quarta-feira, 30 de setembro de 2015

TUI / ARK FLY - B787-8 - PH-TFL - New Livery

Ton Jochems - AMS

VIETJET - A320-200Sharklets - VN-A650

Kobayashi - Taoyuan (Taipei) - Taiwan International - Taiwan

Virgin America teams up with Netflix, introduces an Airbus A320 House of Cards logo jet


Virgin America has announced a new partnership with Netflix and will offer free in-flight WiFi access that allows new and existing Netflix members to enjoy the entire Netflix catalog of films and award-winning shows.
Virgin

Air China takes delivery of its 50th A330

Flag carrier becomes China’s first to operate the longer range 242 tonnes version

China’s flag carrier Air China has taken delivery of its 50th A330 in Toulouse, France. The aircraft, an A330-300 is the first 242 tonnes maximum take-off-weight (MTOW) version to be operated by a Chinese airline. The increased MTOW allows airlines to operate longer range at improved operating costs. 

Displaying a special livery to celebrate the “50th A330 for Air China”, the aircraft is configured with a three class cabin layout (30 business, 16 premium economy and 255 economy)

“We congratulate Air China on the milestone of receiving its 50th A330 and we express our gratitude for the confidence shown in the A330,” said Eric Chen, President Airbus China. “With one of the world’s largest A330 fleets, Air China is already benefiting from the aircraft’s lower operating costs, proven reliability and great passenger appeal. As always, we will provide strong customer support to Air China.”

Based in Beijing, Air China serves today’s most important routes. Air China’s started operating the A330 in 2006 and has become the airline’s benchmark wide-body aircraft.

Air China has one of the world’s largest A330 fleets providing the airline with maximum versatility and support for its rapid growth on domestic and international routes. The A330s including Air China’s A320 fleet are deployed on the airlines’ most demanding routes requiring superior performance aircraft to serve high altitude airports in the south west of the country.

The 242 tonnes A330 is the platform for the future A330neo, and is a concrete example of Airbus’ incremental innovation strategy. Thanks to the latest engine improvements, and an aerodynamics, the A330 with 242 tonnes MTOW offers an extended range of up to 500 nautical miles and up to two percent reduced fuel consumption.

The A330 is one of the most popular wide-body aircraft and has won over 1,500 orders, with over 1,200 delivered to some 110 operators worldwide. Offering the lowest operating costs in its category, and thanks to the continuous investment and introduction of innovations, the A330 is the most profitable and best performing aircraft in its class, with an average operational reliability of 99.4 percent.

Boeing Statement on YTO Airlines 737-800BCF Commitment

SEATTLE, Sept. 30, 2015 – Boeing [NYSE: BA] is extremely pleased to enter into an agreement with YTO Airlines to provide the airline with 737-800 Boeing Converted Freighters (BCFs) following a planned program launch.

"We are honored that YTO Airlines has chosen to partner with Boeing as it expands its operations and freighter fleet,” said Rick Anderson, vice president of sales, Commercial Aviation Services. “We are confident the 737-800BCF—with its more advanced avionics, better fuel efficiency and lower operating costs—will provide the airline with a competitive advantage in the marketplace.”

The 737-800 will be the first Next-Generation 737 that Boeing offers for conversion. Through its 737 freighter conversion program, Boeing will support customers in the narrow-body freighter market, a segment of the freighter market growing quickly around the world.

YTO Airlines is a Hangzhou-based Chinese express cargo carrier backed by Shanghai YTO Express Investment (Group) Co., Ltd. The carrier currently operates a fleet of Boeing 737-300F airplanes, providing domestic and international air cargo services.

Japan’s Ryukyu Air Commuter Unveiled as Launch Customer for Bombardier Q400 Cargo-Combi Variant; Purchased Five of the Type

Japan’s Ryukyu Air Commuter Unveiled as Launch Customer for Bombardier Q400 Cargo-Combi Variant; Purchased Five of the Type

Bombardier Commercial Aircraft announced today that Okinawa-based Ryukyu Air Commuter Co., Ltd (RAC) is the unidentified airline that had signed a firm purchase agreement for five Q400 turboprop airliners previously announced in July 2014. RAC, which is a part of the Japan Airlines Group, is also the launch customer of the Q400 cargo-combi variant announced at the Farnborough Airshow in July 2014. All five aircraft ordered by RAC will be delivered in combi configuration.

As previously announced by Bombardier, based on the list price for the Q400 aircraft, the transaction is valued at approximately $168 million US.

