Your weekly travel and aviation Quote-a

7 February, 2020

The Blue Swan Daily brings you a roundup of the most thought-provoking and interesting comments from those industry leaders in the know.

IATA CEO urges use of 'smart regulation' by governments

IATA DG and CEO Alexandre de Juniac, speaking at the CAPA Qatar Aviation Aeropolitical and Regulatory Summit, called (05-Feb-2020) on governments to introduce "smart regulation", as the airline industry has "suffered well-intentioned regulatory efforts that have not produced the desired results". Mr de Juniac said smart regulation is regulation that:

  • Is a real solution to a real problem;
  • Has calculated a benefit that outweighs the cost;
  • Takes into account industry expertise for efficient implementation;
  • Is alignment with global standards.

Mr de Juniac noted the "classic example" of a well intentioned but unsuccessful regulation is the US tarmac delay rule. The intent was to eliminate excessive tarmac delays to improve the travel experience even in difficult situations, with fines set "so high that long tarmac delays have virtually disappeared". According to Mr de Juniac the result has been that airlines are "incentivised to pre-emptively cancel flights rather than risk a long delay", which is "never a good outcome for a traveller". [more - original PR]

Norwegian CEO: Sustainability is an opportunity for aviation, not a threat

Norwegian CEO Jacob Schram reported sustainability is an opportunity for aviation and not a threat (nettavisen.com, 29-Jan-2020). Mr Schram said there are less emissions produced on Norwegian aircraft on Oslo-Bodø route, than the same train trip. Mr Schram reported the airline, its fleet and route operated on decides the sustainability of an airline.

Cathay Pacific notes 'very significant' impact from coronavirus

Cathay Pacific CEO Augustus Tang said that the impact of the coronavirus pandemic on the airline's business had been "very significant" due to the decline in demand into and around the region more widely across the markets served by Cathay (South China Morning Post/Reuters, 04-Feb-2020). He said the carrier would announce "further measures" in the coming days to help it get through the current situation, adding: "We will monitor the situation closely and adjust accordingly".

Norwegian considers Airbus equipment due to Boeing 737 MAX grounding

Norwegian CEO Jacob Schram reported the carrier may purchase Airbus equipment if the carrier does not come to a conclusion with Boeing regarding its 737 MAX and delayed 737 MAX aircraft deliveries (e24.no, 31-Jan-2020). Mr Schram said the carrier continues to be in negotiations with Boeing for compensation due to the global grounding of the Boeing 737 MAX.

Tourism & Transport Forum Australia: Operators 'bracing for major downturn in travel'

Tourism & Transport Forum Australia (TTF) CEO Margy Osmond reported (03-Feb-2020) many operators "continue to face the impacts from the widespread bushfire crisis which has devastated certain regional communities over the last few months" and is "bracing for major downturn in travel and tourism in the coming months as a result of novel coronavirus". Ms Osmond stated: "Many visitors from major markets either won't be able to or will choose not to travel" and TTF continues to work closely with the Australian Government to ensure the sector has a clear line of communication to express both needs and concerns. [more - original PR]

Qatar Airways waits for the right conditions to double its LATAM shares

Qatar Airways CEO Akbar Al Baker, commenting on its partnership with LATAM Airlines Group, stated that Qatar Airways is considering doubling its stake in LATAM, increasing its 10% share ownership to 20% when the right conditions are in place (Reuters, 05-Feb-2020). As previously reported by CAPA, Delta Air Lines acquired 20% ownership of LATAM for around USD1.9 billion.