This past weekend, our 15th A330 touched down in Honolulu after making the long trip from Toulouse, France.

Each of our Airbus A330s are named after celestial navigation markers that ancient Polynesians relied on to cross the Pacific Ocean. N396HA is named Keoe, the Hawaiian name for the star, Vega.

Keoe is also the second aircraft to feature our new interior with our Extra Comfort premium economy seating. To learn more about our Extra Comfort seats visit: http://at.hwnair.com/tkkfr

CENTURION CARGO - B747-400F - N901AR

Ton Jochems - AMS

VANILLA AIR, the new wholly-owned LCC subsidiary of All Nippon Airways, launched its third and fourth routes during the last week

Ryotaro Shinozaki  - JA01VA

From its Tokyo Narita base it now operates thrice-daily flights on the 790-kilometre route to Sapporo Chitose (CTS) as well as twice-daily flights on the 1,230-kilometre route to Seoul Incheon (ICN).

Competition is considerable on both routes, with four competing airlines on the domestic route and six on the route to South Korea.

Ryotaro Shinozaki - JA02VA

FASTJET - A319-100 - 5H-FJA - the Tanzanian low-cost carrier, commenced its second international route to Lusaka

fastjet, the Tanzanian low-cost carrier, commenced its second international route to Lusaka (LUN) in Zambia on 1 February, joining its existing services to Johannesburg. The 1,500-kilometre sector from Dar es Salaam (DAR) will be served twice-weekly (Thursdays and Saturdays), utilising the airline’s 125-seat A319s.

Photo: William VIGNES - Bordeaux Merignac - France

 

Far Eastern Air Transport, an airline that can trace its origins back to the late 1950s, has started twice-weekly flights between Taipei Songshan and Tianjin  in China.

Etihad Airways, has added its fourth service into Saudi Arabia, with the start of daily services to Madinah, joining existing flights to Dammam, Jeddah and Riyadh. The A320-operated service began on 4 February from the carrier’s Abu Dhabi (AUH) hub. Competition on the 1,510-kilometre city pair comes from Saudi Arabian Airlines, which serves the route twice-weekly.

Peach Aviation continues to expand its domestic network in Japan with the addition of Matsuyama (MYJ) to its network

On 1 February twice-daily flights were launched on the 245-kilometre sector from Osaka Kansai (KIX) using the airline’s 180-seat A320s.The airline will face no competition on the airport pair. This is now Peach’s ninth domestic route from Osaka Kansai since it began operations on 1 March 2012. According to Airbus data the airline’s fleet now comprises 11 A320s.

Emirates and Proflight Zambia Sign Global Ticketing Agreement

Emirates, a global connector of people and places, and Proflight Zambia, has signed an interline agreement that will make it easier for international passengers to reach domestic destinations throughout Zambia.
Popular Zambian attractions such as the Victoria Falls – one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World – can now be accessed with a single ticket purchase and smooth connections from any of Emirates destinations worldwide.
Safari-goers will be able to book straight through to Mfuwe for the world renowned wildlife haven of South Luangwa National Park.

Proflight Zambia to add a first B737-300

Proflight Air Services is set to add its first B737-300 to its fleet of two Cessna Grand Caravans, four Jetstream 32s, three Jetstream 41s and a B737-200Adv.

Avianca Colombia grounds its fleet of Fokker 50s

Avianca Colombia has grounded its fleet of Fokker 50s after one of the turboprops suffered an engine malfunction prior to take off from Cali bound for Tumaco on January 28. "After performing all the proper inspections and going through all the safety procedures, Avianca S.A. has taken the preventive decision to temporarily ground its F50 fleet

Fifth Sukhoi Superjet 100 delivered to Interjet

The fifth Sukhoi Superjet 100 landed in Mexico on February 2, 2014 to join Interjet SSJ100 fleet.

The aircraft (MNS 95034) was rolled out from SuperJet International’s hangar in Venice (Italy) and took off from Venice Marco Polo airport for the ferry flight to Interjet facilities in Toluca (Mexico).

