LOT is acquiring 6 more Boeing 737 MAX 8s as part of its fleet modernization plans. The airline said June 6 the aircraft are being taken on 9-year operating leases from Kuwaiti lessor ALAFCO. Five will be delivered this year, with the final example in 2020. LOT is already in the process of receiving a batch of MAX 8s from US-based Air Lease Corp.; the first and second were delivered in Dec 2017; another is scheduled to be delivered this month, while the final one will arrive in May 2019. The new 737 variants will serve on what LOT classifies as mid-haul routes, to destinations such as London, Madrid, Frankfurt and Tel Aviv. The airline said the aircraft have already proved highly popular with passengers and will strengthen its position in the central and eastern Europe region. <br/>
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Air China has signed a joint venture agreement with Air Canada to enhance its position in the fast-growing Sino-Canada market. According to the JV, signed in Beijing June 6, Air China will strengthen its cooperation with Air Canada to optimise slots and airfares, conduct joint sales and marketing promotional activities, collaborate on frequent flyer programs, and enhance airport lounge services on Sino-Canada routes. “The Sino-Canada market is one of the most important markets for Air China, which has experienced fast growth in recent years as passenger boardings increased 17.8% in 2017," Air China chairman Cai Jianjiang said. Air Canada CE Calin Rovinescu said the deal with Air China is an important strategy for the Canadian carrier’s international expansion. <br/>
Ethiopia said Tuesday it would open its state-run telecoms monopoly and state-owned Ethiopian Airlines to private domestic and foreign investment, a major policy shift that will loosen the state's grip on the economy. The East African nation of 100m people has one of the most closed and controlled economies in Africa. The ruling EPRDF coalition, in power since 1991, has long supported deep state involvement in the economy. But the EPRDF said Tuesday that Ethiopia needed economic reforms to sustain rapid growth and boost its exports. "While majority stakes will be held by the state, shares in Ethio Telecom, Ethiopian Airlines, Ethiopian Power, and the Maritime Transport and Logistics Corporation will be sold to both domestic and foreign investors," it said. <br/>