terça-feira, 30 de junho de 2015

EUROWINGS - A330-200 - B-16301 - First A330 of Eurowings,and The Registration will be change to D-AXGA.

kobayashi - Taoyuan (Taipei) - Taiwan,

V AIR - A320-200 Sharklets - B-22610

kobayashi - Taoyuan (Taipei) - Taiwan,

TRANSASIA - A320-200 - B-22318 - New Livery

kobayashi - Taoyuan (Taipei) - Taiwan,

Airbus plans to open A330 China plant, upbeat on output -CEO



PARIS, June 30 (Reuters) - Airbus plans to build a second plant in China after winning an order for at least 45 jets that underpins its production goals for the wide-body A330, chief executive Fabrice Bregier said on Tuesday.

Airbus has been negotiating for about 18 months to establish an A330 'cabin completion centre' in China alongside an existing final assembly plant for smaller A320 jets in Tianjin.

An agreement to build a plant capable of fitting out 2 A330s a month is expected to be signed during a visit to Toulouse by Chinese Prime Minister Li Keqiang on Thursday.

"We are going to launch the project. I think we have a good base. We hope to have more orders in the future, but it's a project which makes a lot of sense and which gives us an advantage against our competition," Bregier told Reuters after a signing ceremony.

Bregier was speaking shortly after China placed an order for 45 A330 aircraft worth at least $11 billion, together with provisional purchases of another 30 planes.

The deal, coming on top of a recent sale of 20 planes to Saudi Arabia, lifts uncertainty over production levels of the A330, which Airbus has been forced to reduce while preparing to revamp the profitable but ageing jet with new engines.

"This should help us a lot to maintain a production rate of six a month that we announced for the transition," Bregier said.

(Reporting by Tim Hepher, editing by Astrid Wendlandt
Photo:Ton Jochems - YVR

Air Canada Expands European Network

Flag carrier, Air Canada has further expanded its European network with the addition of new non-stop services to Lyon in France and London's Gatwick airport, due to commence in summer 2016.
Flag carrier, Air Canada has further expanded its European network with the addition of new non-stop services to Lyon in France and London's Gatwick airport, due to commence in summer 2016.

Air Canada Expands European Network
 
Flag carrier, Air Canada has further expanded its European network with the addition of new non-stop services to Lyon in France and London's Gatwick airport, due to commence in summer 2016.

The new seasonal Air Canada rouge service between Toronto and Gatwick will complement the airline’s extensive operation at London Heathrow, while the year-round service from Montreal to Lyon will complement the airline’s operations to both Nice-Côte d'Azur, and Paris Charles de Gaulle.

Tickets for both routes will be available for purchase from July 2, 2015, and service between Montreal and Lyon will begin June 16, 2016, operating up to five-times-weekly with an Airbus A330-300 aircraft. The airline’s summer seasonal service between Toronto and London Gatwick will commence on May 19, 2016 and will operate up to seven-times-weekly with a Boeing 767-300ER.

Air Canada’s new service to Lyon, the heart of the second largest metropolitan area in France will be the only year-round service between North America and Lyon.

James Cherry, President and Chief Executive Officer of Aéroports de Montréal said: "This new scheduled service between Montreal and Lyon, France's second-largest urban area, is excellent news that further supports Montreal–Trudeau's positioning as a hub between North America and Europe, particularly French-speaking Europe."

European low-cost carrier, easyJet has recently announced four new routes from Lyon including Amsterdam, Naples, as well as London Southend and Belfast during the winter season to convey the British tourist to Alpine ski resorts.

"Our new seasonal Air Canada rouge service between Toronto and London's Gatwick airport will complement our extensive operation at London Heathrow, our largest gateway outside Canada with non-stop service from eight Canadian cities. Air Canada rouge is ideally-suited to serve London-Gatwick, with its focus on leisure travel and provide easy access to southern London,” said Benjamin Smith, President, Passenger Airlines, at Air Canada.

Meanwhile, Canadian low-cost carrier, WestJet Airlines has also selected to UK capital as the first transatlantic destination from Canada for its widebody 767-300 fleet. The airline will deploy the aircraft to London Gatwick from spring 2016.

Air Canada has been expanding its presence across Western Europe over the past ten years, with a particular increase in services to Europe between 2013 and 2015.

Our analysis of OAG Schedule Analyser data shows that the airline has added a total of seven new destinations within Western Europe over the past three years, including Amsterdam, Edinburgh, Istanbul, Lisbon, Manchester, Milan Malpensa, Nice and Venice.

Air Canada now offers a total of 2,756,517 seats to Western Europe in 2015, a 51.3 percent increase in seats in comparison to 2005. Between 2014 and 2015, the airline has more than doubled the number of seats available on its flights to Venice and Lisbon, while its services to Dublin, Barcelona and Rome Fuimicino have seen a significant increase in seats.

Aside from a minor dip in available departure seats between 2008 and 2009, Air Canada has steadily grown its offering to Western Europe, now serving a total of 21 destinations in 2015.

Flag carrier, Air Canada has further expanded its European network with the addition of new non-stop services to Lyon in France and London's Gatwick airport, due to commence in summer 2016.
The new seasonal Air Canada rouge service between Toronto and Gatwick will complement the airline’s extensive operation at London Heathrow, while the year-round service from Montreal to Lyon will complement the airline’s operations to both Nice-Côte d'Azur, and Paris Charles de Gaulle.
Tickets for both routes will be available for purchase from July 2, 2015, and service between Montreal and Lyon will begin June 16, 2016, operating up to five-times-weekly with an Airbus A330-300 aircraft. The airline’s summer seasonal service between Toronto and London Gatwick will commence on May 19, 2016 and will operate up to seven-times-weekly with a Boeing 767-300ER.
Air Canada’s new service to Lyon, the heart of the second largest metropolitan area in France will be the only year-round service between North America and Lyon.
James Cherry, President and Chief Executive Officer of Aéroports de Montréal said: "This new scheduled service between Montreal and Lyon, France's second-largest urban area, is excellent news that further supports Montreal–Trudeau's positioning as a hub between North America and Europe, particularly French-speaking Europe."
European low-cost carrier, easyJet has recently announced four new routes from Lyon including Amsterdam, Naples, as well as London Southend and Belfast during the winter season to convey the British tourist to Alpine ski resorts.
"Our new seasonal Air Canada rouge service between Toronto and London's Gatwick airport will complement our extensive operation at London Heathrow, our largest gateway outside Canada with non-stop service from eight Canadian cities. Air Canada rouge is ideally-suited to serve London-Gatwick, with its focus on leisure travel and provide easy access to southern London,” said Benjamin Smith, President, Passenger Airlines, at Air Canada.
Meanwhile, Canadian low-cost carrier, WestJet Airlines has also selected to UK capital as the first transatlantic destination from Canada for its widebody 767-300 fleet. The airline will deploy the aircraft to London Gatwick from spring 2016.
Air Canada has been expanding its presence across Western Europe over the past ten years, with a particular increase in services to Europe between 2013 and 2015.
Our analysis of OAG Schedule Analyser data shows that the airline has added a total of seven new destinations within Western Europe over the past three years, including Amsterdam, Edinburgh, Istanbul, Lisbon, Manchester, Milan Malpensa, Nice and Venice.
Air Canada now offers a total of 2,756,517 seats to Western Europe in 2015, a 51.3 percent increase in seats in comparison to 2005. Between 2014 and 2015, the airline has more than doubled the number of seats available on its flights to Venice and Lisbon, while its services to Dublin, Barcelona and Rome Fuimicino have seen a significant increase in seats.

Aside from a minor dip in available departure seats between 2008 and 2009, Air Canada has steadily grown its offering to Western Europe, now serving a total of 21 destinations in 2015.
routes online
Photo:Ton Jochems - YYV

Ellinair adds first A319

Ellinair (EL, Thessaloniki) has taken delivery of its first Airbus Industrie (AIB, Toulouse Blagnac) equipment with the recent arrival of an ex-Volaris (Y4, Toluca) A319-100, SX-EMB (cn 3705), in Thessaloniki on Saturday, June 27.

