Low-Fare & Regional Vol 36 No 2 April/May 2019 www.laranews.net

Pilot years serving Training the industry Special • A smarter way • Tech to teach • Cost-effective procedures ATR 600 The timeless regional turboprop connect together embrace your loved ones wherever they are

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205x273-LowFareRegionalAirlines.indd 1 07/03/2019 14:01 3 IN THIS ISSUE

24 ATR – 600 SERIES 55 CARGO OPERATIONS Powering Forwards Cashing in on cargo mods Low-Fare & Regional Airlines Vol 36 No 2 April/May 2019 www.laranews.net Fighting off competition in regional ʻWithdrawn from passenger routesʼ markets and ambitiously pursuing new doesn’t mean the end of flying opportunities, ATR has a bold view of the for certain airliners. A new lease of life future, and with plans for a short take-off hauling cargo beckons. and landing variant, the OEM is primed Pilot years serving Training the industry and ready to go. 58 AVIATION FESTIVAL ASIA Special • A smarter way • Tech to teach Low-cost long haul? • Cost-effective procedures 29 LEASING The concept of LCC’s entering the long-haul ATR 600 market seems an idea doomed to fail. Emma The timeless Taking the lessor route regional turboprop Choosing to lease aircraft is one way to Kelly was in Singapore for this year’s Aviation develop a fleet. Bernie Baldwin reports on Festival Asia to hear the pros and cons. COVER some of the available options. Making connections: For 35 years, LARA has 60 REGIONAL FOCUS – AVIATION AFRICA been keeping step with the dynamic events Unlocking Africa’s aviation potential and developments of the low-fare and regional Chloë Greenbank reports from this year’s aviation industry. Aviation Africa summit in Rwanda and finds out that where there are challenges, there are also opportunities within the NEWS & FEATURES continent’s aviation sector.

4 COMMENT 63 FIVE QUESTIONS TO... With a recent collapse and new ...Menzies Aviation launches in mind, what is the future for Robert Fordree, senior vice-president, low-cost, long haul operators? Commercial, offers his insights on the ground handling specialist’s next steps. 6 NEWS EASA grounds Boeing 737 MAX; Garuda 64 AERO-TECH TRENDS pulls out of 737 order; Airbus A220 flight- TRAINING SPECIAL AirAsia; AMOS; Boeing; FLYdocs; Lufthansa simulator for airBaltic; JAL confirms ZIPAIR Technik; and RUAG Australia. long-haul LCC launch; Going good for 33 PILOT TRAINING MRJ certification flights; FANS-C first for Smarter pilot training to meet demand 66 NEW APPOINTMENTS AND easyJet A320; Wizz Air’s first A321neo; WOW In a trio of articles, we examine the EVENTS DIARY Air ceases trading; ERA reforms taking place within pilot training, Air Navigation Solutions; AJW Group; CDB Conference review. and the new techniques and tools being Aviation; Embraer; easyJet; IATA; Lufthansa introduced to produce better pilots more Technik Shenzhen; Mitsubishi Aircraft 16 CELEBRATING 35 YEARS OF LARA cost effectively. Corporation; Volaris; WNG Capital. No longer just a niche Reporting on the LCC and regional airline industry isn’t without its challenges 45 IT IN MRO and dramas – but for now, it’s time to Maintaining control celebrate. Emma Kelly reports on the latest IT applications to assist in managing your 20 JETBLUE AIRLINES MRO requirements. Nothing ventured, nothing gained IN THE NEXT ISSUE Since its launch, JetBlue has thought 50 SEATING TECHNOLOGY l Propulsion Systems outside of the box when it comes to Making in-seat power more economic l Landing Gear, Wheels and Brakes building customer loyalty or keeping its The demand for passenger’s bringing their l Revenue Management eye on costs. Kathryn B. Creedy gadgets onboard has seen a steady rise in l Booking, Pricing and Distribution explores how the airline’s innovative airlines having to up their tech-capability l Ancillary Revenues approach is all part of a long-term plan. to cope with the demand. l Safety

laranews.net April/May 2019 LARA 4 COMMENT

Just do it…

Incredibly, a new concept is being introduced into the competitive arena of the LCC market – the long-haul low-cost carrier. Many EDITORIAL operators may question the idea, but the fact that this type of carrier tel: +44 1252 545993 is being discussed in boardrooms within the airline industry indicates Editor: Glenn Sands [email protected] awareness of the potential impact, both positive and negative.

