US regional carrier Air Wisconsin plans to lay off hundreds of workers as it pivots from operating on behalf of American Airlines to charter and essential air service (EAS) flying. With Appleton-based Air Wisconsin’s capacity purchase agreement with American set to expire on 3 April, the company is planning to lay off 219 managers and salaried employees at its office in Milwaukee and 294 union-represented pilots, flight attendants, dispatchers, machinists and others in Appleton. ”At this time, the reductions are expected to be temporary for our unionised employees and permanent for management/salaried employees,” Air Wisconsin says in a 30 January filing with the Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development. The layoffs may begin as soon as 31 March and continue for two weeks after. Air Wisconson’s pilots are represented by the Air Line Pilots Association, International. Its flight attendants are members of the Association of Flights Attendants, while its clerical, office, fleet and passenger-service employees are represented by the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace workers. Meanwhile, the company is pursuing “alternative flying opportunities”, which it expects to disclose in coming weeks. Air Wisconsin has been operating its fleet of 60 MHIRJ CRJ200 regional jets under the American Eagle brand since entering an agreement with American in March 2023. But the regional airline disclosed last month it was winding down its agreement with American and instead transitioning to a codeshare and interline relationship with the major US carrier. <br/>
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Privately held Brazilian airline Voepass Linhas Aéreas filed for preparatory creditors protection on Monday, a legal measure that could potentially lead to bankruptcy protection proceedings. One of the company's planes crashed near São Paulo in August, killing all 62 people on board. In a press release on Monday, Voepass said that its finances have been impacted by the crash as well as by industry setbacks. "In mid-2024, Voepass had an extensive network and financial health conducive to continuing its planned expansion, which was disrupted by the tragic accident of flight 2283 last August," the company said. Latin American airlines have faced numerous challenges since the COVID-19 pandemic, forcing many of them to restructure their debts. Voepass said in the statement that the request for preparatory protection aims to organize both the company's debts and cash flow. The airline also noted that the measure would not affect the compensation processes for the accident, nor would it impact current routes, ticket sales or reservations.<br/>
Jazeera Airways has announced its financial results for 2024, reporting a net profit of KD10.2m ($33m), a significant 66.2% increase compared to the previous year. The airline’s operating revenue rose by 5.3% to KD208.6m, while EBIT surged by 46.8% to KD17.3m. Passenger numbers continued their upward trend, demonstrating the most active year on record - exceeding 4.9m—an increase of 5.1% from 2023, supported by a strong summer travel demand. The airline also achieved a load factor of 78.4%, reflecting high seat occupancy. In Q4 2024, group operating revenue climbed 15% to KD 45.1m, with quarterly losses reduced by 41.1% to KD 4.2m, compared to KD 7.14m in Q4 2023. This was mainly driven by improved revenues and measures implemented to increase operating efficiency. Jazeera Airways Board of Directors recommended a dividend distribution of 40 fils per share.<br/>
Korean investigators probing the Air Busan Airbus A321 fire at Gimhae airport have started an on-site inspection of the aircraft, having opted against removing the fuel beforehand. The aircraft, which was preparing for departure to Hong Kong on 28 January, suffered extensive damage to its fuselage. It had been docked at international apron stand 55L which, according to the aeronautical information publication for Gimhae airport, is almost adjacent to a fire station located just 150m to the south. While the wings were untouched, the aircraft’s tanks were loaded with 16,300kg (35,900lb) of fuel, presenting a potential explosion hazard to investigators. Korean accident investigators carried out a risk assessment in co-operation with French counterparts and other specialised agencies, including a safety check of the fuselage and cargo compartment. Although the decision was made not to drain the fuel, other components such as oxygen tanks have been removed, and passenger baggage retrieved from the cargo hold. As a result, the Korean transport ministry says, the on-site inspection commenced on 3 February. “Collected evidence was photographed, catalogued, classified and visually analysed,” it adds. This evidence will be transferred to investigative facilities for identification and examination.<br/>