Adam Air sells 50% stake
Indonesian investment group Bhakti Investama has bought 50% of Adam Air for an unspecified amount. Bhakti says the stake was acquired by its subsidiary Global Transport Services through the purchase of new shares, which means the proceeds will go directly into Adam Air to support growth plans. Adam Air launched late in 2003 and is today one of the largest privately owned carriers in Indonesia with more than 20 Boeing 737s.
New airline for China
China Southern Airlines is to establish a domestic carrier in the south-west Chinese city of Chongqing in partnership with the local government. The airline is to be called Chongqing Airlines and it will be set up in partnership with Chongqing Development & Investment, an investment arm of the Chongqing government. China Southern will invest 720 million yuan ($93 million) for 60% and its partner will invest 480 million yuan for 40%. It plans to fly Airbus A320s from China Southern.
FedEx to use Okay
China's Okay Airways is to begin operating domestic freighter services on behalf of FedEx Express. Okay says it will be operating three Boeing 737-300Fs from Hangzhou. Services are due to begin in late May between major cities within China. Okay launched services in May 2005 as a passenger airline using leased 737s.
India bans surcharge
India's government has called on the country's domestic airlines to withdraw a so-called "congestion surcharge". Most privately owned domestic carriers have since December applied the Rp150 ($3.40) surcharge to domestic tickets, saying their costs have been increasing as a result of worsening congestion at major airports. Air Deccan is to abolish its surcharge, but Kingfisher Airlines will keep it.
Royal Brunei adds 777s
Royal Brunei Airlines is stepping up to larger aircraft with a deal to lease two Boeing 777-200ERs and two 777-200s. The carrier, which now flies Boeing 767s on long-haul routes, is also considering ordering new long-haul aircraft from Boeing.
Source: Airline Business