Senior Reporter: Kimberley Young But key issues certainly need to be explored. For example, are [email protected] passengers prepared to handover the ‘theatre’ and ‘tech comforts’ of Asia-Pacific Correspondent: Emma Kelly flying long-haul to save a few dollars? [email protected] tel: +61 8 9291 9089 Japan Airlines (JAL) certainly think they are and committed to the concept back in May 2018. While few official details have been announced, it once again Contributors: Bernie Baldwin, Henry Canaday, Kathryn B. Creedy. appears that Far East and Asian operators are leading the way while European airline CEOs ADVERTISING SALES & MARKETING look on. tel: +44 1252 545993 The doubters are certain that there simply won’t be enough passengers prepared to endure Sales Manager: Toby Walton a flight of more than five hours with an LCC, and that they will prefer to remain with the [email protected] established conveniences of economy class. A flawed and overconfident outlook perhaps? It Marketing and Communications Manager: Laura Andrews [email protected] will be a case of waiting to see what happens. Japan’s business-savvy passengers requiring trans-Pacific services to North America and PRODUCTION & DESIGN tel: +44 1252 545993 destinations in Europe will no doubt be keen to climb onboard the new concept. But JAL has

Production and Design Editor: Steve Lodewyke already confirmed that its new LCC will need outside investors, possibly even before its first [email protected] commercial flight. Graphic Designer: Paul Firth The current crop of long-haul LCCs are weathering the storm and remain confident that [email protected] the short-term upheaval is worth the potential gains, as long as the wait for those gains is CIRCULATION not too long. Subscription Enquiries: TM [email protected] Tony Fernandes is chief executive officer of the Malaysia-based AirAsia Group, which currently tel: +44 1252 545993 fax: +44 1252 408674 operates a Kuala Lumpur to Hawaii via Osaka route within the long-haul LCC category. He TRUEngine. MANAGEMENT views it as essential that types such as the A330neo and Boeing 787 are utilised to make such [email protected] Managing Director: Mark Howells operations profitable. Protect your asset. Director: Becky Howells But beyond the aircraft, investment in technology across the board to make regular long- LARA is published six times per year – in February/March, April/May, June/July, August/September, October/November and December/ haul LCC operations efficient and reduce operating costs to the airline is the way forward. It’s January – by HMG Aerospace Ltd. Distribution of LARA is carefully Think outside the box controlled for industry-related individuals. simply a case of which other airline operators will take a deep breath, step out on to the tarmac Non-qualifiers can subscribe annually for £100. and invest in a new idea during these uncertain times. Articles and information contained in this publication are the copyright of HMG Aerospace Ltd and may not be reproduced in any form without the written permission of the publishers. But, one thing that is certain: LARA continues to lead the way in providing Optimum performance isn’t just about individual parts. It’s about the entire engine system. TRUEngine qualification is available for CFM Member of the best coverage of the LCC and regional airline market – a role it has engines maintained to our precise standards. This assures expedited been performing for 35 years. Hard to believe, but during this time the technical support, unmatched product knowledge and peace of mind. LCC and regional carrier industry has gone through a revolution with Strategic partner With as much as 50% higher residual value*, it’s easy to see how our years serving passenger demand only set to increase. Throughout it all, LARA’s editorial TRUEngine program helps to protect your overall investment. the industry staff and contributors have reported on the good, the bad and the in-between of the industry. Take part now at www.cfmaeroengines.com/services

©HMG Aerospace Ltd 2019 ISSN 1753-0598 Its features and news coverage have earned the respect of airline CEOs, tech companies and *Based on CFM, GE and independent third-party research. operators. It’s been an interesting ‘flight’ and it’s time to pause, just for a moment, to celebrate CFM International is a 50/50 joint company between GE and Safran Aircraft Engines the 35 years with this issue, before we all get back to it! Well done LARA, here’s to the next 35. HMG Aerospace Ltd 103 Mytchett Road, Mytchett, Surrey, GU16 6ES, United Kingdom Tel: +44 1252 545993 Fax: +44 1252 408674 Glenn Sands – Editor www.hmgaerospace.com Unmatched Experience | World-Class Support | Exceptional Value LARA April/May 2019 @LARA_Editor

