quinta-feira, 29 de novembro de 2012

First Boeing 737-800 for Air Niugini (EC-ISE) ex Air Europa

Ferenc Hamori - BUD

Airbus offers new 242 tonne A330 takeoff-weight capability to extend market coverage

242 tonne option increases revenue payload on longer missions

Extra fuel capacity extends range by around 500nm at full passenger payload

Opening new direct flights with A330-300s between South-East Asia and Europe

Airbus has improved the A330-300 and A330-200 even further by providing operators both with a 242 metric tonne maximum take-off weight (MTOW) capability and, for the larger A330-300, an increased fuel capacity option. These enhancements build on the capability announced earlier this year for an increased 240 tonne MTOW, and will be available for operators in 2015.

The new take-off weight capability combined with the fuel capacity increase enables operators of these new A330-300s to carry additional payload on longer missions. Overall, the full payload range now increases by around 500nm over today’s 235 tonne A330-300, and by around 350nm over today’s 238 tonne A330-200.

The A330-300’s optional fuel capacity increase will be achieved by activating the centre wing tank for the first time on this model. The centre tank and its associated systems have always been present as standard on its longer-range sibling – the A330-200. The additional fuel capacity for the A330-300 allows operators to fly new longer distance routes, such as direct flights between South-East Asia and Europe. For example, it will permit westbound direct flights such as Kuala Lumpur to Frankfurt or Paris, with the ability to carry additional cargo on the eastbound return flight.

Head of the A330 programme Patrick Piedrafita commented: “The A330 is already a highly efficient and reliable airliner and we have taken it as our duty to maximise this even further, along with range and payload increases.” He added: “We are currently delivering more A330s per month than ever before, and this is set to continue, especially given the ongoing improvements we are introducing to the airframe, cabin interior, and engines.”

The A330 Family, which spans 250 to 300 seats, and includes Freighter, VIP, and Military Transport/Tanker variants, has now attracted more than 1,200 orders and around 900 aircraft are flying worldwide. Ever since the original version of the A330-300 entered service, the hallmark has been its very efficient operating economics. Thanks to the introduction of numerous product improvements, it remains the most cost-efficient and capable aircraft in its class and the Family is achieving average dispatch reliability above 99 percent. With headquarters in Toulouse, France, Airbus is an EADS company.

AIRBUS

quarta-feira, 28 de novembro de 2012

"Last SC.BRAGA" colours - PRIVILEGE - B757-200, EC-ISY

Photo: Petru Dimoff - Cluj - Romania

First AIR BLUE A340-300 - AP-EDE

Departing for delivery flight ABQ003 after delivery check at THY Technic. Former TC-JIJ with Photo: Sergey Kustov - IST

Pullmantur Air: New livery

 
Photo:Pullmantur Air

Astro Air International plans relaunch from Clark with MD-83s

Astro Air International plans to resume scheduled charter operations later this year with a fleet of two ex-Spirit of Manila Airlines MD-83 RP-C7702 and RP-C8708.

Photo: Astro Air Int

Tajik regional start-up Asian Express adds A320-200

Photo: Asian Express

Garuda Indonesia Increases Abu Dhabi / Amsterdam Service from late-June 2013

Garuda Indonesia starting 22-06-2013 is increasing service on Jakarta – Abu Dhabi – Amsterdam service, where overall operation increases from 4 to 6 weekly. GA previously served Amsterdam on daily basis but reduced to 4 weekly since March 2012.


Schedule:

GA088 CGK1920 – 0020+1AUH0220+1 – 0735+1AMS 332 x2
GA089 AMS1045 – 1930AUH2130 – 0925+1CGK 332 x3

QATAR Airways to Launch Boeing 787 Service to London from mid-Dec 2012

QATAR Airways starting 13/122012 will begin Boeing 787 operation on Doha – London Heathrow route once a day, as per 26NOV12 GDS timetable and inventory display. From this date, QR075/076 to be operated by the Dreamliner on daily basis. Previously the airline publicly announced the Dreamliner will enter London operation from 01DEC12, which apparently no longer the case.
London is QATAR’s 3rd Boeing 787 destination. Schedule:

QR075 DOH0625 – 1105LHR 788 D
QR076 LHR1505 – 0045+1DOH 788 D

fastjet's inaugural non-commercial flight welcomes celebrities, press and members from the Ministry of Transport on board, including fastjet CEO Ed Winter and Deputy Minister of Transport for Tanzania Hon. Dr. Charles Tizeba.


