Photo:Beluga321Tokyo - Haneda International (HND / RJTT)
segunda-feira, 31 de janeiro de 2022
All Nippon Airways - ANA / B767-381/ER / JA616A - "Kimetsu no Yaiba Jet 1" special c/s
Photo:Beluga321Tokyo - Haneda International (HND / RJTT)
sexta-feira, 28 de janeiro de 2022
Icelandair's new livery
New year, new us!
In 2022 we are updating our airline livery – the way our planes look – with new colors drawn from Icelandic nature, including the beloved northern lights.
This is the first time the whole livery design has been changed since 2006, and is part of a complete refresh of the Icelandair brand. Over the past year or so, we’ve been looking at our brand as a whole and finding new, refreshing ways to bring the spirit of Iceland to the world.
The arrival of our new livery
TF-ICE, a Boeing 737 MAX 8 named Jökulsárlón (after Iceland's famous glacier lagoon), is the first of Icelandair’s fleet to be painted in the new livery, in mid-January 2022. It arrives at Keflavík international airport on Friday, January 28, flying from Norwich, UK (the site of the aircraft painting facility).
We plan to have a total of 5 MAX aircraft with the new livery by the end of February. The repainting of the rest of our fleet will continue according to the maintenance schedule of each airplane.
With the new livery, Icelandair’s aircraft will have 5 different tail colors (boreal blue, magenta, sky blue, yellow, and green), representing different phenomena in Icelandic nature. Our first new arrival wears a sky-blue tail.
Our brand inspiration
Our livery is like a flying billboard. And since we spend so much time in the sky, we drew inspiration from what we see in front of us, and what we see in our country from above.
Our new colors:
The midnight blue is our heritage color and the backdrop to the dancing auroras.
The snow white represents our glaciers.
The boreal blue is a representation of the northern lights.
The magenta signifies the collective creative power of Iceland, with just a hint of sunrise.
The crisp blue is the Icelandic summer sky that’s filled with light.
The golden yellow is the sun reflecting off waterfalls, glaciers, and even simmering magma.
The green represents the life that can be found even after the harshest of events.
By extending our color palette, we have a chance to bring the vibrant Icelandic spirit to the world, and to show the world the diversity of our people: The Icelandic spirit is available to anyone and everyone who wants to share in it.
Refreshing the Reykjavík airport food hall
We recently gave the Reykjavík airport food hall a makeover, in line with our new brand colors and with an emphasis on sustainability (using upcycled materials and repurposed vintage furniture).
Icelandair domestic flights and flights to Greenland operate from this airport, close to downtown Reykjavík. Take a look at our efforts!
TF-ICE, a Boeing 737 MAX 8 named Jökulsárlón (after Iceland's famous glacier lagoon), is the first of Icelandair’s fleet to be painted in the new livery, in mid-January 2022. It arrives at Keflavík international airport on Friday, January 28, flying from Norwich, UK (the site of the aircraft painting facility).
We plan to have a total of 5 MAX aircraft with the new livery by the end of February. The repainting of the rest of our fleet will continue according to the maintenance schedule of each airplane.
With the new livery, Icelandair’s aircraft will have 5 different tail colors (boreal blue, magenta, sky blue, yellow, and green), representing different phenomena in Icelandic nature. Our first new arrival wears a sky-blue tail.
Our brand inspiration
Our livery is like a flying billboard. And since we spend so much time in the sky, we drew inspiration from what we see in front of us, and what we see in our country from above.
Our new colors:
The midnight blue is our heritage color and the backdrop to the dancing auroras.
The snow white represents our glaciers.
The boreal blue is a representation of the northern lights.
The magenta signifies the collective creative power of Iceland, with just a hint of sunrise.
The crisp blue is the Icelandic summer sky that’s filled with light.
The golden yellow is the sun reflecting off waterfalls, glaciers, and even simmering magma.
The green represents the life that can be found even after the harshest of events.
