Air Odisha to start interstate ops in mid-3Q

Air Odisha (Bhubaneswar) is planning to begin regional interstate operations a month after the government of the Northeast Indian state of Odisha withdrew a domestic services contract.

As such, the passenger charter specialist has now secured official approval from the Indian Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) to commence flights from Bhubaneswar to Ranchi (Jharkhand), Raipur (Chhattisgarh), and Nagpur (Maharashtra) with effect from August 15.

Operations are on-board Cessna (single turboprop) Grand Caravan 208Bs.

CALC Delivers First of Four Airbus A320 Aircraft to Jetstar Pacific Expanding Its Footprints in Southeast Asia

Hong Kong – 22 July 2016 - China Aircraft Leasing Group Holdings Limited (“CALC” or the “Group”, stock code: 01848.HK), the largest independent aircraft operating lessor in China, today announced the delivery of a new Airbus A320 aircraft to Jetstar Pacific Airlines (‘’Jetstar Pacific”). A further three A320 aircraft are scheduled for delivery in secession this year, based on the lease agreements signed in November 2015 and January 2016. The latest delivery marks the start of CALC’s foray in the Southeast Asian market, with its fleet now at 71 aircraft.

“The Group is very excited to take part in Jetstar Pacific’s fleet expansion program. As part of the long-term commitment to Jetstar Pacific, Vietnam Airlines and Qantas Group planned to increase the size of the LCC’s fleet to 30 aircraft over the next four years, in order to grow its Vietnamese market share and international routes, ” said Ms Winnie Liu, Deputy CEO and Chief Commercial Officer of CALC. “With the growing number of middle class travellers, the skies of Southeast Asia would get much busier. We look forward to working closer with Jetstar Pacific while it consolidates its position in the fast-growing Southeast Asian market.”

Mr Le Hong Ha, CEO of Jetstar Pacific said, “The new aircraft will allow us to expand our business as part of the wider Jetstar family. With low operating costs and a comfortable cabin, the A320 enables us to offer our passengers a quality value-based product and everyday low fares.”

Launched in May 2008, Jetstar Pacific is Vietnam’s first low cost carrier. Vietnam Airlines, the flag carrier of the country, owns a 70% stake in Jetstar Pacific, while the Qantas Group holds a 30% stake. Jetstar Pacific is a member of the Jetstar Group, which is one of the largest airline groups in Asia Pacific. The airline now operates 19 domestic and international destinations with 14 Airbus A320/321 aircraft and plans to expand the fleet up to 30 Airbus A320 aircraft by 2020.

SWISS updates W16 Boeing 777 European operations

SWISS in recent schedule update has adjusted winter 2016/17 operation, including planned 777-300ER intra-European sectors from 30OCT16. As of 27JUL16, planned SWISS Boeing 777-300ER European service between 30OCT16 and 15FEB17 as follow.

Zurich – Geneva LX2802/2807 2 weekly (Day 35)

Zurich – Hanover LX816/817 6 weekly (Day x1), LX828/829 2 weekly (Day 24)

Zurich – London Heathrow LX318/319 on 11FEB17

Zurich – Vienna LX1574/1575 1 weekly (Day 7), LX1582/1583 1 weekly (Day 6)

Routes Online






Note current schedule listing shows 777-300ER European operation scheduled until 15FEB17 inclusive.

JetBlue hints at transatlantic flights as it boosts A321 order

An amended purchase agreement with Airbus includes an additional 15 Airbus A321ceo (current engine option) and 15 A321neo (new engine option) aircraft, but for deliveries from 2019 JetBlue holds the flexibility to configure the neo equipment to the Longer Range version of the A321 – the A321LR, which would be well-suited to possible future transatlantic flights.

RoutesOnline / Duncan Stewart - LAX

Cebu Pacific places order for two A330-300s

Reflecting success of Airbus widebody on carrier’s long haul low fare routes

29 JULY 2016 PRESS RELEASE

Manila-based Cebu Pacific has placed a firm order with Airbus for two A330-300s. The aircraft will join an existing fleet of six A330s flying with the airline on long range flights to destinations in the Middle East and Australia, as well on selected domestic and regional routes.


