segunda-feira, 31 de outubro de 2016

Boeing, Intrepid Aviation Celebrate Delivery of Milestone 777-300ER to Philippine Airlines




EVERETT, Wash., Oct. 31, 2016 -- Boeing (NYSE: BA) and Intrepid Aviation marked the delivery of Intrepid’s first direct ordered Boeing airplane, a 777-300ER that will be leased and operated by Philippine Airlines. This airplane is the first of four 777-300ERs ordered by Intrepid.

“We are excited to accept our first new aircraft from Boeing. This 777 delivery to Philippine Airlines underlines Intrepid’s continuous focus on investment into new aircraft on long-term leases with well established, strong airlines worldwide,” said Intrepid’s Chief Executive Officer, Olaf Sachau.

“Already a valued Intrepid customer, we are particularly delighted to bring this 777-300ER to the flag carrier of the Philippines during their 75th anniversary year – the longest, continuously operating airline in Asia,” added Doug Winter, Intrepid’s President & Chief Commercial Officer.

"Intrepid is cementing its place as a leading widebody lessor by growing its fleet with the 777," said John Wojick, senior vice president of Global Sales & Marketing, Boeing Commercial Airplanes. "We appreciate their confidence in the airplane, which offers superior economics and a memorable passenger experience.”

Philippine Airlines plans to use the new airplane primarily on routes to North America. The carrier is scheduled to take a second 777-300ER from Intrepid before the end of the year.

“The 777 has become our standard for passenger comfort, deployed on our long-haul routes,” said PAL President and Chief Operating Officer Jaime J. Bautista. “It is the pivotal equipment that will propel us to our corporate vision of becoming a five-star airline. With the luxurious cabin amenities installed on the 777, we are able to go beyond passenger expectation. We become the airline of choice in the markets we serve and we can showcase the best of the Philippines and of Filipinos to the world.”

The 777 is the world's most successful twin-engine, long-haul airplane. The 777-300ER is equipped with the world's most powerful GE90-115B commercial jet engine, and can seat up to 386 passengers in a three-class configuration with a maximum range of 7,825 nautical miles (14,490 kilometers).



Intrepid Aviation is a privately held commercial aircraft lessor, which owns commercial aircraft leased to airline operators worldwide. Intrepid Aviation focuses primarily on twin-engine widebody equipment, such as the Boeing 777 and 787.








Choice Aire to start scheduled pax ops to Honduras



Choice Aire (Miami Int'l) has announced it will begin regular, year-round flights between the United States and Honduras towards the end of the year.
Effective mid-December, the virtual carrier will serve San Pedro Sula in northwestern Honduras from each of Miami Int'l and New Orleans Int'l using B737-400 equipment chartered from Xtra Airways (XP, Miami Int'l).

Choice Aire plans to offer onward connections from San Pedro Sula to Tegucigalpa, Roatán, La Ceiba, Puerto Lempira, and Útila in the near future in cooperation with CM Airlines (CC, Tegucigalpa).
ch aviation



Flyways Linhas Aéreas resumes operations



Flyways Linhas Aéreas (FYW, Rio de Janeiro Int'l) has resumed commercial operations following a three-month long suspension of operations.

According to Brazil's national airport authority (Infraero), the carrier's inaugural service - Belo Horizonte Pampulha-Uberaba - took off on Monday, October 10. The route, which uses the carrier's sole aircraft, ATR72-500 PR-TKN (cn 580), was followed by flights to Rio de Janeiro Santos Dumont a week later.

Other destinations that are due to come online include: Brasilia; Montes Claros; Uberlândia; and Ipatinga.
Flyways recently underwent a change in ownership after running into financial difficulties earlier this year. It is expected to source a CRJ-200 from Amaszonas (Z8, La Paz El Alto) at some point in the coming months.
ch aviation

Nesma Airlines commences revenue operations



Nesma Airlines (Saudi Arabia) (Hail) commenced scheduled passenger operations with its maiden flight Hail-Qaisumah on Thursday, October 27. Flight NM116 was carried out by one of the carrier's two ATR72-600s, HZ-FFG (cn 1311), on lease from DAE Capital.

The start-up's initial operations will focus on Saudi Arabia's northern regions with flights offered to Turaif, Arar, Rafha, Jouf, Tabuk, and Madinah.
ch aviation

LATAM Brasil moves Paris A350 service to late-Jan 2017

Alain Charpentier - TLS



LATAM Airlines Brasil is delaying planned Airbus A350 service debut for Sao Paulo Guarulhos – Paris CDG route, based on recent schedule update. Previously scheduled from 16JAN17, the A350 will enter service on 31JAN17 from GRU. Upon service debut, the A350 operates on daily basis, replacing 777-300ER.
JJ8108 GRU2240 – 1300+1CDG 350 D
JJ8101 CDG2100 – 0545+1GRU 350 D
Jim Liu - Data & Analysis Manager - Airlineroute, Routesonline



