quinta-feira, 31 de janeiro de 2013

EMIRATES SKY CARGO / ATLAS AIR - 747-400F, N415MC (flight cargo for the USAF)


Miguel Santos - LPLA

AWAS delivers second of two planned new A320 aircraft

A growing relationship with leading low cost airline in China

AWAS announced today that it delivered its second new order aircraft, an A320 from its existing order pipeline, to customer Spring Airlines.
This additional aircraft from AWAS will assist Spring in expanding their route network to additional Asia, and Southeast Asian destinations in the near future.
Spring was the first private carrier in China to fly internationally and currently operates flights to Greater Tokyo and Takamatsu in Japan, as well as regional destinations such as Hong Kong and Macau.
AWAS was one of the first lessors to place aircraft in China, beginning in the early 1990’s.

Second SSJ100 Arrived to Yakutia Airlines



On January 31, 2013 Sukhoi Civil Aircraft Company (SCAC) delivered its second Sukhoi Superjet 100 aircraft to the Russian air carrier Yakutia.

The Sukhoi Superjet 100, with a manufacture serial number 95020, arrived to its base airport in Yakutsk in the North-East of Russia from Ulianovsk where the Act of Delivery & Acceptance with SCAC had been signed earlier.

According to the contract, Sukhoi Civil Aircraft Company delivered to Yakutia Airlines two aircraft in a 93 seats each two-class configuration: 8 seats – business-class, 85 seats – economy class.

Yakutia Airlines is planning to operate both SSJ100 aircraft on the routes from Yakutsk to Khabarovsk, Novosibirsk, Kharbin (China) in autumn and winter period. The airline will extend the SSJ100 route network by adding Russian destinations Yakutsk-Novosibirsk-Nerungri, Khabarovsk–Magadan, Khabarovsk–Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky for spring-summer period, as well as flights of international charter program from the Russian Far East.

The first SSJ100 was delivered to Yakutia late December 2012 and entered into service in January this year. The first commercial flight by Yakutia SSJ100 had been operated from Yakutsk to Khabarovsk.

Upon completion of the relevant documentation the second SSJ100 will be put into service.

Yakutia Airlines has become the second Russian operator of the Sukhoi Superjet 100 aircraft and the first in the Far East of Russia.

“Yakutia” is a leading airline in the market of air transportation in Yakutia (Russia) and demonstrates a steady growth of its key performance indicators. In 2011 the airline carried more than 1 million passengers. The geography of flights includes destinations inside the Republic of Sakha (Yakutia), Russia and international flights as well. In the Far East Federal District of Russia “Yakutia” operates flights to 8 from 9 existing sub-federal units allowing passengers to enjoy direct flights inside the region.

ASKY Airlines takes delivery of three Bombardier Q400NGs

ASKY

quarta-feira, 30 de janeiro de 2013

AMERICAN AIRLINES: Boeing 777-300ER's New Look





 American Airlines

AMERICAN AIRLINES New Look B737-800

See the new American in action as our Boeing 737-800 arrives at our Tulsa Maintenance and Engineering Base.
American Airlines

Air Costa to lease EMB-170 to launch operations

Air Costa will lease an ex-Gulf Air  EMB-170 (G-CHJI - c/n 17000278) from ECC Leasing to launch domestic operations in the South of India. It plans to initially serve:
Ahmedabad Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International.
Bangalore Kempegowda International
Chennai Meenambakkam
Hyderabad Rajiv Gandhi International 
Pune Lohegaon  
Vishakhapatnam

Photo: Ashley Stevens 
Exeter (EXT / EGTE)
UK - England - 2013

US AIRWAYS - A319-100

 N733UW
N730US

João Luis Pessoa - St Maarten

COPA AIRLINES - B737-700, HP-1520CMP

João Luis Pessoa - St Maarten

KLM - B747-400, PH-BFB

João Luis Pessoa - St Maarten

Air China’s Beijing-New York Service Gets Major Boost with Upgrade to Boeing 777-300ER and Expanded Frequency


The Big Apple joins other Air China North America gateways with fleet upgrade and expanded capacity-


