Air Caraïbes takes delivery of its first A350-900, opening up a new era in air transport to the French Caribbean

With this latest delivery, Air Caraïbes becomes the first French airline to operate the A350 XWB. The aircraft, leased from AerCap, was delivered during a ceremony held at the Airbus Delivery Centre in Toulouse on 28 February. It will take off at 14:00 heading for Paris Orly Sud before embarking on its first commercial flight to Pointe-à-Pitre and Fort-de-France on 2 March.

This A350-900 can accommodate 389 passengers in a three-class configuration, (18 in Business, 45 in Premium Economy and 326 in Economy). The exceptional comfort and quietness of the ‘Airspace by Airbus’ cabin, combined with its new lighting system – much appreciated by passengers for the way it reduces the effects of jet lag – strengthen the sense of wellbeing and relaxation on long-haul flights.

Air Caraïbes plans to operate its A350 XWB alongside the A330s it already has in service on its Paris French Caribbean routes.

The A350 XWB benefits from the latest technological and aerodynamic innovations offering an unprecedented level of operational efficiency while significantly cutting its environmental footprint. Its fuselage and wings are made of carbon fibre and it is powered by the new-generation Rolls-Royce Trent XWB engines.



To date, orders for 821 A350 XWBs have been placed with Airbus by 44 customers around the world, making this one of the most successful programmes ever in the long-range aircraft segment.

Uzbekistan Airways Boeing 787 S17 operations as of 27FEB17

Uzbekistan Airways last week made further adjustment to its planned Boeing 787-8 operation for summer 2017 season, effective 26MAR17. Latest adjustment as follow.

Tashkent – Dubai 3 weekly (Day 136)
Tashkent – Istanbul Ataturk 30MAR17 – 05MAY17 2 weekly
Tashkent – Kuala Lumpur – Singapore – Tashkent 29MAY17 – 31MAY17 1 weekly
Tashkent – Moscow Domodedovo

HY601/602
26MAR17 – 16MAY17 Day x3
19MAY17 – 28OCT17 Day x34
HY603/604
Day x135 (Day x35 01MAY17 – 14MAY17)
Tashkent – Riga – New York JFK Previously planned 787 service from 26MAR17, delayed until 18MAY17
Tashkent – Seoul Incheon Previously planned 787 service from 26MAR17, delayed till 01JUN17. All 2-3 weekly service operates with 787 from this date
Tashkent – Singapore – Kuala Lumpur – Tashkent 30MAY17 – 25MAY17 1 weekly
Jim Liu Data & Analysis Manager - Airlineroute, Routesonline

Norwegian Air UK S17 initial operations as of 27FEB17

Norwegian in recent schedule update made further changes to planned Norwegian Air UK (DI) operations, set to commence from late-March 2017. Previously reported on Airlineroute, following DI operating service, will be sold as Norwegian Air International’s D8-coded flight numbers.
Planned operation as of 27FEB17 as follow.
London Gatwick – Chania eff 28MAR17 1 weekly (Day 2)

London Gatwick – Fuerteventura 29MAR17 – 26APR17 1 weekly (Day 3)

London Gatwick – Ibiza 28MAR17 – 25JUL17 1 weekly (Day 2)

London Gatwick – Larnaca 02MAY17 only

London Gatwick – Palma Mallorca eff 27MAR17 2 weekly (Day 16)

Jim Liu Data & Analysis Manager - Airlineroute, Routesonline

Photo:Ton Jochems

BASEL TRIP

Paul Bannwarth

Oman Air adds maiden B787-9

Oman Air (WY, Muscat) has taken delivery of its maiden B787-9 with A4O-SC (msn 37168)
Oman Air's fleet currently consists of four B787-8s, six A330-300s, four A330-200s, five B737-900(ER)s, twenty-five B737-800s, one B737-700, and four EMB-175s.

India's Air Costa suspends operations

Air Costa (LB, Vijayawada) has announced it has temporarily suspended all flight operations effective immediately.
In a statement issued to the Indian press on Tuesday, February 28, a spokesman said the airline had failed to resolve unspecified “financial issues” with GECAS from which it leases four EMB-190s.