 Backed by one of Greece's largest tour operators, Mouzenidis Travel, Ellinair two ARJ-85s and two B737-300s, wet-leased from Grand Cru Airlines (GCA, Vilnius), on leisure flights from Greece to Russia, Ukraine, and Latvia.

Insel Air eyes four more ex-KLM Fokker 70s

Insel Air is planning to acquire four more Fokker 70s from KLM Royal Dutch Airlines  this year adding to the three it bought in July 2014. CEO Albert Kluyver told CAPA in an interview that the Curaçaoan carrier's board is still considering the purchase which, if concluded, would see two delivered in early 2016 and two more in early 2017.

Air Incheon eyes maiden widebody freighter

Air Incheon (KJ, Seoul Incheon) is planning to acquire a B767-300(ER) for conversion into a B767-300(F) CargoFacts has reported. According to the publication, the carrier was granted exemption by Korea’s Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport (MLIT) from recently enacted regulation forbidding Korean air carriers from operating aircraft over
 twenty years old.

 Once delivered in early 2016, the aircraft will become the first widebody freighter in the South Korea operator's fleet, which currently consists of two B737-400(F)s and one soon-to-be-inducted B737-300(QC). 
ch-aviation
Photo;Air Incheon

Garuda to partner Cardigair on Indonesian freight flights

Garuda Indonesia (GA, Jakarta Soekarno-Hatta) has signed a freight partnership agreement with fellow Indonesian operator Cardigair (8F, Jakarta Soekarno-Hatta) involving the joint marketing and promotion of freight capacity on each other's flights.

 During the initial stages of the deal which come into effect next month, Garuda will be able to sell freight space aboard Cardigair flights to Surabaya, East Java, Denpasar, Bali, and Dili in Timor Leste, while Cardig will have the rights to sell cargo space on several of Garuda's domestic and international routes.

 "The early stages of this new partnership includes marketing programs on flights routed Surabaya-Denpasar-Dili. In the future, we will continue to develop cooperation with Cardigair to develop cargo routes to other domestic and international routes that are currently not served by Garuda Indonesia Cargo," Garuda Indonesia president director Arif Wibowo said.

 Garuda offers belly-hold freight services on flights to over seventy destinations throughout the Indonesian archipelago including Medan Kuala Namu, Jambi, Jakarta, Bandung, Yogyakarta, Solo City, Semarang, Surabaya, and Denpasar.

 For its part, Carigair operates a fleet of four B737-300(F)s on scheduled flights from Jakarta Halim and Jayapura to Singapore Changi and between Wamena and Jayapura Sentani.

 The partnership is expected to generate an additional USD10 million in revenue for the two carriers. 
ch-aviation

Building momentum: Vietnam Airlines becomes second operator of the game-changing A350 XWB

The operator base for Airbus’ new-generation A350 XWB is extending to East Asia with handover of the Xtra Wide Body jetliner to Vietnam Airlines. This aircraft will enter commercial revenue service later in the week, operated on lease from AerCap.

Today’s milestone delivery, celebrated during a ceremony at Airbus facilities adjacent to Toulouse-Blagnac Airport in France, makes Vietnam Airlines the world’s second A350 XWB operator after the jetliner’s introduction in January by launch customer Qatar Airways.

With the A350 XWB in its fleet, Vietnam Airlines will bring a new level of service to passengers while also benefiting from enhanced profitability and increased competitiveness in the long-haul premium sector.  Vietnam is a key growth market in Asia and is expected to continue to record much higher-than-average growth in traffic – estimated at approximately 8.4 per cent per annum over the next 20 years, according to Airbus’ latest Global Market Forecast.
A shared passion for aviation 

Vietnam Airlines’ no. 1 A350 XWB – an A350-900 version – initially will be flown on the carrier’s Hanoi-Ho Chi Minh route, and will begin long-haul services from these two Vietnamese cities to Paris, France later in the year. The airline will introduce a total of 14 A350-900s into its fleet, composed of 10 received from Airbus and the other four from lessors.

“Thank you, Airbus, for building us a great airplane with the latest innovative technologies,” said Trinh Ngoc Thanh, Vietnam Airlines’ Executive Vice President - Commercial, during the A350 XWB delivery ceremony. “Our corporate slogan is ‘Reach further,’ and with the A350 XWB, we are fully committed to providing our valued customers with a memorable flying experience that reaches new heights.”

The relationship with Vietnam dates back 20 years when Airbus aircraft became the first Western types to be operated in the country. Since then, the company’s jetliners have served as a platform for Vietnam Airlines to grow at home and abroad, and also have contributed to the Vietnamese economy’s development.  In addition to the newly-received A350 XWB, Vietnam Airlines currently operates 59 Airbus-built aircraft: 49 single-aisle A321s and 10 widebody A330s.

AerCap: the importance of aircraft lessors 

The first A350 XWB’s delivery for operation by Vietnam Airlines also puts a spotlight on the growing role of aircraft leasing companies in today’s evolving air transport industry. Among the leaders is AerCap, which is Airbus’ largest single customer – with cumulative orders for 945 jetliners.  Based in Amsterdam, AerCap serves 200 customers in approximately 90 countries and has firm orders for a total of 20 A350 XWBs.

At today’s A350 XWB delivery ceremony, AerCap President and Chief Commercial Officer Philip Scruggs highlighted Vietnam Airlines’ evolution from Russian-built aircraft to a modern fleet. “Today, Vietnam Airlines leads all of Asia as it introduces the A350,” he told the audience of invited guests and VIPs.

Making the freedom of flight even better 

The no. 1 Vietnam Airlines aircraft is a beauty inside and out.  Its streamlined exterior lines underscore many of the key A350 XWB elements that are setting new standards for aviation: the latest aerodynamic design, carbon fibre fuselage and wings, and fuel-saving Rolls-Royce Trent XWB engines – which together deliver unrivalled levels of operating efficiency.

Adding a special touch is the Vietnam Airlines logo on the vertical tail, featuring one of the most enduring and meaningful symbols of Vietnamese culture: the Lotus flower; while the livery’s distinct gold colouring underscores this jetliner’s high quality and evokes a sense of luxury.

Leveraging smart innovation by Airbus, the A350 XWB’s cabin design adds to the pleasant aesthetics, incorporating smooth curves, flowing lines, innovative lighting and wide windows – with straighter side walls and a flat floor in the cabin further increasing overall comfort and spaciousness.

A350 XWB comfort in all three classes of service 

Configured with a premium three-class layout, Vietnam Airlines’ A350 XWB has seating for 305 passengers – with 29 Business seats that convert to full flat beds, 45 seats in Premium Economy and 231 in Economy.

In addition to more personal space in all classes, this aircraft features the latest in-flight entertainment and connectivity systems throughout.

“The A350 is the latest member our widebody family, and the result of about a decade’s development by thousands of engineers,” Airbus President and CEO Fabrice Brégier told invited guests at today’s delivery ceremony. “This aircraft puts Vietnam Airlines at the forefront – not only of Asia’s aviation industry -- but also the world’s.  That is exactly where Vietnam Airlines belongs.”
For additional information on the first A350 XWB delivery to Vietnam Airlines, read the press release.
visit A350 XWB Vietnam Airlines delivery  

Vietnam Airlines becomes world’s second operator of the A350 XWB

New levels of comfort and efficiency for carrier’s long haul services

Vietnam Airlines has become the second airline in the world to operate the all-new A350 XWB, following a special ceremony in Toulouse today. The A350-900 aircraft was delivered to global lessor AerCap on lease to the airline for operation on long haul routes and is scheduled to arrive in Hanoi tomorrow. Altogether, Vietnam Airlines is set to acquire 14 A350 XWBs, including 10 ordered from Airbus and four from lessors.


Vietnam Airlines will inaugurate commercial service with the A350 XWB later this week, initially on the Hanoi-Ho Chi Minh domestic sector and then on non-stop flights from Hanoi to Paris. The aircraft is configured with a premium three class layout, with 29 seats that convert to full flat beds in Business Class, 45 seats in Premium Economy and 231 in Economy. In addition to more personal space in all classes, the aircraft features the latest in-flight entertainment and connectivity systems throughout.


Vietnam Airlines’ new A350 XWB will join an existing Airbus fleet of 59 aircraft flying with the carrier, comprising 49 A321s and 10 A330s.


“The arrival of the A350 XWB marks the start of a major upgrade of our long haul fleet,” said Trinh Ngoc Thanh, Executive Vice President, Commercial, Vietnam Airlines. “Combining the latest technologies, a wider cabin and the highest levels of comfort, the A350 XWB will enable us to fly our passengers in style whichever class of travel they choose. We are proud to be the second airline in the world to receive the A350 XWB aircraft which is a step forward that helps us to fulfil our commitment to “reach further”.”


“AerCap is pleased to be the first leasing company to take delivery of the A350 XWB directly from Airbus,” said Philip Scruggs, President & Chief Commercial Officer, AerCap. “We believe that the A350 XWB is an excellent addition to the Airbus family of aircraft. It incorporates the latest technology in both airframe and engines and will deliver important operating efficiencies to our airline customers. We are pleased to be leasing our first A350 XWB to Vietnam Airlines, which is one of the most vibrant airlines in Asia.”


“We are proud to see Vietnam Airlines become the second airline in the world to operate the A350 XWB,” said Fabrice Brégier, President and CEO, Airbus. “We are confident that the all-new A350 XWB will enable Vietnam Airlines to consolidate its position as one of Asia’s leading international carriers, bringing its passengers the best the industry has to offer.”


“We also thank AerCap for its ongoing confidence in our products and endorsement of their long term investment value,” added Mr Brégier. “The delivery of the A350 XWB for Vietnam Airlines marks a new milestone in our excellent partnership with AerCap, together offering a wide range of modern and cost-efficient fleet solutions for airlines in every market segment.”


AerCap is Airbus’ largest customer, and has ordered a cumulative total of 945 Airbus aircraft over the years. These include firm orders for a total of 20 A350 XWBs.


The A350 XWB features the latest aerodynamic design, carbon fibre fuselage and wings, plus new fuel-efficient Rolls-Royce Trent XWB engines. Together, these latest technologies translate into unrivalled levels of operational efficiency, with a 25 per cent reduction in fuel burn and emissions, and significantly lower maintenance costs.


To date, Airbus has recorded a total of 781 firm orders for the A350 XWB from 40 customers worldwide, already making it one of the most successful widebody aircraft ever. The aircraft handed over today is the fifth A350 XWB to be delivered, following the type’s entry into commercial service with its first operator earlier this year.

Private Chinese Carrier to Introduce 787-9 Dreamliners - Sources

China's privately-owned airline may introduce two Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners in 2017, sources familiar with the matter disclosed via BBS of CARNOC.com, sister website of WCARN.

According to the sources, a privately-owned carrier would probably take delivery of the 787-9s in 2017, when it will become the fifth Dreamliner operator in mainland China.

In fact, it is said a few months ago that some domestic carrier mulled taking two 787-9 Dreamliners by financial leasing, which is expected to be deployed on intercontinental routes. The information has caught the attention of domestic civil aviation industry in a big way.

The original sources also disclosed that the privately-owned carrier had the plan to join SkyTeam in the near future.

Currently, only four Chinese airlines are operating 787 Dreamliner, namely Air China (CA), China Southern Airlines (CZ), Hainan Airlines (HU) and Xiamen Airlines (MF).
wcarn

Hainan Airlines to Launch Beijing-Prague Flight by End Sep.

Hainan Airlines (HU), China's fourth largest carrier, will begin regular nonstop flights between Beijing and Prague, Czech, before the end of September this year, said Zhou Laizhen, Deputy Chief of the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC) on June 25.

HNA Group and Czech aviation group Český Aeroholding signed a strategic cooperation agreement on June 15, on the occasion of a visit by Chinese Deputy Vice Premier Liu Yandong to Prague. The agreement will set up a direct air connection between Prague and Beijing.

The Beijing-Prague is the third airline route between China and Central and Eastern Europe after Beijing-Warsaw and Beijing-Minsk-Budapest.

Ningxia Cargo Airlines to Take Off in September

Ningxia Cargo Airlines, the first cargo carrier based in West China, is expected to commence operation in this September, local media reported on Sunday.

According to Department of Commerce of Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, the new cargo carrier has received a public air operator's certificate from the aviation watchdog on June 11.

Ningxia Cargo Airlines plans to purchase three Boeing 737 aircraft for initial operations, which will arrive in Yinchuan after painting jobs in the middle of August 2015. Although the specific timetable for its formal launch remains to be decided, the airline is projected to start officially business operation in September after validation flights.

With a registered capital of 120 million yuan, Ningxia Cargo Airlines will operate domestic cargo and mail flights using a trio of 737-300 Freighters -- Registration B-2954, B-2949, and B-2584 -- brought from Zhejiang Loong Airlines.

The start-up carrier, based at Yinchuan Hedong Airport in the Ningxia Autonomous Region, is planning to be operating the international and domestic air cargo & mail transportation and other related business with a fleet of Boeing 737 and 747 air freighters. It is planned to expand its fleet to 50 by 2020 and build a comprehensive cargo network, which covers major domestic cities, connects with Central Asia, West Asia and East Europe and extends to Middle East, Southeast Asia and Northeast Asia.
wcarn
Zhejiang Loong Airlines Boeing 737-300F

China Eastern Launches Kunming-Shanghai-Vancouver Flight

China Eastern Airlines (MU) launched the inaugural flight from Kunming in Southwest China's Yunnan Province to Vancouver of Canada on Friday, marking the first long-hual transcontinental route from Yunnan Province to North America.

The long-haul service, served by Airbus A330-300 aircraft, is offered thrice weekly on Tuesdays, Fridays and Sunday. The outbound flight MU597 is scheduled to take off from Kunming Changshui International Airport (KMG) at 6:40 a.m., and touch down in Vancouver at 7:10 p.m., with a stopover at Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG); while the return flight MU598 will depart from Vancouver at 1:30 a.m. and arrive in Kunming at 11:10 a.m. the next day, with a stopover in Shanghai (all local time).

China Eastern's A330-200 (A33E) is configured with 234 seats including 30 flat-bed seats in business class and 204 in economy class. Personal entertainment system is available on board and each seat is equipped with a universal laptop power port, noise-cancelling headphones and a 15-inch screen.
Photo:Alain Charpentier - TLS

China Express Airlines Welcomes Two New CRJ900NG Aircraft

On June 29, China Express Airlines (G5) took delivery of its 17th and 18th CRJ900NG aircraft at Chongqing Jiangbei International Airport (CKG), making its hub Chongqing have 10 aircraft.

The two new aircraft will be deployed on Chongqing-Guyuan-Yinchuan and Chongqing-Liuzhou-Haikou routes.

Last year, China Express signed a purchase agreement with Canadian manufacturer Bombardier for 24 CRJ900NGs. Now, eight of 24 have been delivered.

As its fleet expands, the regional carrier continued to boost its network as well, operating 25 scheduled services. With significant enhance in transport capacity, China Express is believed to make more contribution to local transportation.
wcarn

segunda-feira, 29 de junho de 2015

Xiamen FTZ Receives 1st Boeing 787 Aircraft with Operating Lease

On June 19, a Boeing 787 Dreamliner, the world's most advanced passenger plane, landed at Xiamen Gaoqi International Airport.

The aircraft was the first Boeing 787 with an operating lease in the Xiamen Pilot Free Trade Zone, and the first of this new mode of aircraft lease in the Xiamen Xiangyu Bonded Area.

Three parties including China Construction Bank, CCB Financial Leasing Co., Ltd, and Xiamen Airlines signed a strategic cooperation agreement to build an aircraft lease industry and regional financial leasing center in Xiamen.

The CCB Financial Leasing Co., Ltd is a wholly-owned subsidiary of China Construction Bank. The subsidiary planned to introduce eight aircrafts for Xiamen Airlines through financial leasing this year, with a total value of about US$600 million.

The newly introduced aircraft will be used to fly the Xiamen-Amsterdam intercontinental route, which will be launched on July 26 and will be the first intercontinental air route of Xiamen Airlines.

Upon the aircraft's arrival, the number of Boeing aircraft owned by Xiamen Airlines reached 118, including 5 Boeing 787s.

Xiamen Airlines revealed that it is expected to reach 150 aircrafts over the next five years. One hundred of them will be introduced with bonded financial leasing.
wcarn

Myanmar National Flag Carrier to Ply Singapore Next Month

Myanmar National Airlines (MNA), the country's national flag carrier, is set to launch Yangon- Singapore route in July with a newly-leased Boeing 737-800 NGs out of six which the airlines has taken the delivery, sources with the airline said Saturday.

The MNA will add its flights to China's Hong Kong and Taipei by the end of August.

MNA will fly to four more destinations in the Asia-Pacific region with new airbuses beginning 2016.

Five other Boeing aircrafts of the same model each having 164 seats and worth 51 million U.S. dollars as well as four 737-Max 8 Next Generation aircrafts are to be received by 2018, according to earlier report .

The MNA has also ordered six ATRs to boost its domestic fleet which flies to 26 destinations.

As disclosed by MNA, it received more than 500,000 passengers in 2014, a 26 percent increase over the previous year.

MNA, renamed from state-run Myanmar Airways (MA) in December last year after corporatization has planned to lease these new model aircrafts from U.S.-based GE Capital Aviation Services.

MNA has planned to fly new destinations with new Boeing airplanes and also planned to give new services because of increased competition among airlines.

sábado, 27 de junho de 2015

JAL Chosen as Tokyo 2020 Official Airline Partner



Japan Airlines (JAL) is pleased to announce that the company has signed a Tokyo 2020 Official Partner (passenger air transport services category) agreement today with the Tokyo Organising Committee of the Olympic and Paralympic Games. With this agreement, JAL will become an official partner of both the Tokyo 2020 Olympic and Paralympic Games and a proud sponsor of Japan's national Olympic and Paralympic teams which will take part in Olympic and Paralympic Games-related competitions from 2016 to 2020.



As a Tokyo 2020 Official Partner, JAL will actively participate as a member of the ‘All Japan’ team supporting the efforts of Japan's national Olympic and Paralympic teams and the successful delivery of the 2020 Games.

                           
JAL was honored to be selected to transport the Olympic Torch from Athens to Japan for the Tokyo 1964 Olympic Games. In 1998, the company became an Official Partner of the Japan Olympic Committee, and in 2005 concluded an Official Partner agreement with the Japanese Paralympic Committee. JAL supports Japan’s Olympic and Paralympic teams by providing them with safe and comfortable air transport services, as well as conducting various programmes aimed at promoting sport. By signing the partner agreement, we will leverage the experience and expertise we have accumulated over the years to transport Japan's national teams and delegations. We will also further expand our activities to support the advancement of sport and foster young athletes.
 


“It’s a great pleasure for JAL to be appointed as one of official partners for 2020 Tokyo Olympic and Paralympic Games,” said Yoshiharu Ueki, President of Japan Airlines. “All JAL staff will do our best to create the finest games in the history of the Olympics and Paralympic games, the Games that provide dreams, hopes and inspiration to future generations and contribute to the revitalization of Japan.”

In its Games Vision, Tokyo 2020 announced its intention to deliver “the most innovative Olympic and Paralympic Games in history and inspire positive change in the world.” JAL will embody this vision by communicating the company’s own brand values “Tradition, Innovation, and the Spirit of Japan,” inflight and at airports, where international visitors will have their first experience of Japan, and strive to become the world’s most valued and preferred airline.

Air Canada adds London Gatwick to network

Air Canada has expanded its extensive global network with the announcement of new non-stop services to London’s Gatwick airport and Lyon, France beginning in summer 2016. The two new routes will provide customers even more convenient options when travelling to Europe for business or leisure.

“Pursuing our ongoing strategy to expand internationally, Air Canada is pleased to offer customers non-stop, year-round service between Montreal and Lyon, heart of the second largest metropolitan area in France. Air Canada continues to serve Paris Charles de Gaulle and this new Air Canada mainline route will further increase convenience for customers travelling to France as well as provide the only year-round service between North America and Lyon. It also complements our Air Canada rouge Nice-Côte d’Azur service,” said Benjamin Smith, President, Passenger Airlines, at Air Canada. 

“Our new seasonal Air Canada rouge service between Toronto and London’s Gatwick airport will complement our extensive operation at London Heathrow, our largest gateway outside Canada with non-stop service from eight Canadian cities. Air Canada rouge is ideally-suited to serve London-Gatwick, with its focus on leisure travel and provide easy access to southern London. This new service will also make us the only Canadian carrier serving multiple airports in the London region and complements our Air Canada rouge service to Manchester and Edinburgh. Both new routes offer customers convenient connection times with our extensive domestic, U.S. transborder and international network.”

Tickets for both routes will be available for purchase starting 2 July 2015 and service between Montreal and Lyon will begin 16 June 2016 and operate up to five-times weekly with an Airbus A330-300 aircraft with 37 International Business Class lie-flat suites and 228 Economy class seats. 

Air Canada rouge’s summer seasonal service between Toronto and London-Gatwick will begin 19 May 2016 and operate up to seven-times weekly with a Boeing 767-300ER aircraft with 24 Premium rouge seats and 256 rouge seats. All flights are timed to optimize connectivity through Air Canada’s Montreal and Toronto hubs respectively.
travel news

Solaseed Air to change corporate name during 4Q

Solaseed Air (6J, Miyazaki) has announced it will change its corporate name from Skynet Asia Airways Co., Ltd., to Solaseed Air Ltd. with effect from December 1 of this year. Formerly trading as SNA - Skynet Asia Airways (LQ, Miyazaki), the LCC rebranded to Solaseed Air in 2011.

 Allied with ANA - All Nippon Airways (NH, Tokyo Haneda), Solaseed Air uses a fleet of twelve B737-800s to service a route network that spans the Japanese archipelago. 

sexta-feira, 26 de junho de 2015

LOONG AIR - A320-200 Sharklets - F-WWBD

Alain Charpentier  -TLS

Sunwing Airlines Boeing 787 Dreamliner Flights to Amsterdam Commence June 27th

TORONTO, ON--(Marketwired - June 26, 2015) - Sunwing Airlines' first Boeing 787 Dreamliner flights begin this Saturday, June 27. Only available on the carrier's twice weekly service from Toronto to Amsterdam that will operate on Wednesdays and Saturdays until September 02, 2015, under a codeshare agreement with Netherlands-based airline ArkeFly. This is the first time that Sunwing customers will be able to relax on the new state-of-the-art, wide-bodied aircraft as they start their European vacation.


Strategically positioned in the heart of Northern Europe, Amsterdam is the perfect springboard from which to plan a European sightseeing vacation and boasts easy transport links to many of the region's 'must see' destinations including Paris, Bruges and London.

On board, passengers can choose between three distinct cabin classes. Travellers opting to fly in the comfortable Economy Class cabin can look forward to a complimentary meal service including water, coffee and tea. They'll also benefit from a generous 25 kg checked baggage allowance together with the option of bringing an additional 7 kg carry-on baggage on board.