Photos: Fastjet

Embraer’s New Portugal Composites Facility Ships First Legacy 500 Empennage

Évora, Portugal, November 27, 2012 – Embraer has completed the first shipset in composite material in its Embraer Compósitos factory in Évora, Portugal. This first part, a Legacy 500 empennage, has been shipped to Embraer headquarters in São José dos Campos, Brazil.

"As serial production of the new Legacy 500 aircraft approaches, the completion and shipment of this first empennage from Portugal to Brazil represents a major and important milestone for Embraer and a great achievement by the whole Embraer Compósitos team,” said Paulo Marchioto, President of Embraer Portugal and Board member at Embraer Compósitos. “With close support from Brazil, the team at Embraer Compósitos has demonstrated great skill allowing us, in a very short time since inauguration, to deliver such a sophisticated part.”

In full compliance with the requirements set by Embraer headquarters, the empennage is made mainly of carbon fibre parts. It was assembled in a semi-automatic line in one of two Embraer plants in Évora, allowing for higher efficiency in operations like drilling and riveting of primary structures made in composite.

“This first delivery from Évora is a landmark in Embraer’s globalization strategy and our activities in Europe, reflecting our commitment to call on local expertise to support us in the development and manufacturing of our products,” added Hélio Bambini, Vice President, Embraer Industrial Operations.

Embraer announced Évora as the chosen location for Embraer Compósitos in 2008. The new center was completed and inaugurated in September 2012, together with Embraer Metálicas, also in Évora. With 37,100 and 31,800-square meters respectively, Embraer Metálicas and Embraer Compósitos will reach full production capacity during the second quarter of 2013.

EMBRAER

Hawaiian Launches Flights to Australia's "Sunshine State"

Only U.S. Carrier Serving Brisbane, Australia

HONOLULU, Nov. 27, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Hawaiian Airlines today continued its expansion into new international markets, with the launch of nonstop service to Brisbane, Australia, capital city of the State of Queensland.
Passengers of today's inaugural flight departing Honolulu enjoyed a festive island-style send-off, featuring live Hawaiian music and hula, a traditional Hawaiian blessing by Kahu Richard Kamanu of Kaumakapili Church, and fresh flower lei upon boarding.

Mark Dunkerley, Hawaiian's president and CEO, commented, "Brisbane is our second gateway city in Australia and the accessibility and convenience we are offering into an entirely new region will make it far easier to go and experience the vast appeal of this beautiful country. Likewise, Australians have a great affinity for the charms of Hawai'i and we see these new flights providing our state's visitor industry with a tremendous boost."

Hawaiian also offers nonstop daily flights between Sydney and Honolulu using its 294-seat, wide-body, twin-aisle Airbus A330-200 aircraft.

Only U.S. Carrier Serving Brisbane
Hawaiian is the only U.S. carrier serving Brisbane, giving travelers in Hawai'i and throughout North America a convenient new travel alternative for experiencing the scenic beauty of Queensland – Australia's "Sunshine State."


Capt. Todd Mihara flashes a "shaka" sign, signaling 'all clear' from the cockpit of Hawaiian Airlines' inaugural flight to Brisbane, Australia moments before departure from Honolulu this morning. Below the cockpit window is a commemorative image of the Southern Cross in tribute to the pioneering flight between Hawaii and Brisbane in 1928, piloted by Australian aviators Charles Kingsford Smith and Charles Ulm. (PRNewsFoto/Hawaiian Airlines)

 Centrally located on Australia's east coast, Brisbane is the gateway to a host of appealing sites and attractions for visitors to enjoy, including the world-famous Great Barrier Reef, world heritage listed rainforests, the iconic Outback territory, and the renowned leisure destinations of Australia's Gold and Sunshine Coasts.