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decision by the UK is rumoured to have caused a rift within the industry and triggered similar imposed bans by other countries, which included Ireland, Austria and Switzerland. Usually EASA and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) co-ordinate action together, but each has differed in their response to the two Boeing crashes. “The UK Civil Aviation Authority has been closely monitoring the situation,” it said in a statement. “However, as we do not currently have sufficient information from the flight data recorder, we have, as a precautionary measure, issued instructions to stop any commercial passenger flights from any EASA grounds operators arriving, departing or overflying UK airspace.” The CAA confirmed that it remains “in close contact with the European Aviation Safety Agency and industry Boeing 737 MAX regulators globally.” On 12 March, the European Aviation Safety Four months before, on 29 October 2018, a APPROPRIATE ACTION Agency (EASA) decided to suspend all Lion Air 737 MAX 8 crashed off the coast of The decision by Germany was announced by Boeing 737 MAX flight operations in Europe, Indonesia. A preliminary report appears to Transport Minister Andreas Scheuer in a TV “as a precautionary measure” and show the Manoeuvring Characteristics interview and later confirmed by the “following the tragic accident of Ethiopian Augmentation System, introduced on the ministry. German air traffic said the MAX ban Airlines flight ET302,” according to an EASA MAX, had played a role in the chain of events. in the country could last up to three months. Airworthiness Directive statement. The decision by EASA was headed by France has no airline operating the type but The agency also issued a safety directive individual European Union member states, stated that it would close its airspace as a suspending all 737 MAX operations by non- which decided on 12 March to ban 737 MAX precaution until further notice or European airlines into and out of the region. operations. The UK was first, followed by information becomes available. Both decisions took effect at 19:00 UTC on Germany and France. The early unilateral Prior to Europe’s reaction, Australia, 12 March. Indonesia, Singapore, Malaysia and China EASA said that it’s “continuously analysing had already banned the 737 MAX. Airlines the data as it becomes available. The operating the type, including Aeromexico, accident investigation is currently ongoing, “Safety is our number Brazil’s GOL, Icelandair, Ethiopian and and it is too early to draw any conclusions as one priority and we Norwegian also decided to stop operating to the cause of the accident.” the type until further notice. This was in reference to the 10 March have full confidence Boeing’s initial reaction to the groundings crash of Ethiopian flight 302 near Addis and bans was: “safety is our number one Ababa in which all 157 onboard were killed. in the safety of the priority and we have full confidence in the The cockpit voice and flight data recorders safety of the 737 MAX series. We understand have been recovered from the crash site, but 737 MAX series.” that regulatory agencies and customers data analysis has only just begun. Boeing have made decisions that they believe are

LARA April/May 2019 @news_LARA 7 NEWS most appropriate for their home markets. Dan Elwell, the FAA’s acting administrator The 737 MAX series is the backbone for We’ll continue to engage with them to spoke to reporters after the order was many regional airlines and the grounding ensure they have the information needed to released and made it clear that the FAA has had a significant effect on their have confidence in operating their fleets. made the decision to ground the aircraft. networks. Within Europe, Norwegian has The FAA is not mandating any further action “The FAA is the safety authority for been the most affected with its fleet of 18 at this time, and based on the information emergency airworthiness directives and aircraft currently not in operation. A currently available, we do not have any orders,” he said. “FAA made the decision.” representative from the airline said it’s basis to issue new guidelines to operators.” working on re-allocating other aircraft on However, just 24 hours later, following WRITING ON THE WALL MAX routes, liaising with passengers and considerable pressure by operators around US president Donald Trump announced the combining flights to reduce the impact on the world, Boeing recommended to the FAA move in the White House briefing on 13 daily operations. a temporary suspension of operations of the March. He said: “I didn’t want to make this The FAA stated on 11 March that “the entire global fleet of 371 737 MAX aircraft. decision today, but I felt it was important investigation into the cause of the accident The aircraft manufacturer stated that psychologically and in a lot of other ways. has only just begun and to date we have not after consultation with the FAA and NTSB, We just thought it was the right thing to do.” been provided data to draw any conclusions and other aviation authorities and its Trump had spoken to both Boeing and or take any actions.” The authority has customers, it decided to suspend operations US-based MAX operators and they “agreed issued a Continued Airworthiness of the MAX fleet. it’s the right move.” Notification to the International Community. Garuda pulls out of order for 737 Garuda Indonesia is reported to be no longer have confidence in the plane.” Reports suggest the manufacturer would cancelling its order for 49 Boeing 737 MAX 8 The airline had intended on purchasing up make it compulsory for airlines purchasing aircraft and choosing another aircraft type. to 50 737 MAX aircraft, and had so far taken the aircraft to have one of two optional The cancellation would mark the first formal delivery of one. safety features installed. The equipment action by an airline to rescind an order for Boeing is continuing to support the would alert pilots of faulty information from the 737 MAX 8 following the Ethiopian investigation of the Ethiopian Airlines key sensors throughout the aircraft. Airlines accident. accident, and while investigators work to Boeing has been working closely with the Media reports have quoted airline establish definitive conclusions, Boeing has Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) on representatives as stating that a letter has been finalising the development of a development, planning and certification of been sent to Boeing requesting the software update and pilot training revision the software enhancement which will be cancellation. Garuda hopes to switch its that will address the Manoeuvring deployed across the 737 MAX fleet. The FAA order to another Boeing model, which Characteristics Augmentation System says it anticipates mandating the software Garuda spokesman Ikhsan Rosan, said is (MCAS) flight control law’s behaviour in enhancement with an Airworthiness because: “Garuda passengers in Indonesia response to erroneous sensor inputs. Directive no later than April.

