HIFLY - A330-200, CS-TQW

Pedro Filipe  - LPPT

TURKISH AIRLINES - B737-800, TC-JHL

Pedro Filipe - LPPT

Boeing 787 Dreamliner dazzles with innovative

The Boeing 787 Dreamliner stands apart from the Boeing aircraft that United currently flies. In fact, it’s different from any aircraft you’ve seen. We’d like to take you on a tour of the 787 inside and out, stopping along the way to show you the innovative features that make this a truly remarkable plane – one that you’re definitely going to want to fly on.

As we get closer to the delivery of the 787, we'll be offering news and photos that are specific to our own Dreamliner. In fact, we'll be dedicating an entire section of United Hub to the 787.

787 innovations from the outside in

From its exterior design to the manufacturing materials and build process, the 787 introduces a number of innovations and advances in technology. It’s not always easy to know, just by looking, what model a particular airplane is. But the 787 was designed from the outset to stand out. If you’re one of our customers who is versed in aviation design, you may spot a few distinct features that set it apart from other aircraft including the windshield made of four panels, the graceful sweep of the wings and the smoother contour of the nose.

Composite materials
Along with the design, the most significant exterior innovation is Boeing’s approach to the primary structure of the 787. While other aircraft are made primarily of metal, the 787’s fuselage and wings – a full 50 percent of the whole – are formed of carbon fiber-enforced polymers. Constructing so much of an airplane from composite materials is a truly revolutionary approach.

Composite materials are lighter and more durable than standard metal and these qualities give the 787 the advantage when it comes to incorporating advances in aircraft technology. Other direct benefits of using composites include greater manufacturing efficiency (the fuselage is fashioned as several one-piece barrels), greater fuel efficiency (a 20-percent decrease in fuel consumption), fewer hours of maintenance over the long run and lower cabin altitude for more comfortable flights.

Let’s not forget the engines. Thanks to advances in engine technology, the Dreamliner’s General Electric engines generate power in a more efficient way than the engines found on traditional systems. In fact, the engine technology is nearly two generations ahead of what’s currently in use. And you’ll be amazed by the sound of the 787’s takeoff and landing; the noise footprint is a full 60 percent smaller than similarly sized planes.

Experience the Dreamliner interior

When it comes to the 787, it’s not just the outside that impresses. You are in for a treat when you travel on this plane. From the ambient lighting and expansive windows to the improved air quality and smoother ride, flying on the Dreamliner is a new experience in air travel.

Bigger windows with adjustable tint
When you step inside the 787, you immediately notice two unique features: 1) the cabin has an airier, less closed-in feeling due to the size of the windows, which are the biggest of any of today’s commercial passenger airliners, at least 30 percent larger than windows on comparable aircraft; 2) you no longer have to pull shades up and down, as buttons on the windows dim the light electronically, with a range from fully transparent to dimmed.

Dynamic LED lighting

The new LED lighting in the 787 lends variety and ambiance to the already comfortable cabin. Whether you're on the plane for business or leisure, you'll appreciate the experience especially during longer flights when the lighting gradually changes from dawn to dusk.

North of the big windows, you’ll find large storage bins, which you’ll appreciate. The bins in the 787 were designed to accommodate travelers’ wheeled roller bags more easily. No more Tetris®-like moves as you try to figure out how to slide your bag into a tight spot in a nearly full bin.


Lower cabin altitude
Another piece of welcome news related to the cabin environment: our customers may very well experience a lessening in headaches, dry eyes and fatigue – the direct result of the cabin pressure of 6,000 feet. This is a noticeably lower altitude than the 8,000 feet for most other aircraft.

Cleaner, healthier air
Now on to features that aren’t so obvious to your eye. The 787 interior has a higher humidity level, made possible by the use of composite materials. In addition, the 787 incorporates a new filtration system that removes particulates from the air.

Anti-turbulence technology
If even a slightly bumpy ride makes you uncomfortable, you’re going to like the introduction of an anti-turbulence device on the 787. How did Boeing do this? Special sensors located throughout the aircraft send signals about upcoming turbulence, providing time for the plane to compensate for it. Your flight might not be completely turbulence-free, but you'll notice a smoother ride than on comparable aircraft.

