Air New Zealand has announced a decline in its underlying profits for the first half of its 2025 financial year, as the airline grapples with various challenges impacting its operations. Despite facing suppressed demand, economic factors, and engine issues affecting a significant portion of its mainline fleet, the Auckland-based carrier reported earnings before tax of NZ$155 million ($88 mn) for the six-month period ending on December 31, 2024. This figure represents a notable drop from the previous year's NZ$185 million ($105mn). Chair of Air New Zealand, Dame Therese Walsh, remained optimistic despite the challenges, stating that the airline's robust balance sheet and financial discipline are key assets in navigating the current headwinds. The company plans to pay a dividend of NZ1.25c per share to shareholders, along with an upcoming share buy-back scheme of up to NZ$100 million ($57mn) to strengthen its financial position. Greg Foran, the airline's Chief Executive, elaborated on the issues affecting the powerplants of its Airbus A320neo family and Boeing 787 Dreamliners. He highlighted the impact of ongoing engine maintenance requirements on the airline's fleet, leading to several aircraft groundings. Foran emphasized the significance of investing in modern, fuel-efficient aircraft, despite challenges that have resulted in millions of dollars in revenue loss. Although Air New Zealand received compensation from engine manufacturers, Foran expressed that the airline still faced operational and economic losses due to the delays. Looking ahead, he acknowledged that 2025 would continue to be financially challenging as the airline expects a lower performance in the second half of the year. With a significant number of jets out of service simultaneously, the airline anticipates ongoing difficulties in the months to come.

Royal Air Maroc, a prominent member of the Oneworld alliance and the national carrier of Morocco, has exciting news for travelers seeking an adventure in North Africa. The airline has confirmed the launch of a new direct route from London-Stansted Airport to Casablanca for the summer of 2025. This strategic addition to the airline's network expands its reach in the London region, complementing existing services at Heathrow and Gatwick airports. Scheduled to commence on June 24, 2025, the thrice-weekly flights between London-Stansted and Casablanca will be operated using one of Royal Air Maroc's trusted Boeing 737-800 aircraft. With a flight time of approximately 3 hours and 20 minutes, passengers can enjoy a seamless journey spanning 1,337 miles. This seasonal route will be operational until September 14, 2025, aligning with the peak summer weeks for UK school holidays. Royal Air Maroc aims to cater to both leisure and business travelers with this new service, offering a gateway to explore the enchanting city of Casablanca and facilitating connections to the airline's extensive network across Africa. Renowned for its blend of history and modernity, Casablanca boasts attractions like the iconic Hassan II Mosque, the picturesque Corniche waterfront, and the bustling medina, showcasing Morocco's diverse heritage. “We are thrilled to provide passengers with the opportunity to fly directly from London Stansted to Casablanca, a significant milestone in our commitment to enhancing travel options for our valued customers,” stated Zoubida Smahi, Royal Air Maroc’s UK General Manager. This sentiment was echoed by Ciaran Brannigan, the Commercial Director of London Stansted, who expressed delight at the prospect of offering passengers greater flexibility and convenience when traveling to North Africa. With this new route, Royal Air Maroc will now operate from all three major London airports, ensuring extensive connectivity and accessibility for travelers. The airline will offer 19 weekly flights to its Casablanca hub, facilitating seamless connections to various destinations in Western and Central Africa. London Stansted's increased route network, which encompasses nearly 200 destinations across Europe, North Africa, and the Middle East, further solidifies its position as a key gateway for travelers seeking diverse travel experiences.

In an exciting move for the aviation industry, SalamAir, Oman’s beloved low-cost carrier, has set its sights on expanding its fleet. The innovative airline has officially reached out to multiple aircraft leasing companies with a bold request: acquisition of 10 sought-after Airbus A320 aircraft. This strategic decision comes as a direct response to the surging demand from passengers, signaling a promising future ahead for SalamAir. Adrian Hamilton-Manns, the esteemed CEO of SalamAir, expressed the company's vision with enthusiasm. "Our return to our Low-Fare approach has been highly successful, with full aircraft and more demand than we can meet," shared Hamilton-Manns. The plan to introduce additional Airbus A320 aircraft over the next three years aligns perfectly with SalamAir's ambitious growth targets spanning the next five years. With a clear focus on expanding its route network, particularly in domestic and regional flights, SalamAir aims to connect travelers to new destinations currently underserved by airlines. Hamilton-Manns emphasized that this strategic move not only benefits the airline but also has a wider positive impact on the tourism industry in Oman. "Our low-fare model is highly popular, and our plans to add 10 additional aircraft over the coming 3 years is a response to the demand that we see for budget travel," he highlighted. The airline's commitment to affordable travel options has resonated well with passengers, resulting in a significant uptick in passenger numbers. In 2024 alone, SalamAir proudly welcomed over 3.2 million passengers, marking a remarkable 20% increase from the previous year. As the demand for low ticket prices continues to soar, the airline is gearing up for further growth by enhancing its fleet. Current reports indicate that SalamAir's fleet comprises four Airbus A320neos, four A321neos, and two A321LR aircraft. As the airline eagerly anticipates the addition of two new A321neos later this year, the stage is set for SalamAir to soar to new heights and make budget travel more accessible than ever before. With a focus on meeting customer demands and fostering healthy competition in the market, these developments are poised to benefit travelers seeking affordable and reliable air travel options.