sexta-feira, 28 de setembro de 2012

Aruba Airlines plans A320-200 operation from Aruba

Aruba Airlines is a new start-up planning to use A320-200s to operate flights from the United States and possibly other incoming tourism origin markets to Aruba. It is currently recruiting flight crews for its planned operation.

Cal Jet plans public charters to Mazatlán from four US airports

 
Cal Jet Air has announced plans to offer scheduled public charter flights between the United States and Mazatlán General Rafael Buelna International from December using B737-400 chartered from Xtra Airways Elko Regional.

It plans to initially operate from:

Los Angeles International

San Francisco International

San Antonio International

Seattle Tacoma International offering a total of 12 weekly services.

Thai Airways announces A380 route plans

The Star Alliance carrier will first operate the A380 on one of its daily services on the Bangkok-Hong Kong and Bangkok-Singapore routes from 6 October to 14 December.

On 15 December, the aircraft will then be deployed on a daily Bangkok-Frankfurt service.

Images:Hispania

Hispania Airways plans to wet-lease an A320-200 from Lithuanian ACMI specialist Avion Express from December to launch new scheduled flights from Granada.

Hispania plans to launch operations on December 6 offering four weekly flights to Madrid Barajas as well as two weekly services each to :
Barcelona El Prat International
London Gatwick
Paris Charles de Gaulle
Rome Fiumicino Leonardo da Vinci International

Hispania Airways has already announced Las Palmas Gran Canaria International, Lisbon, Marrakech Menara and either Tenerife Norte or Tenerife Sur as additional planned destinations.

ATR delivers first ATR 72-600 to fly in Asia


Taiwan’s UNI AIR will be the first carrier in Asia to operate the ATR 72-600

The European turboprop aircraft manufacturer ATR is pleased to announce the delivery of the very first ATR 72-600 aircraft in the livery of an Asian carrier. The aircraft, with registration number B-17001, has been delivered today in Toulouse (France) to Taiwan-based carrier UNI AIR, a regional subsidiary of EVA AIR. This very first Asian ATR 72-600 is expected to officially enter into service on October 11th, with a first commercial domestic flight from Taipei to Taidong.

With the introduction of its new fleet of 10 ATR 72-600s which is starting today, UNI AIR will progressively replace its fleet of Dash 8 Q-300s turboprops. The airline will thus add seat capacity and introduce new routes, frequencies and the newest standards of passenger comfort and interior design to its regional network.

Since ATR launched the ATR -600 series aircraft in late 2007, the newest ATR 72-600 has proven itself as the best-selling 70-seat regional aircraft worldwide, with some 240 orders since then. The ATR 72-600 received its EASA-certification in May 2011, thus becoming the world’s most-recently certified 70-seat regional aircraft. Among other improvements, it features the most modern avionics suite, equipped with full-glass cockpit specifically developed for ATR by Thales, and totally redesigned cabin interiors, by Italian designer Giugiaro.

Commenting on the delivery, Tony Su, Chairman of UNI AIR, declared: “We are really proud to be introducing the new ATR 72-600 into our fleet. This aircraft has proven already to be a commercial and operational success around the world. We are delighted to be further developing and upgrading our regional routes and service with such an outstanding and comfortable aircraft. The ATR 72-600 is the most modern, technologically advanced and greenest aircraft among its category. We are pleased to associate our brand with the newest ATR -600s and to take advantage of the many improvements and performances of the aircraft”

Filippo Bagnato, Chief Executive Officer of ATR, declared: The arrival of the very first ATR 72-600 in Asia is also a milestone for ATR. In the last years, Asia has substantially developed regional aviation and we are pleased that many prestigious Asian carriers as UNI AIR have decided to expand with the newest ATR -600 series aircraft. The high standards of comfort of these aircraft, coupled with their low operating costs, provide substantial growth opportunities both to Asian carriers and to ATR. We are pleased to strongly contribute to the expansion of regional aviation in Asia with our green and most modern ATR -600s”.
ATR

