Qatar Airways launches Helsinki service

Airline also announced a new code-share partnership with Finnair

The Finnish capital of Helsinki welcomed the first Qatar Airways flight from Doha today, inaugurating the new daily service.
Airways Group chief executive, His Excellency Mr. Akbar Al Baker and the Finnish Ambassador to Qatar, Her Excellency Mrs. Riitta Swan travelled on board the inaugural flight.

They were greeted by a VIP delegation including Finland’s Minister of Transport and Communications, Anne Berner; the President and CEO of Finavia, Kari Savolainen; the CEO of Visit Helsinki, Tuulikki Becker; and Finpro executive vice president, head of Visit Finland, Mr. Paavo Virkkunen.

To celebrate the occasion the airline flew one of its new-generation Airbus A350 aircraft to Helsinki, and will operate the daily Helsinki service with an Airbus A320 going forward. Qatar Airways’ Airbus A320 has a two-class configuration with 12 seats in Business Class and 120 seats in Economy Class.

The launch of the new route to Helsinki completes Qatar Airways’ network strategy of serving Nordic capitals, which currently includes Stockholm, Copenhagen and Oslo. To support the new destination launch, the airline also announced a new code-share partnership with Finnair,

H.E. Mr. Al Baker said: “Launching our new route to Helsinki is a proud moment for the airline, completing our strategy of serving the needs of Europe’s Nordic capitals and facilitating connections for businesses, cultures and families between Finns and people throughout the world. With this new service, the people of Helsinki have convenient and world-class air service to more destinations, and we look forward to welcoming our new customers on board.”

Finavia president and chief executive officer, Mr. Kari Savolainen, said: “We want to express our warmest welcome to Qatar Airways and its new route between Helsinki and Doha. This is a fantastic addition to our selection of destinations and thanks to the route launch Helsinki Airport now has even better connections to the world. We ensure that our passengers enjoy their journey before and between their flights at the airport, selected as the best airport in Northern Europe in 2016.”

Finpro executive vice president, Head of Visit Finland, Mr. Paavo Virkkunen, said: “We are happy to welcome Qatar Airways with its global network to open access to Finland from markets that represent new growth potential to the Finnish travel industry. We believe that travellers from the Middle East and from other countries that have now become connected with Finland will find the fresh and pure Nordic nature a new kind of experience really worth exploring.”

Helsinki – Doha flight schedules

Tuesday, Wednesday, Saturday

Doha (DOH) to Helsinki (HEL) QR303 departs: 01:35 arrives: 08:10

Helsinki (HEL) to Doha (DOH) to QR304 departs: 10:55 arrives: 17:15

Monday, Thursday, Friday, Sunday

Doha (DOH) to Helsinki (HEL) QR301 departs: 08:15 arrives: 14:50

Helsinki (HEL) to Doha (DOH) QR302 departs: 17:45 arrives 00:05+1
Simon Fillmore  - Travel News

Finnair flies A350 to Tokyo in Asian expansion

Airline expands Asian operations with more services to Japan and Hong Kong in 2017

Finnair has unveiled plans to launch more flights to Asia, including its first ever Airbus A350 services to Tokyo.

The Helsinki-based carrier will add four more weekly flights to the Japanese capital’s Narita Airport next summer, using its new 297-seat A350. These will operate from 5 June to 27 October 2017 and will complement Finnair’s existing daily A330 flights on the route.

Finnair will also add three more A350 flights to its Helsinki-Hong Kong route between June 6 and October 28 next year. Currently, the airline operates daily flights to and from Hong Kong, so the overall frequency will rise to 10 flights per week, all using the A350.
Finnair’s Airbus A350 at Hong Kong International Airport (credit: EQRoy)

And the Finnish national carrier has also revealed that its new seasonal route to Guangzhou will return in 2017 with four weekly flights operated using an A330 aircraft. This route first commenced in May 2016 as part of a double Asian launch with Fukuoka.

“With increased frequencies for Tokyo and Hong Kong on the A350, we are now tapping into the growth of Asia-Europe traffic and increasing our presence in cities that have been popular with our customers in recent years,” said Juha Järvinen, Finnair’s chief commercial officer.

“It’s been a year since we received our very first Airbus A350, and with seven aircraft operating in our network, we look forward to having even more customers flying on this great aircraft.”

Next year, Finnair is expected to receive four more A350s, all of which will come equipped with three cabin classes – business, premium economy and economy. At present Finnair operates the A350s to five Asian cities: Hong Kong, Shanghai, Beijing, Bangkok and Singapore.



Finnair’s expansion strategy is focused on tapping the Asian market and positioning Helsinki as a convenient transit destination for Asian passengers flying to and from Europe. In the first nine months of 2016, Finnair carried 1.35 million passengers on its Asian routes, up 5.9% year-on-year.