Upgrading to the well-appointed Comfort Class cabin offers passengers a 35 kg checked baggage allowance together with the option to bring 7 kgs of carry-on luggage on board. They'll also benefit from a 33-inch seat pitch together with a complimentary meal service including water, coffee and tea.

Alternatively, the spacious Star Class upgrade option offers seats with an expansive 44-inch seat pitch laid out in a 2-3-2 seat configuration. By upgrading to Star Class, passengers can also take advantage of complimentary on demand, audio and video entertainment, a choice of complimentary hot meals and snacks, sparkling wine and premium beverages throughout their flight, together with an upgraded cold or hot snack prior to landing. In addition to their carry-on allowance, they'll also be able to check in up to 45 kgs of luggage.

For a limited time, travellers can save $200 per couple with Sunwing's Instant Savings offer on flights to Amsterdam. Book by July 03, 2015 to take advantage of this deal

Icelandair Outlines Return of 767 Operations

Icelandair has opened reservations for the return of the Boeing 767 to its scheduled operations. The airline will use the aircraft on a single flight to London Heathrow on April 1, 2016 and then on daily rotations to the UK capital and New York JFK International from April 15, 2016.


Icelandair will introduce the Boeing 767 back into its passenger service from the start of April 2016, around ten years since the carrier last utilised the type on its scheduled route from its hub at Keflavik International Airport.

The airline will use the aircraft on a single flight to London Heathrow on April 1, 2016 and then on daily rotations to the UK capital and New York JFK International from April 15, 2016. It had previously utilised the 767 on its scheduled network in summer 2005 and 2006 when the type was used to operate routes from Keflavik International Airport to Boston and San Francisco and occasional rotations within Europe to Copenhagen, Frankfurt, London, Oslo and Paris.

Icelandair revealed earlier this year that it would acquire two 260-seat 767-300ERs for operation in summer 2016 to replace two smaller 757s which will be retired from its fleet this autumn when their leases expire. It currently operates a fleet of 23 183-seat 757-200s and a single 220-seat 757-300, the stretched variant of the type.

“Operating one type of aircraft has been very economical for Icelandair but when the route network and the fleet reaches a certain size it becomes more feasible to have a broader range of aircraft in the fleet. High load factors all year round and limited number of landing slots on certain airports also support this decision,” said Bjorgolfur Johannsson, president and chief executive officer, Icelandair Group:

"We foresee further growth opportunities in the coming years with these changes to the fleet policy for passenger aircraft. The Boeing 767 aircraft can service markets that the current fleet cannot, which will enable us to go into new markets and connect them to the current route network,” he added.

For Icelandair the 767 offers some commonality to its current 757 in terms of maintenance and crew training and the airline has experience in operating that type. Alongside its previous scheduled operations Icelandair Group’s charter subsidiary, Loftleidir Icelandic, has operated the type in leasing projects that have been maintained and supported by Icelandair.

Here's the proposed Icelandair 767 summer 2016 schedule as extracted from OAG Schedules Analyser on the morning of June 26, 2015. The current schedule with the deployment of the aircraft on these two routes is displaying through to July 21, 2016.



Royal Brunei to switch out A319s for A320s; mulls A321neoLRs

Royal Brunei Airlines (BI, Bandar Seri Begawan) is planning to replace its two A319-100s with a pair of A320-200 (sl)s during September and October of this year as it kicks off its fleet renewal programme. The aircraft - V8-RBW (cn 6771) and V8-RBX (cn 6816) - are on lease from Irish-based lessor Ansett Worldwide Aviation Services (AWAS).

 CAPA said in a report that as part of its 2015-2021 Five Year Plan, the South East Asian carrier will, by end of 2018, replace four existing A320s with the first of seven A320neo variants on order from Airbus Industrie (AIB, Toulouse Blagnac). A further three A320neo options may be exercised in which case they will only arrive after April 2021 if firmed.

 The A321neo and its Long Range variant are also being studied as they would allow Royal Brunei to add narrow-body capacity on short-haul routes that are currently slot constrained such as Hong Kong Chek Lap Kok, Manila, and Shanghai Pudong. The upgraded A320's improved efficiency and range will also allow Royal Brunei to open up new routes to north Asia and India, while resuming those in Australia suspended in 2011 owing to unfavourable widebody fleet economics.

 Currently, Royal Brunei uses its A320 Family fleet to serve Bangkok Suvarnabhumi, Denpasar, Ho Chi Minh City, Hong Kong Chek Lap Kok, Jakarta Soekarno-Hatta, Kota Kinabalu, Kuala Lumpur Int'l, Manila, Shanghai Pudong, Singapore Changi, and Surabaya. 
ch-aviation

Bombardier and WestJet Encore Celebrate the 500th Q400 Aircraft’s Milestone Delivery


Feted serial number 4500 delivered as the 22nd of 36 Q400 aircraft ordered for the Canadian airline’s fleet


Bombardier Commercial Aircraft celebrated today the delivery of its 500th Q400 turboprop aircraft to Calgary-based WestJet Encore. The milestone aircraft is one of 36 ordered by WestJet Encore and its parent company WestJet.

During a special ceremony held at Bombardier’s 1.7 million square-foot Toronto facility, where the Q400 aircraft is manufactured, more than 500 WestJetters, Bombardier employees and special guests from the federal and provincial governments were in attendance to celebrate the handover activities.

“Bombardier’s Q400 aircraft has played an instrumental role in WestJet Encore’s growth and success since the start of our operations just two years ago - having recently expanded service to 24 cities in seven provinces in this short time,” said Ferio Pugliese, President, WestJet Encore. “We are thrilled to take home the 500th Canadian-made Q400 aircraft and to have it join our 21-aircraft fleet as we continue to expand to Eastern Canada, expanding route possibilities in those local communities. The Q400 aircraft’s jet-like speed, operational efficiency and reduced environmental footprint fit perfectly with our business model, bringing value and comfort alike to our guests.”

“The Q400 aircraft is proving its operational flexibility right here at home with Canada’s regional airlines, and is also one of Ontario’s greatest export successes,” said Fred Cromer, President, Bombardier Commercial Aircraft. “We are proud to be celebrating the delivery of the 500th Q400 aircraft today, and to be sharing this momentous occasion with WestJet Encore -- Canada’s newest airline, and latest aviation success story.”

WestJet Encore launched service in June 2013 operating 10 departures daily to two destinations with two Q400 aircraft and 131 employees. Today, it services 24 cities in seven provinces with 114 daily departures with 21 Q400 aircraft and approximately 500 employees. The airline recently launched Edmonton-Kamloops, Toronto-Québec City, and Toronto-Fredericton services. In July, it will launch Halifax-Sydney service.

Urumqi Airlines Tops On-time Rankings Again

The average on-time performance of Chinese passenger airlines stood at 63.18% in May 2015, down 4.01 percentage points year on year, according to the data released by the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC).

Urumqi Airlines (QU) took the top spot for the second consecutive months, with an on-time performance of 91.37%.

Qingdao Airlines (QW) took the second place with an on-time performance of 77.06% in May, which was over 13 percentage points better than the industry average.

Shenzhen Airlines (ZH) was ranked at the bottom of the list with only 45.38% of its flights operated on time in the past month.

Here are the regulator's rankings of the leading airlines and their on-time performance for May: Urumqi Airlines (91.37%), Qingdao Airlines (77.06%), Joy Air (76.28), Grand China Air (75.35%), Tianjin Airlines (74.84%), Kunming Airlines (73.25%), Shandong Airlines (72.77%), Juneyao Airlines (72.42%), Okay Airways (71.97%), Sichuan Airlines (71.41%) Air China (69.71%) and Lucky Air (69.42%).

quinta-feira, 25 de junho de 2015

Norwegian, Europe’s Best Low-Cost Airline, Launches Flights from the U.S. to the Caribbean

- Norwegian introduces service from Boston, Baltimore/Washington D.C. and New York City to Guadeloupe Islands and Martinique on December 3, 2015 -
- Flights available now from $79 one way (a) -
- Norwegian to offer more routes from JFK than any other non-U.S. airline -


Norwegian, Europe’s Best Low-Cost Airline, Launches Flights from the U.S. to the Caribbean

Norwegian, deemed the world’s Best Low-Cost Long-Haul Airline and also Europe’s Best Low-Cost Airline for the past three consecutive years by SkyTrax, has announced it will launch flights from Boston, Baltimore/Washington, D.C. and New York City to two beautiful and unspoiled Caribbean destinations: the Guadeloupe Islands and Martinique.