Brisbane also serves as a key hub for onward travel throughout Australia. Capitalizing on this, Hawaiian has timed its flight schedule for travelers to connect with same-day flights to and from throughout Queensland and other states via an interline partnership with domestic carrier Virgin Australia.

Hawaiian's Brisbane-Honolulu service is benefiting Hawai'i's visitor industry by adding 41,000 new air seats to the market annually, generating an estimated $79 million in visitor expenditures and $8.6 million in tax revenue for Hawai'i, according to the Hawai'i Tourism Authority. 


terça-feira, 27 de novembro de 2012

Corsair celebrates its first A330-300

Corsair has taken delivery of the first of two A330-300s ordered from Airbus. The aircraft was delivered at a special ceremony in Toulouse today attended by Corsair Chairman, Pascal de Izaguirre.

This new A330-300 is part of TUI’s commitment to invest in today’s greenest aircraft and to strengthen services from Paris across the Atlantic Ocean, to the French West Indies, Canada and West Africa and to the Indian Ocean destinations The aircraft is the first to be delivered from the two A330-300s ordered in December 2010. It will enter in commercial service by end of this month .

“We are delighted with this decision by TUI Travel to buy Airbus A330 aircraft”, says Pascal de Izaguirre, CEO, Corsair. “We already benefit from an excellent performance of an A330-200s and these new A330 with a track record of unmatched efficiency, reliability and low operating costs will allow us to enforce our new strategy of operating the most eco-efficient and reliable aircraft for our network,” he added.

"TUI Travel is pleased to be acquiring the A330-300 aircraft which, particularly with its recently enhanced capability, is clearly the ideal aircraft type to be introduced to the Corsair fleet to complement the existing A330-200 operations. Airbus has worked closely with Corsair and TUI Travel management to ensure the success of this renewal of the Corsair fleet and has been proactive in recognising and addressing our requirements and developing the business relationship." Says Tom Chandler, Director of Aircraft Acquisition and Finance at TUI Travel PLC.

“The A330-300 is the aircraft which best fulfils airline’s needs in terms of range and capacity. It offers airlines unparalleled productivity, why passengers love the comfort,” said John Leahy, Airbus COO Customers. “TUI travel’s decision to acquire our mid-size long-haul star is a further proof that the A330 delivers exactly what the market needs.”

With a true wide-body fuselage allowing very high comfort standards, the A330-300 is able to accommodate seat and class configurations to suit diverse customer requirements. It has a range of up to 5,600 nm / 10,400 km with a typical 300 passenger load. Highly efficient and optimised for the medium – to long range market, the A330-300 offers the best balance between range and cost. The A330-300 remains the most economic means of flying 300 or so passengers on medium range routes in true long haul comfort.

The A330 Family, which spans 200 to 400 seats for the passenger variants and also includes Freighter, VIP, and Military Transport/Tanker variants, has now attracted more than 1,200 orders.
 
AIRBUS

segunda-feira, 26 de novembro de 2012

TransAsia Airways takes delivery of its first A330

TransAsia Airways of Taiwan has taken delivery of the first of two A330-300s ordered from Airbus. The aircraft was delivered at a ceremony in Toulouse today attended by TransAsia Airways Chairman Vincent Lin.

The A330 will be the first widebody aircraft to be operated by TransAsia. Featuring a high comfort two class layout seating 300 passengers, the aircraft will initially fly on services from Taipei to Japan and Singapore. These will be followed by new longer range operations to destinations currently under consideration, including Australia and New Zealand, as well as the Middle East. TransAsia has selected Rolls-Royce Trent 700 engines to power its A330s.

“The delivery of the A330 will further enhance our quality of service, as well as our passengers’ flight experience,” said Vincent Lin, Chairman, TransAsia Airways, “They will service TransAsia’s international routes, providing passengers a more comfortable journey with advanced in-flight entertainment technology and spacious seating.”