Mark Elliott - Travel News

Boeing, Atlas Air Announce Agreement for 767 Passenger to Freighter Conversions

MIAMI, Oct. 11, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Boeing [NYSE: BA] and Atlas Air Worldwide Holdings announced an order today to convert nine 767 passenger airplanes into Boeing Converted Freighters (BCF). Four of the orders were previously announced at the Farnborough International Airshow in July, attributed to an unidentified customer.

Atlas Air Worldwide, based in Purchase, New York has an all-Boeing fleet.

"Boeing has been a longtime and trusted partner as we've built our fleet and business," said President and Chief Executive Officer William J. Flynn, Atlas Air Worldwide Holdings. "We look forward to continuing to work with Boeing to provide operational excellence and support for our customers."

Through its freighter conversion program, Boeing transitions passenger airplanes into freighters, extending the economic life of the airplane.

"We look forward to supporting Atlas with our Boeing Converted Freighters as they expand their freighter operations," said Rick Anderson, vice president of sales and marketing, Boeing Commercial Aviation Services. "With more than 40 years of experience in passenger-to-freighter conversions, Boeing has a deep understanding of the needs of the air cargo industry. Our freighter conversion program not only provides customers with world-class Boeing platforms, we also offer global support and the assurance of a Boeing-backed program."

Boeing's current market outlook forecasts a need for 400 widebody conversions over the next two decades, with strong demand for 767 freighter conversions due to a rise in e-commerce.

Atlas Air Worldwide is a leading global provider of outsourced aircraft and aviation operating services. It is the parent company of Atlas Air, Inc. (Atlas), Southern Air Holdings, Inc. (Southern Air) and Titan Aviation Holdings, Inc. (Titan), and is the majority shareholder of Polar Air Cargo Worldwide, Inc. (Polar). Atlas Air Worldwide's companies operate all-Boeing fleets, including the world's largest fleet of Boeing 747 freighters and provide customers the broadest array of 747, 777, 767, 757 and 737 airplanes for domestic, regional and international applications.



Boeing is a leader in providing 24/7 support and service to the global aviation industry. In addition to designing freighter conversions, Boeing offers the industry's largest portfolio of services including interior modifications, aftermarket parts, subscription-based maintenance programs, engineering support, crew training, route planning, digital crew scheduling, advanced data analytics and software to enhance airlines and leasing company operations.

Hillary Clinton - Tim Kaine Campaign 737-400 Aircraft (N314XA) KLAX Takeoff 3

hsckcwong - LAX

AMERICAN AIRLINES - B787-9 - N820AL

                           

hsckcwong - LAX

Boeing, Qatar Airways Announce Order for 30 787-9 Dreamliners, 10 777-300ERs

Announcement includes Letter of Intent for up to 60 737 MAX 8s

Marks Boeing's future entry into airline's single-aisle fleet

One of largest fleet announcements in Qatar Airways' history

• 
  

WASHINGTON, Oct. 7, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Boeing [NYSE: BA] and Qatar Airways announced an order for 30 787-9 Dreamliners and 10 777-300ERs, valued at $11.7 billion at list prices, validating the value, reliability and performance of Boeing's twin-aisle airplanes.

The airline also signed a Letter of Intent for up to 60 737 MAX 8s, valued at $6.9 billion at list prices.

Today's announcement builds on Qatar Airways' current fleet of 84 Boeing aircraft, a combination of 787s and 777s, all delivered over the last nine years. With this new order, Qatar Airways increases its firm order backlog of Boeing widebody airplanes from 65 to 105, including 60 777Xs.

The announcement was attended by the State of Qatar's Minister of Finance, His Excellency Ali Shareef Al Emadi, U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Tony Blinken and the Ambassador of Qatar, His Excellency Mohammed Jaham Al-Kuwari.

"Qatar Airways, already one of the fastest growing airlines in the history of aviation, today announces a significant and historic aircraft order that will power our future growth for the years and the decades ahead," said Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive, His Excellency Mr. Akbar Al Baker. "Boeing has proven to be a valuable partner, and today's announcement is testament to our appreciation of the quality of their product and their dedication to providing world class customer service."

Qatar Airways' relationship with Boeing was renewed in 2006. Since then, there have been many milestones in the partnership. The airline was the first to operate the 787 in the Middle East and is a launch customer for the 777X. With the commitment for the 737 MAX 8, it would be the first Boeing single-aisle airplane model to join Qatar Airways' fleet in more than 15 years.

"Congratulations to The Boeing Company and Qatar Airways on the remarkable milestone they've reached, which will significantly grow the number of Boeing aircraft in the Qatar Airways fleet," said U.S. Secretary of Commerce Penny Pritzker. "Beyond its importance for these two companies, this agreement demonstrates the importance of global commercial partnerships in strengthening our bilateral ties. This deal will strengthen economic opportunity and job creation, and highlights the importance of strong global trading relationships."

