Icelandic budget carrier Play has turned in a heavy full-year loss, but insists the overhaul of its business model is starting to show results. The airline generated a net loss of $66m for 2024 – approaching double the previous year’s $35m – on revenues which were up 4% to $292m. It attributes the weak performance to a “disappointing” summer, with overcapacity on the North Atlantic market and the effects of seismic activity earlier in the year. But Play states that its fourth quarter demonstrated a “positive shift” following its disclosure last October that it would move away from hub-and-spoke operations to focus on leisure traffic, charters and wet-leasing. The carrier claims evidence of an “improving trajectory” at the end of last year, as a result of the decision. Over the fourth quarter Play’s revenue declined 10% to $59m as it reduced the number of aircraft in its scheduled operation. But its operating loss for the three months reduced by 23% to $15.3m, and its pre-tax loss also improved – although the net loss more than doubled to nearly $40m, owing to a write-off of deferred tax assets. Load factor, passenger yields and unit revenues were all up in the fourth quarter.<br/>
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Saudia, the national flag carrier of Saudi Arabia, has announced a significant expansion of its global flight network, adding more than 10 new destinations for 2025. This strategic growth, fueled by a 16% increase in international guest numbers last year, reflects the airline’s commitment to connecting the world and meeting increasing global travel demand. The new destinations offer a diverse range of options, spanning Europe, the Middle East, and Asia. The additions to Saudia’s network include Vienna (Austria), Venice (Italy), Larnaca (Cyprus), Athens and Heraklion (Greece), Nice (France), Malaga (Spain), Bali (Indonesia), Antalya (Turkey), El Alamein (Egypt), and Salalah (Oman). These destinations join Saudia’s existing network of over 100 destinations across four continents. H.E. Engr. Ibrahim Al-Omar, Director General of Saudia Group, said, “Following last year’s operational success, we’ve implemented a strategic plan for 2025 to ensure continued excellence and meet rising international travel demand. Our destination selection is based on comprehensive feasibility studies and guest preferences. We are committed to providing our international guests with exceptional travel experiences that combine comfort, efficiency, and authentic Saudi hospitality.”<br/>
The chief of Jeju Air has undergone police questioning over the deadly December crash of the company's passenger jet that claimed 179 lives, officials said Monday. The Jeonnam Provincial Police recently questioned CEO Kim E-bae as a witness over the crash at Muan International Airport in Muan, South Jeolla Province, on Dec. 29. Of the total 181 people on board, only two survived. Police are said to have focused their questioning on the operations and safety management of the aircraft of the crash, with Kim reportedly saying there had been no issues regarding the safety, maintenance or operation of the jet. Police have called in various officials from the budget carrier, the airport, the transport ministry and relevant agencies to investigate the exact cause of the accident. They are currently focusing their investigation on the airport's localizer that the aircraft crashed into.<br/>
SpiceJet does not rule out acquiring widebody aircraft for long-haul operations in the future, as it looks to build back capacity while working through its financial challenges. Airline chief Ajay Singh, speaking in Singapore at the Aviation Festival Asia 2025 event, says the low-cost operator “will need to eventually” look at widebody aircraft and begin long-haul operations, given the “tremendous demand” in India. “We are discussing with major manufacturers, and we are discussing widebody orders with them as well…we need to be prepared for that, and we are certainly looking at that,” Singh states. His comments come amid a flurry of widebody orders from Indian carriers. In 2023, national carrier Air India placed large orders with Boeing and Airbus for new aircraft, including 777s, 787s and A350s. A year later, low-cost giant IndiGo ordered 30 A350s, marking its foray into widebody operations. Singh points out that SpiceJet, which predominantly operates 737s, “has had experience” in long-haul operations during the Covid-19 pandemic, where it wet-leased widebodies for repatriation and charter flights. “Once we stabilise our operations, certainly, that’s the space we want to look at,” he states, without disclosing more. SpiceJet hit an operational milestone in late-January, with the return to service of its first Boeing 737 Max 8 that had been grounded over unpaid dues to lessors. By April, it anticipates another three more Max 8s will return to service. The 737 Max’s return to service is essential to the airline, which notes that the type allows it to operate to “high-demand markets” like Jeddah and Riyadh in Saudi Arabia “without any operational restrictions”.<br/>
Cambodia's national flag carrier Air Cambodia has launched a new route connecting the capital Phnom Penh with Thailand's Bangkok, said an airline press release on Tuesday. "On Feb. 17, 2025, Air Cambodia inaugurated a new flight between Phnom Penh and Bangkok, carrying a total of more than 300 passengers for the first round-trip," the press release said. "Passengers were warmly welcomed with souvenirs and commemorative photos on the first flight," it added. The airline has used Airbus 320 or 321 aircraft to operate daily flights between the two destinations, the press release said. "Onboard services will include complimentary snacks and a luggage allowance of up to 32 kg," it said. "Moreover, we offer a business class service at a very reasonable price." Zhan David, vice chairman and CEO of Air Cambodia, said that Air Cambodia is the only Cambodian airline to have obtained a three-star rating from the global aviation ranking agency, Skytrax.<br/>