“Ryukyu Air Commuter shares a long history with Bombardier, collaborating together since 1997 when we first introduced Japan to the Dash 8 Series 100 aircraft. Since then, the Dash 8 Series 100 aircraft has become the backbone of our efficient and productive operation,” said Takashi Irei, President, Ryukyu Air Commuter. “Today we celebrate another first as we confirm that the Q400 combi aircraft is the ideal platform for our future fleet as we endeavor to offer comfort, reliability, and improved air transportation capabilities to our passengers, while supporting our local economies and communities with our extra cargo capability.

“Equipped with our new fleet of Q400 combi aircraft, Ryukyu Air Commuter looks forward to carrying many additional passengers as they enjoy travelling around Japan’s Okinawa islands,” added Mr. Irei.

“We are proud to unveil Ryukyu Air Commuter as the launch operator of the Q400 combi aircraft and pleased to credit the airline -- with its innovative market insights -- as the major impetus for the launch. The Q400 combi aircraft will provide the right capacity for RAC’s passenger demands as well as the additional cargo service to stimulate the local economies,” said Andy Solem, Vice President, Sales, Asia Pacific, Bombardier Commercial Aircraft. “Recognizing the need to develop Japan’s remote southern islands, RAC will play a big role in extending cargo and payload capability; creating a significant benefit as the new aircraft join the airline’s existing fleet of four Dash 8 Series 100 and one Q300 aircraft.”

“The Q400 combi aircraft provides unique opportunities for airlines operating routes with medium to low passenger loads, but with high cargo potential,” said Fred Cromer, President, Bombardier Commercial Aircraft. “Along with the recently launched dual-class and extra capacity options, the combi option illustrates Bombardier’s ongoing investment in the Q400 aircraft program and offers airlines unmatched operational flexibility in short-haul markets. The Q400 aircraft is now well positioned to once again reinvent the contemporary turboprop market through additional profitable growth.”

terça-feira, 29 de setembro de 2015

CARGOLUX - B747-800F - LX-VCM

The 13th Boeing 747-8 Freighter Cargolux









Photos:Cargolux

Scoot to Launch Low Cost Flights Between Singapore and Hong Kong

Scoot, LCC of the Year1, announced the launch of flights from Singapore to Hong Kong, making Hong Kong the fast-growing airline’s 12th destination.

Starting 15th November 2013 you’ll be able to Scoot to Hong Kong to shop and eat till you drop! Tickets will go on sale from 30 September 2013 at 0900hrs, and services will start five times weekly and ramped up to daily in December.

 Said Campbell Wilson, CEO of Scoot, “Scoot is thrilled to fly between Singapore and Hong Kong, linking these two exciting and vibrant cities. Singapore travelers love Hong Kong for its distinctive cuisine and unique shopping experience. With Scoot’s low fares, you’ll have plenty of cash left in your wallet to indulge in Hong Kong’s dim sum delights. And once you’re fuelled up, you can exercise away those extra calories with a day of unbeatable shopping options. For the budget-conscious traveler, flying with Scoot is an easy choice to make. Whatever your travel plans are in Hong Kong, Scoot is delighted to be a part of it. Soak up the Scootitude flying experience the moment you step onto our aircraft and find out why flying Scoot is such a unique travel adventure. It’s time to start Scootin’ outta here to Hong Kong!”
Photo:Kobayashi - Taoyuan (Taipei) - Taiwan International - Taiwan

Boeing studies plan to offer 737 freighter conversions -exec

LUXEMBOURG, Sept 29 (Reuters) - Boeing is studying further expansion into the cargo market by offering conversions of its most popular passenger jet, the 737-800, into freight haulers in a move aimed at express parcel firms, its top marketing executive told Reuters.

The proposal emerged weeks after rival Airbus relaunched its own plans to offer conversions of its competing A320 jet, forging a partnership with Singapore's ST Aerospace after an earlier Russian-backed effort stalled on costs.

Boeing sells three types of new freighter from the mid-sized 767 up to the larger 777 and the 747-8 jumbo. It also offers in-house passenger-to-freight conversions of its mid-sized 767.

"The next step we are looking at is what we want to do in the single-aisle market, where we see demand for over 1,000 conversions over the next 20 years," Randy Tinseth, vice president of marketing at Boeing Commercial Airplanes, said in an interview.

"We are looking at potentially pursuing a freighter conversion programme for the 737-800. We see potential especially in the express market in the U.S. and China."

Until now, only outside companies have carried out freighter conversions on earlier models of 737s, as well as some 757s.

(Reporting by Tim Hepher, Editing by Leila Abboud

Air China Launches Nonstop Service between Beijing and Montreal


Star Alliance member and China’s exclusive national carrier expands in Canada with the first direct transpacific link between Montreal, China and Asia- 

MONTREAL--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- 

Dignitaries and top government officials led by the Chinese ambassador to Canada, His Excellency Luo Zhaohui and Montreal Mayor Denis Coderre welcomed the arrival of Air China’s inaugural flight, CA 879, from Beijing today. Quebec’s Minister of Trade and Commerce and his delegation returned to Montreal from their trade mission on board the first Beijing-Montreal flight. Minister Jacques Daoust also spoke at the press conference. 