Uzbekistan schedules 787 Heathrow service in Dec 2016



Uzbekistan Airways in December 2016 plans to introduce Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner service to the UK, currently scheduled from 09DEC16 to 20DEC16. The 787 will operate Tashkent – London Heathrow route twice a week.
HY201 TAS1720 – 2000LHR 787 25
HY202 LHR2125 – 0915+1TAS 787 25

Jim Liu - Data & Analysis Manager - Airlineroute, Routesonline
Photos:Uzbekistan

Cathay Pacific First to Auckland with the A350



Cathay Pacific has become the first international airline to operate the state-of-the-art Airbus A350-900 to New Zealand as Flight CX197 arrived in Auckland on Friday, October 28 after making its overnight journey from Hong Kong.

Prior to landing at Auckland International Airport, the flight, which was under the command of Cathay Pacific Chief Pilot Airbus Gavin Haslemore and his fellow Kiwi, Senior Captain Colin Davis, flew over the city's Waitemata Harbour, giving many New Zealanders their first look at the world's most modern commercial aircraft.

The environmentally-friendly A350 is equipped with the airline's latest cabin products, an enhanced inflight entertainment system and Wi-Fi connectivity in all classes, enriching the experience of passengers and helping Cathay Pacific to deliver on its promise of a "Life Well Travelled".

Cathay Pacific, which has been serving New Zealand for 33 years, has five A350s in operation, and by the end of next year will have taken delivery of a total of 22. The aircraft, which will form the backbone of the airline's mid-size long-haul fleet, replaces the Airbus A340-300 on the Auckland route.

Prior to the aircraft's return departure to Hong Kong today -- operating as Flight CX198 -- Cathay Pacific Director Sales & Marketing Dane Cheng met with New Zealand's Minister of Transport, the Honourable Simon Bridges, and other guests from the Auckland Airport community to celebrate the historic milestone in front of a large media gathering.

Mr Cheng said: "New Zealand has long been an important market for our airline, so it gives us all at Cathay Pacific great pleasure that we'll now be serving this magnificent country with our innovative A350. This special aircraft takes our passenger experience to a whole new level and I believe it will be a game-changer for travellers from New Zealand heading to Hong Kong and beyond."

Auckland becomes the third long-haul destination on Cathay's expansive global network to welcome the A350, after Düsseldorf and Gatwick. The aircraft will be deployed on routes to Rome and Paris in the months ahead, followed by Vancouver and Tel Aviv in March next year.

Cathay Pacific commenced operations to Auckland in 1983 with a weekly service operated by a Boeing 747-200 aircraft. A daily service was launched in 1998 using the Airbus A340-300, while 2010 saw the airline introduce a second daily flight during the New Zealand peak summer period. Since 2013, Cathay Pacific has been able to offer up to three flights between Hong Kong and Auckland per day.



Contributed by Cathay Pacific Airways Limited

sexta-feira, 28 de outubro de 2016

FLYING KANGAROO RECEIVES AN UPDATE AS QANTAS PREPARES TO WELCOME DREAMLINER


Qantas has revealed an update to its iconic Kangaroo logo as part of preparation for the Boeing 787 Dreamliner entering its fleet a year from now.

The change is only the fifth time the red-and-white image on the tail of Qantas aircraft has been updated since it was first introduced in 1944. The last update was in 2007 to coincide with the introduction of the Airbus A380 to the national carrier’s fleet.





Qantas Group CEO, Alan Joyce, revealed the new design together with the new Business Suites and Economy seats that will feature on the B787 (see separate release) to a hangar of around 1,000 employees and guests in Sydney.

“Since the image of a kangaroo first appeared on a Qantas aircraft more than 80 years ago, it’s come to represent the spirit of Australia. When passengers see the Qantas tail at airports around the world, it’s a symbol of home,” said Mr Joyce.

“We wanted to make sure our brand remained familiar but we also wanted it to be more modern and dynamic, like the 787 and like Qantas.

“When we looked at the history, we found that the logo has been updated around the time of a game-changing new aircraft joining the fleet. It’s a tradition that goes back to the Lockheed Constellation in 1947, the B747-300 in 1984 and the A380 in 2007.

“A fresh brand helps symbolise the new era Qantas is entering as we head towards our centenary. It’s an era of new destinations, new technology and a new standard of service,” added Mr Joyce.

The new design was overseen by Qantas consultant designer, Marc Newson, in partnership with Australian design agency Houston Group.

Marc Newson, who has helped design Qantas’ lounges, the A380 cabin and the iconic Skybed, said:

“Aircraft tails are fantastic canvas to work on and the Qantas logo is one of the most recognisable in the world. This re-design aims to retain the fundamental essence of the flying kangaroo but also move the brand forward.

“This new brand is more streamlined and the shading behind the kangaroo gives a better sense of movement and depth. A silver band now extends from the tail to the rear of the fuselage, to give a more premium feel.

