EASY JET - A319-100 - G-EZBF - Tartan livery

Easy Jet

Kinda Airlines ( Syria), delays inaugural flight to May

Kinda Airlines has postponed its planned launch date from April 1 to May 1 citing paperwork issues. Airline vice commercial manager, Esmail Sharaf, told Reuters news agency that using an A320-200, JY-JAC (cn 29), and a B737-400, JY-JAQ (msn 27826), leased from Jordan Aviation, initial services will operate from Damascus to Latakia with ten other destinations in the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, Iraq, and even Lebanon and Jordan to come within the year.

Sharaf underscored the safety of operating out of Damascus despite the ongoing civil war which has now entered its third year. However, the imposition of international sanctions against Bashar al-Assad's regime has taken its toll.

"(Sanctions are) making it very, very difficult. Hopefully we have passed through all these difficulties," Sharaf said.

Backed by three local investors, Kinda Airlines is only the second start-up to challenge the Syrianair monopoly. Following the liberalization of the Syrian air industry in 2008, Syrian Pearl Airlines was founded as the country's second national carrier only to go bust three months later when lessor OrionAir pulled out due to US sanctions.
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East Horizon acquires own ex-Alitalia MD-82

East Horizon Airlines has returned its wet-leased MD-83, UR-CLY, to owner Bravo Air, which has since sold the aircraft on to Iranian operator, Caspian Airlines.

To make up for the shortfall, according to Aerotransport, East Horizon has now acquired its first own MD-82, YA-EHA (msn 53222), formerly I-DATC with Alitalia.
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Photo: East Horizon Airlines

Belavia outlines its initial EMB-195 routes

Belavia has outlined its initial EMB-195 routes, due to launch in early May. According to sources privy to ch-aviation, the initial routes out of Minsk Int'l 2 include: Amsterdam, Batumi, Moscow Domodedovo, Prague and St. Petersburg.

The Belarus national carrier ordered two of the type from Embraer in October last year. Photo:Belavia

South Africa's NAC Charter secures ERJ145 contract with UNHAS

NAC Charter is set to operate one of its three ERJ-145s, ZS-DFA (cn 145165), on behalf of the United Nations Humanitarian Air Service.
Photo: NAC

Transaero to lease six A321s from China's ICBC Leasing

Transaero Airlines has signed a long-term lease agreement with China's ICBC Leasing for six Airbus A321-200 (sl) aircraft to be delivered between July 2015 and March 2016.

Star Air Denmark gets first wingletted B767-300 freighter

Star Air has added its first B767-300(F) freighter to its fleet of eleven B767-200(F)s. According to Skyliner Aviation, the former Thomson Airways passenger jet has now been re-registered as OY-SYS.

Photo: Star Air

GE Capital Aviation Services To Lease Five New Boeing 737-800s to Hainan Airlines

BEIJING, March 26, 2014 -- GE Capital Aviation Services Limited (GECAS), the commercial aircraft leasing and financing arm of GE, today announced it will lease five new Boeing 737-800 aircraft to Hainan Airlines to help expand the carrier's fleet. The aircraft, scheduled for delivery in 2015, come from GECAS’ existing order book with Boeing.

Hainan Airlines is a longstanding GECAS customer and is the largest private airline in the People’s Republic of China. It operates a fleet of more than 120 aircraft to more than 90 destinations.

Embraer delivers first E-Jet to SkyWest Inc.

São José dos Campos, Brazil, 2014 – Embraer yesterday delivered, in a ceremony held at the Company’s headquarters, in São José dos Campos, the first E175 to SkyWest Inc. (SkyWest), based in the State of Utah, U.S. The aircraft is part of the firm order signed by the airline last year, for 40 E175 aircraft. SkyWest Airlines will operate the aircraft as United Express for United Airlines. The E175s are configured in a dual-class 76-seat layout.