During its ferry flight, the aircraft stopped in Keflyavik (Iceland) and Bangor (Maine, USA), showing once more its outstanding performance on longer range routes.
“We are confirming what we promised, implementing the certification and delivery’s process in order to meet our customer’s needs – states Nazario Cauceglia, Chief Executive Officer – We are very pleased to work with Interjet’s team and provide the airline with our first-class aircraft along with the best after-sales support. I believe this fifth delivery deepens our collaborative relationship with Interjet”.
Starting from the Entry Into Service in September 18, 2013, the first four Interjet SSJ100s have showed an outstanding performance with over 99% dispatch reliability and an average daily utilization of 9 flight hours.

So far the aircraft in service accumulated over 2500 flight hours through 7 destinations in Mexico (Mexico City, Torreon, Aguascalientes, Campeche, Minatitlan, Zacatecas and Mazatlan).

In the meantime the sixth and the seventh aircraft to be delivered to Interjet are currently under completion at SuperJet International’s plant in Italy.
Interjet ordered 20 SSJ100 plus 10 options in the 93-seats (34’ pitch) configuration. The exclusive and comfortable interior are designed by Italian Company Pininfarina.
The SSJ100 is developed and built by Sukhoi Civil Aircraft Company (SCAC), in partnership with Alenia Aermacchi. It incorporates the most modern Western technology and systems together with high standards of comfort available in the 100-seats segment.

Boeing, LAM - Linhas Aereas de Mocambique Announce Next-Generation 737 Order

Order for three Next-Generation 737-700s with purchase rights for additional three airplanes

MAPUTO, Mozambique, Feb. 5, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Boeing (NYSE: BA) and LAM - Linhas Aereas de Mocambique (LAM – Mozambique Airlines) announced an order today for three Next-Generation 737-700 airplanes. The order, valued at $228 million at list prices, includes purchase rights for three additional Next-Generation 737s.

The order, formally signed in November 2013 and was previously unidentified on the Boeing Orders & Deliveries website, is part of the Mozambique flag-carrier and the country's Ministry of Transport and Communication's long-term strategy to increase flight frequency and provide greater route flexibility to and from the southern African nation.

"In order to thrive in this highly competitive environment, LAM - Linhas Aereas de Mocambique has developed an in-depth Strategic Business Plan which resulted in the restructuring of its network to facilitate its growth and expansion," said Dra. Marlene Mendes Manave, chief executive officer, LAM - Linhas Aereas de Mocambique. "This investment in the Next-Generation 737-700s will help Mozambique to remain at the forefront of the growing demand for air travel in our region and enable expansion into several new markets."  

LAM - Linhas Aereas de Mocambique's new 737-700s will be fitted with Boeing's latest Performance Improvement Package (PIP), delivering an additional two percent improvement in fuel efficiency for what is already the most fuel efficient single aisle aircraft. The airplanes will also feature the popular passenger-inspired Boeing Sky Interior, with modern sculpted sidewalls and window reveals, LED lighting that enhances the sense of spaciousness and larger pivoting overhead stowage bins.

"With record passenger numbers in recent years, LAM - Linhas Aereas de Mocambique understands the value of the 737 as it has already successful utilized the airplane's capabilities to become a key player in southern Africa," said Van Rex Gallard, vice president of Sales for Africa, Latin America and the Caribbean, Boeing Commercial Airplanes. "Today's order for Next-Generation 737-700s will enable LAM - Linhas Aereas de Mocambique to realize greater efficiencies, improved performance and enhanced passenger comfort, as the airline continues to move forward with its ambitious growth."

Capable of carrying up to 126 passengers in a two-class configuration, the 737-700 is one of the most successful selling versions of the Next-Generation 737 family. Known for its reliability, fuel efficiency and economical performance, the 737-700 has been selected by leading carriers throughout the world, and has contributed to the strong success of over 6,600 Next-Generation 737 family orders.

"The development of gas and other hydrocarbon resources, including oil, will have major implications for Mozambique – a strong aviation infrastructure with a modern fleet of Next-Generation 737 jetliners will be of enormous benefit to the people of Mozambique, business travelers and our tourism industry, and will substantially contribute to our economic development," said Dra. Manave.    

Based at Maputo International Airport in Mozambique's capital city, LAM - Linhas Aereas de Mocambique currently operates flights domestically and regionally, across southern Africa with a fleet that currently includes Boeing 737-500s, and other smaller regional aircraft.

