SALAM AIR chooses APG as its online GSA in Kazakhstan

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To establish direct air connectivity with the world’s popular destinations, Oman’s value-for-money airline SalamAir has announced the introduction of a direct flight between Almaty and Muscat, the capital city of Oman, with weekly flights beginning from July 1, 2023.

SalamAir has appointed APG as its online General Sales Agent (GSA) in Kazakhstan. Under the agreement APG will be providing the airline with sales development and wide-ranging marketing activities, as well as reservation and ticketing services. 

With the high demand for unique tourist destinations such as Almaty, SalamAir looks forward to welcoming customers onboard these new flights soon. Air tickets for this route and other flights of SalamAir can be purchased on the official website of the airline, www.salamair.com, mobile app, call center, as well as accredited agencies of the air carrier.

​Currently, SalamAir is utilizing Airbus A320neo aircraft and Airbus A321neo, making them the 1st Omani carrier to utilize these highly rated single-aisle aircraft. This also opens new travel possibilities across the region and the world. The partnership with ATS Network further strengthens Salam Air’s dedication to providing seamless travel experiences for customers here in Kazakhstan.

ABOUT SALAM AIR 
 www.salamair.com

SalamAir commenced its commercial operations in 2017, intending to set new standards in the aviation industry in Oman. SalamAir meets the country’s increasing demand for affordable travel options and aims to generate further opportunities for employment and business creation in various Oman sectors. In six years, SalamAir has achieved growth in its operations and expanded its region’s reach. SalamAir was awarded Oman’s Most Trusted Brand 2021 and The Youngest Fleet in Asia for 2021 and 2022 by Ch-Aviation. It operates six A320neo, five A321neo, and one Airbus A321 freighter.

SalamAir flies to domestic destinations, including Muscat, Salalah, Suhar, Duqm, and Masirah, and international destinations to Dubai, Doha, Riyadh, Rize, Jeddah, Dammam, Madinah, Kuwait, Bahrain, Beirut, Sarajevo, Istanbul, Trabzon, Bursa, Baku, Almaty, Colombo, Kathmandu, Bangkok, Phuket, Kuala Lumpur, Prague, Shiraz, Tehran, Mashhad, Alexandria, Khartoum, Multan, Sialkot, Karachi, Dhaka, Chattogram, Jaipur, Trivandrum, and Lucknow. SalamAir flies directly from Suhar to Shiraz, Salalah , Calicut, and  Trabzon, and Salalah to Calicut and Bahrain.

About APG: 
www.apg-ga.com
With over 30 years’ experience in airline distribution and over 100 offices globally, APG is the world’s largest and most successful airline representation network, partnering with over 200 valued airline clients. APG offers a holistic approach to airline distribution, offering not only airline representation but also interline e-ticketing solutions, fare filing and settlement support services, all aimed at maximising an airline’s revenue potential. APG is always at the forefront of distribution development and our latest APG NDC Platform will assist airlines unlock the benefits of NDC distribution.
Our new APG Cargo services are also gaining worldwide interest from airlines including our APG Cargo Interline solution (Cargo IET), cargo GSSA services  and total cargo management solutions.
The APG Network is indeed, “The World’s Leading Network for Airline Services.”

If you are one of the few airlines who do not currently partner with APG today, we would welcome the opportunity to talk with you about how we can help increase your revenue levels worldwide.

Please visit our website www.apg-ga.com or follow us on LinkedIn and Facebook @APGNetwork.

For media enquiries please contact APG Media Relations, Mr Frederick Despreaux Email: f.despreaux@apg-ga.com

APG IET partners with Blue Ribbon Bags to offer delayed luggage service to 275 ticket holders

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We’re thrilled to announce that APG has signed an exclusive partnership agreement with Blue Ribbon Bags to provide baggage protection services for all passengers traveling with 275 tickets. The partnership aims to offer peace of mind to passengers in case of lost or delayed baggage incidents. 

​Starting May 1, 2023, all tickets issued in GDS on 275 will automatically include Blue Ribbon Bags’ protection services. In the event of lost or delayed baggage, passengers can file a claim on the dedicated APG-IET Blue Ribbon Bags website (https://apgiet.blueribbonbags.com/) to initiate the tracking and expedited delivery of their bags.

