TUI FLY - B737-800W, D-AHFR

Flying Photos - Faro

TUI FLY - B737-800W, D-ATUC

Flying Photos - Faro

TUI FLY - B737-800, D-ATUE

Flying Photos - Faro

MONARCH - A320-200, G-OZBK

Flying Photos - Faro

CORENDON NL - B737-800W, PH-CDF

Flying Photos - Faro

MNG Airlines takes delivery of its first A330-200F

Newest operator of world’s most efficient mid-size freighter

MNG Airlines, Turkey’s dedicated freight operator, has taken delivery of its first of four A330-200Fs on order. Today the airline already operates a fleet of seven A300 cargo aircraft, and will expand its services by moving up to the A330 Freighter.

Sedat Özkazanç, Managing Director of MNG Airlines said: “Holding a big portion of the cargo capacity in Turkey, MNG Airlines is delighted to introduce the A330-200F into our fleet.” He adds: “This new Airbus freighter aircraft will help our continued growth by providing superior fuel efficiency, capacity and range for our customers together with both charter and scheduled flights.”

“We are pleased to welcome MNG Airlines as the newest operator of the A330-200F,” said John Leahy, Chief Operating Officer, Customers, Airbus. “This aircraft offers the lowest operating costs in the mid-size category and the ability to match capacity more closely to demand on a wide range of operations.”

Benefiting from the technical superiority and market success of the A330 passenger version, the A330-200F is the world’s most modern mid-size freighter which can carry 70 tonnes of payload, with a range capability of up to 4,000nm. Moreover, in the current market situation with fluctuating demand and dominated by old and less fuel efficient large aircraft, the mid-size freighter A330-200F is the clear way to secure sustained profitability.

The A330-200F’s range and payload capability provides flexibility for both regional and intercontinental operations, versatility to match costs and frequencies with market expectations, thereby allowing operators to grow existing business and expand into new routes. The A330-200F targets the ‘mid-size’ freighter segment which is forecasted to be the core of future freighter demand, and will require more than 1,320 aircraft in the next 20 years.

To date, Airbus has won more than 1,200 orders for the various versions of the A330, with nearly 900 aircraft currently flying with over 120 customers and operators worldwide.

AIRBUS

Assembly line in China completes the 100th A320 Family aircraft

Airbus and Chinese partners agree on a framework concerning FALC project extension

Visiting German Chancellor Angela Merkel and Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao today presided over a grand gathering of some 1,000 people in Tianjin to celebrate the completion of the 100th A320 Family aircraft assembled at the Airbus A320 Family Final Assembly Line China (FALC), which is a joint venture between Airbus and its Chinese partners. Among the participants attending the celebration were government officials from China and Europe, representatives of Airbus and its Chinese partners and customers as well as employees of the Airbus Tianjin Final Assembly Line and Airbus Tianjin Delivery Centre, a subsidiary of Airbus in Tianjin.

One day before the celebration, a framework agreement was signed by Airbus, Tianjin Free Trade Zone (TJFTZ) and the Aviation Industry Corporation of China (AVIC), the two parties of the Chinese consortium that hold a 49% stake in the FALC joint venture, concerning the shared intention to continue the cooperation on the project beyond the current business plan, which is due to expire in 2016. The agreement was signed at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing as a part of a series of Europe-China agreements in the presence of the German Chancellor and Chinese Premier.

“The completion of the 100th A320 Family aircraft by the Airbus Tianjin final assembly line represents a significant milestone for the cooperation between Airbus and China, as well as the Airbus strategy of internationalisation, one of the pillars of the Airbus vision for our future,” said Fabrice Brégier, Airbus President and CEO. “Having a final assembly line in Tianjin has greatly promoted the Airbus brand and image in China and brought us closer to our customers in one of the world’s most important aircraft markets. I would like to congratulate all those involved in making FALC a great success and contributing to a win-win situation for Airbus and the Chinese industry,” he added.

The FALC is the third A320 Family final assembly line in the world after the ones in Toulouse, France and Hamburg, Germany and the first Airbus aircraft final assembly line outside Europe. In July this year, Airbus has announced its decision to establish an A320 Family final assembly line in the United States.

