19 Aug 2019
North America Newsletter 19 August
Air Canada Announces First Two New Routes To Be Operated With Game Changing Airbus A220-300
Air Canada announced 14th August the first two new routes to be operated with the Airbus A220-300, the only non-stop service between Montreal and Seattle and between Toronto and San Jose, California, both beginning in spring 2020. Mark Galardo, Vice President of Network Planning at Air Canada said “This aircraft is a game changer for Air Canada as there is simply no rival in this category. The A220 will further strengthen our position on transborder and transcontinental markets and be instrumental in our continued growth. The two routes announced today are the first of many future possibilities as the A220 will allow us to further develop our North American network, offering customers new routes and more robust year-round schedules.”
Air Canada and Transat announce Increased Purchase Price to $18 per Share for 100% of Transat and Lock-up and Support Agreement with Transat's Largest Shareholder, Letko Brosseau
Air Canada and Transat A.T. Inc. announced 11th August that Air Canada has agreed to increase the purchase price for the acquisition of all issued and outstanding shares of Transat, from $13 to $18 per share and have amended the Arrangement Agreement dated June 27, 2019 accordingly. Based on the increased consideration, the value of the all-cash transaction is approximately $720 million.
Air Lease Corporation Announces Delivery of First of Eight Boeing 787-10 Aircraft to Vietnam Airlines
Air Lease Corporation 15th August announced the delivery of one new Boeing 787-10 aircraft on long-term lease to Vietnam Airlines. Featuring GEnx-1B74/75 engines, this Dreamliner aircraft is the first of eight 787-10s confirmed to deliver to Vietnam Airlines through 2021 from ALC’s order book with Boeing. “ALC is extremely pleased to announce this important first 787-10 delivery to Vietnam Airlines with Boeing and be the first lessor to introduce the airline to the -10,” said Steven F. Udvar-Házy, Executive Chairman of Air Lease Corporation. “This first of eight 787-10s from ALC will significantly contribute to Vietnam Airlines’ ongoing major widebody fleet upgrade with the latest technology. ALC values our long-time role as an advisor when planning the growth and replacement of Vietnam Airlines’ fleet to maintain the airline’s leading position in Southeast Asia and worldwide.”
Competition Bureau Canada approves acquisition of WestJet Airlines by Onex Corporation
Independent Canadian law enforcement agency Competition Bureau has granted the proposed sale of Canadian budget airline WestJet Airlines to Toronto-based investment management firm Onex Corporation.
Delta, Virgin Atlantic boost summer flying between U.S. and U.K. in 2020
Delta is boosting its transatlantic schedule between London-Heathrow and its coastal hubs in Boston and New York-JFK next summer, adding 15 percent capacity compared to 2019. Alongside joint venture partner Virgin Atlantic, the two airlines will increase capacity across the Atlantic by nearly 10,000 seats per week compared to this year, offering customers unrivalled customer experience and more choice than ever before. “Delta and its partners offer an unmatched global network that's capable of taking Boston and New York customers to more worldwide destinations than ever before," said Joe Esposito, Delta’s Senior Vice President – Network Planning. “Our investment at these airports and in these communities continues to deepen as we grow our flight offerings and live up to our commitment to connect the world better than any other airline.”
Sunwing finalizes winter schedule to operate without Boeing 737 MAX 8
Sunwing announced 15th August that all flight services during the coming winter season will now be operated without the Boeing 737 MAX 8. The new schedule comes into effect on November 5, 2019, and runs until mid-May 2020. While the move has been prompted by the ongoing worldwide grounding of the Boeing 737 MAX 8, the company explained that being able to offer an excellent customer experience and provide their clients with much-needed reassurance while planning their upcoming winter vacation with confidence were equally important factors in their decision. Should the Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft become available during the course of the winter, the company will evaluate opportunities to add capacity or reintegrate them into the fleet at that time.
Vietnam Airlines strengthens Delta Air Lines codeshare pact
Delta Air Lines has expanded its codeshare partnership with Vietnam Airlines. It marks the first revision to its existing relationship since Vietnam aviation received Category 1 status earlier this year. Delta will add its code to Vietnam Airlines' Hanoi-Tokyo route from October. "The upgrade into a two-way partnership allows passengers to book a codeshare flight and fulfil flight formalities only once for their entire journey through either Vietnam Airlines or Delta Air Lines," Vietnam Airlines said.
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