ONS Edition 13

Article: United Airlines will start serving Magnolia Bakery’s iconic banana pudding in the skies. (New York Times, 14th December 2024)

Article Summary: The "world famous" banana pudding is now available in the sky thanks to a partnership between United Airlines and Magnolia Bakery in New York City. Certain United First flights exceeding 901 miles will have Magnolia's "Banana Pudding Wafer Cookie Bits" as an on-board snack. Three-ounce cups of the dessert, which is made with real bananas, will be provided frozen and ready to defrost. "The only thing more iconic than Magnolia Bakery’s Banana Pudding is enjoying that pudding at 30,000 feet in United First," said Aaron McMillan, managing director of hospitality programs for United. This collaboration is part of Magnolia Bakery's "a New York treat to an anywhere eat" initiative, which is now underway. In addition, Delta Airlines and Shake Shack have teamed up to provide first-class customers free burgers, and the service is likely to roll out to more cities soon.

Article: Vietnam Airlines posts first profit in 4 years, record revenue since listing. (The Investor, 14th December 2024)

Article Summary: In 2024, Vietnam Airlines JSC is projected to achieve its first profit since 2020, with a pre-tax profit of VND6.26 trillion ($246.57 million). With a 7% increase over last year's goal, the business is expected to earn VND113.57 trillion ($4.4 billion) in sales this year. Additionally, Vietnam Airlines is projected to make a double-digit contribution to the state budget in 2024, amounting to VND2.9 trillion ($114.1 million). These successes aren't enough to shield the airline from persistent threats like geopolitical unrest, currency volatility, and unpredictable fuel costs. To avoid negative consolidated equity, reorganize its assets and investment portfolio, and get ready for a share issuance to boost its capital base, the company has completed a thorough recovery plan that addresses the COVID-19 repercussions. In addition to these five SOEs, four more posted profitable years in 2024. With a revenue of VND17.49 trillion ($688.6 million) and an expected pre-tax profit of VND2.87 ($113 million), ACV is expected to reach about VND21.64 trillion ($851.7 million), although VMC has a little better chance. With sales of VND9.55 trillion ($376.1 million) and earnings of VND130 billion ($5.12 million), VNR is anticipated to achieve its pre-tax profit objective.

Article: Asia Pacific Airlines fined $2 million for firing whistleblower pilot. (Asian Aviation, 15/12/2024)

Article Summary: An employee who opposed flying a cargo jet with an unstable engine and voiced safety concerns was chastised, suspended, and dismissed by Asia Pacific Airlines. The employee is now seeking nearly $2 million in damages, attorney's fees, and compensation from the airline. Aero Micronesia Inc., which operates the Guam airline, bullied the pilots for using their First Amendment right to speak out about safety issues. The pilot regularly voiced his displeasure with the airlines' maintenance crew, according to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, because they were approving repair and maintenance reports without properly identifying engine faults. The pilot's assessment that the maintenance crew used the incorrect process to investigate and diagnose engine problems was confirmed by the FAA as correct; as a result, the aircraft could not be cleared to fly until the root cause had been determined. The decision may be appealed by Asia Pacific Airlines to the Office of Administrative Law Judges within the department.

Article: Dublin Airport welcomes United Airlines' expansion for summer 2025. (Dublin Airport, 14th December 2024)

Article Summary: In 2025, United Airlines is planning to significantly increase its nonstop services between Dublin and the U.S. out of Dublin Airport. Dublin to Chicago O'Hare seasonal service will be upgraded to a state-of-the-art Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner aircraft beginning 29 March 2025, and the airline will increase the frequency of flights between Dublin and Washington D.C. from once a day to twice a day. In addition to United's year-round nonstop flights from Dublin to New York/Newark, Shannon to New York/Newark and Chicago O'Hare also has daily nonstop services during certain seasons. This development is anticipated to enhance transatlantic travel between North America and Ireland in both directions, which is good news for employment, the economy, and the hotel sector. United Airlines' Director of Sales UK and Ireland, Karolien De Hertogh, was overjoyed by the expanded capacity and Dublin schedule, saying that Irish clients will have more options when planning summer 2025 vacations in the United States.