Jetairfly Takes Delivery of First E190 from BOC Aviation

Cesar Novaes - Recife  - Brasil





Jetairfly, the Belgian subsidiary of TUI Travel PLC (“TUI Travel”), one of the world’s leading leisure travel groups, has received the first of two EMBRAER 190 leased from BOC Aviation, the Singapore-based aircraft leasing company. The aircraft was delivered during a ceremony at Embraer’s headquarters in São José dos Campos, Brazil. The second E190 is due to follow during the first semester of 2013.

Jetairfly’s E190s are configured with 112 slim line seats in a single-class layout. The company plans to operate the aircraft from Brussels airport to various destinations in its European network including Faro in Portugal, Málaga in Spain, and Zakynthos in Greece.

“Not only are we welcoming a new customer to our portfolio of E-Jet operators, the airline’s selection is yet another endorsement of the versatility of the E-Jets product line”, said Paulo Cesar Silva, President and CEO, Embraer Commercial Aviation. “Jetairfly will deploy its E190s to offer its passengers more nonstop options more often and to more destinations.”

The delivery to Jetairfly broadens the range of business applications of E-Jets. The 70- to 120- seat, four-aircraft family is flying today with low fare airlines, in regional networks, with full-service mainline carriers and now with tour operators, like TUI Travel.

“We are very enthusiastic about welcoming this first EMBRAER 190 in Jetairfly’s fleet and start operations with this brand new aircraft. It will allow us to schedule new direct routes with one of the most eco-efficient aircraft, providing our passengers with a high level of comfort,” stated Elie Bruyninckx, Chairman of Jetairfly. “The E190 will help us to right size demand on some seasonal routes and lower our operational costs.”

“The introduction of this first E190 to Jetairfly’s fleet further consolidates our company’s partnership with TUI Travel PLC and also with Embraer. We are delighted to be the first aircraft leasing company to deliver the E190 to a tour operator and we are able to do it because the economics of the aircraft works for this business,” said Robert Martin, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of BOC Aviation.

Since entering revenue service in 2004, Embraer has received more than 1,000 E-Jet orders. There are over 60 customers from 40 countries who are operating E-Jets. More than 900 E-Jets have been delivered to customers around the world.

Embraer

Sukhoi Superjet 100 Performed its First Commercial Flight from Russia to Asia

Sukhoi Superjet 100 with RA-89011 of Yakutia Airlines operated its first commercial flight from Yakutsk (Russia) to Kharbin (China).

59 passengers checked in for this flight and it took 2,5 hours.

Yakutia Airlines operates flights from Yakutsk (Russian Far East) to Kharbin one day per week.

Sukhoi Superjet 100 aircraft in Yakutia air fleet operates flights from Yakutsk to Russian Khabarovsk and Novosibirsk as well. In Spring and Summer the airline passengers will enjoy flights by SSJ100 on the routes in the Russian Far East: Yakutsk – Novosibirsk – Neryungri, Khabarovsk – Magadan, Khabarovsk – Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky.

A330 MRTT takeoff

Australia’s A330 Multi Role Tanker Transport – which is designated the KC-30A in service with the Royal Australian Air Force – has received initial operating capability (IOC) certification, which was announced 26 February 2013 at the Australian International Airshow.

AIRBUS

Air Madagascar A340-300 to be operated by Air Atlanta

Air Madagascar  has stopped its cooperation with Air France which had so far operated one of Air Madagascar's two A340-300s F-GLZL (c/n 210) on a wet-lease basis on flights from Marseilles Provence and Paris CDG to Antananarivo. It has temporarily wet-leased B777-200 from euroAtlantic Airways until its new wet-lease partner Air Atlanta Icelandic is able to take over the A340-300 operations from Air France. Madagascar is currently blacklisted by the European Union because of a lack of safety oversight of the country's airlines.

First Sukhoi Superjet 100 for Sky Aviation arrived to Indonesia

2013 the first Sky Aviation Sukhoi Superjet 100 arrived in Indonesia. The aircraft, Manufacture Serial Number 95022, is the first of twelve SSJ100 aircraft ordered by the Indonesian carrier.

