Boeing is making “steady progress” to complete the terms of an 80-jetliner sale to Iran Air and expects to deliver the initial planes next year, the first US aircraft exports to Iran since the country’s revolution in 1979. “That remains on track,” CE Dennis Muilenburg said Monday. “It’s really important that at every step of the process, we’re working on this hand-in-hand with the US govt.” The US$16.6b deal with Iran Air and a separate US$3b agreement with Iran Aseman Airlines bring 2 of president Donald Trump’s initiatives into conflict: his campaign vows to “get tough” on Iran and his promise to bolster US exports supporting thousands of manufacturing jobs. Airbus already has delivered the initial planes in a $19b sale struck last year after a nuclear accord with Iran lifted some international restrictions on trade with the country. <br/>
unaligned
WestJet said it has become the first Canadian airline to receive IATA New Distribution Capability (NDC) level 2 certification, confirming the carrier's ability to send and receive NDC messages. NDC is an IATA-led initiative to enhance the capability of communications between airlines and travel agents. According to WestJet, “NDC paves the way for travel agents and travel management companies to add value to their customers by being able to access all relevant aspects of the WestJet experience from cabin details and baggage allowance to upgrade options, as well as book flights and ancillaries such as meals and selecting seats from WestJet.” <br/>
WestJet has appointed Bob Cummings as EVP of its yet-to-be-named ULCC, which will launch late in 2017 or early 2018 with an initial fleet of 10 “high-density” Boeing 737-800s. Cummings has been with WestJet since 2005, with almost 11 years at the EVP level with a variety of responsibilities, the company said. He will be accountable for all aspects of this new venture, including planning, branding, pricing, product development and operationalisation. He will also continue to drive other key strategic initiatives for WestJet. He takes on the new role May 29. WestJet CE Gregg Saretsky had said previously that WestJet has grown “beyond its low-cost roots,” serving more than 100 destinations globally and now needs to offer a separate product to capture Canada’s most price-sensitive passengers.” <br/>
Hawaiian Airlines unveiled an updated brand identity and the freshly painted livery of a Boeing 717, the first of its fleet of more than 50 aircraft that will feature the new design. Hawaiian’s president and CE Mark Dunkerley said the new livery “acknowledges our place as Hawaii’s airline and underscores the commitment our employees make every day to provide our guests with a gracious and genuine island welcome.” In addition to the refreshed livery, Hawaiian said travellers across the carrier’s US and international networks will begin to see the new logo throughout their journey—on web and digital assets, airport lobby signage and kiosks, and at boarding gates. Painting of all aircraft and ground service equipment is scheduled to be completed by 2020. <br/>
Dubai Aerospace Enterprise (DAE) signed long-term lease agreements May 1 for 10 ATR 72-600 regional turboprops with Air India regional subsidiary Alliance Air. The aircraft are scheduled to deliver throughout 2017 and will be used to grow Alliance Air’s network. The carrier is particularly focused on serving underserved or unserved airports in India as part of the Indian govt’s Regional Connectivity Scheme. Alliance Air is 1 of 5 airlines selected to serve routes under this scheme and will be the first to start services under its auspices. The deal comes just weeks after DAE acquired a large portfolio of ATRs from GE Capital Aviation Services. The lessor has said it plans to own up to 100 of the turboprops. At present it has 57 owned and committed ATR 72-600s in its fleet. <br/>
Republic Airways Holdings has emerged from Chapter 11 restructuring, effective April 30. Republic said it will be closely held by certain unsecured creditors as outlined in its court-approved plan of reorganisation. The company entered Chapter 11 in Feb 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 CE Bryan Bedford said. As of March 31, Republic operated a fleet of 170 Embraer E170/E175 dual-class aircraft and expects to expand its fleet by more than 10% by the end of the year with the delivery of 18 additional E-Jet aircraft. “We have streamlined the airline around a single fleet of E-Jets and a single operating certificate,” Bedford said. <br/>