"We are so very proud that a discerning and market-leading customer like Qatar Airways not only continues to endorse our current products, but also has confidence in Boeing's new technology that will soon be evident on the 777X and 737 MAX," said Boeing Commercial Airplanes President and CEO Ray Conner. "Our partnership with Qatar Airways has grown and strengthened tremendously over the years and I look forward to the time when its fleet will feature an increasing number of both our single and twin-aisle airplanes."

The 777-300ER is the most reliable twin-aisle airplane flying today and is considered to be the flagship of the world's elite airlines. It has the highest schedule reliability of any twin-aisle airplane at 99.5 percent – the airplane is on time, nearly all the time.

The 787-9 Dreamliner is the second member of the super-efficient, passenger-pleasing 787 family. The 787-9, a stretch of the 787-8, can fly 290 passengers 7,635 nautical miles (14,140 km) in addition to more cargo, allowing airlines the ability to grow routes first opened by the 787-8.



Boeing's newest family of single-aisle airplanes – 737 MAX 7, 737 MAX 8, 737 MAX 9 and 737 MAX 200 – builds on the Next-Generation 737's popularity and reliability while delivering customers unsurpassed fuel efficiency in the single-aisle market, with deliveries scheduled to begin in 2017.

Saudia to retire B777-200 fleet by the end of 2017

Saudia (SV, Jeddah) will retire its entire fleet of twenty-three B777-200(ER)s by the end of 2017 as part of its fleet modernisation initiative, the carrier said in a statement.

Five of the aircraft will be phased out this year, while the remaining eighteen will be retired during the course of 2017.

According to the ch-aviation fleet module, Saudia continues to operate the B777 in the form of twenty-five B777-300(ER)s and four B777-Fs.

ch aviation

Icelandair S17 Boeing 767 operations as of 10OCT16

Icelandair in last week’s schedule update adjusted a number of planned Boeing 767 operations for summer 2017 season, as additional routes receives wide-body aircraft service. As of 10OCT16, planned 767 operation in S17 as follow.


Reykjavik Keflavik – Amsterdam FI500/501 1 daily, except

18MAY17 – 26MAY17 5 weekly (Day x36)

29MAY17 – 09JUN17 5 weekly (Day x37)

12JUN17 – 19JUN17 4 weekly (Day x267)

22JUN17 – 11SEP17 3 weekly (Day 145)

12SEP17 – 19SEP17 5 weekly (Day x37)

20sEP17 – 30SEP17 6 weekly (Day x7)


Reykjavik Keflavik – Boston FI631/630 1 daily

Reykjavik Keflavik – Copenhagen FI204/205

26MAR17 – 20APR17 1 daily

22APR17 – 03MAY17 6 weekly (Day x4)

10OCT17 – 28OCT17 1 daily


Reykjavik Keflavik – Frankfurt FI520/521

19MAY17 – 31MAY17 1 daily

03JUN17 – 30SEP17 4 weekly (Day x457)

Reykjavik Keflavik – London Heathrow FI450/451 1 daily, except selected dates in April/May 2017

Reykjavik Keflavik – Minneapolis/St. Paul FI657/656

05MAY17 – 20MAY17 3 weekly (Day 156)

21MAY17 – 05SEP17 1 daily

07SEP17 – 11SEP17 4 weekly (Day x236)

15SEP17 – 27OCT17 3 weekly (Day 157)

Reykjavik Keflavik – New York JFK FI615/614 1 daily

Reykjavik Keflavik – Oslo FI318/319 Average 3-5 weekly

02MAY17 – 09MAY17 3 weekly (Day 246)

13MAY17 – 20MAY17 2 weekly (Day 46)

23MAY17 – 30MAY17 5 weekly (Day x137)

31MAY17 – 06JUN17 5 weekly (Day x14)

09JUN17 – 30SEP17 4 weekly (Day x134)




Reykjavik Keflavik – Seattle FI681/680

27MAR17 – 29APR17 Day 135 (Day 246 from SEA)

30APR17 (01MAY17 from SEA)

09OCT17 – 28OCT17 Day 135 (Day 246 from SEA)


Reykjavik – Stockholm Arlanda FI306/307 Average 3-4 weekly

26MAR17 – 26APR17 Day x246

27APR17 – 04MAY17 Day x126

07MAY17 – 31MAY17 Day 137

01JUN17 – 28SEP17 Day 347

11OCT17 – 27OCT17 Day x246

Reykjavik Keflavik – Washington Dulles FI645/644

04MAY17 – 18MAY17 2 weekly (Day 47)

19MAY17 – 02JUN17 3 weekly (Day 457)

03JUN17 – 01SEP17 1 daily

03SEP17 – 08OCT17 4 weekly (Day x236)

12OCT17 – 26OCT17 1 weekly (Day 4)

Reykjavik Keflavik – Zurich FI568/569

20MAY17 – 27MAY17 Day 6

28MAY17 – 04JUN17 Day 457

05JUN17 – 12JUN17 Day x2

13JUN17 – 11SEP17 1 daily
14SEP17 – 29OCT17 Day x236

Jim Liu - Data & Analysis Manager - Airlineroute, Routesonline

Volotea S17 New routes as of 10OCT16

Volotea in recent weeks gradually opened reservations for planned new routes in summer 2017 season, currently available for reservation until first week of September 2017. Planned new routes as follow.


