CAPA News Briefs

Finnair, via its official Facebook, Instagram and Twitter accounts, announced (08-Dec-2021) plans to launch upgraded long haul cabin interiors in Jan-2022. The carrier revealed a number of new design elements including dark blue upholstery with gold accents and chrome hardware as well as stylised overhead and seat lighting. According to the CAPA Fleet Database, Finnair's long haul fleet comprises eight Airbus A330s and 16 A350s with three remaining on order, and as previously reported it commenced phased renewal of A350 economy and business class interiors in 2018.

Fiji Airways, via its official Twitter account, announced (06-Dec-2021) its Fiji Airways and Fiji Link staff have been 100% fully vaccinated.  
 

HNA Group, via its official WeChat account, announced (08-Dec-2021) that the management of its core aviation business, including Hainan Airlines, will be transferred to the strategic investor Liaoning Fangda Group, effective 08-Dec-2021. Gu Gang, an official appointed by local government to resolve the debt risks at the company, will no longer serve as the Communist Party secretary. [more - original PR - Chinese]

Seoul Incheon International Airport reported (08-Dec-2021) the following traffic highlights for Nov-2021:

• Passengers: 370,531, +86.4% year-on-year;
  • International: 369,752, +89.3%;
  • Domestic: 779, -77.2%;
• Cargo: 283,132 tons, +7.9%;
• Aircraft movements: 11,852, +18.5%. [more - original PR]

Scoot CEO Campbell Wilson, speaking at the CAPA Australia Pacific Aviation Summit, stated (07-Dec-2021) the airline is at 26% of its pre COVID-19 capacity. Unlike the Americas and Europe, the airline's network comprising "principally Asia and Australasia" has remained closed, with India closed until recently.

Peach received (08-Dec-2021) its first A321-200LR, on long term lease from Air Lease Corporation (ALC), on 08-Dec-2021. This is the first of two new A321LR confirmed to deliver to the airline from ALC's orderbook with Airbus. [more - original PR]

Adelaide Airport unveiled (09-Dec-2021) the final stage of its terminal expansion project, with the new international arrivals hall now open to travellers. The AUD200 million (USD143.3 million) construction project has also reached practical completion, with builder BESIX Watpac handing over the project to Adelaide Airport on 18-Nov-2021. Adelaide Airport managing director Mark Young stated: "Our completed international upgrades include a second, longer baggage belt for arrivals, and more space for immigration processing and expanded security screening, while a larger duty free precinct for arrivals and departures will be delivered once we see more international travellers return". Gate 18 is now a permanent international gate, while other international gates will continue to utilise Adelaide Airport's unique swing gate system to allow both international and domestic operations. The total area of the retail and dining precinct has increased by more than 80%. The majority of new retailers and dining outlets have now opened, including more recently Coopers Alehouse, The Pantry, SOHO Café, JB HiFi, WHSmith and Southern Providore. Other improvements have include:

• A new common user premium international lounge and new VIP facilities for international arrivals and departures, scheduled to open once international travel returns;
• Relocation and expansion of the Virgin Australia lounge;
• Expansion of office space for terminal tenants including airlines and regulatory agencies. [more - original PR]

Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) announced (09-Dec-2021) it will not oppose Sydney Aviation Alliance's proposed acquisition of Sydney Kingsford Smith Airport. The ACCC accepts that there is some minimal potential for competition between airports in relation to some aeronautical services, for example when an international airline seeks to enter the Australian market or when airports are located close to one another. However, taking into account the minimal level of this potential competition, any lessening of competition from the proposed acquisition would not be substantial. [more - original PR]

South Korea's Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport (MOLIT) (08-Dec-2021) the following traffic highlights for Nov-2021:

• Passengers: 3.7 million, -62.9% compared to Nov-2019;
  • Domestic: 3.3 million, +13.7%;
    • JEJU Air: 605,095, +42.5%;
    • Jin Air: 577,345, +78.8%; 
    • Korean Airlines: 517,208, -16.8%;
    • T'way Air: 484,654, +70.2%;
    • Asiana Airlines: 466,829, -14.5%;
    • Air Busan: 432,042, +14.3%;
    • Air Seoul: 160,164, +293%;
    • Aero K: 32,183;
    • Fly Gangwon: 21,742;
  • International: 372,672, -94.7%;
    • South Korean Airlines: 195,994, -93.1%;
      • Korean Airlines: 109,322, -93.1%;
      • Asiana Airlines: 66,448, -94.1%;
      • T'way Air: 5769, -98.4%;
      • JEJU Air: 5708, -99%;
      • Air Seoul: 2776, -97.7%;
    • Foreign Airlines: 176,678, -92.8%. [more - original PR]

Etihad Airways and Italia Trasporto Aereo (ITA Airways) signed (08-Dec-2021) a codeshare agreement, designed to increase connectivity between Italy and the United Arab Emirates, effective 14-Dec-2021. ITA will codeshare on Etihad services from Rome Fiumicino and Milan Malpensa to Abu Dhabi. Etihad will codeshare on ITA services beyond Rome Fiumicino Airport to Genova, Bari, Brindisi, Catania, Palermo and Malta. [more - original PR]

Volga-Dnepr Gulf (VD Gulf) announced (06-Dec-2021) a contract with Rossiya - Russian Airlines to conduct heavy checks on four of the carrier's Boeing 747-400 aircraft. The first aircraft under the agreement was delivered to VD Gulf at its Sharjah base in late Nov-2021. [more - original PR] 

Finnair announced (07-Dec-2021) plans to maintain Los Angeles and New York services from Stockholm Arlanda through summer 2022, increasing frequency on both routes effective 01-May-2022. In addition to serving Stockholm-Los Angeles four times weekly and Stockholm-New York daily, Finnair will continue to serve both destinations from Helsinki. The carrier also operates services to Chicago and Dallas from Helsinki and plans to launch Helsinki-Seattle service in summer 2022, as previously reported by CAPA. [more - original PR]