Built by Sukhoi Civil Aircraft Company (SCAC) in its Komsomolsk-on-Amur assembly line, the aircraft completed its interiors’ installation and painting in Ulianovsk site and finally flew to Jakarta Halim Perdanakusuma International Airport.

“The South-East Asia is one of the most attractive markets for us. We are proud to have a customer like Sky Aviation, which is one of the largest operators in Indonesia in terms of route-network extension to be operated with the SSJ100. Our state-of-the-art aircraft will offer new opportunities for Sky Aviation, also granting to its passengers the maximum comfort and an enjoyable way of travel” says Andrey Kalinovsky , recently appointed President of Sukhoi Civil Aircraft Company.

Sky Aviation, based in Halim Perdanakusuma International Airport (Jakarta, Indonesia), was established in 2010 and operates scheduled and charter flights in Indonesia.

“Our country is an archipelago comprising several islands. It is vitally important to provide a transport link among them. The short-haul Sukhoi Superjet 100 is an excellent solution, when other aircraft operated by these routes would be unprofitable – said KrismanTarigan, Chief Executive Officer of Sky Aviation – Some airports in Indonesia have short runways with a consequent limitation for some aircraft types. . The SSJ100 perfectly fits these peculiarities as it can land in to runways shorter than 1800 meters. We are sure that the SSJ100 will boost Sky Aviation revenues and passenger traffic” concluded Mr Tarigan.

In 2011 during the Moscow International Aviation and Space salon – MAKS – “Sukhoi Civil Aircraft” (SCAC) and the Indonesian carrier Sky Aviation signed a 380 mln. US dollars contract for twelve SSJ100 with a delivery in 2012 – 2015. The configuration of the first three aircraft features 12 business and 75 economy seats while the rest according to the customer needs will be delivered in 8 business and 90 economy seats configuration.

SuperJet International – joint venture between Alenia Aermacchi (a Finmeccanica Company) and Sukhoi Holding, also in charge of Customer Services and Training – has already completed successfully the SSJ100 Type Rating training of Sky Aviation pilots, as well as cabin attendants and mechanics, along with on-site support in Jakarta.

Last year SuperJet International and Sky Aviation signed a “SuperCare” Agreement with the launch for after-sales support of its SSJ100 fleet of up to 12 aircraft. SuperJet International will provide the Indonesian carrier Sky Aviation with customized spares availability and maintenance-repair solutions of on-board equipment for a term of 10 years. The agreement is worth up to USD 57 million.

Late 2012 Indonesian General Directorate of Civil Aviation validated the Type Certificate for the Sukhoi Superjet 100 aircraft (RRJ-95B). This validation confirmed compliance of the SSJ100 to the certification requirements of the Indonesian Aviation Authority, allowing its export to Indonesia and operations by Indonesian airlines without restrictions.

Discovery Air to operate B737s and CRJ200s

Lagos-based start-up airline Discovery Air intends to launch commercial flight services with a fleet of B737-300s and CRJ-200s. The airline plans to serve several domestic and regional destinations from Lagos Airport, but no date has been given yet for the start of operations (likely to Abuja and Port Harcourt). The new airline is part of the First Deepwater Discovery group of companies, led by Babatunde Babalola
nigerianaviation.wordpress.com

First A350 XWB with wings complete emerges for outdoor testing

The first A350 XWB – MSN001 – now showing its completed wings, has moved to its next phase of ground testing, from Roger Béteille A350 XWB FAL “Station 30” to the Clément Ader area “Station 18” in Toulouse. The aircraft is structurally complete and shows the installed winglets, belly fairing panels, main landing gear doors. The aircraft has recently completed successfully a series of indoor ground tests as well as stability tests on ‘movable’ elements such as rudder, elevators, ailerons and wing spoilers and landing gears extraction/retraction. The next steps which will take place outdoors at the Station 18 ground test station will include three planned families of tests: Fuel tanks testing – including levels, flows, sealing and internal fuel transfer functions; pressure testing of the fuselage; and radio equipment testing.

