New Livery for Lao Skyway - MA60 - RDPL-34262

Lachlan Gatland - Luang Prabang - Luang Prabang International Airport (LPQ / VLLB), Lao People's Democratic Republic

Boeing Delivers Okay Airways' First Next-Generation 737-900ER

SEATTLE, Jan. 30, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- Boeing (NYSE: BA) and Okay Airways today celebrated the delivery of the carrier's first Next-Generation 737-900ER (Extended Range). The delivery marks the first 737-900ER to be delivered to a Chinese customer and is the first of eight 737-900ERs that Okay Airways has on order.

"The 737-800 has been the backbone of our fleet and has fueled our growth with its proven reliability and efficiency," said Liu Weining, President of Okay Airways. "The addition of the 737-900ER airplanes will fit seamlessly into our existing fleet of 737-800 airplanes, allowing us to efficiently match capacity to market demand with industry leading economics."

Okay Airways' new 737-900ER is configured with 200 seats in a one-class layout. It will feature Boeing's innovative Sky Interior with modern sculpted sidewalls and window reveals, larger pivoting overhead stowage bins, as well as LED lighting that enhances the sense of spaciousness.

"It is an honor to join our partner Okay Airways to introduce the first 737-900ER to China," said Ihssane Mounir, senior vice president of Sales for Northeast Asia, Boeing Commercial Airplanes. "The 737-900ER will further strengthen Okay Airways' fleet of existing 737s by adding more range and capability, while maintaining leadership in efficiency and reliability. I am confident that the 737-900ERs will continue to contribute to their long-term success for many years to come."

Okay Airways, the first privately owned airline in China, is headquartered in Beijing with its main hub at Tianjin Binhai International Airport (TSN). Its jetliner fleet includes 13 Boeing 737-800s and one Boeing 737-300 Freighter, which serves more than 100 domestic and international routes.



The Boeing 737-900ER is the newest member of the Next-Generation 737 airplane family. It has the highest capacity and lowest seat-mile cost of Boeing's single-aisle family. Compared with the 737-800, the 737-900ER provides 31 more seats for more incremental revenue opportunity to complement the 737-800 that many Next-Generation customers already have in their fleet.

Japan’s Skymark to stop flying Airbus A330 in favor of Boeing-only fleet

Skymark Airlines said it will stop flying Airbus A330 jets in favour of a single-model fleet of Boeing Co 737 aircraft to cut costs after the discount carrier filed for protection from creditors late on Wednesday.

“We will stop using the A330s from February,” Skymark’s chairman, Takashi Ide, told reporters at a news conference in Tokyo on Thursday.

Japan’s leading independent budget airline, Skymark sought protection from creditors blaming a weak yen and a dispute with Airbus for its financial straits. It said in a statement on Wednesday its liabilities were 71.09 billion yen (400 million pounds) as of its filing with the Tokyo District Court.

Skymark, which had planned to introduce ten leased A330s into its fleet, currently operates five of the European jets. In July the carrier cancelled an order for six Airbus A380 superjumbos.

In addition to the weaker yen, pushing up leasing costs and other expenses, Skymark is blaming Airbus’s demand for a $710 million dollar cancellation fee for its financial troubles.

Skymark’s new president, Masakazu Arimori, in Tokyo declined to say how the carrier’s filing will affect negotiations with Airbus over the cancellation fee. Skymark, which has a fleet of 28 Boeing 737s, said on Wednesday that Tokyo-based private equity firm Integral Corp has agreed to provide financing to help the airline restructure, pending court approval.

An Airbus spokeswoman said on Wednesday that the European plane maker was aware of the Skymark filing. “This is now a matter for the courts,” she said.

Skymark said using one type of aircraft will help cut monthly operating expenses, a strategy the airline adopted when it began flying in 1998 in an effort to undercut its bigger rivals, ANA Holdings and Japan Airlines.

The loss of Skymark as an operator of its jets marks a partial reversal of recent gains by Airbus in Japan, a market long dominated by Boeing. The U.S. firm has deep ties to local aerospace firms in one of Asia’s biggest aircraft markets.

Airbus made its big breakthrough in Japan in October 2013, in a landmark deal for JAL to buy 31 wide-body A350 jets with a combined $9.5 billion list price.
Source… http://uk.reuters.com/article/2015/01/29/uk-skymark-airlines-fleet-idUKKBN0L20HP20150129

Pluna successor Alas-U to operate three CRJ900s, first aircraft landing in Porto Alegre

JetBlue Adds Last-Minute Flight to Get New England's Snowed-In Football Fans to Phoenix in Time for the Big Game

Photo:Jose Mendez - San Juan Luis Munoz Marin Int'l Airport - TJSJ - Puerto Rico

A320-200 - N775JB - Vets In Blue - Jetblue Honors Our Veterans" c.s.