Quieter cabin
When you travel on the Dreamliner, you might find yourself daydreaming instead of zipping through that book you planned to read. Boeing designed the 787 Dreamliner to create a quiet, calmer flying experience. A lot of careful thought went into the interior enhancements including quieter air conditioning, advanced vibration isolation in the sidewalls and ceilings, new noise-reducing designs for the inlets and fans, greater control over engine vibration and systems and equipment vibration isolation from the airplane.

Looking at the many innovations of the 787 together and you get a plane that’s environmentally progressive throughout its entire lifecycle – from design to delivery to operation. Whether it’s lower fuel consumption, decreased emissions or fewer pieces of scrap and waste, the experts at Boeing thought of everything, all the way to the end of the 787’s service life, with the inclusion of materials that are recyclable.

As you can see, the 787 Dreamliner represents a major leap forward in aircraft innovation and advanced technology – from the exterior design and materials to the interior details. The result is a beautiful aircraft that delivers outstanding environmental performance.

United Airlines

 

 

AMASZONAS LINEA AÉREA - CRJ200, N37218

AMASZONAS LINEA AÉREA

Aerolínea Sol of Paraguay announced cease of operation

SCAC delivers its tenth production SSJ100 aircraft

July 30, 2012, Moscow – JSC “Sukhoi Civil Aircraft“ (SCAC) delivered its tenth production Sukhoi Superjet 100 (SSJ100) MSN 95017, the ninth to enter into service with Aeroflot. On completion of Technical acceptance procedure, SCAC and Aeroflot signed the Act of Delivery & Acceptance for this aircraft at Ulyanovsk on July 28, 2012. The aircraft received the name after the outstanding Soviet pilot Vasily Borisov and the tail number RA-89009.

The document, signed by the parties, states that the aircraft is technically sound and fully meets the performance criteria. The Act of Delivery & Acceptance also confirms that the SSJ100 is transferred to the carrier with a full set of required operational and maintenance documentation and flight kit. The aircraft is ready to start commercial operation on Aeroflot domestic and international route network.

The aircraft is planned to fly from Ulyanovsk to Moscow on August 2, 2012.

“The tenth delivery is great milestone for our company and our partners of the Sukhoi Superjet 100 Program. We are very pleased that Aeroflot received our jubilee aircraft. Our experience gained in process of the aircraft acceptance by the airlines is definitely useful to facilitate the planned growth of the SSJ100 deliveries”, noted SCAC President Vladimir Prisyazhnyuk.

AIR ASIA "Queens Park Rangers"

AIR ASIA

Allegiant to Introduce Airbus A319 Into Fleet

LAS VEGAS, July 30, 2012 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Allegiant Travel Company (ALGT) today announced its intention to lease nine Airbus A319 aircraft from GE Capital Aviation Services (GECAS) and to lease and eventually purchase ten Airbus A319 aircraft from Cebu Pacific Air. The introduction of the A319 aircraft will support Allegiant's growth opportunities.

"The A319 is a new aircraft type for Allegiant, but we otherwise see this as a continuation of our existing business model," said Andrew C. Levy, Allegiant President. "A319 asset values have significantly declined and now mirror the environment we saw when we first began buying MD-80s."

Allegiant plans to have the first two of these aircraft in operation in the second quarter of 2013.

Allegiant currently operates 58 MD-80 aircraft, four Boeing 757-200 aircraft and owns an additional two Boeing 757-200 aircraft.

NEXT JET - ATP, SE-MEE (ex SATA Acores)

Ton Jochems - ARN

AMAPOLAFLYG - FK-50, SE-LJY

Ton Jochems - GOT

MALMO AVIATION - BAE146-300 , SE-DSU

Ton Jochems - GOT

AIR MEDITERRANÉE (Greek division) - A320-200, SX-BHV

Ton Jochems - ARN

OLT Express Poland has now decided to suspend all scheduled flights in Poland with immediate effect

OLT Express Poland  has now decided to suspend all scheduled flights in Poland with immediate effect. It had originally announced on Wednesday that it would close down its ATR operations by August 11 but continue to operate scheduled flights with its A319-100 and A320-200s.

Comair to Cease Operations

No significant changes to schedules or locations served for Delta customers

ATLANTA, July 27, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Delta Air Lines (DAL) today announced its subsidiary, Comair, Inc. will cease operations after Sept. 29, 2012.

