Chinese drone giant DJI charts a risky flight path 22 Mar 2018 The world’s top maker of unmanned aircraft is raising money at a $15 bln valuation, Reuters says. Sales are soaring and DJI has a commanding market lead. Given drones’ data-gathering ability and military potential, though, DJI could easily hit turbulence in major foreign markets.
Mile-high stake swap could feed Air India bid 20 Mar 2018 Jet Airways may be interested in the soon-to-be privatised national carrier. However, Naresh Goyal’s airline would need serious financial help to make an offer fly. Abu Dhabi’s Etihad may need to make room for a new large strategic investor.
Cathay Pacific is on a better flight path 14 Mar 2018 Fares remain under pressure and oil prices lofty but the airline is carrying more cargo and, separately, collecting more income through its stake in Air China. The result is a profitable second half. Unwinding fuel hedges and tackling costs should help it fly higher.
Qantas can ride an Australian recovery 22 Feb 2018 The flag carrier has pulled away from regional rivals, with impressive cash generation and record pre-tax profit. Shares are up 70 percent from early 2017, and it is renewing its fleet. Still, higher oil prices and any extra domestic competition could yet mean turbulence.
Viewsroom: Volatility puts investors to the test 15 Feb 2018 Higher wages, inflation fears and the prospect of faster than expected rate hikes are posing challenges market players haven’t seen for years. Comcast may spike Walt Disney’s potion to acquire Rupert Murdoch’s entertainment assets. Plus, Singapore’s airshow has everyone buzzing.
HNA sale sets stage for a great escape 13 Feb 2018 Selling half a marquee Hong Kong project for $2 bln should help offset a liquidity crunch. Plenty of other foreign assets could be sold without disrupting the Chinese outfit’s core businesses. Since deals were largely debt-funded, HNA needs good prices to make a difference.
Air India’s turnaround could use some spice 7 Feb 2018 Prospective owners of the soon-to-be privatised national carrier could learn from SpiceJet. Co-founder Ajay Singh brought the low-cost airline back from the brink by improving punctuality and refocusing the route network. That has helped to deliver record earnings.
Airshow buoyancy masks turbulence ahead 6 Feb 2018 Aviation bosses gathering in Singapore may want a serving of scepticism alongside the champagne. Rising oil prices, creaking infrastructure and too many seats will limit the gains from a regional boom in cheap flights. Full-service carriers could also hit air pockets.
Xi Jinping can’t get Chinese planes to run on time 29 Sep 2017 As millions of Chinese people set forth to travel during the "Golden Week" holiday starting Sunday, many could spend more time in the departure lounge than on the beach. Their airports are the world's most delayed, but instead of reforming airspace, Beijing prefers fiddling data.
Etihad and Lufthansa far apart on merger carousel 17 Jan 2017 The idea of a tie-up between the two airlines pushed up the German carrier's shares. Yet its main problems, like high labour costs and low-cost competition, aren't easily fixed even by its Abu Dhabi rival's ample cash. Lufthansa would do best to fly on past.
Qatar picks good time to extend hazy strategy 1 Aug 2016 The Gulf state's airline has topped up its share in British Airways-owner IAG to 20 pct. The move generates little extra practical benefit, and the rationale is still less than convincing. But the weak pound and a fall in IAG's shares make it a relatively pain-free step to take.
Rolls-Royce has more kerosene in the tank 28 Jul 2016 First-half results at the British engine maker were bad, but not as bad as feared. With cost cuts on track and full-year guidance confirmed, boss Warren East is getting a grip. The stock is already trading on a lofty multiple, but can go further if earnings recover.
Amazon drone lift-off is a mixed blessing for UK 27 Jul 2016 The online retailer got permission from the British government to test drone deliveries, while the U.S. is more cautious. Industrial use of drones could do wonders for Amazon’s spiralling costs. But safety issues and job automation mean there may be losers too.
China’s HNA buys frenemies at Virgin Australia 31 May 2016 The Chinese behemoth may be able to improve its foothold in a key market by buying 13 pct of its peer Down Under. Virgin is a struggling carrier, however, in need of a huge capital injection and it already has three other big airline investors. That caps HNA’s potential returns.