“We are pleased to welcome TransAsia Airways as a new operator of Airbus widebody aircraft,” said John Leahy, Chief Operating Officer, Customers, Airbus. “With the A330 TransAsia will benefit from the aircraft’s low operating costs, proven reliability and great passenger appeal - as well as high levels of technical commonality with its existing A320 Family fleet.”

TransAsia Airways currently operates scheduled services to 46 destinations across Asia with a modern fleet that already includes nine A320 Family aircraft. In addition to its new A330s, the carrier has orders for 18 A321s for future delivery, comprising six A321ceo and 12 A321neo.

The A330 is one of the most widely-used widebody aircraft in service today. Airbus has recorded over 1,200 orders for the various versions of the aircraft and more than 900 are in service with 90 operators worldwide. In addition to passenger and freighter aircraft, the A330 is also available in VIP and military transport / tanker variants.
AIRBUS

BoA to wet-lease A330-200 for new Santa Cruz-Madrid route

BoA - Boliviana de Aviación plans to wet-lease an A330-200, reportedly from Portuguese ACMI carrier HiFly, for its proposed first long-haul route linking Santa Cruz Viru Viru International and Madrid Barajas

sábado, 24 de novembro de 2012

Air New Zealand reveals Hobbit-inspired 777-300 aircraft





AIR NEW ZEALAND

ANTRAK AIR - ATR.72, EC-KVI

José Ramon Valero - MAD

The "Flying home for Christmas" tour takes off in Munich

With the motto "Flying home for Christmas", the airberlin Christmas aircraft is taking off once again. This year the Boeing 737-800 with the registration Mike Juliette has a 2.54 metre high and 4.2 metre wide Santa Claus made of photos from nearly 2,000 airberlin fans and employees who uploaded their images to the airline’s Facebook page. “It’s really exciting to be here for the premiere of this year’s Christmas aircraft,” said Christine Jung. The 48-year-old from Großaitingen put the last star on the skin of the aircraft herself in the hangar in Munich.

Christine is also one of the elves who help the airberlin Santa Claus on board the Christmas plane and provide Christmas spirit during the Santa Claus Tour 2012. She applied at facebook.com/airberlin and won the job with her open manner and delight in bringing a smile to others. The airberlin Christmas aircraft will be making the rounds through the airline’s European route network until the start of January.


AIR BERLIN

sexta-feira, 23 de novembro de 2012

The A350 XWB is readied for static testing



Airbus’ A350 XWB static test airframe has moved into the facility where it will undergo testing to validate the structural design of this next-generation jetliner.
The airframe rolled out of the A350 XWB final assembly line at Toulouse, Blagnac Airport earlier this week and was transferred to the L34 static test hall situated across the airport in the Lagardère industrial zone – home to the A380 final assembly line.
This clears the way for the A350 XWB airframe to be integrated into a test rig for a campaign that will submit it to nearly a year of evaluations, including limit load and ultimate load validations, along with residual strength and margin research.

The L34 static test hall covers an area of 10,000 square meters, and is supported by 200 workers during peak testing activity. It houses a rig that incorporates 2,500 tons of steel and 240 jacks/loading lines, which are used to induce structural loads. The testing is recorded by some 12,000 sensors.

The static test airframe was the first to be built on the A350 XWB’s new Roger Béteille final assembly line in Toulouse, and was the “star” during Airbus’ inauguration ceremony for this production facility in October. The airframe is sized to represent the A350-900 version of Airbus’ newest jetliner family, which is the intermediate aircraft of the three fuselage-length versions: the A350-800, A350-900 and A350-1000.

AIRBUS

the first A319 with Sharklets in the engine test facility in Hamburg!

AIRBUS

China’s Tibet Airlines takes delivery of its first FALC A319

China’s Tibet Airlines has taken delivery of its first A319 assembled at the Airbus Tianjin Final Assembly Line (FALC). The A319 delivered today is the fifth A319 to join the all Airbus fleet operated by lhasa based Tibet Airlines. The airline received its first Airbus A319 in July 2011 in Hamburg, Germany.

