "Technology is an enabler, it is a tool that we need to use, and the main focus is how do we enhance the passenger experience". Ms AlGhanim stated the company wants passengers to "go through seamlessly and spend time at the airports". She noted: "Biometric has been one of the main tools to do this".
Querétaro Intercontinental Airport commercial director Juan Carlos Corbella Arreola, speaking at the CAPA World Aviation Summit & Awards for Excellence, stated (28-Nov-2023) "We are a big airport with a tiny terminal so we have to develop new commercial places to sell more things". Mr Arreola noted the airport is installing VR headsets with virtual stores and tablets to enable passengers to shop. He added: "We have to be more creative to sell more and to have more income".