SKYMARK - B737-800W - JA73NG

SKY

SKYMARK AIRLINES - B737-800W - JA73NG

SKY

KOREAN AIR - B777-200F - HL8046

Ton Jochems - AMS

LOT - B787-8 - SP-LRF

Ton Jochems  - AMS

AIR CANADA - A321-200 - C-GJWI

hsckcwong - LAX

Air China revises London service from July 2017

Air China last week made further adjustment to its Beijing – London Heathrow operation, from 08JUL17. Previously, the airline’s CA855/856 service was scheduled with 3-class 777-300ER, replacing A330-200. However the latest schedule sees this flight will be operated by Airbus A330-300.

Planned schedule as follow.
CA937 PEK1410 – 1745LHR 773 D
CA855 PEK1705 – 2040LHR 333 D
CA938 LHR2025 – 1305+1PEK 773 D
CA856 LHR2240 – 1550+1PEK 333 D
Jim Liu Data & Analysis Manager - Airlineroute, Routesonline

BASEL TRIP

                   Paul Bannwarth

United adds 777-300ER Tel Aviv service from May 2017

United Airlines during the weekend of 24FEB17’s schedule update filed its second long-haul route to be operated by the new Boeing 777-300ER. From 05MAY17, 1 of 2 daily Newark – Tel Aviv flight will be operated by -300ER, instead of -200ER.
UA084 EWR1640 – 1015+1TLV 777 D
UA090 EWR2245 – 1620+1TLV 77W D

UA085 TLV1215 – 1710EWR 777 D

UA091 TLV2310 – 0415+1EWR 77W D


UA090/091 by 777-300ER is subject to government approval.

Jim Liu
Data & Analysis Manager - Airlineroute, Routesonline

FLYNAS - A319-100 - VP-CYF

Br, Robert - AMS / EHA

SAICUS AIR - MD-87 - EC-KRV - Storage in Madrid

Ton Jochems - MAD

AMERICAN AIRLINES - A319-100Sharklts - N9018E

Ton Jochems - CUR

PAWA DOMINICANA - MD80 - HI914

Ton Jochems - CUR

TUI / ARKFLY - B787-8 - PH-TFL

Ton Jochems - CUR

SWIFTAIR - B737-300 - N438US

Ton Jochems - CUR

ASERCA AIRLINES - MD-80 - YV153T

Ton Jochems - CUR

SKY WORK AIRLINES - SAAB 2000 - HB-IZB

Ton Jochems - AMS

LUFTHANSA - A321-200 - D-AIRR

Ton Jochems - AMS

LOT - B787-8 - SP-LRF

Ton Jochems - AMS

ALITALIA - B777-200ER - EI-ISB

João Luis Pessoa - Lisboa

Citilink becomes first airline in Indonesia to operate A320neo

Combining new levels of efficiency and with longer range capability
Citilink, the low cost unit of Garuda Indonesia, has taken delivery of its first A320neo at Airbus headquarters in Toulouse, France. The aircraft is the first of 35 A320neo set to enter service with the carrier.

Citilink has selected CFM Leap-1A engines to power its A320neo fleet, which will be operated on its domestic network, and new international services to China and the Middle East.

Seating 180 passengers in a single class layout, the A320neo joins an existing fleet of 44 A320ceo aircraft flying with the carrier.

The A320neo “new engine option” incorporates many innovations, including latest generation engines and large Sharklet wing-tip devices, which together deliver more than 15 percent in fuel savings from day one and 20 percent by 2020 with further cabin innovations. With over 5,000 orders received from 92 customers since its launch in 2010, the A320neo Family has captured some 60 percent share of the market.

QATAR AIRWAYS - A320-200Sharklets - A7-AHU

João Luis Pessoa - Lisboa

Iran Reaches Lease Financing Deal For 77 Boeing, Airbus Planes

Tehran has reached a deal with an international aircraft leasing company to finance the acquisition of 77 planes from Boeing and Airbus, according to local media reports.

Details of the deal remain opaque at this stage and it is not clear who it has been signed with or when it will come into force. However, it is likely to be just the first of several large contracts in the coming weeks and months.
Tehran has signed deals for 100 planes from Airbus, a further 80 from Boeing and 40 turboprops from French/Italian manufacturer ATR. Local airlines have also held discussions with Russia’s Sukhoi and Brazil’s Embraer. All of the deals need to be financed in some way.