BOSTON, MA -- (Marketwired) -- JetBlue Airways (NASDAQ: JBLU), Boston's largest carrier, is getting in the game and adding a last-minute extra flight to Phoenix. After cancellations from numerous airlines this week due to winter storm Juno, JetBlue decided to take immediate action. The fun-loving airline couldn't bear to see New England sports fans stuck in the cold, so JetBlue just added an extra flight from Boston to Phoenix. This flight departs Boston's Logan International Airport on Wed. January 28 at 5 p.m. Customers are encouraged to act fast, while seats are still available.

"We are going to get more fans to Phoenix in time for game day," said Dave Clark, vice president, network planning, JetBlue Airways. "After digging out from winter storm Juno, we decided to add one more flight for Boston sports fans who can't miss the big game."

JetBlue will serve game-goers with the most legroom in coach (based on average fleet-wide seat pitch of U.S. airlines), free seatback entertainment, and unlimited free snacks and soft drinks.

This new flight is in addition to JetBlue's already sold out schedule including several additional flights between BOS-PHX.

Thai reaches Boeing milestone with latest delivery

Boeing and Thai Airways have celebrated the Thai flag-carrier’s 75th direct delivery of a Boeing airplane.

Marking the milestone delivery, Boeing and Thai collaborated to transport 1,000 wool blankets onboard THAI’s newly delivered 777-300ER (Extended Range).

The blankets, donated by Another Joy Foundation, will be distributed by the airline to people in need in Thailand during the colder winter months.

This latest humanitarian effort, the third between Boeing and Thai, is part of Boeing’s long-running Humanitarian Delivery Flights program.
Boeing’s Humanitarian Delivery Flights program, which began in 1992, has worked in partnership with nearly 50 carriers worldwide to facilitate more than 170 humanitarian flights.
On previous delivery flights, Thai Boeing have provided medical kits and school supplies.
Thai currently operates four 787 Dreamliners and has operated nearly every model of the 777.
Thai Cargo was the first carrier in Southeast Asia to utilize the 777 Freighter.
The airline has an additional two 777-300ERs on order.

Travel News

Photo:Duncan Stewart - LAX

ANTONOV is going to pass two aircraft to the customers

In February ANTONOV plans to pass another AN−158 serial regional passenger jet to Cubana de Aviacion Cuban airlines. Today a group of specialists of the company came to ANTONOV for acceptance of a new aircraft which will become the sixth in the fleet of the air carrier.
Besides, a group of Korean specialists who came to the Company for acceptance of the second AN−148 works at ANTONOV. For today the work on acceptance of documentation has been completed and acceptance works have been started. In the middle of the month it is planned to pass the aircraft to Korean customer.

Boeing Announces ANA’s Commitment to Become Newest 787-10 Customer Airline continues fleet modernization with Boeing airplanes

SEATTLE, Jan 30, 2015 – Boeing [NYSE:BA] and All Nippon Airways (ANA) today announced the airline’s intent to purchase three 787-10 Dreamliners to add additional flexibility to the airline’s 787 fleet. In addition, ANA announced an order for five Next-Generation 737-800s to bolster the airline’s growing narrow-body fleet. This agreement, once all commitments are finalized, will be valued at approximately $1.4 billion at current list prices, and ANA will become the first airline in Asia to operate the entire family of 787 Dreamliners.

“This decision demonstrates the strength of our decades-long partnership with ANA, and we are honored by their continued confidence in the 787,” said Ray Conner, president and CEO of Boeing Commercial Airplanes. “We are proud to play an integral role in ANA’s long-term success as they look to feature the complete family of 787 Dreamliners in their future fleet.”

ANA, the launch customer of the 787, is poised to become Boeing’s newest 787-10 customer and has taken more 787 deliveries than any other customer at 34, with 46 still on order.

ANA plans to leverage the added efficiency and full flexibility the complete family of 787s will allow for its future fleet. In addition, ANA will be able to maintain the innovative passenger experience onboard the Dreamliner that customers have grown accustomed to over the years. The airline will use the new 737-800s to enhance the flexibility of its expanding fleet.

The 787-10 is the third and longest member of the super-efficient 787 family. With its greater passenger and cargo capacity, high degree of commonality and passenger-pleasing features, the 787-10 will complement the family while setting a new benchmark for fuel efficiency and operating economics. The 787-10 will be 25 to 30 percent more efficient than airplanes of its size today and more than 10 percent better than anything offered by the competition for the future.

The 737-800 is the best-selling version of the highly successful Next-Generation 737 family, the most technologically advanced airplanes in the single-aisle market. The Next-Generation 737's market success has been confirmed by investors who consistently rank it as the most preferred single-aisle airplane due to its wide market base, superior performance efficiency and lowest operating costs in its class. The Next-Generation 737 has accumulated more than 6,800 orders from customers worldwide.

ANA Holdings orders seven additional A321s

ANA’s new order further boosts presence of A320 Family in Japan
ANA Holdings has ordered seven more A321 aircraft (four A321ceo with Sharklets and three A321neo), in addition to the firm order for 30 A320neo Family (seven A320neo and 23 A321neo) placed in July 2014.

The latest agreement brings ANA’s total order for the A320 Family to 37 aircraft which will gradually replace its existing single aisle fleet. ANA will be the first Japanese operator of both Sharklet-equipped A321ceo and A321neo.

“We are extremely pleased that such a prestigious airline as Japan’s ANA, has placed repeat orders for our A320 Family aircraft. By selecting our single-aisle aircraft, ANA is investing in the best in class, securing excellent cabin comfort as well as operational efficiency for its future,” said John Leahy, Airbus Chief Operating Officer Customers.

ANA became an Airbus customer in 1987, when it ordered ten A320s. In 1995 ANA also selected the larger A321, with a total of seven orders.

While passengers benefit from the A321’s state-of-the-art cabin design, wider seats and enhanced comfort, airlines profit from the unique operational flexibility of Airbus’ single-aisle aircraft. The A320 Family is the world’s best-selling single aisle product line with more than 11,500 orders to date and nearly 6,400 aircraft delivered to 400 customers and operators worldwide. Thanks to its widest cabin, all members of the A320 Family offer the industry’s best level of comfort in all classes and Airbus’ 18-inch wide seats in economy as standard.

QANTAS TO GIFT HISTORIC B747 TO AVIATION MUSEUM

Photo:Duncan Stewart - LAX

In a coup for New South Wales tourism Qantas will donate its first Boeing 747-400, known as City of Canberra, to the Historical Aircraft Restoration Society (HARS) in March.

It will be the first 747-400 in the world to be preserved for public display and the biggest aircraft by far to be on show at the HARS facility at Illawarra Regional Airport, Shellharbour.

HARS is home to the largest collection of both flying and static heritage aircraft in Australia and run by more than 450 volunteers, including dozens of retired Qantas employees, who dedicate their time to the maintenance and restoration of some of aviation’s most iconic aircraft.

The newly retired 747 represents a key part of both Australian aviation and Qantas history after it blazed its way in to the record books in 1989 for the longest non-stop commercial flight from London to Sydney in 20 hours, 9 minutes and 5 seconds. The record still stands.

Ironically, Qantas will deliver the aircraft, registration VH-OJA, in early March on what will be the airline’s, and perhaps the world’s, shortest ever delivery flight with an expected flying time of approximately ten minutes from Mascot in Sydney to Illawarra.

Qantas Chief Executive Officer Alan Joyce said it was important for such an iconic aircraft to be on display as a reminder of the role Qantas has played in aviation history.

“Qantas has been responsible for a lot of aviation firsts and many of them have centred on endurance and reliability. The record breaking flight of this Boeing aircraft was a technical and symbolic achievement because it showed what was possible with the latest generation of aircraft and that spirit of innovation still drives us today.

“We are excited that by gifting this newly retired aircraft to the HARS museum, we’re helping create a local tourism attraction as well as preserving a bit of our past,” added Mr Joyce.

Bob De La Hunty, President of the Historical Aircraft Restoration Society, said HARS is delighted to be part of preserving a remarkable piece of modern aviation history.

“All our volunteers, including many former Qantas employees, are overwhelmed by the opportunity to showcase such a historic aircraft. We expect it to attract lots of attention together with our Lockheed Super Constellation, both of which were integral in building Qantas' international reputation.”

NSW Deputy Premier and Minister for Tourism and Major Events, Troy Grant, thanked Qantas for the generous donation of this historic aircraft.

“This spectacular piece of aviation history is exciting for Illawarra locals and visitors.

“Regional tourism is taking off – Coffs Harbour has the big banana, Ballina has the big prawn and now thanks to Qantas, Shellharbour has the big Boeing 747.”

Shellharbour Mayor, Marianne Saliba, said the addition of the 747 to HARS at Shellharbour City's Illawarra Regional Airport will attract even greater numbers of visitors to our area.

“HARS and Council representatives have worked hard with Qantas to ensure the plane can have a permanent home here for the enjoyment of tourists and locals alike. It is important to preserve Australia’s aviation history and HARS are doing a great job at that."

The delivery flight from Sydney International Airport to Illawarra Regional Airport will be the first time a Boeing 747 has landed at the regional port. The Qantas pilots operating the final flight will undergo special simulator training to prepare for the delivery and the airline is working with the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) to finalise approvals for the special landing.

Over the past few years, Qantas has been gradually retiring its older B747s. Nine of its newest jumbos, the last of which was delivered in 2003, have been refurbished and will continue flying into the future. Since 2008, the Qantas Group has taken delivery of almost 150 new aircraft, lowering its fleet age to an average of just over seven years.

The aircraft will join an impressive lineup of famed aircraft now located at HARS including a Lockheed Super Constellation, Catalina, Douglas DC3 and DC4 and a Desert Storm US Army Cobra.

The official handover will take place on March 15 2015 to coincide with HARS monthly open days.

Qantas Boeing 747-400 “VH-OJA” facts

· 25.3 years in service

· 13,833 flights

· 4,094,568 passengers carried

· This aircraft has flown nearly 85 million kilometres, which is equivalent to 110.2 return trips to the moon

· “VH-OJA” was Qantas’ first Boeing 747-400 aircraft and was named the City of Canberra

· It was delivered to Qantas on 11 August 1989 and made its debut flight on 16 August 1989 from London to Sydney

· On Thursday 17 August 1989, it set the record for having flown the longest non-stop flight (London-Sydney) of any commercial airline (flight number QF7441)

· The flight and subsequent media attention around the world at the time underlined Qantas’ role as the leader in long-range commercial aviation.

· All of Qantas’ B747-400 aircraft were named ‘Longreach’ as a tribute to our place of origin and to demonstrate the long-range of the aircraft.

Emirates spreads the love of cricket around the world with specially-dressed A380 aircraft

DUBAI, U.A.E., 29^th January 2015: With just two weeks to go until the start of the ICC Cricket World Cup 2015, Emirates airline, a global connector of people, places and passions, has unveiled the first of its aircraft that will feature the ICC Cricket World Cup 2015 Logo.
Watch a video of how an Emirates A380 gets “dressed up” for the ICC Cricket World Cup 2015 here.
The Emirates Airbus A380 recently set off to Australia and New Zealand, and is the first of a number of “specially-dressed” Emirates aircraft that will fly around the globe, celebrating this major event with cricket-lovers and uniting fans around the world.
Emirates has been the official partner of the International Cricket Council since 2007 and all its major tournaments including the ICC Cricket World Cup 2015.
In partnership with the ICC, Emirates also sponsors the Emirates Elite Panel of ICC Umpires and Match Referees.
Cricket has provided Emirates with a powerful platform to connect with fans and communities across Asia, Australasia, South Africa and the UK. In addition to its partnership with the ICC, Emirates’ cricket sponsorships include: 
·         Title Sponsor of the Emirates Airline Twenty20, which brings successful County Cricket Clubs to Dubai to compete for the coveted Emirates T20 Championship.
·         In the UK, Emirates has partnerships with Durham County Cricket Club and Lancashire County Cricket Club, including naming rights to both clubs’ playing grounds and their respective T20 representative teams.
Emirates has unveiled “specially-dressed” aircraft on special occasions and during major events, such as during the 2020 World Expo bid, which Dubai won in 2013.

Currently the world’s largest A380 operator with 57 aircraft in its fleet, Emirates is expecting to take delivery of 15 A380s this year and has 83 A380s on order. The Emirates A380 flies to 34 destinations across the globe, with Perth to join the network in May, Dusseldorf in July, and Madrid in August.

Cargolux Debuts 747-8 Freighter in Manaus

The airline debuted the aircraft on its ‘CV7606’ scheduled flight from January 25, 2015, taking use of the aircraft’s greater volume to transport a load of machinery spare parts and telecommunications equipment from Luxembourg to South America.



European freight carrier Cargolux has started to deploy its Boeing 747-8F freighter on its regular cargo flights to the Brazilian city of Manaus this month becoming the first airline in the world to operate the stretched 747 variant to the Brazilian airport.

The airline debuted the aircraft on its ‘CV7606’ scheduled flight from January 25, 2015, taking use of the aircraft’s greater volume to transport a load of machinery spare parts and telecommunications equipment from Luxembourg to South America.

Cargolux first introduced flights to Manaus in May 2012 as a weekly stop on a flight routing Luxembourg – Sao Paulo – Manaus – Quito – Bogota – Maastricht – Luxembourg. This itinerary has until this week been operated using a Boeing 747-400, due to problems getting the new -8 variant approved for operation into some of its airports across South America.

The airline debuted the 747-8F in Brazil in June 2013 when it introduced the aircraft on its freight schedules to Viracopos after working with the Brazilian and Luxembourg governments for clearance to deploy the aircraft in the country.

“Our new 747-8 freighter service will bring superior performance and efficiency to our customers in Manaus,” said Dirk Reich, president and chief executive officer, Cargolux. “We are happy to say that, with Manaus coming online in our 747-8F network, we can even better boost airfreight exports from Brazil and can bring commodities like automotive parts, perishables and pharmaceutical products to their markets in a more fuel efficient and sustainable way.”

The debut of the 747-8F at Manaus underlines the versatility of the aircraft, which is now serving 164 airports worldwide,’ according to Donna Hrinak, president, Boeing Brazil and Boeing Latin America.

“The 747-8 Freighter provides our customers with the lowest operating costs and best economics in its class while providing enhanced environmental performance, enabling operators like Cargolux to grow its business at destinations like Manaus,” she added.

Among the 164 airports served by the 747-8F, 100 are served commercially by Cargolux with the type. The carrier now has eleven aircraft in its fleet and a further three units remain on order for delivery over the coming two years.

IBERIA Express Adds London Heathrow Service from late-March 2015

IBERIA Express in Summer 2015 season introduces service to London Heathrow, with 3 weekly flights from Tenerife North and 4 weekly from Las Palmas. Airbus A320 aircraft to operate both routes.

eff 29MAR15 Tenerife North – London Heathrow 3 weekly
IB3602 TFN1120 – 1545LHR 32S 247
IB3603 LHR1705 – 2130TFN 32S 247

eff 30MAR15 Las Palmas – London Heathrow 4 weekly
IB3604 LPA1120 – 1545LHR 32S x247
IB3605 LHR1705 – 2130LPA 32S x247 

Routes Online

Photo: Ton Jochems - AMS

Air New Zealand Plans Boeing 787-9 Los Angeles Flight in Sep/Oct 2015

Air New Zealand from late-September 2015 plans to operate Boeing 787-9 aircraft on Auckland – Los Angeles route. The Dreamliner is scheduled to operate once a week on Sundays, from 27SEP15 to 18OCT15 only.
NZ004 AKL1545 – 0800LAX 789 7
NZ003 LAX2100 – 0600+2AKL 789 7

Routes Online

Photo by Air New Zealander Alan Gaskin

AEROMEXICO - B737-700W - XA-MAH "Aviones" Equipo de Rescate

Duncan Stewart - LAX

Scoot to finally receive B787-9

Scoot is expected to take delivery of its first B787 aircraft this Saturday.

The low-cost carrier (LCC) has a total of 20 Dreamliners on order — ten B787-9s and ten of the smaller B787-8 variant. Its first Dreamliner will be a 787-9.

Originally slated to receive the aircraft at the end of 2014, this was inadvertently delayed numerous times , with Scoot now expected to launch its inaugural B787 services to Perth and Hong Kong from February 5.

flyscoot.com

Transavia new Livery

Budget airline Transavia has unveiled its new "playful" branding.

The design retains the carrier's green colour and its logo is still based on the letter "t" in a round shape.

However, both these elements have been redesigned and icons will be added to the underbelly of each Transavia aircraft.

The rebrand is the result of a collaboration between Dutch agencies Mirabeau and Studio Dumbar.

A statement said: "The key to Transavia's positioning is summarised as 'It's a pleasure'. This is not an external pay-off, but a leading principle for the company."

"The main objective is to offer and express hospitality and service in a manner that appeals to both leisure and business audiences. The design is playful, accessible and flexible, adapting easily to the diversity of physical and digital media."

Part of the Air France-KLM group, Transavia operates from six home bases in The Netherlands and France, including its main bases at Amsterdam Schiphol and Paris Orly airports.

In September, Air France postponed the roll-out of Transavia in order to end a pilots strike that was costing it up to EUR15 million a day.

Business Traveller

Skymark Air Files for Bankruptcy After Airbus A380 Deal Flops

Skymark Airlines Inc., Japan’s third-largest carrier, filed for bankruptcy protection after running short of cash, hastening the downfall of a low-fare airline and its growth ambitions that climaxed in an ill-fated purchase of six Airbus A380 superjumbos.

The carrier filed at the Tokyo District Court with 71 billion yen ($603 million) in liabilities, according to a statement to the Tokyo stock exchange. President Shinichi Nishikubo is stepping down and Chief Financial Officer Masakazu Arimori will take the role. The company will be delisted from the exchange March 1, the bourse said in a separate statement.

Skymark will get financial support for restructuring from private-equity firm Integral, according to the statement.
Skymark first flagged in July there was “material uncertainty” over whether it will remain a going concern as it may have to pay a penalty to Airbus Group NV, reiterating that position again in November. In July, Airbus terminated an order for six A380s from the Japanese carrier, a decision the planemaker said stemmed from “the airline’s expressed intentions for the aircraft.”

Takahiro Nosaka, a Tokyo-based spokesman for Airbus, declined to comment.
Skymark’s plans to consider bankruptcy comes five years after Japan Airlines Corp. filed for the country’s fourth-largest bankruptcy under a 900 billion yen turnaround plan.

Japan Air Bankruptcy

Four government bailouts had failed to revive Asia’s most indebted carrier, which on Jan. 19, 2010 applied for protection from creditors at Tokyo District Court with 2.32 trillion yen in liabilities. JAL, which re-listed in 2012, was Asia’s first major flag carrier to seek bankruptcy.

Skymark had 4.5 billion yen in cash and near cash items as of Sept. 30, down 75 percent from the same time a year earlier, according to data compiled by Bloomberg. The airline had 2,275 employees as of March last year.
The carrier had a net loss of 5.7 billion yen in the six months to Sept. 30, amid increasing competition, the costs of introducing A330 planes, and a weaker yen pushing up fuel costs. Tokyo-based Skymark was planning to halt unprofitable flights from Narita airport and return two planes it leased from November, it said in October. The airline will also sell and lease back engines, a flight simulator and other assets to increase cash.
Skymark paid 26.5 billion yen in pre-delivery payments for the double-decker planes, including money to the engine and other parts makers, it said in July. 

JAL, ANA
It also sought a tie up with Japan Airlines Co. and ANA Holdings Inc. to continue operations. Last month, the airline said it was considering selling shares to an investment fund to raise cash.
Skymark shares rose 0.6 percent to 317 yen at the close of trading in Tokyo today. The shares have slumped in each of the past four years.

Shares of Skymark had plunged after Airbus terminated the order for six A380s — worth $2.5 billion in list prices. The European planemaker lost its only superjumbo customer in Japan.
The carrier could face demands for as much as 70 billion yen in penalties, Kyodo News reported in July, citing people familiar with the situation that it didn’t name. The airline and the planemaker were negotiating to reduce the penalty.

Skymark announced a decision to buy double-decker A380s and start an international business-class service in 2010, breaking from the company’s model of low-fare travel using single-aisle Boeing Co. 737s. Nishikubo said at the time he planned to win market share by charging less than half the price of rivals.
Skymark initially signed a firm contract for four A380s in 2011 and later came back for two more. Airbus said in April that Skymark’s first A380 performed its maiden flight and was heading for cabin installation and final painting in Germany.
More… http://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2015-01-28/skymark-said-to-file-for-bankruptcy-after-airbus-a380-deal-flops

Kenya Airways to Start Boeing 787 Luanda Service from late-Oct 2015

Kenya Airways from 25OCT15 plans to introduce Boeing 787-8 operations to Angola, as it operates 3 weekly Nairobi – Luanda route, instead of Boeing 737-800 aircraft.
KQ770 NBO1130 – 1335LAD 788 357
KQ771 LAD1505 – 2120NBO 788 357

Routes online

Singapore Airlines Moves Forward 777-300ER Amsterdam Service to late-Jan 2015

Singapore Airlines has further adjusted planned Singapore – Amsterdam operation, which sees planned Boeing 777-300ER operation moving forward to 29JAN15, instead of 10FEB15. The 777-300ER will initially operate on 4 of 7 weekly flights, replacing the -200ER. Previously planned daily 777-300ER service from 08MAY15, will also move forward to 19MAR15.

SQ324 SIN2355 – 0645+1AMS 77W x357
SQ324 SIN2355 – 0645+1AMS 772 357

SQ323 AMS1030 – 0555+1SIN 77W x146
SQ323 AMS1030 – 0555+1SIN 772 146

Routes Online

ANA Begins Boeing 787-9 Munich Service from June 2015

ANA this week gradually updates its Summer 2015 International operations in the GDS. Based on latest update, ANA’s Boeing 787-9 International aircraft will begin operating on Tokyo Haneda – Munich route from 01JUN15. The airline stated it would begin 787-9 service from May 2015.

Reservation for Boeing 787-9 Munich service is now open.

NH217 HND1235 – 1720MUC 789 D
NH218 MUC2125 – 1550+1HND 789 D
Routes Online

Japan Airlines firms order for 32 MRJs

Japan Airlines (JAL) has finalized an order for 32 Mitsubishi Regional Jets (MRJs), which will replace some of its regional fleet from 2021.

Belavia adds first commercial B737-800 to its fleet

Belavia has taken delivery of its first B737-800 intended for commercial operations. 

The jet, EW-437PA (msn 27988), was ferried from Istanbul Sabiha Gökcen to Minsk Int'l 2 on January 23 and will shortly enter revenue service on scheduled flights to Barcelona El Prat beginning May 16.

Additional services to Dubai Int'l, Tenerife Sur, and the Canary Islands are also planned as are charter flights.
Until now, the carrier had reserved its sole aircraft of the type, EW-001PA (msn 33079) for VIP use.

ch-aviation

AZUR AIR - B757-200 - VP-BLV

Dmitry Kalenik - Moscow Domodedovo - Russia
UTair has launched Azur Air as a new charter operation currently operating under the air operator certificate of subsidiary Katekavia.

Three B757-200s have already been transferred to Azur Air in the meantime: 

VP-BLV (msn 30043), VQ-BEZ (msn 29377) and VQ-BEY (msn 29382).
UTair is expected to transfer its other six B757-200s to Azur Air as well in the near future.

VISTARA - A320-200 - VT-TTC

Girish B - Mumbai Chhatrapati Shivaji Int'l - India

Vistara, a full-service airline, is a joint venture between Tata Sons Ltd. and Singapore Airlines (SIA).
The name Vistara is drawn from the Sanskrit word Vistaar, which means limitless expanse. Just like the limitless expanse of the sky, the name also alludes to the limitless possibilities, which mirrors our ambitions.
Also ingrained in Vistara is the word tara, a star, which is depicted in our logo. Derived from the yantra, a perfect mathematical form representing an unbounded, perfectly balanced universe, our logo is the Vistara Star. With an eight pointed star in the center, the dynamic intertwined forms of the Vistara Star create a continuous shape that represents the seamless experience we will deliver.

ZAGROS JET - A321-200 - TC-OBJ

Ton Jochems - AMS

Okay Airways to start B737-900 operations next month

Okay Airways  will become the first Chinese operator of the B737-900(ER) when it takes delivery of its maiden aircraft later this month.
Altogether, the carrier has a total of eight B737-900(ER)s on order from Boeing.

LOT leasing a B767 freighter from Cargojet

LOT Polish Airlines has wet-leased a B767-300(F) from Cargojet Airways for use on its recently launched Warsaw Chopin to New York JFK freight service. The flights this year will operate from January to April and from October to December.

Victoria Int'l Airways, eyes Q2 launch

Victoria International Airways is a Spanish start-up backed by several entrepreneurs from Málaga and Mallorca. Founded in 2013, the carrier says it intends to provide ACMI and charter operations to the Spanish tour operator and travel agency sector using A320 aircraft.

Though it has the necessary funding and a business plan in place, delays in sourcing an initial aircraft required for it to gain its Air Operators Certificate have lead to delays in its launch. Given the need to launch ahead of the upcoming summer season, management has reportedly considered commencing operations as a virtual carrier chartering aircraft from other airlines while it completes its certification.

According to its website, Victoria Int'l plans to operate at least two aircraft from either Malaga or Palma de Mallorca Son Sant Joan to destinations throughout Europe.

c-aviation

Air Horizont, to launch in spring

Air Horizon is a Zaragozanos-backed start-up hoping to commence operations this spring. 

Regulatory filings with the Spanish airport and navigation services provider AENA (Aeropuertos Españoles y Navegación Aérea) show the carrier plans to offer bi-weekly flights to Seville, Rome Fiumicino and Munich initially before expanding to Malaga, Alicante, Las Palmas, and Bologna.
Though the exact type of aircraft to be used has not yet been revealed, management has said they will lease two 140-seat jets.
This is the second time the carrier has attempted to launch operations. A previous attempt in 2011 failed when it failed to secure adequate funds.

Air Bright resumes operations

Air Bright has resumed operations using a pair of ex-Cityline Hungary An-26B freighters.

According to Skyliner Aviation, one of the turboprops - LZ-FLL (cn 12201) - was seen in service in Dusseldorf earlier this month.

The cargo specialist's Air Operators Certificate (AOC), which was revoked in July 2007, was reinstated in May last year. Air Bright specializes in providing cargo capacity to its customers in the Bulgarian and international market.

Greenlandic start-up, Aluu Airlines, eyes ATRs

Aluu Airlines is a Greenlandic start-up looking to complete its certification and commence operations by June of this year. Using a fleet of Avions de Transport Régional and eventually Airbus Industrie aircraft, the carrier plans to offer scheduled flights between its Nuuk hub and Ilulissat and Kangerlussuaq domestically and Copenhagen Kastrup regionally. The start-up is owned by former Air Greenland (GL, Nuuk) pilot Pele Broberg.

ch-aviation

American Airlines Welcomes First Boeing 787 Dreamliner

FORT WORTH, Texas, Jan. 23, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- American Airlines today officially welcomes its first Boeing 787 Dreamliner. American took delivery of the airplane, a 787-8 with registration number N800AN, on Thursday at Boeing's factory in Everett, Washington, and it is scheduled to arrive in Dallas/Fort Worth on Friday afternoon.

"We are committed to delivering a fantastic product for our customers with the continuation of our unprecedented fleet renewal program and more than $2 billion in improvements in the customer experience," said Doug Parker, American's chairman and CEO. "The 787 makes our fleet younger and more modern and it will open up new possibilities to connect our customers to the places they want to fly."