AIRBUS

QANTAS: Special scheme to support the Australian Rugby Union team 'The Wallabies' , B737-800, VH-VXG

Andrew Coggan - Sydney - Kingsford Smith International - Australia

ANA's 60th anniversary special livery "Yume Jet -You&Me-" (Dream Jet).B767-381, JA8674

Akira Uekawa -  Tokyo - Haneda

Emirates A380 touches down in Barcelona for the first time

Emirates A380 touches down in Barcelona for the first time"

Emirates, one of the world’s fastest growing airlines, was welcomed by Barcelona – El Prat Airport today as the airline brought its popular A380 aircraft for a one-off service. This is the first ever scheduled service of an Emirates A380 to Spain. The A380 service will also operate on 1 March 2013.

The special A380 flight, operated by Captain Abbas Shaban, head of the Emirates A380 fleet, and First Officer Juan Muelledes, a Spanish national, touched down this morning at Barcelona – El Prat Airport. The aircraft, at full capacity with 517 passengers, was welcomed by key officials including: Sonia Corrochano, Director of Barcelona – El Prat Airport and Richard Font, Generalitat, Routes Committee President.
Travelling on the flight from Dubai was Richard Jewsbury, Senior Vice President Commercial Operations, Europe and the Russian Federation.
Travel news
Photo:Flying Photos

Boeing Delivers First 777 Built at Increased Rate

EVERETT, Wash., Feb. 25, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Boeing [NYSE: BA] has delivered the first 777 built at the increased production rate of 8.3 per month, or 100 airplanes per year. The airplane, a 777 Freighter, was delivered to Korean Air.

In the past 32 months, the 777 program has increased its production rate twice. The rate went from five to seven per month in 2011, and now to the all-time high of 8.3 per month. 1,072 777s have been delivered through the end of January and a total of 1,431 have been ordered from 66 customers around the globe.

GE Capital Aviation Services To Lease Three Airbus A319s to New Customer Donavia

GE Capital Aviation Services Limited (GECAS), the commercial aircraft leasing and financing arm of GE, announced it will lease three Airbus A319 aircraft to new customer Donavia, a subsidiary of Aeroflot.

The aircraft will expand the airline’s fleet and are scheduled for delivery in March, April and May.

Donavia, based in southern Russia, currently operates 10 aircraft to domestic and international destinations.

Etihad Cargo to wet-lease Martinair B747-400 freighter

Etihad Airways will wet-lease a B747-400(F) freighter from Martinair from the end of March as a next step of its partnership with Air France-KLM. Etihad had already announced plans earlier to wet-lease an A340-300 from Air France for its route between Paris Charles de Gaulle and Abu Dhabi International .

Photo: Ton Jochems - AMS

Sun Air wet-leasing A320 from Jordan Aviation.

Sudan's Sun Air (S9) has taken delivery of its first Airbus A320 (MSN 2061 | JY-JAT) wet leased from Jordanian ACMI outfit Jordan Aviation

AMERICAN EAGLE - ERJ-145, N928AE

Joe Statz - Dallas / Fort Worth - USA

TURKISH AIRLINES - B737-800, TC-JHL

Flying Photos - Lisboa

GERMANWINGS - A319-100, D-AGWS

Flying Photos - Lisboa

PULLMANTUR AIR - B747-400, EC-KQC

José Ramon Valero - MAD

HiFly to set-up new ACMI subsidiary in Malta

HiFly has applied for an air operator certificate in Malta according to a report by the Times of Malta. It plans to transfer some of its wide-body aircraft currently registered in Portugal to the new subsidiary and to set up operational offices on the island. HiFly currently operates two A310-300s, three A330-200s, one A330-300, two A340-300s and two A340-500s on behalf of various wet-lease customers

Barceló to acquire Orbest from Orizonia

Orbest  and Orbest will at least continue charter and wet-lease operations until Sunday after Orizonia has been able to agree to a preliminary agreement with Grupo Barceló to sell part of the airline and 150 Vibo travel agencies. Barceló owns approximately 140 hotels and resorts in Spain and abroad and runs several hundred travel agencies already. Orbest has however cancelled all reservations sold directly to consumers for flights from February 20 onwards offering refunds.