Irish leasing companies appear to be in a strong position to get involved in any contracts being negotiated. Ireland is one of the world’s leading locations for aircraft leasing companies and, on February 11, the Civil Aviation Organization of Iran (CAOI) signed a cooperation agreement with the Irish Aviation Authority (IAA), covering aircraft leasing, flight supervision and maintenance and repair among other areas.

The CAOI said at the time that “within the framework of the deal, Iranian airlines would be able to operate European-registered aircrafts; in other words, based on their scope of activities, the airlines can sign contracts with Irish airlines or leasing companies.”

Iran Aseman Airlines is set to be one of the first to take advantage of that agreement. It is planning to lease seven Airbus A320neo aircraft and “the terms of this contract [with the IAA] will apply as soon as these aircrafts land in Iran after being registered in Ireland,” according to the CAOI.

Among the Irish leasing companies linked to possible Iranian deals has been Avalon, which is owned by China’s Bohai Leasing. The Irish Times reported on February 11 that Avalon’s chief commercial officer John Higgins had spoken about a recent trip to Iran when addressing an event held by the Ireland China Business Association a day earlier.

Photo:Alain Charpentier - TLS

Air China to Launch Barcelona-Shanghai Direct Flights in May

Air China, the main airline in Asia and a Star Alliance member, will inaugurate the service on the 5th May, its second route to China from Barcelona-El Prat Airport with a direct flight to the economic capital of the country: Shanghai. Flights will be operated three times per week and with an adapted schedule to businesses with interests on that city and its prosperous surroundings.

The flight will be operated with one of the most modern airplanes of Air China: an Airbus 330-200 with 16 Business class seats and 239 economy class seats.

All three weekly frequencies will be made on return on Tuesdays, Fridays and Sundays. Flights will depart from Barcelona Airport at 12:30 p.m. to reach Shanghai-Pudong at 6:40 a.m. of the next day on Fridays and Sundays. On Tuesdays Flight will depart from Barcelona Airport at 11:45 a.m. to reach Shanghai Pudong at 5:55 a.m. the next day. The return flight will depart at 0:30 a.m. to land in Barcelona at 8:00 a.m. of the same day.

The schedule has been especially programmed not just to be adapted to the business traveller needs, but as well to allow better connection at Shanghai airport. This way, business traveller will be able to reach Shanghai on Monday at first and leave back to Barcelona on Friday of that same week.

Additionally, from Pudong International Airport, passengers will have at their disposal fast and excellent international connections to Japan, Taiwan, Australia and New Zealand, and also domestic connections to Chengdu, Wenzhou, Fuzhou and Guangzhou.

With this brand new destination, the second served by Air China from Barcelona-El Prat, the airline is covering a route widely demanded by several social sectors and businesses from Barcelona due to the strong business ties with Shanghai and its surroundings.

According to data from the BCN Air Route Development Committee about 100,400 passengers flew from Barcelona to Shanghai on 2016 with a layover at some point.

Special Offer

To welcome this new route, Air China has launched excellent offers to travel to Shanghai for the first time from Barcelona with no layover. Economy class tickets - always return and with all taxes and fees included - can be bought from EUR443, while Business class seats tickets are available from EUR2,043.

Second Route from Barcelona

Air China began just three years ago -- precisely also on May 5 -- its first route from Barcelona to China, specifically to Beijing. Those flights (four times per week with a stopover in Vienna) came to attend an uncovered route and have had a broad demand since then.

Now, with the opening of the direct flight to Shanghai, Air China strengthens its commitment to Barcelona-El Prat Airport, one of the top-growing in passengers in all Europe.

Contributed by Air China Limited

Photo:Pedro Filipe - DUSS

SAUDIA to launch new Manchester-Riyadh service

Aaron Greenwood - Airports & Aviation

Saudi Arabian flag carrier SAUDIA has announced a twice weekly service from Manchester Airport to Riyadh.
Saudia Launching on the 23rd of June, it complements the current offer of five flights a week to Jeddah. Passengers can now fly direct to Saudi Arabia seven days a week.

The flight is scheduled to depart Mondays and Fridays. The route will operate direct to the capital on Saudia’s state of the art Dreamliner with its 24 business class seats and 274 in economy. It will offer passengers the chance to connect onto the airline’s extensive network of Middle Eastern and Asian services.