laranews.net April/May 2019 LARA 8 NEWS

executives have pledged to settle it within one month. Saurya soars again Due to the airline’s inability to settle its accounts, the airport halted all its flights on 6 December 2018. Saurya Airlines operates a pair of CRJ-200s on a domestic network covering, as of March 2019, Siddharthangar and Biratnagar. Prior to the grounding, the airline also flew to Nepalgunj, Dhangarhi, Rajbiraj and Bharatpur. Nepalese domestic regional carrier Saurya The airline’s total debt to the airport Despite the recent setback, the airline Airlines resumed its operations on 8 March amounts to US$355,000, of which it has intends to add three turboprops to its fleet in following a significant grounding period due to already settled $45,000. The airport operator 2020. After it had been grounded in December, its inability to settle the debt it owed to its has given the airline two months to settle the Saurya Airlines was purchased by India’s Kuber Kathmandu airport operator. outstanding amount, although airline Group for a reported US$5.6 million.

New Airbus A220 flight-simulator for airBaltic

Latvian airline airBaltic has ordered an Airbus A220 Level D full flight simulator from CAE. The new CAE 7000XR Series simulator is scheduled for delivery by the end of 2019. Martin Gauss, CEO of airBaltic, said: “Introducing a single fleet type of up to 80 Airbus A220-300 aircraft also means that as an airline we have to train hundreds of existing and future pilots. A state-of-the-art full-flight simulator located right next to our headquarters will provide the desired training simplicity and cost reductions. “The new simulator will add to the uniqueness of the airBaltic training. There are only two Airbus A220 simulators in Europe. This will be the newest of its type in the world,” continued Gauss. Nick Leontidis, CAE’s group president for civil aviation training solutions, stated: “airBaltic is one of the most forward-thinking airlines in Europe, and we are happy to be supporting the airline’s impressive growth with our best-in-class training solutions.” The simulator will be based at airBaltic’s Training facilities at Riga Airport and it is the first new full-flight simulator ever purchased by a Latvian company. The business plan for its purchase and operation was approved by airBaltic’s senior supervisory board. The airline has ordered a fully equipped simulator that will include a 60-inch Stroke Electric Motion System along with a four-million-megapixel LED projector system and dual head-up displays. The CAE7000XR Series FFS is equipped with CAE Tropos 6000XR visual system for added realism. The new purchase will support the growing demand for pilots needed by the airline. airBaltic Training is a subsidiary of airBaltic and is a training facility offering aviation services in its purpose-built facility in Riga, Latvia. The site trains around 3,000 people a year including pilots, cabin crew, ground handlers and security personnel. Read our Training Special, starting on page 33.

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Zipping ahead as a new long-haul LCC

Japan Airlines (JAL) confirmed the launch of ‘Trust Green’ have been selected, to represent Bangkok and Seoul from summer 2020. It’s its new long-haul, low-cost carrier with a a balance between satisfaction with the cost of expected that both routes and fleet will grow scheduled introduction into service in the services and to provide a sense of safety. rapidly once the airline is up and running. summer of 2020. President of JAL, Shingo On the choice of name, ZIPAIR Tokyo has Nishida did confirm that the company will Nishida, announced the name of the new stated that the ZIP part was chosen to add two Boeing 787-8s to the fleet each year, venture as ZIPAIR Tokyo. describe speed, “such as how fast time can and they are considering adding routes to The new JAL carrier means the airline pass when travelling on a unique airline.” It Europe and North America in the future. During should be operating in time for the 2020 Tokyo says the name also incorporates the idea of the press announcement, he added: “We aim Olympics and Paralympics. Crucially, this will travelling to various ZIP codes. ZIPAIR chose to cross the Pacific, in the near future.” enable JAL to fend off any competition from to add the word Tokyo because “the airline He explained how few LCCs currently Air Asia X and Singapore’s Scoot in order to will be based in one of the most advanced provide service on the trans-Pacific routes. grab their share of the budget market heading cities in the world.” LCCs make up only 10% of domestic flights in to Japan for the games. When it launches, ZIPAIR will comprise a Japan, and it’s anticipated that this will As part of announcement, Nishida unveiled fleet of just two Boeing 787-8s. JAL has applied increase to 30% within the next decade. the logo of the new airline and branding which for an AOC under Article 100 of Aviation Law to See our report, ‘Low-cost long haul?’ from will go with it. The tones ‘Harmony Grey’ and operate these two aircraft on routes to the Aviation Festival Asia on page 58.