  

A350 XWB makes debut at Doha

First service readiness checks at Qatar Airways’ new hub

An A350 XWB flight test aircraft (MSN3) has made its premiere appearance at Doha’s new Hamad international airport, on its way to the Singapore Airshow. The visit is part of the Entry-into-Service preparations between Airbus and Qatar Airways, the A350 XWB launch customer, who will take delivery of its first A350 XWB in Q4 this year.

During the visit, the aircraft was welcomed by Qatar Airways CEO Akbar Al Baker as well as government officials, eager to see the aircraft performing in Qatar’s skies.

The A350 XWB (Xtra Wide-Body) is an all-new mid-size long range product line comprising three versions. The new Family, whose fuselage cross-section is optimized for full long-range passenger comfort in all classes, will bring a 25 percent step change in efficiency compared with existing aircraft in this size category. To date, the A350 XWB has won 812 orders from 39 customers worldwide.

UP, a subsidiary of El Al Israel Airlines, is a low cost start up airline based in Tel Aviv. It will replace mainline El Al services on some routes - B737-800 - 4X-EKM

Jan Jurecka - Ostrava - Mosnov

Boeing, SilkAir Begins Transition to All 737 Fleet

Delivery of SilkAir's first Next-Generation 737-800

Chris G. - Seattle Boeing Field/King County

737 enables SilkAir to fly longer routes, increase capacitySEATTLE, Feb. 3, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Boeing [NYSE: BA] and SilkAir celebrated today the delivery of the carrier's first Next-Generation 737-800. The delivery also marked the start of the Singapore-based airline's transition to an all-Boeing fleet. Over the coming years, Boeing will deliver a total of 23 737-800s and 31 737 MAX 8s to SilkAir.

"The new Boeing 737 aircraft will support our network expansion plans," said SilkAir Chief Executive Leslie Thng. "The transition to an all-Boeing fleet will enable us to efficiently serve more destinations, fly longer routes and increase capacity on existing routes."

SilkAir's new 737 will enter service later this month, flying to existing destinations including in Malaysia, Thailand and Indonesia. With the follow-on 737 deliveries, SilkAir will fly the aircraft to more destinations in Cambodia, Vietnam, India and the Philippines starting in March.

"As air travel in the Asia Pacific region continues to grow, Boeing is proud to support SilkAir's plans to fly more passengers and serve more cities," said Dinesh Keskar, senior vice president of Asia Pacific and India Sales, Boeing Commercial Airplanes. "The 737-800s efficiency and reliability makes it an excellent addition to the SilkAir fleet. SilkAir's passengers also will enjoy an enhanced flying experience with the comfort of the 737 Boeing Sky Interior and the airline's award-winning service."

The Boeing 737-800 is the best-selling versions of the highly successful Next-Generation 737 family, the most technologically advanced airplanes in the single-aisle market. The Next-Generation 737 is the most fuel-efficient and reliable single-aisle airplane today. The airplane provides added value to airlines by delivering reliability, simplicity and reduced operating and maintenance costs.

The 737 features the Boeing Sky Interior, which highlights new modern sculpted sidewalls and window reveals, LED lighting that enhances the sense of spaciousness and larger pivoting overhead stowage bins.

SilkAir is a full-service airline and the regional wing of Singapore Airlines. It currently flies more than 350 weekly flights to 45 destinations in 12 countries.

AIR TRANSAT - B737-800 - F-GZHD - first B737-800, is a lease from Transavia.

Photo:Janos Englert - Montreal - Pierre Elliott Trudeau Internationa

This new type will be introduced in the summer of 2014 and will become the core of Air Transat's permanent narrow-body fleet

QATAR AIRWAYS - A320-200 - A7-AHL

 András Soós - Budapest
Award-Winning Airline Strengthens Commitment To Sudan With Three Additional Weekly Flights
17 Flights-a-week From Khartoum Offering Excellent Connections Via Doha To Popular Cities In Europe, USA And The Far East

Embraer Displays its Solutions at the Singapore Airshow 2014

Singapore, February 3, 2014 – Embraer will participate in the Singapore Airshow 2014, February 11 to 16, at Changi Exhibition Center, with its solutions for the Commercial, Executive, and Defense & Security markets. Four Embraer aircraft from the Executive Jets portfolio will be displayed during the show: Lineage 1000E, Legacy 650, Phenom 300 and the Phenom 100. Embraer has around 300 aircraft in the Asia Pacific and China regions.