“The typography for the word Qantas, which measures almost two metres high on the 787, has been carefully streamlined. And Qantas will appear on the aircraft’s belly, so you can tell when it’s the national carrier flying overhead,” Mr Newson added.

In another link to the airline’s heritage, the classic winged kangaroo that appeared on tails across three decades will feature under the cockpit window and incorporate the individual name of each aircraft.

The new design will gradually appear across the Qantas network from today, starting with digital assets, signage and advertising. Inventory of other items – such as pyjamas – has been run down in preparation for the new logo. Updating branding on aircraft will be sequenced with scheduled re-paints, to be completed in time for the airline’s centenary in 2020.

The updated brand follows the introduction of new cabin crew uniforms in 2014 and new pilot uniforms, unveiled earlier this year, that roll out today.

NEW QANTAS BRAND – SUMMARY OF KEY DESIGN CHANGES ON OUR AIRCRAFT
A streamlined Kangaroo on the tail of the aircraft, with shading to give it a sense of depth and movement. The Kangaroo itself has been simplified for a cleaner, more modern look.
A silver band has been added to the rear of the aircraft, flowing from the tail through to the rear of the fuselage for a more premium feel and more contrast between the red tail and the rest of the aircraft.
A new, slimmer font for the world ‘Qantas’ on the side of the aircraft and the colour made slightly lighter.
The word Qantas is added to the belly for increased visibility when aircraft are flying overhead.
Adding the Kangaroo to the inside curved edge of the wingtips so that they are in-flight and meaning they will also appear in pictures people take out the aircraft windows.
Replacing, centring and enlarging the Kangaroo that appears on outboard engine cowls, so that it is more prominent and identifiable.
Re-introducing the iconic ‘winged Kangaroo’ that featured on Qantas tails in the 1960s, 70s, and 80s by placing it under the cockpit window and integrating it with the aircraft name currently in this position (note: the actual aircraft names are unchanged).
The classic ‘Qantas red’ and white of the fuselage are unchanged.
Qantas








Alaska Airlines salutes military heroes with patriotic themed aircraft



SEATTLE, Oct. 26, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- In anticipation of Veterans Day, Alaska Airlines today unveiled the newest aircraft in its fleet featuring a patriotic special paint theme titled "Honoring Those Who Serve." The 737-900ER is dedicated to the brave men and women of the U.S. military, as well as veterans of the armed forces and their families. Its unique exterior paint scheme, conceived by a small group of Alaska maintenance technicians, was designed to symbolize remembrance, pride, and appreciation.
"All of us at Alaska greatly value the bravery and sacrifices of our servicemen and women and their families. We are extraordinarily proud to have this symbol of appreciation that our customers will see and fly on every day," said Alaska Airlines CEO Brad Tilden. "A lot of individuals worked hard to make this airplane a reality. I want to give a special thank you to the members of our Fallen Soldier program for their continued passion and dedication. Because of them, we have this opportunity to honor those who serve."

More than 250 airline employees were joined by veterans and current members of the military for a special dedication of the airplane in Alaska's Seattle maintenance hangar today. In the days leading up to Veterans Day, the plane will fly to cities near military bases, including Anchorage and Fairbanks, Alaska; San Diego, and Washington D.C.

"Alaska Airlines employs more than 1,400 veterans who remind us every day about the dedication and sacrifices our men and women in the military make for our great nation. This plane is a tribute for these employees and veterans throughout our country, thanking them for their service," said Joe Sprague, the airline's senior vice president of communications and external relations.

As part of its ongoing support of the military, Alaska partners with many nonprofit organizations including Hiring Our Heroes and Camo2Commerce, both of which help transition veterans into civilian jobs. The company also supports Hero Miles, which provides free travel to injured or ill service members and their loved ones. Since 2014, Alaska customers and employees donated more than 7.4 million miles – the equivalent of 300 trips around the globe.

Ashley Hence, a veteran and customer-care representative for the company, got a foot in the door at Alaska, thanks to Camo2Commerce.

"I spent three years serving in the U.S. Army and leaving was a big decision," Hence said. "My husband and I are thankful and blessed to have been given this opportunity and did not worry if my skills would translate to the civilian workforce."

Other Alaska employees learned how to fly planes in the military. Col. Garin Tentschert, an Alaska captain and Seattle pilot base chief, learned many leadership lessons along the way from his more than 26 years of service in the U.S. Air Force and Reserves.

"When I look at this aircraft, I am thankful for the reminder that there are those still active in the military fighting every day for my freedom," said Col. Garin Tentschert, Alaska Airlines captain and Seattle base chief pilot. "I'm humbled to be a part of a company that values military service to the point of allowing me to excel in not only my civilian job, but also my military duties, all while understanding that my family is also important."

About the new plane

What first started as an idea on a napkin with a small group of passionate Alaska maintenance employees three years ago, has now become a tribute in the sky.