Ajaccio – Paris Beauvais eff 08APR17 2 weekly (Day 67)

Bari – Preveza eff 26JUN17 1 weekly (Day 1; 2 weekly Day 14 from 27JUL17)

Bordeaux – Faro eff 13APR17 1 weekly (Day 4; 2 weekly Day 14 from 29MAY17)

Genoa – Athens eff 26MAY17 1 weekly (Day 5; 2 weekly Day 15 from 26JUN17)

Genoa – Ibiza eff 30MAY17 1 weekly (Day 2; 2 weekly Day 25 from 23JUN17)

Genoa – Mahon eff 26JUN17 1 weekly (Day 1)

Genoa – Palma Mallorca eff 28MAY17 1 weekly (Day 7)

Genoa – Thira eff 31MAY17 1 weekly (Day 3)

Nantes – Cagliari eff 01JUN17 1 weekly (Day 4)

Nantes – Mahon eff 30MAY17 1 weekly (Day 2; 2 weekly Day 14 from 26JUN17)

Nantes – Thira eff 31MAY17 1 weekly (Day 3)

Nantes – Vienna eff 07APR17 2 weekly (Day 15)

Palermo – Corfu eff 22JUL17 1 weekly (Day 6)

Palermo – Malaga eff 27JUN17 1 weekly (Day 2)

Palma Mallorca – Southampton eff 27MAY17 4 weekly (Day x145)

Strasbourg – Dubrovnik eff 27MAY17 1 weekly (Day 6)

Venice – Kefallinia eff 27JUN17 1 weekly (Day 2; 2 weekly Day 24 from 27JUL17)

Venice – Malaga eff 24JUN17 1 weekly (Day 6)

Venice – Tirana eff 11APR17 2 weekly (Day 26; Day 14 from 29MAY17)

Verona – Lampedusa eff 27MAY17 2 weekly (Day 67)

Verona – Mahon eff 24JUN17 2 weekly (Day 26)

Verona – Mykonos eff 27MAY17 2 weekly (Day 26)

Jim Liu - Data & Analysis Manager - Airlineroute, Routesonline

SWISS Orders 10th Boeing 777; to Refurbish Airbus A340-300 Fleet

Lufthansa Group subsidiary Swiss International Air Lines (SWISS) has ordered a tenth Boeing 777-300ER, to be delivered in 2018, the carrier announced Oct. 7. The aircraft will be used to replace some of the carrier's Airbus A340-300s.


The Switzerland flag carrier -- which will transfer four of nine A340-300s to its leisure subsidiary Edelweiss Air by 2018 -- will keep five A340s in the SWISS fleet. The aircraft are to be provided with a new cabin product, including inflight entertainment (IFE) system and internet connectivity.

After the refurbishment, the A340s will have 223 seats - eight in first class, 47 in business and 168 in economy class. The new first class cabin will closely model that of the Boeing 777. Business class seats will be the 777 model, while economy class will be given a new type of seat. The new IFE system will also be modeled after the 777's IFE system.


Following the 777 introduction, SWISS will extend its SWISS Connect internet connectivity facility to its Airbus A330-300 and A340-300 fleet.


Fourteen A330s will be equipped with the requisite Panasonic technology -- eXConnect for the internet and eXPhone for telephone service -- between now and next spring. In 2018, the five A340s will be equipped as part of their cabin refurbishment. 

Kurt Hofmann, ATW Daily News

Photo:Swiss

Airbus welcomes first-ever Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation

Airbus welcomes the climate agreement reached by governments at the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) in Montreal, Canada, October 5th. The agreement puts in place the world’s first Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation (CORSIA). This represents a key pillar in the aviation industry's climate action plan alongside technology improvements (including sustainable fuels), efficient operations and improved infrastructure.

“This is a crucial year for the global aviation community and ICAO. Following the successful agreement of a CO2 certification standard for aircraft in February this year, the international carbon offset plan is another key milestone in supporting the aviation industry's commitment in reducing CO2 emissions", said Fabrice Brégier, President and CEO of Airbus.

"Airbus is fully committed to all pillars of the industry's climate action plan through delivering the world’s most fuel efficient aircraft, supporting the deployment of operational improvements around the world and facilitating the wider adoption of sustainable alternative fuels", Fabrice Brégier added.