Gambia Bird to launch Oct. 15

Flights will begin with weekly Banjul (BJL)-London Gatwick (LGW), BJL-Barcelona and Freetown-LGW services.
3G is also planning to launch service from BJL to Dakar (4X-weekly), Freetown (2X-weekly), Monrovia (2X-weekly), Lagos (2X-weekly), Conakry (weekly) and Accra (weekly). All Freetown flights are pending governmental approval.
Photo: Gambia Bird

quinta-feira, 27 de setembro de 2012

CONDOR - A321-200, D-AIAA

Ton Jochems - AYT

METROJET - A321-200, TC-ETK/EI-ETJ



Ton Jochems - AYT

HAMBURG AIRWAYS - A319-100, D-AHHE

Ton Jochems - AYT

JETTIME - B737-700, OY-JTU

Ton Jochems - AYT

SAMAIR - B737-400, OM-SAA

Ton Jochems - AYT

THAI takes delivery of its first A380





Airline becomes ninth operator of world's most eco-efficient aircraft

Thai Airways International (THAI) has taken delivery of its first A380, becoming the ninth airline to operate the world’s largest and most eco-efficient airliner. The aircraft was handed over to Captain Montree Jumrieng, Executive Vice President Technical, THAI, by Kiran Rao, Executive Vice President Sales and Marketing, Airbus, at a special ceremony in Toulouse today.
THAI has ordered six A380s, powered by Rolls-Royce Trent 900 engines. The airline has specified a premium three class layout for its fleet, seating a total of 507 passengers. All classes feature new cabin designs, with 12 private suites in First Class, 60 fully flat sleeper seats in Royal Silk Class and 435 seats in Economy. All seats are equipped with the latest on-demand in-flight entertainment systems, communication outlets and individual power supply.
“With the A380 THAI will elevate its Royal Orchid Service to a new level,” said Montree Jumrieng, Executive Vice President Technical, THAI. “In every class we are offering a new dimension in passenger appeal, from redesigned seating to the latest entertainment systems. These features, combined with the aircraft’s quiet and spacious cabin, will truly make the THAI A380 the smoothest way to fly.”
"We are extremely proud to welcome THAI as the latest operator of the A380," said John Leahy, Airbus Chief Operating Officer, Customers. "Today THAI joins a group of world class airlines that are redefining on-board comfort while flying more efficiently. With the A380 THAI will be well placed to meet the strong growth in air travel in the Asia-Pacific region in the most cost-effective way possible.”
THAI will inaugurate commercial service with the A380 in early October on the Bangkok – Hong Kong and Bangkok – Singapore routes. As more aircraft are delivered, the airline will begin service to Frankfurt at the end of the year, followed by Tokyo and Paris early in 2013.
Since first entering service in 2007, the A380 has exceeded all expectations, flying more people further at lower cost and with less impact on the environment. The spacious, quiet cabin and smooth ride have also made the A380 a firm favourite with passengers, resulting in higher load factors and increased profitability on all routes where the aircraft is operated.
The A380 is capable of flying 8,500 nautical miles or 15,700 kilometres non-stop. From Bangkok this enables non-stop service with a full payload to any destination in Europe or one-stop service to anywhere in the US.
AIRBUS

quarta-feira, 26 de setembro de 2012

MERIDIANA FLY - A320-200, I-EEZK

José Ramon Valero - Ibiza

XL GERMANY - B737-800, D-AXLD

José Ramon Valero - Ibiza

ALBA STAR - B737-400, EC-LNC

José Ramon Valero - Ibiza

EMBRAER 190 Jets to Debut in Myanmar With Myanma Airways

Singapore, September 25, 2012 – Myanma Airways, the flag carrier of Myanmar, has acquired two EMBRAER 190s under a lease agreement with GE Capital Aviation Services (GECAS), the commercial aircraft leasing and financing arm of GE. The aircraft are the first modern 100-seater jets to be introduced in the country. The E190s will be delivered by year end.

Each E190 is configured with 100 seats in a single class layout. The two E-Jets are part of the airline’s fleet modernization plan. In addition to deployment on domestic routes, the E190’s 2,400 nm (4.448 km) range gives Myanma Airways the capability to fly to new Asian destinations as the flag-carrier of Myanmar.

“Embraer is pleased that Myanma Airways has selected the E190, which is a proven platform that brings greater operating efficiency to airlines worldwide,” said Paulo Cesar Silva, Embraer President, Commercial Aviation. “We look forward to further supporting the growth and enhancement of the dynamic air transport market in Myanmar, a country which is seeing an increasing importance on the international business scene. We are equally pleased to build on our longstanding partnership with GECAS and introduce our family of E-Jets to more customers.”

Myanma Airways Managing Director Than Tun said, “we are delighted to begin working with established companies like GE and Embraer to help build and modernize our transportation infrastructure and expand the benefits of air travel to our citizens.”

Myanmar is the second largest country in Southeast Asia and is seeing a steady increase in air travel. Year-over-year visitor arrivals increased 26% in 2010 and 22% in 2011. In Asia Pacific, over 200 Embraer commercial aircraft are in service with more than twenty operators. Embraer’s regional corporate office is based in Singapore, as is its regional distribution center from where the company provides comprehensive customer service and support to customers in the region.

