domingo, 31 de maio de 2015
sexta-feira, 29 de maio de 2015
Singapore Airlines A380s Adopt Special Livery To Celebrate Singapore's 50th
The first aircraft with the commemorative livery will take to the skies in early June and the second in July. The A380s will be in the livery until the end of 2015, with the aircraft serving Beijing, Hong Kong, London, Mumbai, New Delhi, Shanghai, Sydney and Zurich routes.
The A380 is the world’s largest aircraft and the special livery features a 10m-tall and 47m-long Singapore flag-themed design on both sides of the fuselage. On the two inboard engines is the official SG50 logo. (See Annex on ‘Interesting Facts’).
“Singapore Airlines’ success is closely tied to the success of Singapore. What better way to celebrate SG50 than by proudly flying the national flag around the world on the world’s largest aircraft,” said Singapore Airlines CEO, Mr Goh Choon Phong.
Aviation enthusiasts will be able to get their hands on a collectible aircraft model in the special livery. A 1:200 scale model and a limited-edition 1:100 scale model will be available from KrisShop from July.
The special livery is one of many initiatives by Singapore Airlines to celebrate Singapore’s 50th birthday.
A special A380 Charity Flight is planned for 29 May, on which some 300 beneficiaries of Community Chest will experience a three-hour flight. Beneficiaries will include children with special needs, adults with disabilities, as well as disadvantaged elderly and families, many of whom have never had the opportunity to take a flight.
Singapore Airlines is also organising an art competition, in conjunction with an Open House of the Airline’s training facilities on 25 July 2015. The theme of the competition is “Celebrating SG50 with SIA: Growing with the Nation”. Secondary and tertiary students, up to age 30, can submit digital copies of artwork, accompanied by a description of not more than 100 words, via www.SIAopenhouse.com, up to 30 June 2015.
Children aged between 3 and 12 can also participate in an on-the-spot drawing and colouring competition during the SIA Open House. The Open House, details of which will be announced shortly, will provide a rare opportunity for the public to see the inner workings of Singapore Airlines, at the facility where rigorous training is provided to cabin crew and pilots.
For customers, Singapore Airlines has launched special promotions to encourage both overseas Singaporeans and visitors to travel to Singapore for the SG50 celebrations. From 20 May to 10 July, a 50% discount will be offered for online KrisFlyer redemptions to select destinations, for travel within the same period.
Additionally, Singapore Airlines and SilkAir will be giving away 50 flight tickets. From 18 May to 31 July 2015, customers who book Singapore Airlines or SilkAir flights and travel within the same period will stand a chance to win an Economy Class ticket to any Southeast Asian destination in our network. To participate in the draw, customers can visit SQMIsg50draw.com
On board, passengers can enjoy a specially curated selection of Singapore movies, TV programmes, and music on our award-winning inflight entertainment system, KrisWorld, throughout the year. Special menus are also being developed to feature Singapore’s unique cuisine, while SG50-themed amenity kits will be launched for the Airline’s new Premium Economy Class, which enters service on the nation’s birthday, 9 August.
Activities to celebrate Singapore’s 50th birthday began last year, and included the SIA Charity Run and Charity Gala Dinner, which raised some $2.5 million for Community Chest.
Interesting Facts:
Decal:
-A special decal was used for the large Singapore flag-themed design, divided into about 50 panels for each aircraft
-The printing of the decal took about five days, on a 24/7 basis
-12 rolls of decal materials were used, each roll being 1.2m by 50m
-The total is about 720m2, equivalent to nearly nine badminton courts
-The amount of decal material used can cover 56 double-decker buses
Aircraft preparation:
-To prepare the aircraft for the decal installation, the existing SIA livery had to be removed, by 12 staff working over a seven-day period
-The aircraft was then painted white, by 10 staff over one day. Painting must be completed as a start-to-finish job, without interruption
Decal application:
-The decal application took about eight days
Airbus Launches Ship Carrying First Components for A320 Family Production in the U.S.
Wings, Tail, Fuselage Sections Depart Port of Hamburg Bound for Mobile, Alabama, U.S.A.
Airbus A320 family aircraft production in the U.S. is on schedule to begin this summer as the large aircraft components for the first U.S.-produced aircraft today depart from the port in Hamburg, Germany, bound for Mobile, Alabama. The major component assemblies (MCAs) consist of the wings produced in the UK, the rear fuselage section produced in Germany including the tail cone (produced in Spain), and the forward fuselage section, including the cockpit produced in France, all of which contain parts from all over the world. The horizontal (from Spain) and vertical (from Germany) stabilisers are also on board. The first aircraft is an A321ceo destined for delivery to JetBlue in 2016.
Airbus established the Airbus U.S. Manufacturing Facility in Mobile to assemble and deliver A319, A320 and A321 aircraft to meet the growing needs of its customers in the United States and elsewhere. It is the company’s first U.S.-based production facility, and the fourth in the network which includes Toulouse, France; Hamburg, Germany; and Tianjin, China.
“This is a day of celebration as we reach another important milestone in aircraft production in the U.S.,” said Fabrice Brégier, Airbus President and CEO. “North America is one of the largest single-aisle aircraft markets in the world. This manufacturing facility brings us closer to our customers, and strengthens the aerospace industry in the U.S., Europe and around the world. Production will begin in just a few weeks, with first delivery scheduled for 2016.”
Approximately 200 employees, including some from Mobile who are training in Hamburg, celebrated this first shipment in a ceremony held today to launch the cargo ship, in the presence of the U.S. Consul General in Hamburg, Nancy Corbett. Traditional songs from all four European Airbus nations and the U.S. were played as the ship, bearing German and U.S. flags, and flags of the city state of Hamburg and the state of Alabama, sailed off.
The sea voyage will take approximately 20 days, and can be tracked on Airbus in the U.S. Facebook and Twitter pages, or on www.vesselfinder.com (ship name BBC Atlantic).
First 242-tonne A330-300 is delivered to Delta Air Lines
Enhanced version allows longer flights at lower costs
The first 242-tonne Maximum Take-Off Weight (MTOW) variant of the A330-300 was delivered today to Delta Air Lines. The Atlanta, Georgia (U.S.) – based airline is the first to receive the aircraft type from among 11 worldwide customers for the option. Delta has selected GE CF6-80E1 engines to power its new A330-300.
Launched in 2012 as Airbus’ latest evolution to the twin-engine widebody A330 Family, the increased take-off weight A330-200 and A330-300 incorporate a new aerodynamic package, engine improvements and an optional centre fuel tank (the latter for the A330-300 version). These upgrades on the A330-300 allow for an extended range of up to 6,100 nautical miles while offering up to 2 percent fuel consumption reduction. This incremental innovation to Airbus’ A330 Family received airworthiness approval from the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) in April 2015, and received parallel certification from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) earlier this month.
The delivery ceremony today at Airbus’ headquarters in Toulouse, France, is particularly notable as the airline brought some 100 employees – each a member of Delta’s Chairman’s Club. The group is selected by their peers annually from 10-thousand nominees in Delta’s most prestigious corporate recognition program.
“Delta’s addition of this Airbus A330-300 marks a major milestone and reflects our continued strategy of making prudent investments in our fleet that enhance our customer experience and operational reliability,” said Delta President Ed Bastian from the delivery event. “Having our Chairman’s Club honorees, true examples of the Delta spirit of service, here to help us welcome this new aircraft into the Delta family makes this occasion even more special.”
“As the launch customer and launch operator of the 242-tonne A330-300, Delta is demonstrating its continued confidence in the performance and comfort of the A330, which has been part of the airline’s fleet for twelve years,” said John Leahy, Airbus Chief Operating Officer – Customers. “The higher take-off weight allows the airline to fly both trans-Atlantic and trans-Pacific routes, all in unrivalled comfort with operational reliability over 99 percent. The 242-tonne A330 clearly paves the way for the A330neo and A350 XWB to join Delta’s fleet in the next few years.”
Delta Air Lines, Airbus’ biggest A330 customer in North America, flies currently both Airbus single-aisle and widebody aircraft, including 57 A319ceo and 69 A320ceo aircraft, plus 11 A330-200s and 21 A330-300s. In addition to nine more A330-300s and 45 A321ceos still to be delivered to Delta, the airline ordered 25 A350-900 and 25 A330-900neo Airbus widebody aircraft last year.
Being member of the Airbus leading widebody family, and reflecting the market’s continued demand for high efficiency, comfort and reliability, the A330 Family has won more than 1,500 firm orders from over 100 customers worldwide and has more than 1,100 aircraft in operation.
Loong Air Receives New A320, Fleet to 16 by Year End
A brand new A320 jetliner of Zhejiang Loong Air (GJ) departing from Toulouse in France landed smoothly at Hangzhou Xiaoshan International Airport (HGH) at 7:30 p.m. on May 28, which is the firstly received aircraft of 20 Airbus A320s that the Hangzhou-based airline has ordered.
Equipped with sharklets and CFM-56 engines, the newly-received A320 aircraft is configured with 174 all economy seats. Sharklets can reduce fuel cost by about 4% on long-haul flights, not only promoting the aircraft's takeoff performance, obstacle clearance and climbing capacity, but also ensuring the in-flight safety. What's more, the aircraft's cabin seats are equipped with slim and soft headrests that are adjustable. Wider space between seats and barrier-free lavatory will make the journey up in the air more comfortable.
To date Zhejiang Loong Air has a fleet of 8 aircraft. With 6 A320s and 2 B737s to be received this year, the Hangzhou-based carrier will increase its fleet to 16 by year end.
Commencing services on December 29, 2013, the airline continues its development at a fast pace and has launched services to 33 domestic cities from Hangzhou base. Besides, the carrier plans to expand its services toward HK, Macao, Taiwan, South Korea, Japan and other international cities and regions.
wcarn
quarta-feira, 27 de maio de 2015
United Airlines Newark to Newcastle
Photo:FPP - Lisboa
TACV Cabo Verde to Add New Brazilian Routes from late-Oct 2015
TACV Cabo Verde Airlines in Northern Winter 2015/16 season plans to commence new routes to Brazil, with service launch to Natal and Joao Pessoa. Planned operational routing and schedule as follow.
eff 30OCT15 Ilha do Sal – Fortaleza – Natal – Ilha do Sal 1 weekly
VR877 SID2045 – 2255FOR2355 – 0045+1NAT0145+1 – 0815+1SID 752 5
eff 04DEC15 Ilha do Sal – Recife – Joao Pessoa – Ilha do Sal 1 weekly
VR888 SID2045 – 2305REC2359 – 0045+1JPA0145+1 – 0800+1SID 738 5R
Routes Online
Photo:FPP - Lisboa
Thomson Airways to add four B787-9s next year
Thomson Airways has announced it will add up to four B787-9s to its widebody fleet of four B767-300s and nine B787-8s.
The leisure carrier said in a communique issued last week that it has converted two existing B787-8s (slated for delivery in summer 2016) orders with Boeing to larger B787-9s. It has also ordered a third B787-9 with an option to purchase a fourth.
The B787-9s will be configured with 345 seats including 63 Premium Club seats.
The leisure carrier said in a communique issued last week that it has converted two existing B787-8s (slated for delivery in summer 2016) orders with Boeing to larger B787-9s. It has also ordered a third B787-9 with an option to purchase a fourth.
The B787-9s will be configured with 345 seats including 63 Premium Club seats.
terça-feira, 26 de maio de 2015
Florida's Choice Aire commences operations
Choice Aire commenced operations on Thursday, May 21 with the launch of flights from Atlantic City to its Miami Int'l hub. Operations are on-board a B737-300, N529AU (msn 24411), chartered from Swift Air.
The virtual carrier has announced additional plans to serve Nashville Int'l, Orlando Int'l, and Baltimore Thurgood Marshall domestically as well as Havana Int'l and Santa Clara de Cuba in Cuba and Punta Cana in the Dominican Republic. Flights are scheduled to roll out during the course of the current summer season.
ch-aviation
Israel's El Al confirms talks to merge Sun d'Or with Israir
El Al Israel Airlines (LY, Tel Aviv Ben Gurion) has confirmed it is in early talks to merge its Sun d'Or International Airlines (2U, Tel Aviv Ben Gurion) subsidiary into that of the IDB Development Corporation Ltd., Israir (6H, Tel Aviv Sde Dov).
The Israeli flag carrier said in a filing with the Tel Aviv bourse that, depending on a market valuation of the two carriers, it would receive an undisclosed number of Israir shares in return for Sun D'Or's absorption into Israir.
In order for negotiations between the parties to progress, Israel's Globe newspaper says Israir will have to acquire a third A320-200 while disposing of its Diesenhaus travel agency to rival the Business Travel Center (BTC) group. While Israir has reportedly already agreed to terms with Airbus Industrie (AIB, Toulouse Blagnac), it has yet to conclude negotiations with Deutsche Bank for a loan to acquire the jet.
Sun d'Or operates regular, ad-hoc, and seasonal passenger charters using aircraft leased from El Al while for its part, Israir operates scheduled and charter flights to destinations throughout Israel, Asia, and Europe using its own fleet of two A320-200s and two ATR72-500s.
ch-aviation
Israir Jet Held in Lisbon over Outstanding Debt
Dozens of Israeli passengers of the airline were stranded in Lisbon after their return flight to Tel Aviv was canceled, according to a report on Ynet. A Portuguese news report said that the plane landed in Lisbon at 10:30 a.m. Monday with Israeli passengers and was set to return to Israel the same day.
The president of the Lisbon-based company confirmed that the plane was held in Portugal over a debt Israir owed and was ordered to pay seven years ago.
"Despite the ruling, they didn't pay, and therefore we impounded the plane," company chairman Tomaz Metello said. Reports indicated the plane was an A320 aircraft which had landed in Lisbon from Israel.
"I's a story that started almost eight years ago, when we leased a plane from EuroAtlantic for flights to the United States," Uri Sirkis, CEO of Israir told Ynet. "After a month we returned the plane to the company for various reasons."
He said EuroAtlantic took the matter to court and appealed its way to the Portuguese Supreme Court, which ruled in December that Israir must pay damages to the tune of US$2 million.
"The legal procedure is ongoing and therefore we were very surprised that Euroatlantic decided to take such a drastic step and detain the plane," he said.
He said EuroAtlantic took the matter to court and appealed its way to the Portuguese Supreme Court, which ruled in December that Israir must pay damages to the tune of US$2 million.
"The legal procedure is ongoing and therefore we were very surprised that Euroatlantic decided to take such a drastic step and detain the plane," he said.
The time
photo:FPP - Lisboa
segunda-feira, 25 de maio de 2015
Air China Adds 5th Weekly Washington Service July/August 2015
CA817 PEK1245 – 1435IAD 77W x37
CA818 IAD1635 – 1815+1PEK 77W x37
Airline Routes
Photo:Ton Jochems - AMS
Eastern Air Lines and HavanaAir Charters To Provide Daily Air Service to Cuba
MIAMI, May 22, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- Eastern Air Lines Group, Inc. and HavanaAir Charters, LLC, have signed today an agreement, to support HavanaAir's charter operations to Cuba. HavanaAir is the largest provider of passenger traffic to the island, currently operating 65 flights a month to Havana from Miami with additional service to Santa Clara and Camaguey. The partnership will eventually include additional approved U.S. gateway cities.
Eastern will operate the Boeing 737-800 (Next Generation) aircraft, configured with 16 First Class seats and 129 Coach seats in the main cabin on all flights to Cuba.
"We are very pleased to partner with Eastern Air Lines. Eastern earned iconic status in the U.S. airline industry for decades and we are both honored and privileged to partner with their highly experienced management. Our partnership with Eastern will provide an entirely new level of service to Cuba with their Next Generation Boeing aircraft and their commitment to excellent customer service." said Mark Elias, President and COO of HavanaAir Charters.
"We are excited to partner with HavanaAir Charters. Eastern was formerly the largest provider of air seats in the Cuba market, and with this agreement, Eastern will once again provide more seats to Cuba than any other U.S. carrier. Cuba is and always will be a very important market for Eastern as we grow our airline and we look forward to proving service from additional U.S. gateways along with our home airport of Miami International", said Ed Wegel, President & CEO of Eastern.
Key Facts:
1.Eastern will operate for HavanaAir twice daily service to Havana and weekly service to Camaguey and Santa Clara.
2.Eastern will support HavanaAir's existing operations to Cuba with some 65 flights monthly.
3.Eastern and HavanaAir will be launching service from other U.S. gateways within 60 days.
UNITED Adds Boeing 787-9 Houston – London Service in March 2016
UNITED during the weekend of 23MAY15′s schedule update adjusted planned Houston – London Heathrow operation, which sees Boeing 787-9 operating on 1 of 3 daily service, from 03MAR16 to 24MAR16.
The following schedule is effective for the week of 13MAR16.
UA921 IAH1655 – 0655+1LHR 789 D
UA970 IAH2030 – 1105+1LHR 763 D
UA920 LHR0920 – 1455IAH 789 D
UA984 LHR1140 – 1715IAH 763 D
UA971 LHR1340 – 1925IAH 763 D
Note current schedule listing shows discrepancy, with 2 flights from IAH, 3 from LHR.
Routes Online
Photo:Duncan Stewart - LAX
British Airways to Launch Boeing 787 Tel Aviv Service from late-Oct 2015
BA165 LHR0810 – 1510TLV 321 D
BA167 LHR1715 – 0020+1TLV 321 x35
BA163 LHR2230 – 0515+1TLV 788 x47
BA163 LHR2230 – 0515+1TLV 772 47
BA162 TLV0735 – 1100LHR 788 x15
BA162 TLV0735 – 1100LHR 772 15
BA166 TLV1030 – 1400LHR 321 x46
BA164 TLV1635 – 2010LHR 321 D
Glenn Palmer - LHR
Transaero on track for maiden A380 this summer
Transaero Airlines (UN, Moscow Domodedovo) will indeed take delivery of two A380-800s later this summer the governor of Primorsky Krai in Russia's Far East, Vladimir Miklushevskiy, has disclosed. The carrier has four of the type on order from Airbus Industrie (AIB, Toulouse Blagnac).
"Currently, services to the region are operated using different equipment. In summer 2015, services will also be operated using the largest aircraft in the world, the A380, and our runway can accommodate this," he said. "Transaero Airlines is acquiring two such aircraft, they will be used on services to Vladivostok and New York JFK."
Olga Pleshakova, Transaero Airlines CEO, said last year that the 652-seater quadjets will feature twelve Imperial (First) Class suites, twenty-four Business Class flat-bed seats, and 616 Economy-class seats.
The first of four B747-8s the Russian carrier now has on order from Boeing (BOE, Chicago O'Hare) is also scheduled to arrive later this year.
ch-aviation
domingo, 24 de maio de 2015
sexta-feira, 22 de maio de 2015
Boeing Delivers Transaero’s First Next-Generation 737-800
MOSCOW, May 22, 2015 – Boeing (NYSE: BA) delivered today Transaero’s first Next-Generation 737-800. The airplane, sporting a new livery, arrived at Moscow’s Domodedovo Airport.
Transaero’s newest 737 has a recognizable radome “bump” on top of the fuselage just behind the wings. The dome-shaped radome covers a Ku-band satellite antenna system that enables broadband passenger connectivity all over the world — even over oceans. The Ku-band range of microwave frequencies is used primarily for satellite communications.
Transaero’s 737-800 is the first in the 737 family to have the system installed during production. In-line installation can save airlines days of lost revenue previously experienced when retrofitting the radome after delivery.
Transaero was the first private airline in Russia, established in 1991. It also was the first Russian airline to introduce a Boeing airplane to its fleet in 1993 when it began operating the 737. Today, Transaero is the second-largest airline in Russia and operates 737s, 747s, 767s and 777s.
Avatar Airlines turns to crowdfunding
Avatar Airlines (Las Vegas McCarran) has launched a crowdfunding initiative to help raise the USD5 million it requires to get operations off the ground. The Nevadan start-up is offering various incentives to investors who contribute between USD5 and USD9,750 in capital.
