Welcome

Welcome to the fortnightly Network planning newsletter.

In this edition we feature the latest news on the Qantas takeover bid, Gulf Air’s restructuring plans, news on Pakistan International Airlines new chairman and an interview with Joachim Hunold, the CEO of Air Berlin.

Just click on the at-a-glance headlines below to link through to the full stories as they appear on our website.

This newsletter is compiled by Flight Insight, Flight’s newly created research team, and brings together the latest headlines from across Airline Business and Flight International, as well as data and analysis from our leading online services including ATI and ACAS.

For comments and suggestions on content for future editions of this newsletter, please email me at: linda.moore@flightglobal.com.

Linda Moore - Analyst, Flight Insight

Headlines - Route Development

Gulf Air shrinks and restructures
Gulf Air is slashing aircraft, routes and jobs in a drastic restructuring that will also see Bahrain's government increase its stake from 50% to 80%.

SkyAirWorld set to start E-170 services for Solomon Airlines
Australian start-up SkyAirWorld hopes to begin Embraer 170 wet-lease operations for Solomon Airlines this week after a hitch in receiving its air operator's certificate.

Air Berlin makes long-haul move
Air Berlin has agreed to acquire German leisure carrier LTU for €140 million ($187 million) plus the assumption of €190-200 million in debt.

Headlines - Airline Strategy

Qantas takeover bid said to have failed
Investors comprising the Airline Partners Australia consortium have reportedly failed in their bid to take over flag-carrier Qantas.

ATA buys World and North American
ATA Airlines has acquired two cargo and charter carriers, World Airways and North American Airlines, for $31 million in cash.

Khan steps in to aid PIA
A new executive chairman has taken over at Pakistan International Airlines as the state-owned carrier struggles financially.

Headlines - Airport Strategy

Haneda expansion work begins
Construction work on a long-planned fourth runway at Asia's busiest airport, Tokyo's Haneda, has begun, although the opening date has slipped to late 2010.

Research - Airline Business special reports

Low-cost & Regional Carriers
Low-cost carrier profitability, the booming Middle East market, the importance of ancillary revenues and a healthier outlook at the large US regionals are all themes examined in this month’s special report. Plus rankings of the main low-cost and regional players and regional aircraft analysis.

Airline Business executive interviews

Joachim Hunold: Opportunity knocks In just 12 months Joachim Hunold, the chief executive of Air Berlin, has taken the German low-cost/charter hybrid carrier public, bought a rival and entered the long-haul market. Airline Business magazine regularly runs in-depth interviews with chief executives both in the magazine and online at www.flightglobal.com. Our archive of more than 70 interviews is currently available on the site.

Data and Analysis

The table opposite shows the planned capacity growth between regions and is based on schedules for 8-14 May 2006 against 14-20 May 2007. Figures reflect airlines operating non-stop unrestricted scheduled passenger services and reflect recent aircraft configuration changes. Source: Innovata

Events

Regional Europe 2007
13th to 15th May 2007 - Sofia, Bulgaria
This event will offer an unrivalled platform for airlines and airports to explore new opportunities in the region.

Routes Regional Africa
27th to 29th May 2007 - Cairo, Egypt
This years' event will take place in Cairo, Egypt and will be the first event held in Africa under the Routes' Regional Events brand.

Recruitment

The vacancy below has been selected from Flight Jobs, our appointments section. Route Analyst Abu Dhabi - UAE Search for more vacancies on Flight Jobs.