“The A330 has proven to be the right choice for our long haul low fare product,” said Lance Gokongwei, Cebu Pacific President and Chief Executive Officer. “The newly ordered aircraft will enable us to add more long haul routes, including the launch of our first flights to the US. We are excited to be expanding our widebody fleet, offering more low fare options for our customers to fly further than ever before.”

“This order from Cebu Pacific is another endorsement of the unrivalled efficiency of the A330 for profitable long haul low cost services,” said John Leahy, Airbus Chief Operating Officer Customers. “Combining low operating costs, proven reliability and a great passenger experience, the A330 is the clear preferred choice of airlines in this competitive market segment. We are looking forward to working with Cebu Pacific as it grows its long haul services and flies to more destinations across the world.”

Cebu Pacific currently operates 49 Airbus aircraft, including six A330s and a fleet of 43 A320 Family single aisle aircraft flying on its extensive domestic and regional network. In addition to the contract announced today, the airline has 32 latest generation A321neo aircraft on order for future delivery.

The A330 is one of the most popular widebody aircraft ever, having now won over 1,600 orders. Today, over 1,300 aircraft are flying with some 120 airlines worldwide on a wide range of routes, from domestic and regional flights to long range intercontinental services of up to 13 hours. Offering the lowest operating costs in its category, and thanks to continuous investment and innovations, the A330 is the most profitable and best performing aircraft in its class.

Allegiant places order for 12 Airbus A320ceo aircraft

U.S. airline transitions to an all-Airbus fleet

29 JULY 2016 PRESS RELEASE

Las Vegas, Nevada-based Allegiant Travel Company has signed a purchase agreement for 12 Airbus A320ceo (current engine option) aircraft. This deal marks the first time the low-cost airline has purchased new aircraft from any manufacturer. Each will be powered by CFM56 engines from CFM International. The company’s current fleet plan is focused on a transition to all Airbus aircraft including a mix of previously-owned aircraft along with those included in this deal.

“Allegiant offers travelers convenient, affordable nonstop service enabling them to more easily enjoy their favorite vacation destinations,” said Maury Gallagher, Chairman and CEO of Allegiant Travel Company. “As we continue to transition to an all-Airbus fleet, this purchase will allow us to accelerate that process, reduce complexity in our fleet and provide our passengers with an ever-improving experience.”

“We love it when we hear the Allegiant team say that ‘Airbus is our future’, because that demonstrates they are hitting their bottom-line goals while also satisfying their passengers, and they know it’s because of the Airbus A320 Family,” said John Leahy, Chief Operating Officer – Customers. “The A320 offers wider and more comfortable 18” seats, wider aisles for faster boarding and more on-board storage space for today’s larger carry-ons. Low-cost carriers come back to the A320 Family again and again because it offers optimum performance from all perspectives. When an airline grows its A320 fleet, it’s making a sound investment in its financial future.”

Allegiant currently operates a fleet of 15 A319ceo and 16 A320ceo aircraft.

The A320 Family is the world’s best-selling single aisle product line with nearly 12,600 orders since launch and more than 7,100 aircraft delivered to some 400 customer and operators worldwide. Thanks to their widest cabin, all members of the A320 Family offer unmatched comfort in all classes and Airbus’ 18” wide seats in economy as standard. The A320 Family, seating from 100 to 240 passengers, seamlessly covers the entire single-aisle segment from low to high-density domestic to longer range routes.

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Boeing to Add Space Bins to Existing Alaska Airlines 737 Fleet

Airline to modify 34 in-service airplanes to significantly increase overhead storage

OSHKOSH, Wis., July 28, 2016 – Boeing (NYSE: BA) and Alaska Airlines announced today at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh that the Seattle-based airline will begin modifying in-service Boeing Sky Interior 737 airplanes with more spacious Space Bins in the coming year.

Alaska Airlines is the launch customer for Boeing’s retrofit Space Bin program. In total, the airline plans to modify 34 airplanes – primarily 737-900ERs (Extended Range) – with the new overhead bins.

Boeing’s new overhead bins increases the room for carry-on baggage by up to 50 percent, depending on the airline’s configuration.

“Alaska is committed to making flying hassle-free and comfortable,” said Mark Eliasen, treasurer and vice president of finance, Alaska Airlines. “Many passengers want to keep a bag in the cabin and Boeing’s Space Bins make it possible for virtually everyone to stow a wheeled suitcase. That’s why Alaska is thrilled to be equipping 100 percent of our new jets with Space Bins and retrofitting all of our existing 737-900ERs.”

Alaska Airlines launched Boeing’s in-production Space Bins program last year and by 2017, will have almost half of its fleet outfitted with Space Bins.

“Boeing works very closely with our customers to enhance their airplanes with features that improve the passenger experience,” said Mike Fleming, vice president, Boeing Fleet Services. “By providing our customers with a retrofit option for the Space Bins, we are allowing long-time 737 customers, like Alaska Airlines, the ability to keep their entire fleet current.”

Boeing’s Space Bin stows six bags, two more than the current pivot bins installed on Next-Generation 737s with the Boeing Sky Interior. That’s based on a standard size carry-on bag measuring 9 in x 14 in x 22 in (23 cm x 36 cm x 56 cm).

When opened, the bottom edge of a Space Bin hangs about 2 inches (5 centimeters) lower, so travelers can lift their carry-on bags more easily. The deeper bins allow more bags to be stowed and increase visibility into the back of the bins.

Alaska Airlines celebrated its first 737 featuring Space Bins in October 2015, and will have nearly 30 Space Bin-outfitted airplanes in service by the end of the year.



Boeing’s Space Bins are available for retrofit on in-service Next-Generation 737s, and as an optional feature on in-production Next-Generation 737s and 737 MAXs.

HONEYWELL - B757-200 - N757HW

Ton Jochems - AMS

Boeing, Malaysia Airlines Announce Order for up to 50 737 MAX Airplanes

Order for 25 737 MAX 8s, purchase rights for additional 737 MAX 8s and MAX 9s -- Newest Boeing model to drive national carrier's fleet, growth plan

• 
  

KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia, July 27, 2016 – Boeing [NYSE: BA] and Malaysia Airlines Berhad (Malaysia Airlines) announced today an order for 25 737 MAX 8 airplanes, valued at $2.75 billion dollars at current list prices. The order, previously attributed to an unidentified customer on the Boeing Orders & Deliveries website, also includes purchase rights for additional 737 MAX 8 and 737 MAX 9 airplanes.

"This deal is a game-changer for Malaysia Airlines with much lower costs and greater efficiency which we will pass on to our loyal customers with lower fares," said Malaysia Airlines Chief Executive Officer Peter Bellew. "With the 737 MAX's longer range capabilities, we will be able to connect our passengers to more destinations, in greater comfort and with superior economics."

The Malaysian national carrier has operated almost every derivative of the 737 airplane family and took delivery of its 100th 737 in December 2014. Malaysia Airlines currently operates 56 737-800s.

"The 737 MAX will continue the superior operating economics and reliability of the 737 that Malaysia Airlines has depended on for more than 40 years," said Dinesh Keskar, senior vice president, Asia Pacific & India Sales, Boeing Commercial Airplanes. "We are honored to continue our long partnership with Malaysia Airlines and welcome them to the growing 737 MAX family."

"Malaysia Airlines is now on a path to growth across the Asean region," said Bellew. "This new aircraft order will set the stage for our continued recovery and success into the next decade."



The 737 MAX will deliver 20 percent lower fuel use than the first Next-Generation 737s and the lowest operating costs in its class – 8 percent per seat less than its nearest competitor. The new single-aisle airplane 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.

Etihad to launch second A380 flight to NYC

Daily service to be upgraded from a Boeing 777 in summer 2017

Etihad Airways will add a second daily Airbus A380 service to New York next summer.

Effective 1 June 2017, the UAE’s national carrier will replace the Boeing 777 it currently deploys on one of its daily New York flights with the double-decker A380. The other daily service has been operated by the A380 since November 2015.