Descended from the failed Family Airlines (Las Vegas McCarran), Avatar last year said it would require up to USD300 million in funding to acquire a fleet of thirty B747-400s which it intends to configure with 539 seats in economy and 42 in business class. Thereafter, the budget carrier plans to operate scheduled domestic US services connecting San Francisco, CA, Las Vegas McCarran, Honolulu, San Diego Int'l, Phoenix Sky Harbor, Dallas/Fort Worth, Miami Int'l, Orlando Int'l, Tampa Int'l, New York JFK, Philadelphia Int'l, Chicago O'Hare, Los Angeles Int'l, and San Juan Luis Muñoz Marin.
Avatar applied to the US Department of Transportation (DOT) for a Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity along with Interstate Scheduled authority early last year.
GX Airlines looks to make int'l début this year
GX Airlines is planning to make its international debut later this year with flights to two as-yet-unknown Asian capital cities. The Tianjin Airlines (GS, Tianjin) subsidiary, which only launched operations in February, says it plans too tap into Nanning’s growing trade and tourist traffic with Southeast Asia. As such, it is currently studying Bangkok, Vientiane, Hanoi, Singapore Changi, and Phnom Penh as potential candidates.
Using a fleet of five EMB-190s dry-leased from Tianjin Airlines, the start-up currently serves eighteen destinations located throughout China.
ch-aviation
Air Lituanica ceases operations
Air Lituanica (LT, Vilnius) has ceased its operations as of today. All passengers holding tickets until May 29 will be rebooked on Air Baltic (BT, Riga) while remaining passengers will either get a refund or be rebooked on Air Baltic as well if agreed.
The carrier commenced flights in July 2013 with an wet-leased EMB-170 from Estonian Air (OV, Tallinn Lennart Meri) before adding an EMB-175LR, LY-LTF (c/n 17000017) to its fleet a few weeks later. In late 2013, Estonian Air terminated the wet-lease contract and a commercial cooperation with the Vilnius-based airline claiming non payment leading to a legal dispute.
Air Lituanica again had two aircraft when it wet-leased a CRJ-200 from Cimber (QA, Sønderborg) from March 1, 2014. The regional jet was later replaced by a DOT - Danu oro transportas ATR72 in July 2014 and later by an ERJ-145 from bmi regional (BM, Aberdeen Dyce) in late August. In its last months of existence, Air Lituanica again wet-leased a twinjet from Estonian Air and returned the British operated aircraft.
Furthermore, Air Lituanica wet-leased an ATR42 from DOT from January 2015 onwards, meaning that the airline had three aircraft in the end of which just one was operated by itself.
Air Lituanica was founded by the Vilnius Municipality which also held a stake through Start Vilnius. Several other local companies and institutions had also invested in the project. The ongoing losses of the company that were partly born by the taxpayer led to several political disputes in Lithuania.
As of today, the Lithuanian airline operated flights from Vilnius to Amsterdam, Berlin Tegel, Billund, Brussels National, Hamburg Fuhlsbüttel, Munich, Paris CDG, Prague, Stockholm Bromma and Tallinn Lennart Meri. Air Litunica was the only scheduled airline in Lithunia leaving the Baltic country without an own scheduled airline now.
ch-aviation
Air China Takes Delivery of Its 6th 747-8I Aircraft
The 747-8I, Registration B-2482, MSN 44933, officially joined the fleet of Air China following a delivery flight from Everett to Tianjin. Flight CA79 took off from PAE at 1:05 p.m. and arrived at Tianjin Binhai International Airport (TSN) at 2:48 p.m., according to Flightradar24.
Meanwhile, Air China's last of seven 747-8I (Registration B-2480) conducted its first flight on May 21, scheduled for its delivery later this year, according to a Twitter post by Paine Airport.
The Beijing-based carrier took delivery of its first 747-8I in late September, becoming the first carrier in Asia that operates the passenger version of the new, fuel-efficient 747-8.
Air China's 747-8I features 365 seats in a four-class cabin configuration, including 12 seats in first class, 54 in business class, 66 in premium economy class and 233 in economy class
Boeing Marks 100th 767 Freighter Delivery
Boeing delivered its 100th 767 freighter to FedEx Express a few days ago, marking a great milestone of the 767 program.
The program continues to invest in and improve the production system and the airplane itself, keep it a vital part of our cargo customers' networks, according to Randy's Journal, a Boeing blog authored by Randy Tinseth, Vice President, Marketing for Boeing Commercial Airplanes.
A performance improvement package engine from GE was delivered this year, adding another half-point in fuel efficiency.
Cargo operators are keeping the fleet busy with an average utilization of nearly 10 hours a day. The fleet has accumulated more than two million flight hours combined.
FedEx took delivery of its first Boeing 767-300F in September 2013 as part of its fleet modernization strategy.
quinta-feira, 21 de maio de 2015
Volaris takes delivery of first two A321s
First airline in Mexico to operate Airbus’ largest single-aisle aircraft
Volaris, a Mexican low-cost carrier, has received its first two Airbus A321 aircraft, the latest being received during a ceremony at the Airbus Delivery Centre in Hamburg, Germany. Volaris’ aircraft will be the first A321s to operate in Mexico and will be deployed on the carrier’s domestic routes to and from Cancun.
The Volaris A321 seats 220 passengers, is equipped with Sharklet fuel-saving wing tip devices and powered by IAE engines. The two A321s will join Volaris’ existing all-Airbus fleet of more than 50 A319s and A320s aircraft. To date, Volaris has ordered a total of 74 Airbus single aisle aircraft.