In a memo issued today to the Officers and Directors of Delta Air Lines, Don Bornhorst, Senior Vice President of Delta Connection, said:

"While regional flying has and will remain a key component of Delta's network, customer expectations and the unit costs of regional flying have evolved. In response, Delta recently announced its plans to reduce the total number of regional jets in its network while adding more mainline flying. This includes reducing the number of 50-seat regional jets from nearly 350 aircraft to 125 or fewer in the upcoming years. As a result of this reduction and changes to its customer-focused business strategy, Delta has made the difficult decision to cease Comair's operations."

Ryan Gumm, President of Comair, communicated Delta's decision this morning to Comair employees in a memo, the full text of which is included below.

The discontinuation of Comair's operations will not result in any significant changes to Delta's network, which has enough flexibility to accommodate these changes. Currently, Comair accounts for approximately one percent of Delta's network capacity. There will be no disruption to customers and no significant adjustments to Delta's flight schedule or locations served. All customers who travel on the Delta network, whether on Delta Connection flights or mainline aircraft, can continue to make travel plans with Delta as they have in the past.

Cincinnati will continue to be an important market in Delta's worldwide network. Over the past several years, working with community leaders, Delta has right-sized capacity at Cincinnati to better match service to local passenger demand. Cincinnati is now a profitable market for Delta and the city continues to enjoy over 120 peak daily flights, with non-stop service to 49 destinations. No reductions in the number of Delta flights are planned at Cincinnati as a result of this decision.

To All Comair Employees
From Ryan Gumm, President
Subject Comair to Cease Operations
Date July 27, 2012

All,

Today, I am writing to let you know that Delta has made the difficult decision to cease Comair's operations after September 29, 2012.

Delta recently announced its intent to reduce the overall number of 50-seat regional jets in its network from nearly 350 to 125 or fewer in light of the significant changes in the economic and competitive conditions in the airline industry. We believed this announcement would have a negative impact on Comair because we operate some of the oldest 50-seat aircraft in the Delta Connection fleet, which also have the highest unit cost per flight hour. And, in fact, Delta has decided to remove the remaining 16 Comair 50-seaters from the Delta network, leaving Comair with only 28 aircraft in scheduled service. This further reduction of Comair's active fleet will only create higher unit costs, which equates to a business model that is no longer sustainable in this competitive regional environment.

I understand that today's news is very difficult and raises many questions for you and your family. Human Resources is prepared to directly assist you during this time. They will post a memo and other documents on the Human Resources Epic page to keep you informed of the assistance available and to help answer many of your questions. We will also have staff available over the weekend to answer questions if needed. If after reviewing the information on Epic you have any additional questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to reach out to your departmental leadership as well.

The discontinuation of Comair's operations is in no way a failure or a reflection of your work – it is an unfortunate necessity due to the economic limitations of our aging aircraft, cost structure, the long-term outlook for 50-seat aircraft, and our challenging industry and economy. The quality of our operations has continued to be outstanding during our lengthy restructuring efforts, and I am honored to have had the opportunity to lead such a committed team. I am asking that each of you recognize the importance of remaining focused on safety and the job at hand as we continue operations throughout the wind-down period. Your continued commitment and your dedication to a safe and reliable operation is a testament to the professional team we have built here at Comair.

Delta Airlines

Boeing Delivers Nippon Cargo Airlines' First 747-8 Freighter

747-8 Freighter delivery marks Nippon Cargo's first-ever biofuel flight   EVERETT, Wash., July 25, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Boeing (NYSE: BA) has delivered a 747-8 Freighter to Narita-based Nippon Cargo Airlines (NCA), marking the Japanese debut for the 747-8. The new airplane is NCA's first 747-8 Freighter on order with Boeing. "We are excited to take delivery of this new fuel-efficient freighter, which will be a perfect addition to NCA's cargo fleet," said Takuzo Nomura, Senior Executive Managing Director, NCA. "The 747-8 Freighter will provide improved economics and efficiency as well as environmental benefits that are all essential in today's market." The airline currently operates eight 747-400 Freighters with two 747-400 Freighters on lease with other airlines. "Nippon Cargo is a longtime partner and valued customer of the Boeing Company," said Brad McMullen, vice president of Japan and Oceania Sales, Boeing Commercial Airplanes. "We will continue to work closely with Nippon Cargo as they integrate the new 747-8 Freighters into their all-Boeing fleet and help to strengthen their commitment as a market leader." The environmentally focused Nippon Cargo Airlines will also undertake its first biofuel flight with this milestone 747-8 Freighter delivery. The new airplane will become the first 747-8 to use a blend of environmentally progressive biofuels (jet kerosene and used cooking oil) to fly across the Pacific Ocean. Nippon Cargo Airlines, one of the launch customers for the 747-8 Freighter in 2005 and also part of a team that helped develop the aircraft, plans to begin revenue service with its new 747-8 Freighter by mid-August on Asia and North American routes. The 747-8 Freighter will provide double-digit improvements in fuel burn, operating costs and lower emissions over the 747-400 Freighter. The 747-8 Freighter also provides 16 percent more revenue-generating cargo volume and boasts a significantly improved environmental performance. Per tonne-kilometer, its carbon dioxide emissions are 16 percent lower than those of the 747-400 Freighter. It also reduced its noise footprint by more than 30 percent.