Blue Ribbon Bags’ services include tracking and expediting the return of delayed airport baggage for the first 96 hours from when the destination flight lands. Customers will receive constant updates every time there is a change to the status of their mishandled bag. This innovative solution will provide a hassle-free travel experience for all passengers.

The new partnership reflects APG’s commitment to enhancing the customer experience and ensuring that passengers have a seamless journey from start to finish. “We understand the frustration that lost or delayed baggage can cause, and we are delighted to partner with Blue Ribbon Bags to offer an easy and reliable solution to our passengers,” said Ophelie Cherdrong, Executive Product Director for APG IET.

“Our service provides air travelers with confidence that if their checked-in baggage does not arrive at the destination airport, we will coordinate and expedite the swift return. Our clients should be able to enjoy their holiday or focus on their work trip while we locate and expedite the baggage,” stated CD Lazear, SVP Global Sales of Blue Ribbon Bags.

Blue Ribbon Bags has a proven track record of delivering excellent customer service and helping passengers reunite with their belongings quickly. The new partnership between APG and Blue Ribbon Bags is a testament to the two companies’ shared values of putting the customer first and ensuring a smooth and enjoyable travel experience.

For more information about APG-IET Blue Ribbon Bags’ services, please visit https://apgiet.blueribbonbags.com/.


WESTJET prepares for Tokyo operations and appoints APG as its online GSA in Japan

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WestJet, a Canadian carrier headquartered in Calgary, Alberta has appointed APG as its online General Sales Agent (GSA) in Japan. Under the agreement APG will be providing the airline with sales development and wide-ranging marketing activities, as well as reservation and ticketing services.

Commencing April 30th, 2023, WestJet will inaugurate its first transpacific service with the launch of the Calgary, Canada (YYC) to Narita, Tokyo (NRT) route. The route will be operated with a Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner scheduled for the summer IATA season as follows:
Route: Calgary, Canada (YYC) – Narita, Tokyo (NRT)
Frequency: 3 times a week, from 30APR to 28OCT (summer schedule)
WS80 YYC-NRT 15:00-16:05+1 (Wed/Fri), 15:10-16:15+1 (Sun)
WS81 NRT-YYC 18:15-12:15 (Mon/Sat), 18:30-12:30 (Thu)

With this route travelers flying between Canada and Japan will have the advantage of the only non-stop connection between the Alberta province and Asia, providing them with a more convenient and seamless travel experience.

“With our new service to Tokyo Narita starting the end of April, we are thrilled to work with APG as our representative for ticket sales and promotions in Japan.  Their innovative approach and well-established relationships with the Japanese travel trade will contribute greatly to our successful entry into the Japanese market,” said Charles Crowder, Vice-President, Sales and Distribution at WestJet.

“We are delighted to be further expanding our longstanding and valued partnership with WestJet as they launch the excellent WestJet service into Asia. Our team in Japan have been working very closely with WestJet to ensure a successful launch and are very much looking forward to welcoming the first flight into Tokyo” adds Richard Burgess, President, APG Network.

ABOUT WestJet:
www.westjet.com
In 27 years of serving Canadians, WestJet has cut airfares in half and increased the flying population in Canada to more than 50 per cent. WestJet launched in 1996 with three aircraft, 250 employees and five destinations, growing over the years to more than 180 aircraft, 14,000 employees and more than 110 destinations in 24 countries.
To contact WestJet media relations, please email media@westjet.com.

About APG: 
www.apg-ga.com
With over 30 years’ experience in airline distribution and over 100 offices globally, APG is the world’s largest and most successful airline representation network, partnering with over 200 valued airline clients. APG offers a holistic approach to airline distribution, offering not only airline representation but also interline e-ticketing solutions, fare filing and settlement support services, all aimed at maximising an airline’s revenue potential. APG is always at the forefront of distribution development and our latest APG NDC Platform will assist airlines unlock the benefits of NDC distribution.

Our new APG Cargo services are also gaining worldwide interest from airlines including our APG Cargo Interline solution (Cargo IET), cargo GSSA services  and total cargo management solutions.

The APG Network is indeed, “The World’s Leading Network for Airline Services.”

If you are one of the few airlines who do not currently partner with APG today, we would welcome the opportunity to talk with you about how we can help increase your revenue levels worldwide.

Please visit our website www.apg-ga.com or follow us on LinkedIn and Facebook @APGNetwork.