Headquartered in Toulouse, France, Airbus is the leading commercial aircraft manufacturer offering the most modern, comprehensive and efficient family of airliners, ranging in capacity from 100 to more than 600 seats. Founded on innovation Airbus is more than ever providing the products and services to meet the environmental challenges of today and the ambitious targets we have set ourselves for tomorrow.

Kyrgyzstan's Manas Airways adds an Il-62 freighter

Manas Airways (BAM, Bishkek) has added an Il-62 freighter to its fleet in the form of EX-62001 (cn 4154535), Skyliner Aviation has reported.
The aircraft was previously operated by the now-defunct KAPO Aviakompania (G7, Kazan Int'l) and is the Kyrgyz carrier's first aircraft of the type.
Founded in 2011, Manas Airways also operates two An-2s on aerial surveying missions from its Chat Kul base.

ch aviation

HAINAN AIRLINES - B787-9 - B-1540-DreamWorks - Kung Fu Panda cs

Hainan Airlines

FIRST CITYJET SUKHOI SUPERJET 100 in Lisbon - EI-FWA

FPP - Lisboa

The first Airbus A350-900 for Lufthansa

Airbus

CATHAY PACIFIC-A350-900 - F-WWGS

Alain Charpentier - TLS

CITYLINK - A320-200Sharklets - PK-GQQ

Alain Charpentier - TLS

SICHUAN AIRLINES - A330-200 - F-WWKV

Alain Charpentier - TLS

Airbus delivers first A320neo to Mexico’s Viva Aerobus

Low cost carrier becomes latest operator of ultra-efficient aircraft in Latin America
Low-cost carrier Viva Aerobus has taken delivery of its first A320neo, becoming the latest operator of Airbus ultra-efficient single-aisle aircraft in Latin America. Viva Aerobus became an Airbus customer in 2013 when it placed the biggest order for Airbus in Mexican history for 52 A320 Family aircraft, including 40 A320neo. Today, Viva Aerobus operates 20 A320 aircraft and has nearly completed its transition to become an all-Airbus operator by year end.

The Viva Aerobus A320neo is powered by Pratt & Whitney Pure Power PW1100-JM engines. The aircraft is configured with Airbus’ innovative Space-Flex cabin seating up to 186 passengers in wider 18” seats, for unmatched passenger comfort.

The A320neo Family incorporates latest technologies including new generation engines and Sharklet wing tip devices, which together deliver more than 15 percent in fuel savings from day one and 20 percent by 2020.

“The arrival of the A320neo is a historic milestone in the transformation of the new Viva Aerobus,” said Juan Carlos Zuazua, CEO of Viva Aerobus. “With this first A320neo we are one step closer to reaching our year-end goal of becoming an all-Airbus operator and offering our passengers the youngest aircraft fleet in all of Latin America.”

“Airbus is proud to support Viva Aerobus evolve into one of the fastest-growing and most dynamic airlines in Mexico,” said Rafael Alonso, President of Airbus Latin America and the Caribbean. “Mexico’s strong economic growth presents a unique opportunity for airlines such as Viva Aerobus to expand their fleets with the industry’s top performing A320neo to improve their efficiency and environmental footprint.”

The A320neo Family is the world’s best-selling single aisle product line with nearly 4,800 orders from 87 customers since its launch in 2010 capturing some 60 percent share of the market. Thanks to their widest cabin, all members of the A320neo Family offer unmatched comfort in all classes and Airbus’ 18” wide seats in economy as standard.

Alain Charpentier - TLS

Air India to double turboprop fleet

Ten more ATRs to be leased by Alliance Air for regional routesWritten by:

The airline is planning to lease 10 more ATRs 

Air India is planning to add more turboprop aircraft to serve more remote and regional destinations across India.

The Economic Times reports that Alliance Air, the regional arm of Air India, is planning to lease 10 more ATR aircraft to expand its operations under the Indian government’s regional connectivity scheme. It currently operates a fleet of 10 ATRs, so the new deal would double its fleet of turboprop aircraft.

The business newspaper cited an anonymous source, said to be “close to the development”, as revealing that the deal is in its final stages.

“The negotiations with the lessors for leasing of 72-seater 10 ATR planes are at final stages and we expect to sign a deal soon,” the source was quoted saying.

Alliance Air, which is 100% owned by Air India, operates flights to a series of second and third tier cities across India from Delhi, Kolkata, Mumbai, Hyderabad, Bengaluru and Bhopal.
Mark Elliott - Travel News

Brussels Airlines to fly to Mumbai

Lufthansa has revealed that Brussels Airlines will start flying to India next year.

The German carrier recently approved the full acquisition of Belgium’s largest airline, which is expected to close in the coming months.

And on 6 March 2017, Brussels Airlines will commence its first Indian route, operating five times a week direct between Brussels and Mumbai. This route is likely to be operated by an Airbus A330 aircraft.