Sun Air replaces B737-400 by A320-200 from Jordan Aviation

Sun Air (Sudan) has replaced B737-400 JY-JAQ (MSN 27826) on wet-lease from Jordan Aviation  by a larger A320-200 JY-JAT (c/n 2061) earlier this month. Sun Air also operates two B737-200 Adv. aircraft alongside the A320-200.

HiFly operating A310-300s for Thomas Cook Scandinavia

Thomas Cook Airlines Scandinavia  has temporarily wet-leased the two A310-300s CS-TEI (c/n 495) and CS-TEX (c/n 565) from HiFly  to replace capacity lost by its tour operator partners due to the problems at Orbest (Spain). The financially struggling Spanish carrier had operated a large number of charter flights between Scandinavia and vacation destinations in Spain.

Photo:Flying Photos

Transport Canada Certifies Pratt & Whitney PurePower® PW1500G Engine for Bombardier CSeries Aircraft

Bombardier Aerospace and Pratt & Whitney announced today that Pratt & Whitney has successfully achieved Transport Canada type certification of its first PurePower Geared Turbofan™ engine – the PW1500G engine that will power Bombardier’s CSeries aircraft. Pratt & Whitney has conducted over 4,000 hours of rigorous engine testing since the initial engine began testing in September 2010. The PW1500G engine test program included 340 hours of flight testing on P&W’s experimental 747 Flight Test airplane. Pratt & Whitney is a division of United Technologies Corp. (NYSE: UTX).

“Certification of the PW1500G engine is a significant milestone and a critical step in supporting the progressive transfer of the first CSeries flight test vehicle to the flight test program,” said Rob Dewar, vice president and general manager, CSeries, Bombardier Commercial Aircraft. “We are very pleased with the engine’s performance and the overall, steady progress of the CSeries aircraft program. We have met a number of key milestones over the last few months, accepted the first pair of PW1500G propulsion systems and are in the process of completing final assembly of the first CSeries flight testaircraft.”

“We have successfully demonstrated the durability and game-changing performance of our Geared Turbofan engine architecture,” said Bob Saia, vice president, Next Generation Product Family, Pratt & Whitney. “To date we have conducted over 9,000 hours of testing on our Fan Drive Gear System, demonstrating the service readiness of our gearbox. We have also validated the improvement in fuel efficiency and noise reduction that we targeted in 2007, when we launched the PurePower PW1500G program.”

The PW1500G engines were type certified through Transport Canada by Pratt & Whitney Canada and are assembled at Pratt & Whitney Canada’s Mirabel Aerospace Centre in Mirabel, Quebec. UTC Aerospace Systems, formed after UTC’s acquisition of Goodrich, provides the nacelle system. Each CSeries aircraft is powered by two PurePower PW1500G series engines. The PurePower PW1500G engine uses an advanced gear system, allowing the engine's fan to operate at a different speed than the low-pressure compressor and turbine. The combination of the gear system and an all-new advanced core deliver double-digit improvements in fuel efficiency, environmental emissions and noise

Airbus and JetBlue unveil 1st A320 in North America with Sharklets

At a crewmember event today at its base at New York City’s John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK), JetBlue Airways unveiled the first of its Airbus A320 aircraft to be outfitted with Sharklets. The aircraft – registration number N821JB – is also the first of any North American airline to feature the fuel-saving structures. Sharklets are newly designed wing tip devices that improve the aerodynamics of Airbus aircraft and significantly cut fuel burn and emissions by up to four percent.

“The addition of Sharklets to our A320 fleet creates more fuel efficiency and allows us to be a greener airline,” said Rob Maruster, JetBlue’s Chief Operations Officer. “As the world’s first carrier to perform a production retrofit to an A320 aircraft, the project also speaks to JetBlue’s history of innovation and being on the leading edge of the industry.”

“When JetBlue was born, it entered service with an efficient all-Airbus fleet and – since day one – has been an industry leader,” said Barry Eccleston, Airbus Americas President and Chief Executive Officer, who spoke at today’s event. “The fact that they are the first North American airline to fly with Sharklets demonstrates again their focus on the efficiency of the fleet benefiting their customers, the environment, and the airline’s own bottom line. Plus, the Sharklets look really sharp!”