Mitsubishi conducting certification flights with MRJ90

Mitsubishi’s Regional Jet (MRJ) has started JA24MJ, made two flights on 3 March and four incorporate new technology that’s not available its regional certification flights. The company flights this year. on the MRJ90. confirmed that the tests are providing ‘good After several frustrating years and The MRJ series carries huge significance for results’. But declined to elaborate on any numerous delays, the certification tests Japan. It marks the beginning of a 70-year- specific details. demonstrate that the programme is making long plan to put the country at the head of the Representatives from Mitsubishi stated: steady progress toward service entry in 2020, large commercial aircraft market. The “We have begun certification flight tests, in with the launch customer All Nippon Airways. company has already stated that it’s not line with our plans to begin early this year.” Mitsubishi already has plans to supplement simply building a jetliner – it is building an Jeff Dronen, strategic communications the 90-seat MRJ90 with a derivative, the MRJ70, entire industry. director, said: “Certification flight testing will which is under development and will be ongoing, and we will continue to coordinate with the aviation authorities.” The testing is taking place at Mitsubishi’s facility at Moses Lake, Washington, USA. The company is believed to have at least four MRJ90 aircraft at the site. FlightAware data indicates that an aircraft, registration number

LARA April/May 2019 @news_LARA 11 NEWS

QAZAQ AIR signs up for Envision Social Media @news_LARA Kazakhstan’s newest airline, QAZAQ AIR has John Wainwright, technical director of signed up with Rusada’s maintenance QAZAQ AIR, said: “We are delighted to be @LARA_editor management software, Envision. working with Rusada and eager to go live Rusada will work closely with the airline to with Envision. Being a web-based solution deliver a seamless transition to the new means the software is truly device-agonstic, network allowing the carrier to focus on the and this is critical for us as we are looking to daily running of the airline. shift towards a digital MRO capability. The regional carrier, which launched in “We’re looking to add two additional 2015, operates a fleet of Bombardier Q400 Q400s to our fleet in the coming months, so turboprops to destinations across I’m glad we will have a sophisticated Kazakhstan including Astana, Atyrau, technology platform in place to support our Uralsk, Aktau and Zhezkazgan. continued growth.”

Q is for QAZAQ: The Kazakhstan carrier has ambitious plans for its fleet of Q400s, now supported by Rusada’s Envision MRO solution. Regional airports in Japan seeking promotion

A delegation from Japan’s National Tourism 2018 and 14.7% growth year on year, followed Organisation (JNTO) is seeking to raise the by the Philippines with around 504,000 profile of Japan’s smaller regional airports. visitors, an 18.8% yearly increase. Traffic from “These airports have small budgets, so we Singapore, Malaysia, Vietnam and Indonesia want to promote them by bringing them has steadily increased. JNTO has a special under the JNTO umbrella,” said Yuri budget that is allocated to these six Southeast Nishiyama of JNTO’s global projects section, Asian markets for ‘aggressive marketing.’ while recently attending Routes Asia in Cebu. Global projects section deputy manager “Additionally, the Japanese government is for the JNTO, Daisuke Kobayashi, said the setting a target of 40 million visitors by 2020 organisation had noticed an increasing and 60 million by 2040. Since the capacity at demand for connections within Japan’s the major hubs is becoming full, the only way Hokkaido region because of the snowy to meet the target is to bring tourists through climate not found anywhere else in Southeast these smaller airports.” Asia. “Hokkaido was often second only to Without revealing too many details, Tokyo in terms of traffic and can experience Nishiyama said Thailand is seeing a massive more traffic than Tokyo in certain seasons,” growth, with 1.1 million inbound visitors in said Kobayashi.

