Flyingphotos Magazine News

quarta-feira, 16 de outubro de 2024

SPECIAL SCHEME - AIR ASIA X / A330-343 / 9M-XXU - New collaboration with Sega and Sonic The Hedgehog livery is born

Photo:Chaity

terça-feira, 15 de outubro de 2024

FLEET - COMAC Express / COMAC C909 / B-099A

Jay Lee

NEW AIRLINE - LIAT 2020 announces St. Vincent as southern Caribbean hub

LIAT 2020 (5L, Antigua) CEO Hafsah Abdulsalam has announced St. Vincent Argyle International airport in St. Vincent & the Grenadines as the airline's southern Caribbean hub, emphasising the independent Commonwealth country's strategic importance for the startup's regional expansion and enhanced connectivity plans.

Abdulsalam made the remarks at a ceremony celebrating LIAT 2020's inaugural flight to the island on October 4, reported the Antigua News Room (ANR) news site. "We have carefully considered St. Vincent as a vital strategic hub in our operations," she said, adding that LIAT 2020 intends the new hub to cater to passengers, businesses, and cargo.

She noted this expansion was part of a broader strategy to strengthen the inter-regional travel network and position St. Vincent as a central element in LIAT 2020's growth in the southern Caribbean.

Abdulsalam credited the support from St. Vincent's Prime Minister Ralph Gonsalves and local authorities for making this choice possible.

LIAT 2020, the new iteration of defunct predecessor LIAT (Antigua and Barbuda), is a 30/70 joint venture between the government of Antigua & Barbuda and Nigerian carrier Air Peace (P4, Lagos). It made its inaugural flight on August 6, 2024, with an E145.

Plans exist to expand the fleet to at least seven aircraft, including three Embraer E145s and three ATR42-600s from the previous LIAT fleet.

According to the ch-aviation schedules module, LIAT 2020 currently serves seven Caribbean countries from its home base in Antigua, including St. Lucia Vigie (Saint Lucia), Bridgetown (Barbados), Dominica Melville Hall (Dominica), Basseterre (Saint Kitts and Nevis), Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, and Grenada (Grenada). Further expansion is planned to include St. Maarten, Tortola (British Virgin Islands), Georgetown Cheddi Jagan (Guyana), Port of Spain (Trinidad & Tobago), and Barbuda Codrington (Barbuda), its booking engine reveals.

AIRCRAFT - Embraer’s E-Freighter is Certified by the FAA

São José dos Campos, Brazil  – The E-Freighter, Embraer’s E190F has been fully certified by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). Embraer’s passenger-to-freighter conversion and the Cargo Loading System, developed by U.S. Cargo Systems, have received the certification by FAA in September 2024. In July, the E-Freighter was certified by the National Civil Aviation Agency of Brazil (ANAC) and EASA certification is due later this year. The aircraft was developed to fill a gap in the air cargo market and to replace older, less efficient models.

The E190F program was launched in May 2022 to meet the changing demands of e-commerce and modern trade, which require fast deliveries and decentralized operations driving the demand for faster delivery of shipments to regional markets. The E-Freighter made its debut flight in April and its first public appearance during the Farnborough Airshow in July.

“FAA certification is an important milestone in our passenger-to-freighter conversion program. We are excited to enter this market, filling a gap that has evolved in the market to meet the growing demand globally for faster deliveries, not just to metro areas, but to all regions. With our E-Jet footprint across the US and worldwide, we are offering optimum cargo solutions to our customers for this connected world”, said Martyn Holmes, Chief Commercial Officer, Embraer Commercial Aviation.

E-Jets converted to freighters will have over 40% more volume capacity, three times the range of large cargo turboprops, and up to 30% lower operating costs than larger narrowbodies. If combining capacity under the floor and main deck, the maximum structural payload is 13,500 kg for the E190F.

FLEET - Maandeeq Air (Somalia) took delivery of one F70, serial 11528, on wet lease from I-Fly Air (Kenya) and powered by Tay 620-15 engines.

