Tata Sons Touted As A Possible Investor In SriLankan Airlines

Indian conglomerate Tata Sons is again being touted in media reports as a possible investor in SriLankan Airlines. The owner of Air India, Vistara, Air India Express, and AirAsia India has long been considered a possible investor in Sri Lanka's state-owned carrier. The Sri Lankan government set up a State-Owned Enterprise Restructuring Unit to facilitate the privatisation or restructuring of State Owned Enterprises (SOEs) such as Sri Lankan. 

SriLankan Airlines is one of several state-owned enterprises the government wants to privatise. However, it has become something of a political football with various agendas at play in Colombo. Speaking at a recent government committee on public enterprises hearing, SriLankan Airlines Chairman Ashok Pathirage was supportive of privatisation as long as the right buyer was found, while CEO Richard Nuttall said he was focused on replacing aircraft and rebuilding the fleet ahead of any privatisation.

While the country has a negligible domestic aviation market due to its small geography, SriLankan Airlines is a strategic asset in feeding the country’s international tourism. The tourism industry is one of the biggest contributors to the country’s GDP, contributing as much as 12% every year to it.

While speaking on the sidelines of the Arabian Travel Market in Dubai, Richard Nuttall, CEO, of SriLankan Airlines said the decision will be taken by the State-owned Enterprise Restructuring Unit at the Ministry of Finance but “we do know that the government wants to do it as fast it can. We expect to be in months, not years.” The cash-strapped Colombo government approved the airline's privatisation in November last year to raise cash. There were reports of India’s Tata Group showing interest in buying a stake in Sri Lanka’s national carrier.

“Privatisation of Air India took around four years but Sri Lanka would like to do it in a quarter of a time, if possible,” Nuttall added. He said some firms have shown interest but “what is real and what is wishful thinking is difficult to know at the moment.”

Replying to a query about Tata Group’s interest, he said considering Sri Lanka’s location and the number of flights operated by SriLankan Airlines to India, “there is definitely a strategic benefit for airlines that are interested in getting more access to India, particularly secondary cities, and perhaps carrying traffic to the East.”

SriLankan's Presence in India

SriLankan Airlines presently flies to the Indian airports of Bangalore International, Chennai, Delhi International, Hyderabad International, Kochi International, Madurai, Mumbai International, Thiruvananthapuram, and Tiruchirapally from its Colombo hub. Based on seat availability data, SriLankan Airlines currently commands a 63.21% market share on the country pair.

Air India has the second biggest presence in Sri Lanka - India sectors, with a 13.68% market share. If Tata acquired a full or part stake in SriLankan Airlines, adding in Vistara's 4.69% market share, its airlines would provide 81.58% of all seats on the country pair, which may or may not raise competitive concerns. The media reports suggest the SriLankan government is "considering" Tata Sons as a possible investor. 

Meanwhile, SriLanka's Secretary of the Ministry of Ports, Naval and Aviation Services, K. D. S. Ruwanchandra, told the public enterprises hearing that the government agency handling the sale of SriLankan Airlines subsidiaries, SriLankan Airlines Ground Handling and SriLankan Catering, preferred to sell the two entities to one buyer. As previously reported, the government hopes to raise approximately USD 600 million by selling 49% stakes in both profitable entities. However, that amount would only cover around half of SriLankan Airlines' existing debt.

It is worth noting that Sri Lankan was previously privatised, with 40% of its shares sold to Emirates Airlines, the flag carrier of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) which managed operations aspects of the airline.

Sri Lanka’s national carrier flies to about 35 destinations across different regions including 10 cities in India, most of the major Gulf cities, London, Paris and Frankfurt. It serves Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, South Korea, China, Japan, Sydney Melbourne, Australia and Maldives in the East. The national airline has been also asked to increase its fleet to its pre-Covid-19 level of 27, from its current number of 23. It is currently looking at leasing five A320s and a similar number of A330s.

Private airline Myanmar Airways International (MAI) has commenced direct non-stop flights between Chennai and Yangon, boosting connectivity between the two countries. Airline’s 11-year-old Embraer E-190 registered XY-ALO aircraft with a total of 98 seats, adopting the configuration of six business class seats and 92 economy class seats would be operated between the two cities, with Chennai being the latest city to be served by MAI after Delhi, Kolkata and Gaya.

