Turkish airline SunExpress has committed to purchasing up to 90 Boeing 737 Max narrowbodies, which could more than double its fleet and power major expansion over the next decade. The deal, disclosed during the Dubai air show now underway, includes 28 Max 8s and 17 Max 10s plus options for an additional 45 Max jets. "Building on the resounding success of our strategy in the post-pandemic period, SunExpress is now poised for next-level growth to meet market demand and achieve a greater international footprint," states SunExpress chief executive Max Kownatzki. SunExpress, a joint venture between Turkish Airlines and Lufthansa, targets a fleet of 150 aircraft by 2033. It says it has 66 in its fleet currently. Of these, 11 are Max 8s and the rest 737-800s. "This new commitment from SunExpress builds on the airline's previous order for 42 737-8s, nine of which have already been delivered," notes Stan Deal, chief executive of Boeing Commercial Airplanes. He expresses confidence in the Max's capability to meet the growing demand for travel within and beyond Turkiye. "The 737 Max is a proven airplane on the SunExpress network, delivering unmatched fuel efficiency and reliability." SunExpress specialises in offering direct connections between Europe and Turkiye. Last year, it carried nearly 11 million passengers across 175 routes to 30 countries.

European airline ticket prices have risen at a slower pace than inflation since the pandemic, according to the latest data from IATA. Average consumer prices in the EU in June were up 20% from their 2019 level, but for airfares the increase was just 16%, says the association. It sees this as underlining improvements in the industry's competitiveness. "Considering the extreme volatility of jet-fuel prices and increases in workforce salaries this is a significant achievement and stands in contrast to the continually increasing charges being pushed by our infrastructure suppliers," states IATA director general Willie Walsh. The association cites large rises in charges at airports, giving the examples of London Heathrow and Amsterdam Schiphol. IATA is calling for "stronger regulation of monopoly infrastructure providers, to bring charges down". Walsh observes that the recovery in Europe's air transport market is "bringing with it even more competitive market conditions. Consumers will see that with more routes and more airlines to choose from. In total, last year saw 20 new airlines born in Europe. This is important because a more competitive air transport market will make Europe a more competitive place to do business."

US carrier Frontier Airlines plans to establish a new crew base at Cleveland Hopkins International airport in Ohio in March 2024. The ultra-low-cost carrier says that the new base is expected to employ up to 110 pilots, 250 flight attendants, and 50 aircraft maintenance personnel within its first year of operation. Combined with airport-based positions, the airline is expected to contribute more than $80 million in annual local wages and is anticipating further growth in the future, it adds. It currently flies to 17 routes from the airport, more than any other carrier this winter.