The newly delivered A319 accommodates 128 passengers in a two-class configuration with eight premium seats and 120 economy seats. The aircraft is powered by CFM56-5B engines.

The aircraft will operate from Lhasa Gongga Airport, which at 12,000 feet in altitude is one of the world’s highest. t o. It will fly the route between Lhasa and Shenzhen, which borders Hong Kong in Southern China with a stop-over in Chengdu, Southwestern China.

The newly introduced A319 is certificated for high altitude airport operation and RNP-AR (Required Navigation Performance – Authorisation Required) and Satcom installed.

 RNP-AR procedures represent today the most modern navigation technique, allowing the aircraft to fly precisely along a predefined route using on-board navigation systems and the GPS-based ‘Global Navigation Satellite System’ (GNSS). RNP AR is especially important for airlines operating in and out of high altitude airports. Tibet Airlines has selected Quovadis, an Airbus subsidiary, as its strategic partner for its RNP-AR operations.

“The new aircraft will fly between Shenzhen and Lhasa and contribute to further development of the two areas”, said Yin Huixin, Vice President of Tibet Airlines.

“We are honored that our modern Airbus A319 aircraft will contribute to the development of civil aviation on the Tibetan plateau and I’m really confident that the FALC assembled A319 will serve the need of Tibet Airlines”, said Airbus China President Laurence Barron.

The FALC in Tianjin is based on the latest state-of-the-art Airbus single aisle final assembly line in Hamburg, Germany. The aircraft delivered in China are assembled to the same standards as those assembled and delivered in Europe.

Airbus has delivered 105 Tianjin assembled A320 Family aircraft to 11 operators since the inauguration of the Final Assembly Line in 2008, which is the first Airbus final assembly line outside Europe.

The A320 Family (A318, A319, A320 and A321) is recognized as the benchmark single-aisle aircraft family. With more than 8, 600 aircraft sold, and over 5, 300 aircraft delivered to more than 350 customers and operators worldwide, the A320 Family is the world’s best-selling single-aisle aircraft family. With 99.8 per cent reliability and extended servicing periods, the A320 Family has the lowest operating costs of any single aisle aircraft. Uniquely, the A320 Family offers a containerized cargo system, which is compatible with the worldwide standard wide-body system.

Check out the first A319 with Sharklets in the engine test facility in Hamburg!

AIRBUS

Skyjet Air sets December 14 as scheduled flights launch date

Skyjet Air Manila Ninoy Aquino International has announced that it has received its own air operator certificate allowing it to launch scheduled domestic operations in the Philippines from next month. Skyjet plans to initially offer three weekly Bae 146-200 services between Manila Ninoy Aquino International and Basco from December 14. The route had previously been served by South East Asian Airlines before it has abandoned turboprop operations earlier this year.
PHOTO:Skyjet

Skygreece plans A340-300 flights to North America

Skygreece Airlines is a new start-up planning to launch scheduled services from Athens Eleftherios Venizelos International  to Chicago O'Hare International, Montréal Pierre Elliott Trudeau International, New York and Toronto Lester B. Pearson International from next summer season with a fleet of A340-300.

SkyTeam Welcomes Xiamen Airlines


XIAMEN, China, Nov. 21, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- SkyTeam, the global airline alliance, today welcomes China's Xiamen Airlines as its 19th member. Xiamen Airlines is also the fourth member from Greater China. The airline strengthens SkyTeam's footprint in China and its overall #1 position in the Greater China Region by adding three new hubs - Xiamen, Fuzhou and Hangzhou – combined with a comprehensive domestic and growing international network.

China's sixth largest carrier, Xiamen Airlines is also one of the world's most profitable, having posted positive financial results for 26 consecutive years. The airline flies more than 15 million passengers annually to more than 50 cities including Macau, Hong Kong and Taipei. Founded in 1984, it is headquartered in the coastal city of Xiamen in the dynamic province of Fujian. This area of China boasts a thriving and diverse industrial economy as well as a growing tourism market.