On its arrival at Chennai airport on Saturday, May 6, the maiden flight was welcomed with a traditional water salute by officials of the Airports Authority of India, among others, a press release said. Passengers who arrived at the Chennai airport, as well as Yangon airport, were given a warm welcome at decorated check-in counters.

Honorary consul of Myanmar Professor Ranganathan J formally inaugurated the launch of the service by lighting a traditional lamp at the international departure terminal in the city. With the launch of non-stop flights of Myanmar Airways International, travellers from Chennai can easily visit tourist destinations in the neighbouring country including Yangon, Mandalay, Bagan and Ngapali Beach among others. The new flight connection is aimed at mutually benefiting and improving trade as well as the health and leisure tourism sectors of both countries.

Aircraft, Schedule & Fare

Myanmar Airways International initially plans to schedule this flight service every Saturday and will rotate between the Airbus A319, A320, or the Embraer E190. The airline is hopeful that the route's frequency will eventually be increased once demand steadily grows, which is something it is pretty confident about since there's been consistent demand on its other three Indian routes; New Delhi, Kolkata, and Gaya.

The flights will be operated every Saturday and the aircraft will depart from Yangon at 8 AM local time and arrive in Chennai at 10.15 AM. In the return direction, the flight from Chennai will leave at 11.15 AM and arrive in Yangon at 3.15 PM. As part of the new route launch, the official said the full-service carrier had introduced special reduced fares and an enhanced baggage allowance per passenger.

Myanmar Airways International will offer a special one-way economy fare starting at INR 22,907. The one-way business class fare will be available at INR 47,840. While economy class passengers will be offered a 30 kg free registered baggage allowance, business class passengers can avail of 40 kg. It is worth noting that this is in addition to 7 kg hand luggage. The airline also offers Sky Smile, a frequent flyer program where passengers can avail of benefits like priority check-in, priority reservation and boarding, preferred seating, lounge, hotels and more. MAI offers up to 40% discount for various partners if they present the MAI boarding pass.

About Myanmar Airways International

Myanmar Airways International currently operates in 18 international destinations and 18 domestic destinations and has seamless interline arrangements with 34 carriers, a company release said. Myanmar Airlines International is represented by the STIC Travel Group in the country.

Since the second half of last year, Myanmar Airways has been steadily announcing and launching new routes, such as the commencement of flight services from Yangon to Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh in September, Phuket in October, and Phnom Penh in November. Besides Yangon, the airline's domestic network also includes Puta-o, Mandalay, Thandwe, Bagan, Mongshat, Nyaung-U, and many more. This also means that the strategic plan that Myanmar has in mind is not finished, and passengers can keep their eyes peeled for announcements of additional international destinations soon.

Ireland's national carrier airline, Aer Lingus, is looking to expand terminal capacity at Dublin Airport. The airline's ambitions are in reaction to present terminal capacity limits, which are impeding its expansion potential.

Dublin Airport's Current Terminal Capacity

Dublin Airport is Ireland's largest airport and serves as Aer Lingus' hub. Terminal 2 at the airport opened in 2010 and has since become the major terminal for long-haul flights. Despite this, the airport is running at nearly full capacity, with over 100 million passengers passing through its sleek and spacious terminal since its inception. Aer Lingus' development aspirations are being hampered by the present terminal capacity at Dublin Airport, which is a source of concern for the airline.

Present Situation

Aer Lingus, the Irish flag carrier, stated this week that it aims to boost terminal capacity at its main hub, Dublin Airport. The news follows the recent launch of Dublin Airport's new North Runway. Lynn Embleton, CEO of Aer Lingus, recently showed interest in raising capacity at Dublin Airport (DUB). Aer Lingus has its major hub and base in Dublin, which is now served by Dublin Airport's newest facility, Facility 2. Since its inception in 2010, Terminal 2 has seen over 100 million passengers pass through its sleek and spacious terminal. Aer Lingus, on the other hand, would want to see new airport stands and gates. It stated that it would want to see the airport expand in order to establish its hub. Dublin Airport has recently added additional airfield gates. In 2017, the new "South Gates" opened directly south of the current terminal and close to the cargo facilities. Passengers must take a bus to the gates. The airport has five boarding gates and nine aircraft stands, which are largely used by Aer Lingus planes serving short-haul flights. According to an Aer Lingus representative, while the Easter season went successfully, the company anticipates that the busy Summer 2023 season will follow suit. Dublin Airport had several obstacles last year, including lengthy security line-ups and luggage processing concerns. Photos showing heaps of baggage in garbage at Dublin Airport surfaced late last summer. They were unclaimed bags that Sky Handling Partners disposed of.