The delivery highlights the market trend for larger capacity aircraft by Latin American operators as well as Mexico’s strong traffic growth. According to the most recent Airbus Global Market Forecast, the passenger aircraft fleet serving Mexico will more than double in the next 20 years.
“This is a very important step in our growth strategy, and the A321’s increased seating capacity will undoubtedly help Volaris address the increasing passenger demand for cost-efficient and comfortable air travel,” said Enrique Beltranena, Chief Executive Officer of Volaris. “It’s an honour to be reaching this milestone with Airbus, a key partner since our inception, who has played an important role in our growth as a company and the efficient operation of our aircraft.”
“The A321 is instrumental in bringing increased capacity on Volaris’ most popular routes, and it allows the airline to benefit from the lowest cost per seat of any single aisle aircraft,” said John Leahy, Chief Operating Officer, Customers. “We are pleased that the A321 will help Volaris efficiently address growing demand for cost-effective air travel in Mexico while benefitting from the unmatched comfort, operating economics and fuel-efficiency of the benchmark A320 Family.”
The A321 is the largest member of the best-selling single aisle A320 Family. The A321’s unbeatable economics offer a 20 percent capacity increase and an improved operating cost per seat compared to the A320. The A320 Family is the world’s best-selling single aisle product line with almost 11,700 orders to date and over 6,500 aircraft delivered to 400 customers and operators worldwide.
The A320 Family is the preferred choice for Latin American carriers; there are over 500 A320 Family aircraft in operation and Airbus has more than 60 percent of fleet in-service and order backlog in Latin America today. With more than 950 aircraft sold and a backlog of nearly 500, almost 600 Airbus aircraft are in operation throughout Latin America and the Caribbean. In the last 10 years, Airbus has tripled its in-service fleet, while delivering more than 60 percent of all aircraft operating in the region.
Sichuan Airlines receives its 100th Airbus aircraft
China’s largest all Airbus operator celebrates a land-mark delivery
Airbus has delivered the 100th aircraft, an A321, to China’s largest all Airbus operator Sichuan Airlines. The aircraft was handed over to Sichuan Airlines during a delivery ceremony in Hamburg, Germany. Equipped with Sharklet fuel saving wing tip devices and powered by IAE V2500 engines, the aircraft features a comfortable two class cabin, seating 194 passengers (8 business and 186 in economy). Including the latest delivery Sichuan Airlines’ fleet comprises 93 A320 Family aircraft and seven A330 Family aircraft.
“We are happy to receive the 100th aircraft from Airbus. The latest addition to our all Airbus fleet will further increase our capacity to satisfy the growing market demand for air traffic in China,” said Li Haiying, Chairman and President of Sichuan Airlines. “We are expanding our route networks not only across China but also to Asia, Australia, Europe and North America. With a 100-strong fleet comprising both Airbus A320 Family and A330 Family aircraft, we are confident to take our passengers to more destinations and offer them a more comfortable flight experience.”
“We would like to congratulate Sichuan Airlines on the milestone of increasing its fleet to 100 aircraft with Airbus single-aisle and wide bodies and we would like to express our gratitude to Sichuan Airlines for its confidence in Airbus aircraft,” said Eric Chen, President Airbus China. “Starting from a regional player in the South-Western part of China, Sichuan Airlines has today developed into a strong player in China and is exploring new opportunities in the international market. As always, we will provide strong support to Sichuan Airlines with our top performing aircraft and top level of services.”
The partnership between Sichuan Airlines and Airbus dates back to 1995 when the airline introduced an A320 to become the first airline to operate an Airbus fly-by-wire aircraft in China’s mainland. It was also the first airline to operate Airbus A321 in China’s mainland. In 2009, the airline received the first A320 assembled at the Airbus Tianjin Final Assembly. In 2010, Sichuan Airlines received its first A330 aircraft.
Based in Chengdu, the capital of Sichuan Province in South-Western China, Sichuan Airlines has a network to some 200 domestic destinations including Beijing, Harbin, Hangzhou, Xi’an and Sanya as well as international routes to Asia, Australia, and North America.
The A321 is the largest member of the best-selling single aisle A320 Family. 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 almost 11,700 orders to date and more than 6,500 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.
quarta-feira, 20 de maio de 2015
The 15th SSJ100 Joined Interjet Fleet. Another brand new Sukhoi Superjet 100 (SSJ100) aircraft joined the Mexican Interjet’s fleet on the 20th of May. The aircraft (MSN95066) was rolled out from the SuperJet International’s facility in Venice (Italy) and took off from the “Marco Polo” Airport for its ferry flight to Mexico, stopping in Keflyavik (Iceland) and Bangor (Maine, USA).
Another brand new Sukhoi Superjet 100 (SSJ100) aircraft joined the Mexican Interjet’s fleet on the 20th of May. The aircraft (MSN95066) was rolled out from the SuperJet International’s facility in Venice (Italy) and took off from the “Marco Polo” Airport for its ferry flight to Mexico, stopping in Keflyavik (Iceland) and Bangor (Maine, USA).
“The 15th delivery to Interjet represents the first half of the total order signed by the Mexican airline for 30 SSJ100 in the 93-seats configuration,” says Nazario Cauceglia, CEO of SuperJet International. “It is a great result and by the end of 2015 we plan to deliver additional six aircraft”.
