A digest of the key route development and schedule updates from around the world..
Lufthansa Winter 2012 Long-Haul Changes
Based on the latest GDS timetable and inventory listing as of 19APR12, Lufthansa has started updating planned Winter 2012/13 long-haul operation. Some notable changes include modifications to its schedule from Frankfurt to Bogota, Chennai, Houston, Nagoya, Orlando and Tel Aviv and from Munich to Beijing, Charlotte, Chicago, Mexico City, Seoul Incheon, Busan, Tel Aviv and Washington. Its planned Boeing 747-8I schedule remains pending, despite recent media reports.
Air Vanuatu to Resume Fiji Service from July 2012
Air Vanuatu starting 01JUL12 is resuming Port Vila - Nadi service, after 4 years of service suspension. The carrier will operate twice a week on this route, with ATR72 turboprop aircraft. It ast served the route in March 2008 with a twice weekly Boeing 737 operation.
Loganair/flyBe to Replace bmi Regional on Glasgow - Leeds Link
FlyBe franchise carrier Loganair starting 08MAY12 will launch 2 daily service on Glasgow - Leeds/Bradford route, on board Saab 340 aircraft. This weekday-only service will replace existing bmi Regional's operation.
China Airlines Gradually Increasing Myanmar Service
Taiwan-based China Airlines has outlined its plan to increase service to Myanmar, where it'll introduce 4th weekly service on Taipei Taoyuan - Yangon route starting 14MAY12. New flight operates on Tuesdays. Starting 10SEP12, the airline will further add a 5th weekly service, operating on Saturdays.
Turkish Airlines Expands Domestic flights from Sabiha Gokcen
Turkish Airlines starting 20APR12 is expanding domestic operation from Istanbul Sabiha Gokcen airport, where it’ll add 4 routes – Antalya, Bodrum, Dalaman and Izmir. The airline already operates service to Ankara.
Greek Carrier Astra Airlines to Start Germany Service
Greek carrier Astra Airlines starting late-May 2012 is launching service to Germany, with 1 weekly flight operating on Thessaloniki - Munich and Thessaloniki - Nuremberg route. The airline will operate Bae146-300 aircraft on these routes.
Aigle Azur Expands Operation in Africa
French carrier Aigle Azur in Summer 2012 season is expanding operation in its key market in Africa, including Algeria, Mali and Portugal. This includes the launch of one new destination (Kayes, Mali) and seven new routes.
Syphax Airlines Poised for late-April Launch
Tunisia's newest carrier, Syphax Airlines, will officially launch operation from 29APR12, based on the GDS display as well as OAG Schdules iNet. The airline operated a trial flight on 01APR12, operated as Sfax – Paris CDG – Tunis – Paris CDG – Sfax. The airline's IATA code is 'FS'.
Taiwanese carriers Boosting Taipei - Hong Kong Service
Taiwanese carriers are increasing service on Taipei Taoyuan - Hong Kong service in Summer 2012, which further boosting number of daily flights on one of the most busiest international route. China Airlines from 01MAY12 will operate 12 daily service as regular flight. Currently 1 of 12 daily service is operating under scheduled charter basis. The new flight will see service extension to Jakarta on 3 of 7 weekly flights (overall Hong Kong - Jakarta sector increases from 7 to 10 weekly). EVA Air from 01JUN12 will increase from 49 weekly to 60 weekly, equivalent to up to 9 daily flights on selected days.
Aerolineas Argentinas Re-Expands Buenos Aires Ezeiza Domestic Service
Aerolineas Argentinas is re-expanding domestic operation at Buenos Aires Ezeiza Airport (EZE) starting July 2012, as part of the final phase of integration to Skyteam Alliance. The airline previously moved all of its domestic operation to domestic airport Buenos Aires Jorge Newbery (AEP), which required airport changes when connecting between International long-haul and domestic flights.
Saudi Airlines Cargo Expands Operation
Saudi Airlines Cargo (Saudi Arabian Airlines Cargo) starting April 2012 is expanding its freighter operation, which includes the launch of 4 new destinations and service increase on selected destinations.
Iberia Continues Eastward Expansion to India with BA
Iberia effective immediately has started codeshare service with British Airways to India, covering service to Bangalore, Delhi and Mumbai. The oneWorld member last operated its own service to Mumbai in April 1988 with Douglas DC-10 equipment.
Nanning Airport Welcomes Two New Foreign Carriers
China's Nanning Airport last week welcomed the arrival of two new foreign carriers, offering service from Kuala Lumpur, Penang and Singapore. Jetstar Asia Airways on 14APR12 launched twice weekly Singapore - Nanning service with Airbus A320, while Malaysia Airlines' regional subsidiary Firefly launched charter service from both Penang and Kuala Lumpur.
Saudia Increase Capacity to London
Saudi Arabian Airlines, which has reverted to its well-known "Saudia" title, has increased capacity on Jeddah - London Heathrow service with the introduction of 2-class, 413-seater Boeing 777-300ER aircraft. The -300ER currently operates this route on 2 of 7 weekly flights, showcasing the airline's latest inflight product.
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