A special double treat awaits China and Asia-bound travelers from New York on March 31, 2013 when Air China, China’s exclusive national flag carrier, upgrades its aircraft to the state of the art Boeing 777-300ER and increase its frequency from 7 to 11 per week for its nonstop New York-Beijing flights.
“Adding new flights is a response to a consistently growing passenger demand for more convenient nonstop services between New York and Beijing. Business or leisure travelers bound for Beijing or onward to domestic Chinese cities and other destinations in Asia such as Hong Kong, Vietnam, India, the Philippines, Thailand and many others, stand to benefit the most from Air China’s increased capacity and convenient connecting flights,” Mr. Yuelong Zhou, Air China’s General Manager in New York, said.
Air China is the only airline with nonstop service between New York and Beijing. It is also the only airline with first class cabin between these two cities. Current daily flights between New York and Beijing are CA 982 and CA 981.
The additional outbound flight, CA 990, departs from John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) on Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday at 2:50 AM, arriving in Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK) at 2:20 PM local time the next day. Inbound, CA 989 leaves Beijing at 9:00 AM also on Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday, arriving in New York at 10:20 AM local time on the same day.
As the largest long-range twin-engine jetliner, the B777-300ER is cleaner and greener. It also brings twin-engine efficiency and reliability to the long-range market and delivers better fuel performance.
“Operating the New York-Beijing flight with the new ‘triple seven’ provides Air China with a significant advantage in the highly competitive New York market. It shows our commitment to provide air travelers with the best product from John F. Kennedy International Airport to Beijing. I’m sure our guests will appreciate the features of the energy-efficient Boeing 777-300ER,” Mr. Zhou commented.
The ‘triple seven’ has a wider cabin than any competing aircraft. It is designed for maximum passenger comfort and convenience. Air China’s Forbidden Pavilion (first class) features eight luxury suites, 41 full-flat bed seats in the Capital Pavilion (business class) and 259 economy seats with individual monitors and in-seat audio-video on demand (AVOD).
Designed for maximum passenger comfort, the interior of Air China’s B777-300ER feature ten mood lighting variations in the Forbidden and Capital Pavilions, each timed to complement the different phases of a flight—from boarding through meal service, sleeping and pre-arrival. The ambient lighting recreates the sunset, night and sunrise to reflect the various services associated with each phase and create a totally relaxing environment.
Today’s announcement follows last week’s approval granted to Air China by the U.S. Department of Transportation to start four weekly nonstop services between Houston and Beijing on July 11, 2013 using the B777-300ER. Houston is Air China’s fifth gateway in North America in addition to New York, Los Angeles, San Francisco and Vancouver. The Los Angeles-Beijing service, operated with the B777-300ER, will resume its double daily flights on March 31, 2013. Vancouver-Beijing is scheduled to increase from 7 to 11 flights per week on May 17, 2013. A bigger B747-400 full passenger aircraft will be used for the San Francisco-Beijing daily operation beginning March 31, 2013.


B777-300ER
First Class Cabin

B777-300ER
Business Class Cabin

B777-300ER
Economy

GoAir takes delivery of its first Airbus A320 equipped with Sharklets

Taking fuel efficiency to new highs 
India’s GoAir, ‘The Fly Smart Airline”, wholly owned by the Wadia Group, has taken delivery of its first Sharklet equipped A320 aircraft financed by ACG (Aviation Capital Group) under a sale and leaseback arrangement which will see the Aircraft added to ACG's growing portfolio of Airbus A320 family aircraft.

The aircraft is part of an order placed by GoAir for 20 A320ceo in 2006. So far 13 aircraft have been delivered to GoAir making the first Sharklet equipped A320 the 14th to join the fleet. All subsequent seven deliveries will be equipped with Sharklets.

“We already operate one of the youngest and most fuel efficient aircraft fleets anywhere in the world and the introduction of the Sharklet will add further efficiency. Our investment in the every latest technology like Sharklets, and also the A320neo, is a demonstration of our commitment to our customers and to the growth of our valued airline,” said Giorgio De Roni, GoAir CEO

“We are delighted to be partnering GoAir with their fleet expansion and the introduction of the fuel saving Sharklet. We strive to always have the most modern aircraft in our aircraft portfolio and the A320 equipped with Sharklets is a perfect fit,” said Denis Kalscheur, ACG CEO.

“The Sharklets deliver up to four per cent fuel burn reduction on longer sectors, and this translates into impressive cost savings,” said John Leahy, Chief Operating Officer – Customers. “GoAir passengers can also be confident that on board their Sharklet equipped A320s, they’ll be flying the world’s greenest single aisle aircraft.”

Due to the very strong customer demand for Sharklets, all Airbus’ single-aisle final assembly lines (FALs) will be engaged in building A320 Family aircraft with Sharklets. These FALs are located in Toulouse (France), Hamburg (Germany) and Tianjin (China) and will soon be followed by an additional A320 FAL in Mobile (Alabama, USA).

Sharklets are an option on new-build A320 Family aircraft and offer operators the option of an additional 100 nautical miles range or increased payload capability of up to 450 kilograms. Sharklets are standard on all members of the A320neo Family. In 2011, GoAir placed an order for 72 A320neo aircraft.

The A320 Family is the world’s best-selling and most modern single aisle aircraft Family. To date, over 9,000 aircraft have been ordered and over 5,400 delivered to more than 380 customers and operators worldwide.
AIRBUS

Afriqiyah's first A320 painted in the new livery

5A-ONO
Libya Adventures

terça-feira, 29 de janeiro de 2013

AIR FRANCE - A340-300, F-GLZN


João Luis Pessoa - St Maarten

JET BLUE - A320

 N592JB
 N629JB
 N630JB
 N655JB
João Luis Pessoa - St Maarten

BELGIAN AIR FORCE - A330-300, CS-TMT

Flying Photos - Lisboa

Jamaica Queen plans A320 operation from Kingston

Jamaica Queen Airlines  is another new start-up based in Jamaica planning to launch operations later this year with a fleet of A320-200s. It initially plans to operate between Kingston and New York John F. Kennedy International.

Cinnamon Air to operate Caravans in Sri Lanka

Cinnamon Air  has announced plans to launch domestic scheduled operations in Sri Lanka later this spring with a fleet of Cessna 208 Caravan and Cessna 208 Grand Caravan aircraft including amphibious aircraft allowing the use of the country's waterdromes. Cinnamon plans to initially operate from Colombo's Bandaranaike International airport to Batticaloa , Katugastota Polgolla Reservoir, Koggala Galle, Sigiriya, Trincomalee China Bay and Weerawila International competing on some of these routes with SriLankan Airlines subsidiary SriLankan Air Taxi 

Boeing 737 Program Starts Building at Higher Production Rate

- New rate increases production to 38 airplanes per month

- 737 production has risen 20 percent in two years




RENTON, Wash., Jan. 29, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Boeing [NYSE: BA] has begun assembly of the first Next-Generation 737 to be built at the rate of 38 airplanes per month. Over the past two years, production of the 737 has risen more than 20 percent, from 31.5 to 38 airplanes a month. In 2014, the rate will go up again to 42 airplanes a month.

Today mechanics completed loading initial parts of the spars - internal support structures in the wings – into an automated spar-assembly machine. The spar is the first step in building the wings and marks the start of major manufacturing for an airplane.

"The first spar load serves as the defining moment for our latest rate break, and the 737 team did it as planned, on schedule," said Beverly Wyse, vice president and general manager of the 737 program. "We have more hard work ahead of us, but we are well on our way to another successful production rate increase."

Employee teams have been instrumental in reducing 737 production flow by developing and implementing innovative efficiency improvements. The first Next-Generation 737 built at the new rate is scheduled to be delivered in the second quarter of this year

segunda-feira, 28 de janeiro de 2013

HOP! IMMEDIATE TAKE-OFF FOR THE AIR FRANCE GROUP’S NEW AIRLINE



Air France today revealed the name and commercial offering of its new regional airline, HOP!

A result of the synergy between the Air France group’s three regional airlines - Brit Air, Regional and Airlinair - HOP! aims to become the reference airline on inter-regional routes in France and Europe with a competitive offer, quickly adaptable to market changes and competition, for business or leisure travel.