In December 2005, Airbus and the Chinese government signed a MoU for the establishment of a single aisle final assembly line in China. In May 2007, the construction of the Tianjin assembly line started. In August 2008, the Tianjin final assembly line started operation. In June 2009, the first aircraft assembled in Tianjin was delivered to Sichuan Airlines. Since then a total of nearly 100 aircraft have already been delivered to 11 Chinese operators from Tianjin. Since the agreement for the FALC project was signed, China has placed orders for more than 550 A320 Family aircraft. In the mean time, the in-service fleet of Airbus A320 Family aircraft have expanded from some 200 to more than 700 as of end of July 2012

Airbus is the leading aircraft manufacturer with the most modern and comprehensive family of airliners on the market, ranging in capacity from 100 to more than 500 seats. Over 11,700 Airbus aircraft have been sold to more than 470 customers and operators worldwide and more than 7,300 of these have been delivered since the company first entered the market in the early seventies. Airbus is an EADS company.

AIRBUS

Precision Conversions Announces FAA Approval for Winglet Compatibility With 757-200PCF Freighter Conversion

PORTLAND, OR--(Marketwire -08/30/12)- Precision Conversions, LLC (Precision) is extremely pleased to announce that the company has received FAA approval to provide full 15 cargo position freighter conversions on 757-200s that have winglets currently installed on the aircraft. The winglet approval applies to all Rolls-Royce and Pratt & Whitney powered 757-200s. The first winglet-ed 757-200, owned by Cargo Aircraft Management, Inc., has already been converted and will be operated later this year by Air Transport International, LLC.

Steven Thomas, Precision Conversions' President, said, "We are the first and only company to achieve winglet compatibility with a 757 conversion program." He added, "This recent achievement is fully in line with our mission of maximizing the utility, service life, revenue potential and residual value of the 757-200 as a freighter."

Precision began the engineering and certification efforts for the winglet approval program in early 2011.

Brian McCarthy, Precision Conversions' Vice President of Marketing and Sales, said, "There are over 300 B757-200 aircraft currently operating with winglets and their future fate, after passenger service, was unclear until now." He added, "This approval opens up a whole new 'work out' path for the owners of many of these most marketable and low cycle 757-200s."

Precision Conversions has redelivered a total of thirty three (33) 757-200PCF freighters operating in Europe, North and South America, India, Australia, Africa, and P.R. China.

Volos based start-up Hellas Airlines plans to operate A320-200s

Hellas Airlines is planning to operate a fleet of A320-200s from Volos Nea Anchialos to domestic and international destinations aiming to fill a "void" of direct non-stop services from Central Greece. It has mentioned Athens Eleftherios Venizelos International, Frankfurt International, Heraklion Nikos Kazantzakis, Ioannina, London, Madrid Barajas, Moscow, Paris, Rhodes Diagoras/Maritsa, Rome Fiumicino Leonardo da Vinci International, Skiathos and Thessaloniki Makedonia as destinations it is considering to serve from 2013.

Boeing Celebrates Delivery of First Aeroloft™ Installed on a BBJ 747-8

WICHITA, Kan., Aug. 29, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Boeing (NYSE: BA) today celebrated the delivery of the first Aeroloft™ installed on a Boeing Business Jet (BBJ) 747-8.

The Aeroloft™, designed and built by Greenpoint Technologies of Kirkland, Wash., provides 393 square feet (36.5 square meters) of additional cabin space bringing the VIP-configured 747-8 to a total 5,179 square feet (481.2 square meters) of cabin space. It was installed by Boeing Global Transport & Executive Systems (GTES) in Wichita, Kansas.

Developed specifically for the BBJ 747-8, the Aeroloft™ is located above the main cabin between the upper deck and tail of the airplane. It boasts eight private sleeping berths and a changing room providing a comfortable rest area during flight.

Boeing and Greenpoint have worked together for more than a decade developing VIP interior solutions for private and Head-of-State customers. Capt. Steve Taylor, BBJ President, said this project is a special one.

"The Aeroloft is one of the more innovative and exciting projects on which we've collaborated with Greenpoint," said Taylor. "We're certain all the BBJ 747-8 customers receiving the Aeroloft will be thrilled with this unique and comfortable space."

Two additional BBJ 747-8s with Greenpoint's Aeroloft™ are scheduled to deliver in 2012.

After a small ceremony in Wichita with the airplane's undisclosed customer, the BBJ 747-8 was flown by Capt. Taylor and BBJ chief pilot, Capt. Rene Gonzales, to Lufthansa Technik in Hamburg, Germany for completion of its VIP interior. It's scheduled to enter service in 2014.

To date, nine BBJ 747-8s have been sold to Head-of-State customers.

China’s ICBC Leasing places order for 50 Airbus A320 Family aircraft

Emerging lessor enhances portfolio with eco-efficient Airbus aircraf

ICBC Financial Leasing Co. Ltd. (ICBC Leasing), has signed an agreement with Airbus for a total of 50 A320 Family aircraft, including 30 A320ceo and 20 A320neo.