The ultra-large Lineage 1000E, an enhanced version of the Lineage 1000 executive jet, will be on display for the first time in Asia, since it’s announcement, in October 2013. Also, visitors will have the opportunity to gain an interactive understanding of the new features and benefits of the E-Jets E2s, the second generation of the E-Jets family of commercial aircraft, in a dedicated tent in the static display area. Furthermore, Embraer Defense & Security will promote its full line of integrated solutions, that includes the medium lift military transport jet KC-390 and the A-29 Super Tucano light-attack aircraft, of which 16 units have been ordered by the Indonesian Armed Forces.

Embraer will be located at chalet CD51, and will hold two press conferences during the show, both at the Exhibition Hall:

Tuesday, February 11: 12 noon – Executive Jets
Wednesday, February 12: 1:00 pm – Commercial Aviation

For more information about Embraer’s products and services, please visit: www.embraer.com.

 

Boeing, flydubai Sign Agreement for Mobile Maintenance Solutions

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates, Feb. 4, 2014 – Boeing [NYSE:BA] today announced at the MRO Middle East conference that flydubai has signed an agreement to implement Boeing’s suite of mobile maintenance applications. The airline will deploy Maintenance Turn Time, Toolbox Mobile Library and Toolbox Mobile Parts – solutions that provide real-time access to the information technicians need to quickly resolve maintenance issues.

As a cooperative partner, flydubai worked closely with Boeing to finalize the functionality and operability of the mobile maintenance products, which will be integrated with the airline’s maintenance planning systems.

“Coordinating maintenance information across the airline is essential for our current and future operations as we continue to expand our 737 fleet,” said Dave Lewis, flydubai head of engineering. “To do this effectively, our engineers require instant access to information to support faster aircraft maintenance turn times, providing a greater level of confidence that we will continue to meet our quick-turn schedules.”

flydubai is positioning itself for significant fleet growth. In January, Boeing and flydubai finalized an order first announced at the Dubai Airshow for 75 737 MAX 8s, 11 additional Next-Generation 737-800s and purchase rights for 25 more MAXs, representing the largest single-aisle airplane order in the Middle East for Boeing.

“Our team worked closely with flydubai to identify their specific maintenance operations challenges and discovered that the transit time involved with engineers going back and forth between the airplane and the maintenance base to retrieve information could be optimized,” said John Maggiore, director of Fleet and Maintenance Solutions, Boeing Digital Aviation. “This integrated and streamlined mobile access to information at the airplane via mobile devices will enable the maintenance and engineering teams at flydubai to accommodate the high utilization rates and tight operations schedules for the fleet.”

The mobile maintenance applications provide technicians with real-time, mobile access to technical manuals, part numbers and parts inventory availability, maintenance history and other information needed to support time-critical maintenance tasks. Two-way collaboration capabilities enable technicians to rapidly share documents, photos and other information needed to troubleshoot issues, support operations decisions and improve maintenance turn times.

“We are pleased to have the opportunity to collaborate directly with Boeing to develop these solutions to support our needs in a fast-paced and rapidly changing maintenance environment,” said Ken Gile, flydubai chief operating officer. “By making these maintenance efficiency improvements, we will be better positioned to effectively manage our operations to scale more easily and accommodate our planned fleet growth.”

Boeing representatives will be available to provide demonstrations of the mobile maintenance applications suite at the MRO Middle East event in Dubai.

About the Boeing Edge

Boeing offers a comprehensive portfolio of commercial aviation services, collectively known as the Boeing Edge, bringing value and advantages to customers and the industry. Boeing Digital Aviation is the business unit that delivers the Boeing Edge through integrated offerings in software, applications, information solutions and advanced training to drive optimized performance, efficiency and safety across customer operations. Boeing provides a competitive edge by solving real operational problems, enabling better decisions, maximizing efficiency and improving environmental performance – creating intelligent information solutions across the aviation ecosystem.

About flydubai

Dubai-based flydubai strives to remove barriers to travel and enhance connectivity between different cultures across its ever-expanding network. Since launching its operations in 2009, flydubai has:
Created a network of more than 65 destinations, with 16 new routes announced in 2013.
Opened up 47 new routes that did not previously have direct air links to Dubai or were not served by a UAE national carrier from Dubai.
Built up a fleet of 35 aircraft, from its initial order of 50; due to be fulfilled by 2015.