By extending our color palette, we have a chance to bring the vibrant Icelandic spirit to the world, and to show the world the diversity of our people: The Icelandic spirit is available to anyone and everyone who wants to share in it.
Refreshing the Reykjavík airport food hall
We recently gave the Reykjavík airport food hall a makeover, in line with our new brand colors and with an emphasis on sustainability (using upcycled materials and repurposed vintage furniture).
Icelandair domestic flights and flights to Greenland operate from this airport, close to downtown Reykjavík. Take a look at our efforts!
Icelandair
China Airlines and Boeing Announce Order for Four 777 Freighters
SEATTLE, Jan. 27, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Boeing [NYSE: BA] and China Airlines today announced the carrier has ordered four 777 Freighters, adding to its extensive fleet of Boeing airplanes. Valued at $1.4 billion at list prices, the order will enable the airline to capture new market opportunities as global air cargo demand continues to grow.
"The 777 Freighter has played a critical role in our efforts to maintain profitability during the pandemic, and these additional airplanes will be an integral part of our long-term growth strategy," said China Airlines Chairman Hsieh Su-Chien. "We are excited to add more 777 Freighters due to their operational efficiency and reliability. Our fleet modernization program will enable us to deliver added value to our customers, especially as the global supply chain continues to evolve."
The 777 Freighter is the world's largest, most capable twin-engine Freighter. It has a range of 4,970 nautical miles (9,200 km) with a maximum revenue payload of 102 tonnes (224,900 lbs), while contributing to a 17% reduction in fuel use and CO2 emissions per tonne compared to prior generation airplanes. In addition, the 777F will allow China Airlines to make fewer stops on long-haul routes, further reducing associated landing fees and resulting in the lowest trip cost of any large freighter.
"We are thrilled that China Airlines has again selected the 777 Freighter to serve as the backbone of its world-class air cargo fleet," said Ihssane Mounir, senior vice president of Commercial Sales and Marketing. "The market-leading capabilities of the 777 Freighter provide added capacity, improved efficiency and greater value to China Airlines' customers, enabling the carrier to meet air cargo demand and position itself for long-term growth."
In 2021, China Airlines' air cargo revenue was up 186% above the pre-pandemic year of 2019, which nearly balanced out a 96% drop in passenger revenue. Last year China Airlines Cargo recorded the best year in its history – over TWD 100 billion (USD $3.6 billion) in revenue – by leveraging its existing all-Boeing fleet of (18) 747-400 Freighters and (3) 777 Freighters. With (3) 777 Freighters already on order, China Airlines' 777 Freighter is the perfect complement to the airline's existing 747-400 Freighter fleet, seamlessly accommodating the 3-meter (10-foot) tall pallets and maximizing flexibility for its air cargo operations.
As a leading global aerospace company, Boeing develops, manufactures and services commercial airplanes, defense products and space systems for customers in more than 150 countries. As a top U.S. exporter, the company leverages the talents of a global supplier base to advance economic opportunity, sustainability and community impact. Boeing's diverse team is committed to innovating for the future and living the company's core values of safety, quality and integrity. Learn more at www.boeing.com.
Boeing board approves B777XF
In an call with investors discussing the latest financial performance, the CFO of Boeing has announced that the board has officially given approval for the B777XF, the freighter-variant of the new B777X. According to him, the manufacturer can now officially market the aircraft. Boeing has been mulling the launch of the freighter for a while now and had, initially, planned to launch it at the Dubai Air Show in November last year.
Although no exact technical details have been made public yet, Reuters is reporting that Qatar Airways is close to become the launch customer for the B777XF. An announcement about an order could come as early as next week when the Emir of Qatar is visiting the US. According to Reuters, the order would be for up to 50 B777XFs, which would include options. The airline will use the new aircraft to renew and expand its current fleet of 26 B777Fs (with eight more on order).
Scramble
Photo by Boeing.