As stated by Interjet, the SSJ100 is confirming an excellent performance with a dispatch reliability’s average of 99%. The aircraft is also being appreciated by passengers for its outstanding comfort in the cabin, the wide overhead baggage space and the exclusive Pininfarina interior.
Interjet SSJ100s are being delivered under a three ECA deal, a multilateral export credit guaranteed by Coface (France), Sace (Italy) and EXIAR (Russia), which cover the total aircraft ordered by the Mexican airline and can be tailored for the new SSJ100 customers.
The Sukhoi Superjet 100 – developed by Sukhoi Civil Aircraft Company (SCAC) in partnership with Finmeccanica-Alenia Aermacchi – incorporates the most modern Western technology and systems, optimized power and efficiency, together with high standards of comfort available in the 100-seat segment
terça-feira, 19 de maio de 2015
Embraer Confirms Firm Order from Tianjin Airlines for E-Jets and E-Jets E2
The first E195 will be delivered in 2015, and the first E190-E2 is scheduled for delivery in 2018. This order will be incorporated in Embraer’s 2015 second-quarter backlog. Tianjin Airlines is currently the operator of the largest fleet of E-Jets in Asia.
“We are honored to confirm this repeated order for our largest client in Asia,” said Paulo Cesar Silva, President & CEO, Embraer Commercial Aviation. “China is growing very fast and there is a need for smaller narrow-body jets to support efficient hub and spoke operations, complementing larger narrow-body aircraft operations, thus providing an ideal balance of frequency and seats, encouraging the development of new markets with lower risks and incremental capacity, while generating significant demand for new aircraft in this category.”
“As the number of passengers is growing in China, these E195s will be very important to support Tianjin Airlines’ strategy to attend this demand,” said Du Xiaoping, the Chairman of Tianjin Airlines. “We are very satisfied with the E190s that are currently in operation and are sure that the new airplanes will allow us to achieve our development objectives.”
The Embraer-Tianjin Airlines partnership is well established. Tianjin Airlines was the launch customer for the E190 in China and operates the largest E-Jets fleet in Asia with 50 E190s in its fleet. It is also the first carrier being appointed as an Authorized Service Center for Embraer aircraft in China. Recently, the carrier announced to install Embraer AHEAD-PRO system for all its 50 E190s, becoming the first user of this system in China.
HNA Group Tianjin Airlines was launched as the first true regional airline in China in 2009. In 2010, the carrier changed its focus from purely regional operations to a combination of mainline and regional services. Its aim is to become a medium-to-large international airline, as it pursues a new “regional aviation and global operations” strategy. In 2011, Tianjin Airlines received the “Best Regional Aviation Airline in China” and “Global Four-star Airlines” awards from Skytrax for its outstanding achievement. Today, the carrier operates a fleet of more than 80 jets that serves some over 100 domestic and international cities and carries over ten million travelers.
Virgin Atlantic S16 Boeing 747-400 Operations as of 19MAY15
Airline Route on 18MAY15 reported Virgin is tentatively scheduling last Boeing 747-400 operation in London Heathrow, however some sources that relies on this site on daily basis, claiming the date of 17APR16 is the carrier’s last 747-400 operation. Such claim is incorrect.
Glasgow – Orlando 2 weekly VS071/072
London Gatwick – Cancun 3 weekly VS093/094
London Gatwick – Havana 2 weekly VS063/064
London Gatwick – Las Vegas 1 daily VS043/044
London Gatwick – Montego Bay 3 weekly VS065/066
London Gatwick – Orlando 13-14 weekly VS027/028, VS015/016
London Heathrow – Miami 1 daily VS005/006, 27MAR16 – 17APR16
London Heathrow – New York JFK 5 weekly VS045/046, 27MAR16 – 17APR16
Manchester – Barbados 1 weekly VS077/078
Manchester – Las Vegas 2 weekly VS085/086
Manchester – Orlando 11 weekly VS073/074, VS075/076
Currently, schedule listing is available up to June 2016. Further changes to planned 747-400 operation remain highly possible.
Airlines Routes
Photo:Duncan Stewart - LAX
Boeing Business Jets Unveils Split Scimitar Winglets for BBJ Family
Adds up to 2 percent additional range to BBJ family
GENEVA, May 18, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- Boeing [NYSE:BA] Business Jets (BBJ) announced today at the European Business Aviation Conference & Exhibition (EBACE) that Split Scimitar Winglets are now standard on new BBJs.
The BBJ, a business jet based on the Next-Generation 737 family, is the first business jet to offer the Split Scimitar Winglets as a standard feature
The Split Scimitar Winglets – designed, developed and certified by Aviation Partners Boeing (APB) – also will be offered for retrofit on in-service BBJs by Aviation Partners Inc. (API).
"We are very excited to offer the Split Scimitar Winglet for our current BBJ family," said Boeing Business Jets President David Longridge. "It is another example of our dedication to continuous improvement for the BBJ family, and we think our customers will enjoy the increased performance and design."