“The response we have received from Etihad Airways guests travelling between Abu Dhabi and New York since we launched the service nearly a decade ago has been phenomenal, and we are delighted to further expand our world-class product for all guests traveling to and from New York,” said Peter Baumgartner, Etihad’s CEO.




The economy class cabin on Etihad’s A380 (credit: Dmitry Birin)

Etihad’s A380 features the airline’s latest cabin products, including the three-room Residence, nine First Apartments, 70 Business Studios, and 415 Economy Smart Seats. The aircraft also features in-flight Wi-Fi and a lounge and bar area for premium passengers.

The second daily A380 services, numbered EY100 and EY101, will depart Abu Dhabi International Airport at 1010 and arrive at New York’s JFK Airport at 1630. The return flights then leave the Big Apple at 2245 and arrive back in the UAE capital at 1950 the following day.

These flights complement the existing daily A380 flights, which depart Abu Dhabi at 0335 and New York at 1500.

New York is one of six US destinations currently served by Etihad, along with Chicago, Dallas, Los Angeles, San Francisco and Washington DC. In total, the airline now operates 45 weekly flights between the UAE and US.

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Suasa Airlines Under Probe for Licence-Less Flight, Public Warned Against Buying Tickets

The Malaysian Aviation Commission (Mavcom) announced today an investigation against Suasa Airlines Sdn Bhd which flew to Langkawi last week without the necessary licence and approval.

The aviation regulator advised the public not to use the services of the company, which it said did not have the required Air Service Permit (ASP) to carry out commercial flights.

"As of today, Suasa Airlines does not possess a valid ASP and therefore cannot perform a commercial air service operation. In order for an entity to operate a commercial airline business, it is required to hold an ASP and an Air Operator Certificate ("AOC")," the commission said in a statement.

"Suasa Airlines filed an application with Mavcom to operate a commercial flight from Kuala Lumpur to Langkawi on July 22, 2016, which Mavcom rejected.

"However, on the same day, Suasa Airlines continued to operate this flight as a "demonstration flight" which is now being investigated by Mavcom," the commission added.

Established March 1, Mavcom oversees the issuing, suspension and revocation of the ASP for unscheduled flights and the Air Service Licence (ASL) for flights with a fixed schedule.

The commission stressed the importance of complying with the aviation industry's laws and regulations, which it said was a "fundamental requirement" for those wishing to join the industry.

"Mavcom would also like to advise consumers to refrain from making any flight arrangements with Suasa Airlines and Monspace Sky Airlines to ensure that they do not face any inconvenience in their travels," it added.

The commission also said it will be filing a police report against local company Monspace, which was reportedly launched on July 22 with a flight to Langkawi, for allegedly misleading the public.

"Based on evidence gathered to date, Mavcom has found Monspace Sky Airlines, which also does not hold an ASL or ASP, had marketed themselves as an airline," the regulator said, pointing out Section 36 of the Malaysian Aviation Commission Act 2015 that bars commercial flights without its ASP.

Photos posted online promoting Monspace's launch showed an aircraft with pink livery that carried the words "Monspace" and "Suasa Airlines". However, it is unclear how the two are related as their websites were scant on information.

Transport Minister Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai has denied knowledge of Monspace, The Star daily reported yesterday.

Prior to Mavcom's announcement, Malay Mail Online contacted Suasa Airlines and Mon Space (M) Sdn Bhd, but has yet to receive a response.

Suasa Airlines CEO Mohd Jabarullah Abd Kadir subsequently responded to Malay Mail Online after Mavcom issued its statement, but only said he is currently overseas.

According to its website, Monspace boasted that it is "one of the largest private airline in Malaysia" and purportedly owns "the largest fleet of Boeing 737 and 747" airplanes. The company did not list any contact detail apart from its office address.

At the time of writing however, the website displayed a message saying that it was under maintenance and carried a line saying "Monspace Sky Airlines operated by Suasa Air Sdn Bhd".

On July 22, entertainment news portal Galaksi Media Online reported that Monspace will be operating domestic flights to Langkawi, Kedah from KLIA.



The report also said the company planned to operate international flights to Mecca and several places in China in the future.

