Gatwick achieves the busiest month in its 80-year history

Gatwick Airport announced it achieved the busiest single month in its 80-year history as 4.6m passengers travelled through the airport in July, +6.9% on the same month last year.

Long-haul routes continue their impressive growth at the airport, growing 23% collectively versus last July, against a backdrop of traffic growth stalling at other major European airports, as reported by the Airports Council International this week. 

“Gatwick’s continued long-haul growth - +23% year-on-year - and strong cargo growth are the latest proof that competition in the London airports’ market is working," said Stewart Wingate, CEO at Gatwick Airport. 

North Atlantic routes grew 49.9% with Toronto routes +106.4%, Calgary routes +120.8% and Vancouver routes +85.4%. All are new destinations served by WestJet as part of their 28 flights weekly to destinations in Canada from Gatwick. Other Atlantic destinations proving popular include Los Angeles +41%, Puerto Vallarta Mexico +29% and Orlando +11%.

Recent months at Gatwick have also seen an increase in cargo volumes up 31% on average of every month of the last quarter. Gatwick expansion will support significant growth in cargo which is forecast to reach 1,070,000 tonnes by 2050. The growth in long haul markets will provide more opportunity for choice and competition within the air freight market.

Average load factors were consistently strong at 90%. 

Melbourne welcomes inaugural A350 service by Singapore Airlines

Melbourne welcolbourne mes inaugural A350 seMelbourne Airport  has welcomed the inaugural A350 service to Victoria, with the arrival of Singapore Airlines flight SQ207. Currently operating A380 and B777 aircraft on the Melbourne-Singapore route, Singapore Airlines will deploy the A350 aircraft to Melbourne for the next three months.

“We welcome the A350 arriving at Melbourne Airport for the first time today.  It’s great news that Singapore Airlines has chosen Melbourne Airport as their first Australian destination for this exciting new aircraft," said Simon Gandy, Melbourne Airport Chief of Aviation. “International passengers travelling with Singapore Airlines to and from Victoria will have the opportunity to travel on this new aircraft over the coming months.”

The A350 is the latest Airbus model with improved technology. This includes more than half of the aircraft comprised of carbon fibre, which results in a lighter and faster aircraft. With wings that can adapt in-flight, the A350 provides a smoother flight for passengers. A smart lighting system helps to combat jet lag and help transition passengers into their new time zones.

Singapore Airlines took delivery of its first A350 XWB in March, becoming the fifth operator of the all-new widebody airliner. The carrier has ordered a total 67 A350-900 aircraft, which will be operated on regional as routes as well as long-distance flights.rvicMelbourne welcomes inaugural AMelbourne welcomes inaugural A350 service by Singapore Airlines350 service by Singapore Airlinese by Singapore Airlines

LATAM, net income of $220m in 1H 2016

   LATAM Airlines Group reported operating income of $1.3 million for second quarter 2016 and $220.4milliono for the first half of 2016. Operating margin reached 0.1% for the quarter, representing a slight decrease of 0.7% as compared to the second quarter 2015. Operating margin for the first half of 2016 reached 5.0%, in line with our guidance and 0.3% above the same period of 2015.

    Total revenues during the second quarter 2016 declined by 12.5% due to a 13.7% decline in passenger revenues and a 22.3% decline in cargo revenues. This revenue decrease continues to reflect a weak macroeconomic environment in South America – especially in Brazil – and the devaluations of Latin American currencies during the period. Part of this decline was offset by the continued positive trend in costs, with total operating expenses declining by 12.0%, resulting in a 10.5% decline in costs per ASK equivalent.

   As of August 2016, LATAM Airlines Group has reduced fleet assets for 2017 – 2018 by US$1.1 billion, in line with the company’s previously announced plans to achieve a decrease of US$2.0 to US$3.0 billion in our expected fleet assets for 2018. This reduction was achieved through the deferral of twelve Airbus A320neos and two Airbus A350s, which represent a total reduction of US$829 million in fleet commitments for 2017 and 2018.

   The company will also redeliver five more Airbus A320s, three Airbus A319s, and one Boeing 777-200F in 2017 as compared to our previous quarter ́s fleet plan, representing a total reduction of approximately US$260 million in fleet assets.

Hassan Joho renews rivalry with Uhuru Kenyatta

The spat between President Uhuru Kenyatta and Mombasa Governor Hassan Joho has already started ahead of the president’s planned tour of the coast region starting Saturday, August 20.

Already, Joho has sent a stern warning to Uhuru ahead of his visit, criticizing him of ignoring the coast people only to return when the 2017 general election has drawn closer.

Joho has said that he will tell Uhuru on his face that the coast region is not with him.

“I heard they announced they are coming back here. We are watching and waiting for them. This time we will tell them to their face, no fearing anyone. You can’t be in government, do nothing for us, then you disappear only to resurface close to the general election and say you want to meet Coast leaders,”Joho said as quoted by Star.

The ODM deputy party leader caused a stir in December 015 when he had a major fall-out with Uhuru during his month long visit to the region.

Rich lawyer shows off the rest of his cars, apartment and the mansion he built for his mum

 City lawyer who got bashed recently for showing off his wealth has shown off more of his establishments- an insight on why he deserves the bragging rights 

Affluent and showy City Lawyer, Donald B Kipkorir was bashed on social media following an article penned by Nation’s rabble-rouser, Njoki Chege the past weekend.

He was accused of being a narcissistic poor man who had no business showing off his cars on social media.In his reply, the lawyer told off the writer, calling her a poor blogger who was still struggling with her rent on Thika road to care about his wealth.

The lawyer proceeded to show off his other establishments. An English house that he built for his mother upcountry for instance: