Primera Air takes two more Boeing 737 MAX 9s

Scandinavian leisure carrier Primera Air has ordered two more Boeing 737 MAX 9s, taking the original order signed in May 2017 from eight to 10 aircraft.

Primera Air said the amended order will further enhance the carrier’s growth potential with possibilities of adding even more new routes to its already extensive network.

The airline is part of Primera Travel Group, which has travel agencies and tour operating companies in Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Iceland, Norway and Sweden.

“Being the first airline in the world to take the Boeing 737 Max 9-Extended Range into service gives Primera Air a fantastic opportunity and position to grow new traffic on routes that so far have been either underserved or simply very expensive,” Primera Air president and owner Andri Már Ingólfsson said in a statement.

At the same time, Primera Air said it has signed an agreement with Aviation Capital Group for the sale and leaseback of three Boeing 737 Max 9s that the carrier has on order from Boeing scheduled for delivery in 2019. The total value of the three aircraft is $360 million. Under the terms of the agreement, the aircraft will be leased back for 12 years.

Linda Blachly Linda.blachly@informa.com

Florida's IBC Airways set for first Saab 340B freighter

IBC Airways (II, Miami Int'l) is set to diversify its fleet of Saab aircraft with the upcoming induction of a maiden Saab 340B into its fleet.

On lease from Jetstream Aviation Capital, N9CJ (msn 224) will be deployed into service for IBC Airways within its Caribbean cargo network.
IBC is the largest North American operator of Saab 340 Cargo aircraft with nine Saab 340A freighters currently in service. It also operates two ERJ-145s.

ch aviation

ZURICH TRIP

Adicionar legenda

Paul Bannwarth

China Airlines launched a new link from Taipei Taoyuan (TPE) to London Gatwick (LGW) on 1 December

The Taiwanese flag carrier will operate the 9,786-kilometre route four times per week with A350-900s and faces no direct competition. It will increase frequency on the service to five flights per week in March 2018. “As the only non-stop service between the two countries, we want to highlight to travellers the benefits to travelling to Taipei, for business or leisure purposes,” said Nuan-Hsuan Ho, Chairman of China Airlines. “In addition, our extensive route network offers destinations throughout Asia and onward to Australia for British travellers to enjoy.” Guy Stephenson, CCO of London Gatwick said: “We welcome China Airlines to Gatwick for the launch of this new service that will provide a vital link between the UK and Taiwan at a critical time in our economic history. The new route will boost trade between our two enterprising economies and help our businesses to get goods to market as quickly and efficiently as possible.The airport is increasingly connecting the UK to more and more long haul destinations across the globe and our 60+ long-haul network now includes destinations in China, the Far East, Africa, South America and across the US.” China Airlines last served the UK capital from Taoyuan in 2012, when it operated into London Heathrow.

Aenna

Saratov Airlines Adds two Further E195 Aircraft and Extends Embraer Pool Program

Amsterdam, The Netherlands, December 5, 2017 – Russian operator Saratov Airlines has extended their Flight Hour Pool Program agreement with Embraer until 2021 to continue providing repairable component support for the airline’s E-Jets fleet. Saratov Airlines was the first E-Jets operator in Russia, starting operations with two E195s in December of 2013.
The airline will also lease two additional E195 to be delivered in early 2018, and include these aircraft into the Embraer Pool Programme and extending the term by an additional three years.
“Since the first day of operation, Saratov Airlines’ E-Jet fleet has been covered by the comprehensive pool solution. This extension is testimony to Saratov Airlines’ level of satisfaction with Embraer’s pool service”, said Johann Bordais, President & CEO, Embraer Services & Support.

“From the beginning, the E195 has improved our fleet’s efficiency, and this is why we are adding more aircraft of this type,” said Mikhail Gerasimenko, Deputy General Director, JSC, Saratov Airlines. “Also, with the pool program we know we have the best coverage for our operations, even in the very demanding weather conditions in which we operate.”
Embraer’s Flight Hour Pool Program, which currently supports more than 30 airlines worldwide, is designed to allow airlines to minimize their upfront investment on expensive repairable inventories and resources and to take advantage of Embraer’s technical expertise and its vast component repair service provider network. The results are significant savings on repair and inventory carrying costs, reduction in required warehousing space, and the elimination of resources required for repair management, while ultimately providing guaranteed performance levels.

Embraer

Jet Airways, SpiceJet may join race for Air India

Jet Airways (9W, Mumbai Int'l) and SpiceJet (SG, Delhi Int'l) may join other carriers, including IndiGo Airlines (6E, Delhi Int'l), Vistara (UK, Delhi Int'l) and AirAsia India (I5, Chennai), in a race to buy Air India (AI, Mumbai Int'l), the Times of India reported.