The key elements of the design include:
A red stripe and blue body of the aircraft incorporate elements of the American flag.
The phrase "Honoring Those Who Serve," boldly displayed on the fuselage as a symbol of remembrance, pride and appreciation.
A symbolic crest representing the Alaska Airlines Fallen Soldier Program to the right of the cargo door. The program ensures a fallen soldiers remains are treated with respect and dignity while being transported on company aircraft.
An "Alaska Airlines Salutes" medallion, featured on the right of the boarding door, near the nose of the aircraft. The medallion has five stars representing the five branches of the U.S. Armed Forces: Air Force, Army, Navy, Marine Corps and Coast Guard.
A President Calvin Coolidge quote to the left of the rear cargo door reads, "No person was ever honored for what they received. Honor has been the reward for what they gave."

The special livery was created in partnership with Boeing, which shares an appreciation for the value that military personnel bring to the workplace. The companies collaborated throughout the painting and delivery process.

"Boeing employees are proud to deliver an airplane that will serve as a flying tribute to all veterans," said Brad McMullen, vice president of North America and Leasing Sales, Boeing Commercial Airplanes. "Over 20,000 veterans are employed at Boeing, bringing leadership skills and a strong work ethic cultivated through their military experience. We're incredibly fortunate to have so many veterans and military family members on our team."

The new "Honoring Those Who Serve" plane, tail number N265AK, will fly throughout Alaska's route network starting Friday.

Available for download at 1 p.m.:
Alaska





British Airways adds Gatwick – Ft. Lauderdale link from July 2017



British Airways today (27OCT16) announced planned service launch on London Gatwick – Ft. Lauderdale route, its 3rd Florida link from Gatwick. From 06JUL17, 3-class Boeing 777-200ER aircraft will operate this route, 4 times a week.

BA2169 LGW0925 – 1345FLL 777 x135
BA2168 FLL1700 – 0630+1LGW 777 x135
From 11SEP17, service operates 3 weekly, on Day 146.
Jim Liu - Data & Analysis Manager - Airlineroute, Routesonline
Photo:Duncan Stewart - LAX

Emirates to phase out A330s, A340s, B777-200ERs this month



Patrick Brannelly, Divisional Vice President (Customer Experience IFE & Connectivity) at Emirates (EK, Dubai Int'l), has confirmed the Dubai-based carrier will be phasing out its remaining A330-200s and A340-300s by the end of this month.

Speaking during the Airline Passenger Experience Association (APEX) in Singapore this week, Brannelly said that with effect from next month, Emirates' fleet would consist exclusively of B777 and A380-800 aircraft.

Schedule data indicates Emirates' last scheduled A330 service is provisionally set for Thiruvananthapuram-Dubai on Saturday, October 29 while the A340's last regular service has been provisionally set for October 30 from Muscat to Dubai. The carrier's fleet of three remaining B777-200(ER)s has also been scheduled for retirement at month end with its last regular service set for October 29 between Ahmedabad and Dubai.

Once retired, Emirates' mainline passenger fleet will constitute eighty-four A380-800s, ten B777-200(LR)s, ten B777-300s and 124 B777-300(ER)s.
ch aviation

Qantas unveils onboard decor and layout for flagship 787-9 Dreamliner


Qantas has unveiled what customers onboard its flagship 787-9 Dreamliner can expect when the aircraft arrives in a year’s time.

The Qantas Dreamliner will seat 236 passengers across Business, Premium Economy and Economy cabins in a layout that has been designed to maximise comfort for the longer distances the 787-9 is expected to fly.

The Business Suite is the next generation of the very popular seat recently installed on Qantas’ Airbus A330 fleet. These suites are known for providing a high level of privacy, made more flexible on the 787 with the ability to now adjust the divider between each seat.

The suites also have a fully-flat bed and offer plenty of space to eat, work or relax. Laid out in a 1-2-1 configuration, each suite has direct aisle access as well as the ability to stay reclined during take-off and landing.

Economy passengers will also have more room – including an extra inch of seat pitch compared with the national carrier’s A380 – and an all-new seat. It features a new personal device holder and USB ports; more storage areas; a seat-back mood light designed to minimise disturbance for other passengers; and a high-definition entertainment touchscreen that is five per cent larger.

The seats also feature an updated version of the popular Qantas ‘footnet’ first introduced on the A380, designed to cradle the legs during sleep.

Unveiling the Business and Economy seats in Sydney today, Qantas Group CEO Alan Joyce said the interiors had been carefully designed with longer routes and changing passenger preferences in mind.

“The Dreamliner is an aircraft built for comfort. The windows are bigger, it helps reduce jetlag, it’s extremely quiet and there’s a system that smooths out turbulence. Customers are going to love it,” said Mr Joyce.

“We’re planning to make the most of the 787’s amazing range, so we’ve designed the cabin to give Qantas passengers a better experience on long haul flights.