Plans by Aer Lingus to Expand Terminal Capacity at Dublin Airport

Aer Lingus has suggested a new expansion proposal to enhance terminal capacity by up to 30% in response to terminal capacity concerns. A new facility, a new pier, and more aircraft parking stands are all part of the proposed development. The new structure will have more capacity for check-in, security, and luggage processing, and the new dock will have more boarding gates. Aer Lingus will be able to increase the number of flights and passengers, which will raise income and growth potential. Dublin Airport, in collaboration with IDOM and RPS Engineering, has revealed plans for a new "North Dock." The project, which would include the destruction and relocation of seven hangers, might result in the enlargement of Terminal One. The additional gates would be linked to the infamous tunnel that connects Terminal One's main concourse to Pier One, which is home to several Ryanair Boeing 737s. The Dublin Airport Authority may have to pay millions of euros for the entire project. The project is part of Dublin Airport's CIP 2020+ Capital Investment Programme. The project includes several improvements to the current terminals, such as drainage difficulties. IDOM Consulting stated in a statement: "The dock will have a total area of 10,000 m2 distributed over two levels, departures and arrivals areas, with six new boarding bridges to accommodate a flow of 1,200 passengers." There will also be office space, a future transportation area, and a commercial area. Future additions are envisaged by the design."

The Effect of Expanded Terminal Capacity

Both passengers and Dublin Airport will benefit greatly from the extension of terminal capacity. Passengers will benefit from speedier and more efficient check-in, security, and boarding operations since there is more room available. This will improve the passenger experience, which is critical for Aer Lingus to be competitive in the business. The extension will also aid Dublin Airport by increasing capacity to handle additional planes and passengers. This will increase airport income and benefit the local economy. The development, however, will have an environmental impact due to increasing carbon emissions from more aircraft and ground transportation.

Aer Lingus' Expansion Plans Face Obstacles

Environmental organisations have objected to Aer Lingus' expansion plans, citing concerns about the environmental impact of rising carbon emissions. There might also be problems with the Dublin Airport Authority, which regulates airport operations. The authorities may have issues with the expansion's cost and viability and may ask Aer Lingus to make changes to its plans. Despite these challenges, Aer Lingus is dedicated to its expansion ambitions and is collaborating with stakeholders to resolve concerns and ensure the project gets forward.

Conclusion

Finally, Aer Lingus' plans to expand terminal capacity at Dublin Airport are a big step forward for both the airline and the airport. The proposed extension will allow Aer Lingus to expand the number of flights and passengers, enhance income, and improve the passenger experience. However, the development would have environmental consequences and likely meet criticism from some organisations. Nonetheless, Aer Lingus is dedicated to meeting its objectives and collaborating with stakeholders to resolve concerns and assure the project's success.

With Inputs from RTE

Japan Airlines (JAL) has released its fiscal year 2022-2023 financial figures, suggesting a return to profitability after two years of losses. The airline owes its success to major cost reductions and a rise in cargo revenue. JAL's success in handling the COVID-19 epidemic has been attributed to its strategic approach and adaptability.

History of JAL

JAL, Japan's national airline, was created in 1951. The airline has a lengthy track record of success, and it was Asia's largest airline until the 1990s. JAL had considerable hurdles in the early 2000s as a result of a number of issues, including rising fuel prices, more competition, and the aftermath of the 9/11 terrorist attacks. JAL declared bankruptcy in 2010, but was able to reorganize and re-enter the market in 2012.