Operated by Air China’s new-generation B777-300ER, the new thrice weekly nonstop service connects Montreal not only to Beijing but also to the rest of Asia. 

Today’s elaborate welcome ceremonies at the Pierre Elliott Trudeau International Airport (YUL) showed the importance of this new service. It is expected to boost the local economy and tourism industry in the region. According to the United Nations World Tourism Organization, the total number of trips abroad from China is estimated to have increased by 11 million to 109 million in 2014. China is the largest outbound market since 2012 with a total expenditure of US$ 129 billion in 2013. 

“This is a great day for Aéroports de Montréal, a proud moment that we will all remember for a long time to come,” said a beaming James Cherry, the airport authority’s President and CEO, soon after exiting the plane arriving from the Chinese capital. “The direct route between Montréal and Beijing, the very first scheduled transpacific direct link out of Montréal–Trudeau, is a reality at last. China has never been as close as it is today.” 

Montreal is the newest in a string of expansions in North America by China’s national carrier. However, it’s only the airline’s second gateway in Canada and the first in more than 20 years after Air China launched its Vancouver service. 

“Today we stand on the cusp of history as we become the first airline to connect Montreal, China and Asia directly. We are honored to be the bridge that brings together the people and culture of our two great destinations,” Mr. Wang Yingnian, Air China’s Chief Pilot, said. 

“This new service strengthens Air China’s presence in the China-Canada market where there is a robust demand for air travel, especially in Montreal, Canada’s second largest city,” he added. 

Featuring state-of-the-art green technology, the B777-300ER delivers better fuel performance and is much quieter than any other aircraft. With a spacious three-cabin interior, ambient lighting and an enhanced entertainment system, the triple seven offers a smooth, comfortable experience. Air China’s B777-300ER features eight luxury suites in the Forbidden Pavilion (first class), 41 fully-flat sleeper seats in the Capital Pavilion (business class) and 259 economy seats with individual TV monitors and in-seat audio-video on demand. 

Details of the new Beijing-Montreal service can be found in the chart below. 

                                    

Flight # 
       Origin-Destination     Departure*     Arrival*     Frequency     Aircraft  
CA 879        Beijing-Montreal     13:00*     13:50*     Tue, Fri, Sun     B777-300ER  
CA 880        Montreal-Beijing     16:20*     18:00 +1**     Tue, Fri, Sun     B777-300ER  
                        

Note: *All times are local. **= Next day. Days of operation and times are subject to seasonal changes. 

By the end of 2015, Air China will have nonstop services between Beijing and nine gateways in North America: New York (2x daily); Newark (4x/week; Los Angeles (3x daily); San Francisco (daily); Houston (daily); Washington Dulles (4x/week); Honolulu (3x/week); Vancouver (daily) and Montreal (3x/week). 

About Air China 

A Star Alliance member and China’s exclusive national carrier, Air China is the only airline with the privilege of having the flag of China painted on the fuselage of its fleet. In addition to its commercial operations, it also provides special flight services for China’s senior government officials on state visits to other countries. 

Its 323 passenger routes reach 162 cities in 32 countries. It holds the controlling shares in Air Macau, Shenzhen Airlines, Shandong Airlines, Dalian Airlines, Tibet Airlines, Beijing Airlines and Air China Inner Mongolia Limited. Next to the Swire Group, Air China is the second largest stakeholder of Cathay Pacific Airways. 

Visit www.airchina.ca for more information or call 800-882-8122 to book your flight. 

About Aéroports de Montréal 

Aéroports de Montréal is the local airport authority that has been responsible for the management, operation and development of Montréal–Trudeau and Montréal–Mirabel international airports since 1992. The Corporation employs 650 people at both airports and at head office. ADM has been ISO 14001 certified since 2000 and BOMA BESt certified since 2008. 

For further information on Aéroports de Montréal and its operations, please visit our website at www.admtl.com. 

Flight # 

       Origin-Destination     Departure*     Arrival*     Frequency     Aircraft
CA 879        Beijing-Montreal     13:00*     13:50*     Tue, Fri, Sun     B777-300ER
CA 880        Montreal-Beijing     16:20*     18:00 +1**     Tue, Fri, Sun     B777-300ER
                       

Note: *All times are local. **= Next day. Days of operation and times are subject to seasonal changes.

