ch-aviation
• Dirk Andrei Salcedo
Qantas Group and Japan Airlines have signed a binding agreement to restructure Jetstar Japan’s ownership, with the Development Bank of Japan replacing Qantas through a share buyback. The low-cost carrier plans to rebrand by the third quarter of 2027, ending Qantas’ role in the Japanese venture.
Aircraft Demand: Airline Distress & Consolidation
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Qantas Group and Japan Airlines have signed a binding agreement to restructure Jetstar Japan’s ownership, with the Development Bank of Japan replacing Qantas through a share buyback. The low-cost carrier plans to rebrand by the third quarter of 2027, ending Qantas’ role in the Japanese venture.
High activity
Norse Atlantic Airways has launched a formal process that could lead to a sale, merger or partnership, tying the strategic review to the loss of its damp-lease agreement with IndiGo Airlines from November 2026. The move puts the long-haul leisure carrier’s ownership and operating model under review.
High activity
Allegiant says the combination with Sun Country is driving junior-pilot attrition in Minneapolis-St. Paul as Delta recruits from the merged carrier, forcing schedule reductions even as cargo flying expands. Allegiant reported 7% fewer flights but 16% higher revenue in the second quarter and is evaluating additional 737 MAX options.
High activity
Tewolde Gebremariam will succeed Campbell Wilson as Air India’s chief executive and managing director, bringing extensive airline leadership experience to the Tata Group-owned carrier. His appointment comes as Air India confronts mounting losses, regulatory scrutiny and the operational fallout from last year’s deadly crash.
High activity
German Airways has completed the acquisition and financing of five E190 regional jets, while Lufthansa is preparing to sell CityLine’s CRJ-900 fleet. Swiss also plans to retire and store its remaining four A220-100s by the end of 2027, even as Airbus says Pratt & Whitney-related A220 groundings are largely resolved.
Brazil’s CADE has approved American Airlines’ $100 million investment for an approximately 8% stake in Azul Linhas Aéreas, without imposing shareholder restrictions. The decision clears a regulatory hurdle for Azul’s restructuring and strengthens the carriers’ broader commercial relationship, including codeshare expansion and seasonal network development.
High activity
Lufthansa Group’s second-quarter adjusted EBIT fell by more than half as fuel costs rose by more than $750 million year over year and strike-related expenses weighed on results. The group widened its outlook range, while Lufthansa and Swiss pursue differing network strategies and the first 777-9 delivery remains planned for early 2027.
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