Present Situation

Japan Airlines (JAL) has indicated that it will return to profitability in its fiscal year 2022-2023, following two years of losses due to the COVID-19 epidemic. For the fiscal year ending March 31, 2023, the national carrier posted a net profit of 34.4 billion yen (about €228 million). Japan Airlines, one of Asia's major airlines, has declared its return to profitability following a two-year deficit due to the COVID-19 epidemic. The COVID-19 epidemic has taken a heavy toll on the aviation sector, with several carriers reporting enormous losses owing to lower customer demand and travel limitations. Japan Airlines was no exception, incurring €3.5 billion in losses during the prior two years. However, the airline has indicated that it will return to profitability in the fiscal year ending March 31, 2023, with a net profit of €228 million. Furthermore, the net profit for 2022-2023 remains lower than the pre-pandemic net profit of about €470 million for 2019-2020.

Since the absolute relaxation of health restrictions at Japan's borders last autumn, JAL has experienced a revival in passenger traffic, especially on foreign flights. However, the airline suffered from a spike in oil costs last year as a result of Russia's invasion of Ukraine, which was exacerbated by the yen's decline. Its yearly gasoline expenses have more than quadrupled (+122.3%) in a year. JAL has lessened the effect by lowering its fixed expenses. All Nippon Airways (ANA), JAL's biggest competitor, also reported a net profit of 89.5 billion yen (roughly €600 million) for its fiscal year 2022-2023, which ends in April 2023.

The Pandemic's Impact on Japan Airlines

The COVID-19 pandemic had a huge influence on Japan Airlines, resulting in a considerable decrease in the number of passengers and flights. According to the International Air Transport Association (IATA), the pandemic would cost the Asian airline sector more than $31 billion in 2020. Japan Airlines, which relies largely on overseas travel, suffered the most, with a 95% drop in international passenger numbers in April 2020 compared to the previous year.

Japan Airlines' Implemented Strategies

To mitigate the effects of the epidemic, Japan Airlines employed a number of cost-cutting and revenue-boosting tactics.

Measures to Reduce Costs: The airline implemented a number of cost-cutting steps, such as lowering employee wages and bonuses, eliminating non-essential expenditures, and retiring outdated aircraft. The airline also decreased its employment by 10%, resulting in considerable cost savings.

Initiatives to Increase Income: To increase income, Japan Airlines concentrated on growing cargo operations, which witnessed an increase in demand due to the epidemic. In addition, the airline launched additional domestic flights and boosted frequency on existing routes. In order to maximize income, Japan Airlines also employed dynamic pricing tactics and established a new premium economy class.

Collaborations and Partnerships: Japan Airlines created collaborations and partnerships with other airlines, including an alliance to share flights with All Nippon Airways (ANA) and codeshare agreements with other carriers. The airline also collaborated with Airbnb to provide lodging for its guests.

Concentrate on Domestic Travel: Japan Airlines concentrated on internal flights, which were less affected by the epidemic than international flights. The airline launched additional domestic routes and boosted the frequency of flights to famous Japanese locations. To entice domestic travellers, the airline also developed new packages, such as one that included a flight, hotel, and auto rental.

Japan Airlines' Prospects for the Future

Despite the pandemic's hurdles, Japan Airlines has emerged stronger and more resilient. The airline intends to maintain its focus on local passenger and freight operations while resuming international flights. The airline also intends to extend its ties and cooperation with other airlines in order to provide its customers with more destinations.

Conclusion

Japan Airlines has successfully handled the COVID-19 pandemic hurdles and returned to profitability. The airline's emphasis on cost-cutting measures, revenue-boosting initiatives, collaborations and partnerships, and domestic travel proved successful in turning around its fortunes. Japan Airlines is now well-positioned to face future difficulties and emerge stronger.

With Inputs from AeroTime

Taiwan's biggest independent airline, EVA Air, recently acquired its first Star Alliance-liveried Boeing 787-10 Dreamliner. This addition is part of EVA Air's continuous growth ambitions and demonstrates the airline's dedication to providing passengers with the greatest travel experience possible.

EVA Air: History

EVA Air was founded in 1989 and has since grown into a key participant in the airline sector. The airline, which serves over 60 destinations in Asia, Europe, North America, and Oceania, is well-known for its excellent levels of service and safety. EVA is also a part of the Star Alliance, a worldwide airline network that provides its passengers with a variety of perks such as access to a larger network of flights, frequent flyer programmes, and lounge access.