An additional 60 orders are reconfirmable, subject to SkyWest being awarded Capacity Purchase Agreement (CPA) contracts with major U.S. airline partners. The agreement between SkyWest and Embraer also includes options for another 100 E175s, taking the potential total order up to 200 airplanes.

In a separate deal with Embraer, SkyWest became the launch customer of the E175-E2, ordering 100 aircraft with 100 additional options, for deliveries beginning in 2020.

SkyWest is the largest regional airline group in the world and is the parent company of SkyWest Airlines and ExpressJet Airlines. Both companies have long histories with Embraer and were early customers for the Embraer EMB 120 Brasilia turboprop aircraft. More than 40 EMB 120 Brasilia aircraft currently fly in the SkyWest Airlines network, primarily in the western United States. ExpressJet Airlines operates 251 aircraft of the ERJ 145 family and is the largest ERJ operator in the world.
 As the leader in the 70 to 130-seat segment, Embraer continues to invest in the E-Jets family, which is flown by some 65 airlines from 45 countries.

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Boeing, Ryanair Showcase Strong, Colorful Partnership

Airline unveils specially painted Next-Generation 737-800 featuring Boeing, Ryanair colors

 SEATTLE, Mar. 31, 2014 -- Boeing (NYSE: BA) and Ryanair showcased their strong partnership with a new, co-branded livery on the airline's most recently delivered Next-Generation 737-800.

China Express Airlines Places Firm Order for Three More Bombardier CRJ900 NextGen Airliners

Bombardier Aerospace announced today that China Express Airlines has converted previously announced conditional purchase agreements for three CRJ900 NextGen regional jets into a firm order. The conditional purchase agreements for five CRJ900 NextGen aircraft, with options on an additional eight CRJ900 NextGen aircraft, were announced on December 2, 2013, along with a firm order for three CRJ900 NextGen airliners.
Based on list price, the firm order for the three CRJ900 NextGen aircraft is valued at approximately
$136 million US.

China Express, based in Chongqing, provides regional passenger services to 44 cities throughout China with its fleet of five CRJ200 aircraft and nine 84-seat CRJ900 NextGen aircraft. The airline was the first to operate the CRJ900 aircraft in the country.

In total, Bombardier has recorded firm orders for 1,817 CRJ Series aircraft, including 344 CRJ900 and CRJ900 NextGen aircraft. Worldwide, CRJ Series aircraft are in service with more than 60 airlines and more than 30 customers operate corporate variants of the aircraft. The aircraft are operating in over
50 countries on six continents and, on average, a CRJ aircraft takes off every 10 seconds somewhere in the world. CRJ Series aircraft have transported more than 1.4 billion passengers, and have logged more than 38 million flight hours and over 32 million takeoffs and landings.

 

Etihad Airways finance roadshows attract leading bankers and financiers in New York and London

Etihad Airways, the national airline of the United Arab Emirates, has hosted the latest edition of its highly successful financial roadshows in New York and London, attracting a record number of guests.
Led by James Hogan, Etihad Airways’ President and Chief Executive Officer, and supported by James Rigney, Chief Financial Officer, and Ricky Thirion, Group Treasurer, the roadshows welcomed more than four hundred representatives from many of the world’s largest financial institutions, lessors and other partners.

The roadshows are conducted annually in major global and regional financial centres including New York, London and Sydney, and offer an ideal opportunity for the airline to brief the world’s leading financiers about its expansion strategy as well as deepen existing ties.

The airline is looking to raise US$2 billion to finance its fleet deliveries in 2014 which will include its first A380 and Boeing 787 aircraft.


James Hogan said “Etihad Airways continues to expand its relationships with financial institutions in markets around the world, which in turn play a crucial role in the expansion of the airline’s global network and fleet of aircraft.

“The financial institutions view Etihad Airways as a strong counterparty, that is financially stable with a strong track record in safety, and we are always eager to spend time with them to communicate our latest developments.”
Earlier this month Etihad Airways announced a record net profit of US$62 million in 2013, up 48 per cent, marking the third successive year of net profitability. The airline also generated revenues of more than US$6 billion last year.
Etihad Airways has raised more than US$8 billion in funding from 68 financial institutions during the past 10 years to finance aircraft and engines.