A NEW ORGANIZATION FOR THE AIR FRANCE SHORT AND MEDIUM-HAUL NETWORK

Flights operated by HOP! fit into the new organization of the Air France group. Within the framework of Transform 2015, the Group has restructured its short and medium-haul operations, which is posting substantial deficit, into three complementary areas of activity: Air France, HOP! and Transavia France.

• Air France’s own short and medium-haul activity includes Air France flights which feed the long-haul network at the Paris-Charles de Gaulle hub, routes with a high proportion of business customers in France and Europe as well as flights departing from the regional bases at Marseille, Toulouse and Nice.

• As from summer 2013, HOP! Will operate point-to-point flights from Paris-Orly and the domestic network, as well as flights to the hub at Paris-Charles de Gaulle on behalf of Air France.

• The «leisure» area of activity, a high-growth segment represented by Transavia France, will operate flights to destinations across Europe and the Mediterranean from Paris-Orly and regional cities.

A SIMPLE AND EFFICIENT NAME, SYNONYMOUS WITH MOBILITY AND ACTION

The name “HOP!“ evokes rapidity and the ease with which travelers can get from point A to B. Synonymous with agility, HOP! illustrates its capacity to bounce back and adapt to customers’ needs. The simple typography and red colouring featured in the HOP! logo illustrates the Company’s flexibility in a creative and playful manner. Positioned alongside a slanted exclamation mark, symbolizing an aircraft’s take-off, HOP! illustrates an ambition for reactivity and mobility.

With its slogan “making Europe smaller”, HOP! is the ideal solution for travelling quickly and easily between regions, in France and Europe.

HOP! IN SHORT

• A dense flight schedule with 530 daily flights to 136 destinations

• A modern fleet of 98 aircraft with between 48 and 100 seats

• Fares starting at €55 including tax one way*

• More than 3,000 employees at the service of our customers, both on the ground and on board



Air France

JET BLUE - A320-200, N508JL

João Luis Pessoa - St Maarten

AIR JAMAICA - B737-800, 9Y-JMC

João Luis Pessoa - St Maarten

Malaysia Airlines Commences Paris Journey with A380 - National Carrier offers great deals as Airbus A380 is rolled out to serve Paris



Subang,: Malaysia Airlines will commence A380 services on its Kuala Lumpur-Paris route beginning 1 March 2013. The French capital is the second European destination after London in the national flag carrier’s long haul network to be operated by the superjumbo. The 494-seater Airbus 380 daily services to Paris will be rolled out to replace the current 282 seat B777 operations, increasing daily seat capacity by 75% effective 1 March 2013.

In conjunction with the A380 operations, Malaysia Airlines is offering attractive promotional fares from now till 11 February 2013, valid for travel from 1 March 2013 till 30 September 2013. Economy class travel on the state-of-art A380 is now possible at all inclusive return airfares starting from RM2899. A ‘Golden Ticket’ campaign during this offer period, allows economy class customers a chance to be upgraded to business class when travelling between 1 March 2013 and 30 Sept 2013. Winners of ‘Golden Tickets’ will be randomly chosen by seat number on flights between Kuala Lumpur and Paris.

Meanwhile, the all-inclusive promotional return fares for Business Class from Kuala Lumpur to Paris starts from only RM11969, while return First Class fares start from RM 31465.

Malaysia Airlines, Senior Vice President, Sales and Distribution, Duncan Bureau said, "We first started flying this route in April 1982 using the DC-10 aircraft with a transit in the Middle East. Today in 2013, almost 31 years later, we are using our latest flagship aircraft, the A380 which showcases our newest premium offering in products and services, for this non-stop service. With the A380 flying to Paris, Malaysia Airlines is proud to offer new levels of comfort, luxury and convenience to our guests.”

“The "Golden Ticket" free upgrade incentive and the low fare promotions is also our way of rewarding our customers who have patronized Malaysia Airlines throughout the years. We are currently celebrating our 40th anniversary flying as Malaysia Airlines and with our entry into Paris with our big bird, this is indeed timely to share the A380 joy with our customers.” Duncan added.