In addition, flydubai’s agility and flexibility as a young airline has enhanced Dubai’s economic development, in line with the Government of Dubai’s vision, by creating trade and tourism flows in previously underserved markets.

Airbus to have major presence at Singapore Airshow

showcasing cabin comfort and innovation
demonstrating A350 XWB and widebody leadership
Airbus will have a major presence at the Singapore Airshow 2014, Asia’s largest aeronautical and defence airshow, taking place from 11th-16th February. Airshow visitors will be able to enjoy the all-new A350 XWB flight-test aircraft (MSN 3) performing its first ever airshow flying display on both, the 11th and 12th February.

A full scale A350 XWB cockpit as well as an interactive A350 XWB model will be on expo at the Airbus stand (J23) together with models of Airbus’ market-leading widebody product line and the successful A320neo. Guests can also discover Airbus’ benchmark cabin comfort standards in a dedicated Comfort Zone at the Airbus tent, located on the static display area.

Airbus will broadcast the A350 XWB flying display live, and provide daily airshow coverage and news via a special Singapore Airshow website on airbus.com and on youtube.com/airbus. In addition. Airbus will also broadcast a daily 30 minute live show, featuring Airbus experts and special guests. More details will be made available on www.airbus.com from February 11th.

 Members of the media are invited to the Airbus press conference on Tuesday 11th February starting at 2:30 pm at the Singapore Airshow main exhibition Hall, Room 5. Airbus recommends media to follow alerts for upcoming events and announcements which will be posted in the airshow press centre, at the Airbus Group Chalet and Airbus Group stand.

The Airbus media relations team welcomes journalists to visit us at the Airbus Group business Chalet, CD19-CD29.

The Asia-Pacific region is a core market for Airbus with airlines from the region accounting for a third of the company’s total orders worldwide. Today there are more than 2,400 Airbus aircraft in service with nearly 100 airlines across the region and over 1,700 aircraft on order with Asia-Pacific carriers for future delivery. This represents over a third of the company's total backlog, reflecting the importance of the region as the fastest growing market for new civil aircraft.

Venezuela's SBA Airlines temporarily suspends flights to Tenerife

SBA Airlines has temporarily suspended flights from Caracas Simón Bolivar to Tenerife Norte with effect from February 1. While the Venezuelan carrier did not elaborate on the exact reason for the route's suspension simply referring to "reasons that are beyond their control", it is believed the country's foreign currency exchange crisis has played a part.
Photo:Marcelo Fouquet de Biasi - Miami

Avianca to Return to London Market in July 2014

Colombian national carrier Avianca will make its anticipated return to the UK market this summer when it resurrects its direct air link between its hub at El Dorado International in Bogotá and London Heathrow. The airline will inaugurate a four times weekly service on the route from July 3, 2014, using an Airbus A330-200.
Alain Charpentier - TLS

First-hand A350 XWB experience

Qatar Airways CEO, Akbar Al Baker, visited Airbus’ facilities in Toulouse to get first-hand information on the A350 programme’s progress. The Doha based airline will be the first A350 XWB operator and is also its biggest customer with 80 aircraft on order. Airbus and Qatar Airways are working closely together to ensure a successful entry-into-service of this all-new aircraft from day one.

During his site-tour, Mr Al Baker unveiled Airbus’ newest flight test aircraft MSN4, branded with a special “launch customer” livery. The aircraft will soon join the A350 flight test fleet for external noise and lightning tests, avionics development & certification and training for first customer pilots & maintenance teams.
“I am pleased with what I have seen during my visit. It gives me every confidence that the programme is well on track for our first delivery in 2014. At Qatar Airways, we are eager to open a new chapter of efficient and comfortable air travel and the A350 XWB will do this for us. The aircraft will give us that extra edge in economics and comfort to further boost our route expansion.” commented Akbar Al Baker.

