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CAPA News Briefs

CAPA publishes more than 1,000 global News Briefs every week, covering all aspects of the aviation and travel industry. It’s the most comprehensive source of market intelligence in the world, with around 50 per cent of content translated from non-English sources. The breadth of our coverage means you won’t need any other news sources to monitor competitors and stay informed about the latest developments in the wider aviation sector.

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Below is a sample of the latest news headlines. 300 news briefs have been published for CAPA Members in the past 2 days.

Boeing senior MD global strategic initiatives commercial sales and marketing Malcom An, speaking at Routes Asia 2025, reported (25-Mar-2025) the following aircraft programme updates:

  • 737 MAX: Boeing will demonstrate at least two or three months of "production stability" to the US FAA before increasing the production rate. The company is making "steady progress" on certification of the MAX 7 and MAX 10, but the process is dependent on the FAA;
  • 787: Targeting production of 10 aircraft per month by 2026;
  • 777-9: Boeing is still targeting the first delivery "sometime in 2026".

Background ✨

Boeing's Commercial Airplanes division has been stabilising production rates and focusing on certification processes. In 1Q2024, it faced challenges with lower 737 MAX deliveries due to the MAX 9 grounding, prompting a temporary production slowdown to enhance quality control1. By 1H2024, the 737 MAX production rate was expected to remain below 38 aircraft per month, gradually increasing towards the end of the year2. The 777-9's certification was anticipated in late 2025 or early 20263.

Boeing senior MD global strategic initiatives commercial sales and marketing Malcom An, speaking at Routes Asia 2025, commented (25-Mar-2025) on industry headwinds, stating the trade tariff situation "remains fluid". He said Boeing is focused on "working to mitigate the risk to our global supply chain". Mr An noted that Boeing aircraft are sold out for the next five to six years on "pretty much every platform", so airlines need to plan ahead. He added: "The industry cannot grow without a collaborative focus".

Background ✨

Boeing has been addressing several challenges, including the impact of proposed tariffs by the US Trump Administration, which could increase costs for parts from Canada and threaten supply chain continuity1. Boeing CEO Kelly Ortberg expressed that production is US-based and believed the administration prioritised US jobs2. The company has been working on improving its supply chain and production stability amid existing challenges3. Despite these issues, Boeing saw strong delivery numbers in early 20254.

ACI Asia Pacific & Middle East director general Stefano Baronci, speaking at Routes Asia 2025, stated (25-Mar-2025) Asia Pacific "will be dominating" other regions based on forecast passenger growth to 2033, 2043 and 2053. Asia Pacific is expected to record more than seven billion passengers by 2043, which will be higher than Europe and North America combined, and nine billion by 2053, which would be more than the current global total. Mr Baronci said Asia Pacific is forecast to contribute 3.9 billion additional passengers (46.8% of overall growth) for the period 2024 to 2043. He said demographics in Asia Pacific indicate a "fantastic opportunity for growth", also noting that "there is no substitution to air transport" in the region.

Association of Asia Pacific Airlines (AAPA) director general Subhas Menon, speaking at Routes Asia 2025, commented (25-Mar-2025) on the aviation industry's efforts to address its climate impact, stating: "Airlines are being asked to bear the brunt of the transition". He said airlines will bear the majority of the estimated USD4.7 trillion cost of transitioning to sustainable aviation fuel by 2050. Mr Menon commented: "Airlines will get it done, but we'll need a lot of help from governments and suppliers".

Association of Asia Pacific Airlines (AAPA) director general Subhas Menon, speaking at Routes Asia 2025, stated (25-Mar-2025) the Asia Pacific airline sector has fully recovered from the COVID-19 pandemic on a demand basis, adding: "Airlines are doing reasonably well, under the circumstances". Mr Menon noted that Asia Pacific was the leading region for traffic growth in 2024 and the region is home to seven of the top 10 busiest international routes. He said the region's airlines "could do much better" if more aircraft and engines were delivered on time. Mr Menon said Asia Pacific airline earnings are resilient, but "margins are not anything to shout about". Mr Menon also noted that "the airline industry is becoming more efficient", despite supply chain constraints. He said "efficiency has significantly improved" for Asia Pacific carriers, citing high load factors.

Background ✨

The Asia Pacific airline sector experienced substantial growth in 2024, supported by increased flight frequencies and network expansions, leading to a 30.5% year-on-year increase in international passenger numbers to 365 million1. Despite robust travel demand and increased capacity, the region faced ongoing supply chain issues, including delays in aircraft deliveries, which constrained growth potential2 1. Rising costs, such as labour and maintenance, also presented challenges, prompting airlines to focus on cost management and supplier commitments to address these issues1.

Emerald Airlines welcomed (30-Mar-2025) data from the UK Civil Aviation Authority's (CAA) Aviation Trends for 2024, highlighting the carrier as the "number one on-time airline to and from the UK in 2024". The carrier recorded an on time performance in excess of 80% in all quarters of 2024. COO Richard Spencer stated: "We look forward to exceeding expectations in the year ahead, providing smooth and timely operations for our passengers for 2025 and beyond". [more - original PR]

Background ✨

Emerald Airlines projected a gross revenue of approximately EUR200 million for 2024, aiming for a profit "in the single million" EUR range, according to founder and executive chairman Conor McCarthy1. The carrier launched a Cork-Glasgow service on 27-Oct-2024, operated as Aer Lingus Regional2. Additionally, it unveiled its largest Aer Lingus Regional schedule for winter 2024/25, with over 450,000 seats available from Belfast City George Best Airport to 10 UK destinations3.