Star Alliance: Background

The Star Alliance was established in 1997 as a worldwide airline network that connects some of the world's biggest airlines. The alliance now has 26 members, including EVA Air. The Star Alliance's mission is to give its consumers a seamless travel experiences no matter where they are in the world. It is also the world's largest airline alliance, with 26 member airlines offering more than 19,000 daily flights to over 1,300 destinations in 194 countries. The Star Alliance's global aviation network is one of its primary advantages. Customers may book flights to places all around the world with a single ticket and quickly switch between airlines as necessary. The Star Alliance also provides frequent flyer programmes through which users may earn and redeem points across all member airlines. Customers may also enjoy lounge access at over 1,000 airport lounges worldwide.

Boeing 787-10 of EVA

The Boeing 787-10 is a contemporary, fuel-efficient aircraft with a variety of innovations designed to improve passenger comfort. The aircraft has a range of up to 7,400 nautical miles and space for up to 330 passengers, depending on the configuration. One of the Boeing 787-10's standout features is its sophisticated lighting system, which is intended to alleviate jet lag and increase passenger comfort. The aircraft also has bigger windows and higher ceilings, creating a sense of spaciousness and providing passengers with breathtaking views of the sky.

Current Situation

On May 5, 2023, EVA Air received its eighth Boeing 787-10, B-17812, from the Boeing factory in North Charleston, South Carolina. The new plane is EVA's first Boeing 787-10 with a Star Alliance livery, and it flew using Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) to cut carbon emissions even more. The plane took off from Charleston Airport and landed in Taiwan's Taoyuan International Airport (TPE) at 2:00 p.m. (UTC+8) on May 7, 2023, after a 17-hour flight. "EVA feels honored to have been a member of Star Alliance since June 2013." "We are commemorating our tenth year as a Star Alliance member with a series of special events and programmes," remarked EVA President Clay Sun. "We have always been committed to providing excellent customer service." This commitment involves incorporating ESG standards into our operations. This new 787-10 delivery allowed us to simultaneously commemorate our tenth year of Star Alliance membership and use Sustainable Aviation Fuel on our ferry journey. These activities represent EVA's tight relationship with Star Alliance and EVA's commitment to achieve Net Zero by 2050."

EVA has continued its efforts to modernize and improve hardware and software since joining Star Alliance, satisfying many of its passenger demands through joint procurement, cooperative system development, and resource sharing. The benefits of the worldwide network, including its access to more than 1200 airports in 184 countries and Star Alliance's favorable brand image, as well as the passenger trust it inspires, assist EVA's objective of expanding its global business travel market. The synergy with Star Alliance has allowed EVA to increase its revenue from passenger operations by over 5% per year while also multiplying its international corporate contract clients by tenfold. SAF is one of the most important carbon reduction practices in the aviation sector, cutting carbon emissions by 80% when compared to regular aviation fuel. Because global SAF production is restricted, the price has risen to nearly four times that of ordinary aviation fuel. EVA decreased its carbon footprint by 70,000 kilograms by using 30% SAF for the ferry trip from South Carolina. EVA's first SAF operation was the ferry flight. The SAF percentage was also the largest ever employed in Taiwan's aircraft sector, reflecting EVA's ambition to attain Net Zero.

Expansion of EVA Air

EVA Air's development ambitions include purchasing new aircraft, launching new routes, and improving existing services. The airline's investment in modern planes, such as the Boeing 787-10, is part of its commitment to provide improved comfort and convenience to customers. The Star Alliance-branded Boeing 787-10 will serve various foreign destinations, including North America and Europe. With cutting-edge technology and comforts, this jet will give passengers a one-of-a-kind and remarkable flying experience.

The Star Alliance Partnership of EVA

The Star Alliance relationship is critical to EVA's performance in the airline sector. EVA is able to give its clients a variety of perks as a result of the collaboration, including access to a larger network of flights, frequent flyer programmes, and lounge access. EVA passengers, for example, may earn and redeem miles on all Star Alliance member airlines, helping them to accumulate rewards more swiftly and conveniently. Furthermore, EVA clients have access to over 1,000 airport lounges worldwide, including those run by Star Alliance member airlines. The collaboration also allows EVA to provide codeshare flights with other Star Alliance member airlines, allowing consumers to book trips to more locations than EVA could on its own.