Embraer E-Jets are in operation in a range of business models around the world, including mainline, low-cost and regional airline networks. Some 60 airlines from 40 countries fly Embraer E-Jets.

EMBRAER


Airbus delivers the 100th A320 Family aircraft assembled in China


The 100th A320 Family aircraft assembled at Airbus’ A320 Family Final Assembly Line China (FALC) was handed over today to Air China. This delivery from the Airbus Tianjin Delivery Centre comes some three years after the first aircraft was delivered on 22nd June, 2009.
The new A320, powered by IAE V2500 engines, is configured in a typical two class layout with eight business class and 150 economy class seats. The aircraft will be deployed on domestic routes linking Shanghai to other cities in China. Air China now operates 93 A320 Family aircraft, one of the biggest A320 Family fleets in China.
“We are delighted to have delivered the 100th A320 assembled in Tianjin to Air China today. The airline already operates a significant Airbus fleet and is a most valued and long-term strategic customer”, said John Leahy, Airbus Chief Operating Officer Customers. “We will continue to reward the trust our loyal customers place in our aircraft, by delivering the best quality product and support to enable the highest levels of operational performance.”
On 31st August, visiting German Chancellor Angela Merkel and Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao 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).
To date, more than 700 Airbus A320 Family aircraft are in service in China. 11 Chinese customers have so far taken deliveries from the Airbus Tianjin Delivery Centre.
As of today, more than 8,600 Airbus A320 Family aircraft have been sold and more than 5,200 delivered to over 370 customers and operators worldwide, making it the world’s best selling commercial jetliner ever. Airbus is the leading aircraft manufacturer with the most modern and comprehensive family of eco-efficient airliners on the market, ranging in capacity from 100 to more than 500 seats. Over 11,800 Airbus aircraft have been sold to more than 480 customers and operators worldwide and more than 7,400 of these have been delivered since the company first entered the market in the early seventies. Airbus is an EADS company.
AIRBUS

Boeing Celebrates First Anniversary of First 787 Delivery


EVERETT, Wash., Sept. 25, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Today marks the one year anniversary of the first delivery of the first Boeing (NYSE: BA) 787 Dreamliner to Japan's ANA (All Nippon Airways). Since then, Boeing has delivered 25 Dreamliners to six different customers.
"One year ago today we reached a significant milestone in Boeing and ANA's partnership," said Ray Conner, president and CEO of Boeing Commercial Airplanes. "We are grateful for the support and confidence that ANA has placed in Boeing as the launch customer of the 787 Dreamliner."
"ANA has helped validate the airplane as truly game-changing," said Conner. "All of our 787 customers have been an integral part of making the 787 a success. We are committed to each of them as they put the Dreamliner into service."
Thousands of Boeing employees and dignitaries celebrated the historic delivery in a ceremony on Sept. 26 that highlighted the pride and dedication of the team that created the airplane and the cooperation and support of the airline.
The Boeing 787 Dreamliner is the first commercial jetliner made primarily of advanced composite materials. It offers exceptional passenger comfort features including cleaner air, a lower cabin altitude, higher humidity, bigger windows that dim electronically and more overhead storage space. Airlines appreciate its fuel efficiency, which is 20 percent better than other airplanes in its class. This fuel efficiency also results in 20 percent lower carbon emissions, helping Boeing to achieve its environmental objectives

Atom Airways plans US-Romania-Afghanistan B767 services

Photo:ATOM

Atom Airways is a new start-up planning to offer direct one-stop services from the United States to Afghanistan with a brief stop in Romania where the airline is based. Atom Airways is backed by US investors and aims to operate a B767-200ER and is mainly targeting US government and defense contractors

Africa World to initially serve Kumasi and Tamale

Photo: African World
Africa World Airlines has launched sales for its initial flight schedule that will see the HNA Group backed regional carrier launch twice daily service from Accra to Kumasi and daily service to Tamale shortly with its ERJ-145

terça-feira, 25 de setembro de 2012

United Airlines Takes Ownership Of Its First 787 Dreamliner


SEATTLE, Sept. 24, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- United Airlines is preparing to fly its first 787 Dreamliner this week from Boeing Field in Seattle to the airline's Houston hub. The aircraft is the first of five new Dreamliners the airline expects to receive this year from its total order for 50 of the aircraft. United is the first North American carrier to take delivery of the 787. The airline took ownership of its first Dreamliner on Saturday.