For media enquiries please contact APG Media Relations, Mr Frederick Despreaux Email: f.despreaux@apg-ga.com

CYPRUS AIRWAYS appoints APG for online GSA services to the UAE and Czech Republic

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Cyprus Airways, national flag carrier of Cyprus, based at Larnaca International Airport, has chosen APG as its online General Sales Agent (GSA) in the UAE and Czech Republic. Under the agreement APG will be supporting the launch of Cyprus Airways’ new services from Dubai to Larnaca and from Prague to Larnaca, providing the airline with sales development and wide-ranging marketing activities to enhance the airlines presence in the markets, as well as reservation and ticketing services.

As part of its international expansion, Cyprus Airways launched the new route between Dubai and Larnaca on 29th of March 2023. The service will operate twice weekly in April increasing to three times weekly from 1st May 2023.  The twice weekly service to Prague is starting on 3rd of May 2023. Both routes will be operated with an Airbus A320 offering 180 Economy Class seats.

Cyprus Airways is strategically positioned to connect Europe with Asia, the Middle East and Africa. Its international network currently includes Tel Aviv, Beirut, Rome, Paris, Yerevan, Athens and several popular destinations in Greece during the summer season. Summer 2023 schedule also includes Milan, Zurich, Basel and Cairo.

“Cyprus Airways is thrilled to partner with APG as our General Sales Agent in the UAE and Czech Republic for our new services from Dubai and Prague to Larnaca. Our expansion into these markets is a testament to our commitment to growth and offering our customers new and exciting travel options. With APG’s expertise, we are confident that we will enhance our presence in these markets and provide our customers with exceptional service.“ Commented Mr Paul Sies  – CEO, Cyprus Airways.

“APG is delighted to be extending its valued partnership with Cyprus Airways into further markets as the airline not only adds important flight options to Cyprus but also very attractive connections between the Middle East, Africa and Europe. We very much look forward to working with Cyprus Airways to successfully launch the new routes and support the airline’s excellent strategic post-pandemic growth” commented Richard Burgess, President APG Network.

ABOUT CYPRUS AIRWAYS:
www.cyprusairways.com
Cyprus Airways, Cyprus’s flag-carrier, resumed operations in 2016. The airline operates two Airbus A320 aircraft fleet which are currently operating on a eighteen-scheduled destination network.

Winter destinations include Athens, Beirut, Tel Aviv, Yerevan, Paris and Rome. Additionally, summer destinations include Basel, Zurich, Milan-Bergamo, Athens, Santorini, Skiathos, Rhodes, Heraklion, Preveza, and Cairo.

In July 2018, Cyprus Airways has successfully passed the International Air Transport Association (IATA) Operational Safety Audit (IOSA), one of the highest standards in the world for airline operational safety. In October 2018, the company became a member of the International Air Transport Association (IATA).

For more information, visit website at www.cyprusairways.com or find us on all social media platforms under @cyprusairways 

 For media enquiries please contact: marketing@cyprusairways.com

About APG:
With over 30 years’ experience in airline distribution and over 100 offices globally, APG is the world’s largest and most successful airline representation network, partnering with over 200 valued airline clients. APG offers a holistic approach to airline distribution, offering not only airline representation but also interline e-ticketing solutions, fare filing and settlement support services, all aimed at maximising an airline’s revenue potential. APG is always at the forefront of distribution development and our latest APG NDC Platform will assist airlines unlock the benefits of NDC distribution.

Our new APG Cargo services are also gaining worldwide interest from airlines including our APG Cargo Interline solution (Cargo IET), cargo GSSA services  and total cargo management solutions.

The APG Network is indeed, “The World’s Leading Network for Airline Services.”

If you are one of the few airlines who do not currently partner with APG today, we would welcome the opportunity to talk with you about how we can help increase your revenue levels worldwide.

Please visit our website www.apg-ga.com or follow us on LinkedIn and Facebook @APGNetwork.
For media enquiries please contact APG Media Relations, Mr Frederick Despreaux
Email: f.despreaux@apg-ga.com

Survivors

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Air travel is full of ups and downs, even though it has grown almost steadily at 5% per year since the end of the Second World War. It was built by airlines that developed an international system of cooperation between carriers and relentless search for safety, well helped by manufacturers and managing authorities of this activity.