With the A380 replacing the B777-200, Malaysia Airlines is also introducing First Class travel on this route. The super jumbo has 8 First Class seats on the main deck, each with a pitch of 89 inches and convertible into a full flat bed of 87 inches length and a width of 40 inches. Each seat also boasts an individual 23-inch in-flight entertainment screen with personal closet and stowage for coat, luggage, laptop and personal belongings.

First and Business Class Customers flying to Paris will also cherish the premium chef-on-call service which features various meal options ranging from Malaysian favourites, international cuisines, chef’s recommendations and also light and healthy choices. Customers can pre-book a chef-on-call meal by contacting Malaysia Airlines 24-hour Call Centre at 1300 88 3000 or +603 7843 3000 (outside Malaysia), or by visiting a Malaysia Airlines Ticketing Office anytime 24 hours before their flight.

Customers can book their travel on Malaysia Airlines through all distribution channels mainlywww.malaysiaairlines.com, Malaysia Airlines 24 hours toll free number 1 300 88 3000, MHBuddy in Malaysia Airlines Facebook, MHmobile, Malaysia Airlines ticket offices and appointed agents throughout Malaysia.

Since first entering service in 2007, the A380 has exceeded all expectations, flying more people further at lower cost, while significantly reducing carbon emissions. The spacious, quiet cabin and smooth ride have also made the A380 a firm favourite with passengers. Malaysia Airlines received its very first A380 last July, becoming the 8th in the world to fly the world’s largest and most eco-efficient airliner.

Paris is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful and romantic cities in the world. The city is rich with historic associations and is predominantly influential in the realms of culture, art, fashion, food and design. Dubbed as the Capital of Fashion, it is home to the world's finest and most luxurious fashion designers and cosmetics. The French capital is a must visit place in most avid travellers’ list. Malaysia Airlines aims to make travel to Paris more memorable with its luxury product, the A380.
Malaysia Airlines

AirTransat S13 Trans-Atlantic Operation Changes as of 25 Jan 2013



Photos:Flying Photos
As per 25JAN13 GDS timetable and inventory display, Air Transat’s Summer 2013 Trans-Atlantic operational changes as follows. Note all routes listed below are non-stop flights, and comparison is July – August 2013 vs July – August 2012.

Calgary – Frankfurt Service reduced from 2 weekly in S12 to 1 weekly
Calgary – Glasgow Service combines with Manchester, 1 weekly (Calgary – Glasgow – Manchester – Calgary)
Calgary – Manchester 1 of 2 weekly service operates as Calgary – Glasgwow – Manchester – Calgary
Montreal – Barcelona All 3 weekly service operated by A310, replaces A310/330 mix in S12
Montreal – Lisbon 1 of 2 weekly service operated by A330, replaces A310
Montreal – Venice Service increases from 1 weekly A330 in S12 to 2 weekly A310
Quebec City – Paris CDG All 4 weekly service operated by A310, replaces A310/330 mix in S12
Toronto – Athens Service reduced from 2 weekly in S12 to 1 weekly
Toronto – Barcelona 2 weekly A310 service, replaces A310/330 mix in S12
Toronto – Birmingham Airbus A310 replaces A330 in S12, 1 weekly service
Toronto – Exeter – Newcastle – Toronto 1 weekly service cancelled
Toronto – Frankfurt 4 weekly service cancelled (Previously reported)
Toronto – Glasgow Service reduced from 6 weekly in S12 to 5 weekly, all-A310 service, replaces A310/330 mix in S12
Toronto – Lisbon Service reduced from 4 weekly in S12 to 3 weekly
Toronto – Munich 1 weekly service cancelled (Previously reported)
Toronto – Paris CDG Service increases from 4 weekly in S12 to 5 weekly
Toronto – Rome Service reduced from 7 weekly in S12 to 6 weekly
Toronto – Terceira 1 weekly service cancelled
Vancouver – Amsterdam Service reduced from 3 weekly in S12 to 2 weekly
Vancouver – London Gatwick Service reduced from 6 weekly in S12 to 5 weekly

Ottawa – London Gatwick 1 weekly service will maintain operation in Summer 2013

Routes

China's jumbo air freighter test flight a success: Xinhua



BEIJING (Reuters) - China has conducted a successful test flight of its first domestically developed jumbo air freighter, the official state news agency Xinhua reported on Saturday.