Ghanaian investors join fray for new national carrier
Two Ghanaian companies are making a bid to partner with the government for the establishment of a new national airline, AviationGhana reports.
ch-aviation sources have named Ghana’s Despite Group of Companies (DGC) as one of the potential investors, but the company was not immediately available for comment. The conglomerate is one of the biggest media companies in Ghana and also owns a number of non-media related businesses in the finance and food and beverage sector. It is owned by business mogul, Osei Kwame, also known as Despite.
According to AviationGhana, the two domestic hopefuls collectively have business interests covering real estate, hospitality, media, and manufacturing and collectively employ hundreds of people. One of them has already applied for an Air Carrier License (ACL) and an Air Operator Certificate (AOC), the publication said.
The potential investors have made presentations to a committee chaired by Twumasi Ankrah Selby, which has been mandated by the government to receive and evaluate all investor proposals. It will make recommendations in this regard to Transport Minister Kweku Ofori Asiamah, who for his part, will make final recommendation to the Ghanaian Cabinet.
Presenting the 2022 budget to Parliament on November 17, Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta announced the government was in the final negotiation stages with a potential strategic partner for a new national airline. He expected that the negotiations would be finalised and the airline established in 2022.
In October 2020, Ghana signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with EgyptAir (MS, Cairo Int'l) for the establishment of a new flag carrier. The government at the time was expected to maintain a 10% shareholding in the new airline, with the majority of shares to be held by private investors.
This followed a similar MoU in 2018 with Ethiopian Airlines (ET, Addis Ababa), but that agreement appeared to have snagged over disagreements on routes, funding, and the management contract.
Ghana has been without a national airline since the collapse of Ghana International Airlines (G0, Accra) in 2010, following the demise of Ghana Airways (GH, Accra) in 2004. In 2019, Ghana’s government signed a provisional order for three B787-9s and six DHC-8-Q400s for the new national airline.
ch aviation
Amelia adds first A319
On 19 January, Amelia has taken delivery of its first Airbus A319. The aircraft, F-HDSJ (3727), was handed over at Paris-Le Bourget and was previously in use as PR-MYB with LATAM Brazil.
The Airbus is a big step-up for the airline, which flies two domestic routes from Paris-Orly and offers ACMI- and charter flights, with a fleet of one ATR42-500, two ATR72-600s, two ERJ135s and eight ERJ145s.
Photo by Amelia
The Airbus is a big step-up for the airline, which flies two domestic routes from Paris-Orly and offers ACMI- and charter flights, with a fleet of one ATR42-500, two ATR72-600s, two ERJ135s and eight ERJ145s.
Photo by Amelia
Jetstar Japan to start A321 freighter ops in 2Q24
Jetstar Japan (GK, Tokyo Narita) will start dedicated freighter operations in early 2024 following the signing of a partnership agreement between JAL Group and Japanese logistics specialist Yamato Group last week.
Under the agreement, the LCC will operate three A321-200(P2F)s out of Tokyo Haneda and Tokyo Narita to Sapporo Chitose, Kitakyushu, and Okinawa Naha starting in April 2024.
According to a joint statement, Yamato's push into the air cargo niche comes amid growing difficulties in ensuring a reliable overland distribution network given the heavy rains, snow, and earthquakes that have occurred throughout Japan as well as bellyhold capacity constraints in light of reduced passenger flights. As such, the introduction of air cargo services will help circumvent these issues, while at the same time allowing JAL Group to offset the impact of Covid-19 on its domestic network revenue inflows.
"We see this freighter operation as an opportunity to realise further growth in the cargo business by utilising the assets and knowhow of both companies and contributing to the solution of social issues such as the problems of truck transportation," the statement said.
Yamato Transport, which also uses road, rail, and shipping services, will be responsible for sourcing the aircraft while Jetstar, the only A320 Family operator in the JAL - Japan Airlines (JL, Tokyo Haneda) stable of carriers, will oversee their operation. According to the ch-aviation fleets advanced module, the budget airline currently employs nineteen A320-200s with two A321-200NXs awaiting service entry.