The aircraft purchase agreement was signed at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing by Li Xiaopeng, Senior Executive Vice President of ICBC and Chairman of ICBC Leasing, and Fabrice Bregier, President and CEO of Airbus. It was a part of a series of Europe-China agreements signed in the presence of visiting German Chancellor Angela Merkel and Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao.

“We decided to order more Airbus A320 Family aircraft, not only A320ceo but also A320neo, to enhance our portfolio in anticipation of increasing demand of the aviation markets in China, Asia Pacific region and the world as well. The order indicates that leasing companies are playing a more important role in the aviation sector,” said Li Xiaopeng, Senior Executive Vice President of ICBC and Chairman of ICBC Leasing.

“We are delighted to see ICBC Leasing placing another order for the world’s best selling single-aisle aircraft. In particular, the order for 20 A320neo makes ICBC Leasing the first Chinese customer for the fastest selling aircraft, which offers a 15 per cent fuel burn reduction. We are proud to support the growth of Chinese leasing companies with our eco-efficient aircraft,” added Fabrice Bregier, Airbus President and CEO.

By the end of July 2012, there were over 700 A320 Family aircraft in operation with 15 Chinese airlines.

As of today, more than 8,500 Airbus A320 Family aircraft have been sold and more than 5,100 delivered to over 365 customers and operators worldwide, making it the world’s best selling commercial jetliner ever. With proven reliability and extended servicing periods, the A320 Family has the lowest operating costs of any single-aisle aircraft. The A320neo is a new engine option for the A320 Family entering into service from 2015 and incorporates latest generation engines and large "Sharklet" wing tip devices, which together will deliver 15 percent in fuel savings. The A320neo has over 95 percent airframe commonality making it an easy fit into existing fleets while offering up to 500 nautical miles (950 kilometres) more range or two tonnes more payload at a given range

Boeing Marks One-Year Anniversary of 787 Certification

EVERETT, PRNewswire/ Boeing (NYSE: BA) will celebrate the one-year anniversary of certification of the 787 Dreamliner. On Aug. 26, 2011, both the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) granted type certificates for the all-new jetliner. In addition, the FAA added the 787 to the Boeing production certificate. "Receiving those documents marked a real turning point for the 787 program and was an historic milestone for The Boeing Company," said Larry Loftis, vice president and general manager of the 787 program. "Certification demonstrated that the airplane met the all requirements for commercial operations, that we had completed the most rigorous test program in our history and that the Dreamliner was ready to enter revenue service." To date, 17 787s have been delivered to airlines and the program has more than 800 unfilled orders with 58 customers worldwide. The in-service airplanes are performing as expected with dispatch reliability ratings equal to previous new Boeing models including the 777. "We are always mindful of the sacrifices made and the great talent applied to achieve the challenging goals we put in front of the team," said Loftis. "From concept, to design, to build to testing – it took tens of thousands of men and women from around the world focusing on a single goal to earn those certifications." One month after certification, the company delivered the first 787 to launch customer ANA. One month later, the airplane entered revenue service. "It's been a great 12 months for the 787 team," said Loftis. "And better yet, we see a long, bright future for this program."

 

TACV já recebeu segundo Boeing 737-800

PressturA companhia área cabo-verdiana TACV já recebeu o segundo dos dois Boeing 737-800 com capacidade 174 passageiros, que estavam previstos chegar até Setembro, no entanto, os dois aviões ainda não estão certificados para poderem começar a voar, noticia o jornal “A Semana”. O primeiro avião chegou a Cabo Verde a 21 de Junho, o Boeing “Mindelo”, estando previsto o início de operações para dia 30 do mesmo mês, o que não aconteceu, por “atrasos inexplicáveis”, segundo técnicos do sector que estiveram envolvidos em processos de certificação de outros aparelhos adquiridos pelos TACV, citados pelo diário cabo-verdiano. Por outro lado, fonte da empresa explica que “o processo está a seguir os seus trâmites e que um atraso de dois meses é perfeitamente normal”, cita o jornal. A mesma fonte explica que outros processos mais céleres resultam de os documentos terem começado “a ser despachados quando os aviões ainda estavam em processo de aquisição e que também demoraram dois meses”, escreve “A Semana”. O diário cabo-verdiano avança ainda que a expectativa é de que a certificação do Boeing “Praia”, que chegou a Cabo Verde no dia 19 de Agosto, “seja mais rápida e venha desafogar a companhia aérea, que por estes dias tem sido muito criticada pelos passageiros e pela Associação de Defesa dos Consumidores por causa dos atrasos”. O voo inaugural do “Mindelo”, ainda sem data prevista, deverá marcar “o início da recuperação económica e financeira da TACV”, afirmou o presidente do Conselho de Administração dos TACV, João Pereira Silva, citado na notícia.