This Smart News Release features multimedia. View the full release here: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20150625005144/en/


Only two years after launching service to New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK), Norwegian will be the largest foreign airline at JFK in terms of number of routes. Norwegian will offer a total of seven nonstop routes to Bergen, Copenhagen, Guadeloupe, London, Martinique, Oslo and Stockholm. Overall, Norwegian will operate 31 routes from 10 U.S. airports.


With the new service, Norwegian will offer U.S.-based customers some of the lowest fares to the Caribbean, with an introductory fare starting at $79 one way, valid from all three U.S. airports and starting at $99 one way from Guadeloupe and Martinique in the French Caribbean, also known as the French West Indies.


Norwegian’s new seasonal service to the French West Indies will launch on December 3, 2015, with three flights per week from JFK to the Guadeloupe Islands’ Pointe-à-Pitre International Airport (PTP) on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, and from JFK to Martinique Aimé Césaire International Airport (FDF) on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays.


From Baltimore-Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI) and Boston Logan International Airport (BOS), Norwegian will operate twice weekly service to both Guadeloupe and Martinique. Flights between Baltimore-Washington and Guadeloupe will operate on Tuesdays and Saturdays, and Martinique on Mondays and Fridays. From Boston flights to Guadeloupe will operate on Thursdays and Sundays, and to Martinique on Wednesdays and Sundays.


Norwegian operates one of the world’s most modern and eco-friendly fleets. On the U.S.-Caribbean routes, the airline will fly its new Boeing 737-800s with 186 comfortable, leather seats and it will be the first airline to offer free Wi-Fi on flights to the Caribbean. Norwegian will also offer customers the option to rent movies and TV shows on their personal devices.










The airline currently offers 25 nonstop routes from the U.S. to London and Scandinavia, providing more European routes than any other European airline. Service from Las Vegas will commence on October 31, 2015; service from San Juan, Puerto Rico, will commence on November 1, 2015; and service from St. Croix, U.S. V.I., will commence on November 5, 2015.


“With these new and exciting routes, Norwegian will offer customers in the Northeast nonstop flights to two of the most idyllic islands in the Caribbean,” said Norwegian’s CEO Bjørn Kjos. “Norwegian is fully committed to the U.S. market and we will continue to expand by offering more great nonstop destinations to American travelers and growing our U.S. crew bases,” said Kjos.


To celebrate Norwegian’s new routes, the airline has partnered with the Guadeloupe Islands Tourist Board to launch a sweepstakes (b) for one lucky person in Boston, Baltimore/ Washington D.C. and New York City metro areas to win a trip for two to the archipelago, including flights on Norwegian and six nights at some of the islands’ top resorts: La Creole Beach Hotel & Spa, Langley Fort Royal Resort and Auberge de la Vieille Tour Hotel. For terms and to enter, please click here.


“These new flights with Norwegian are historic for our destination. It rewards our efficient global development strategy implemented in the US market. As our number one in-bound area in American arrivals, accessibility from the East Coast has been a cornerstone of our US strategy. Therefore, this partnership with a high-quality airline such as Norwegian, is an excellent opportunity for more East Coasters to finally tick the Guadeloupe Islands off their bucket list,” said Hilaire Brudey, Chairman for the Guadeloupe Islands Tourist Board.


"For travelers based in key markets across the Northeast, the charms of Martinique are now closer than ever," said Muriel Wiltord, Director Americas of the Martinique Promotion Bureau. "On behalf of the entire tourism community in Martinique, I'd like to extend a very warm welcome to Norwegian. We look forward to sharing our corner of the French Caribbean and grow the number of passengers in New York, New England, and the Washington, D.C. area."


For more inspiration and travel tips for Guadeloupe Islands and Martinique, please visit Norwegian’s French Caribbean site.


Guadeloupe and Martinique are both overseas departments of France to which the United States-European Union-Iceland-Norway Air Transport Agreement applies. The agreement authorizes unlimited frequencies between any point or points in the EU and any point or points in U.S. territory for any and all U.S., EU, Icelandic, and Norwegian airlines.

Bayon Airlines to start int'l operations next month

The airline has announced it will add the Phnom Penh – Ho Chi Minh City international route on July 1.

Ukraine Int'l Airlines ends B737-400 operations

Ukraine International Airlines has retired its last remaining B737-400 with YR-BAT (msn 25147) now in service for Romanian budget carrier, Blue Air (Romania) (0B, Bucharest Otopeni).

TAP Portugal eyes A330neo, A321neo LRs for fleet renewal

Gateway, the joint-venture between jetBlue Airways and Azul Linhas Aéreas Brasileiras founder David Neeleman and Portuguese bus company Barraqueiro Group, is looking to re-equip TAP Portugal (TP, Lisbon) with next generation Airbus Industrie aircraft as part of its investment plan for the carrier. The consortium was recently selected by Lisbon to acquire a 61% stake in TAP, formalizing the agreement on Wednesday, June 24.
FPP

Air Incheon to add a maiden B737-300 freighter


Kuwait Airways receives its first A330-200



Fleet upgrade continues with the world’s most versatile wide-body
Kuwait Airways has taken delivery of its first A330-200, becoming a new operator for the type. In February 2014, Kuwait Airways announced the lease of 12 Airbus aircraft including 7 A320ceo and 5 A330-200s in addition to the purchase of 25 aircraft including 10 A350-900 and 15 A320neo Family aircraft marking the start of a major fleet renewal plan.

Kuwait Airways’ first A330-200 accommodates a three-class configuration of 17 full-sleeper first class modules, 30 very high-comfort business and 165 latest standard economy seats, a combination that shows a clear attention to comfort and efficiency detailed in the features that also include the latest Entertainment systems, and Connectivity throughout the cabin.

“The delivery of our first A330-200 marks a key milestone towards enhancing our fleet,” said Al Rasha Al Roumi, Kuwait Airways chairperson. “The addition of this highly efficient aircraft to our fleet ultimately translates to unbeatable operating costs, best-in-class services, unrivalled comfort and will maintain our schedule integrity and assist in increasing our load factors”

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

The A330 is one of the most popular widebody aircraft ever and has to date won over 1,500 orders, with over 1,100 flying with some 110 operators worldwide. The A330 Family is part of the world’s most modern and comprehensive widebody product line, which also includes the larger A350 XWB and double deck A380. Together, the various family members and type variants efficiently cover all airline widebody requirements for regional, medium and long-haul operations, seating from 250 to over 500 passengers and sharing unique levels of operational commonality

quarta-feira, 24 de junho de 2015

AIR NEW ZEALAND - ATR-72-600 - F-WWEC

Alain Charpentier - TLS

KLM Adds Boeing 787-9 Shanghai / Tokyo Service from July 2016

KLM starting July 2016 plans to expand Boeing 787-9 operations to Asia, where it plans to operate service to Shanghai Pu Dong and Tokyo Narita. Boeing 787-9 schedule to these destinations first appeared 3 weeks ago, and Airline Route briefly mentioned this via twitter account.