Mumbai and been without a direct connection to Belgium since Jet Airways suspended its Brussels route earlier this year.

In addition, the airline will increase capacity on routes to several African destinations, including Banjul (Gambia) and Dakar (Senegal) will be increased and more frequent services to Entebbe (Uganda) and Kigali (Rwanda).



Meanwhile, Lufthansa has said that it will “significantly increase” its service to Pune for the 2016-17 winter season, as well as launching a new flight between Frankfurt and Cape Town on 2 December.

Mark Elliott - Travel News

Photo:Ton Jochems - BRU

Scoot starts flying to India’s Pink City

Jaipur becomes airline's third new Indian destination of 2016

Mark Elliott -Travel Newsreamliner

Scoot has taken the next step in its Indian expansion strategy with the launch of its inaugural flight to Jaipur.

The low-cost carrier landed in India’s Pink City for the first time on 2 October 2016, following a direct flight from Singapore. Initially, Scoot will operate this route three times a week, before rising to four weekly flights on 30 October 2016. Like all Scoot’s routes, the Jaipur service will be operated using a Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft.

Scoot first started flying to India earlier this year, with direct flights to Chennai and Amritsar, so Jaipur becomes its third destination in the country.

“The response from Chennai and Amritsar has been phenomenal so far and with the Jaipur launch, our spirits are soaring,” said Bharath Mahadevan, Scoot’s country head for India. “We see India as a promising market, especially with its youthful population who enjoy travelling and exploring new destinations.
Jaipur

“We are hopeful of a strong foothold in India with our exceptional offers and features like in-flight connectivity and in-seat power,” he added.

Srithar GB, the Singapore Tourism Board’s regional director for South Asia, Middle East & Africa, commented; “India is an important market for Singapore and there is strong growth potential in the Tier 2 cities. For the first half of 2016, visitor arrivals from Tier 2 cities registered a 10% growth compared to the same period in 2015. We are confident that the launch of Scoot’s direct flight between Jaipur and Singapore today, coupled with STB’s tactical efforts including joint marketing partnership with Scoot, will help promote travel to Singapore.”

Scoot’s flights will initially depart Singapore every Monday, Friday and Sunday at 2130 and arrive in Jaipur at 0035 the next day. The return flights then leave Rajasthani city every Monday, Tuesday and Saturday at 0135 and arrive back in Singapore at 0940.

Travellers from Jaipur will also be able to connect to destinations across Asia Pacific, including Australia, via Singapore’s Changi Airport.

Swazi Airways revises launch plans

Swazi Airways (Manzini King Mswati III Int'l) plans to commence scheduled passenger operations in November with regional 50-seat aircraft, Flightglobal reports.

At first, the carrier intends to maintain operations from its base at Manzini King Mswati III Int'l to Cape Town, Durban King Shaka and Harare Int'l. Flights to Dubai Int'l and Mumbai Int'l are planned with larger aircraft at a later date. Initially, the airline was to launch operations in February this year with a leased B737-500.

Swazi Airways is entirely owned by the Swazi state and is the official successor to Royal Swazi National Airlines (RSN, Manzini Matsapha) which collapsed in 1999. While the government has already partnered Airlink (South Africa) (4Z, Johannesburg O.R. Tambo) in establishing Swaziland Airlink (SZL, Manzini King Mswati III Int'l), which maintains operations between Manzini and Johannesburg O.R. Tambo, it has been unhappy at international carriers' response to the new Manzini King Mswati III Int'l airport which has remained largely under-utilized since its opening in 2014. As such, the state resolved to set up its own airline to help stimulate demand for Swaziland as a transit hub for southern Africa.
ch aviation

Argentina's American Jet to start Nequen-Temuco flights

American Jet (Argentina) (Buenos Aires Aeroparque) plans to launch flights between Neuquen, Argentina and Temuco La Araucanía, Chile this October, providing both airports with international services, the LM Neuquén reports.

Pending government approval, the flights are set to commence in mid-October and operate 4x weekly over a three-month trial basis. A Do228 will be used for the service but could be upgraded to the ATR 42-300 if there is sufficient demand. The planned flights are being targeted at workers commuting between the two cities, as well as for those interested in “shopping tours” in Temuco.

According to the ch-aviation route database, both Neuquen and Temuco currently see domestic services only. Neuquen is served by Aerolineas Argentinas (AR, Buenos Aires Ezeiza) and LATAM Airlines Argentina (4M, Buenos Aires Aeroparque), while LATAM Airlines Chile (LA, Santiago de Chile Int'l) and Sky Airline (Chile) (H2, Santiago de Chile Int'l) serve Temuco.