With this development, JAL Group is returning to the freighter market having exited it in 2010 when it phased out its then remaining fleet of three B767 and ten B747 freighters, the ch-aviation fleets history module shows. At present, no Japanese airlines operate any narrowbody freighters; ANA - All Nippon Airways (NH, Tokyo Haneda) deploys nine B767-300Fs and two B777-Fs, while NCA - Nippon Cargo Airlines (KZ, Tokyo Narita) uses eight B747-8(F)s (alongside two B747-400(F)s wet-leased from Atlas Air (5Y, New York JFK)).
ch aviation
Uganda Airlines delays UK launch to late 2Q22
Uganda Airlines (UR, Entebbe/Kampala) has postponed the launch of its London Heathrow route until June 2022 following regulatory delays caused by new Brexit regulations, says acting Chief Executive Officer Jenifer Bamuturaki.
In an interview with Uganda’s Business Focus magazine, she said the UK Civil Aviation Authority had notified Uganda in October 2021 that the airline would have to apply for a Foreign Carrier Permit, a process that would take six months. However, she was optimistic that flights to London would commence by June 2022.
Under the terms of the UK government’s Brexit trade agreement that came into effect on December 31, 2020, all non-UK carriers require a Foreign Carrier Permit before operating any commercial flight to, from, or within UK territory. Before Brexit, non-European Union carriers had applied for Third Country Operator (TCO) approval from the EU Aviation Safety Agency (EASA).
Bamuturaki said Uganda Airlines has secured slots at Heathrow after receiving its two A330-800Ns in December 2020 and February 2021, respectively. The airline had sought permission for a TCO and had expected to commence UK flights in January 2021, but its application had not been processed by the end of December 2020, when Brexit took effect.
Meanwhile, route expansion plans in Africa and intercontinentally; commercial alliances and partnerships with global airlines; and cargo growth are amongst the airline’s top priorities for 2022, Bamuturaki disclosed.
The national carrier is looking to introduce direct flights to Europe, India, and the Far East. “We are also looking at points in the DRC (Goma and Kisangani), West Africa (Lagos, Nigeria), and the Middle East (Saudi Arabia),” she added. She said the airline was currently in the process of securing a TCO for flights to Europe.
Bamuturaki also revealed that Uganda Airlines has commenced its IATA Operational Safety Audit (IOSA) certification process with an anticipated completion date of October 2022.
The carrier also intends to establish its own maintenance facilities pending approval from the Uganda Civil Aviation Authority, added engineering and maintenance director Ephraim Bagenda. He said the airline was spending USD250,000 per month on outsourced maintenance, whereas setting up its own facilities would cost USD2.5 million.
Other plans include:
Self-service projects covering passenger, baggage, and cargo operations will be rolled out in the first quarter of 2022;
A loyalty programme will be launched in the third quarter of 2022;
Cargo operations will be boosted with the acquisition of various warehouses and cold rooms.
ch aviation
Italy's ITA Airways to add first A350s from 2Q22
ITA Airways (AZ, Rome Fiumicino) will induct its first new-generation widebody aircraft in mid-2022, having signed a lease contract with ALAFCO for four A350-900s due for delivery in the second and third quarters, the Kuwaiti lessor disclosed in a stock market filing.
The ch-aviation fleets advanced module reveals that the quartet comprises units msn 285, 308, 323, and 338. All four flew for the first time in 2019 but have since been storage and are currently parked at Teruel airport. ALAFCO owns a further two A350-900s, which are placed with Hong Kong Airlines (HX, Hong Kong Int'l).
The airline's chief executive, Fabio Lazzerini, said earlier that the first A350 would arrive in June 2022.