Sharklets are an option on new-build A320 Family aircraft and offer operators the option of an additional 100 nautical miles range or increased payload capability of up to 1,000 pounds. Sharklets are standard on all members of the A320neo Family. In the case with the JetBlue aircraft unveiled today, the aircraft was produced with a wing structurally ready to accept the Sharklets that were retrofitted with support from Airbus at JetBlue’s JFK facility.

JetBlue is known for its award-winning service and free in-flight entertainment, as well as low fares and ample legroom for its passengers. JetBlue serves 75 cities with 750 daily flights. JetBlue currently flies a fleet of 127 Airbus A320 Family aircraft, with another 86 on backlog. The airline will take delivery of its first of 30 A321s later this year.

The A320 Family is the world’s best-selling and most modern single-aisle aircraft Family. To date, more than 9,000 aircraft have been ordered and more than 5,400 delivered to more than 380 customers

AIRBUS

First B737-800 delivered for Malindo Airways

Malindo Airways has taken delivery of its first B737-800 9M-LNB (MSN 38728) from Boeing on February 19.

MoD of RF tests the third AN−140−100

Tests of the AN−140−100 regional passenger aircraft in the process of its delivering to the customer – Ministry of Defense of RF began. This aircraft will become the third such airplane in the MoD of RF fleet. These airplanes are manufactured at “Aviakor – aviation plant» JSC.

The first predelivery flight endured 2 hours. The aircraft was piloted by: A.Kruts, test pilot of ANTONOV Company, and colonel A.Garasevich, representative of the customer, test pilot. “The aircraft was stable and controllable in all operation conditions, in all speed range – from minimal to maximal”, −− said A.Kruts. 5 predelivery and 4 delivery flights should be performed while handing over the AN−140−100 to the customer.

Nowadays, aiming to provide further development of the AN−140 program, partners are upgrading the cooperation form. In particular, it includes retool and modernization of “Aviakor” production facilities to reach pace of the aircraft serial production, update production cooperation with subcontractors, optimize the system of vendor items provision and customers’ support.

In accordance with customers’ demands, the AN−140 transport, cargo, ambulance and cartographic modifications of the AN−140 are developed.

Fiji Airways Planned A330 Operation as of 18FEB13

New Airbus A330-200 aircraft, with configuration of C24Y249. Planned A330-200 operation as follow.

Nadi – Sydney eff 08JUN13 Up to 6 weekly
FJ911 NAN0900 – 1145SYD 332 x5
FJ910 SYD1300 – 1850NAN 332 x5

A330-200 operation on Sydney service reduces to 3-4 weekly from 01JUL13. Previously these flights has been displaying as “74E” for operational aircraft.

Since December 2012/January 2013, Fiji Airways has loaded flights operated by aircraft code 74E (747-400COMBI), with configuration of C24Y249 that is identical to A330-200. Following flights are currently displaying “74E”, which is believed to change to “332″ at a later date, although further revision on operational days and dates remain likely.

Nadi – Auckland 21APR13 – 31AUG13 FJ411/410 Daily (Gradual reduction to 4-5 weekly from 05JUL13. “74E” coded flights reappears from 19JAN14, replacing 744)
Nadi – Brisbane 21APR13 – 31JUL13 FJ923/922 5-6 weekly
Nadi – Hong Kong 04JUL13 – 31AUG13 2 weekly (“74E” coded flights re-appear from 20JAN14, where overall operation increases to 3 weekly)
Nadi – Los Angeles eff 01JUL13 2-3 weekly (From 17JAN14, all LAX flights displaying aircraft code “74E”)
Nadi – Melbourne 03AUG13 – 27AUG13 2 weekly

Last Fiji Airways “744″ coded flight (Boeing 747-400) is around mid-January 2014.~

Photo: Clément Alloing - TLS

TACV Cabo Verde Airlines - B757-200, D4-CBP

João Luis Pessoa - Lisboa

Russia's Ilyushin Finance Co. Signs Purchase Agreement for up to 42 Bombardier CSeries Aircraft