 

United Airlines Announces Temporary Domestic Routes For Its New Boeing 787 Dreamliners

FLIGHTS BETWEEN U.S. HUBS WILL PRECEDE THE START OF INTERNATIONAL FLYING

CHICAGO, Aug. 30, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- United Airlines today announced plans to fly its new Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft on domestic routes starting in November as it prepares to begin previously-announced international service in December and January.

United expects to take delivery of the first five new Dreamliners this year from its total order for 50 of these aircraft. As the initial aircraft are inducted into the fleet, they will be based at United's Houston hub and will enter into service according to the following schedule:

Late September	1st 787 delivery
October	Proving/validation flights and training activities that allow United to meet FAA certification requirements and prepare United to become the first North American operator for this new aircraft type. 2nd 787 delivery.
November	Scheduled commercial flights from Houston to other U.S. hubs. 3rd and 4th 787 deliveries expected.
December	Scheduled commercial flights from Houston to other U.S. hubs. 5th 787 delivery expected. First international service Dec. 4.
January	Commencement of scheduled commercial flights on additional international routes as announced on Aug. 23.

United will phase in scheduled 787 service between Houston and each of its other domestic hubs beginning Nov, 4, 2012 as shown below. This schedule allows United's 787s to operate more than 470 flight segments in the U.S. in the last two months of 2012 in addition to international flights beginning in early December:

Route	Flight times	Effective Date	End Date	Frequency
IAH-SFO-IAH	5:45 p.m. westbound 12:15 a.m. eastbound	Nov. 4, 2012	Dec. 2, 2012	5 x weekly
IAH-LAX-IAH	3:30 p.m. westbound 6:25 p.m. eastbound	Nov. 4, 2012	Dec. 3, 2012	6 x weekly
IAH-ORD-IAH	7:25 a.m. northbound 11:15 a.m. southbound	Nov. 4, 2012	Dec. 3, 2012	6 x weekly
IAH-EWR-IAH	8 a.m. northbound 3:30 p.m. southbound	Nov. 4, 2012	Jan. 3, 2013	Daily, except Nov. 18
IAH-CLE-IAH	7 a.m. northbound 4 p.m. southbound	Nov. 10, 2012	Nov. 10, 2012	One-day service
IAH-IAD-IAH	7 a.m. northbound 3:50 p.m. southbound	Nov. 17, 2012	Nov. 17, 2012	One-day service
IAH-SFO-IAH	5:45 p.m. westbound 12:15 a.m. eastbound	Dec. 3, 2012	Jan. 3, 2013	Daily
IAH-LAX-IAH	3:30 p.m. westbound 6:25 p.m. eastbound	Dec. 4, 2012	Jan. 3, 2013	Daily
IAH-DEN-IAH	7:20 a.m. westbound 10:15 a.m. eastbound	Dec. 5, 2012	Jan. 2, 2013	Daily
IAH-LAX-IAH	7:35 a.m. westbound 12:30 p.m. eastbound	Jan. 3, 2013	March 31, 2013	Daily
IAH-ORD-IAH	7:25 a.m. northbound 11:15 a.m. southbound	Jan. 4, 2013	March 29, 2013	Daily
IAH-DEN-IAH	9:15 a.m. westbound 2:15 p.m. eastbound	March 31, 2013	Open	Daily

Note: Timing may vary slightly depending on day of the week. Schedules are subject to change.

The 787 aircraft will display for sale for these domestic routes on united.com and other distribution channels beginning Sept. 1. In October, United will announce plans for the official first commercial 787 flights, which are expected to occur prior to Nov. 4 but only after proving/validation flights and training are complete.

"While the Dreamliner's superior operating economics make it ideally suited for international routes, we're pleased to have this opportunity to introduce it on domestic flights between many of our hub cities allowing both customers and employees to experience this revolutionary aircraft and its many unique benefits," says United's Managing Director of Scheduling, Grant Whitney. "United customers and employees can take part in welcoming the newest member of our fleet."

As the first airline to operate the 767 and 777, United is proud to continue this tradition by adding the 787 to its fleet several years ahead of its North American competitors.

Configured with 36 seats in United BusinessFirst, 72 seats in United Economy Plus and 111 seats in United Economy, the Dreamliner will revolutionize the flying experience for United customers and crews while delivering unprecedented operating efficiency, comfort and lower emissions. Customers will experience greater comfort with improved lighting, bigger windows, larger overhead bins, lower cabin altitude and enhanced ventilation systems, among other passenger-friendly features.