Jeff Smisek, president and CEO of United, said, "As the North American launch customer, we are delighted to be getting our first 787 Dreamliner. As we continue to build the world's leading airline, we are excited for our customers and co-workers to experience this game-changing aircraft."

United's first Dreamliner is expected to arrive in Houston later this week to begin a month-long training and certification program including non-commercial flights to several of United's domestic hubs. As the initial aircraft are inducted into the fleet, they will be based at United's Houston hub and will enter into previously announced domestic service in November and international service in December. United is planning to operate its inaugural 787 commercial flight from Houston to Chicago Nov. 4 at 7:25 a.m.

Configured with 36 seats in United BusinessFirst, 70 seats in United Economy Plus and 113 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.

ORBEST ORIZONIA - A330-200, EC-LKE

Flying Photos - Lisboa

ORBEST ORIZONIA - A330-300, EC-JHP

Flying Photos - Lisboa

VIM AIRLINES - B757-200, RA-73014/RA-73009


Ton Jochems - AYT

AIR ASTANA - A320-200, P4-UAS

Ton Jochems - AYT

I FLY AIRLINES - A330-300, EI-ETI

Ton Jochems - AYT

UTair - B757-200, VP-BAS

 
Ton Jochems - AYT

segunda-feira, 24 de setembro de 2012

Conviasa Takes Delivery of its First EMBRAER 190 Jet

 
Embraer (NYSE: ERJ; BM&F-BOVESPA: EMBR3) today delivered the first EMBRAER 190 jet to Venezuelan Airline Conviasa, Consorcio Venezuelano de Industria Aeronáutica e Serviços Aéreos S.A. The companies signed a contract last July for the acquisition of six E190, including an option for an additional 14 units of the same aircraft model. The contract also includes a flight simulator and a logistics package to support operations for the next five years.

The total value of the deal, at list price and January 2012 economic conditions, is USD 271.2 million, and could reach USD 904 million should all purchase options be converted into firm orders. The delivery ceremony was attended by Brazil´s Vice minister of Development, Industry and Foreign Trade, Ricardo Scheafer, representing the Minister Fernando Pimentel, the Venezuelan Minister for Air & Aquatic Transportation, Elsa Gutiérrez Graffe, Ambassadors and other officials from both countries, besides Embraer and Conviasa executives.

“We are certain that the E190 will have an extremely important role in the development of Conviasa and Venezuela’s air transportation, due to its versatility, comfort and low operational cost”, said Paulo Cesar Silva, President of Embraer, Commercial Aviation. “Additionally, Conviasa’s entry into the E-Jet family of customers strengthens our leadership in Latin America and the Caribbean where we have over a 70% share of the commercial aviation market in the 120-seat jet segment.”

“In compliance with the determinations of our Commander President Hugo Rafael Chávez Frías, and the implementation of the air transport policies by Minister Elsa Gutierrez, the new Embraer aircraft will allow us to interconnect national and international destinations at a regional level, with much more quality”, said César Martínez Ruiz, President of Conviasa. “Thus, we position Venezuela as an air transport provider with modern and efficient aircraft for the rendering of public service to all Conviasa passengers.”

The Venezuelan airline’s E190s are configured with 104 seats in economy class, in the traditional and comfortable seat arrangement of the Embraer E-Jets, with four seats per row, two on each side of the aisle and no middle seat.

Conviasa is the eleventh member of the E-Jet family of customers in Latin America and the Caribbean. The company currently offers 14 domestic and 9 international flight destinations. Embraer forecasts that the Latin American and Caribbean market will grow an average of 7% a year over the next 20 years, higher than the 5%


 

Venezuelan leisure carrier Perla Airlines returns single MD-83

Perla Airlines has returned its only aircraft, MD-83 YV335T (MSN 49232), to the aircraft lessor. The MD-83 has been ferried to Orlando Sanford International where it is currently parked. It had mainly used the aircraft for domestic charter services in Venezuela and it is unclear if it will eventually resume operations.
CH-aviation

Air India operates first commercial flight of B-787 Dreamliner

Air India operated the first commercial flight of its new acquisition B-787 Dreamliner on September 19, 2012 between Delhi and Chennai.

The fight from Delhi took off on schedule at 0710 hrs amid cheers from the 116 passengers on board. The flight was commanded by Capt Soman with Capt Andrews as second-in-command.

Passenegrs were given rose buds and a special south India meal was served on board to all the passengers. On landing at Chennai the aircraft was greeted with water cannon and later a coconut was broken by the commander, Capt Soman.