In addition to expanding the relationships with lessors and lending institutions, Etihad Airways has an efficient risk management policy to manage the financial risks related to fuel price, foreign exchange, interest rates and emissions. This has enhanced the airline’s reputation for successful fiscal discipline and cost control.


Etihad Airways’ hedging strategy has received widespread praise from the financial community. Currently it is hedged at 76 per cent for 2014, 48 per cent for 2015, 15 per cent for 2016, and 3 per cent for Q1 2017.
During the past 12 months Etihad Airways has continued to expand its four pillared strategy of organic growth, codeshare and interline partnerships, equity alliance in other airlines and aviation related businesses, and franchise partners.
In addition to the four existing equity partners – airberlin, Air Seychelles, Virgin Australia and Aer Lingus – Etihad Airways announced investments in three additional carriers in 2013.

Stakes were acquired in Jet Airways, Air Serbia (formally Jat Airways) and Darwin Airline, a regional carrier based in Switzerland which has become a new sub-brand called, Etihad Regional (subject to regulatory approval).

Etihad Airways made the largest aircraft order in its history in 2013, with orders, options and purchase rights for up to 199 Airbus and Boeing aircraft, valued at up to US$67 billion.

The airline will take delivery of 18 aircraft in 2014: 3 x A320; 3 x A321; 2 x A330-200; 1 x A330-200 freighter; 1 x A380; 2 x B787-9; 1 x B777-300ER; 5 x B777-200LR.

Etihad Airways also recently unveiled a new structure moving it from a single entity airline to a wider global aviation group.


The new Etihad Aviation Group distinguishes the functions relating purely to Etihad Airways and those related to the airline’s subsidiaries, joint venture companies and equity partners.
The airline has announced nine new destinations for 2014, Medina, Jaipur, Los Angeles, Zurich, Yerevan, Perth, Rome, Phuket, and Dallas-Fort Worth.
Photo: Nishant Rao - Abu Dhabi Nadia Int´Airpoet - United Arab Emirates
A320-200 - A6-EIB

Emirates receives double, double-decker delivery

Emirates’ 46th and 47th A380 aircraft arrived in Dubai in the early hours of Friday, the same day the airline released its new digital campaign featuring a light-hearted moment between Pelé and Ronaldo in the Onboard Lounge of an Emirates’ A380.

A380s number 46 and 47 delivered as Cristiano Ronaldo and Pelé take the airline’s most popular aircraft to new heights 
Both players are now Global Ambassadors for Emirates, an Official FIFA Worldwide Partner, with the announcement that Cristiano Ronaldo was joining the airline’s ambassadorial ranks made at a press conference in Madrid on Friday.

The two new A380s – coded EEU and EET – are already in active service, having completed their first flights on Emirates’ Bangkok and Melbourne routes respectively.

Six years after Emirates introduced its first A380 into service, the airline’s A380 onboard experience has firmly established itself as the benchmark as reflected in its tremendous popularity with travellers. The A380 Onboard Lounge in particular, continues to be talked about around the world. Available to First and Business Class passengers travelling on the upper deck of the aircraft, the A380 Onboard Lounge provides a relaxed social environment to exchange travel tales and talk business over a drink at 43,000 feet. 
Emirates

NEOS - B737-800W - I-NEOW

Paul Bannwarth - TFS

SAS - B737-800W - LN-RRL

Paul Bannwarth - TFS

LUXAIR - B737-800 - LX-LGU

Paul Bannwarth - TFS

Boeing 777-300 will offer 76 extra seats per day to popular Australian destination

Route capacity will increase by 30% on the daily scheduled service

DOHA, Qatar – Effective April 1, 2014, Qatar Airways, the Doha-based five-star carrier, will upgrade its capacity on its Melbourne - Doha route, with a Boeing 777-300 aircraft.
The introduction of the new long-range wide-body aircraft will result in a 30% capacity increase on the daily flights to Melbourne, which translates to 76 more seats per day. Qatar Airways also flies daily to Perth in Western Australia.

