SAS Scandinavian Airlines is considering an initial public offering to fund growth if Air France-KLM does not increase its 19.9% stake. CEO Anko van der Werff emphasized the importance of optimizing resources among European airlines over maintaining national carriers. Air France-KLM, which acquired its stake during SAS's restructuring, has the option to become a majority shareholder by 2026, contingent on meeting profitability targets. The potential increase in stake would require detailed EU review due to competition policies. SAS aims to join a large joint venture, having exited Star Alliance, to enhance its market position.

Aero Contractors CEO Ado Sanusi warns that high interest rates in Nigeria are severely impacting the aviation industry, making it difficult for airlines to survive and stifling growth. He criticizes the multiple charges imposed on airlines and calls for them to be consolidated. The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority also warns of the potential collapse of airlines due to financial challenges. The Manufacturers Association of Nigeria highlights the high lending rates faced by businesses, with commercial banks charging up to 35%.

Spirit Airlines is undergoing a restructuring process due to bankruptcy, with senior secured noteholders, including Citadel Advisors, Pacific Investment Management Co., Western Asset Management Co., AllianceBernstein L.P., and Arena Capital Advisors, set to enter ownership. The restructuring involves converting USD795 million in senior and convertible notes into equity, alongside plans for a backstopped equity rights offering and issuing new senior secured and convertible notes.

easyJet plans to cancel some domestic flights in the UK following an increase in air passenger duty announced in the autumn budget. The airline's incoming CEO, Kenton Jarvis, expressed disappointment, citing potential reduced demand due to higher prices. The UK government stated that the tax is typically passed on to consumers, potentially raising airfares. The tax increase will be GBP2 per fare on short-haul flights in 2025, with further rises planned. Despite the tax challenges, easyJet reported a 34% increase in profit before tax for 2024.

Following a ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon, numerous airlines have resumed flights to the region, including AZAL Azerbaijan Airlines, which was the first to return. The ceasefire, effective from November 27, mandates the withdrawal of the Israeli army from Lebanon and the Lebanese army's takeover of border positions. While many airlines have resumed operations, some, like easyJet, remain cautious, and no US carriers have resumed flights. The ceasefire has also led to increased bookings for Middle East Airlines and the resumption of flights by Turkish Airlines and Qatar Airways to Lebanon.

airBaltic has reissued its bond, increasing the total value to EUR380 million, with the additional EUR40 million complementing the May 2024 issuance. The bonds, due in 2029, will be listed on the Dublin Stock Exchange, with settlement expected on October 24. This move aligns with airBaltic's strategic financial plan to enhance its financial position and flexibility as it prepares for a potential IPO. The initial issuance was Latvia's largest corporate bond offering, attracting orders worth over EUR840 million. The airline is considering a dual-listing on Nasdaq Riga and potentially London.

Av8jet Charter is set to expand its fleet with the addition of a new Cessna Citation Jet 4 to its Maltese AOC, as part of its growth strategy. The company, which started charter operations in 2021, primarily generates revenue from aircraft transactions and management, with a significant portion of its business based in the UK. Director John Norris highlights the challenges posed by Brexit and supply chain issues, emphasizing the need for the industry to adapt. Av8jet also offers a software platform, AV8SMS, which supports its aviation operations. The company operates flights mainly for business travel, with frequent destinations including the Mediterranean, France, and Switzerland.

Azat Hakim, former shareholder of Tulpar Air, is embroiled in a legal dispute over the valuation of his 49% stake in the company. A court expert valued his share at RUB871 million, significantly lower than Hakim's claim of RUB1.3 billion. Hakim argues that his rights were compromised when Tulpar Air planned to transition from an LLC to a JSC, which would restrict his ability to exit the company. He claims he was underpaid for his stake, while Tulpar Air's representatives argue the valuation was inflated due to Hakim's personal use of company jets. The case remains unresolved, with further hearings scheduled.

Nordic Aviation Group, operating as Nordica, is moving towards privatization with an investor submitting a bid. Despite financial challenges, including a significant loss in 2023, the company has shown improved performance in 2024, reducing flight cancellations and increasing profitability. The termination of a major contract with SAS Scandinavian Airlines has prompted Nordica to seek new partnerships and markets. The company is optimistic about securing 75% of its capacity for the Winter 2024/2025 season and continues to implement cost reduction and efficiency measures. A business plan has been approved by an investor group, indicating potential for future growth and stability.

In Serbia, amidst ongoing inflation which has started to slow down over the past five months, salaries have recorded a slight real growth on an annual basis, but have seen a slight monthly decline due to seasonal reasons. Average gross and net wages for July 2023 increased by 14.6% nominally and 1.9% in real terms compared to the previous July, with the average gross salary being 115,664 dinars and the net salary at 83,781 dinars. The median net salary for July was 64,734 dinars, indicating that 50% of employees earned up to this amount. The average net salary in the public sector was 85,730 dinars, while it was 82,998 dinars outside the public sector. The lowest average salary was recorded by entrepreneurs and their employees, with a net salary of 42,566 dinars. Only employees in computer programming, consulting, and related activities had an average net salary over 200,000 dinars, while those in oil and gas extraction and air transport joined them with over 150,000 dinars. Analysts from Bloomberg Adria have highlighted that changes in workers' bargaining power and structural changes in the labor market have led to the fastest growth in average gross wages in the region over the last decade. Projections suggest that nominal gross wage growth will remain in the low double-digit area for some time, with a slowdown to single-digit growth rates possible in 2024.