Boeing, Aeromexico Announce Commitment for 100 Airplanes

Mexico's largest airline to purchase 737 MAXs and 787 Dreamliners

MEXICO CITY, July 25, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Boeing (NYSE: BA) announced today a commitment by Aeromexico to purchase up to 100 single- and twin-aisle airplanes – a combination of 737 MAXs and 787 Dreamliners – in an agreement that will fuel the airline's expansion.

The commitment by Mexico’s largest airline includes up to 90 737 MAX 8s and 9s and ten 787s, worth $10.8 billion at average list price when all aircraft are firmed. Boeing looks forward to working with Aeroméxico to finalize the details, at which time the airplanes will be posted to the Boeing Orders & Deliveries website as a firm order.

"This order represents the largest investment program for a domestic airline in Mexican commercial aviation history and a major step forward in consolidating Grupo Aeromexico's international leadership position," said Grupo Aeromexico Chief Executive Officer Andres Conesa. "We are announcing our medium and long-term fleet plan supported by our partners, Boeing and General Electric that will allow us to maintain a flexible structure to grow according to market conditions."

"Aeromexico has earned its place as Mexico's leading airline with a commitment to performance. We are pleased to build on our 50-year partnership with Aeromexico and provide the most fuel-efficient fleet in Mexico," said Ray Conner, president and CEO of Boeing Commercial Airplanes. "The 737 MAX and the 787 Dreamliner provide unmatched passenger comfort and fuel efficiency allowing Aeromexico to expand their fleet, open new routes and serve new long-range markets – continuing their legacy of airline leadership."

The 737 MAX builds on the strengths of the best-selling Next-Generation 737 with big advances in fuel-efficiency and environmental performance. Equipped with new LEAP-1B engines from CFM International and improvements such as the Advanced Technology winglet, the 737 MAX reduces fuel burn and CO2 emissions by 13 percent and maintains the 8 percent operating cost advantage over future competition. The 737 features the new Boeing Sky Interior. The sleek interior boasts modern lines, a spacious cabin with more headroom and LED lighting that offers vibrant color options.

Made primarily from composite materials, the Boeing 787 Dreamliner is the first mid-size airplane capable of flying long-range routes and will allow Aeromexico to replace older aircraft on their European, Asian and South American routes. As a result of innovative technologies, the airplane offers unparalleled operating economics, fuel efficiency and passenger comfort. More than 850 787s are on order by 58 customers, a testament to the airplane's unique capabilities.

Aeroméxico operates an all-Boeing fleet for airplanes larger than 100 seats. Grupo Aeroméxico, the parent company of Aeroméxico, operates its main hub out of the Mexico City International Airport. In 2011 the Group transported more than 14 million passengers and offers more than 550 daily flights to different cities in Mexico, the United States, Canada, Central and South America, as well as Europe and Asia.

BOEING

Ethiopian First Dreamliner Enters Paint Shop Ahead of Delivery

Ethiopian is pleased to announce that its Boeing 787 Dreamliner is in the final stages of preparation for delivery in August 2012. The first Ethiopian Dreamliner left the Boeing assembly plant in Seattle, Washington and headed to San Antonio, Texas on Thursday, July 12, 2012 to be painted in Ethiopian livery.

The Ethiopian Dreamliner, having conducted its first test flight on Monday, July 9, 2012, will stay in San Antonio for 12 days. After being painted with Ethiopian logo, the Dreamliner will fly back to Seattle where Ethiopian will take delivery in early August.

Ethiopian is proud to be the first in Africa to fly this much awaited, state-of-the-art aircraft, and is pleased to offer its passengers the ultimate travel experience on board this aircraft.

