Xiamen Airlines

Rapidly expanding Kenya Airways charts growth with plan to serve every inhabited continent by 2017

Kenya Airways plans to launch its first services to North America, South America and Australia by 2017, making it one of the few carriers to serve every inhabited continent. While these three continents will give Africa's currently fifth-largest airline by seats a global presence, its future is pegged on Asia, with the carrier over the next 10 years planning to launch seven new routes into China, six in the Indian Subcontinent and three across North and Southeast Asia as well as having a growing presence in Europe and the Middle East. It is poised to become Africa's largest carrier.

Growth will be fuelled by Africa's status as a burgeoning market, as well as reliance on partners: Kenya Airways will open routes to SkyTeam member hubs in Xiamen (Xiamen Airlines), Hanoi (Vietnam Airlines), Seoul (Korean Air), Moscow (Aeroflot) and Prague (Czech Airlines). The intercontinental focus follows Kenya's strong emphasis on regional Africa, with the carrier aiming to serve every African nation by the end of 2013. 

Xiamen Airlines gears up for international expansion

Xiamen Airlines, China's sixth largest carrier and the world's 27th largest by available seat kilometres, is gearing up for more forays into the international market. Xiamen is predominately a domestic carrier with only 5.7% of available seats allocated to international services. Xiamen in May-2011 ordered six Boeing 787s for services to Europe and North America after their 2014/15 delivery dates. But international expansion, albeit medium-haul and not long-haul, can commence earlier with the carrier retrofitting its 757s with a three-class configuration, including having lie-flat beds in first class. 

Xiamen Airlines to join SkyTeam in 2012, strengthening the alliance’s presence in China

The SkyTeam alliance has taken another step forward in cementing its place in the fast-growing North Asian aviation market with Xiamen Airlines, China’s fourth largest carrier and Asia’s ninth largest carrier by seats, being formally accepted into the SkyTeam alliance on 17-Nov-2011. Xiamen Airlines will commence the joining process leading to full entry into SkyTeam by the end of 2012. 

While few in the aviation industry would name Xiamen Airlines in the list of leading Asia Pacific airlines, it has grown to become a key name to watch in the market. The chiefly domestic Chinese airline is also one of the world's most consistently profitable, notching 24 consecutive years in the black – an amazing achievement given the volatility in the industry over this period. Further healthy growth by Xiamen Airlines is expected amid strong domestic and regional expansion.

Tibet Airlines preparing for Jul-2011 launch; CAAC sets limit of three new airline approvals p/a

Tibet Airlines, Tibet’s first airline, on 20-Jun-2011 received its public air carrier's licence from CAAC, after receiving approval from the aviation authority in Mar-2010. Tibet Airlines will be the first and only airline based in Lhasa when it launches operations next month and will benefit from the booming Tibet market.

China supports domestic airlines for global alliances as China Eastern joins SkyTeam

Chinese Vice Premier Zhang Dejiang stated the Chinese government supports domestic airlines joining global alliances and encouraged the nation’s airlines to learn from other airlines to improve services and management in order to be more competitive in the global market. The civilian global aviation industry plays a fundamental and strategic role in China's economy, and the government will continue to strengthen exchanges and cooperation with alliances and foreign airlines to promote its rapid development, Mr Zhang said.