RUILI AIRLINES - B737-800 - D-ABMX

 Dutch - Amsterdam


Ruili Airlines, a newly established private airline based in Yunnan province.
Chinese lessor plans to lease former Air Berlin 737-800s to Yunnan regional start-up.
The airline was given permission to launch flights from Kunming earlier this year, and has now started its expansion with an agreement to buy 18 narrow-body aircraft from Boeing and airberlin.
This year, Ruili expects to take delivery of eight Boeing 737-700s and six B737-800s from the US planemaker, plus two B737-700s from airberlin. It then expects to receive another two B737-800s from the German airline next year. It will operate the aircraft from Kunming’s Changshui International Airport
Traveldaily

AER LINGUS (Air Contractors) - B757-2Q8 - EI-LBR

Derek Morrison - Boston - General Edward Lawrence Logan Internationa


Air Contractors has signed a contract with Aer Lingus to operate three Boeing 757 aircraft on transatlantic routes between Ireland and New York, Boston and Toronto.

The Boeing 757 will operate a direct service between Dublin and Toronto commencing in the 2014 summer season. Two Boeing 757 aircraft will also be based in Shannon and will deliver increased frequency on existing services to Boston and New York. The 757 fleet will be 'damp leased' from the ASL Aviation GroupACL Solutions

VIVA AEROBUS - A320-200 - EI-ERH

EI-ERH -  It's the first Airbus for vivaerobus, it's awaiting delivery at Dublin, Ireland
Paul Quinn

GOLDEN MYANMAR AIRLINES - A320-200 - XY-AGS

DaVe - Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Int'l

KAZAKHSTAN GOVERNMENT - A320-200 - UP-A2001

Paul Denton- Geneva

Ras Al Khaimah Department of Civil Aviation inks partnership deal with Air Arabia

Photo:Paul Denton - Sharjah Int'l -A6-ANB

 

 

Department of Civil Aviation (DCA), Ras Al Khaimah announced today that it has signed a strategic partnership with Air Arabia, enabling the airline to become the Emirate’s designated carrier operating services from Ras Al Khaimah International Airport. Connecting Ras Al Khaimah to several destinations in the region, the major new collaboration is set to witness a significant increase in the number of destinations accessible to residents of Ras Al Khaimah and neighboring Northern Emirates.

The launch of partnership between the low-cost pioneer and the Department of Civil Aviation, RAK is expected to support Ras Al Khaimah’s standing as an attractive tourist destination, while acting as a key catalyst for the further economic development of the Emirate. The development also means that Air Arabia now becomes the official carrier of Ras Al Khaimah Emirate.

 Describing the partnership as a “unique collaboration,” His Excellency Engr. Sheikh Salem Bin Sultan Al Qasimi, Chairman, Department of Civil Aviation (DCA), Ras Al Khaimah said: “Today’s announcement is a natural step in the next stage of Ras Al Khaimah’s aviation development, driven by the Emirate’s steady economy, expanding population, growing industrial activity, and tourism. We are delighted to be entering into a strategic agreement with an extremely successful airline and are confident about the benefits this partnership will bring to the Emirate of Ras al Khaimah.”

 He added: “As Ras Al Khaimah continues to position itself as an attractive tourist destination, we are confident that this partnership will help us achieve our long-term goals, benefiting from Air Arabia’s operational track record, impressive network and management expertise.”

Adel Ali, Group Chief Executive Officer of Air Arabia said: “Joining hands with DCA, Ras Al Khaimah in this new partnership aims at further developing the aviation industry in the northern Emirates and support Ras Al Khaimah’s ambitious economic plans. The Emirate’s tourism sector is witnessing a strong and steady growth and we are optimistic that this will continue to grow in the years to come.”
Ali continued: “The major collaboration is a true reflection of the strength of the UAE aviation infrastructure and potential growth. Furthermore, we are extremely confident that the launch of Air Arabia’s operations in Ras Al Khaimah Airport will further transform the travel and tourism sectors in the Emirate as well as provide customers with great accessibility and value for money air travel.”

Established in October 2003, Air Arabia PJSC, listed on the Dubai Financial Market, currently operates services to 90 destinations covering the Middle East, North Africa, Europe and the Indian Subcontinent from three operating hubs in Sharjah, UAE; Alexandria, Egypt; and Casablanca, Morocco. 

The Department of Civil Aviation, Ras Al Khaimah is responsible for operation and regulation of the air transport system in Ras Al Khaimah. The DCA was established in 1974 to support the Emirate’s economic and social development.
AIR ARABIA

 

THAI's newest Boeing 777-300ER - HS-TKU

THAI

THAI Proposes Boeing 787 Operation from July 2014

planned Boeing 787 operation, due to start from 01JUL14. Initially the 787 aircraft would operate service on Bangkok – Perth daily flight, followed by Bangkok – Tokyo Haneda from 01AUG14.