laranews.net April/May 2019 LARA 12 NEWS FANS-C first for easyJet A320 in the SESAR demonstration. Our hands-on experience already indicates that it promises to be an important enabler to increase efficiency, safety and on-time performance of our 20 years serving you expanding operations – especially in the congested European airspace.” From now until mid-2020, seven European airlines, which are participating in the Airbus-led DIGITS project [Demonstration of air traffic with passion management improvements generated by 4D Initial Trajectory Information Sharing], will Airbus delivered the first FANS-C equipped A320 with ATC controllers will enable smooth aircraft progressively equip up to 100 of their A320 family Accelerate your business with the leader aircraft to easyJet on 13 March. FANS-C sequencing on approach and within the ‘terminal of aircraft with the FANS-C technology. The ‘very technology will enable airlines to optimise their manoeuvring area.’ large demonstration’ (VLD) will last more than a in the airline distribution industry aircraft’s trajectories and make traffic flows more Hugh McConnellogue, group head of network year and collect data from over 20,000 revenue fluid and aircraft speed easier to manage, which operations at easyJet, said: “We are very pleased flights, allowing stakeholders to demonstrate will help them save fuel and reduce noise. In to be the first airline to receive this new FANS-C benefits of this technology during actual day-to- Airlines across all business models benefit from our services: particular, the sharing of predicted trajectories technology in our Airbus aircraft and try it for real day operations. we take the complexity out of your global sales while increasing your revenue we connect your airline to the global network Wizz Air gets its first A321neo we manage your global distribution niches Wizz Air received its first Airbus A321neo in incorporate the latest technologies, we continue to grow at an industry- Hamburg on 7 March. The new generation of including new generation engines leading rate and expand our market Airbus A321neo aircraft is powered by two capable of delivering 20 per cent fuel reach across and beyond Europe.” Pratt & Whitney GTF engines and features the cost savings. The aircraft also offers Also attending the ceremony was widest single-aisle cabin with 239 seats in a significant environmental benefits with Rick Deurloo, senior vice-president of single-class configuration. Airbus said it offers nearly a 50 per cent reduction in noise sales, marketing and customer the airline maximum flexibility, fuel efficiency footprint compared to previous support at Pratt & Whitney. He stated: and low-operating costs. generations of aircraft. “We truly appreciate the trust that Wizz Air operates a fleet of 108 Speaking at the handover ceremony, Wizz Air has placed in our engines, Airbus A321 and A320 aircraft József Váradi, Wizz chief executive officer, and the strong relationship we have across Europe and has placed an said: “Today we approach the beginning of built together since the airline’s order for 256 A321neo and a new era in Wizz Air’s history. We are proud inception. We are honoured to A320neo aircraft, making it to welcome our first GTF-powered A321neo celebrate this special milestone and the largest Airbus customer aircraft to our growing fleet – the first confident that our industry leading worldwide for the type. aircraft from the world’s largest single technology will provide Wizz Air with The A320neo and its Airbus order. We are convinced the A321neo fuel savings and environment benefits derivative aircraft will be a game-changer aircraft for Wizz, as for many years to come.”

If you would like to receive further information, please contact our Airline Business Group at: [email protected] Hahn Air Lines GmbH, Germany Phone: +49-6103-7331-0 www.hahnair.com

