Talking Points

Sun Country plans to change it's business model to that of a low cost carrier (LCC) and develop new point to point services outside of it's Minneapolis hub. The airline will also standardize operations around the 737-800, removing six 737-700s from it's fleet in 2018.

Alaska Airlines CEO now notes it's possible the carrier will indefinitely operate a mixed fleet of Airbus and Boeing aircraft, following the acquisition of Virgin America. Previously they stated that is was likely the Airbus aircraft would be phased out over time.

AirAsia Group plans to have 500 aircraft in it's fleet by 2027, spread across it's various subsidiary and affiliate airlines. The group currently operates 179 A320s.

Lufthansa, Ryanair & Easyjet have all expressed interest in the aviation assets of Alitalia.

Lufthansa reportedly interested in Air Berlin's long haul fleet and routes

Ryanair opts out of bidding for Air Berlin assets. The deadline for bids is September 15th

Qantas will resume using Singapore as it's enroute stop on the Sydney-London service from March 25th. Dubai has been used for the last five years, connecting into partner Emirates hub. Cooperation with Emirates will continue, with the two airlines signing a five year extension to their agreement recently.

Houston's two main airports, Hobby and Intercontinental, re-started limited flights from August 30th. Normal service is expected from September 8th.

European airlines said to be seeking to restrict UK airlines' access to intra EU routes, post 'brexit'.

Ethiopian Airlines is interested in taking over Nigeria's Arik Air and creating a new national airline (subsequently denied by Arik Air).

Cathay Pacific plans a three times a week Hong Kong to Dublin service, starting June 2nd 2018.

Condor (Germany) has expressed an interest in taking over Air Berlin in its entirety

Niki Lauda plans to bid for Niki (Austria), an airline he once owned: now part of the insolvent Air Berlin Group.