“Many of the cabin design elements reflect what our customers have told us. Personal storage rates really highly, so we’ve created extra space in Economy for customers to store their personal devices and water bottles.

We’re proud that our new Economy seat includes features other carriers reserve for Premium Economy.
“We’re also redesigning the in-flight experience for the Dreamliner, from rethinking our menus to making better use of the self-service bars during different phases of flight,” added Mr Joyce.

The Dreamliner cabin interiors and new economy seat, designed by Australian industrial designer David Caon, are a progression of the Qantas aesthetic established by Marc Newson.

Detail on initial Qantas Dreamliner destinations will be revealed in coming months, with the first international flights on sale before Christmas. The aircraft will gradually take over routes currently operated by the airline’s B747 fleet as well as adding new city-pairs to the Qantas International network.
The Dreamliner’s Premium Economy cabin, which will offer a class leading experience and a revolutionary new seat, will be unveiled in early 2017.
QANTAS

Boeing, UPS Announce Order for 14 747-8 Freighters

Airplanes will support carrier’s fleet expansion plans

EVERETT, Wash., Oct. 27, 2016 – Boeing [NYSE: BA] and UPS [NYSE: UPS] today announced an order for 14 747-8 Freighters. The agreement also includes an option to purchase an additional 14 of the cargo airplanes.

“These aircraft are a strategic investment for increased capacity for UPS customers around the globe,” said Brendan Canavan, president, UPS Airlines. “The 747-8 will allow UPS to upsize our network in both new and existing markets.”

The 747-8 Freighter is the world’s most efficient freighter, providing cargo operators the lowest operating costs and best economics of any large freighter on the market. With its iconic nose door, the airplane has 16 percent more revenue cargo volume than the 747-400F. The airplane also reduces the noise footprint around an airport by 30 percent compared to its predecessor.

"UPS could not have selected a better aircraft to meet its growing business needs," said Brad McMullen, vice president, Sales, North America and Leasing, Boeing Commercial Airplanes. "We’ve continued to make the 747-8 Freighter even better, and we look forward to seeing UPS introduce it to its fleet."

With 109 747-8 passenger and freighter airplanes delivered to customers around the globe, the fleet is performing with the highest dispatch reliability and utilization of any four-engine airplane in service.



UPS is a global leader in logistics, offering a broad range of solutions including transporting packages and freight; facilitating international trade, and deploying advanced technology to more efficiently manage the world of business. Headquartered in Atlanta, UPS serves more than 220 countries and territories worldwide.

quarta-feira, 26 de outubro de 2016

FRONTIER - A320-200Sharklets - N233FR

Duncan Stewart - LAX

WESTJET - B737-800 Split Scimitar Winglets - C-FYBK

Duncan Stewart - LAX

Singapore Airlines resumes ultra-long-haul flights

New Singapore-San Francisco becomes airline's longest route and marks relaunch of direct US flights


SIA’s CEO, Goh Choon Phong, with the A350

Singapore Airlines has resumed “ultra-long-haul” flight operations, with the launch of its first direct route to the USA since 2013.

The new Singapore-San Francisco service departed for the first time on Sunday (23 October 2016), and will now operate daily. Covering a distance of 13,593km, it becomes the longest non-stop route in SIA’s network and the joint fourth longest commercial flight operated by any airline in the world today.
SIA’s direct flights to New York and Los Angeles were previously the two longest in commercial aviation history. Rising fuel prices however, meant that these ultra-long-haul routes became too costly to operate and they were dropped in 2013. Since then, SIA has only flown to the US via Europe or Northeast Asia.

Now however, the airline’s new fleet of fuel-efficient Airbus A350 aircraft has enabled SIA to resume direct trans-Pacific flights. San Francisco will be served non-stop using the standard version of the A350-900 aircraft, and the airline is also planning to take delivery of a new “Ultra-Long-Range” (ULR) version of the A350, which will enable it to resume direct flights to New York and LA in 2018.
The A350 deployed on the new route was the 10,000th aircraft ever produced by Airbus

The A350 deployed on the San Francisco route also happens to be the 10,000th aircraft ever delivered by Airbus, and features a special livery to reflect the milestone.

On the new outbound flight, the A350 will depart Singapore’s Changi Airport at 0920 and arrive in San Francisco at 0755 the same day, following a flight time of approximately 14.5 hours. The return flights will leave the Californian hub at 0925 and arrive back in Singapore at 1840 the following day, with a flight time of more than 17 hours.
Both legs will cross the International Date Line, and if that sounds like a recipe for jetlag, passengers will be happy to hear that the A350 features several cabin elements that are designed to reduce the effects of jetlag, such as larger windows and improved lighting.