"Ethiopian has always been a customer-focused and market driven airline and we continually invest in the latest technology such as the Dreamliner. Today we are operating the youngest fleet in Africa. With the addition of the Dreamliner, we are very proud that Ethiopian will be the first airline to offer this ultimate experience to passengers in Africa and the rest of the world." said Ato Tewolde Gebremariam, CEO of Ethiopian.

Passengers on this aircraft will enjoy enhanced in-flight facilities such as an interior environment with higher humidity which increases comfort and convenience. Moreover, the Dreamliner will have the largest passenger windows in the sky. High ceilings and unique lighting will also enhance passenger tranquility and reduce fatigue.

Ethiopian, the fastest growing airline in Africa, is continuously striving to enhance its customers’ travel experience with a fast expanding network and the introduction of new aircraft. In the current Ethiopian fiscal year alone, Ethiopian will enter into service 14 additional new aircraft, including five ultra-modern B787 Dream liners and three B737-800s with

Ethiopian

Atlas Air Worldwide Takes Delivery of Fifth Boeing 747-8 Freighter, Second for ACMI Service with Panalpina

Atlas Air Worldwide Holdings, Inc. (AAWW), a leading global provider of outsourced aircraft and aviation operating services, today announced that its Atlas Air, Inc. unit has taken delivery of a fifth Boeing 747-8 Freighter.

It is the second aircraft of the type to be placed into service for Panalpina under a previously announced multiyear aircraft, crew, maintenance and insurance (ACMI) outsourcing contract.

The newest freighter will offer Panalpina, a Swiss-based global freight forwarding and logistics services provider, additional next-generation performance in payload, fuel efficiency, total cost per tonne-mile, and environmental compliance.

“With two 747-8 freighters now in service, Panalpina can further take advantage of increased capacity and revenue-generating capability while improving fuel efficiency and the ability to offer its customers a unique and highly flexible solution for time-definite airfreight,” said William J. Flynn, President and Chief Executive Officer.

Atlas Air expects to receive two additional 747-8Fs in 2012 and two in the first half of 2013 for a total of nine. As previously announced, Atlas has received a commitment from Apple Bank for Savings to finance the remaining deliveries, subject to customary conditions.

The acquisition of this latest 747-8F was financed in part with proceeds from a term loan and was subsequently refinanced by the issuance of $142.7 million of 12-year, secured bonds. These bonds, which are guaranteed by the Export-Import Bank of the United States, have been priced at 1.73% and are scheduled to close on July 31, 2012. BNP Paribas and KGS Alpha Capital Markets are acting as joint lead bookrunners

AVIENT - MD11F, Z.-BVT

EMIRATES - B777-200ER, A6-EML

Flying Photos - LPPT

AEROSVIT - B767-300ER, UR-VVV

Marcelo Fouquet de Biasi - JFK

TURKISH AIRLINES - B777-300ER, TC-JII

Marcelo Fouquet de Biasi - JFK

FINNAIR - A319-100, OH-LVF (Last flight, return to lessor)

Flying Photos - LPPT

ENTER AIR - B737-400, SP-ENA

Flying Photos

THE TALL SHIPS RACES 2012 LISBOA

More: http://shipsphotogallery.blogspot.pt/

SAUDI ARABIAN CARGO - A310-300F, TC-SGM

Ton Jochems - AMS

NORWEGIAN - B737-800W, LN-NGB (Geirr Tveitt)

Ton Jochems - AMS

SAA’s Reveals Spectacular Design on “Olympics” Plane

Johannesburg. South African Airways (SAA) today revealed the fully branded aircraft that will fly Team South Africa and officials to the London 2012 Olympic Games on 19 July 2012. The spectacular design painted on the aircraft was created by Adri le Roux, a first year design student at Stellenbosch University.

The long haul Airbus A340-300 is set to cause a splash at international airports with its bold and colourful images of South African swimmers, runners, soccer players and other sports stars.

“As South Africa’s national airline, we are proud and happy to be able to support our athletes in this manner,” said SAA CEO Siza Mzimela “And just as our ground crews, pilots, and cabin staff are geared to give their very best to the Olympic participants and to all of our passengers at all times, we look forward to South Africa’s athletes achieving personal peak performances in London.”

SAA issued a public competition challenging South African youth of ages 13-21 to design an iconic visual which captures the spirit of South Africa. The judging criteria included creative flair and an eye for design. Furthermore, the simplicity and longevity of the design was considered, with the third and final criteria being how the design compliments SAA’s internationally recognised branding.