In late September, two weeks before the launch of operations, ITA selected Airbus for its comprehensive fleet renewal as it seeks to rid itself of legacy aircraft inherited from Alitalia (AZ, Rome Fiumicino). However, the order placed with the manufacturer did not include the A350s: it only covered ten A330neo, eleven A320neo, and seven A220s. The airline stressed that it would also lease a further 56 aircraft, including the A350s. It did not elaborate on the exact number of A350s it would take within the plan but revealed that 13 out of the 56 leased aircraft would be widebodies.
ITA Airways' current widebody fleet comprises seven A330-200s, which are all ex-Alitalia stock and are 10.4 years old on average. The airline disclosed that the addition of the A350s would allow it to resume some of long-haul routes previously operated with B777-300(ER)s but not viable with the A330s, such as Buenos Aires Ezeiza and Tokyo Haneda.
ch aviation
Airbus delivers the last ever Dauphin to Spanish Customs
Airbus has delivered the last Dauphin helicopter, an AS365 N3, to the Spanish Customs Service. This helicopter will reinforce the Customs Surveillance Service’s capacity to combat drug trafficking in the Strait of Gibraltar, the Alboran Sea, and in Galicia.
The helicopter was customised at Airbus Helicopters’ facilities in Albacete and comes equipped with mission equipment such as an electro-optical system, a radar, a tactical communications system and a search light, since most of the patrol flights take place at night. Thanks to its long-range fuel tanks, the Spanish Customs’ Dauphin can fly up to 3 hours and 30 minutes and reach a fast cruise speed of 145 kts – an essential asset when it comes to reaching the vessels of drug traffickers.
The Spanish Customs’ three Dauphins perform maritime patrol missions to track, chase, and intercept high-speed smuggling boats typically transporting contraband. In 2021, the Dauphin helicopters contributed to the seizure of more than 200 tons of illegal drugs in Spain, working with the Custom Service's 45 vessels and land units.
“The Spanish Customs has been a longstanding partner since 1985 and we are very proud of how, since the first Dauphin was handed over to them in 2002, these helicopters have carried out essential tasks for the population such as the fight against drug trafficking in a hostile environment,” said Fernando Lombo, Managing Director of Airbus Helicopters in Spain. "Thank you to the women and men at Customs who are taking full advantage of the Dauphin's marine patrol capabilities, flying the outstanding figure of almost 1,000 hours a year with each Dauphin to protect our community".
This is the last helicopter of the legendary Dauphin family that has been manufactured in Marignane by Airbus Helicopters. Over the past forty years, more than 1,100 helicopters have been produced, flying seven million hours in 70 different countries. Among its numerous milestones, the achievement of the world speed record in November 1991 stands out, when the Dauphin reached 201 kts on a 3 km route.
Airbus’ iconic Beluga super transporters ready to serve global outsized-cargo demand
Airbus has launched a new air-cargo service using its unique BelugaST fleet to offer freight companies and other potential customers a solution to their outsized freight transportation needs.
The new service - Airbus Beluga Transport - will provide commercially-contracted customers in a variety of sectors, including space, energy, military, aeronautic, maritime and humanitarian sectors, with a solution to their large cargo transport needs.
The first mission took place at the end of 2021 with a delivery from Airbus Helicopters’ manufacturing site in Marignane, France, to Kobe in Japan for an undisclosed customer. Beluga #3 stopped to refuel at Warsaw (Poland), Novosibirsk (Russia) and Seoul (Korea).
Phillippe Sabo, Head of ATI and Air Oversize Transport at Airbus, said: “The Beluga’s wider cross-section will open up new markets and new logistical possibilities for customers. In the case of loading helicopters - not having to dismantle them first - really is a plus. Similarly, the largest commercial aircraft engines can be accommodated in a fully-dressed configuration.”
Based on the A300-600 design, the five-strong BelugaST fleet, which has until now been the backbone of Airbus’ inter-site transportation of large aircraft sections, are being replaced by six new-generation BelugaXLs to support Airbus’ ramp-up of its airliner production.
The new Airbus Beluga Transport service can cater for a multitude of possible market applications since the planes possess the world's largest interior cross-section of any transport aircraft, accommodating outsized cargo of up to 7.1m in width and 6.7m in height.