By the end of 2015, Air China will have nonstop services between Beijing and nine gateways in North America: New York (2x daily); Newark (4x/week; Los Angeles (3x daily); San Francisco (daily); Houston (daily); Washington Dulles (4x/week); Honolulu (3x/week); Vancouver (daily) and Montreal (3x/week).

About Air China

A Star Alliance member and China’s exclusive national carrier, Air China is the only airline with the privilege of having the flag of China painted on the fuselage of its fleet. In addition to its commercial operations, it also provides special flight services for China’s senior government officials on state visits to other countries.

Its 323 passenger routes reach 162 cities in 32 countries. It holds the controlling shares in Air Macau, Shenzhen Airlines, Shandong Airlines, Dalian Airlines, Tibet Airlines, Beijing Airlines and Air China Inner Mongolia Limited. Next to the Swire Group, Air China is the second largest stakeholder of Cathay Pacific Airways.

Visit www.airchina.ca for more information or call 800-882-8122 to book your flight.

About Aéroports de Montréal

Aéroports de Montréal is the local airport authority that has been responsible for the management, operation and development of Montréal–Trudeau and Montréal–Mirabel international airports since 1992. The Corporation employs 650 people at both airports and at head office. ADM has been ISO 14001 certified since 2000 and BOMA BESt certified since 2008.
Photo:FPP - London

Avianca Extends Boeing 787 Los Angeles Operation to late-March 2016

Avianca in this week’s schedule update is extending planned Boeing 787-8 operations on Bogota – Los Angeles route, due to begin on 18DEC15 (previously reported on Airline Route on 07SEP15). Latest schedule update sees the Boeing 787 operating this 4 weekly service from 18DEC15 to 26MAR16, instead of from 18DEC15 to 31DEC15.

AV086 BOG1440 – 1920LAX 788 x246
 AV085 LAX0915 – 1930BOG 788 x357

Ethiopian Airlines Revises NW15 London / Sao Paulo Operations

Ethiopian Airlines has further revised planned operational aircraft for Addis Ababa – London Heathrow and Addis Ababa – Sao Paulo service for Northern winter 2015/16 season. Latest revision as follow.

Addis Ababa – London Heathrow eff 18OCT15 Daily service operates with Boeing 777-200LR, replacing 777-200LR/787-8
 ET700 ADD0155 – 0655LHR 77L 36
 ET700 ADD0200 – 0700LHR 77L 5
 ET700 ADD0210 – 0700LHR 77L 7
 ET700 ADD0215 – 0705LHR 77L 4
 ET710 ADD0945 – 1435LHR 77L 12

ET701 LHR2015 – 0625+1ADD 77L x356
ET701 LHR2015 – 0630+1ADD 77L 356

Addis Ababa – Sao Paulo eff 25OCT15 Planned addition of 4th weekly service remains unchanged, however the airline will continue to operate Boeing 787-8 on this route, instead of planned 777-200LR
 ET506 ADD0845 – 1555GRU 787 x457
 ET507 GRU0330 – 2105ADD 787 x156

SWISS Outlines Boeing 777 European Operations in Feb/Mar 2016

SWISS yesterday (28SEP15) has outlined planned Boeing 777-300ER operation for European service, due to begin on 08FEB16. The 777 aircraft will operate following European service for the month of February and March 2016, before moving to long-haul operations.

Planned 3 weekly Zurich – New York JFK service on LX014/017, from 21FEB16 to 26MAR16 on Day x246 remains unchanged.

eff 08FEB16 Zurich – Geneva
 LX2802 ZRH0730 – 0820GVA 77W x6
 LX2807 GVA1000 – 1055ZRH 77W x6

Service does not operate from 12MAR16 to 19MAR16. 777-300ER service to Geneva operates until 25MAR16

eff 08FEB16 Zurich – Frankfurt
 LX1072 ZRH1215 – 1320FRA 77W x6
 LX1073 FRA1420 – 1510ZRH 77W x6

From 20FEB16, service operates on Day 24. 777-300ER service to Frankfurt operates until 22MAR16

eff 08FEB16 Zurich – Barcelona
 LX1956 ZRH1710 – 1855BCN 77W x6
 LX1957 BCN1955 – 2145ZRH 77W x6

Service does not operate on 12FEB16, and from 10MAR16 to 23MAR16. 777-300ER service to Barcelona operates until 24MAR16

eff 12FEB16 Zurich – London Heathrow
 LX326 ZRH1635 – 1720LHR 77W 12FEB16/13FEB16/20FEB16
 LX318 ZRH1005 – 1050LHR 77W 13FEB16/20FEB16

LX327 LHR1855 – 2135LHR 77W 12FEB16/13FEB16/20FEB16
LX319 LHR1220 – 1505LHR 77W 13FEB16/20FEB16

Airbus starts assembly of the first A350-1000


Fuselage assembly begins in Hamburg and Saint-Nazaire

Less than one year after delivering the first A350 XWB (-900), the first A350-1000 is taking shape with the assembly start of the first fuselage major components at Airbus plants in Hamburg and Saint-Nazaire.