Blackstone agreed (28-Mar-2025) to acquire a minority stake of 22% in AGS Airports from AviAlliance for GBP235 million. AviAlliance will remain the majority shareholder with a 78% stake. Blackstone Infrastructure Strategies CEO Greg Blank stated: "Transportation remains a key thematic focus area for Blackstone, given continued strong global growth in leisure travel. AGS has access to one of the most diversified airline mixes of any major UK airport, and the company's recent capital improvements aimed at accommodating large aircraft pave the way for new routes and higher traffic growth". [more - original PR]

Background ✨

AviAlliance acquired AGS Airports from Macquarie Group and Ferrovial for an enterprise value of GBP1.53 billion, appointing Kam Jandu as CEO of AGS Airports1. AviAlliance expressed confidence in its investment in Aberdeen International Airport, Glasgow Airport, and Southampton Airport, despite facing challenges due to a downturn in the regional aviation market affecting its airports in Germany2. AGS Airports had launched a sustainability strategy aimed at achieving net zero emissions by the mid-2030s3.

WHSmith agreed (28-Mar-2025) to sell its UK High Street business to Modella Capital for an enterprise value of GBP76 million. Following the transaction, WHSmith will be "a pure play global travel retailer". WHSmith's Travel divisions will continue to trade under the WHSmith brand in 32 countries, including at airport locations. The company stated the transaction "will allow management to concentrate on capturing the substantial growth opportunities in its key travel markets with a clear focus on driving shareholder value". The company's Travel business is focused on increasing spend per passenger, optimal use of space, space growth in new and existing markets, and growth of passenger numbers. [more - original PR]

Background ✨

WHSmith had been exploring strategic options for its High Street division, including a possible sale, to focus on travel retail1. WHSmith North America launched an in-store travel retail media network in partnership with SMG North America to engage travellers at over 300 locations2. WHSmith's Travel segment reported strong growth in FY2024, with revenue up 11% year-on-year and significant expansion in key markets like the UK and North America3.

Virgin Australia and Qatar Airways received (31-Mar-2025) final approval from the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) for their integrated alliance. The determination officially enables Virgin to operate 28 weekly flights between Australia and Doha via a wet lease with Qatar Airways. Under the agreement, Virgin plans to commence long haul services from Sydney, Brisbane and Perth to Doha from Jun-2025, followed by Melbourne to Doha in Dec-2025. The services are designed to open up over 100 connecting itineraries from Doha to destinations across Europe, the Middle East and Africa, generating an estimated AUD3 billion in economic value to the Australian visitor and tourism economy over the next five years. Virgin CEO Dave Emerson stated: "This is a defining moment for Virgin Australia and the Australian aviation landscape... Already, we are seeing some of the positive benefits of the partnership, including increased sale activity on airfares between Australia and Europe, the Middle East and Africa thanks to increased competition". [more - original PR]

Background ✨

The Australian Government approved Qatar Airways Group's acquisition of a 25% stake in Virgin Australia, strengthening Virgin's competitive position both domestically and internationally1. This strategic alliance was expected to enhance competition and capacity, leading to increased travel options and affordability2. The partnership also included sustainability initiatives and expanded connectivity through codeshare arrangements3 4. The ACCC's final approval was anticipated to bring significant economic benefits, including job growth and increased tourism5.

Eurowings announced (27-Mar-2025) plans to introduce a new boarding procedure, effective 03-Apr-2025. The new boarding procedure will include the following boarding groups:

  • Group 1: Priority boarding for BIZclass passengers, HON Circle Members and Senators;
  • Group 2: All passengers with a large cabin bag included in their booking;
  • Group 3: All passengers with only a small underseat bag. [more - original PR]

Background ✨

Eurowings expanded lounge access for BIZclass passengers, HON Circle Members, and Senators at several international airports1. Passengers with 'HON' status could access all Lufthansa Group first class and HON circle lounges with a valid Eurowings boarding pass2. It also enabled 'Senator' status passengers booking the 'BASIC' tariff to use Lufthansa Group lounges3. Eurowings responded to high demand by reserving more rows for BIZclass on its A319 and A320 flights4.

OAG reported (26-Mar-2025) airline capacity between Canada and the US has been reduced through Oct-2025 amid geopolitical tensions and weakening demand, with passenger bookings on Canada-US routes currently down by 70% year-on-year. More than 320,000 seats have been removed by airlines operating between the countries through 31-Oct-2025, including approximately 3.5% of capacity during the peak travel months of Jul/Aug-2025. OAG noted Canadian carriers seem to be shifting capacity to Europe, with WestJet adding 114 flights to Europe since 01-Mar-2025. [more - original PR]

Malaysia Airports senior GM strategy Megat Ardian, speaking at Routes Asia 2025, stated (26-Mar-2025) the company is "reviewing the master plan for expansion" across all its airports. He said the company is seeking efficiency gains to maximise capacity at existing facilities, but expansion is a matter of time. Mr Ardian said efforts at Kuala Lumpur International Airport aim to compress the processing time for passengers to "unlock capacity", which would push the need for physical expansion "further down the line".