Air Macau

Macau SAR Government to become Air Macau’s second largest shareholder with USD88m investment

Air Macau shareholders this month approved a second capital restructuring of the carrier as part of which the Macau SAR Government will inject around MOP700 million (USD87.5 million) into the flag carrier. The government noted its objective was to help Air Macau in “upgrading herself" to support the development of Macau to become the “world alluring centre of tourism and leisure”. After this second capital increase, the Macau SAR Government will be the second largest shareholder in the airline after Air China.

Macau's aviation market has struggled since 2007 under a strategic, political and operational stalemate, which has seen the collapse of one of its two airlines and a sizeable contraction in air passenger and cargo numbers. However, interest in Macau is picking up again, as new LCCs emerge in North Asia, namely Korea and Japan. Foreign LCCs and Macau-China Mainland traffic is now driving traffic. Overall, 2011 is expected to be a year of stabilisation for Macau, as it begins to claw back some of the lost ground of the past few years. However, growth will likely remain moderate for the foreseeable future.

Macau Airport traffic declines from 2007 peak as impact from cross-Strait liberalisation bites

Macau's aviation market has struggled since 2007 under a strategic, political and operational stalemate, which has seen the collapse of one of its two airlines and a sizeable contraction in air passenger and cargo numbers. However, interest in Macau is picking up again, as new LCCs emerge in North Asia, namely Korea and Japan. Foreign LCCs and Macau-China Mainland traffic is now driving traffic. The Jetstar Group has even identified Macau as a potential hub option. Overall, 2011 is expected to be a year of stabilisation for Macau, as it begins to claw back some of the lost ground of the past few years. However, growth will likely remain moderate for the foreseeable future.

Chinese airline consolidation: Second tier airlines in the sights of the 'Big Four'

China’s fragmented airline industry is undergoing a shakeup. Merger and acquisition activity is intense – probably more so than any other aviation market in the world. In the space of a few short years, the majority of China’s second tier airlines have, at least partially, become owned or controlled by one of the "Big Three" carriers and/or HNA Group, as consolidation accelerates in China. In this report, CAPA reviews what’s fuelling the feeding frenzy and who the targets are.

CAAS upgrades air traffic control as Singapore signs new ASAs

The Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore (CAAS) announced Singapore Air Traffic Control Centre (SATCC) is to receive a SGD300 million (USD229.6 million) systems upgrade, to allow the centre to manage the country’s increasing air traffic volume. The upgrade includes the installation of Thales’ LORADS (Long Range Radar and Display System) III radar system and Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast (ADS-B) capabilities. The system was last updated with the installation of its current LORADS II system in 1996.

China’s second tier airports: It’s where the action is!

China’s 'big three' airports - Beijing, Guangzhou and Shanghai - may be exhibiting a strong rebound in demand, but some truly breathtaking activity is occurring at China’s second tier airports. Growth rates of 25% and above are commonplace, as are extensive upgrade and expansion projects to keep up with galloping demand. A battle is meanwhile unfolding between airports in Western China for the mantle of that region’s pre-eminent hub, while airlines are adjusting their strategies for serving China’s burgeoning second-tier airport network in the face of rising competition from high speed rail.