The forward fuselage section has been delivered by Premium Aerotec to Airbus in Hamburg where it will be equipped before being flown to Saint-Nazaire on board the Beluga. The nose fuselage section has been delivered by Stelia Aerospace to Airbus in Saint-Nazaire for assembly and equipping. The forward and nose fuselage sections will then be joined together in Saint-Nazaire to form the front fuselage which will then be flown by Beluga to the A350 XWB Final Assembly Line in Toulouse.

Assembly of the first A350-1000 wings got underway in August this year at Airbus in Broughton and final assembly of the aircraft will begin in Toulouse early 2016, followed by the first flight second half 2016. First deliveries are scheduled to start mid-2017.

Measuring nearly 74 meters from nose to tail, the A350-1000 is the longest-fuselage version of Airbus’ all-new family of widebody jetliners. The A350-1000 comfortably seats 366 passengers in a typical 3-class configuration and flies on routes up to 8,000 nautical miles.

Maximising commonality with the A350-900, the A350-1000 offers best-in-class cabin efficiency and comfort, with new cabin crew rest compartment improvements, new In Flight Entertainment (IFE), optimised lavatory shapes and new galley arrangements. It will be powered by Trent XWB-97 engines for maximised thrust.

Orders for the A350-1000 stand at 169 firm orders from 9 customers. Total orders for the    A350 XWB programme stand at 782 orders from 40 customers.

Boeing, Cathay Pacific Airways Celebrate Milestone 70th 777 Delivery

EVERETT, Wash., Sept. 28, 2015 – Boeing (NYSE: BA) and Cathay Pacific Airways celebrated a significant achievement today with the delivery of the airline’s 70th 777 aircraft – also the last and 53rd 777-300ER (Extended Range) of its confirmed orders – that has made Cathay Asia’s largest operator of the 777 fleet.

With today’s delivery, Cathay Pacific’s 777 aircraft fleet comprises of 53 777-300ERs, 12 777-300s and five 777-200s. The airline is one of the launch customers for the 777X with 21 777-9 airplanes on order.

Cathay Pacific took delivery of its first 777-300ER in September 2007. This efficient aircraft allows the airline to modernize its long haul fleet with enhanced operational efficiency and extended range with more environmentally friendly features.

“The 777s have played an important role in Cathay Pacific’s fleet modernization and network expansion strategy,” said Ivan Chu, Chief Executive, Cathay Pacific Airways. “We operate the largest 777 fleet in Asia, and these aircraft offer the range, reliability and flexibility to build multiple daily frequencies on trunk routes, both within the Asia-Pacific region and, with the 777-300ERs, on long-haul and ultra-long-haul routes. Our 777 fleet has helped in our efforts to reinforce Hong Kong's position as one of the world’s most important international aviation hubs.”

Cathay Pacific group operates flights to nearly 200 destinations worldwide with its own fleet of more than 200 aircraft.

“We have enjoyed a long-standing relationship with Cathay Pacific on the 777 program,” said Ihssane Mounir, senior vice president, Northeast Asia Sales, Boeing Commercial Airplanes. “We are honored to celebrate the delivery of Cathay’s 70th 777 and will continue to extend the fruitful partnership over the years with our next generation 777X.”

The 777-300ER, which makes up the largest part of the Cathay Pacific fleet, is one of the most fuel and cost-efficient airplanes in its class as well as the most reliable twin-aisle aircraft in the world. It also has the highest cargo capability of any passenger airplane in service. The 777-300ER will receive further improvements in 2016 designed to reduce fuel use by 2 percent.

The 777-300ER has consistently won many accolades including "Best Aircraft Type" based on passenger preference polls, "Best in Class" based on fuel burn, passenger load cost and performance and "Best Residual Value for a Twin Aisle Airplane" among others

Boeing Salt Lake Completes 787-9 Dreamliner Production Expansion

Government officials, employees, community members celebrate progress
 

SALT LAKE CITY, Sept. 25, 2015 – Boeing [NYSE: BA] today celebrated  completion of its expansion projects in West Jordan and Salt Lake City and its first 787-9 Dreamliner horizontal stabilizer manufactured start-to-finish in Utah.

“This is an exciting time for Boeing and our Salt Lake team,” said Larry Coughlin, Boeing Salt Lake general manager. “Our recent progress sets the stage for Boeing Salt Lake to become a major composites manufacturing center.’’