LARA April/May 2019 LARA magazine 20 years serving you with passion

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If you would like to receive further information, please contact our Airline Business Group at: [email protected] Hahn Air Lines GmbH, Germany Phone: +49-6103-7331-0 www.hahnair.com 14 NEWS Iceland’s WOW Air ceases trading agreement on a voluntary restructuring including an agreement of converting current debt into equity and fund the company towards a long-term sustainability,” however the airline ceased operations later that week. The airline had been facing pressures and had shed part of its fleet and cancelled several routes in order to cut costs. The airport operator, Isavia, behind WOW Air’s main hub, Keflavik Airport, said: “Isavia regrets that WOW Air has ceased operations, as The Icelandic low-fare airline, Wow Air, In the intervening period, the private equity the company has transported a large number announced on 28 March that it had ceased firm, Indigo Partners, stepped in and in of passengers through Keflavik Airport for the operations and cancelled all flights. November it had agreed in principle to invest past seven years and has been an important The airline had been facing an uncertain in WOW, however, Indigo Partners withdrew its link in Keflavik Airport’s success and the future after talks with Icelandair Group offer in March. development of tourism in Iceland. collapsed on 25 March. The carriers had After talks with Icelandair fell through, WOW “It is clear that the elimination of WOW Air resumed talks on 21 March after previous Air issued a statement that most WOW Air will affect the operation of Keflavik Airport. negotiations around an acquisition of WOW Air bond holders and creditors “are in advanced Isavia will in the near future review what the by Icelandair ended without an agreement. discussions with the aim of reaching an effects may be.” ERA Regional Airline Conference – Review The European Regional Airline Conference in Prague on 27-28 March was held against the backdrop of a looming Brexit decision in the UK the following day. But, for the speakers and attendees the event was far from pessimistic. It was a case of regional airlines, manufacturers and the other supporting industries simply being prepared for what may or may not occur. One of the focus points was simply ensuring that connectivity was maintained in Europe. Flor Diaz Pulido, head of unit aviation policy, Other speakers echoed her comments and technology, ATR was already offering directorate-general for mobility and transport, the overall impression from attendees is that continuous innovations with its turbo-based of the European Commission, pushed the need while there will no doubt be some teething products. Was there a need for electrically for any new aviation agreements post-Brexit. problems, a sensible and practical approach powered aircraft within the LCC market? He It’s vital that these do not affect the “three S’s” taken by the regional aviation industry within mentioned that the car industry is still as she called them – safety, security and Europe, may mean the early problems will not struggling to make electric-powered cars sustainability. She later added that her “four seem that significant. profitable and practical to the wider market and C’s”: ensuring the competitive nature of the Moving away from the topic of Brexit, the argued that bringing the same technology to aviation sector; improving the connectivity of speakers covered the impact that EU aircraft at the present time made no sense. regions; putting citizens at the heart of governments can have on aviation. Pilot The issues raised by the speakers were as business; and that capacity must be maintained training and the retention of pilots by LCCs were varied as their answers, but all had one theme in the air and on the ground. Practical and on the agenda, as well as the prospect of future in common – to retain connectivity, not only for sensible points, which she spoke about at electric-powered regional aircraft. This was best regional airlines, but for the individual length, before answering questions from the summed up by the CEO of ATR, Stefano Bortoli, passenger travelling within Europe. floor as to how some of her ideas are being asking, “Why?” He explained that although his See the next issue of LARA for a more implemented by the European Commission. company was aware of the emerging detailed report of the ERA conference.

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Low-Fare & Regional Airlines Low-Fare & Regional Airlines Vol 34 No 2 April/May 2017 Training special Vol 34 No 4 August/September 2017 www.laranews.net Pilot training www.laranews.net

E-learning VOL 32 NO 2 ApriL/MAy 2015 VOL 2 NO 4 mA/uNe 200 VOL 2 NO 1 ANuAr/ebruAr 200 Aviation English Aiming for the top turoro iot trining Pegasus Airlines ontinuing stoing the to sere Winged pilot pool transformation In-flight connectivity evenue ning The $7bn Vital role as A different beat connection oels hange cutoer uort iere elerates Airframe maintenance syest still flourishing Safety management ATR’s la arte MRJ airraft series Achieving American dream accountability Seeing is believing www.LArAnews.net www.LArAnews.net www.LArAnews.net

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Low-Fare & Regional Airlines Low-Fare & Regional Airlines 30Years Vol 35 No 4 August/September 2018 Vol 35 No 6 December 2018/January 2019 www.laranews.net www.laranews.net

VOL 31 NO 5 OctOber/NOVember 2014 VOL 31 NO 2 ApriL/MAy 2014 Airframe maintenance

ITIT –– operationsoperations The right Getting big choice for on data checks analysis

Bombardier-Viking Trans States Holdings Air Nostrum-CityJet Mitsubishi Regional Jet Quo Vadis for the Q400? rex champions the regions A meeting of minds Cabin systems Likely to Swoop rising Flybe son surprise Purple on parade www.Laranews.net www.LArAnews.net NEW LARA_JulyAug09_Cover:NEWPretty LARA_JulyAug09_Cover_BB in20/7/09 12:07 PinkPage 1

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VOL 26 NO 5 JULY/AUGUST 2009

NIKI Still a driving force years serving

IFEIFE andand cabincabin systemssystems Wi-Fi in the sky the industry

Making thriftier engines

www.LARAnews.net

Low-Fare & Regional Airlines Low-Fare & Regional Airlines Vol 34 No 3 June/July 2017 Vol 35 No 3 June/July 2018 www.laranews.net www.laranews.net

VOL 32 NO 4 August/september 2015

Nok Air IT in MRO MRO evolution brand E195-E2 Embraer E190-E2 leader Embraer’s E2 equation A family affair Painting Painting && coatingcoating Looking AirAsia X Widerøe good the smart way The ‘X’ Factor Northern Lights www.LArAnews.net

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Flight planning systems Low-Fare & Regional Airlines Low-Fare & Regional Airlines Low-Fare & Regional Airlines Vol 34 No 5 October/November 2017 Vol 34 No 1 February/March 2017 Vol 35 No 2 April/May 2018 www.laranews.net www.laranews.net Flying frugally www.laranews.net