And yet the course counted many deaths and not the least. In the United States alone, since 1960, 65 companies have entered the “Chapter 11” regime, the equivalent of European bankruptcy filing, and 32 of them have had to cease operations. And among these victims are the biggest names in air transport.

PAN AM for starters. It is thanks to this company that air transport has become an international activity and a real travel product, first recognized by customers. This carrier opened the north-south transpacific and trans-American routes before 1940. It created the operational and commercial tools, including the electronic reservation systems that were copiedby all its competitors. It operated the first Boeing 747s, opened its own terminals at many airports. In short, if air transport has reached the level of excellence that we know it, it is largely because PAN AM has cleared and organized the activity. And yet the company created in 1927 finally disappeared on December 4, 1991. It did not resist the arrival of  “low costs” on American territory and the Lockerbie attack completed it. And above all, she finally succumbed to a certain arrogance because the leaders, as well as the employees, simply believed her unwantable.

The same story happened again a few years later for its competitor TWA, which shared international long-haul routes with PAN AM. Led for years by the whimsical yet brilliant Howard Hughes, it had become the emblem of a chic and conquering America. She too was the victim of a terrible accident that blew up flight TW 800 from New York Paris on July 17, 1996. Finally the company had to resolve to merge with American Airlines in 2001 and disappear from the sky.

The same causes producing the same effects the three other American giants rescued from successive mergers and mergers: American Airlines created in 1930, Delta Airlines born in 1924 and United Airlines whose operations began in 1926, are all passed through the claudine forks of “Chapter 11”. It is to be feared that without this device finally very well thought out, they will have suffered the same fate as their unfortunate competitors.

Elsewhere, in the world, the majority of major operators have also been led to bankruptcy or stupidly to their disappearance. This is, for example, the case of Swissair created in 1931 and disappeared on March 31, 2022, Alitalia whose origin dates back to 1946 and the disappearance on October 15, 2021, Japan Airlines which operated since 1951 and whose bankruptcy was registered on January 18, 2010, or Varig, the major Brazilian carrier, died on 09 April 2001 although he existed since 1927.

We could mention many other renowned operators. Even recently SAS yet often cited as an example had to resolve to the American “Chapter 11” on July 05, 2022.  Finally, what remains of the great historical companies? Curiously, the three largest European operators have withstood the vagaries of history. Air France, admittedly very widely supported by successive French governments, finally went through extreme turbulence with, it should be remembered, two highly publicized crashes: the Concorde and the Rio-Paris. British Airways, which was thought to be moribund in the early 2000s, has achieved a spectacular recovery, at the cost of a terrible reduction in its network. Lufthansa, for its part, has not been spared by the difficulties, in particular the terrible crash of the flight of its subsidiary Germanwings in the French Alps.

The will to survive of both has led them to look the new realities in the face and first of all the “low cost” phenomenon that has really swept through Europe. In one way or another, these three major operators ended up adapting by being at the initiative of groups of companies that all kept their image and a certain autonomy unlike what happened in the USA.

We need another editorial to analyze the situation in Asia and Africa… and the recent emergence of Gulf carriers. Let us salute the successes and respect the companies that have disappeared.

TAP AIR PORTUGAL chooses APG as its GSA in 18 markets across Europe, Africa, Asia and Australia

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TAP AIR PORTUGAL, the flag carrier airline of Portugal, has chosen APG Network to expand its reach across 18 markets in Europe, Africa, Asia and Australia. APG will provide comprehensive sales and marketing activities as well as ticketing and reservation services, enabling the airline to strengthen its position in these key markets.

With its headquarters based at Lisbon Airport, TAP AIR PORTUGAL has a long-standing reputation for excellence in the aviation industry. The airline operates a fleet of modern aircraft, connecting Portugal to major cities across Europe, Africa, Asia and the Americas.

“​TAP selected APG as GSA to represent her and develop its sales in 18 countries in the world. In this joint force, TAP is aiming to improve presence in the markets and grow its revenue”, said Justin Jovignot, Director Commercial Strategy & Distribution “TAP is flying directly to some of the markets where it has appointed APG as GSA, but the focus is also on offline markets, where TAP is still not flying to and where growth potential is a key element for future business development”. 