Conclusion

Finally, EVA's first Star Alliance-liveried Boeing 787-10 represents a big milestone for the airline. It demonstrates EVA's dedication to offering a smooth travel experience for its passengers, as well as the significance of the airline's collaboration with the Star Alliance. EVA is able to give its clients a variety of perks as a result of the collaboration, including access to a larger network of flights, frequent flyer programmes, and lounge access. As EVA continues to grow and extend its flying network, the relationship with Star Alliance will surely play an important role in its success.

With Inputs from EVA Air

Emirates, located in Dubai, has announced the addition of five additional Airbus A380 aircraft to its summer travel schedule. The decision comes as the airline prepares for a spike in travel demand during the peak summer season. This statement is encouraging for the aviation sector, which has been severely impacted by the COVID-19 epidemic.

Current Scenario

The COVID-19 epidemic has had a significant impact on the aviation sector, forcing several carriers to restrict capacity and discontinue routes. However, with the introduction of vaccinations and the relaxation of travel restrictions in various parts of the world, the sector has gained fresh hope. Emirates' decision to add five additional Airbus A380s to its summer flying schedule is a good indicator that the industry is recovering. Adnan Kazim, Emirates' Chief Commercial Officer, said that customer demand is high and that 2023 would be a year of solid recovery, topping the levels achieved in 2022. On the sidelines of the Arabian Travel Market (ATM 2023) in Dubai, Kazim informed Emirates News Agency (WAM) that Emirates is deploying a fleet of 85 A380s, which will climb to 95 in the summer peak season by the end of the fiscal year in March next year. In the summer flying schedule, the huge wide-body aircraft will serve 43 locations, he noted.

According to him, the airline conducts over 3080 departure flights every week, or more than 440 flights per day, for passengers on its global network. He added that Emirates is now evaluating increasing capacity in the North American market as well as other global markets like China, in combination with the deployment of more aircraft into service and the arrival of the first aircraft from its Airbus A350 order. "Emirates is a part of the sustainability initiatives taking place in the UAE, as our efforts to reduce our carbon footprint are increasing in line with the growth in passenger numbers," he said, adding that Emirates has successfully completed a demonstration flight powered by 100% sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), as part of the global aviation industry's push to use more of the greener fuel to meet carbon emission targets." In addition, Emirates recycled 500,000 kg of plastic and glass waste from flights."

Airbus A380s for Emirates

The addition of five additional Airbus A380s to Emirates' summer flying schedule is a big step. Emirates is one of the largest operators of the Airbus A380, the world's largest commercial passenger aeroplane. The purchase of five more aircraft brings the airline's total fleet of A380s to 33. The new aircraft will venture to five new destinations, including London, Christchurch, Sydney, Melbourne, and Auckland, in addition to San Francisco (15th July), Singapore (1st June), and Houston (15th June). To accommodate the predicted boost in demand, Emirates has also indicated that it will increase the frequency of flights to specific locations, such as the North American market and China, according to Adnan Kazim, Emirates' Chief Commercial Officer.

Preparing for a Travel Surge

Emirates' plan to add more aircraft and boost flight frequency indicates that the airline is preparing for a rise in demand over the summer season. With many individuals already immunised and travel restrictions lifted, the peak summer months are projected to see a major surge in travel demand. Emirates has stated that it is already seeing an increase in reservations, particularly among fully vaccinated passengers. In addition, the airline collaborates closely with governments and health agencies to guarantee that passengers can fly securely and confidently.

The Effect on the Industry

Emirates' plans to add additional planes and improve flying frequency are excellent news for the whole airline sector. It demonstrates that the sector has regained confidence and that airlines are beginning to plan for a post-pandemic world. It is crucial to highlight, however, that the airline sector continues to face substantial hurdles. The COVID-19 pandemic is far from over, and many unknowns remain, such as the introduction of new variations and the efficacy of vaccinations against them.

Conclusion

The inclusion of five additional Airbus A380s to Emirates' summer flying schedule is a good indication for the airline sector. It demonstrates that the sector has regained confidence and that airlines are beginning to plan for a post-pandemic world. However, the industry still confronts enormous obstacles, and airlines must continue to adapt and innovate in order to address these challenges.