The return flight from Chennai to Delhi was also on time and lunch was served to all the passengers. Passengers from both boarding points were also given chocolates and a small memento to mark the occasion. The return flight landed at Delhi at approximately 1330 hrs.

A second flight was also operated between Delhi and Bangalore in the evening departing at 1835 hrs.

The evening also saw Air India receive its second B-787 aircraft (VT-AND) at Delhi from Charleston. The flight was piloted by Capt Nivedita Bhasin who happens to be the only woman pilot for the B-787 commercial aircraft in the world at present, which is another first for Air India.

Boeing, ANA Exercise Options for 11 787-9 Dreamliners

Boeing [NYSE: BA] confirmed today that the ANA Group exercised options for 11 787-9 Dreamliners. The exercised options, valued at $2.7 billion at current list prices, bring the total number of 787s ANA has ordered to 66 airplanes consisting of 36 787-8s and 30 787-9s.
ANA, the launch customer for the 787 Dreamliner, will use the 787s to help support the expansion of the airline’s international and domestic routes. The airline has announced plans to launch a new route from Narita to San Jose starting January 2013 using the 787, while the current Narita to Seattle service will switch to 787 operations on October 1, 2012 and Haneda to Beijing to the 787 on October 28, 2012.

TURKISH AIRLINES - A330-300, TC-JDM

Ton Jochems - AYT

SMART WINGS - B737-700, OK-SWW

Ton Jochems - AYT

AEROFLOT - IL96, RA-96011

Ton Jochems - AYT

KUBAN AIRLINES - A319-100, VQ-BLY

Ton Jochems - AYT

sexta-feira, 21 de setembro de 2012

FREEBIRD - A320-00, TC-FBO

Ton Jochems - AYT

Eznis Airways First to Operate Bombardier Q400 Aircraft in Mongolia


Q400 aircraft, the only large turboprop with capabilities to meet performance challenges of region

Bombardier Aerospace today welcomed Eznis Airways LLC to the growing family of Bombardier Q400 aircraft operators. Eznis Airways LLC, the largest private airline in Mongolia, has acquired a previously owned Q400 aircraft and has started service in the country with the fast and fuel-efficient turboprop. Eznis acquired the Q400 aircraft through Nordic Aviation Capital, the Denmark-based leasing company.

Eznis’ acquisition of the Q400 aircraft follows the type acceptance certification that was awarded by the Civil Aviation Authority of Mongolia in May, 2012 for operation of the aircraft in the Central Asia nation. The certification in Mongolia preceded the decision in June, 2012 by the Interstate Aviation Committee (IAC) - commonly known by its Russian acronym, MAK – to award aircraft type approval to the Q400 turboprop for operation in Russia and the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS).

"The Q400 aircraft is leading Bombardier’s expansion across much of Asia and the certification in Mongolia, in addition to the recent type approval in Russia and the CIS nations, are an important part of our strategy,” said Rod Sheridan, Vice President, Customer Finance, Bombardier Commercial Aircraft, who leads the business unit’s Asset Management Group (AMG). The AMG is dedicated to the management and remarketing of Bombardier’s previously owned commercial aircraft portfolio.

“We’re delighted to welcome Eznis Airways as one of five new operators that have ordered or acquired the Q400 aircraft this year and the first in Mongolia,” added Mr. Sheridan.

“We are thrilled to add the Q400 aircraft to our fleet,” said Munskhsukh Sukhbaatar, Chief Executive Officer, Eznis Airways. “The powerful yet fuel-efficient turboprop can fly in the most difficult conditions that Mongolia presents - high winds, large swings in temperatures, and high elevation airports.”

Powered by two new-generation, 5,071-shaft horsepower (shp) PW150A engines, and capable of flying at a speed of up to 360 knots (667 km/h), the Q400 aircraft can quickly climb above the strong summer head winds which blow across Mongolia, and also access the high elevation airports in mountainous regions of the country. Its steep approach capabilities allow the aircraft to quickly descend over the mountains to easily navigate the strong northerly winds found at Chinggis Khaan International Airport in UIaanbaatar, where Eznis is based.

The Q400 aircraft has been certified for gravel runway operations that predominate in rural Mongolia, which enables Eznis to fly mining charter customers directly to mine sites, while the aircraft’s large baggage compartment allows ample storage of mining provisions.
Bombardier has booked firm orders for 460 Q400 and Q400 NextGen turboprops, and delivered aircraft are in service with more than 40 operators in 33 countries, on six continents. These aircraft have transported more than 243 million passengers and have logged more than 3.7 million flight hours and over 4.0 million take-offs and landings.
BOMBARDIER