Xiamen Airlines' fast expanding international network includes Southeast and Northeast Asia and the airline has announced plans to launch flights to Europe, North America and Australasia by 2014 after the introduction of the Boeing 787. SkyTeam membership offers Xiamen Airlines' customers greater connectivity onto international routes from China operated by other alliance members. This includes carriers from the region: China Airlines, China Eastern and China Southern, and nine additional SkyTeam airlines: Aeromexico, Aeroflot, Air France, Alitalia, Delta, Kenya Airways, KLM, Korean Air and Vietnam Airlines.

"By joining SkyTeam, Xiamen Airlines opens up the world to its passengers. And today we also strengthen SkyTeam's footprint in China," said Michael Wisbrun, SkyTeam's managing director. "Greater China remains a priority region for our alliance. Xiamen Airlines will join our members China Southern, China Eastern and China Airlines in developing customer-focused initiatives for the region."

"Membership of SkyTeam will enable us to deliver enhanced customer benefits as we diversify and grow our network and this is key to the success of our new international routes," said Che Shanglun, President and CEO of Xiamen Airlines. "Our passengers can anticipate exciting new destinations while we look forward to a future of cooperation with our alliance partners."

In keeping with SkyTeam's focus on enriching the customer experience, Xiamen Airlines has also started rolling out SkyPriority, SkyTeam priority airport services for SkyTeam Elite Plus, First and Business Class passengers worldwide. Effective immediately, Xiamen Airlines' customers will be able to earn and redeem miles on services operated by all SkyTeam member airlines. Members of other SkyTeam airlines' frequent flyer programs can also earn and redeem miles when flying on Xiamen Airlines-operated flights.

SkyTeam passengers traveling to China will be able to fly on Xiamen Airlines flights as part of SkyTeam's Go Round the World and Go Greater China Passes, giving them even more options to enjoy flexible, cost-effective travel globally and throughout the region.
Images:Skyteam

Avion Express to operate Virgin Atlantic domestic routes

Avion Express will operate three A320-200s on behalf of Virgin Atlantic from March 2013 as part of Virgin Atlantic's plan to launch domestic flights from London Heathrow to Aberdeen Dyce, Edinburgh and Manchester Ringway International.
ch-aviation

The Sukhoi Superjet 100 obtains Indonesian Type Certificate

On November 22, 2012 Indonesian General Directorate of Civil Aviation validated the Type Certificate for the Sukhoi Superjet 100 aircraft (RRJ-95B).

This validation confirms compliance of the SSJ100 to the certification requirements of the Indonesian Aviation Authority, allowing its export to Indonesia and operation by Indonesian airlines without restrictions.

“The validation process has been completed through a long and careful work resulting in the obtainment of the SSJ100 Type Certificate by the Indonesian Authority. This will allow to deliver the aircraft to the first customer in the Southeast Asian market, the Indonesian airline Sky Aviation”, said Igor Vinogradov, SCAC First Vice-President for Development and Certification.

In June 2011 during Farnborough International Airshow JSC “Sukhoi Civil Aircraft” (SCAC) and Indonesian carrier Sky Aviation signed a contract for 12 SSJ100 to be delivered in 2012-2015. The first delivery of the Sukhoi Superjet 100 aircraft is expected by the end of this year.

Sukhoi Superjet 100 Type Certificate validation process was started in February 2012 with an application for certification. In July 2012 on the occasion of the visit of the Indonesian Ministry of Transport to Russia the document defining the scope and procedure of works to validate the Type Certificate for SSJ100 in Indonesia was signed.

In January 2011 the SSJ100 obtained the Type Certificate by the Russian Certification Authority IAC AR. In February 2012 the aircraft achieved the EASA Type Certificate, followed by the validation of Mexican Aviation Authorities in April 2012.