In less than two years, Boeing transformed its 850,000-square-foot building in West Jordan from a vacant warehouse into a composite fabrication production center with 100 employees.

Components manufactured at the West Jordan site are shipped 22 miles for final assembly of the horizontal stabilizer at Boeing’s Salt Lake City airport facility where a second assembly line has recently been added.

During today’s celebration, government officials, employees and community members were able to view the first 787-9 horizontal stabilizer completed by Boeing Salt Lake. Resembling two smaller fixed wings on the back of an airplane, the horizontal stabilizer helps provide stability in flight.

“This accomplishment took everyone’s hard work and dedication in all areas of our business,” said Coughlin. “Whether you worked directly on the horizontal stabilizer or not, you all had a part in making it happen.’’

As part of Boeing’s strategy to grow its composite hub in the Salt Lake region, the company purchased the West Jordan composite manufacturing building in 2013 and began production at the beginning of this year.

In the past year alone, the Utah Fabrication teams have:

Implemented new advanced manufacturing processes designed to help employees work more safely and efficiently.


Delivered the first 737 MAX flight deck structure.


Expanded Boeing’s presence in the community through STEM and academia outreach.


Partnered with Industry and Government Office of Education Development (GOED) to launch the Utah Aerospace Pathways education pilot.


Utah Lieutenant Gov. Spencer Cox commended Boeing for its commitment to business growth and contribution to the state’s aerospace industry.

“Utah's growing aerospace industry is an important contributor to the state's economy, and Boeing is a key player," said Cox. “I am thankful for the strides we have made as a state to make Utah one of the top states in the nation for aerospace manufacturing." 

Also attending the event were Jenette Ramos, vice president and general manager, Boeing Fabrication; Val Hale, executive director, Governors office of Economic Development; Salt Lake County Mayor Ben McAdams and other federal, state and local government officials.

“For 28 years, our highly skilled Salt Lake team has been building parts and assemblies for Boeing and now has added composite manufacturing to its list,’’ said Ramos. “The team’s experience has helped it build fuselages, flight deck structures, and now key composite assemblies for the tail of the 787. This work is all about the future and it positions Boeing Salt Lake well for many years to come.’’

Boeing Salt Lake currently employs more than 760 people in three locations. Employees provide design/build and multisource integration of composite empennage products and flight deck structures, including the 787 vertical fin, the 787-9 horizontal stabilizer, Flight Deck Consoles for all models, assembled components and emergent support. Utah is also home to a Boeing defense team of approximately 250 employees in Ogden and Little Mountain.

TOULOUSE TRIP













João Luis Pessoa

TRAVEL SERVICE - B737-800Scimitar Winglets - OK-TVL


Alain Charpentier - TLS

Donghai, Qingdao Airlines announce IPO plans

Donghai Airlines (DZ, Shenzhen) is planning to go public in May next year. China's WCARN news reports the carrier is seeking funds to aid its ambitious route and fleet expansion plans.

Founded in 2006, the Sichuan Airlines (3U, Chengdu) subsidiary currently operates five B737-300(F)s and six B737-800s on domestic passenger routes while cargo operations extend to the sub-region. As recently reported, Donghai plans to acquire a total of 120 aircraft by 2025 including B787-9s for long haul services as well as additional B737-800s and B737 MAX aircraft.

In related news, the recently privatized Qingdao Airlines (QW, Qingdao) has announced its own plans to pursue an IPO of its own, albeit in 2020. As with Donghai Airlines, Qingdao is in the process of rapidly expanding its fleet which is expected to reach 102 by the end of 2025. Currently, it operates six A320-200 (sl)s on flights to more than ten destinations throughout China. In addition to three more A320s due for delivery before year-end, Qindao also expects to add five A320s and eighteen A320neos from next year onwards.
ch-aviation
Photo:João Luis Pessoa - TLS

Starbow Airlines leasing a Spanish ATR72

Starbow Airlines (S9, Accra) has wet-leased an ATR72-200 from Spanish ACMI/charter specialist, Swiftair (WT, Madrid Barajas). EC-MEC (cn 595), which was originally in service for fellow Ghanaian operator Antrak Air (O4, Accra), is the first Avions de Transport Régional (Toulouse Blagnac) equipment in Starbow's fleet which currently consists of two BAe 146-300s and one Dash 8-400 (leased from Falcon Aviation Services.

China Eastern Starts Scheduled Flights to Auckland, New Zealand

The inaugural year-round flight arrived at at Auckland Airport (AKL) at approximately 4:30 p.m. on Saturday, September 26, local time, and was welcomed with a water-salute by two of the airport's Rosenbauer Panther firefighting vehicles and a powhiri by local iwi.