“Along with our daily flights to both Melbourne and Perth, the increase in overall capacity on our Melbourne route is further testament to our commitment to the Australian market,” said Qatar Airways Chief Executive Officer, His Excellency, Mr. Akbar Al Baker. “We are pleased that we are able to meet the needs of our passengers and build on our current offerings by providing extra capacity along with our five-star service. The short connection times, along with our award-winning on-board service, makes Qatar Airways a favourite with our Australian passengers who are looking for both comfort and convenience on long-haul flights.”

With seven route launches already set to join the current network of 136 destinations in 2014, passengers will have numerous options when connecting through the airline’s hub in Doha, Qatar. Qatar Airways’ network is steadily increasing with new and exciting routes, such as Larnaca and Edinburgh both scheduled to launch soon, bringing the total number of destinations in Europe to 32. 

Commencing May 15, Qatar Airways will be offering an all Business Class flight from Doha to London Heathrow. The A319 will accommodate 40 Business Class passengers throughout the aircraft and will be the sixth daily flight from Doha to London. Business travellers will be able to take advantage of the award-winning Premium Lounge in London Heathrow and Premium Terminal at Doha International Airport.

 All flights on the Doha – Melbourne route will be operated with a modern Boeing 777-300, featuring a two-class configuration, with up to 42 seats in Business Class and up to 293 seats in Economy Class. The aircraft offers seatback TV screens providing passengers with the next generation interactive on-board entertainment system and a choice of more than 1,000 audio and video on-demand options.

Qatar Airways has seen rapid growth in just 17 years of operations, currently flying a modern fleet of 131 aircraft to 136 key business and leisure destinations across Europe, the Middle East, Africa, Asia Pacific and the Americas.
DOHA-MELBOURNE SCHEDULE
DOHA – MELBOURNE (DAILY)
Depart Doha on QR 904 at 0055hrs, arrive in Melbourne at 22:25hrs

MELBOURNE – DOHA (DAILY)
Depart Melbourne on QR 905 at 23:55hrs, arrive in Doha at 06:20hrs

 Over the next few months, the network will grow further with Philadelphia, USA (April 2, 2014), Larnaca, Cyprus (April 29), Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen Airport, Turkey (May 22, 2014), Edinburgh, Scotland (May 28, 2014), Miami, USA (June 10, 2014), Haneda, Japan (June 18, 2014), Dallas/Fort Worth, USA (July 1, 2014) and Djibouti–Ambouli International Airport, Djibouti (July 27, 2014).

Captain Liu Dandan comes back again. Our first female captain of Boeing 737-800 Liu Dandan and Captain Linda Orlady, Boeing’s Chief Pilot for Flight Technical and Safety, attended a seminar in Beijing on March 5, sharing their experiences and encouraging more women to become involved in the aviation industry

Air China

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AIR NIUGINI - B737-700W - P2-PXD - Port Moresby 2015 XV Pacific Games in Papua New Guinea.

John Magero - Sydney Kingsford Smith Int'l Airport - Austrália

ILFC Leases Two Boeing 737-800s to Donghai Airlines

 LOS ANGELES--(BUSINESS WIRE)--International Lease Finance Corporation (ILFC), a wholly owned subsidiary of American International Group, Inc. (NYSE: AIG), announced today that the company has entered into an agreement with Donghai Airlines Co., Ltd for the lease of two used Boeing 737-800 aircraft, which have already been delivered to the airline.
The aircraft are powered by CFM engines and their seating configuration comprises 8 first class and 159 economy class seats.
Photo: Weimeng -  Beijing - Capital - China - B737-800 - B-5313