VOL 31 NO 4 August/september 2014 IFE IFE && connectivityconnectivity Aircraft interiors VOL 32 NO 3 JUNE/JULY 2015 VOL 31 NO 6 December 2014/JaNuary 2015 entertaining options Cabin creations Revenue tools making money – and keeping it!it

Ancillary revenue The gravy plane

In this issue Air Arabia Aurigny ali shuffles MRO Airports easyJet Flight data analysis states Training routes to Special SpecialThe movers and shakers among airports around the world flyadeal discuss the challenges to growth they face, how routes are developed, and recent or planned infrastructure projects. Special McCall’s S Passenger processing component overhaul of play Middle East’s rising star customer success Viva Aerobus AIL – bmi regional/Loganair Sukhoi Superjet 100

A supplement to The MRO landscape is increasingly complex. The physical and technical demands of maintaining and repairing new-generation, digitally connected aircraft as well as more mature operational fleets is highly challenging. With OEMs competing in the aftermarket, and MRO providers frantically positioning themselves for the Asia-Pacific boom, it's a hectic time. But with global MRO With well over a MILLION new commercial pilots and maintenance technicians needed by expenditure to hit US$109 billion annually by 2027, the prize is huge. 2036, plus nearly another million cabin crew, the global training challenge is no simulation. crusade DENVER INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT DENVER INTERNATIONAL www.LArAnews.net Twins peak New horizons www.LARAnews.net www.Laranews.net

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LARA April/May 2019 LARA magazine 17 LARA 35 YEARS SPECIAL FEATURE No longer just a niche

Certified for commercial operations at the same time as Commuter World launched, the Dash 8 Series 100 served with regional carriers throughout North America and Canada.

was making its first flight while the Embraer LARA is 35 years old and looks in better shape than ever. Reporting on 120 Brasilia was in the middle of its flight the LCC and regional airline industry isn’t without its challenges and test phase. dramas – but for now, it’s time to celebrate. Glenn Sands reviews At the time, in North LARA’s on-going development. America were dubbed ‘mom and pop airlines’, but it was in the UK where this was ince the first issue of this magazine getting passengers from A-to-B with only a actually the case. Husband and wife team, was launched in 1984, the aviation cup of lukewarm coffee for company have Roy and Merlyn Suckling, set up Suckling Spublishing industry has changed long gone. These carriers have spread their Airways that operated until 2013 when it beyond recognition. The magazine started composite wings to fly four-to-eight-hour was folded into Loganair that had become life as Commuter World, morphed into sectors and offer a range of services, albeit part of its parent company in 2011. Regional Airline World at the beginning of pay-as-you-go. 1999, and transformed to become Low-Fare The magazine’s launch couldn’t have ARRIVING NOW & Regional Airlines in January 2007. Today, come at a more appropriate time. But 1984 certainly proved to be a watershed the printed magazine is just one element of In 1984, as Commuter World arrived on period within the domestic airline market the global LARA brand. the scene, so did SAAB’s 340, the de that saw the launch of the Isles of Scilly But the changes within the publishing Havilland Canada (later to become part of Skybus in the UK, Pel-Air (now a subsidiary industry have been nothing compared to the Bombardier Aerospace group) Dash of Regional Express Holdings), Par Avion those taking place within the LCC and 8-100, and the Beech 1900. All entered Airlines in Australia, Aerolineas Sosa in regional airline market. The days of simply commercial service shortly after. The ATR 42 Honduras, Farnair in Switzerland, and Motor

laranews.net April/May 2019 LARA 18 LARA 35 YEARS SPECIAL FEATURE

Sich Airlines in Ukraine. Commuter World first newly titled issue featured a split cover brought about the magazine’s biggest was present from the start of these airlines, – an innovative design idea for the time that change. Having left Shephard Press in late providing the most accurate and up-to-date demonstrated the magazine’s 2007, Mark and his business partner, Becky information on this emerging new world. determination to lead the way and look Howells, returned and bought the magazine. Launching Commuter World into this beyond the ‘gloss’. The deal was signed and on 1 January 2010, exciting market was editor Don Parry, who By early-1994, Shephard Press had HMG Aerospace became the publisher of had a wealth of airline experience that he acquired the US publication Regional Air Low-Fare & Regional Airlines. transferred effortlessly into the magazine. International and merged it with Commuter Bernie remained with the company until Don gave the magazine a tremendous start World. With the acquisition came North the start of 2017 and he was instrumental in and set the bar high f