Ryanair is under investigation over a “jab and go” advert urging customers to book Easter flights, with Britain’s advertising watchdog probing whether the ad breached its rules. The Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) said it had received around 1,600 complaints about the ad so far. Complainants said the ad “misleadingly suggests that the vaccine will have been successfully rolled out across the population by spring/summer and that travel restrictions won’t apply by then,” according to the ASA. They also claim the ad “is offensive and irresponsible as, in their view, it trivialises the effect of the pandemic on individuals and society,” the watchdog said. The body said it will publish its findings “in due course.” The ad was televised and also appeared on the airline’s website. The advert voiceover said: “Vaccines are coming, so book your Easter and summer holidays today with Ryanair. One million seats on sale for €19.99 to sunshine destinations in Spain, Italy, Portugal, Greece and many more — so you can jab and go.” Ryanair has previously confirmed that it will not ask passengers for proof of vaccinations when travelling on its service.<br/>
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Korean low-cost carrier T’way Air has signed a Letter of Intent to acquire Airbus A330-300s, as it looks to tap into the medium- to long-haul market. In an announcement made on 18 December, the carrier states that it will take delivery of its first example in the second half of the year, and will operate three A330s by the end of the year. It intends to operate the aircraft to destinations “beyond the limitations” of current low-cost carrier routes, including to Sydney, Singapore, Honolulu, as well as to unspecified points in Malaysia and Croatia. T’way notes that the timeline to launch these routes will be subject to improvements in the coronavirus situation. The A330s will also be introduced on existing routes “with insufficient capacity” during peak seasons, the carrier adds.<br/>
Sichuan Airlines has signed a five-year agreement with Honeywell for APUs on its Airbus A320 fleet. The deal will cover the outfitting of 93 incoming A320 aircraft by 2025, as well as the retrofitting of the Chinese carrier’s existing fleet of 141 A320 family aircraft, with Honeywell’s 131-9A APU. The retrofit is the largest such deal in Honeywell’s history, the company states. It adds: “The 131-9A APU will help Sichuan Airlines reduce flight delays and cancellations, creating a more pleasant flying experience for passengers.” Honeywell Aerospace president for Asia-Pacific Steven Lien says: ““We see a strong recovery and large potential for China’s aviation industry, as well as local airlines’ growing competitiveness worldwide. Honeywell is committed to supporting this market, providing customers with exceptional solutions and equipping local support teams to help them create value and improve efficiency.”<br/>
AirAsia Group Bhd has completed the disposal of 32.67% of its stake in AirAsia (India) Ltd to Tata Sons Private Ltd for US$37.66m cash. The transaction, which was completed on Dec 31,2020, reduced AirAsia Group’s interest in AAI to 16.33%, which it held through its wholly owned subsidiary AirAsia Investment. AAI is a joint venture between TSL and AirAsia Group. AirAsia Group president (airlines) Bo Lingam said: “This transaction is in line with our initiatives towards reducing cash utilisation for the group and will allow us to use cash to grow market share in our core markets in Asean, particularly in Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia and the Philippines as well as for our future expansion into Cambodia, Myanmar and Vietnam.” According to Bo, AirAsia Group has been reviewing its forward business strategy regularly, including its investment in AAI. “This transaction will ensure strict cost containment for AirAsia Group in the short term, and strengthen our presence in Asean, while continuing our market dominance for travel from Asean to India and North Asia, ” he explained. “India will remain an important market for AirAsia. TSL has been an excellent partner and we look forward to continue working closely together in other areas of growth.”<br/>