SIA now operates twice daily flights to San Francisco, with the other routed via Hong Kong. It also serves LA via Seoul and Tokyo, New York via Frankfurt, and effective next week, Houston via Manchester. United Airlines also operates the Singapore-San Francisco route.
Written by:Mark Elliott - Travel News

Sterna A300-B4 at Recife on Oct. 21, Nose Gear Collapse and Runway Excursion on Landing





A Sterna Linhas Aereas Airbus A300-B4, registration PR-STN performing postal cargo flight STR-9302 from Sao Paulo Guarulhos, SP to Recife, PE (Brazil) with 3 crew, landed on Recife's runway 18 at about 6:10 a.m. L, however, the nose gear collapsed upon touchdown, the aircraft veered right off the runway and came to a stop with both main gear and aircraft nose on soft ground. There were no injuries, the aircraft received substantial damage.
The crew deployed the L1 slide, the slide inflated but detached from the aircraft before the crew could vacate the aircraft, the crew subsequently left the aircraft via ladders.

The runway was closed for about 2 hours as result of the occurrence.
By Simon Hradecky, The Aviation Herald

Finnair Leases Airbus A340 from Hi Fly for Its New York Route



Finnair will wet lease an Airbus A340 aircraft and crew from Hi Fly for a period of 2 months to accommodate pilot trainings that are necessary to secure the airline's growing operations in summer 2017 and beyond. Finnair will continue to receive new Airbus A350 aircraft in 2017, and is currently undertaking a massive pilot training program to train its A330 pilots for A350 operations.

The Hi Fly aircraft will operate on Finnair's Helsinki-New York route between November 3, 2016 and January 8, 2017. The cockpit and cabin crew comes from Hi Fly, but the flights will have two Finnair service crew members on board to support the delivery of Finnair's customer service concept.

"Pilot trainings are a part of our preparations for growth. This wet lease is a part of our efforts to ensure punctual operations during the next months, when a large share of Finnair pilots are tied up in A350 related trainings", says Jaakko Schildt, Chief Operating Officer, Finnair.
The wet leased aircraft has 24 full-flat seats in Business Class, and 271 seats in Economy Class, all with seat-back Inflight Entertainment system.
Finnair operates daily from Helsinki to John F Kennedy Airport, in New York. Finnair communicates the change in the operating carrier to customers directly.
Contributed by Finnair
Photo:FPP - LPPT

Fly Viking adds maiden aircraft, a Q100



Fly Viking (Tromsø) has taken delivery of its first aircraft, Dash 8-100 LN-FVA (cn 17) following a positioning flight routed Calgary-Churchill-Iqaluit-Narsarsuaq-Reykjavik Domestic-Tromsø Skyliner Aviation has reported.
The start-up is planning to add a further eighteen of the type over the coming months. The turboprops will be deployed on domestic Norwegian flights although no formal launch dates have yet been announced.
ch aviation

Boeing, SWISS Confirm Additional Order for 777-300ER

Swiss flag-carrier has ordered its 10th 777, taken delivery of six in 2016
ZURICH, Oct. 26, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Boeing [NYSE: BA] and Swiss International Air Lines (SWISS) today confirmed a new order for one 777-300ER (Extended Range), valued at $339.6 million at list prices. The Swiss airline had previously ordered nine 777s and taken delivery of six this year as it continues to establish the 777-300ER as its flagship.
"The 777-300ER will be the backbone of our long-haul fleet for many years to come," said Peter Wojahn, Chief Technical Officer, Swiss International Air Lines. "As one of the largest operators of the 777-300ER in Europe we can offer our passengers unrivalled frequency and passenger comfort to a number of intercontinental markets thanks to this super-efficient long-haul aircraft."
The 777-300ER is the most fuel and cost-efficient airplane 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.
"We value the continued confidence SWISS places in the 777 program and are honored that the 777-300ER will continue to play a prominent role in the airline's expansion plans," said Monty Oliver, Vice President, European Sales, Boeing Commercial Airplanes.
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.

SAS takes delivery of its first A320neo



Scandinavia’s leading carrier becomes operator of world’s most fuel efficient single aisle
Scandinavia’s leading carrier becomes operator of world’s most fuel efficient single aisle


Scandinavian Airlines (SAS), has taken delivery of its first of 30 A320neo aircraft ordered, becoming the first Arline in Scandinavia to operate the world’s most fuel efficient single aisle aircraft.

SAS ordered the A320neo as part of its strategy to modernize its fleet with more fuel-efficient aircraft, reducing environmental impact such as emissions and aircraft noise. The A320neo will join SAS’s existing Airbus fleet of 25 A320 Family aircraft, eight A330s and eight A340s.

SAS’s A320neo is configured in a comfortable single class layout with 174 seats. The aircraft is powered by CFM International LEAP-1A engines and will be deployed on short to medium-haul routes from its Scandinavian home bases to destinations throughout Europe.

The A320 Family is the world’s best-selling single aisle product line with more than 12,750 orders since launch and more than 7,200 aircraft delivered to more than 300 operators worldwide. The A320neo Family incorporates latest technologies including new generation engines and Sharklet wing tip devices, which together deliver more than 15 percent in fuel savings from day one and 20 percent by 2020.