The week of 21JUN15′s OAG Schedules Analyser update currently lists operational schedule of KLM’s until 21JUL16.

eff 01JUL16 Amsterdam – Tokyo Narita Boeing 787-9 operates once a week on this route
KL863 AMS1750 – 1200+1NRT 789 5
KL864 NRT1350 – 1830AMS 789 6

eff 04JUL16 Amsterdam – Shanghai Pu Dong Boeing 787-9 operates 3 times a week on this route
KL895 AMS1730 – 1005+1PVG 789 146
KL896 PVG1215 – 1800AMS 789 257

Further, the airline will also operate Boeing 787-9 on Amsterdam – Fukuoka route, from 03JUL16. 787-9 is scheduled to operate this route for the month of March 2016 as well.
Airline Routes

TAM Airlines Plans Boeing 777 Madrid Service from late-Oct 2015

TAM Airlines in Northern winter season plans to expand capacity on Sao Paulo – Madrid route, as the oneWorld member begins Boeing 777-300ER operation from 26OCT15. This route is currently operated by Boeing 767 aircraft.

JJ8064 GRU2250 – 1205+1MAD 77W D
 JJ8065 MAD2120 – 0525+1GRU 77W D
Airline Routes

Premier Airways in talks with Airbus over A320neo

Premier Airways (Chennai) is reportedly in advanced talks with Airbus Industrie (AIB, Toulouse Blagnac) over a possible order for forty A320neo aircraft. Sources who spoke to India's Economic Times on condition of anonymity said a deal is expected to be finalized soon. 

Operating under the Easy Air banner, Premier Airways has secured the greenlight from the Indian Ministry of Civil Aviation to commence operations in October this year, pending the issuance of an Air Operators Permit from the Indian Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA). As such, it will lease an undisclosed number of A320-200s for its initial requirements.

No operational or network plans have yet been revealed. 


JAL takes delivery of maiden B787-9

JAL - Japan Airlines (JL, Tokyo Haneda) took delivery of its first B787-9, JA861J (msn 35422), last week ahead of the type's deployment into scheduled operations on the Tokyo Narita-Jakarta Soekarno-Hatta route on July 1.

 The Japanese carrier, which has twenty of the type on order from Boeing (BOE, Chicago O'Hare), also operates over twenty of the smaller B787-8 variant. 

Boeing, Thai Airways International Celebrate 25th Direct 777 Delivery

Newest 777-300ER brings continued efficiency, reliability and flexibility for flag carrier


EVERETT, Wash., June 23, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- Boeing (NYSE: BA) and Thai Airways International Public Company Limited (THAI) celebrated the Thailand flag carrier's 25th direct 777 delivery, a 777-300ER (Extended Range), from the Boeing delivery center in Everett, Wash.

"This is a very special delivery for us – our 25th 777 delivery from Boeing," said THAI President Mr. Charamporn Jotikasthira. "The flexibility of the 777 family has played a significant role in our continued success and our latest 777-300ER will ensure we continue to expand our long haul markets efficiently and economically, while providing our passengers the best possible experience."

THAI has operated nearly every model of the 777 over the last two decades and also currently operates five 787 Dreamliners. THAI Cargo was the first carrier in Southeast Asia to utilize the 777 Freighter and in January the two companies celebrated the airline's 75th direct delivery from Boeing.

"Boeing is honored to celebrate this milestone delivery with Thai Airways International; it is a testament to the strong partnership between our two companies and the capabilities of the 777," said Dinesh Keskar, senior vice president of Asia Pacific and India Sales, Boeing Commercial Airplanes. "With its superior economics and award-winning passenger interior, the 777 has been an outstanding airplane for THAI, and alongside THAI's 787 Dreamliners, will ensure their success for decades to come."

The 777-300ER is the most fuel and cost-efficient airplane in its class today with 99.5 percent reliability, making it the most reliable twin-aisle aircraft in the world. The flagship of the world's elite airlines, the 777-300ER carries 386 passengers in a standard three-class configuration up to 7,825 nautical miles (14,490 kilometers), on non-stop routes.

The Bangkok-based airline has one additional 777-300ER on order.

Etihad Flight College orders Embraer Phenom jets

São José dos Campos, Brazil, June 23, 2015 – Embraer Executive Jets announced today that Etihad Flight College, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Etihad Airways, the national airline of the United Arab Emirates, has signed a purchase agreement for four Phenom 100E jets, and options for three additional aircraft of the same model.

Based on current list prices the deal is valued at about USD 30 million, if all options are exercised, and deliveries of the aircraft to Etihad Flight College will start in the first quarter of 2016.

The delivery of the four new Embraer Phenom 100E jets will bring to 20 the number of aircraft in the trainer fleet, which is currently composed of 16 single-engine propeller airplanes.

“We are very pleased with the selection of the Phenom 100E by Etihad Flight College,” said Marco Túlio Pellegrini, President and CEO, Embraer Executive Jets. “The Phenom 100E has proven to be the ideal aircraft for jet pilot training, delivering advanced cockpit technology, along with high performance and high reliability, at a low operating cost.”

“As the national airline of the UAE, it is vital for us to establish a world-class training facility to support the training and manpower development of the local Emirati workforce, while also providing a source of well-trained, highly-skilled pilots for our growing operations.” said Richard Hill, Etihad Airways’ Chief Operations Officer. "The Phenom 100E’s airline-grade technology, performance and reliability make it an ideal initial training platform to prepare our cadets for line operations."

Based in Al Ain, the Etihad Flight College is the first organization in the world to use multi-engine aircraft in the core phase of its MPL training program, and provides training for up to 120 Emirati and international cadets annually.

China Southern Launches Guangzhou-Paris/London Two New Freighter Routes

At 2:30 a.m. on June 20, China Southern Airlines Guangzhou-London-Frankfurt first freighter flight will take off from Guangzhou Baiyun Airport, it will arrive at London after 12.5 hours' flight on June 21, China Southern will launch the other new freighter route Guangzhou-Paris-Vienna. China Southern indicates that this is a significant step to broaden the China-Europe air route and serve the "One Belt and One Road" strategy.

These two new freighter routes are operated by the most advanced Boeing 777-200F freighter. Guangzhou-London-Frankfurt (flight numbered CZ465/6) will departure from Guangzhou at 2:30 a.m. (Beijing time) every Monday and Saturday, and will arrive at UK's capital London at 8:05 a.m. (London time) same day. Guangzhou-Paris-Vienna (flight numbered CZ487/8) will departure from Guangzhou at 6:30 a.m. (Beijing Time) every Thursday and Sunday, will arrive at Paris at 1:10 p.m. (Paris time) . From July 1, Guangzhou-Paris-Vienna-Guangzhou will be added to three times per week.

London and Paris are new freighter destinations of China Southern. The number of freighter destinations of China Southern in Europe will be up to five including Amsterdam, Frankfurt, and Vienna. This newly added freighter capacity plus belly capacity on passenger flights, China Southern will be able to offer about 1200 tons of cargo capacity from Guangzhou to Europe on weekly basis.

Through cooperation with ground handling agencies, truck companies, and airlines partners, China Southern build up distribution network centered at the said five destinations. By doing this, Cargo can be transferred to more than 100 cities around Europe, "same-day" and "second-day" delivery service can be achieved. At the same time, value added services such as BUP delivery, full truck delivery, DG and temperature controlled transportation can be offered.

"We hope that, driving by the 'One Belt and One Road' Initiative, China Southern Cargo can provide more convenient service for trade and economic exchanges between China and Europe", referred by China Southern Cargo. Through these direct links, shipments such as health care products, milk powder, crab, salmon, mail, electronic instruments from UK, and luxuries, fresh oyster, red wine from France can be transported to China more convenient and faster. By intensive flight network in Guangzhou, these products can be transshipped to Southeast Asia, Japan, Korea, North America and Australia as soon as possible.

"At the same time, China exports huge amount of mechanical and electrical products, furniture, toy, textile and material to UK. As for Guangzhou air cargo exported in 2014, France was the Third biggest destination, German and Netherland ranked the First and the Second. This is also the reason why we launch these two freighter routes. In addition to the freighter flights, daily passenger flights Guangzhou-London v.v. and Guangzhou-Paris v.v. are also available to meet customer needs", according by China Southern Cargo.