As the race for the state-owned carrier heats up, all major Indian airlines are now contending to buy the airline. While SpiceJet seems to be too small to succeed, Jet Airways is a very serious player, TOI’s sources indicate.

Jet Airways could hope for a backing from Air France-KLM with which it has recently signed an enhanced cooperation agreement, or from Etihad Aviation Group which holds a 24% of the company’s shares. The airline itself is a larger player than Air India. According to the ch-aviation capacity module, Jet Airways has a 14.74% market share in India, while the state-owned carrier controls 12.04% of the market by capacity.

Times of India notes that Jet Airways will face a tough competitor in IndiGo Airlines, the low-cost carrier keen to acquire Air India to enter the international mid- and long-haul markets. IndiGo might get a financial injection from Qatar Airways which has long been eyeing the fast-growing LCC. The airline currently holds a 32.42% market share in India by capacity, the ch-aviation capacity module shows.
Among other rumoured contenders, SpiceJet has a 9.77% market share by capacity in India. Vistara, a Tata Group and Singapore Airlines joint-venture, holds a 2.84% share, while low-cost carrier AirAsia India holds 3.48%.

While the Indian government has publicly declared its intention to privatise Air India, so far no details of the process have been revealed. It remains unknown in what mode, when and to what an extent the government will divest Air India.
“The government is going to sell a clean Air India to prospective bidders by putting all the tricky aspects like real estate in an SPV. We have devised a mode where the new owner will get a clean airline free of most of its past baggage,” said a top government source cited by Times of India. The privatisation is opposed by Air India's staff.

ch aviation

Air France announces seven more routes for Joon

Photo:FPP - Lisboa - A320-2000 - F-GKXT

New Air France airline Joon is to open seven routes in spring 2018, including its first longer routes to Cairo (Egypt), Cape Town (South Africa) and Tehran (Iran).

Joon is a new Paris Charles de Gaulle-based hybrid airline, aimed at a new generation of travelers, that will launch on Dec. 1 with previously announced services to Barcelona (Spain), Berlin (Germany) and Lisbon and Porto (Portugal).

On Nov. 30, Joon further-detailed its network plans, announcing Cairo (7X-weekly), Cape Town (3X-weekly) and Tehran (3X-weekly), plus additional short-haul services to Istanbul in Turkey (7X-weekly), Naples (14X-weekly) and Rome (49X-weekly) in Italy and Oslo in Norway (18X-weekly).

“In total, for the 2018 summer season, Joon will fly to 13 destinations with 228 flights a week from Paris Charles de Gaulle - Barcelona, Berlin, Istanbul, Lisbon, Naples, Oslo, Porto and Rome on the medium-haul network and Fortaleza, Cairo, Cape Town, Mahé and Tehran on the long-haul network,” Air France said.

Joon will operate 174-seat Airbus A320s, 212-seat A321s and A340s on the routes. The A320 family aircraft will be configured with business and economy cabins. Business-class passengers will get complimentary catering, whereas economy refreshments will be buy-on-board. All passengers will be able to access the YouJoon in-flight streaming system on their personal devices.

The A340s will be fitted with business, premium economy and economy cabins, with touch-screen IFE and complimentary meals, although premium snacks will be paid for in economy class.
Victoria Moores victoria.moores@penton.com

Boeing, LOT Polish Airlines Celebrate Delivery of 737 MAX

Poland's flag-carrier is the first in Central & East Europe to fly the new 737 airplane

• 
  
  WARSAW, Poland, Dec. 2, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Boeing [NYSE: BA] and LOT Polish Airlines celebrated the delivery of the first 737 MAX for the carrier, ushering the new and improved 737 airplane into the central and east Europe market. The jet is also the first MAX placed by leading airplane lessor Air Lease Corporation (NYSE: AL) (ALC).
  
  LOT, the Polish flag carrier, plans to take delivery of additional MAX airplanes as part of its strategy to profitably grow its airline.
  
  "We are proud to be one of the first carriers in the world with the state-of-the-art Boeing 737 MAX aircraft in our short- and middle-haul fleet," said Rafal Milczarski, chief executive officer, LOT Polish Airlines. "We are already one of the fastest growing European airlines and I am certain that this big step forward will help us achieve our goals of increasing our operational effectiveness and improving our service. With the most modern Boeing 787 Dreamliners and brand new 737 MAX we are the most comfortable airline for our customers, more cost efficient and last, but not least, friendlier to the environment. Thanks to the cooperation with our partners, LOT is again one step ahead to set the tone for shaping the future of aviation industry in our region."
  
