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Ryanair reported (20-May-2024) a profit after tax (PAT) of EUR1.9 billion for FY2024, ended 31-Mar-2024, compared to EUR1.4 billion in FY2023. The LCC handled 183.7 million passengers during FY2024, an increase of 9% year-on-year, despite Boeing aircraft delivery delays. Ryanair Group CEO Michael O'Leary reported the carrier expects to grow traffic by 8% to approximately 200 million passengers in FY2025. Mr O'Leary stated that with EU short haul capacity constrained, summer 2024 demand is positive with "bookings trending ahead of last year". Mr O'Leary added: "While visibility is limited, and the outcome will be heavily dependent on close-in peak summer 2024 pricing, we remain cautiously optimistic that peak summer 2024 fares will be flat to modestly ahead of last summer... It is therefore too early to be able to provide sensible or accurate FY2025 PAT guidance". [more - original PR]

Frontier Airlines introduced (17-May-2024) changes to its product and customer service offerings, under 'The New Frontier' product. Details include:

• Upfront pricing and options: New economy, premium and business options include benefits such as no change fees, baggage allowance and seat assignments;
• No change fees: Zero change or cancellation fees for economy, premium and business customers;
• Expanded customer benefits and support: Includes the extension of flight credit expiration to 12 months and enhanced live phone support;
• 'For less' price guarantee: Customers who find a lower price elsewhere can receive 2500 FRONTIER Miles. [more - original PR]

Turkish Airlines announced (16-May-2024) plans to launch the TKCONNECT New Distribution Capability (NDC) platform from 01-Oct-2024. TKCONNECT will offer travel agencies a range of exclusive features and privileges, including differentiated ticket pricing, NDC only promotional fares, rich content supported with visuals and descriptions, enhanced and promoted ancillary services such as excess baggage, seat selection and special equipment. Starting from 01-Oct-2024, Turkish Airlines bookings made via GDSs will incur a distribution cost charge and the carrier's differentiated rich content products will only be available for TKCONNECT users. [more - original PR]

Portugal's Council of Ministers announced (14-May-2024) New Lisbon (Montijo) Airport will be constructed at Campo de Tiro de Alcochete. Lisbon Humberto Delgado Airport will cease operations when the new airport is completed. The Portuguese Government decided to temporarily increase Lisbon Humberto Delgado Airport's capacity to 45 movements per hour in response to growing demand, with the airport forecasting 39 million passengers in 2030 and over 100 million in 2050. The Council of Ministers also approved Luís de Camões Airport as the official name of New Lisbon Airport. The new airport will feature two runways with capacity for up to 95 movements per hour and the possibility of expanding to up to four runways. Construction of the first runway requires an investment of EUR3.2 billion, with completion scheduled in 2030. Construction of the second runway requires an investment of EUR2.9 billion and is scheduled for completion in 2031. [more - original PR]

easyJet announced (16-May-2024) plans to open a 10th UK base at London Southend Airport from Mar-2025. The carrier will base three A320neo aircraft at the airport and launch six new routes to Pisa, Gran Canaria, Dalaman, Antalya, Marrakech and Enfidha for summer 2025. Additional new routes will be announced in the coming weeks. The investment will create around 130 direct jobs for pilots and crew and additional indirect jobs. easyJet already serves Amsterdam, Geneva, Faro, Palma de Mallorca, Malaga and Paris CDG from Southend and has handled over seven million passengers from the airport since 2012. [more - original PR]

Pittsburgh International Airport (PIT) entered (15-May-2024) an agreement with KeyState Energy and CNX Resources to develop a USD1.5 billion plant for the production of hydrogen and sustainable aviation fuel (SAF). The facility will be able to produce up to 68,000 metric tonnes of hydrogen or 70 million gallons of SAF p/a. CNX president and CEO Nick Deiuliis stated: "Our goal is to expand end use opportunities of our abundant, ultra low carbon intensity natural gas to drive further emission reductions, create good paying, local jobs, and enhance PIT's position as an innovative sustainable fuel hub". [more - original PR]