Air Tracker March 1, 2018 Vol1 Ep30 Benjamin Chiam

Hello and thank you for tuning in to mba airtracker, my name is Benjamin Chiam and I'll be providing you with your aviation updates today. Starting with Airline news, after posting losses in 2017, Thai Airways is optimistic about turning things around in 2018 as the ICAO recently upgraded Thailand’s safety rating. Thai Airways is still waiting for the FAA to follow ICAOs verdict and raise the country's safety ratings, believing that the change in perception will help garner more overseas customers and increase the airlines revenue. Avianca posted a $245 million net profit in 2017 after adjusting for disruptions caused by a pilot strike in the fourth quarter of 2017. Before the adjustment, Avianca reported 82 million dollars in net profit, up 85% from 2016. This represents the strongest performance the airline has seen since its merger with TACA. Airbnb's CEO Brian Chesky revealed that the company is thinking about launching a new airline to get into the end-to-end trip business. Metro Aviation ordered 25 H145e helicopters that will be produced in Airbus's plant in Mississippi. The order is vital for airbus as it will bridge the production line until the delivery and further orders of the militarized UH-72a for the US Army. Production of the type has been delayed by a three year legal battle between Leonardo Helicopters and Airbus that was finally resolved in favor of airbus early this year. Airbus has rolled out the first A350-900 ULR slated to enter service with Singapore Airlines. The aircraft will be used to restart direct flights between Singapore and North America, which used to be served by the A340-500s. Singapore Airlines is currently the only customer for the A350 ULR but Airbus is reported to be in talks with Qantas who has shown interest in the aircraft. Wow air closed a sale leaseback for an A321 with Sky aviation leasing marking the 36th aircraft placed for Sky. IAG engines has acquired a 747-400 , the CF6 powered aircraft was in storage at the time of acquisition but used to fly with KLM. ASL aviation has taken delivery of a 737-400F from vallair making it the largest European 737-400F operator. And Finally, Avmax took delivery of the last three Bombardier Q100s from an order of 27.