Good Week - Transaero
The Russian carrier will be a prime beneficiary of an end to the country's 20% customs duty on imported aircraft with 300 seat-plus cabins. Transaero's fleet renewal plans include leasing five more Boeing 747-400s plus a batch of 777s. Russian regulators have drafted legislation to provide for the tax-free import of aircraft accommodating 50 to 300 passengers, which are in demand from domestic carriers, but this is still pending final approval.
Bad Week - Rolls Royce
The engine maker will next year cut 1,500-2,000 jobs across the group, or 4-5% of its 39,000-strong workforce, and has started staff discussions on axing 140 in the UK, at Derby. The cuts are blamed on the general economic climate and delays to Airbus A380 and Boeing 787 programmes. R-R has cut 2,300 jobs this year. Chief executive Sir John Rose says: "We are determined to maintain our focus on cost-reduction and competitiveness."
Source: Flight International