TORONTO, ONTARIO--(Marketwire - Feb. 20, 2013) - Bombardier Aerospace announced today that Moscow-based, national leasing company, Ilyushin Finance Co. (IFC), has signed a purchase agreement to acquire 32 CS300 aircraft and options for an additional 10 CS300 aircraft. The transaction, which follows a letter of intent signed by IFC in 2011, is subject to approval by the company's shareholders. A signing ceremony to commemorate the agreement was held today during a visit by IFC and Russian dignitaries to Bombardier's final assembly facility for the CSeries aircraft in Mirabel, Quebec.

Based on the list price for the CS300 aircraft, a firm order from IFC for 32 aircraft would be valued at approximately $2.56 billion US. Should IFC also exercise its 10 options, the contract would have a total value of approximately $3.42 billion US.

"The aircraft leasing world is changing rapidly," said Alexander Rubtsov, Director General, IFC. "As older, less efficient designs present ongoing challenges to airlines - given high fuel costs and heightened environmental concerns - the CSeries aircraft offers transcontinental range, superior field and runway performance, and a superb cabin that will bring air transport into the 21st century."

Mr. Rubtsov also noted that the order for the game-changing, technologically advanced CSeries jetliners is its first large, non-Russian aircraft order, adding that the CSeries aircraft, with its capacity and performance, is ideally placed between the Russian Superjet and the MC-21 aircraft, which IFC has committed to purchase.

"This is a landmark opportunity for Bombardier Aerospace and its CSeries aircraft," said Mike Arcamone, President, Bombardier Commercial Aircraft. "The CSeries aircraft was tailor-made for operation in this vast region and has the potential to offer a step-change in air travel in Russia and throughout the Commonwealth of Independent States."

Currently, 95 CRJ regional jets and Dash 8/Q-Series aircraft are in service or on order in Russia and the Commonwealth of Independent States. In addition, Bombardier is also exploring opportunities for its Q400 NextGen turboprop aircraft in Russia.

SHAHEEN AIR INTERNATIONAL - A320-200,EI-EUS

Following the non start up of the Jordanian airline Rayajet, this aircraft is now destined for the Pakistan operator, its first for the airline.

Paul Quinn - Dublin - Ireland

LUFTHANSA - A321-200, D-AIDV

João Luis Pessoa - Lisboa

RAF - Lockheed Tristar 500, ZD951

Miguel Santos - Lajes - Açores

RAF - VC-10, ZA149/H

Miguel Santos - Lajes - Açores

UPS - B747-400F - N576UP

Miguel Santos - Açores - Lajes

Who’s excited for the A350 XWB? We’ve now installed the winglets on the first flight-test aircraft, revealing for the first time the full shape of the 32-metre A350 XWB wing!

Malaysia Airlines orders up to 36 ATR 72-600s

The aircraft will be operated by the regional subsidiaries Firefly and MASwings.

ATR and the flag carrier Malaysia Airlines today signed a purchase agreement for 20 firm ATR 72-600s, plus options for 16 additional aircraft. The deal is valued at over US$ 840 million, including options. The signature of this new contract follows a Memorandum of Understanding announced by the airline in December 2012. With today’s signature, Malaysia Airlines brings to 42 the total of firm ATR 72s purchased since the initial purchase agreement in 2007. Malaysia Airlines currently has 22 ATR 72-500s, operated by booming business units Firefly (12) and MASwings (10). The introduction of these aircraft, which are the first ATR -600s to be selected for the growing Malaysian and regional market, will reinforce Firefly’s and MASwings position on community markets and business routes and confirms Malaysia Airlines as a major operator of ATRs in Asia. Deliveries will start by mid 2013.

The arrival of these new ATR 72-600s will enable Malaysia Airlines to further expand its regional offer, adding new routes and frequencies to its global network. The new ATR 72-600 delivers the latest innovations in terms of passenger comfort, with the award-winning Armonia cabin designed by Giugiaro and equipped with new slim line seats, larger overhead bins and appealing LED lighting.