ENERJET / TRANSAVIA - B737-800 - PH-HZE

Ton Jochmens - AMS

ETIHAD CARGO - B747-800F - N855GT

Ton Jochems - AMS

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HOP - ATR-72-500 - F-GVZM

Paul Bannwarth - BSL

Alas Uruguay eyes October launch date with regional flights

Alas Uruguay has set a planned launch window of October this year pending the finalization of USD15million in Uruguayan state funding. In his interview with Montevidean newspaper, El Pais, airline executive Sergio Riolfo said the start-up had complied with requirements laid down by its donor, the national development fund (FONDES), and would shortly begin certification with the local civil aviation authority (Dirección Nacional de Aviación Civil e Infraestructura Aeronáutica - DINACIA). Once that was completed, the process of securing traffic rights would begin.

Among the routes the carrier intends to serve from its Montevideo hub are: Asuncion, Santiago de Chile Int'l, Buenos Aires Aeroparque, Punta del Este, São Paulo Guarulhos and Rio de Janeiro Int'l.

Three B737-300s are to be acquired on a lease-before-buying basis from an undisclosed US lessor, Riolfo added. ch-aviation
Photo:La Prensa.uy

 

EASYJET - A319-100 - G-EZBI " Shakespire"

Paul Bannwarth - BSL

ALITALIA - A320-200 - EI-DSM " Calabria"

Ton Jochems - AMS

VietJetAir has launched daily flights on the domestic route between Ho Chi Minh City and Da Lat.

Service on the short 214-kilometre route began on Saturday 22 March, and will be operated by the airline’s A320s.

Competition will be provided by Vietnam Airlines who operate the route twice-daily. VietJetAir already serves Da Lat from Hanoi with daily flights, a service it launched back in December 2012, and from Vinh, a route it launched in December 2013.

The airline recently acquired its 12th A320, VN-A678 complete with sharklets. This summer the airline will operate 23 domestic and international routes, offering more than 10,000 seats per week.



Photo: Soujirou Kaneyoshi - Ho Chi Minh City Tan Son Nhat -Vietnam
A320-200 - LZ-BHH

 

QESHM AIR - A300B4-605R - EP-FQN

Ilgaz DEGER - SAW Istanbul - Turkey

China Airlines introduces a “Visiting Indigenous Tribes of Taiwan”

The drawings come from renowned indigenous artist Sakuliu Pvavaljung's Wedding Celebration series, shown in public for the first time. These drawings of joyful celebration welcome people to enjoy the diversity Taiwan has to offer.

China Airlines and The Council of Indigenous Peoples Launch "Visiting Indigenous Tribes of Taiwan Liveried Aircraft"

AEROFLOT Plans Final Scheduled Il96 Service on 30MAR14

AEROFLOT on 30MAR14 is scheduled to operate final Ilyushin Il96 scheduled operation, operating Tashkent – Moscow Shremetyevo route. The Skyteam member introduced this aircraft in 1993, which mainly operates Moscow – New York JFK route in Winter 1993/94 season.

Operational schedule on 30MAR14 as follow.
SU1871 TAS0430 – 0800SVO IL9

Planned Ilyushin Il96 final scheduled operation remains subject to change.
Routes Online

Photo:Ton Jochems - AYT

Aigle Azur Plans Last Scheduled Airbus A321 Service in early-April 2014

Aigle Azur on 03APR14 is scheduled to operate final Airbus A321 service, which operates on Paris Orly – Algiers with 2 round-trips on that date. Planned A321 operation on 03APR14 as follow.
ZI255 ORY0800 – 0910ALG 321
ZI257 ORY1440 – 1550ALG 321
ZI256 ALG1015 – 1325ORY 321
ZI258 ALG1815 – 2125ORY 321
Routes online
Photo:FPP - Lisboa

Bangladeshi LCC start-up, Epic Air, to use B737-800s

Epic Air is a privately-owned start-up from Bangladesh which expects to launch scheduled passenger flights in the third quarter of this year.
Headed by former Regent Airways CEO, Imran Asif, the start-up intends to operate an LCC model using a fleet of two B737-800s.
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