  The 737 MAX delivers the highest efficiency, reliability and passenger comfort in the single-aisle market by incorporating the latest technology CFM International LEAP-1B engines, Advanced Technology winglets, the Boeing Sky Interior, large flight deck displays, and other improvements. The efficiency gains helped make the MAX the fastest selling airplane in Boeing history with more than 4,000 orders to date from 92 customers worldwide.
  
  "We are very pleased to announce this first 737 MAX lease placement with LOT, which is the first of six new 737 MAX 8s on long-term lease to the airline. The MAX 8 offers new efficiencies and an enhanced passenger experience that will better serve LOT's growing route networks," said Steven F. Udvar-Hazy, Air Lease Corporation's Executive Chairman. ALC has 129 more 737 MAX airplanes on order.
  
  "LOT has been a valued customer for decades and we are delighted that it has become one of the first operators of the MAX in Europe," said Monty Oliver, vice-president Europe Sales, Boeing Commercial Airplanes. "The 737 MAX will provide LOT unmatched efficiency, range, reliability and operating costs all while continuing to provide a premium on-board experience for its passengers."
  
  Apart from the six 737 MAX 8s, LOT plans to expand its fleet of super-efficient and passenger-pleasing Dreamliners by adding four more 787-9s by the end of 2019.
  
  The airline is using the new airplanes to grow its network. Since 2016, LOT has announced the launch of 42 routes, including long-haul service from Warsaw to Los Angeles, Newark and Kraków to Chicago. In May 2018, LOT will launch connections from Warsaw to Singapore as well as from Budapest to New York City and Chicago.
  
  

Textron Aviation unveils new large-utility turboprop, the Cessna SkyCourier; FedEx Express signs as launch customer for up to 100 aircraft

WICHITA, Kan. (Nov. 28, 2017) – Textron Aviation Inc., a Textron Inc. (NYSE:TXT) company, today announced its new twin-engine, high-wing, large-utility turboprop – the Cessna SkyCourier 408. FedEx Express, the world’s largest express transportation company and longtime Textron Aviation customer, has signed on as the launch customer for up to 100 aircraft, with an initial fleet order of 50 cargo aircraft and options for 50 more. Entry into service for the clean-sheet design Cessna SkyCourier is planned for 2020.

“With our depth of expertise and proven success in new product development, we were eager to work directly with a world-class company like FedEx Express to jointly develop the Cessna SkyCourier,” said Scott Ernest, president and CEO of Textron Aviation. “The aircraft will fulfill a gap in this market segment with its superior performance and low operating costs in combination with the cabin flexibility, payload capability and efficiency only a clean-sheet design can offer.”

EU removes Mustique Airways, Air Urga from blacklist

The European Commission (EC) has announced it has removed Mustique Airways (MAW, St. Vincent Argyle Int'l) and Ukraine's Air Urga (3N, Kirovohrad) from its latest edition of its so-called Air Safety List.
"Today we are showing that with our help, airlines can be quickly removed from the list when they tackle their safety issues," Commissioner for Transport Violeta Bulc said: "Work pays off and I hope that the example of Mustique Airways and Air Urga will inspire others."
However, as previously reported, Venezuelan carrier Avior Airlines (9V, Barcelona José Antonio Anzoategui) has now been added to the list given its recent failure to secure a Third Country Operator certificate from the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA).
The list currently bans 172 airlines, certified in sixteen countries, from serving European Union member states due to a lack of safety oversight by the aviation authorities from these states.
A further five individual airlines, Iran Aseman Airlines (Iran), Iraqi Airways (Iraq), Blue Wing Airlines (Suriname), Med-View Airline (Nigeria), and Air Zimbabwe (Zimbabwe), are banned based on safety concerns with regard to these airlines themselves.
Six more airlines are subject to operational restrictions and can only fly to the EU with specific aircraft types: Afrijet Business Service and NRT Nationale Regionale Transport (Gabon), Air Koryo (Democratic People's Republic of Korea), Air Service Comores (the Comoros), Iraqi Airways (Iraqi), and TAAG Angola Airlines (Angola).

ch aviation

Air Zimbabwe to buy three MA60s

Air Zimbabwe plans to order three Chinese-manufactured MA60 turboprops, according to widespread Chinese news reports, quoting Zimbabwe’s local media bulawayo24. As of Dec. 31, 2016, Chinese manufacturer Aviation Corp. of China (AVIC) reported 343 orders for its MA60 family aircraft. Of these, 183 are intent orders from more than 30 customers home and abroad. Chinese customers have ordered 208 aircraft (122 intent orders and 51 delivered).

Katie Cantle | ATW Plus

Turkish Airlines adds maiden B777 freighter

Turkish Airlines (TK, Istanbul Atatürk) has taken delivery of its first B777-F. TC-LJL (msn 60403) was positioned from Everett to Istanbul Atatürk on Thursday, November 30, and is currently awaiting induction into commercial service.
According to its 3Q17 financial filings, the carrier is expecting a total of two of the type with the second due to arrive this year.
Aside from the Boeing jets, Turkish Airlines' freighter fleet also includes three A310-300s (wet-leased from ULS Airlines Cargo), nine A330-200(F)s, and two B747-400(FSCD)s on wet-lease from Kalitta Air.

ch aviation

Boeing, Aerolíneas Argentinas Celebrate Delivery of Airline's First 737 MAX

Buenos Aires-based airline is the first Latin American carrier to fly the new 737 MAX

BUENOS AIRES, Argentina, Dec. 4, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Boeing (NYSE: BA) and Aerolíneas Argentinas today celebrated the delivery and commercial debut of the first 737 MAX airplane for the airline and for Latin America.

Aerolíneas took delivery of the airplane, a MAX 8, in late November and flew the first commercial flight about a week later from Buenos Aires to Mendoza, becoming the first in the region to operate the new and improved 737 airplane.

"Adding the 737 MAX to our fleet is yet one more example of the growth we are envisioning for our company," said Mario Dell´ Acqua, President of Aerolíneas Argentinas. "We feel both proud and responsible to continue working to deliver enhanced connectivity and an elevated experience to our passengers."

Aerolíneas Argentinas is experiencing strong growth, with a 15 percent increase in passenger traffic in the past year, and a 22 percent increase since 2015. To support that growth, the airline plans to take delivery of 12 MAX airplanes and use them on flights regionally and, later in 2018, to the Caribbean.

"The 737 MAX 8 is a significant addition to Aerolíneas' fleet. The MAX will enable the airline to continue to grow and win market-share in the competitive single-aisle marketplace," said Ricardo Cavero, vice president, Latin America sales, Boeing Commercial Airplanes. "It is a tremendous honor that Aerolíneas Argentinas will be the first Latin American carrier to fly the 737 MAX, and we're confident the airplane's efficiency and reliability will help meet their goals."

The 737 MAX is the fastest selling airplane in Boeing history, surpassing 4,000 total orders to date. The MAX family incorporates the latest technology CFM International LEAP-1B engines, Advanced Technology winglets and other improvements to deliver the highest efficiency, reliability and passenger comfort in the single-aisle market.

The Aerolíneas Argentinas MAX 8 is configured for 170 passengers and fly 3,515 nautical miles (6,510 kilometers).

About Aerolíneas Argentinas



Founded in 1950, Aerolíneas Argentinas is one of the leading companies in South America. From its bases in the Aeroparque Jorge Newbery and Ezeiza International Airport in Buenos Aires, Aerolíneas Argentinas flies to 22 international destinations in America and Europe. Along with Austral Lineas Aereas, Aerolíneas operates flights to 37 destinations in Argentina, flying to more cities in the Argentine territory than any other airline. Aerolíneas provides dynamic links between Argentina and the region through its relaunched hub in Aeroparque Jorge Newbery. The Airlines Group is carrying out an ambitious fleet renewal program, which consists of Airbus 330, Airbus 340, Boeing 737-700 / 800 and MAX and Embraer 190. Aerolíneas Argentinas is a member of the SkyTeam global alliance since September 2012.

MALAYSIA AIRLINES - B737-800W - 9M"Negaraku" livery for celebrating upcoming Malaysia National Day on 31 August.-MXS -

"Negaraku" livery for celebrating upcoming Malaysia National Day on 31 August.

                           

Ahmad Sallehuddin A.Sahak.

Kota Kinabalu - WBKK, Malaysia

TACV CABO VERDE AIRLINES - B757-200 - TF-FIW (ICELANDAIR AIRLINES)

FPP - LPPT

First A330-300P2F enters service with DHL

DHL Express operations benefit from new-generation efficient mid-sized freighter
DHL Express has become the first operator to take delivery of the A330-300 Passenger-to-Freighter (P2F) converted aircraft from Elbe Flugzeugwerke (EFW), the joint venture between ST Aerospace and Airbus. This delivery, which took place at EFW’s freighter conversion facilities in Dresden, follows the successful completion of test flights in October and awarding of the Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) by the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) in November. DHL Express has firm orders for eight A330-300P2F units in total, with additional options to receive another 10.