In recent years, China Southern has been dedicated in building "Canton route", making Guangzhou another cargo hub besides Shanghai. By deploying more freighters in Guangzhou an air transportation corridor connecting Pearl River Delta and abroad is taking shape. Benefiting from the extensive passenger flight network, the passenger flights and the freighter flights are complementary to each other on schedule and time. Taking advantages of the cargo terminal and customs service of Guangzhou headquarter the cargo service to Europe and America is forming scale effect, making China Southern the first choice of the customers. In addition, China Sothern has also built seamless transfer channel among Europe, American and Australia.

In June and July this year, China Southern will introduce 3 more new B777 freighters, which will all be positioned in Guangzhou. Then, with 6 freighters in Shanghai and 6 in Guangzhou, China Southern will possess 12 B777 freighters, making the biggest B777F fleet in the world.

The Boeing 777F:

The Boeing 777 Freighter is 62.94 meters in length, with 64.80 meters wingspan and 18.76 meters in height. The main deck is 5.09 meters high while the lower deck is 3.11 meters.

The maximum cargo capacity is 105.9 tons with 650 cubic meters in volume with a maximum fly range of 9630km, the most economical twin engine freighter with the longest range and largest capacity.

The Boeing 777F meets QC2 noise standards which allow it to operate in most noise sensitive airports.

China Southern Airlines Cargo:

China Southern Cargo, a member of SkyTeam Cargo, currently posses nine B777-200Fs, and three more will be delivered in 2015. It offers various freighter routes including Guangzhou-Chongqing-Amsterdam-Guangzhou, Guangzhou-Amsterdam-Guangzhou, Guangzhou-Frankfurt-Guangzhou,Guangzhou-Vienna-Frankfurt-Guangzhou,Shanghai-Amsterdam-Chongqing-Shanghai,Shanghai-Amsterdam-Shanghai,Shanghai-Amsterdam-Vienna-Shanghai,Shanghai-Frankfurt-Shanghai, Shanghai-Los Angeles-Tianjin-Shanghai, and Shanghai-Los Angeles-Vancouver-Shanghai. At the same time, China Southern Cargo runs the bellyhold business of more than 500 passenger planes, which covers China, Asia, and links to the major cities of Europe, America, Australia, and Africa. In addition, China Southern Cargo sets up trucking network in China, Europe, North America, Middle East, Australia, and Japan, reaching more than 100 cities in Europe, and 90 cities in North America.

Contributed by China Southern Airlines

Sichuan Airlines Receives Its 101st Airbus Aircraft

Sichuan Airlines (3U), China's largest Airbus operator, took delivery of its 101st aircraft with a brand new A320 landing at Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport (CTU) at 2:56 a.m. on June 20.

The new A320-200, Registration B-1665, was delivered by China Aircraft Leasing Group Holding Limited (CALC) at Airbus' Tianjin plant.

Xiamen Airlines' 787 Dreamliner Makes Inaugural Flight from Fuzhou to Taipei

A Boeing 787 Dreamliner of Xiamen Airlines (MF) landed smoothly at Taipei Taoyuan International Airport (TPE) on June 22, marking the official opening of the airline's Fuzhou-Taipei route.

The inaugural flight, performed by Xiamen Airlines' fifth 787 Dreamliner registered B-2762, was delivered on June 19. The outbound flight MF879 is scheduled to depart from Fuzhou Changle International Airport (FOC) at 9:00 a.m. and arrive at TPE at 10:25 a.m., with the return trip MF880 leaving Taipei at 11:25 a.m. and reaching Fuzhou at 12:50 p.m.

The 787 will operate the daily cross-strait service during the period from June 22 to July 25 before it will be officially deployed on Xiamen-Amsterdam route starting June 26.

Xiamen Airlines' 787 Dreamliner features a classic three-class configuration. There are a total of 236 seats, including 4 in First Class (P), 18 in Business Class (F) and 214 in Economy Class (Y).

Commencing on August 6, the Xiamen-based carrier will launch its first ever direct flight to Tokyo from its home base in Xiamen, in southeastern China's Fujian province. Xiamen Airlines will be the second carrier operating non-stop flights between the two cities, following Japan's All Nippon Airways.

Besides, Xiamen Airlines will also launch scheduled flights to Osaka from Fuzhou, the capital of Fujian province, and step up the frequency of existing thrice weekly flights between Xiamen and Osaka to daily in July.

terça-feira, 23 de junho de 2015

'Tiger flight' takes to the skies




On June 22, 2015 the presentation of the joint project of the Amur Tiger Center and Transaero Airlines was held at Moscow Vnukovo airport. The project is aimed at drawing attention of the international and Russian community to the issues of environmental protection and conservation of rare and endangered species.

Within the project called "Tiger flight", the Transaero’s Boeing 747-400 aircraft (accommodating 447 passengers) has acquired some features of a tiger. In accordance with the idea created and implemented at Transaero Airlines, the aircraft nose section was adorned with the unique image of the head of an Amur tiger. It is planned that the special tiger colouring scheme will be applied to some interiors of the aircraft's passenger cabin later. The painting of the aircraft was sponsored by COALCO company.

The Amur tiger has been chosen to symbolize the project as these subspecies rank among the biggest living cats and the most endangered big cats in the world. According to the surveys of 2015, the population of Amur tigers in Russia has stabilized to reach 510-540 individuals, and started to increase sustainably.

In the coming decade, the fate of Amur tigers and the wildlife in general will depend in significant part upon concerted actions by the international community. This is the reason why the joint project of the Amur Tiger Center and Transaero Airlines will be held under the motto: "Caring for tigers together".

The airline's experience allows to assume that flights of Transaero's aircraft with the unique livery on the highly demanded routes will draw broad public interest in Russia and abroad and will give a new impetus to the debate on the issues of preserving and increasing the population of Amur tigers and other rare animals in Russia.

The joint project will also involve the information campaign. Thus, Transaero Airlines' inflight magazine and the official communities of the airline on social networks will feature a special 'Wildlife' section. It will highlight the problems of the Amur tigers and other animals that make the unique character of the national wildlife. Passengers of 'Tiger flight' will have an opportunity to watch documentaries filmed by the Amur Tiger Center.

"One of the tasks that are being tackled by the Amur Tiger Center is to attract attention to the problems of conservation of Amur tigers and the threat that this big, but at the same time vulnerable, animal has to face. We are pleased to find at Transaero Airlines the like-minded people and friends caring about nature and aiming at promoting the image of 'The owner of the Taiga (boreal forest)'. The "Tiger flight” project is a prime example of such a friendly partnership and support to good deeds by joint actions," - said Andrei Smirnov, Director General of the Amur Tiger Center.

"We think that the airline's participation in the joint project with the Amur Tiger Centre represents a consistent development in the Transaero's CSR policies. The careful conservation of wildlife is the task that no one should remain indifferent to. Only by combining efforts of people with the high sense of responsibility for the future of our planet, we can ensure a harmonious development of the present and future generations on the Earth ", - said Olga Pleshakova, CEO Transaero Airlines.

Transaero

Valorfly set for maiden aircraft

Valorfly (Malta) is set to take delivery of its maiden aircraft - a B737-400 - listed as 9H-VLA (msn 27003) on the Maltese registry. The former Firefly (FY, Penang) machine is currently undergoing pre-delivery maintenance checks at St. Athan ahead of its ferry flight to Malta.

An ACMI/charter carrier, Valorfly reportedly plans to partner Hermes Aviation (HME, Malta) in proffering the aircraft to Italian tour operators for leisure flights throughout the Mediterranean. 
ch-aviation

MONARCH / JETTINE - B737-700W - OY-JTY

José Ramon Valero - PMI

Japan Airlines takes delivery of its first Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner

BOEING