Cathay Dragon is pumping an additional HK$10b into its programme to buy aircraft, bringing the total investment up to HK$30b as it seeks up to 32 new Airbus or Boeing planes. The Asia-focused airline is seeking up to nine optional aircraft orders to be delivered ahead of the opening of the third runway at Hong Kong International Airport in 2024. The move by Cathay Dragon follows its initial HK$20b programme to replace its narrow-body aircraft. Meanwhile, its sister airline, Cathay Pacific, said it was committed to investing for its passengers in the face of a HK$575m loss last year. It is seeking HK$4b in savings in the next three years. Increasing aviation competition won’t stop travellers coming to Hong Kong, former Cathay boss says Extra money is being aimed at giving Cathay Pacific’s older lounges a fresh makeover. The lounges have brought global awards to the airline, one of Asia’s largest premium carriers. Cathay Pacific lounges in Shanghai, Beijing and Seoul are set to be renovated by 2019, while a new facility in Singapore and the latest Hong Kong airport lounge makeover are due to be unveiled later this year. The airline’s product general manager, James Evans, said the company was “committed to investing for the customer as we continue our review to renew Cathay Dragon’s narrow-body fleet and expand our acclaimed airport lounges”.<br/>
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A US federal bankruptcy judge in New York has approved the reorganization plan of Indianapolis-based Republic Airways Holdings, paving the way for Republic to exit Chapter 11 protection. The regional airline operator said it expects to emerge from Chapter 11 by the end of April. The company entered Chapter 11 in February 2016, saying it was the only way it could renegotiate contracts with major US airlines for which it operates regional flights. The renegotiations were necessary in part because of a “nationwide pilot shortage,” president and CEO Bryan Bedford said. During the bankruptcy reorganization process, Republic has renegotiated and extended capacity purchase agreements with Dallas/Fort Worth-based American Airlines, Atlanta-based Delta Air Lines and Chicago-based United Airlines. It also trimmed flying by about 100 flights daily from the 1,000 flights per day it operated at the start of 2016. It additionally removed 50-seat jets from its fleet; it now operates a fleet of 170 Embraer E170/175 aircraft. The two airlines that operated as Republic subsidiaries prior to the company’s Chapter 11 filing—Republic Airlines and Shuttle America—will now operate as a single carrier called “Republic Airline.” Republic will no longer be a publicly traded company.<br/>
Nok Air has received shareholder approval to raise 1.5b baht in fresh capital to support its revival efforts. The SET-listed struggling budget airline seeks the capital injection through the issuance of up to 625m ordinary shares, proportionate to existing shareholdings. The airline already secured commitments from its two largest shareholders -- Thai Airways International (THAI) and businessman Nuttapol Jurangkool, which hold 39.2% and 12.1%, respectively -- for the capital boost. Nok Air CE Patee Sarasin said other shareholders, including himself, are expected to subscribe to the new share issuance. THAI is ready to chip in 600m baht in the exercise. Nok Air has paid-up capital of 650m, said Patee. "The money will go a long way to allow us to return to the black over the next two years," he said. Patee confirmed he will remain the airline's chief executive and does not feel pressured by parties to step down, following media speculation last week. <br/>
A PHhilippine Airlines plane was forced to make an emergency landing at Sydney Airport on Sunday afternoon. Flight PR212 was meant to depart the airport at 12.45pm, but was forced to make an emergency landing about 2.10pm. The plane was later towed away from the runway, Nine reported. No-one was injured. Philippine Airlines said the emergency landing was due to “operational requirements”.<br/>