In the near future, once Airbus has commissioned all six new BelugaXLs, the fully-released BelugaST fleet will be handed over to a newly-created, subsidiary airline with its own Air Operator Certificate (AOC) and staff. Philippe Sabo added: “The new airline will be flexible and agile to address the needs of external worldwide markets.”
To maximise the BelugaST’s turnaround capability for its targeted international customer base, new loading techniques and equipment are being developed for the operation. These solutions include an automated On-Board Cargo Loader (OBCL) for missions where a loading/unloading platform is not available at the origin or destination airport.
quinta-feira, 27 de janeiro de 2022
Air Belgium to operate B747-8Fs for Hongyuan Group
In December, we reported that Air Belgium was planning to add the B747-8F to its fleet and that these would, most likely, be operated for CMA CGM. Now, the Hongyuan Group has announced that the Belgian carrier will be operating a duo of Jumbojets for the Chinese company.
The aircraft involved are the two former Saudia B747-8Fs which have been acquired recently by Hongyuan. Originally, the plan was that they would be operated by AirBridgeCargo but this is clearly changed.
At the same time of announcing the delivery of the aircraft, Hongyuan Group has also said it's planning to acquire 49,95% of the shares in Air Belgium. The airline currently operates two A330-900s, four A330-200Fs (owned by and operated for CMA CGM) and two A340-300s.
Photo by Hongyuan Group.
terça-feira, 25 de janeiro de 2022
RARE AIRLINE (2000) - Western Air - C6-SAW - Embraer ERJ-145LR
Western Air Limited was established by husband and wife team, Rex and Shandrice Rolle in 2000.
The couple fused their knowledge, experience and passion for aviation to provide an alternative, reliable air transportation service.
Captain Rex Rolle serves as President & CEO of Western Air and has a United States FAA and Bahamian certified Airline Transport Pilot license with a type rating in the Metro III. Captain Rolle is also a US FAA certified Flight Instructor, Certified Instruments Flight Instructor, and Certified Multi-Engine Instructor with more than 30 years of experience as a professional pilot, aviation executive and consultant. Captain Rolle is known for his sharp, unconventional leadership, often setting industry trends throughout the region.
Mrs. Shandrice Woodside-Rolle serves as Vice-President & COO of the Western Air. Woodside- Rolle graduated valedictorian of her university class, majoring in International Business. With an undeniable entrepreneurial spirit since childhood, Woodside- Rolle had the idea to start an airline after a trip back to her hometown where she noticed the limited air service. The couple returned to Andros and began building the airline.
Today, Western Air is the largest privately owned airline in the Bahamas offering daily scheduled flights between Nassau, Freeport, Congo Town, Bimini and San Andros, as well as on- demand charter flights throughout the greater Bahamas, Caribbean, Central and South America. The airline employs over 140 employees.
The Rolle's daughter Sherrexcia Rolle, also known as Rexy, serves as Vice President of Operations & General Counsel. Rolle is a business and aviation lawyer by trade and has made international waves by expanding the family’s airline. Rolle received her BS at the University of Ottawa with Joint Honors in Political Science & Communications and her MA at Lynn University in Mass Media & Communications, summa cum laude. Rolle obtained her Juris Doctorate at Thomas Jefferson School of Law and is an active member of State of California Bar. Collectively, the family credits GOD, consistent hard work, its multifaceted team and long standing passengers for the airline's continuous growth.
Embraer 145 LRs
Western Air has signed a mutli-aircraft deal to acquire Embraer 145LR jets, slated for delivery in Summer of 2018. These long range jets will provide a new level of luxury, comfort and convenience for passengers. The jets will be used on the new international flights schedule.
Photo date: 2020-01-13
Nassau Int'l Airport - MYNN, Bahamas
By: Kas van Zonneveld
sexta-feira, 21 de janeiro de 2022
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