Saudia Manager for the UK, Fikry Altowayan said: “We are excited with this newest addition to Saudia’s growing 83 destinations. We renew our commitment to our passengers by providing easy access, comfort, competitive pricing and convenient travel to the capital as well as more options in flying to further destination either via Jeddah or Riyadh. Manchester Airport is ideally situated to serve as Saudia’s gateway to cater to our guests from the North.”

Stephen Turner, commercial director for Manchester Airport, said: “It’s great to see Saudia increasing their presence at Manchester Airport. The new flights to Riyadh will offer business and leisure passengers alike direct access to the Saudi capital as well as fantastic onward connections and I’m sure they’ll prove hugely popular.”

Hainan Airlines Announces First Ever Nonstop Routes Connecting Los Angeles to Chengdu and Chongqing

Hainan Airlines today announced it will launch new nonstop service from Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) to Chengdu, the capital of Sichuan province, and to Chongqing, both with two flights weekly. Sichuan is known worldwide for its popular spicy food and as the natural habitat of the widely loved panda. Chongqing is one of China's five national cities, with a population of 30 million and an established manufacturing and transportation hub.

These new routes complement Hainan's existing service from LAX to Changsha launched in early 2016, and will give Hainan a total of three routes between Los Angeles and Mainland China. LAX flights offer nighttime departures with morning arrivals in China and allowing for a full day of activities.

"Hainan Airlines is proud to bring our award-winning service and elite experience to two new Chinese destinations that fit well with LAX's position as a major gateway to Asia", said Mr. Wei HOU, Vice President of Hainan Airlines. "The North American market is continuing to grow, and Hainan is making a long-term commitment to the region, making it easier for our customers in China and the U.S to enjoy Hainan's premier quality."

Economy and business class fare information as well as other details about these routes will be published on Hainan's website www.hainanairlines.com, and reservations can be made on the website, through the airline's call center at 1-888-688-8813, and through travel agents.

LAX Flight Schedules
March 16: Start Date for Service to Chengdu
HU470 Mon/Thurs Departs LAX 12:45 a.m. Arrives CTU 6:35 a.m. (+1 Day)
HU469 Wed/Sun Departs CTU 9:10 p.m. Arrives LAX 8:00 p.m. (Same Day)

March 22: Start Date for Service to Chongqing
HU468 Wed/Sun Departs LAX 12:45 a.m. Arrives CKG 6:30 a.m. (Next Day)
HU467 Tue/Sat Departs CKG 9:25 p.m. Arrives LAX 8:00 p.m. (Same Day)
Contributed by Hainan Airlines Co., Ltd.

Norwegian outlines 737MAX8 US routes from June 2017

Jim Liu Data & Analysis Manager - Airlineroute, Routesonline

Photo:FPP - Lisboa

Norwegian today (23FEB17) announced new service launch for Trans-Atlantic routes, which will be operated by Norwegian Air International (D8) Boeing 737MAX8 aircraft. The configuration of 737MAX8 is 189-seater, with aircraft code 7M8.

From Europe, the airline will serve Belfast, Cork, Dublin and Shannon, while the US side sees Hartford, Newburgh Stewart (New York area) and Providence (Boston area). Planned schedule as follow.

Belfast – Newburgh Stewart eff 01JUL17 3 weekly
D81751 BFS1540 – 1825SWF 7M8 2
D81751 BFS1620 – 1905SWF 7M8 46
D81750 SWF2150 – 0945+1BFS 7M8 135

Service operates 2 weekly in W17, eff 29OCT17 (Day 26 from BFS, Day 15 from SWF)

Belfast – Providence eff 02JUL17 2 weekly (seasonal service)
D81801 BFS1545 – 1820PVD 7M8 26
D81800 PVD2130 – 0920+1BFS 7M8 15

Cork – Providence eff 01JUL17 3 weekly
D81821 ORK1620 – 1905PVD 7M8 246
D81820 PVD2050 – 0845+1ORK 7M8 135

Service operates 2 weekly in W17 (Day 47 from ORK, Day 36 from PVD)
Dublin – Newburgh Stewart eff 01JUL17 1 daily
D81763 DUB1545 – 1845SWF 7M8 45
D81763 DUB1555 – 1855SWF 7M8 123
D81763 DUB1600 – 1900SWF 7M8 167
D81762 SWF1955 – 0755+1DUB 7M8 123
D81762 SWF2035 – 0835+1DUB 7M8 456
D81760 SWF2035 – 0835+1DUB 7M8 7
Service operates 3 weekly in W17 (Day 135 from DUB, Day 247 from SWF)