 Note these flights are currently displaying in OAG, and not reflected in the GDS, therefore reservation for service to Perth continues to display Airbus A330 while Tokyo Haneda (new 2nd daily flight) is not listed in the inventory.

Bangkok – Perth
TG483 BKK2359 – 0745+1PER 787 D
TG484 PER0915 – 1515BKK 787 D


Bangkok – Tokyo Haneda
TG682 BKK2245 – 0655+1HND 787 D
TG683 HND1035 – 1505BKK 787 D

 TG682/683 is the new 2nd daily service announced on the airline’s Japanese website, scheduled to be operated by A330 or 747 from 29MAR14 (from BKK). Reservation for this second daily service will be opened at a later date.
Routes online

 

Kenya Airways outlines its initial B787 service timetable

Kenya Airways has outlined its provisional initial B787-8 service timetable, set to come into effect from April 14, 2014.
According to Airline Route, the Kenyan national carrier plans to deploy its first Dreamliner on flights to Mombasa and Dar-es-Salaam from April until June whereupon it will begin international services to Paris CDG from June 10. Kenya Airways has nine 787s on order, the first of which is due in March.

Photos:Boeing

Lessor Palma Holding Limited Places Firm Order for up to eight Bombardier Q400 NextGen Aircraft

Bombardier Aerospace today announced that lessor Palma Holding Limited (Palma) has signed a firm purchase agreement for four dual-class Q400 NextGen aircraft. The agreement, which also includes options for an additional four Q400 NextGen aircraft, follows a letter of intent to acquire the aircraft that Bombardier announced on November 18, 2013. Under a joint venture with Ibdar Bank BSC, Palma intends to lease four of the Q400 NextGen aircraft to Ethiopian Airlines.

As previously announced, based on list price, the contract value for Palma’s transaction covering four Q400 NextGen aircraft and four options is approximately $282 million US.

“The two-class configured Q400 NextGen aircraft provides customers like Ethiopian Airlines with operational flexibility, as well as excellent route and lease structures prospects – we look forward to joining the Bombardier family,” said Moulay Omar Alaoui, President, Palma Holding Ltd. “The addition of the Q400 NextGen airliner to our portfolio will present many exciting business development opportunities for our customers.”

“I am delighted to welcome Palma as the first Middle Eastern lessor for the Q400 NextGen aircraft, and the first lessor worldwide for the aircraft’s dual-class configuration,” said Mike Arcamone, President, Bombardier Commercial Aircraft. “As momentum for the Q400 NextGen aircraft continues to build in the Middle East, Africa and elsewhere, we look forward to adding many more operators to the family of 50 that are presently deriving excellent benefits from the aircraft’s operational flexibility, outstanding performance, passenger amenities and environmental credentials.”

Ethiopian Airlines currently operates a fleet that includes 13 Q400 NextGen airliners. Bombardier’s presence in the Middle East and Africa currently includes more than 200 Dash 8/Q-Series turboprops, CRJ regional jets and CSeries single-aisle, mainline aircraft in service or on firm order.

NEW COLORS of AEROMAR

 

AEROMAR

IRAQI AIRWAYS - B747-400 - YI-ASA

 Iraqi Airways  - Egypt Cairo

Start-up Air Croatia looks to Scandinavian market this summer

Air Croatia is a new Croatian carrier looking to launch operations in June this year. According to its website, the start-up has plans to launch flights connecting Zagreb, Dubrovnik and Split to Stockholm Arlanda and Gothenburg Landvetter in Sweden.

Alaska Airlines Launches 'Russell Wilson 12th Fan Airlift' Sweepstakes to the Big Apple

Seattle's airline and Russell Wilson host lucky 12th fans in New York City for the big game

SEATTLE – Alaska Airlines and star NFL quarterback Russell Wilson are teaming up again, this time to fly a plane-load of fans to the Big Apple complete with an inflight tailgate party and admission to an exclusive game day party in midtown Manhattan. The four-day sweepstakes, the "Russell Wilson 12th Fan Airlift," launches on Alaska Airlines' Facebook page today and is open to residents of Washington, Oregon and Alaska.