The Shanghai-Auckland service, previously operated as a seasonal flight, now is operated every Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday, using an Airbus A330-200 aircraft.

In January-March 2016, the service will be increased to seven flights per week, the Shanghai-based carrier said.

The Auckland-bound flight MU779 is scheduled to take off from Shanghai at 0:10 a.m. and land in Auckland at 5:15 p.m., with the return flight MU780 leaving Auckland at 10:00 p.m. and reaching Shanghai at 5:30 a.m. the next day (all local times.)

In recent years, traveling to New Zealand becomes more popularity among the Chinese, with a growth of nearly 30% year on year. Shanghai has become the city with the most tourists heading to New Zealand.

China Eastern announced on September 17 that it is set to increase its capacity to Oceania by 20%, by launching Shanghai-Auckland route in September and Shanghai-Brisbane route in January 2016, and increasing the frequency of other Oceanian services.

According to China Eastern, the Shanghai-Brisbane service will be launched in January with four flights a week. In addition, the airline will increase the frequency of Shanghai-Sydney and Shanghai-Melbourne routes to two flights a day to meet the strong demand in the peak travel season in early 2016. Meanwhile, a seasonal service will be linked Shanghai with Cairns, Australia.

With the opening of the new service, China Eastern becomes the second carrier providing schedule flights between Shanghai and Auckland following Air New Zealand. In early this month, Air China announced to offer nonstop Beijing-Auckland flights starting this December. And the Guangzhou-based China Southern Airlines (CZ), the country's largest airline by fleet size, operates nonstop flights between Guangzhou and Auckland.

China Eastern carried 84 million passengers in 2014, making it the seventh largest carrier worldwide. It expects to transport more than 94 million passengers in 2015. Currently, the Shanghai-based carrier operates a fleet of 550 aircraft, whose fleet size is expected to expand to 800 by 2020. The airline has been strengthening its competitiveness in the international market and has expanded its route network to 1,057 destinations in 179 countries and regions, via SkyTeam network.
wcarn
Photo:FPP - London

Jetstar Ends A330 Operations, Moves to All-787-8 Long-Haul Fleet

Jetstar has completed the transition of its long-haul flying to an all-Boeing 787-8 operation and returned the last Airbus A330-200 in its fleet back to Qantas.

The final A330 service touched down on Saturday, with VH-EBE operating flight JQ6 from Honolulu to Brisbane landing just before 1700 local time.

It marks the end of a two-year transition from the A330 to the 787-8, following delivery of Jetstar's first Dreamliner in October 2013.

Jetstar has 11 787-8s flying on international routes across the Asia-Pacic, as well as a few domestic services within Australia. The Qantas-owned low-cost carrier also plans to use the Dreamliner on trans-Tasman services over summer.

And the 787-8 will touch down in Wuhan, China on September 30 when Jetstar begins new twice weekly flights from the Gold Coast in partnership with Chinese conglomerate Wanda Group.

Jetstar said in a statement on Friday there would be more than 300 Chinese visitors on the inaugural Wuhan-Gold Coast service.
Australian Aviation

quinta-feira, 24 de setembro de 2015

SCOOT - B787-9 - 9V-OJC

Kobayashi - Taoyuan (Taipei) - Taiwan International - Taiwan

HOLIDAY JET - A319-100 - HB-JOH

Ton Jochems - AYT

ATLAS GLOBAL - A321-200 - TC-ATB

Ton Jochems - AYT

Singapore Airlines A380 June – Sep 2016 Operation Changes

Singapore Airlines from 24JUN16 to 04SEP16 is adjusting operations for Airbus A380 aircraft on selected destinations, namely London, Mumbai and Sydney. Planned service adjustment as follow.

Singapore – London Heathrow SQ306/305 operated by A380 instead of 777-300ER (Overall 3 daily A380 and 1 daily 777-300ER)
 SQ306 SIN0110 – 0745LHR 388 D
 SQ308 SIN0905 – 1540LHR 388 D
 SQ318 SIN1235 – 1905LHR 77W D
 SQ322 SIN2330 – 0555+1LHR 388 D

SQ317 LHR1125 – 0730+1SIN 388 D
 SQ305 LHR1335 – 0925+1SIN 388 D
 SQ319 LHR2050 – 1655+1SIN 77W D
 SQ321 LHR2205 – 1810+1SIN 388 D

Singapore – Mumbai SQ424/423 operated by Boeing 777-300ER instead of A380
 SQ422 SIN0740 – 1030BOM 772 D
 SQ424 SIN1905 – 2145BOM 77W D

SQ421 BOM1145 – 1950SIN 772 D
 SQ423 BOM2335 – 0740+1SIN 77W D

Singapore – Sydney SQ231/232 to be operated 777-300ER instead of A380. In addition, overall service to Sydney increases from 31 to 35 weekly during the same period
 SQ231 SIN0045 – 1025SYD 77W D
 SQ241 SIN0705 – 1645SYD 772 D
 SQ211 SIN0935 – 1915SYD 773 D
 SQ221 SIN2015 – 0555+1SYD 388 D
 SQ251 SIN2335 – 0915+1SYD 333 D

Singapore Airlines from 24JUN16 to 04SEP16 is adjusting operations for Airbus A380 aircraft on selected destinations, namely London, Mumbai and Sydney. Planned service adjustment as follow.