Dublin – Providence eff 02JUL17 5 weekly
D81823 DUB1545 – 1835PVD 7M8 x246
D81823 DUB1555 – 1845PVD 7M8 4
D81822 PVD2000 – 0755+1DUB 7M8 247
D81822 PVD2030 – 0825+1DUB 7M8 36

Service operates 3 weekly in W17 (Day 135 from DUB, Day 247 from PVD)
Edinburgh – Hartford eff 17JUN17 3 weekly
D81608 EDI1740 – 2020BDL 7M8 246
D81609 BDL2135 – 0930+1EDI 7M8 246
Service operates 2 weekly in W17 (Day 36)

Edinburgh – Newburgh Stewart eff 15JUN17 1 daily
D81600 EDI1715 – 2000SWF 7M8 D
D81601 SWF2125 – 0925+1EDI 7M8 D

Service operates 3 weekly in W17 (Day 247)
Edinburgh – Providence eff 16JUN17 4 weekly
D81604 EDI1730 – 2010PVD 7M8 x246
D81605 PVD2125 – 0925+1EDI 7M8 x246

Service operates 2 weekly in W17 (Day 15)


Shannon – Newburgh Stewart eff 01JUL17 2 weekly

D81765 SNN1540 – 1825SWF 7M8 3

D81765 SNN1615 – 1900SWF 7M8 7




D81764 SWF2025 – 0820+1SNN 7M8 26




Service operates 2 weekly in W17 (Day 47 from SNN, Day 36 from SWF)




Shannon – Providence eff 02JUL17 2 weekly

D81825 SNN1625 – 1855PVD 7M8 15

D81824 PVD2035 – 0825+1SNN 7M8 47




Service operates 2 weekly in W17 (Day 26 from SNN, Day 15 from PVD)

Article End

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Air New Zealand to end B767 ops in late 1Q17

Air New Zealand (NZ, Auckland Int'l) has confirmed in an NZX stock market filing it will end commercial B767 operations by March of this year. The carrier currently operates two B767-300(ER)s on flights connecting Auckland Int'l, Melbourne Tullamarine, Rarotonga, and Sydney Kingsford Smith.

According to the ch-aviation aircraft database, ZK-NCG (msn 26912) and ZK-NCI (msn 26913) average twenty-three years of age and are powered by General Electric CF6-80C2B6s.

Air New Zealand has operated a total of four B767-200(ER)s and five B767-300(ER)s over the years. Of the -200s, three have been converted to freighters for use by Star Air (Denmark) while of the -300s, two are in service for Icelander. The remaining -200 - ZK-NBJ (msn 23250) - is used as a training mockup at Auckland Int'l while -300 airframe ZK-NCJ (msn 26915) (now re-registered N930WE) is in storage at Alice Springs.

ch aviation

Boeing Delivers Korean Air's First 787-9 Dreamliner

Flag carrier becomes the first in Korea to operate the 787

CHARLESTON, S.C., Feb. 22, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Boeing [NYSE:BA] and Korean Air today celebrated the delivery of the airline's first 787-9 Dreamliner. The Seoul-based carrier will be the first Korean carrier to operate the 787-9 Dreamliner in the country. The airline is scheduled to launch domestic flights to Jeju from Seoul (Gimpo) for a month as part of the required certification period, before launching long-haul international routes to Toronto, Madrid, and Zurich later this year.

"The 787 Dreamliner will be a key member of Korean Air's fleet as we continue to introduce next-generation airplanes to our customers," said Walter Cho, president of Korean Air. "The aircraft is fuel efficient, quiet, has lower operating costs and is spacious and very elegant. The cabin features are impressive and will ensure maximum comfort for Korean Air's passengers."

Korean Air is scheduled to introduce five 787-9 Dreamliners to its fleet this year with another five joining the fleet by 2019.

"This milestone delivery adds yet another chapter in our long and successful relationship with Korean Air," said Rick Anderson, vice president of Northeast Asia Sales, Boeing Commercial Airplanes. "Korean Air continues to demonstrate its leadership in the global commercial airline industry and we are confident that the market-leading efficiency and comfort of the 787-9 Dreamliner will build onto their long-term success for many years to come."

The Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner is the second member of the super-efficient, passenger-pleasing 787 family. Both the 787-8 and 787-9 bring the economics of large jets to the middle of the market, with 20 percent less fuel use and 20 percent fewer emissions than the airplanes they replace. At 20 feet (6 meters) longer than the 787-8, the 787-9 extends the family in capacity and range, flying more passengers and more cargo farther.

Korean Air, with a fleet of 175 aircraft, is one of the world's top 20 airlines, and operates more than 460 flights per day to 132 cities in 46 countries. It is a founding member of the SkyTeam alliance, which together with its 20 members, offers its 665 million annual passengers a worldwide system of more than 17,343 daily flights covering 1,062 destinations in 177 countries.

Kuwait Airways announces major expansion in S17

Kuwait Airways within the last few days gradually updated its summer 2017 schedule, featuring major service expansion on most of its destinations for the first time in recent years. As of 20FEB17, planned service changes as follow.


Kuwait City – Amman eff 06AUG17 Increase from 13 to 14 weekly (In S17, selected service will also see A330 and 777-300ER operation)

Kuwait City – Bahrain eff 26MAR17Increase from 9 to 14 weekly

Kuwait City – Bangkok eff 27MAR17 Boeing 777-300ER replaces A330-200. Service operates 6 weekly instead of 7 in April 2017

Kuwait City – Beirut eff 29MAR17 Increase from 7 to 8 weekly, 9 weekly from 20APR17, 10 weekly from 21MAY17, 12 weekly from 23JUN17

Kuwait City – Chennai eff 26MAR17 Increase from 4 to 5 weekly, A330-200 service

Kuwait City – Delhi eff 17APR17 Increase from 12 to 14 weekly

Kuwait City – Dhaka

eff 01JUN17 Boeing 777-200ER replaces A340-300, 7 weekly

eff 16JUL17 Increase from 7 to 12 weekly. Boeing 777-300ER replaces -200ER (except selected dates in late-July 2017)

Kuwait City – Dubai eff 02JUN17 Increase from 18 to 25 weekly. Revised schedule will see shorter connection time for Europe and New York service via Kuwait

Kuwait City – Kochi eff 26MAR17 Operational aircraft and frequency changes, existing 12 weekly A320 to be replaced by 7 weekly A330-200 and 3 weekly A320

Kuwait City – Lahore eff 26MAR17 Increase from 3 to 4 weekly, A320 service

Kuwait City – Manila eff 26JUL17 Boeing 777-300ER replaces -200ER, 1 daily

Kuwait City – Mashad eff 27MAR17 Increase from 2 to 3 weekly, A320 service

Kuwait City – Najaf eff 20JUL17 Increase from 2 to 3 weekly, A320 service

Kuwait City – Tehran Imam Khomeini eff 28MAY17 Increase from 4 to 5 weekly, A320 service

Previously reported changes:

Kuwait City – Colombo eff 07APR17 Increase from 7 to 10 weekly, A330-200 service

Kuwait City – Frankfurt eff 07MAR17 Boeing 777-300ER replaces A330-200, 4 weekly (previously reported)

Kuwait City – Geneva eff 26MAR17 Operational day changes from Day 13 to Day 15, A320 service

Kuwait City – Istanbul Ataturk eff 26MAR17 Increase from 9 to 12 weekly

Kuwait City – Karachi eff 17MAY17 Service resumption since April 2004, 4 weekly A320 service

Kuwait City – Paris CDG eff 26MAR17 4 weekly service remains unchanged, however operational schedule is unified

Kuwait City – Rome eff 26MAR17 Service increase from 3 to 4 weekly, A320 service. Operational schedule also revised to mid-morning departure from KWI
Jim Liu  - Routesonline
Data & Analysis Manager - Airlineroute, RoutesonlineShare Article

Aeroflot Group will receive only 14 ex-Transaero widebody aircraft

Most of the former Transaero aircraft that were to be transferred to Aeroflot are Boeing 747s

Aeroflot Group will receive only 14 instead of 24 aircraft of the bankrupt Transaero airline, Aeroflot CEO Vitaly Saveliev said in an interview with TASS news agency. Apparently, this refers to 24 aircraft to be transferred to the group’s subsidiary, Rossiya Airlines.

