CAPA Insights
Our Insight articles provide context and expert views on breaking news from across the industry. Drawing on CAPA's deep industry knowledge, our extensive databases and other resources, we go beyond the headlines to examine the background of key trending topics and consider the changing outlook. Our global team of analysts builds on the trending news with information critical for decision makers. Insight articles are available to all CAPA Members online or via our fully customisable Alerts.
Swedish aviation realignment: SAS and BRA partnership to reshape domestic travel
In Sep-2024, SAS and BRA - Braathens Regional Airlines announced a seven year wet lease partnership, effective from Jan-2025. BRA will operate aircraft for SAS on domestic routes in Sweden, supporting the expansion of the SAS domestic operation from Stockholm Arlanda Airport.
The collaboration aims to enhance Sweden's air connectivity and bolster Arlanda as a central hub for domestic and international travel. As part of this transition, BRA will discontinue scheduled flights from Stockholm Bromma Airport by the end of 2024, focusing on contract flights.
While stakeholders view this as an opportunity for Arlanda's growth, concerns have been raised about potential risks to regional airports and the impact on Swedish domestic aviation amid post-pandemic recovery challenges.
Riyadh Air to connect Saudi Arabia to the world under ambitious Vision 2030 strategy
In Mar-2023, Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund (PIF) announced the establishment of a new national carrier, Riyadh Air.
The airline plans to launch commercial operations in mid-2025, operating from its hub at Riyadh King Khalid International Airport. Saudi Arabia's national carrier, Saudia, is set to transfer its operations at the airport to Riyadh Air by 2030.
This comes as the country works to reduce its economic dependence on oil and redirect resources to its tourism industry under the Vision 2030 strategy, aiming to increase air traffic to 300 million passengers by 2030.
Turboprop manufacturers look to take a larger slice of the American pie
In a presentation to the US' Regional Airline Association in Sep-2024, ATR president and MD Americas Christopher Jones outlined the turboprop manufacturer's ambitions to target the US market.
Deutsche Aircraft also revealed in Sep-2024 that it is targeting the US as it seeks to promote its new D328eco model in North America.
Both manufacturers are seeking to emphasise the advantages of their turboprops as replacements for the large fleet of ageing regional jet aircraft in operation across the US.
Perth to emerge as Qantas Group's second largest international hub
In a keynote interview at the recent CAPA Airline Leader Summit Australia Pacific, Qantas International CEO Cam Wallace outlined the carrier's plans to develop Perth Airport as its "western hub" and the group's "second largest international destination" in Australia.
Passenger traffic constraints at Dublin Airport: Should Ireland look west?
Ongoing passenger capacity constraints at Dublin Airport have led to two consecutive seasons of restrictions from the Irish Aviation Authority, as well as a slew of commentary from inside and outside the industry.
Shannon Airport Group CEO Mary Considine has suggested the west of Ireland as a potential solution, with an offer that combines unique trans Atlantic infrastructure in the form of a US Customs and Border Protection pre-clearance facility and airfield capacity which could accommodate "significantly more" than an additional "three million passengers".
AirAsia's launch of Kuala Lumpur-Labuan Bajo service a likely game changer for Flores Island
AirAsia's recent launch of three times weekly Kuala Lumpur-Labuan Bajo service could be a game changer for the sleepy but growing town of Labuan Bajo, the gateway to Indonesia's spectacular East Nusa Tenggara Province.
Eye on Western Sydney: Airlines look to Sydney’s newest airport
A growing list of airlines are expressing interest in launching operations to Western Sydney International (Nancy-Bird Walton) Airport when it opens to passenger services in late 2026.
The airport's lenient curfew rules and 24/7 operational hours are proving to be enticing incentives for airlines.
Ongoing slot constraints at Sydney Kingsford Smith Airport should only increase the number of airlines pivoting to Western Sydney.
Middle East continues to lead international tourism recovery
International tourism bounced back to 96% of pre-pandemic levels in the seven months through Jul-2024, driven by strong demand in Europe and the re-opening of markets in Asia and the Pacific, according to latest data from the United Nations.
According to the latest World Tourism Barometer by UN Tourism, around 790 million tourists travelled internationally in the first seven months of 2024, about 11% more than in 2023 and only 4% less than in 2019.
Allegiant Air receives first 737-8 200; one year behind schedule, but remains confident in new fleet
On 09-Sep-2024, US carrier Allegiant Air took delivery of its first Boeing 737-8 200 aircraft (N811NV, MSN 68002). It is scheduled to enter service in Nov-2024.
Allegiant's initial 737-8200 aircraft will be based in Orlando, with five aircraft scheduled to operate up to 15 daily departures from Orlando Sanford and Tampa St Pete-Clearwater by mid Dec-2024.
Sustainability a key theme at CAPA Airline Leader Summit Australia Pacific
Sustainability and environmental topics were one of the major trends across the robust sessions at the CAPA Airline Leader Summit Australia Pacific, held in Brisbane on 12/13-Sep-2024.
Senior executives and thought leaders from across the industry, including Airbus, Air New Zealand, Qantas Airways and Virgin Australia, addressed a full house on key areas such as airlines' sustainability targets and sustainable aviation fuel (SAF).