ETIHAD Adds Dreamliner Service to Amman from August 2016

ETIHAD starting next week is launching Dreamliner service to Jordan, as the airline scheduled 1 daily flight on Abu Dhabi – Amman route. From 01AUG16, the 2-class 787-9 will operate the daytime flight, with following schedule.

EY511 AUH0015 – 0235AMM 320 x135

EY511 AUH0050 – 0310AMM 320 135

EY513 AUH1030 – 1250AMM 789 D

EY512 AMM0400 – 0810AUH 320 135

EY512 AMM0500 – 0910AUH 320 x135

EY514 AMM1455 – 1905AUH 789 D

Airline Routes

Norwegian Files Preliminary 787-9 Service Expansion in S17

Norwegian in the preliminary schedule filing for summer 2017 season has filed long-haul operational schedule, effective 25MAR17. The preliminary filing sees the introduction of Boeing 787-9 service to Asia, as well as flights originating to/from Oslo. By August 2017, all service to/from Oslo will move to Boeing 787-9 operation, replacing -8.

eff 29MAR17 Copenhagen – Los Angeles 1 of 4 weekly (Overall reduce to 3 weekly from 25APR17)

eff 01JUN17 Oslo – New York JFK 3 of 4 weekly (4 weekly from 06AUG17)

eff 04JUN17 Oslo – Los Angeles 1 of 2 weekly (2 weekly from 02AUG17)

eff 07JUN17 Oslo – Bangkok 1 weekly

eff 01AUG17 Oslo – Oakland 2 weekly

eff 03AUG17 Oslo – Orlando 1 weekly

eff 04AUG17 Oslo – Ft. Lauderdale 2 weekly

Further changes remain highly possible.

Airline Routes / Norwegian

Emirates Shelves Planned A380 Dallas Resumption from Sep 2016

Emirates on Monday’s schedule update (25JUL16) has cancelled planned Airbus A380 service resumption on Dubai – Dallas/Ft. Worth route. The 3-class A380 aircraft was previously scheduled to resume on 01SEP16, however the update sees 777-300ER continues to operate this route.

EK221 DXB0245 – 0945DFW 77W D
EK222 DFW1215 – 1200+1DXB 77W D

Airline Routes / FPP

Air India Aug - Oct 2016 Delhi – London Aircraft Changes

Air India later this week is adjusting planned operational aircraft, which sees Delhi – London Heathrow service moving to all-Boeing 787 operation for the rest of summer season. From 29JUL16 to 29OCT16, AI111/112 service will be operated by Boeing 787-8, instead of 777-200LR aircraft. First Class service will no longer be offered during this period, however reservation was closed for a number of weeks prior to this aircraft changes.

AI161 DEL0230 – 0730LHR 788 D

AI111 DEL1400 – 1900LHR 788 D

AI162 LHR0945 – 2250DEL 788 D

AI112 LHR2130 – 1040+1DEL 788 D

Air India currently also operates AI115/116, the 3rd daily flight, which will be discontinued from 15AUG16.

Airline Routes / FPP

26JUL16 Update – China Airlines Amsterdam W16 Service Changes

China Airlines on Late-Monday (25JUL16) completed its schedule update for Amsterdam service, which sees latest changes from 01DEC16. From 01DEC16, planned nonstop Taipei Taoyuan – Amsterdam service remains unchanged, however A340-300 will continue operating for this 4 weekly flights.

CI073 TPE0135 – 0900AMS 343 x247

CI074 AMS1550 – 1220+1TPE 343 x247

Planned A350-900XWB service will now commence on 09JAN17.
CI073 TPE0215 – 0900AMS 359 x247
CI074 AMS1550 – 1135+1AMS 359 x247

Airline Routes

Ethiopian Plans A350 London Service from August 2016

Ethiopian Airlines starting 15AUG16 is switching operational aircraft on Addis Ababa – London Heathrow route, as the airline set to introduce Airbus A350-900XWB aircraft on this route. The A350 will operate on daily basis, replacing 777-200LR. Reservation for the A350 operating flight opened last Friday (22JUL16).