The group has already received 12 aircraft, Saveliev said. That is the number of aircraft Rossiya has received from the ex-Transaero fleet since April 2016, including seven Boeing 747-400s and five Boeing 777-300s. Two more aircraft are being prepared for transfer, the Aeroflot CEO added.

“The rest (ten ex-Transaero aircraft – ed. Russin Aviation Insider) require a good sum of money for repairs the lessors are not ready to spend. It’s unprofitable,” Saveliev said. Judging by his words, the group is not going to lease them. “We had recruited personnel especially for them and created a maintenance group, but restoring the aircraft’s airworthiness is a costly affair. They had been operated flat out with little care taken”.

Aeroflot CEO clarified that most of the 10 aircraft left are Boeing 747s. Out of the aircraft the Aeroflot group is to acquire it has not yet received five Boeing 767s and seven Boeing 747 (including two airframes in preparation for the transfer).

Aeroflot agreed to take over Transaero aircraft after the latter ceased operation in October 2015 because of debt overload. Apparently Rossiya won’t receive the rest of the aircraft despite the fact that Russian President Vladimir Putin virtually instructed Sberbank, VTB and Vneshekonombank (these banks’ leasing structures worked with Transaero) to find resources and transfer the long-haul aircraft of the bankrupt carrier to Aeroflot subsidiary.
Russian Aviation Insider

Photo:Ton Jochems - AMS

India’s Newest Airline Zoom Air Joins Bombardier’s Worldwide Family of CRJ Series Aircraft Operators

Bombardier Commercial Aircraft today congratulated Zoom Air, India’s newest airline, on the recent launch of CRJ200 regional jet service with aircraft acquired from a third party. The airline has joined Bombardier’s family of more than 100 CRJ Series aircraft owners and operators.

The airline, which is based in Gurgaon, Haryana, will operate from the Indira Gandhi International Airport in New Delhi and will serve 16 destinations, connecting smaller cities and towns across the country.

“The CRJ200 aircraft greatly complement our business model and will help our growth strategy, while providing excellent operational flexibility and passenger comfort,” said Koustav M. Dhar, Chief Executive Officer and Director, Zoom Air. “We are excited by the potential these aircraft offer in allowing us to access new routes and destinations that are currently underserved – connecting businesses and people across the country.”
“We are pleased to welcome Zoom Air to the family of CRJ Series aircraft operators and wish the airline much success as it launches operations in one of the rapidly growing aviation markets in the world,” said Francois Cognard, Vice President, Sales, South-east Asia and Australasia, Bombardier Commercial Aircraft. “The CRJ Series regional jets have revolutionized aviation with their proven efficiency, reliability and profitability and are a great choice for new and established operators as they look to change the passenger travel experience over the next few decades.”

Bombardier’s Q Series turboprops, CRJ Series regional jets and all-new C Series aircraft are well positioned to meet India’s requirements for increased numbers of commercial aircraft in the 60- to 150-seat market segment.



Bombardier operates a Regional Support Office in Gurgaon, and GMR Aero Technic supports operators of Q400 aircraft from its Bombardier Authorized Service Facility in Hyderabad.

Garuda Indonesia plans last scheduled 747 service in April 2017

Garuda Indonesia in recent schedule update has filed last scheduled Boeing 747-400 operation, tentatively set in late-April 2017. From 26MAR17 to 22APR17, the 747-400 aircraft operates Makassar – Jeddah service 3 times a week. This route will be replaced by A330-300 after the last 747 flight. GA986 UPG0835 – 1455JED 744 6
GA986 UPG0935 – 1555JED 744 24
GA987 JED1655 – 0855+1UPG 744 6
GA987 JED1755 – 0955+1UPG 744 24
Jim Liu Data & Analysis Manager

Oman Air schedules 787-9 early-March 2017 debut

Oman Air in recent schedule update move forward planned Boeing 787-9 service debut, currently scheduled on 01MAR17. From 01MAR17 to 25MAR17, the 787-9 will operate Muscat – Bangkok route once a day.
WY815 MCT0855 – 1745BKK 789 D
WY817 MCT2200 – 0645+1BKK 787 D
WY818 BKK0900 – 1250MCT 787 134
WY818 BKK0920 – 1300MCT 787 x134
WY816 BKK2005 – 2355MCT 789 D
The airline previously planned to being Boeing 787-9 service from late-March 2017.

Jim Liu Data & Analysis Manager - Airlineroute, Routesonline