“DHL Express is very excited to be bringing the first A330-300 P2F into commercial operation within our international air network,” said Geoff Kehr, SVP, Global Air Fleet Management, DHL Express. “The first aircraft is scheduled to strengthen our Asia Pacific air network, bringing added capacity and increased efficiency to a market where we are seeing dynamic express volume growth.”

“We congratulate DHL on the delivery of its first A330-300P2F. We are confident that this new-generation and efficient mid-sized freighter will bring significant benefits to DHL’s international express operations,” said Christopher Buckley, Airbus EVP Sales. “With its large internal volume and unbeatable economics, the A330-300P2F allows operators to step up capacity in markets where existing mid-sized freighters are becoming too small.”

The A330P2F conversion programme, launched in 2012, is a collaboration between ST Aerospace, Airbus and their joint venture EFW. ST Aerospace, as the programme and technical lead for the engineering development phase, is responsible for applying for the STCs from EASA and the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). Airbus contributes to the programme with OEM data and certification support, while EFW leads the industrialisation phase and marketing for the freighter conversion programme.

The A330P2F programme has two variants – the A330-200P2F and the larger A330-300P2F. The latter is ideal for serving the international express B2B and e-commerce cargo markets, which typically have a higher volume and lower density. The aircraft can carry up to 62 metric tonnes over 3,650 nautical miles, while offering 20 percent more cargo volume and lower cost-per-tonne than other available freighter aircraft types with a similar range.

China Airlines takes delivery of A350 XWB powered with biofuel mix

Taiwanese carrier joins sustainable fuel initiative for Airbus delivery flights

China Airlines of Taiwan has become the second airline to join a programme to use a blend of traditional and sustainable biofuels to power aircraft for delivery flights from Airbus. The aircraft involved is the tenth A350-900 for China Airlines, which left the manufacturer’s delivery centre in Toulouse today for its new home in Taipei with a 10 percent blend of sustainable jet fuel in its tanks.

The sustainable fuel option for delivery flights has been developed by Airbus in association with Air Total, the aviation subsidiary of the global energy operator. In order to stock the eco-friendly product, Air Total has installed the first ever biofuel station adjacent to the Airbus delivery centre in Toulouse. A total of 21 aircraft have so far been delivered by Airbus since the facility was inaugurated in May 2016.

“China Airlines is proud to have taken delivery of its first aircraft to be partially powered by sustainable biofuel,” China Airlines Chairman Ho, Nuan-Hsuan said. “This reflects our clear commitment to reduce the impact of aviation on the environment and to be among those airlines leading the way to use alternative fuel sources. With the A350 XWB in our fleet we are already significantly reducing our carbon footprint and we are excited that this can be extended even further with the use of new biofuels.”

“We are excited to welcome China Airlines to our sustainable fuel programme,” said Frederic Eychenne, Head of New Energies at Airbus. “Today’s delivery demonstrates once again that biofuels are a reality today. We are moving towards the regular use of new and sustainable energy sources in our industry, helping to meet the commitments of the international civil aviation community.”

In addition to Toulouse, Airbus is now working towards introducing the option for the use of biofuels for delivery flights from its facilities in Hamburg, Germany and Mobile, US. First deliveries from these sites are set to begin in 2018. The option will also subsequently become available from the company’s facility in Tianjin, China.

Reflecting its strong commitment towards eco-efficiency, Airbus was the first manufacturer to offer its customers the option of delivering new aircraft with a blend of sustainable fuel. As part of its wider environmental strategy, the company Airbus intends to continue its efforts by collaborating with all stakeholders in the biofuels sector.

Jazeera Airways studying narrowbody options

Jazeera Airways (J9, Kuwait) is planning to place an order for an undisclosed number of new aircraft towards the end of next year.

Speaking to Reuters, the Kuwaiti carrier's Chief Executive Rohit Ramachandran said among the options currently being considered include the A320neo from Airbus, the B737 MAX from Boeing, the C-Series from Bombardier, and the EJet E2 from Embraer. Deliveries would be expected to start from 2022 onwards.
Jazeera Airways currently operates an all-Airbus fleet of seven A320-200s with a further two to be added by February 2018. Thereafter, a further five to six will arrive on lease through 2022.
As previously reported, the airline has put on hold its longhaul expansion plans in favour of exploiting the Indian market's burgeoning potential. It currently connects Kuwait with Azerbaijan, Turkey, Iran, Iraq, Jordan, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, India, Bahrain, and soon, Qatar.



