Richard Maslen has travelled across the globe to report on developments in the aviation sector as airlines and airports have continued to evolve and adapt to changing market conditions. Initially managing the weekly newsletter for respected aviation insurance loss adjuster Airclaims Limited, he later joined aviation media company Key Publishing where he spent almost nine years interviewing many of the industry’s senior players producing content for renowned titles such as Airliner World and Airports of the World. In 2011, he joined air service development specialist Routes (latterly part of UBM) where he developed a complete digital editorial content strategy for the business and has become well respected by the aviation community for his knowledge and insight. In April 2017, he left to establish his own business, Maslen Aviation Consultancy, providing storytelling content production, delivery and promotion support as well as consultancy services on aviation topics. He has already started working independently for a number of clients providing online content, event coverage, conference speaking, media appearances, advice on marketing and live event experience as well as project management on an exciting new content platform.
AirAsia has signed a firm order with Airbus for the purchase of 100 A321neo aircraft, its first order for the largest model of the A320 Family. Seating up to 236 passengers in a single class layout, the A321neo will enable the airline to increase capacity versus its current A320 fleet while benefitting from the lowest operating costs in the single aisle category.
The anticipated arrival of the first AirAsia X long-haul, low-cost flights at Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam International Airport on the island of Mauritius in October this year is just one good example of the leisure potential that Africa holds for future air service connectivity.
As ISIS activity grows across North Africa, it has led to a devastating impact upon North Africa’s tourism - the United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO) shows that visits to North Africa fell by 8% in 2015. The decline has occurred as the security threat level has grown in the region, particularly in Egypt and Tunisia where high profile terror attacks have brought safety to the forefront of everyone’s minds.