Besides the 22 ATR 72-500s operated by Firefly and MASwings, Malaysia Airlines also has a fleet of over 100 medium and long-haul A330s, A380s, B737s, B747s and B777s.

Malaysia Airlines has just become a member of oneworld alliance, and operates flights to Asia, Australia/New Zealand, the Middle East, Europe and the US West coast.
Commenting on the deal, Ahmad Jauhari, Chief Executive Officer of Malaysia Airlines, declared: “We have been partnering with ATR for the last five years, and we are really satisfied with the outstanding performance and the commercial results that our ATR 72s provide to our growing community networks. The ATR aircraft are clearly playing an important role in the development of Malaysia Airlines, as they connect regional destinations and enable us to feed larger aircraft at our main hubs. The new aircraft will further improve the guest experience on our community airlines as they connect more and more people across Malaysia and the surrounding regions”.

Ignatius Ong, Chief Executive Officer of Firefly, declared: “Our exclusive ATR 72 fleet has allowed Firefly to develop a unique high frequency network out of Subang, Penang and Johor Baruh, which greatly benefits our Malaysian communities, as well as the rest of the population in the Indonesia-Malaysia-Thailand Growth Triangle (IMT-GT)”.
Captain Dato’ Nawawi Awang, Chief Executive Officer of MASwings, said: “We are glad that MASwings’ fleet of ATR 72s can efficiently serve the Sabah and Sarawak (East Malaysian states), and the BIMP-EAGA (Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia and Philippines East ASEAN Growth Area) communities and help to further enhance the tourism industry and the socio-economic development of the region”.

Filippo Bagnato, Chief Executive Officer of ATR, declared: “Malaysia Airlines is a really prestigious partner for ATR in Asia. We are honoured with the renewal of their confidence and we are pleased to further develop our relationship with the introduction of the many advantages of the ATR 72-600, our newest product. ATR aircraft are unrivalled in terms passenger comfort and environmental friendliness. We are delighted to be an active part of Malaysia Airlines’ development of the regional connectivity in Eastern and Western Malaysia. We are also very pleased to welcome Malaysia Airlines as one of our first operators to use our recently open Training Center for ATR -600 series aircraft in Singapore”.

ATR

Avolon delivers a Boeing 737-800 NG to Lion Air

This is the first of a six Boeing 737-800 NG aircraft sale and leaseback with Lion Air.

Air Côte d'Ivoire has taken delivery of its Embraer 170 (F-HBXH)

Air Côte d'Ivoire has taken delivery of its Embraer 170 wet-leased from Air France 

Patrick Dourlot - Clermont Ferrand Airport (LFLC)
Departure of ferry flight to Abidjan (11 jan 2013)

The first A340-300 for Mahan Air - EP-MMB (cn 020), Ex Lufthansa D-AIGA.

Mahan Air has emerged as the recipient of the two ex-Chaba Airlines A340-300s recently exported from Thailand to Iran via Kyrgyzstan.
The two A340-300s currently registered EX-34001 (c/n 20) and EX-34002 (c/n 56) to Manas Airways  are the first two A340s to be operated by Mahan Air.

A.Mahgoli - Zahedan - International - Iran

Sukhoi Superjet 100 Delivered to Lao Central

On February 15, 2013 the first Sukhoi Superjet 100 was delivered to Lao Central airline in Lao People’s Democratic Republic’s capital city Ventiane.

The aircraft, Manufacturer Serial Number 95026 was transferred today from Ulianovsk (Russia) to Wattay International Airport.

“The delivery to Lao Central represents the first Sukhoi Superjet 100 to be operated in Southeast Asia. Lao Central airline will take advantage of the significant performance of the SSJ100 while their passengers will enjoy the superior comfort of the aircraft cabin”, said SCAC President Andrey Kalinovsky.

Lao Central is planning to operate the Sukhoi Superjet 100 both in domestic and international routes from Laos to Bangkok, Hanoi, Ho Chi Ming, Singapore and other destinations in Southeast Asia.

In March 2011, Sukhoi Civil Aircraft Company and Lao Central signed a contract for three SSJ100 with an option for six aircraft of this type in a 93 seats two-class configuration.