During this month's Dubai Airshow, rival carrier Wataniya Airways (Q9, Kuwait) signed up for twenty-five A320neo through its aircraft provider, Golden Falcon Aviation.

Tunisair eyes A330neo, C-Series for int'l growth

Tunisair (TU, Tunis) is set to order A330neo from Airbus (AIB, Toulouse Blagnac) and, pending shareholder approval, C-Series jets from Bombardier (BBA, Montréal Trudeau) as part of the majority state-owned carrier's international growth plans.

In an interview with Forbes magazine, CEO Elyes Mnakbi said the order with Airbus (AIB, Toulouse Blagnac) would see three A330neo delivered in 2019 and three in 2020. There is also the possibility of including three optioned aircraft although this is subject to confirmation.

The C-Series order would likely number "two or three aircraft", he said, depending on government approval. Products from Embraer are also under consideration.
Tunisair currently operates four A319-100s, seventeen A320-200s, two A330-200s, and seven B737-600s with five A320neo due for delivery by the end of the decade. According to Mnakbi, the A330s will be retained in service until their 12-year leases expire. An order for a third was dropped.

As previously reported, Tunisair plans to develop Tunis into an intercontinental hub focusing on funnelling traffic between Africa, Europe, and North America.

Concerning Europe, the North African state's long-awaited Open Skies agreement with the European Union (EU) is due to be signed on December 11. The treaty will cover all Tunisian airports with the exception of Tunis for the time being.

Malaysia Airlines takes delivery of its first A350 XWB

First A350-900 in Air Lease Corporation’s fleet

Malaysia Airlines Berhad (MAB) has taken delivery of its first A350-900, leased from Air Lease Corporation (NYSE: AL) (ALC), becoming the 17th airline to operate the world’s newest, most modern and efficient twin engine widebody airliner. The delivery was celebrated upon arrival at Kuala Lumpur International Airport.

ALC receives its first A350-900 out of an order for 29 A350 Family aircraft. Eventually Malaysia Airlines will operate six A350-900s, all leased from ALC.

Malaysia Airlines will initially deploy the aircraft on flights within Asia. From the first quarter of 2018, the A350 will fly on the airline’s premier long haul service from Kuala Lumpur to London.

Malaysia Airlines is the first carrier to offer a First Class cabin in the A350-900. The aircraft is configured in a three class cabin layout with a total of 286 seats. This comprises four in First Class, 35 in Business, featuring convertible seats to fully flat beds and 247 in Economy.

Malaysia Airlines already operates 24 Airbus aircraft including six A380, 15 A330-300 and three A330-200F on its regional routes and long haul services.

Malaysia Airlines CEO Captain Izham Ismail said, “We are very excited to welcome this new addition to our family. With its technological advancements the A350-900 is an important milestone for us on this journey, helping boost our competitiveness on our long haul flights. The addition of the A350-900 also underlines our commitment to operate a young and modern fleet.”

“Our first A350-900 represents a milestone for ALC, and for Malaysia Airlines. We are very confident that the A350-900 will deliver outstanding performance, efficiency, and economics for our airline customers” said John Plueger, CEO and President of Air Lease Corporation.

“We are proud at Airbus to count Malaysia Airlines as a new operator of the world’s most modern and efficient aircraft,’’ said John Leahy, Chief Operating Officer- Customers, Airbus Commercial Aircraft. ‘’Congratulations also to ALC for receiving the first A350 XWB in its fleet, proving the popularity of this aircraft in the lessor community across the globe. We are looking forward to our continued partnership with Malaysia Airlines and ALC - two major companies in the aviation industry.’’

The A350 XWB benefits from the latest aerodynamic design, carbon fibre fuselage and wings, plus new fuel-efficient Rolls-Royce engines. Together, these latest technologies translate into unrivalled levels of operational efficiency, with a 25 per cent reduction in fuel burn and emissions, and significantly lower maintenance costs. The aircraft features an Airspace cabin which, on top of the aircraft’s spaciousness and quietness, provides better ambience, design and services, contributing to superior levels of comfort and well-being, and setting new standards in terms of flight experience for all passengers.



To date, Airbus has recorded a total of 858 firm orders for the A350 XWB from 45 customers worldwide, already making it one of the most successful widebody aircraft ever.

YuvaJet defers launch to 2Q18; to acquire ERJs

Yuva JetLines Airways (Ranchi) has announced it has delayed its inaugural commercial service from November 2017 to June 2018. In a statement, the nascent Indian carrier said it would shortly apply to the Indian Directorate General for Civil Aviation (DGCA) to convert its Air Services Permit (ASP) from Non-Scheduled to Scheduled operations ahead of the start of certification.
As such, assuming all goes according to plan, YuvaJet's first revenue flight from Ranchi to Chennai via either Tirupati or Shirdi should take place during the first week of June 2018.