For its part, American Jet is an Argentine charter carrier offering domestic flights as well as executive charters.

ch aviation

Swiss files CS100 Geneva preliminary schedules in S17

Swiss International Air Lines in last week’s schedule update has filed preliminary schedules for CSeries CS100 operations from Geneva for summer 2017 season. At time this post goes to press, these CS100 operations are not available for reservation.

eff 26MAR17 Geneva – Florence 4 weekly (Day x236)

eff 01APR17 Geneva – London City 1 weekly (Day 6; Except 18JUN17 – 08SEP17)

eff 22JUN17 Geneva – Biarritz 2 weekly (Day 47; until 03SEP17)

eff 24JUN17 Geneva – Calvi 1 weekly (Day 6; until 02SEP17)

eff 27JUN17 Geneva – Corfu 1 weekly (Day 2; until 29AUG17)

eff 28JUN17 Geneva – Palma Mallorca 1 weekly (Day 3; until 30AUG17)

Jim Liu - Data & Analysis Manager - Airlineroute, Routesonline

Norwegian files intra-Europe Boeing 787 schedule in S17

• 
  

Norwegian in last week’s schedule update has filed a number of intra-European service by the Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, mainly operating to/from Oslo for summer 2017 season. Preliminary schedule filing as follow, effective 26MAR17.

Oslo – Barcelona

DY1738 OSL0645 – 1005BCN 788 157
DY1739 BCN1215 – 1540OSL 788 157

Boeing 787-9 scheduled to operate this flight from 09JUN17 to 30JUL17. Reservation for this flight is currently not available.

Oslo – Nice

DY1406 OSL1710 – 2005NCE 788 x23
DY1407 NCE2105 – 2355OSL 788 x23

Boeing 787-9 scheduled to operate this flight from 08JUN17 to 29JUL17. Reservation for Day 47, as well as Day 15 from 19JUN17 to 28JUL17 is available.
Jim Liu - Data & Analysis Manager - Airlineroute, Routesonline

Boeing 787 delays coincided with spike in Airbus A330 leases

AIRNATIONCREW
“Because of the 787 delays, customers took a closer look at the A330.”

The 787’s early troubles might be in the past, but the Boeing Co. is still living with the hangover. The symptoms include resilient competition from Airbus’ A330 program.

When Boeing rolled out the 787 last decade, many industry watchers considered it a mortal threat to the A330, which entered service in the mid-1990s. But the Dreamliner’s ascendance to market dominance bogged down in myriad problems.When deliveries finally began more than three years behind schedule, the airplanes suffered from reliability and other performance issues. Boeing made plenty of penalty payments to customers.

At the same time, the A330 received renewed interest from airlines. Airbus pitched its twin-aisle jet’s lower price and availability against the 787’s technological leaps. Leases shot up dramatically during the Dreamliner’s dark days, according to data from Flightglobal Fleet Analyzer.

A330 leases had been tapering down in the mid-2000s. Airlines added or extended 20 A330 leases in 2004, compared to only six in 2008. Since then, there have been an average of 32 new or extended leases each year, including 29 so far this year. From 2012 to 2015, the average was even higher at 38.5.

Nearly 60 of the leased A330s were built since 2008. Had the Dreamliner met its initial schedule, some of those A330s might not have been built. Airbus officials have boasted of selling more A330s after the Dreamliner’s unveiling than before. In the end, the 787 has not been the A330 slayer that some hoped it would be.

I can’t draw a straight line between the 787’s early troubles and the spike in A330 leases, but the coincidental timing can’t be dismissed out of hand. The operators include several 787 customers and some former ones, such as airberlin. The European carrier cancelled 25 orders for 787s and extended A330 leases after paring back its long-haul ambitions.

“There’s no question that because of the 787 delays, customers took a closer look at the A330,” said Scott Hamilton, an aerospace analyst and owner of Leeham Co.

That led to Airbus committing to the A330neo, an improved version with new engines, in 2014.

“If the 787 had been on time, I don’t think there would have been an A330neo,” Hamilton said.

http://www.heraldnet.com/business/boeing-787-delays-coincided-with-spike-in-airbus-a330-leases/

Boeing Still Studying Larger 737 Max 10 to Enter Service After 2019

AIRNATIONCREW
The new aircraft would compete with the Airbus A321neo.Boeing is still studying whether to build a larger version of its best-selling 737 aircraft to counter runaway sales by rival Airbus of a large version of its competing plane, a senior executive said.

The company has not made a decision yet to build the larger jet, dubbed the 737 MAX 10, said Michael Teal, vice president and chief project engineer of the 737 MAX program.

“We’re looking at various alternatives … different varieties of engines, fuselage length,” Teal said in an interview at Boeing’s 737 production facility in Renton, Washington on Tuesday evening.

“It is being studied and it’s just a determination if we find the right solution for the customer and the timing and how much change we would have to do to make that work,” he said.

The Airbus A321neo can hold up to 240 passengers, compared with a maximum of 220 on the planned 737 MAX 9.