Singapore – London Heathrow SQ306/305 operated by A380 instead of 777-300ER (Overall 3 daily A380 and 1 daily 777-300ER)
 SQ306 SIN0110 – 0745LHR 388 D
 SQ308 SIN0905 – 1540LHR 388 D
 SQ318 SIN1235 – 1905LHR 77W D
 SQ322 SIN2330 – 0555+1LHR 388 D

SQ317 LHR1125 – 0730+1SIN 388 D
 SQ305 LHR1335 – 0925+1SIN 388 D
 SQ319 LHR2050 – 1655+1SIN 77W D
 SQ321 LHR2205 – 1810+1SIN 388 D

Singapore – Mumbai SQ424/423 operated by Boeing 777-300ER instead of A380
 SQ422 SIN0740 – 1030BOM 772 D
 SQ424 SIN1905 – 2145BOM 77W D

SQ421 BOM1145 – 1950SIN 772 D
 SQ423 BOM2335 – 0740+1SIN 77W D

Singapore – Sydney SQ231/232 to be operated 777-300ER instead of A380. In addition, overall service to Sydney increases from 31 to 35 weekly during the same period
 SQ231 SIN0045 – 1025SYD 77W D
 SQ241 SIN0705 – 1645SYD 772 D
 SQ211 SIN0935 – 1915SYD 773 D
 SQ221 SIN2015 – 0555+1SYD 388 D
 SQ251 SIN2335 – 0915+1SYD 333 D

SQ212 SYD0755 – 1415SIN 773 D
 SQ232 SYD1115 – 1740SIN 388 D
 SQ252 SYD1325 – 1945SIN 333 D
 SQ222 SYD1510 – 2135SIN 77W D
 SQ242 SYD1800 – 0020+1SIN 772 D

Airline Routes
Photo:FPP

Air India Splits Italy Operation in W15

Air India from 25OCT15 is splitting operations to Italy, as it operates 3 weekly Delhi – Milan Malpensa and 4 weekly Delhi – Rome flights with Boeing 787-8. This will replace existing 3 weekly Delhi – Milan – Rome – Delhi and 4 weekly in opposite direction.

The Star Alliance member previously planned to launch this split operation, when the proposed schedule appeared in June and July 2015 edition of the airline’s PDF schedule listing.

Planned schedule from 25OCT15 as follow.

Delhi – Milan Malpensa
 AI137 DEL1425 – 1830MXP 787 246
 AI138 MXP2000 – 0745+1DEL 787 246

Delhi – Rome
 AI123 DEL1420 – 1805FCO 787 x246
 AI122 FCO1940 – 0715+1DEL 787 x246
Routes Online
Photo:FPP

Bulgarian Air Charter starts fleet renewal with first A320

Bulgarian Air Charter (H6, Sofia) has acquired an ex-Cyprus Airways (CY, Larnaca) A320-200 LZ-LAA (msn 256), the carrier's first Airbus Industrie (AIB, Toulouse Blagnac) narrowbody. According to Skyliner Aviation, the aircraft has already been ferried to Sofia on September 17

quarta-feira, 23 de setembro de 2015

SkyWise to follow other South African LCCs adding B737-800s

SkyWise (C9, Johannesburg O.R. Tambo) chairwoman Tabassum Qadir has announced plans to add B737-800s to the low-cost carrier's fleet following a similar announcement by competitor FlySafair (FA, Johannesburg O.R. Tambo) earlier this year.

Qadir hopes to have two B737-800s in SkyWise's fleet before the end of the year with then one or two additional aircraft being added to its fleet each year. She has also told Flightglobal that SkyWise would be in negotiations with Boeing (BOE, Chicago O'Hare) regarding a potential B737 MAX order.

SkyWise currently operates a B737-500 and wet-leases a B737-300 from Star Air (South Africa) (BRH, Johannesburg O.R. Tambo). It only operates between Johannesburg and Cape Town offering four daily services.

Other South African LCC competitors Kulula Air (MN, Johannesburg O.R. Tambo) and Mango (JE, Johannesburg O.R. Tambo) also use B737-800s.