ET700 ADD0100 – 0650LHR 350 356

ET700 ADD0115 – 0705LHR 350 7

ET700 ADD0315 – 0905LHR 350 4

ET710 ADD1100 – 1700LHR 350 12

ET701 LHR2100 – 0630+1ADD 350 D

Airline Routes

SWISS Expands CS100 Network in W16

SWISS in last week’s schedule update has expanded planned Bombardier C Series CS100 aircraft operations for winter 2016/17 season, effective 30OCT16. The second major update sees the CS100 aircraft operating on nearly 40 routes throughout the season. As of 25JUL16, planned CS100 W16 operations (30OCT16 – 25MAR17) as follow.
New CS100 operating routes, opened for reservation since last week:

Geneva – Munich eff 05MAR17 1 weekly (Day 7)

Geneva – Valencia eff 11FEB17 1 weekly (Day 6)

Zurich – Alicante eff 18MAR17 1 weekly (Day 6)

Zurich – Amsterdam eff 30OCT16 1-3 weekly

Zurich – Belgrade eff 12NOV16 1 weekly (Day 6, extra CS100 flights in Dec 2016)

Zurich – Berlin Tegel eff 13NOV16 3-4 weekly, additional frequencies from 11FEB17

Zurich – Birmingham eff 05NOV16 Multiple frequencies, up to 6-7 weekly by 18DEC16 (Previously eff 30OCT16)

Zurich – Dresden eff 03FEB17 1 weekly (Day 5, 2 weekly on Day 35 from 01MAR17)

Zurich – Florence eff 30OCT16 Multiple frequencies (Previously eff 01OCT16)

Zurich – Frankfurt eff 20NOV16 Multiple frequencies (Except 28NOV16 – 31DEC16)

Zurich – Geneva eff 30OCT16 Multiple frequencies (Previously reported)

Zurich – Gothenburg eff 19FEB17 1 weekly (Day 7)

Zurich – Graz eff 15FEB17 Multiple frequencies

Zurich – Hamburg eff 30OCT16 up to 5 weekly

Zurich – Krakow One-time service on 29JAN17

Zurich – Leipzig eff 16NOV16 1 weekly (Day 3; 2 weekly on Day 34 from 15FEB17; No CS100 service 15DEC16 – 03JAN17)

Zurich – London Heathrow eff 16NOV16 1 weekly (Day 6 until 10DEC16, Day 3 from 04JAN17)

Zurich – Luxembourg eff 31OCT16 Multiple frequencies (Previously reported)

Zurich – Madrid eff 18NOV16 Multiple frequencies

Zurich – Munich eff 19DEC16 1-2 weekly, additional frequencies from 16FEB17

Zurich – Naples eff 30OCT16 1 weekly (Day 7 until 06NOV16. 2 weekly on Day 27 from 19FEB17)

Zurich – Oslo eff 24NOV16 At least 1 weekly, operational day varies

Zurich – Rome eff 11NOV16 Multiple frequencies

Zurich – Sofia eff 04DEC16 1 weekly (Day 7 until 29JAN17)

Zurich – Valencia eff 23NOV16 1 weekly (Day 3 until 07DEC16)

Zurich – Vienna eff 05NOV16 1 weekly (Day 6 until 28JAN17)


CS100 continues to operate following routes in W16:

Zurich – Brussels

Zurich – Bucharest (Service operates from 25FEB17, 1 weekly on Day 6)
Zurich – Budapest

Zurich – Dusseldorf (eff 03OCT16)

Zurich – Hanover (eff 01SEP16)

Zurich – Manchester (Previously no scheduled CS100 operation in W16. Revised operation sees CS100 operates at least 1 weekly, excluding selected periods)

Zurich – Milan Malpensa (eff 03OCT16, instead of previously scheduled from 16SEP16)

Zurich – Nice (eff 16OCT16, instead of previously scheduled from 02OCT16)

Zurich – Paris CDG

Zurich – Prague

Zurich – Stuttgart (eff 07SEP16)

Zurich – Venice (eff 11SEP16)

Zurich – Warsaw (eff 20AUG16)

Planned CS100 operations remain subject to change, including routes, frequencies, operational periods.

Airline Routes

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