Yuvajet's founder Kumar Kinshuk said the start-up had abandoned plans to order ATR72-600s in favour of acquiring five ERJ-145s. A purchase agreement with an unspecified London-based asset management company will be signed by the first week of December 2017.
Once all relevant checks have been completed, the Embraer Regional Jets will undertake test flights from Ranchi during spring 2018 in anticipation of its AOP being awarded by the DGCA.

In terms of operations, Kumar said the ERJs will allow Yuvajet to extend its domestic reach in India and connect remote Tier II and III cities to major metropolitan cities such as Chennai and Delhi. Hubs will be established at both Ranchi and Surat with up to 40% of its route network to be "pioneer" city pairs.
ch aviation

Georgia’s Myway Airlines resumes certification process

Myway Airlines received its second Boeing 737-800 aircraft on November (Myway Airlines)

A new passenger carrier created with the help of Chinese investors is stemming in Georgia. The country’s Civil Aviation Agency has confirmed to Russian Aviation Insider that the carrier Myway Airlines, founded by China’s Hualing Group, has resumed the process of acquiring its Air Operator Certificate.

The airline will be based at Tbilisi airport.

The Georgian aviation authorities said that the formalities including due diligence procedures and final decision should not take more than 180 days.

This marks the second attempt to launch the airline. The first attempt ended in the certification process being suspended in October 2016 by request from the airline due to change of plans for aircraft acquisition.

As of now Myway Airlines has already registered two Boeing 737-800 aircraft in Georgia – 4L-MWA and 4L-BQJ, which were delivered to the carrier on October 17 and November 10. Both aircraft built in 2007 were previously operated by China’s Shandong Airlines.

Hualing Group positions itself as the largest investor into Georgia’s forestry sector. It is also creating a free industrial zone in Kutaisi and is involved in construction business both in this city and Tbilisi.
Russian Aviation Insider

Baltia's proposed purchase of Songbird Airways collapses

Baltia Air Lines, Inc. has announced that its proposed acquisition of Songbird Airways from its owner, AerLine Holdings LLC, has been called off.
In an SEC filing, the start-up carrier, also known as USGlobal Airways, said AerLine had sent a letter on November 22 informing Baltia that it had terminated the agreement as a result of Baltia’s failure to proceed with the closing as scheduled.
Under the original plan, Baltia was to have acquired Songbird Airways, along with its entire share capital, operating licences and certificates, from AerLine for USD6.5 million. The deal was to have closed by October 31.As such, with the purchase's collapse, Baltia has also lost a USD1 million good-faith deposit paid to AerLine on September 1, 2017. A B737-400, N417XA (msn 25417), that was to have been leased to Baltia post-transaction, is now being offered for sale or lease by AerSale.
Baltia is now left with no known shortcut to market and is in peril of having its existing foreign scheduled passenger authority revoked by the US Department of Transportation (DOT) for reason of dormancy.

ch aviation

Air China S18 International changes as of 30NOV17

Air China this made its first adjustment for summer 2018 international service, effective 25MAR18. Planned changes as of 30NOV17 as follows.

Beijing – Athens eff 26MAR18 Increase from 2 to 3 weekly, A330-200 service

Beijing – Auckland eff 30MAR18 Northern summer service increases from 4 to 5 weekly, 787-9 operation

Beijing – Bangkok eff 25MAR18 CA979/980 A330-300 replaces 777-200

Beijing – Delhi eff 25MAR18 Summer season increases from previously planned 3 weekly to 5 weekly, A330-300 service (Except 01JUN18 – 05SEP18)

Beijing – Frankfurt CA931/932 747-8I operates 4 weekly (Day x246; Day 246 with 777-300ER), instead of daily

Beijing – Ho Chi Minh City eff 25MAR18 737-800 replaces -700, 1 daily

Beijing – Honolulu eff 31MAR18 Increase from 3 to 4 weekly, A330-200 service

Beijing – Kuala Lumpur eff 31MAR18 Increase from 3 to 4 weekly, A330-300 service

Beijing – London Heathrow eff 25MAR18 CA855/856 2-class 777-300ER replaces A330-300 (CA937/938 continues with 3-class 777-300ER)

Beijing – Manila eff 01JUL18 737-800 replaces A330-300, 1 daily

Beijing – Melbourne eff 26MAR18 Increase from 3 to 4 weekly, A330-200 service

Beijing – Munich eff 25MAR18 3-class 777-300ER replaces A330-200/-300, 1 daily (Reflected in previous schedule update)