The design of the aircraft is colourful and vibrant and uses the colours of the South African flag to create brush strokes covering the plane. The sportsmen and women in the stroke illustrate the speed and excellence with which the SA Olympic team performs on the field.

“This design is vibrant and reflects the true spirit of South Africa. We believe that it echoes the passion, commitment and hard work that Team South Africa embraces when they are in the field”, says SAA CEO, Siza Mzimela.

As an official air transportation partner to the South African Sports Confederation and Olympic Committee (SASCOC), SAA will fly athletes and officials to London for the Olympics, which takes place from 27 July 2012 to 12 August 2012. SAA will also fly athletes and participants to the Paralympics, scheduled for 29 August 2012 to 9 September 2012.

Adjudication of the competition to design the Olympic aircraft’s special livery was conducted by a panel of technical, arts, and design professionals. On the panel were South Africa’s National Herald Mr. Themba Mabaso, SAA Technical Senior Engineering Analyst: Mr. JJ Pretorius, Vega School of Arts lecturer Mr. Matthew Partridge, and Mr. Steve Knapp, Art Director at Brand Activation. The results were audited by Ernst and Young, SAA’s auditing firm.

SAA

Air Seychelles’ first Airbus A330 touches down in Seychelles

Air Seychelles today celebrated a momentous occasion as it welcomed its first A330-200 aircraft, named Aldabra.

The historic first flight, operating as HM019, arrived at Seychelles International Airport at 13:35 from Abu Dhabi.

Vice President Danny Faure and Minister Joel Morgan, Seychelles’ Minister for Home Affairs and Transport were present to witness a ribbon cutting ceremony by President James Michel, celebrating the arrival of the much-awaited aircraft.

The aircraft is named in honor of Aldabra island, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Seychelles’ most remote and pristine islands. Aldabra, the world’s largest raised coral atoll, is surrounded by a pristine marine environment, uninhabited and known for its distinctive fauna including the Aldabra Giant Tortoise.

Flying under the supervision of an Etihad Airways Captain and Training Pilot was Air Seychelles Captain Paul Belle, who has completed classroom and flight simulator training for the A330 aircraft at Etihad Airways Training Academy in Abu Dhabi.

Air Seychelles cabin crew, back in Air Seychelles uniform for the first time after completing A330 safety and service training in Abu Dhabi, filled the cabin with the airline’s signature Creole warmth.

Highlights of Air Seychelles’ A330 include enhanced in-flight entertainment with personal, on-demand systems at every seat, true lie-flat seats in Business class and refreshed menu design, as well as dine-on-demand personalized tray service in Business class.

Cramer Ball, Air Seychelles’ Chief Executive Officer, who traveled on board the inaugural flight, said: “Today marks a historic moment, a turning point towards a brighter future. The A330 aircraft is not only younger and more fuel-efficient, but it also boasts excellent new product and services never before seen at Air Seychelles.

“To see our pilots and cabin crew again working proudly in uniform also shows how far Air Seychelles has come in a relatively short time. With our colourful aircraft livery and world-class service, we will bring the Creole spirit to every destination we fly to.”

Minister Morgan, who is also the Chairman of Air Seychelles, welcomed the aircraft on arrival, together with President Michel and Vice President Faure. Also present was a delegation of Ministers, government officials, VIPs, travel industry representatives and media.

Minister Morgan said: “To see the A330, emblazoned with Air Seychelles’ unique livery, touch down at Seychelles International Airport was a moment of patriotic pride for all Seychellois. Only three months ago, we announced that we would refresh the fleet by retiring our Boeing 767 and bringing in two Airbus A330s. We made a promise and it has been kept. I am thrilled to now welcome our first Airbus, Aldabra, to the Air Seychelles fleet and we look forward to watching it fly the Creole spirit for many years to come.”

Minister Morgan has praised Air Seychelles staff, past and present who facilitated the change process and conceded that it was arduous and stressful.

President Michel was hailed for his foresight, courage and vision in repositioning the national airline ahead of the great turmoil Indian Ocean airlines find themselves faced with. By giving Air Seychelles a head start and finding it a strong and excellent strategic partner, being Etihad Airways, the worst is behind it. The company has in record time modernized its fleet and right-sized its operation.

Air Seychelles will take delivery of a second A330-200 aircraft in January 2013, at which time flights to China will commence.

Air Seychelles