AVIATION DEFENSE SERVICE - JETSTREAM 41

Flying Photos - Lisboa

JORDAN AVIATION - B737-300, JY-JAD

Flying Photos - Lisboa

MNG CARGO - B737-400F, S5-ABV

Flying Photos - Lisboa

quarta-feira, 21 de novembro de 2012

PanAir Cargo resuming operations with B727-200Adv. freighter

PanAir Cargo ( Panamá City )has taken delivery of an ex-Capital Cargo International Airlines B727-200(F) HP-1754CTW (MSN 21857) that it plans to resume cargo operations after approximately two years of inactivity. It had previously operated another aircraft of the same type between 2009 and 2010.
Photo:PanAir Cargo

terça-feira, 20 de novembro de 2012

Passengers have chosen a retro livery for Aeroflot aircraft

On November 12, 2012 the open Internet voting for Aeroflot new aircraft retro livery was finished. Celebrating the company’s 90-th Anniversary, an airplane in a heritage livery will join the Aeroflot fleet in 2013.
In the middle of this summer Aeroflot addressed to its passengers through social networks, asking about their vision of expected Aeroflot jubilee events. As a result, more than 45 per cent of our flyers wished to see one of the national carrier’s aircraft in a retro livery.

So, the voting in Aeroflot official Facebook group had begun. There were four candidates representing four different types of painting historically worn by Aeroflot airplanes. More than 2500 passengers participated in the voting process, and the livery of one of the first world's jet airliners - Tupolev-104 (appeared in 1956) was declared a winner.

During the voting Aeroflot received from its passengers a lot of useful recommendations and remarks, which will allow updating and improving of the color scheme of the livery.  


 One of the brand new A320 aircraft to make part of Aeroflot fleet in the first middle of 2013 will wear a retro livery. The painting itself will be made at the Airbus manufacturing plant.
AEROFLOT

COBHAM FLIGHT INSPECTION - Beech 350 Super King Air, G-COBM

Flying Photos - Lisboa

LAM gets a B737-500, Embraer E190



During a speech on Friday to welcome the national carrier Linhas Aéreas de Moçambique LAM's (TM) latest aircraft - a Boeing 737-500 leased from GECAS (MSN: 29074 | C9-BAP) and an unknown Embraer E190 - Mozambican Transport and Communications Minister Paulo Zucula stated that Mozambique’s air space has been liberalised, and invited everyone that was interested in the sector to “come and invest, come and fly.”

The acquisition now brings LAM's fleet size up to seven aircraft - 3 x Embraer 190s (with another due in October 2013), one Boeing 737-500, and 3 x Bombardier Q400s - though only 2 are actually LAM property; the rest are leased.

TACV - B737-800, D4-CBY

Flying Photos - Lisboa

Jetlink Express ceases operations citing South Sudanese forex crunch.

Citing "an inability to access USD2million (KES171million) worth of funds tied up in South Sudan", Kenya's Jetlink Express (J0) has announced that effective today, Friday 16 November 2012, it is suspending operations.
An ongoing scarcity of foreign currency in South Sudan since January 2012 has seen the airline unable to meet its short term obligations, especially fuel which constitutes 40% of its costs, leading to it suspending its operations.

A statement this evening in Nairobi by the airline’s managing director Captain Elly Alluvale said:

“The Board of Directors of Jetlink Express Limited regrets to announce the immediate suspension of all its scheduled flights with effect from l6 November 2012.

This has been necessitated by our inability to access over USS 2.0 million of our air ticket sales in South Sudan. Nearly allot our ticket sales in South Sudan are transacted in local South Sudanese pounds. Despite the worsening scarcity of foreign currency in South Sudan since January 2012, Jetlink has persevered in servicing the Nairobi-Juba route based on the support we have received from the Government of South Sudan and from our Bankers here in Kenya.

 We have largely operated on the goodwill of our Bankers who have allowed us access to credit facilities here in Kenya against our deposited sales in South Sudanese pounds held in our accounts in Juba. Unfortunately, our Kenyan Bankers have recently advised us that they will no longer be able to grant us any further accommodation against our increasing deposited sales in South Sudan citing currency and cross -border risk considerations. This has Left us in a situation where we are unable to meet our short term obligations as they fall due and particularly our fuel bill which constitutes close to 40% of our operating costs.




We take this opportunity to sincerely apologize to all our esteemed customers and partners across the region for the inconveniences caused to them by this suspension of our services.

