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Fortnight Aviation News (FAN): Bonza suspends all operations, China Southern's new C919 orders, and more

Welcome back to another publication of FAN! These few weeks have been quite exciting. Without further ado, let's delve right into the stories!


By: Haotian

Published on: 12 May 2024, 9.00pm (GMT +8)


Bonza suspends all operations


Bonza has suspended all operations. Photo: Bonza


Australian domestic carrier Bonza (AB) has shocked passengers and industry observers alike by announcing the sudden cancellation of all flights and the suspension of operations from April 30 until further notice. This unexpected move has fueled speculations and concerns regarding the airline's financial health and prospects.


Bonza, known for its vibrant branding and competitive pricing, has not provided a clear timeline for when services might resume, leaving passengers with existing bookings scrambling to make alternative travel arrangements. The airline, which had been gradually expanding its route network in recent years, has faced mounting challenges due to the COVID-19 pandemic, including fluctuating travel restrictions and volatile passenger demand.


For now, passengers and stakeholders are left to wait anxiously for further updates from Bonza's management, hoping for a swift resolution to the airline's current predicament and a resumption of services in the future.


China Southern orders 100 COMAC C919 aircrafts


The planes are expected to be delivered starting end of 2024. Photo: Getty Images


China Southern Airlines (CZ) has ordered 100 COMAC C919 aircraft on 6 May 2024, joining China Eastern Airlines (MU) and Air China (CA), currently the two sole operators of the aircraft designed by the Commerical Aircraft Corporation of China (COMAC). The Guangzhou-based airline has committed to acquiring 100 units of the COMAC C919, further solidifying its position in the Chinese aviation market.


China Southern Airlines anticipates its new COMAC C919 aircrafts will be delivered by the end of 2024, marking a significant milestone for the domestic aviation industry. While the C919 has garnered interest and orders from Chinese carriers, it has yet to attract attention from international airlines.



AirAsia Cambodia operates its first flight


AirAsia Cambodia commenced operations on 2 May 2024. Photo: AirAsia


AirAsia Cambodia (KTC/KT) marked a significant milestone as it commenced operations with its inaugural domestic flight from Phnom Penh to Siem Reap on 2 May 2024, with the plane almost fully occupied.


Flight KT102, bound for Siem Reap, departed from Phnom Penh International Airport (PNH/VDPP) with a send-off led by Mr Bo Lingam, CEO of AirAsia Aviation Group, and Vissoth Nam, CEO of AirAsia Cambodia, accompanied by AirAsia management. Departing at 7:40 am local time, the flight touched down at Siem Reap Angkor International Airport (REP/VTSR) at 8:30 am local time.


In addition to the Phnom Penh-Siem Reap route, AirAsia Cambodia also inaugurated its Siem Reap-Sihanoukville route on the same day, linking three key destinations in Cambodia. These routes emphasised the airline's dedication to improving connectivity and offering affordable and convenient travel options for both Cambodian residents and tourists.


Vissoth Nam, the CEO of AirAsia Cambodia, said:


“The launch of our first domestic flights today marks the beginning of a new chapter in Cambodia's tourism industry, one where accessibility meets affordability. By providing great value and reliable air travel options, we are empowering Cambodians to explore their own backyard and fostering economic prosperity through increased tourism and business opportunities."


Iraqi 737 lands on closed runway in Tehran


The plane landed on runway 11L instead of runway 11R. Photo: Christian Jilg/Planespotters.net


On 1 May 2024, an Iraqi Airways Boeing 737-800 aircraft reportedly landed safely on a runway that was closed at Tehran Imam Khomeini International Airport (IKA/OIIE) in Iran. Fortunately, no injuries were reported as a result of this incident.


The aircraft was operating flight IA113, a one hour journey from Al Najaf International Airport (NJF/ORNI), Iraq, to Tehran. During the landing at Tehran Airport, the Boeing 737-800 touched down on runway 11L that was closed at the time, instead of the assigned runway 11R. Despite this blunder, the pilots managed to land the aircraft safely and avoided any injuries or damage.


Global Airlines' new A380


Many people are skeptical about the airline's success. Photo: DJ's Aviation


Global Airlines (5S/GAK) achieved a significant milestone on Wednesday by completing its inaugural transatlantic flight with an Airbus A380. The British startup aims to operate the superjumbo jet between London and New York, with plans for its first commercial flight in late 2024.


In February, Global Airlines acquired its first aircraft, an A380 previously owned by China Southern Airlines. Registered 9H-GLOBL, the jet underwent several test flights in California's Mojave Desert before embarking on its journey across the pond.


On April 30, 2024, the A380 departed from Mojave for Montreal, marking its first flight. The following day, it crossed the Atlantic to Glasgow Prestwick Airport, a journey lasting nearly eight hours.


Global Airlines is planning to acquire 3 more A380 superjumbos and plans to fit each of them with 471 seats.


Hawaiian Airlines Airbus A321neo damaged after jetbridge collapses in San Francisco


The aircraft had just been deboarded after a 5 hour flight from Hawaii. Photo: Hawaiian Airlines


Significant damage was sustained by an Airbus A321neo registered N216HA and operated by Hawaiian Airlines at San Francisco International Airport (SFO/KSFO) when a jet bridge collapsed on 2 May 2024. The aircraft involved was an Airbus A321neo operated by Hawaiian Airlines, which had recently completed a flight from Kahului Airport (OGG/PHOG) in Maui, Hawaii.


Fortunately, the collapse of the jet bridge occurred after all passengers had safely disembarked, and there were no reports of any injuries. Despite this fortunate outcome, the Airbus A321neo operated by Hawaiian Airlines suffered considerable damage to its front left-hand door. After the incident, the return flight to Kahului, HA41, was cancelled, with the Airbus A321neo undergoing repairs.


F-16C crashes in Singapore Tengah Air Base



The aircraft crashed within Tengah Air Base. Photo: Ministry of Defence, Singapore


A Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) F-16 fighter jet crashed in Singapore's Tengah Air Base on 8 May 2024 after experiencing an "issue during takeoff". The pilot was ejected safely from the aircraft. He was hospitalised and in a stable condition.


Read the full story: bit.ly/f16-crash-tengah


That is it for our Fortnight Aviation News this week! Thank you for your support as always!


3 comments

3 comentários


Convidado:
15 de mai.

i love haotian

Curtir

Convidado:
13 de mai.

helllllllo

Curtir

Convidado:
13 de mai.

helllo

Curtir
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