“We are honored that TAP AIR PORTUGAL has chosen APG as their partner in a wide range of markets across multiple continents,” said Richard Burgess, President of APG Network. “We look forward to working closely with the TAP AIR PORTUGAL team to develop and implement effective sales and marketing strategies in these markets that will increase brand awareness and lead to solid revenue growth.“

ABOUT TAP Air Portugal:
www.flytap.com

TAP Air Portugal is a 78-year-old national airline committed to providing exceptional service and safety to passengers. As a member of the Star Alliance network, TAP operates flights to 90 destinations in 36 countries. Its modern fleet includes the latest Airbus aircraft, while its cabin interiors offer maximum comfort and state-of-the-art entertainment. TAP is also dedicated to sustainability, reducing its carbon footprint with biofuels and more efficient procedures. The airline takes pride in promoting Portuguese culture and traditions, from its cuisine to inflight magazine features. TAP Air Portugal is a world-class airline that continues to grow while maintaining its strong Portuguese heritage.

About APG:
With over 100 offices covering over 170 countries, APG offers a comprehensive and innovative approach to airline distribution for over 200 airline clients worldwide. APG offers not only global online and offline representation but also interline e-ticketing solutions, BSP, ARC and TCH support services as well as state-of-the-art NDC distribution solutions, all aimed at reducing costs and maximising an airline’s yield and revenue potential.​

Air Mauritius Appoints APG as GSA

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Air Mauritius is pleased to announce the appointment of APG as its GSA Sales and Marketing in Austria, Belgium, Cyprus, Greece, Luxemburg, The Netherlands, Portugal, and Spain. APG is a global firm with more than a hundred offices operating in over one hundred and seventy countries.

This partnership represents a significant opportunity for Air Mauritius to strengthen its global presence, expand sales in critical markets, and generate additional tourism from these markets. APG has the essential resources and proficiency to effectively enhance Air Mauritius’ international representation, marketing, and communication capabilities.

APG currently represents Air Mauritius in significant markets, namely the USA, Canada, Italy, Switzerland, and Germany. This strategic appointment is set to play a key role in facilitating the airline’s expansion efforts, particularly with the advent of new operations in Europe.

As from October 2023, Air Mauritius will commence operations of two weekly flights to Geneva while also increasing its frequencies to London with a daily flight to London Gatwick Airport starting on October 29, 2023.

The CEO of Air Mauritius, Mr Krešimir Kučko stated that, ” Aligned with our objective to aid Mauritius in attaining its target of 1.4 million visitors by the end of this year, we view this initiative as an optimal means of augmenting our network of distinguished sales agents by collaborating with APG, which we believe will bolster Air Mauritius’ sales.“

The CEO of APG Inc, Ms Sandrine de Saint Sauveur added: “We are delighted to enhance our partnership with Air Mauritius to deliver the best services.”

About APG:
With over 100 offices covering over 170 countries, APG offers a comprehensive and innovative approach to airline distribution for over 200 airline clients worldwide. APG offers not only global online and offline representation but also interline e-ticketing solutions, BSP, ARC and TCH support services as well as state-of-the-art NDC distribution solutions, all aimed at reducing costs and maximising an airline’s yield and revenue potential.​

AIR BALTIC plans new European routes and extends its partnership with APG to Romania, Moldova and Turkey

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airBaltic, the flag carrier of Latvia, with its Head Office based at Riga International Airport, has appointed APG as its online GSA in Romania, Moldova and Turkey. Under the agreement APG will be providing the airline with wide ranging sales activities, marketing support, reservation and ticketing services to support the launch of airBaltic’s new routes to Bucharest and Istanbul.

airBaltic will operate 4 weekly flights from Riga to Istanbul starting April 1, 2023. While Riga to Bucharest, Otopeni is planned from May 1, 2023 with 3 weekly frequencies. All flights will be operated by the most modern and environmentally friendly Airbus A220-300 aircraft.

airBaltic, currently serves over 70 routes with direct flights out of capitals of the Baltic States – Riga (Latvia), Vilnius (Lithuania) and Tallinn (Estonia) to multiple destinations spanning Europe, Scandinavia, CIS and the Middle East.

Martin Gauss, airBaltic President and CEO said: “This upcoming summer season, airBaltic will launch its highest-ever number of new routes – a total of 20 new routes from all of its bases in the Baltics and Finland. That being said, we are glad to extend our partnership with APG Network for further support in our new markets. We are looking forward to this collaboration being extended even further ahead of airBaltic’s ongoing network growth.”

“I am delighted to see that, following years of successful partnership in several markets, airBaltic continues to have confidence in APG and its services. I am confident that APG will deliver high quality service in Turkey, Moldova and Romania and give airBaltic full support for the successful launch of the new routes to Istanbul and Bucharest” added Sandrine de Saint Sauveur, APG CEO.

ABOUT AIRBALTIC:
www.airBaltic.com

airBaltic (Air Baltic Corporation AS) connects the Baltic region with over 70 destinations in Europe, the Middle East, and the CIS. Over the last 27 years, airBaltic has developed as a strong, profitable, and internationally respected airline, which employs more than 2200 employees. airBaltic is by far the best-known international brand in Latvia and responsible for more than 2.5% of the Latvian GDP. airBaltic operates 39 Airbus A220-300 aircraft. airBaltic has received numerous international awards for excellence and innovative services. Skytrax has awarded Latvian airline airBaltic a five–star COVID-19 safety rating and the Best Airline in Eastern Europe in 2022. In addition, airBaltic is one of the Top twenty airlines for COVID-19 compliance by the safety, product, and COVID-19 rating agency Airlineratings.com. In 2018 and 2019 airBaltic received the ATW Airline Industry Achievement Award as the Market Leader of the Year. In addition, in 2019 airBaltic received Sector Leadership Award by Airline Business. airBaltic is a joint stock company that was established in 1995. Its primary shareholder is the Latvian state, which holds 97.96% of the stock, while the rest of the shareholders hold 2.04%.

About APG:
With over 100 offices covering over 170 countries, APG offers a comprehensive and innovative approach to airline distribution for over 200 airline clients worldwide. APG offers not only global online and offline representation but also interline e-ticketing solutions, BSP, ARC and TCH support services as well as state-of-the-art NDC distribution solutions, all aimed at reducing costs and maximising an airline’s yield and revenue potential.​

The return of wide-body aircraft

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They were said to be obsolete, too expensive to operate, too CO² consuming, and too old, in short, they had all the defects. For decades, they were the only ones that could be operated on distant destinations. To cross the oceans, twin-engine aircraft needed an ETOPS rating (Extended-range Operations by Twin-Engine airplanes), i.e., the number of flight hours allowed to reach the first airport on a single engine. The first jets were authorized ETOPS 120, that is, they had to not exceed a distance of 2 hours to reach an airport. Gradually we went to ETOPS 180, or three hours for most jets, and we are now at ETOPS 370 for the A350 XWB. Even the new A321 XLR is authorized at a distance of 8700 km, so it can easily cross the Atlantic.

In other words, the field of activity reserved only for four-engine aircraft can now be occupied by much smaller aircraft. The latter is more easily filled and at a time when airlines were trying to focus on load factors at the expense of comfort and even fare, it made more sense to replace wide-body aircraft with lighter aircraft. And now Covid has arrived at the right time to ground the Boeing 747 and Airbus 380. While these devices were widely preferred by customers, they were of an old design and operators wanted to get rid of them as soon as possible. The opportunity was too good, it was seized immediately.

The world has emerged from this disastrous period and even if the conflict between Ukraine and Russia still pollutes the atmosphere, the demand for transport has suddenly resumed. Ecological injunctions have certainly been taken into account by the sector, but the results are not expected for twenty years. In the meantime, we must give satisfaction to the market. And, icing on the cake, tariffs have increased very significantly, by around 30%, which makes it much easier to reach the break-even point. Of course, the brand new large jets, the Boeing 777X and Airbus 350-1000 can carry more than 400 passengers, which brings their capacity closer to that of the latest Boeing 747-8 and Airbus A380, but customers still prefer the latter, which still carry 200 more passengers. And then manufacturers are struggling to deliver the recently ordered devices.

So we take the four-engine aircraft out of the aircraft cemeteries where they were stored. Not surprisingly, Emirates has put its A380s back into service. It was the first, I would say as usual. And it worked so well that the B777s were gradually being replaced by the flag aircraft, mainly for the higher classes, First and Business, for which the A380 had no equivalent. But the Boeing 747-8 has still not said its last word. It is also newer than its competitor Airbus. This is how the big carriers bring out the biggest devices when they thought they would never reuse them. The demand for transport is present, it is dynamic and the approximately 4 billion passengers transported in 2019 will probably be reached in 2023, but with a much higher turnover given the rise in prices. This phenomenon can be seen in all continents, following Qantas’ recent announcement of the return of its A380s, the last carrier to return to service with its B747s, is Korean Air, while Asian countries were the last to fully open their borders.