Boeing's 500th 787 Dreamliner Rolls Out of Paint Shop in Air France Livery



Air France's first 787 Dreamliner and Boeing's 500th has been unveiled in the airline's livery following completion of final assembly and painting in Everett, Seattle.

The milestone 500th 787 to have been rolled out from the Boeing's paint shop is now officially christened, Air France said in a statement.
According to a previous report, the 500th 787 has begun final assembly on September 26, which is scheduled to be delivered to Air France on November 28, 2016.

The 787-9 Drealiner, which bears the Registration F-HRBA, will now undergo interior fit-out before conducting ground and flight tests, prior to delivery to Air France in early December. It will arrive at Paris Charles De Gaulle Airport on December 2, the airline added.

Photos: Air France





terça-feira, 25 de outubro de 2016

HAWAIIAN AIRLINES - A330-200 - N392HA


The first of three "Moana"-themed Airbus A330 aircraft adorned with imagery from Disney's “Moana” was revealed to our employee volunteers and their ohana along with two of the film’s stars - Dwayne Johnson and Auli’i Cravalho.
Photography: "@SoulBPhotos


Alas Uruguay suspends operations


Alas Uruguay (YZ, Montevideo) has suspended all operations following its last scheduled commercial flight, YZ163 - Buenos Aires Aeroparque- Montevideo, on Monday, October 24.
The route was operated by the carrier's last remaining operational B737-300, CX-OAC (msn 28563) which is leased from Cara Aircraft Leasing. Flightradar24 ADS-B data indicates sistership CX-OAA (msn 28569), which is leased from Aergo Capital, has not operated any commercial flights since October 19.
Alas Uruguay has since formally requested the Uruguayan civil aviation authority (DINACIA) to suspend its operations for up to sixty days.
Lamenting the carrier's difficulties, Uruguay's Minister of Tourism, Liliam Kechichián, told El Espectador newspaper that there was "no more room for financial support" for the airline from government adding that "they long ago made that very clear."

Launched in January of this year, Alas Uruguay was a project centred around ex-PLUNA (PU, Montevideo) personnel using a Uruguayan government national development fund (FONDES) loan of USD15 million. However, despite initial optimism, it soon ran into difficulties attracting lower than expected loads on its flights to Argentina and Paraguay. With less than expected revenue, the airline struggled to finance its debts.

In July, ALAS Uruguay's management was reported to have held talks with Brazil's Azul Linhas Aéreas Brasileiras (AD, Campinas Viracopos) and Amaszonas (Z8, La Paz El Alto), parent firm to rival Amaszonas del Uruguay (BQB, Montevideo), over a possible cooperation agreement though nothing tangible is said to have come of them.
ch aviation

Garuda Indonesia London service changes from Oct 2016


Garuda Indonesia since Late-September 2016 reduced operation to the UK, as the airline operates 3 weekly Jakarta – Singapore – London Heathrow – Jakarta route. The Skyteam member previously operated this route 5 times a week, until 25SEP16. The 3 weekly flights will be maintained in Northern winter season, on/after 30OCT16.

GA086 CGK0720 – 1000SIN1105 – 1735LHR 777 267
GA087 LHR2015 – 1705+1CGK 777 267
3-class Boeing 777-300ER aircraft operates this route. 
The airline will operate 4-5 weekly flights during peak season from 14DEC16 to 05JAN17
.Jim Liu - Data & Analysis Manager - Airlineroute, Routesonline

RwandAir to serve London Gatwick by 2017


RwandAir (WB, Kigali) chief executive John Mirenge has named London Gatwick in the United Kingdom as the carrier's maiden European destination.

In an interview with The New Times, Mirenge said bilateral talks between the UK and Rwandan authorities were nearing their conclusion with a launch before 2017 a strong possibility.

The carrier took delivery of its first A330-200, 9XR-WN (cn 1741), last month with its first A330-300, 9XR-WP (cn 1759), due in November.

h-aviation analysis of ADS-B data shows RwandAir has been using 9XR-WN on flights from Kigali to Lagos, Accra, Dubai Int'l, and Mombasa. Mumbai Int'l flights are also scheduled to launch before year end.

Norwegian Air bets on Boeing in low-cost air travel overhaul



Asgeir Nyseth is striding down the aisle of a Boeing 787 Dreamliner. Matter of fact, he points to seats 5C and 5E. These are the best seats on the airplane, he says.


This is the latest addition to a fleet of aircraft that has transformed the once regional airline, Norwegian Air. The plane stands on Boeing’s Paine Field runway, ready to embark on its delivery flight from the west coast of the US to Oslo. In a few days this plane will begin its first commercial flight.

Nyseth, the airline’s chief operating officer, was brought on board the rapidly growing airline in 2006 by group chief executive Bjorn Kjos at a critical step-change for the airline.