"We're proud that American Airlines has chosen the 787 to be a key part of its fleet renewal plan," said Ray Conner, president and CEO of Boeing Commercial Airplanes. "We appreciate American's confidence in the airplane and know the Dreamliner will open exciting new routes for American's customers."

American has placed firm orders for 42 Boeing 787 aircraft, with the right to acquire an additional 58. American will take delivery of both the 787-8 and 787-9 as part of the 42 firm orders. American expects its first 787 to enter revenue service in the second quarter, flying domestically between American's hubs for several weeks before being launched on international flights.

The 787 will bring new benefits to American's network and customers. It has an onboard experience unlike any other airplane and provides improved aerodynamics, advanced engine technology, reduced maintenance requirements, better fuel efficiency and lower overall operating costs.

American already has the youngest fleet of the U.S. global network carriers, with an average aircraft age of 12.3 years. In 2015, American plans to take delivery of an average of two new aircraft per week. These new deliveries will make American's fleet even younger, more modern and more efficient and will provide a solid foundation for continued improvements in technology, products and services.

American is in the midst of more than $2 billion in planned improvements to give customers a superior travel experience around the world. These investments include fully lie-flat seats on international long-haul aircraft; international Wi-Fi; more in-flight entertainment options and power outlets; a new, modern design for Admirals Club lounges worldwide; and an upgraded assortment of complimentary healthy food, cocktails and more. In addition to taking delivery of hundreds of new planes, American is retrofitting its entire fleet of Boeing 777-200s and selected 767-300s, 757-200s and Airbus A319s to refresh the cabins and enhance the experience on domestic and international flights.

Jetstar Unveiled as Official Airline of Asia's Got Talent

SINGAPORE, Jan. 26, 2015 /PRNewswire/ --
Jetstar celebrates partnership with the very first season of Asia's Got Talent
Jetstar supports aspiring talent by connecting them to their dreams and sharing it with their loved ones
Asia's Got Talent branded livery on a Jetstar aircraft will take to the skies in February

Jetstar is pleased to announce sponsorship of the very first season of the wildly popular talent competition -- Asia's Got Talent.

The first pan-regional format of the talent search programme will see some of the region's most aspiring artistes gather in Singapore to fight for the coveted winning title.

Jetstar's network of 22 destinations across 13 countries in Asia Pacific will enable the region's top talents to fly further to fulfill their dreams and aspirations.

"The talent show has proven to be very popular around the world and we are proud and excited to be the official airline for the first ever Asian edition," said Barathan Pasupathi, CEO of Jetstar Asia.

"It is indeed a treat to be able to bring the best of Asia's talent together for the regional auditions and live performances in Singapore, following open auditions in Taipei, Jakarta and Manila -- all major cities we fly to. Our low fares also make it more accessible for the participants' families and friends to take off and support them," added Mr. Pasupathi.

To support these artistes in their pursuit of being Asia's top talent, Jetstar will provide complimentary return airfares to those who are shortlisted from across Asia for the judges' auditions up until the grand finale, which will be held in Singapore.

Each contestant may also invite a companion to support them in reaching for the stars.

"Asia's Got Talent is the widest reaching version of the already world record breaking Got Talent format. We're proud to partner with Jetstar to bring these phenomenal performances to all of Asia, thereby bringing even more countries into the Got Talent family," said Paul O'Hanlon, managing director of FremantleMedia Asia.

To celebrate the season premiere of Asia's Got Talent, a Jetstar A320 will now sport a brand new look.

"The livery is a first in Got Talent history, and it is the perfect embodiment of Asia's Got Talent's goal of finding the best talents from across the continent and bringing them together in the world's largest, widest reaching talent competition," added Mr. O'Hanlon.

The aircraft will take to the skies from February and will fly around the region to destinations in the Jetstar network for the next six months.

KLM ASIA - B777-300ER - PH-BVB

Ton Jochems - LAX

Turkish Airlines in talks for around 10 Airbus A380 jetliners -sources

DUBLIN, Jan 26 (Reuters) - Turkish Airlines is in negotiations to obtain 10 or more Airbus A380 jets in a deal potentially worth $4 billion based on a direct purchase at catalogue prices, two people familiar with the matter said.

A deal, if finalised, would be the first airline order for the double-decker jet since Dubai's Emirates boosted its order at the Dubai Airshow in November 2013, but the people cautioned there have been false alarms about a Turkish order in the past.

Sales of the world's largest airliner have gone through a lean patch amid a slowing economy and indirect competition from Boeing's largest twinjet, the 777X, which is planned to seat 406 people compared with the A380's standard layout of 535.

Turkish Airlines and Airbus declined to comment.

BELAVIA - ERJ-175 - EW-341PO

João Luis Pessoa - Geneva