ILFC AND AMERICAN AIRLINES COMPLETE 15 AIRCRAFT SALE-

LOS ANGELES – November 19, 2012 – International Lease Finance Corporation (ILFC), a
wholly owned subsidiary of American International Group, Inc. (NYSE: AIG), announced today
the final delivery of an American Airlines 737-800 as part of a 15-aircraft sale-leaseback
program.

The agreement provided for 15 previously ordered Boeing 737-800 Next Generation aircraft to
be purchased by ILFC from American and immediately leased back to American under a sale-
leaseback financing arrangement. The program began in November of 2011 and the fifteenth
aircraft in the transaction delivered on November 14, 2012.

ILFC Chief Executive Officer Henri Courpron commented, “ILFC was pleased with this sale-
leaseback arrangement with American and views this transaction as an important achievement
in the execution of our strategy to increase ILFC’s market share in the Americas. American was
able to execute on its fleet strategy and ILFC strengthened its relationship with a valuable
customer.”

Braathens Regional new brand for Golden Air from January 2013

As of 1st of January, Golden Air is refining its strategy to become a leading regional flight operator under the name Braathens Regional. The coming months will be very eventful, so please visit us soon again to learn more about us and the services we provide.

Golden Air currently operates five ATR 72-500s, eleven Saab 2000s and a single Saab 340B

BQB plans to add first A320-200 for charter services

BQB Líneas Aéreas plans to lease a first A320-200 in February 2013 that will complement the airline's two ATR 72-500 and a third ATR 72-500 that will be added to its fleet. Unlike the ATR 72-500s, it plans to first use the A320-200 for charter services.

Ethiopian Airlines and ASKY Airlines First to Take Delivery of Dual-class Bombardier Q400 NextGen Aircraft


New dual-class seating configuration positions the aircraft for premium service

Bombardier announced today that Addis Ababa-based Ethiopian Airlines is the first airline to take delivery of Q400 NextGen turboprop airliners outfitted with a dual-class configuration on the production line. The two airliners delivered so far, have already entered service with Ethiopian Airlines and its affiliate, ASKY Airlines of Togo. The new configuration – featuring seven business class and 60 economy seats; fore and aft lavatories; and a galley outfitted to provide cold and hot meals – demonstrates the flexibility of the Q400 NextGen aircraft’s passenger cabin. The new configuration has also provided the airlines with increased cargo capacity. ASKY Airlines will operate three of the five dual-class Q400 NextGen aircraft ordered by Ethiopian Airlines in February 2012.

“We are very happy with this unique turboprop configuration. In addition to the enhanced, comfortable interiors that the Q400 NextGen turboprop are known for, adding the dual-class seating enables us to provide the best possible service on domestic and regional routes,” said Tewolde Gebremariam, Chief Executive Officer, Ethiopian Airlines. “Now our Cloud Nine customers can enjoy a full business class service and our connecting passengers from Ethiopian and the Star Alliance network will benefit from a greatly improved product in line with our continuous effort to provide a seamless travel experience.”

Mr. Gebremariam also said that the airline’s original Q400 NextGen aircraft will be retrofitted with the new interiors.

“On the performance side, the Q400 NextGen aircraft’s ability in hot weather and high altitude conditions is extremely important to our operations,” said Mr. Gebremariam. “Overall, our experience with this excellent aircraft in a wide range of weather and other conditions proves that it is ideally suited for operations in Africa.”

“As a repeat Q400 aircraft customer, Ethiopian Airlines has grown to become one of Africa’s leading airlines and together with ASKY, they are taking full advantage of the Q400 NextGen aircraft’s cabin and operational flexibility,” said Raphael Haddad, Vice-president, Sales, Middle East and Africa, Bombardier Commercial Aircraft. “Add in the aircraft’s high speed and low operating costs – and you have a new-generation turboprop that can’t be beat.”

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 3.8 million flight hours and over 4.1 million take-offs and landings. Ethiopian Airlines, ASKY Airlines and nine other operators and leasing companies in nine African countries now have more than 40 of these aircraft in service, or on firm order.

BOMBARDIER