The Yun-20, or Transport-20, is designed for long-distance air transport of both cargo and passengers, Xinhua reported.

"The successful maiden flight of Yun-20 is significant in promoting China's economic and national defense build-up as well as bettering its emergency handling such as disaster relief and humanitarian aid," Xinhua said, adding that further test flights are scheduled.

China is determined to reduce dependency on foreign firms such as Boeing (BA), Airbus (EAD.PA), General Electric (GE) and Rolls Royce Plc (RR.TO) for the country's soaring demand for planes and engines.

Aviation Industry Corporation of China (AVIC), the country's dominant military and commercial aviation contractor, has lobbied for Beijing to back a multi-billion dollar plan to build a high-performance engine.

Meanwhile a host of design flaws has delayed approval by the Civil Aviation Administration of China for the country's homegrown 90-seat ARJ21 regional passenger jet.

At last November's China Airshow, China unveiled 50 new orders for its COMAC C919 passenger jet which is designed to challenge Airbus and Boeing in the largest segment of the $100 billion annual jetliner market.

The orders for the 150-seat jet boosted the official tally to 380, reaching the state-owned Commercial Aircraft Corporation of China's declared breakeven point of 300-400 orders.

However, analysts say it will be some time before the aircraft, due to make its maiden flight in 2014, proves both its technical worth and its financial viability.

(Reporting by Nick Edwards; editing by Jason Neely)

IndiGo becomes the first Indian airline with Sharklet equipped A320

Operators benefit from up to four per cent fuel burn savings 


India's largest airline, IndiGo has taken delivery of its first A320 aircraft equipped with Sharklet fuel saving wing tip devices, becoming the first Indian carrier to do so. Sharklets are newly designed wing-tip devices that improve the aircraft’s aerodynamics and significantly cut the airline’s fuel burn and emissions by four per cent on longer sectors.

Sharklets are an option on new-build A320 Family aircraft, and standard on all members of the A320neo Family. They offer the flexibility to A320 Family operators of either adding around 100 nautical miles more range or allowing increased payload capability of up to 450 kilograms. All future A320 aircraft to be delivered to IndiGo shall be fitted with the Sharklet wing tip devices.

“In little over six years since we began operating, our low fares and high service ethos at IndiGo has enabled us to grow to become India’s largest domestic carriers. We already operate one of the world’s youngest most fuel efficient fleets and our investment in Sharklet will help reduce our fuel consumption even further,” said Aditya Ghosh, IndiGo’s President.

IndiGo placed an order for 100 A320 aircraft in 2005. In addition IndiGo was the first Indian airline to order the NEO with a contract for 150 A320neo and 30 A320s placed in 2011.

“With high fuel prices and with a four per cent fuel burn reduction, IndiGo’s investment in the Sharklet will pay handsome dividends, said John Leahy, Chief Operating Officer – Customers. “We are delighted with IndiGo’s choice to grow their airline with Airbus.”

IndiGo, is an all Airbus operator and the largest low cost airline in India today. It began operations in 2006 and has a fleet of 62 A320s today. So far IndiGo’s cumulative order for Airbus aircraft is for 280 A320 Family aircraft including 130 A320neo,

The A320 Family is the world’s best-selling and most modern single aisle aircraft Family. To date, over 9,000 aircraft have been ordered and over 5,400 delivered to more than 380 customers and operators worldwide.
AIRBUS

Melbourne first Australian destination for Sichuan

Photo: Alan Charpentier - TLS


Sichuan Airlines  has announced Melbourne Tullamarine International as its first destination in Australia and its second long-haul destination. Its only long-haul flight currently is a three times weekly A330-200 service from Chengdu via Shenyang Taoxian International to Vancouver International .
Sichuan Airlines plans to serve Melbourne non-stop three times weekly from its homebase in Chengdu from February 28 with A330-200s.