Photos: Maandeeq Air

ROUTES - ASIANA AIRLINES EARLY-JAN 2025 LOS ANGELES AIRCRAFT CHANGES

Asiana Airlines in early-January 2025 schedules aircraft changes on Seoul Incheon – Los Angeles route. Between 05JAN25 and 10JAN25, except 07 and 08JAN25, the Star Alliance member will once again operate double daily A380 service. OZ204/203 will see the A380 operating instead of A350-900XWB aircraft.

OZ202 ICN1440 – 0840LAX 388 D
OZ204 ICN2040 – 1450LAX EQV D

OZ201 LAX1100 – 1730+1ICN 388 D
OZ203 LAX2300 – 0520+1ICN EQV D

Photo: Duncan Stewart

As a sign against breast cancer and for prevention: Condor FlyPink Plane takes off

In October, Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Condor not only looks traditionally pink as part of the FlyPink initiative, but from now on even wears pink: The Airbus A320 with the registration D-AICS will take off as a FlyPink plane with pink stripes.

The aircraft will not only bring attention but will also carry an important message to the world: as part of the global aviation initiative FlyPink, Condor wants to raise awareness for breast cancer prevention, show solidarity with those affected and collect donations for Brustkrebs Deutschland e.V. to support the organization, particularly in further research.

Christian Schmitt, Condor COO: “The presentation of our FlyPink Plane makes me particularly proud, because the support for FlyPink originated from our employees many years ago. Since then, our crews have expressed their support every year by wearing pink uniform accessories. From now on, we are literally taking this commitment to new heights, making another strong statement with our FlyPink Plane and offering a platform to organizations like Brustkrebs Deutschland e.V. in the important fight against breast cancer.”

Renate Haidinger, founder and chairwoman of Brustkrebs Deutschland e.V.: “It's great that Brustkrebs Deutschland e.V. can be a part of this. Condor's pink and white striped aircraft will generate a lot of lasting attention and highlight the importance of early detection of breast cancer as well as show solidarity with those affected. We are delighted to be on board.”

The cabin of the FlyPink Plane also consistently features the color pink, for example in the form of headrest covers and on special “safety cards”, which contain detailed information on the topic of prevention. After all, statistically speaking, one in eight women is affected by breast cancer and men can also develop the disease.

The maiden flight of the D-AICS will take off tomorrow from Frankfurt for Lanzarote. Kira Schäfer, Regional Representative Hessen and Stefanie Reim from Brustkrebs Deutschland e.V. as well as Christian Schmitt, Condor COO, will also be on site to officially send the FlyPink Plane on its way. The crew of the maiden flight, led by Captain Katharina Heimann, will then set off for the Canary Islands, starting a new chapter in Condor's FlyPink tradition.

Pink-striped Condor articles are now available in the Condor Shop and on board. The proceeds will be donated to Brustkrebs Deutschland e.V.

ROUTES - CONDOR EXTENDS BERLIN – DUBAI SERVICE INTO NS25

Condor in recent weeks extended Berlin – Dubai schedule listings, becoming a year-round service. Initially scheduled from 26OCT24 to 01MAY25, the airline has opened reservations for flights on/after 02MAY25.

A320neo continues to operate 1 daily flight during summer 2025 season.

DE2500 BER2255 – 0725+1DXB 32N D
DE2501 DXB1055 – 1545BER 32N D

Image: CONDOR

ROUTES - CHINA EASTERN NW24 LONDON SERVICE CHANGES – 02OCT24

China Eastern has further revised planned operations to London, as the airline since late last week filed additional changes for Northern winter 2024/25 season.

Shanghai Pu Dong – London Gatwick eff 27OCT24 Increase from 7 to 9 weekly, instead of previously planned 14

28OCT24 – 31DEC24 5 of 9 weekly operated by A350-900XWB, instead of 777-300ER

MU201 PVG0150 – 0630LGW 77W x135
MU201 PVG0150 – 0630LGW 359 135
MU213 PVG0900 – 1400LGW 359 6
MU213 PVG0915 – 1400LGW 359 7

MU202 LGW1030 – 0605+1PVG 77W x135
MU202 LGW1030 – 0605+1PVG 359 135
MU214 LGW1700 – 1240+1PVG 359 67

Shanghai Pu Dong – London Heathrow eff 27OCT24 Increase from 7 to 12 weekly with 777-300ER unchanged

MU533 PVG0855 – 1355LHR 77W x67
MU551 PVG1330 – 1730LHR 77W D

MU534 LHR1750 – 1340+1PVG 77W x67
MU552 LHR2100 – 1635+1PVG 77W D

Photo: Duncan Stewart

FLEET - Cebu Pacific orders 70 A321neo

Cebu Pacific of the Philippines has placed a firm order with Airbus for 70 A321neo, finalising an MoU announced by the airline in July. The purchase agreement was signed in Manila by Mike Szucs, CEO of Cebu Pacific and Benoît de Saint-Exupéry, EVP Sales of the Commercial Aircraft business at Airbus.

Mike Szucs said: “The selection of Airbus A321neo underscores our focus on operational efficiency, sustainability, and innovation, ensuring that we continue to deliver the highest standards of service while significantly reducing our carbon footprint. This milestone signals our ongoing dedication to expanding air travel accessibility and affordability, while supporting the Philippine’s broader economic growth and connectivity goals.”
Benoît de Saint-Exupéry said: “The A320 Family has supported Cebu Pacific’s domestic and short-haul international network growth over the last two decades. We’re grateful to the airline for its continued endorsement of our best selling single-aisle product line. The A321neo is highly regarded for its unparalleled economics, performance and fuel efficiency. We’re confident that these additional A321neo aircraft will contribute strongly to the all-Airbus operator’s next phase of expansion as one of Asia-Pacific’s leading low cost carriers.”
Cebu Pacific operates 61 A320 Family aircraft on its extensive regional network. In addition it flies nine A330 widebodies on high density routes in the region, as well as to destinations in the Middle East. Following the latest order, the airline’s backlog with Airbus now stands at 94 A320neo Family aircraft and seven A330neo.
The A321neo is the largest member of Airbus’ best-selling A320neo Family, offering unparalleled range and performance. By incorporating new generation engines and Sharklets, the A321neo brings a 50% noise reduction and more than 20% fuel savings and CO₂ reduction compared to previous generation single-aisle aircraft, while maximising passenger comfort in the widest single-aisle cabin in the sky.
To date more than 6,500 A321neo have been ordered by more than 90 customers across the globe.

NEW AIRLINE - Thai SmartLynx is set to become Thailand’s first ACMI provider when the carrier begins operations with A320s in early-2025. The carrier is in the final stages of getting approval for its AOC.

ROUTES - Japan Airlines plans A350-1000 service on Tokyo Haneda – London Heathrow route from 24 October 2024, replacing B777-300ER.

Photo:JAL

ROUTES - CHINA SOUTHERN NW24 GUANGZHOU – ISLAMABAD AIRCRAFT CHANGES

China Southern in Northern winter 2024/25 season is adjusting operational aircraft on Guangzhou – Islamabad route, reflected in last week’s schedule update. From 01DEC24 to 27FEB25, the airline will operate Boeing 787-8 3 times weekly, instead of the larger -9 variant.

CZ8069 CAN1540 – 2015ISB 788 247
CZ8070 ISB2215 – 0715+1CAN 788 247

ROUTES - BRITISH AIRWAYS EXPANDS A380 JOHANNESBURG SERVICE FROM JUNE 2025

British Airways in Northern summer 2025 season plans capacity increase on London Heathrow – Johannesburg route, with the addition of 2nd daily A380 service. From 01JUN25 (London departure), BA057/056 service to be operated by the A380, instead of 777-300ER.

BA055 LHR1905 – 0715+1JNB 388 D

BA057 LHR2125 – 0925+1JNB 388 D

BA056 JNB1920 – 0530+1LHR 388 D

BA054 JNB2105 – 0725+1LHR 388 D

quinta-feira, 10 de outubro de 2024

SPECIAL SCHEME - Paranair / Bombardier CRJ-200ER / ZP-CRR - “Visit Uruguay”

Photo: Alfonso Quincke

ROUTES - ALASKA AIRLINES / HAWAIIAN AIRLINES LAUNCHES CODESHARE SERVICE FROM OCT 2024

Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines starting tomorrow (02OCT24) launches reciprocal codeshare partnership, initially covering service between Hawaii and US Mainland. Reservations for codeshare service opened since mid-week last week.

Planned codeshare routes include the following.

Alaska Airlines operated by Hawaiian Airlines Honolulu – Austin

Honolulu – Boston

Honolulu – Las Vegas

Honolulu – Long Beach

Honolulu – Los Angeles

Honolulu – New York JFK

Honolulu – Oakland

Honolulu – Ontario

Honolulu – Phoenix

Honolulu – Portland OR

Honolulu – Sacramento

Honolulu – Salt Lake City

Honolulu – San Diego

Honolulu – San Francisco

Honolulu – San Jose CA

Honolulu – Seattle

Kahului – Las Vegas

Kahului – Long Beach

Kahului – Los Angeles

Kahului – Oakland

Kahului – Portland OR

Kahului – Sacramento

Kahului – San Diego

Kahului – San Francisco

Kahului – San Jose CA

Kahului – Seattle

Kona – Los Angeles

Kona – Sacramento

Lihue – Los Angeles

Lihue – Oakland

Lihue – Sacramento

Hawaiian Airlines operated by Alaska Airlines

Honolulu – Anchorage

Honolulu – Everett

Honolulu – Los Angeles

Honolulu – Portland OR

Honolulu – San Diego

Honolulu – San Francisco

Honolulu – San Jose CA

Honolulu – Seattle

Kahului – Anchorage

Kahului – Los Angeles

Kahului – Portland OR

Kahului – San Diego

Kahului – San Francisco

Kahului – San Jose CA

Kahului – Seattle

Kona – Anchorage

Kona – Portland OR

Kona – San Diego

Kona – San Jose CA

Kona – Seattle

Lihue – Portland OR

Lihue – San Diego

Lihue – San Jose CA

Lihue – Seattle
Photos: Duncan Stewart

ROUTES - UNITED ADDS A321NEO DENVER – SAN FRANCISCO SERVICE IN 1Q25

United Airlines in Spring 2025 plans to expand Airbus A321neo-operating route, as the carrier filed A321neo Denver – San Francisco route. From 06MAR25, the A321neo will serve this route once a day, until 29MAR25 inclusive.

UA573 DEN0515 – 0705SFO 32Q D

UA2862 SFO1906 – 2245DEN 32Q D

Extension of the A321neo service on this route is likely to be extended in the next few weeks.

Photo: Duncan Stewart

ROUTES - DELTA 1H25 AUSTIN / BOSTON NETWORK ADDITIONS

Delta in the first half of 2025 plans to expand service at Austin and Boston, gradually opened reservations in the last 9 days. Planned network addition includes the following.

Austin – Indianapolis eff 07MAY25 1 daily Embraer E175 (Skywest) Austin – Memphis eff 07MAY25 1 daily Embraer E175 (Skywest; Last served until August 2014)

Austin – Panama City NW Florida Beaches eff 09MAR25 1 daily Embraer E175 (Skywest) Austin – San Francisco eff 08JUN25 1 daily A220-300 Austin – Tampa eff 08JUN25 1 daily A220-300 Boston – Asheville eff 10MAY25 2 weekly Embraer E175 (Republic Airways) Boston – Pensacola eff 19APR25 2 weekly Embraer E175 (Republic Airways)

Photo: Duncan Stewart