At the time the aviation market was dominated by low-cost carriers such as easyJet and Ryanair, offering cheap short-haul flights cross-crossing much of Europe. By contrast Norwegian was largely confined to the Nordic market with a modest 19 plane fleet.

Since then the pair have snapped up over 100 airplanes while their order book heaves with more than 200 to follow in the next five years.

“In 10 years I’ve seen the company change a lot. I thought when I left my previous role that I’d be moving to a much quieter job without too much to do,” laughs Nyseth, who was previously boss of Lufttransport, which operates air ambulances in Norway and Sweden.

“But the first discussion that I had with Bjorn was about buying aircraft.”

The airline’s appetite for new planes borders on the insatiable. In 2012 Norwegian placed the largest single European aircraft order in history for 222 new planes including 122 Boeing 737s, and 100 A320s from rival aircraft manufacturer Airbus.

Last year Norwegian ordered 19 additional 787-9 Dreamliners, of which this is one.

For Norwegian the haul is about seizing the advances made in aircraft technology. The bet has allowed the airline to flip the idea that low-cost travel is synonymous with short-haul routes by undercutting long-haul airlines with discounted rates and the promise of a comfortable journey.

“You need to be first in line for the change in aircraft technology. The new generation of aircraft can travel further, use 20pc less fuel, and requires less maintenance,” he says.

Norwegian’s explosive growth has positioned the airline as Europe’s third largest low-cost carrier, flying 400 routes to more than 130 destinations in Europe, North Africa, the Middle East, Thailand, the Caribbean and the US. Last year 26m passengers opted for Norwegian’s low-cost offers and the airline expects the 11pc growth seen last year to continue as it opens more routes in the coming years, with Canada, South America and South Africa all on the cards.

It’s a rosy position to be when rivals Monarch Air, AirBerlin and easyJet are treading water in choppy market conditions. Customer jitters over Brexit, the weakening pound and the threat of terror attacks have dampened the travel markets. In the background oil prices are slowly beginning to climb to add further pressure to struggling airlines.

If Nyseth is worried about these factors, he doesn’t show it.

As the operator of one the most fuel efficient aircraft fleets in the world, the rising fuel price will not be as uncomfortable for Norwegian as it will be for its competitors, he says.

“We didn’t expect that fuel prices would crash the way that they did, and perhaps older legacy carriers have survived because of this, but as prices move higher this will give us a competitive advantage compared to the others,” he adds.

Brexit is also an opportunity if the weaker sterling sees more visitors to Britain, he says. And if other UK-dependent airlines shift routes away from the UK into Norwegian’s markets, the disruptive newcomer is ready for that too.

“We always like competitors so they’re welcome to come,” Nyseth laughs.

“In this industry you need to see the possibility, and there is a lot of possibility. Firstly, direct routes have been a huge success for Norwegian. Passengers don’t always need to go to a big hub if they can go direct, and understanding this has opened a lot of new routes.”

Norwegian’s corporate structure mirrors its pursuit of the Dreamliner fleet in the way that it is lean and strategically nimble. The airline is, in fact, four different carriers with separate airline operating certificates for its Norwegian Air Norway business which operates from Scandinavian bases, Norwegian Air Shuttle, which operates routes outside of Scandinavia, and then its UK and Irish businesses, the latter being the focus for its long-haul business.

The four-way network is held together by a central division focusing on finance and recruitment and other shared services which allows Norwegian the benefits of different country licences while avoiding the costs of doubling up on support staff.

The airline is not without its jurisdictional issues however. Norwegian has been locked in battle with the US aviation authorities over approval to operate flights from the US. Norwegian has been waiting for more than a year for approval from the UK subsidiary, and from its Irish one an unprecedented three years.

The typically routine request is usually concluded within two months. But Norwegian has failed to win approval from the US over concern that competition from the new entrant would hit local airlines.

Nyseth is adamant that the approval will come through after the US general election next month.

“There is no way that they can deny Norwegian the approval. If they could, they would have done it by now,” he says.

Propping up his unshakable confidence is the aircraft which has made the Norwegian business model possible: Boeing’s Dreamliner 787.

From Boeing’s 98 acre Everett aircraft factory on the outskirts of Seattle, the Dreamliner is built using unprecedented techniques. Boeing says it is 20pc more fuel efficient than previous models which, in an industry where fuel makes up a third of total costs, is a huge cost-saving measure for any airline over the plane’s lifetime.

Norwegian has taken delivery of four of the new aircraft this year and expects nine in 2017. By the end of the decade it will take on 11 more.

It’s been a very busy last decade for Nyseth, but what of the next 10 years?

“Well, we’ll have at least 250 new aircraft because that’s already in order, with another 150 in option deals.



“We are a global player, but we will be a much bigger global player. Much bigger,” he smiles, and prepares for take-off.

MOJAVE TRIP

Duncan Stewart