China Southern Airlines Chairman Si Xian Min resigned as chief of Asia’s largest carrier, two months after the Communist Party said he’s under investigation for "serious" discipline violations, a phrase used often to refer to corruption or bribery. Si resigned as board chairman, executive director and from the strategic decision-making and nomination committees, the Guangzhou-based carrier said Friday. He was suspected of having "severely violated the rules," the Communist Party’s Central Commission for Discipline Inspection said Nov. 4. The carrier’s board also said it approved Nov. 5 the vice chairman taking over the chairman’s duties. "Si Xian Min confirms that he has no disagreement in any respect with the board and the company, and there is no matter relating to his resignation that should be brought to the attention of the shareholders of the company," the airline said.<br/>
sky
Garuda Indonesia is expecting a revenue increase of 24% this year amid expectations of an improving economy. Garuda financial director IGN Askhara Danadiputra said that many factors would support hitting the target, including the country’s GDP, which was expected to fare better than last year. “The additional fleets and routes would also support the target,” he said, while adding that the final figures for last year’s revenues were still being audited. Garuda has aimed to add 15 aircraft to its fleet this year through a leasing scheme, according to Askhara. The new aircraft were also intended to aid the expansion of routes in this year’s changing strategy. Garuda president director Arif Wibowo stated that it would shift gears for international expansion starting this year with its “Sky Beyond” strategy.<br/>
Air France told unions that it’s ready to add planes and routes to expand capacity by 2 to 3% annually from 2017 through 2020 in return for productivity improvements as an improved economic outlook boosts earnings prospects. Management told representatives of pilots, flight attendants and ground staff at a works council meeting Friday that Air France remains prepared to adopt a growth strategy, even as it cuts 1,000 jobs this year after failing to secure a deal in earlier talks, said Gilles Gateau, the carrier’s human resources director. The new plan visages the addition of seven aircraft to Air France’s long-haul fleet during the period, with the introduction of one or two new destinations, Gateau said. That would permit an increase of about 10% in capacity and flight hours. “We are not giving an ultimatum,” Gateau said. “But the clock is ticking.”<br/>
Delta has hired Rahul Samant, American International Group’s chief digital officer, to replace retiring CIO Theresa Wise, the company confirmed Friday. Samant steps in as the airline’s CIO and senior VP in February, with Wise staying to oversee the transition, a company spokesperson said. As CIO, he will oversee efforts to “introduce cutting-edge technology, further integrate our platforms, ensure security and increase our speed to market for new products,” Delta CEO Richard Anderson said Wednesday in an internal memo announcing the move.<br/>