We buried the magnificent devices a little quickly. They have made air travel prosper and they have allowed new layers of less fortunate customers to still benefit from the freedom attached to this mode of transport. The very high demand will not be able to be supported solely by the multiplication of smaller aircraft, even if they make it possible to open new direct services without going through the “hubs” so complicated and so expensive to operate.

Major airports are again close to saturation. Aircraft parking lots and the number of walkways cannot be developed infinitely except to create new platforms very far from urban areas. But then it will be necessary to take into account in the calculation of CO² emissions the increasingly distant journeys to get to the terminals.

It might be wise for the two major manufacturers to get back to the dough to create new, more efficient versions of aircraft with more than 600 seats. Boeing has made 8 versions of its fabulous 747, Airbus only one of the A380 despite the enormous insistence of Tim Clark the boss of Emirates who says he is ready to be the launch carrier of the big aircraft of the future.

Air transport can say thank you to covid

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Let’s assume that we are out of the nightmare of the pandemic since China has just dropped its barriers. It is the last country after being the first to close its borders. Vaccines are effective and the vast majority of populations are now protected. And finally, air transport is not doing so badly, and we can even imagine that Covid has been beneficial to it, for several reasons.

No alt text provided for this image
Photo by Maria Tyutina

First, it showed its usefulness to such an extent that the states supported it even beyond what could be hoped. Thus the US has injected more than 60 billion dollars to keep the companies alive, France has massively supported its national carrier, but also, even in a lesser way, the other companies, and the German government has gone so far as to take shares in the Lufthansa group when it was against its principles and those of the company. Italy tried desperately to save Alitalia, but that patient was terminally ill and had to resign himself to the loss of his national jewel to replace it with ITA.

All this clearly shows how air transport is considered by States to be of exceptional importance. Governments have understood that it is both an essential factor in the economy and the best ambassador of countries. At the height of the pandemic, it proved its usefulness in transporting masks and vaccines. No one doubts its usefulness anymore, here is the first result.

And then during this troubled period, officials took the opportunity to launch major reorganization maneuvers. A large number of employees have left the sector, which has made it possible to reduce the size of the workforce without having to face major social movements. Thus companies now find themselves with a reduced payroll and a better organization. The recovery has certainly forced hiring to resume, but it is necessary to get traffic through. As a result, ratios are improving and the results that are beginning to be published for 2022 reflect a better performance in the management of companies.

Meanwhile, many carriers took the opportunity to ground the oldest aircraft and replace them with the latest generation of aircraft that are more suitable and more efficient. This has several advantages. First, a serious step towards carbon neutrality, which remains the essential condition for the acceptance of air transport by new generations. The new aircraft are more comfortable, better

equipped, and the air transport product is seriously improved. Finally, the new aircraft consume less fuel, so they cost less and they are ready for the use of SAF (Sustainable Aviation Fuel). Still, many ground devices are quite suitable for use. It would be a shame to let them rot when they would be very useful in some countries that still do not have access to new aircraft.

Finally, prices have risen significantly. The mad race for volumes from ever lower tariffs has come to an abrupt end. Increases of around 30% have become commonplace. So this irritates a part of consumers who had become accustomed to traveling for ridiculous prices but which they finally thought were the norm. We are gradually returning to common sense, on the express condition that the tariff war does not resume. The danger is not removed because we are going towards a period where the supply will be plethoric between the new devices ordered and those that will leave the car parks. For the moment, demand is still dynamic and it accepts the new fee schedules. For their part, carriers have seen the value of not selling off their seats recklessly. The financial results were well affected.

What would have happened without the abrupt halt of air transport, for more than 2 years as a result of the pernicious Covid? No doubt the infernal race in which it was launched: more passengers, more aircraft, less revenue, would have continued until the moment when the populations would have demonstrated a rejection of this mode of transport under increased ecologist pressure. The equilibrium load factors would be raised above 90% leading to a deterioration in the quality of service. And the companies’ financial results would have remained just as precarious.

Covid has forced air travel to return to its fundamentals: a quality product, sold at a simply reasonable price.

And that’s fine.