Finnair is content with its current fleet structure but indicates that it is more likely to lean towards older engine technology for updating its narrowbodies given the long delivery lead times and recent technical snags with new powerplants. CE Topi Manner, speaking during a 6 October briefing, said he was “happy with our fleet” for the “next couple of years”, pointing out that the airline had been “optimising the lifecycle and lifetime” of individual narrowbody aircraft during the pandemic. “Our technical operation is of very high quality in global comparison,” he says. “There’s lifetime still clearly in our narrobody fleet.” He points out a number of issues with renewing this fleet with direct orders from Airbus, Boeing or other airframers. “The delivery pipeline for all [manufacturers] is long – if you’d be ordering narrowbody aircraft you’d be needing to wait until [perhaps 2030]. Clearly that’s a consideration.” Manner also highlights the recent powder-metal manufacturing problem affecting Pratt & Whitney PW1100G engines. “During the short term with new technology there has clearly been some issues, and also the maintenance cost of these aircraft has been offsetting the fuel savings from the new engine technology,” he says. “For just now, and for some time still, I think we’re better off with the [previous engine options].” Should Finnair decide to take newer-generation aircraft, and want them faster, the leasing market would be available, he adds: “And certainly we’re observing that market.” CFO Kristian Pullola adds that the airline is content with the number and type of aircraft in the current fleet. “We also recognise, at some point in time, we’ll have a need to renew the narrowbody fleet,” he states. “That will be a long-term project, it will not result in immediate investment needs.” He says the narrowbodies are “quite broad” in terms of age, with 20 years between the oldest and youngest airframes. Finnair has been forced to adapt its business model not only as a result of the pandemic but also the closure of Russian airspace. The airline has adjusted its fleet – wet-leasing Airbus A320s to British Airways and A330s to Qantas – and entered a strategic co-operation with Qatar Airways.<br/>
oneworld
Australia's Qantas Airways said on Wednesday that its chairman Richard Goyder will step down in late 2024, as the embattled airline renews its board in an effort to restore trust among investors and fix its battered reputation. The Australian flag carrier has been beset with both legal and regulatory actions, that have led to growing calls from a number of unhappy investors for Goyder's resignation. Goyder, who became chairman in 2018, has previously fought against pressure to resign, including from the airline's pilots, saying that he had followed high ethics throughout his career. "As a board, we acknowledge the significant reputational and customer service issues facing the group and recognise that accountability is required to restore trust," Goyder said in a statement announcing that he will retire prior to the Annual General Meeting (AGM) in late 2024. The outgoing chair acknowledged the "difficult period" for the carrier since the COVID pandemic. "The recovery has not been easy, and mistakes were made. We again apologise for those times where we got it wrong." he said. Qantas announced in May that the non-executive director Michael L’Estrange will retire at this year’s AGM on Nov 3. To facilitate further renewal, Jacqueline Hey and Maxine Brenner will retire at the Qantas half-year results in February 2024 after 10 years of service, the statement said on Wednesday.<br/>