The Split Scimitar Winglet gives the BBJ family up to an additional 2.2 percent of range capability on a 6,000 nautical mile mission, providing customers increased performance and flexibility. The Split Scimitar Winglet takes the existing blended winglet and adds a scimitar tip and downward strake.
The first in-service BBJ to have Split Scimitar Winglets installed is available to view at the static airplane display this week at EBACE.
Boeing Business Jets offers a wide variety of ultra-large-cabin, long range airplanes perfectly suited for the private jet market. The product line includes the BBJ and BBJ MAX family as well as Boeing widebody airplanes including the BBJ 787, 777, and 747-8.
Boeing Business Jets Announces Two Airplane Orders
Orders for BBJ, BBJ 787-8 Dreamliner
First BBJ 787-9 delivered
GENEVA, May 18, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- Boeing [NYSE:BA] Business Jets
announced today two new orders at the European Business Aviation Convention
& Exhibition in Geneva. Two undisclosed customers have selected a BBJ and a
BBJ 787-8 Dreamliner.
"We are pleased to have such a strong start to 2015, and we know that
these two customers will love their airplanes and all the capability and
flexibility they provide," said Boeing Business Jets President David
Longridge.
Boeing Business Jets also announced the first BBJ 747-8 entered into
service in early 2015 and the first BBJ 787-9 Dreamliner was delivered to a
completion center to install its custom interior.
Boeing Business Jets offers a wide variety of ultra-large-cabin, long range
airplanes perfectly suited for the private jet market. The product line
includes the BBJ and BBJ MAX family as well as Boeing widebody airplanes
including the BBJ 787, 777 and 747-8.
A320neo with LEAP- 1A engines takes to the sky for the first time
Marking the start of testing for second engine choice
The first A320neo equipped with CFM International LEAP-1A engines completed its maiden flight today in Toulouse, France. The aircraft, registration F-WNEW, was flown by Experimental Test Pilots Philippe Perrin and Malcolm Ridley. Accompanying them in the cockpit was Test-Flight Engineer Jean-Michel Pin and monitoring the progress of the flight profile were the Flight-Test Engineers Tuan Do and Philippe Pupin. The flight lasted 4 hours and 25 minutes during which tests were performed to validate the aircraft’s flight envelope up to the maximum altitude (39,000ft) and test the engine speed variation (low/high) in addition to checking systems behaviour.
“Today marks yet another important step forward in the development of the A320neo and I would like to warmly thank all the teams who made this first flight happen,” said Klaus Roewe, Head of the A320 Programme. “With the second NEO engine now taking to the skies, we are progressing well towards fulfilling our objective to offer our customers an engine choice for a product at the cutting edge of competitiveness.”
The newest member of the A320 Family, the A320neo, incorporates many innovations including latest generation engines, Sharklet wing tip devices and cabin improvements, which together will deliver up to 20 percent in fuel savings by 2020.The flight test campaign of the A320neo has accumulated more than 400 flight hours in around 130 flights since first flight on 25th September 2014
Airbus launches ACJneo Family with order from Acropolis Aviation
New aircraft expands Airbus corporate jet family
Airbus has launched the ACJneo (New Engine Option) Family with an order for an ACJ320neo from Acropolis Aviation of Farnborough, near London, which is the first to order the new aircraft.
Delivery of Acropolis’ ACJ320neo, which will seat 19 passengers, is planned for the fourth quarter of 2018. Cabin outfitting details and engine choice will be decided later.
Airbus’ ACJ320neo features new, more efficient, engines, wingtip-mounted Sharklets, and a more comfortable cabin. Together, these improve fuel burn, range and performance, while delivering an even better ride. The ACJ320neo will be able to fly 25 passengers 6,000 nm/11,100 km.
“Our passengers and team have been delighted with our Airbus ACJ319 and the success that it has achieved with VVIP charter flights over the past five years,” says Acropolis Aviation CEO Jonathan Bousfield. “We are excited and proud to be the first launch-customer for the ACJ320neo, which is the cornerstone of our planning for a successful future,” he adds.
Airbus’ ACJ320neo will be complemented by a new ACJ319neo, also with new engines, Sharklets and a more comfortable cabin, which can fly eight passengers 6,750nm/12,500km.
“Airbus prides itself on innovation and having the world’s most modern aircraft family, so launching the ACJneo Family is a natural next step for us in growing the Airbus corporate jet lineup,” comments Airbus Chief Operating Officer, Customers, John Leahy. “The ACJneo allows us to offer even more of the comfort, range and value sought by our customers,” he adds.
Airbus corporate jets’ airliner heritage means that they offer the widest and tallest cabins of any business jet, while being similar in size externally. It also means that they can carry the larger groups that companies, individuals and governments often want to fly. Airbus corporate jets also feature the robust reliability demanded by airlines, and are supported by a worldwide network serving the needs of more than 8,000 aircraft and over 500 customers and operators.
Airbus corporate jets were the first with the enhanced ergonomics and practical protection of fly-by-wire controls that are today’s industry standard. They are still the only aircraft in the top-of-the-line bizliner category to do so. They also feature the common cockpit of all Airbus aircraft produced today, extensive weight-saving materials, and cost-saving centralised maintenance.
More than 170 corporate jets have been sold to date, and they are flying on every continent, including Antarctica, highlighting their versatility.
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