Beijing – Newark eff 25MAR18 Increase from 5 to 7 weekly. Planned 787-9 replacing 777-300ER remains unchanged

Beijing – Osaka Kansai eff 25MAR18 CA927/928 A330-300 replaces -200

Beijing – Paris CDG eff 25MAR18 CA875/876 A330-300 replaces -200

Beijing – Rome eff 25MAR18 2-class 777-300ER replaces 787-9

Beijing – Vancouver eff 31MAR18 Increase from 10 to 11 weekly, 2-class 777-300ER service

Beijing – Warsaw eff 25MAR18 Low-Density A330-200 replacing High-Density, 4 weekly

Chengdu – Paris CDG eff 25MAR18 A330-300 replaces -200, 3 weekly

Chengdu – Sydney eff 25MAR18 A330-300 replaces -200, 3 weekly

Shanghai Pu Dong – Barcelona eff 31MAR18 Increase from 3 to 4 weekly, High-Density A330-200 service

Shanghai Pu Dong – Paris CDG eff 29MAR18 Increase from 5 to 6 weekly, High-Density A330-200 service

Shenzhen – Los Angeles Reservation for 3 weekly service in S18 opened this week, 787-9 operating

Routes Online

Qatar Airways Places its Mark on its 20th Anniversary Year

Unique limited-edition postage stamps celebrate 20 years of success
Four exclusive designs commemorate some of the airline’s biggest achievements

DOHA, Qatar – Qatar Airways continues its ongoing celebrations of its 20th anniversary with four unique commemorative postage stamps issued in partnership with the Qatar Postal Service Company (Qatar Post). The stamps, which are set to be on sale locally from 30 November 2017, serve as a historic milestone of Qatar Airways’ world-class achievements throughout the last two decades.

Qatar Airways’ new limited-edition stamp collection consists of four unique designs following a timeline of some of the airline’s many accomplishments. The first is in honour of Qatar Airways achieving a 50-strong fleet of aircraft in 2006, with the second stamp celebrating the airline adding its 100th destination to its global route map in 2011.

The third design highlights Qatar Airways becoming the Global Launch Customer of the world’s very first Airbus A350-900 in 2015, while the fourth stamp pays tribute to two of the airline’s latest successes in 2017: reaching its 20th year anniversary and being awarded ‘Airline of the Year’, for the fourth time, by Skytrax.

Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive, His Excellency Mr. Akbar Al Baker, said: “Qatar Airways is proud to commemorate its 20th anniversary by sharing these symbolic stamps with the people of Qatar. The stamps celebrate Qatar Airways exceptional expansion as the fastest-growing airline in the world.

“Through these mementos, we express our pride in being Qatar’s national carrier and in having reached so many major milestones within the airline’s short presence in the industry. We cannot think of a more memorable way to present our numerous achievements than through these historic stamps issued by Qatar Post, and we hope they travel as far and as wide as our airline’s extensive global network.”

Qatar Post Chairman and Managing Director, Mr. Faleh Al-Naemi, said: “Our collaboration with Qatar Airways on this unique imprint is a combined celebration for the State of Qatar and its five-star airline. Qatar Post is pleased to participate in the production of the 20th anniversary stamps for Qatar Airways, which will be one of the monumental records in our nation's history.”

Qatar Post produced a total of 160,000 stamps which will be sold for QR5 each to the general public. Qatar Post is the national provider of postal services in Qatar, since it was established in 1950. The company operates 29 branches across the country, handling all domestic and international operations, including e-Government postal services.

These four stamps highlight only a handful of Qatar Airways’ numerous accomplishments achieved throughout the last 20 years. The award-winning airline has received scores of accolades, this year including ‘Airline of the Year’, by the prestigious 2017 Skytrax World Airline Awards, for a fourth winning time.

In addition to being voted ‘World’s Best Airline’ by travellers from around the world, Qatar’s national carrier also marked its 20th anniversary by winning a raft of other major awards at this year’s ceremony, including ‘Best Airline in the Middle East,’ ‘World’s Best Business Class’ and ‘World’s Best First Class Airline Lounge.’

Qatar Airways operates a modern fleet of more than 200 aircraft to a network of more than 150 key business and leisure destinations across Europe, the Middle East, Africa, Asia Pacific, North America and South America. The airline is launching a host of exciting new destinations planned for the remainder of this year and 2018, including Canberra, Australia; Chiang Mai, Thailand and Cardiff, U.K, to name just a few.

ZURICH TRIP

Paul Bannwarth