In December 2012 the SSJ100 achieved the Type Certificate by the Laos Civil Aviation Authority, confirming the full compliance of the aircraft with the certification requirements of Laos and allowing the export and the operations in the country.

Jetstar Japan takes delivery of its first A320 with Sharklet

Carrier becomes the first operator of the new fuel saving devices in Japan

Jetstar Japan, one of Japan’s low-cost carriers (LCC), has taken delivery of its first Airbus A320 aircraft equipped with Sharklet fuel saving wing tip devices, becoming the first Japanese carrier for the type.

Sharklets are an option on new-build A320 Family aircraft, and standard on all members of the A320neo Family. The new wingtip devices measure 2.4 metres tall, replacing A320’s current wingtip fence. They offer the flexibility to A320 Family operators of either adding around 100 nautical miles more range or increased payload capability of up to 450 kilogrammes.

“We are very happy to be the first operator of the latest version of the cost efficient A320 in Japan” Jetstar Japan President Miyuki Suzuki said. “The new Sharklet-equipped A320 will help us to save on fuel costs and allow us to continue to offer low fares to our customer.”

“We are delighted that Jetstar Japan has joined a growing list of operators of our A320 equipped with new fuel-saving Sharklet wing-tip devices”, said John Leahy, Airbus Chief Operating Officer, Customers. “With a four percent fuel burn reduction, the A320 with Sharklets makes Jetstar Japan one of the most fuel efficient airlines and gives it huge competitive advantages in one of the world’s most challenging markets.”

Jetstar Japan started operations in July 2012. The company is a joint venture between the Qantas Group, Japan Airlines (JAL), Mitsubishi Corporation and Century Tokyo Leasing Corporation. Jetstar Japan operates an all-Airbus fleet of seven leased A320s, and this will grow to 24 aircraft by the end of 2014.

As of today, over 9,000 Airbus A320 Family aircraft have been sold worldwide and over 5,400 aircraft delivered to more than 380 customers and operators, 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. 

AIRBUS

SkyWork to return two Dash 8-400s to lessor

SkyWork Airlines will return two of its three Dash 8-400s to the aircraft's lessor according to a report by Austrian Aviation Net. SkyWork had recently already announced plans to cut some frequencies in its network for the upcoming summer schedule as part of its SkyFit2013plus restructuring plan. It will continue to operate five Do328-100s and one Dash 8-400 from its Berne base.

Helitt suspends scheduled flights effective immediately

Helitt Líneas Aéreas  has suspended all scheduled flights with its fleet of three ATR 72-200s. It had operated from Barcelona to Badajoz Talavera La Real (BJZ), Melilla (MLN) and Vitoria (VIT), from Madrid to Badajoz, Malaga and Melilla as well as from its homebase in Malaga to Casablanca Mohamed V International (CMN) and Melilla. Helitt had already announced major job cuts in mid-January.

It now plans to continue to offer some of its aircraft for charter services.

Iraqi Airways to return to Europe from March 5

Iraqi Airways  has announced London Gatwick (LGW) as its first European destination with plans to operate two weekly flights from Baghdad International (BGW) from March 5 and weekly flights from Sulaymaniyah International (ISU) from March 8.

It will use its new A330-200 YI-AQY (c/n 1339) on the routes with flights making a short stop at Malmö Sturup (MMX) on flights to the UK for additional security checks.

Orizonia files for bankruptcy protection, cancels some Orbest flights

Orbest has been severely affected by the bankruptcy protection filing of its parent, tour operator group Orizonia, one of the largest tour operators in Spain. 

Orbest continues limited domestic operations with its A320-200s and long-haul flights with an A330-300 EC-JHP as well as wet-lease operations with A330-300 CS-TRH of Orbest  on behalf of Conviasa and A330-300 EC-LEQ (c/n 1097) on behalf of PAL Airlines 

It has however said that it could only guarantee operations until early next week
Ch-Aviation

FIRST A330-300 FOR IBERIA (EC-LUB)

Landing at MAD today, on delivery from AMS paintshop

José Ramon Valero - MAD