The MAX 10 would be developed after its other MAX variants. It would enter service after the smallest version, the MAX 7, comes out in 2019, Teal said.

Boeing is studying a wide range of options for the larger planes, including using the engines designed for a single-aisle plane being developed by China’s COMAC.

Boeing already has decided to enlarge the MAX 7, adding 12 seats. The MAX 7 will have a range of around 3,500 to 3,600 nautical miles, longer than the MAX 8, he said.

Flight testing of the initial 737 MAX 8 planes is on schedule and expected to conclude late this year or early next year, allowing the first 737 MAXs to go to customers in 2017.

“We’re gonna meet that,” Teal said. “It’s going pretty well. All four airplanes are flying.”

Boeing has already built 10 MAX planes and the 11th is in production now. The company is building the 787 MAX 8 first, with delivery in 2017, followed by the MAX 9 in 2018 and the MAX 7 in 2019.

Teal said he didn’t have concerns about supply chain problems as 737 production rates increase and the Max comes into service.



Most of its 737 production in 2017 will be 737 NG (next generation) models, making more MAX models by the end of 2018, he said.

Cathay Pacific ends scheduled B747 pax flights

Cathay Pacific (CX, Hong Kong Chek Lap Kok) has ended B747 passenger operations following the arrival of the type's last scheduled flight, flight CX543 from Tokyo Haneda, on Saturday, October 1.

B-HUJ (msn 27595), which operated the service, was one of three remaining B747-400s still in service with the Hong Kong-based carrier at the time of its retirement.

Cathay Pacific continues to operate seven B747-400(F)s - one B747-400(BCF) and six B747-400(ERF)s - and fourteen B747-8(F)s although the former are due to be phased out by year-end.

According to the ch-aviation aircraft database, Cathay Pacific's relationship with the B747 dates back thirty-seven years and has encompassed seven B747-200s, six B747-200(F)s, six B747-300s, twenty-three B747-400s, twenty-two B747-400(F)s, and fourteen B747-8(F)s.

ch aviation

Photo:Duncan Stewart - LAX

CHINA AIRLINES - A350-900 - B-18901

Alain Charpentier - TLS

FRONTIER - A320-200 - N210FR

Duncan Stewart - LAX

AUSTRIAN - ERJ-195 - OE-LWM

Ton Jochems - AMS

Alaska Airlines to Start Havana Flights in January

Alaska Airlines will launch 1X-daily service to Los Angeles-Havana service on Jan. 5, 2017, the Seattle-based carrier announced Sep. 27. It will be the only nonstop Boeing 737-900 flight to Cuba from the U.S. west coast.

Alaska Airlines is one of eight US airlines granted permission by the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) Aug. 31 to begin scheduled flights between the US and Havana, Cuba.
Of the eight airlines, in addition to Alaska's announcement, four have already announced start dates for Havana service.
Chicago-based United Airlines will begin 1X-daily nonstop Havana service from Newark, New Jersey, on Nov. 29.
Beginning Dec. 1, Atlanta-based Delta Air Lines will launch 1X-daily nonstop service to Havana from Atlanta, Miami and New York-JFK, as will Florida-based low-cost-carrier (LCC) Spirit Airlines, with 2X-daily nonstop service from Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL), and Denver-based LCC Frontier Airlines, with 1X-daily Miami-Havana flights.
Fort Worth, Texas-based American Airlines has not released an official start-date announcement as yet, but the airline has already put tickets for its 4X-daily service from Miami on sale, with a start date of Nov. 28. American will fly a Boeing 737-800 on the route.
The two remaining airlines -- New York-based JetBlue Airways and Dallas-based Southwest Airlines -- have yet to announce specific start dates for their respective Havana flights.
All flights remain subject to approval by Cuban aviation authorities.

Mark Nensel, ATW Daily News
Photo: hsckcwong

China Airlines becomes new operator of the A350 XWB

China Airlines (CAL) has taken delivery of its first A350-900, becoming the ninth airline to operate the world’s newest and most efficient twin engine widebody airliner.

CAL’s A350-900 is configured with a premium three class layout with a total of 306 seats, comprising 32 in Premium Business class, convertible to fully lie-flat beds, 31 in Premium Economy and 243 in the main cabin.

Altogether CAL has ordered 14 A350-900s. After an initial period flying on regional services between Taipei and Hong-Kong, the aircraft will be deployed on long haul flights, starting with Amsterdam, followed by Vienna and Rome.

The A350 XWB features the latest aerodynamic design, carbon fiber fuselage and wings, plus new fuel-efficient Rolls-Royce engines. Together, these latest technologies translate into unrivalled levels of operational efficiency, with a 25 per cent reduction in fuel burn and emissions, and significantly lower maintenance costs. The spaciousness, quietness, beautiful interior and mood lighting in the cabin contribute to superior levels of comfort and well-being, setting new standards in terms of flight experience for all passengers.




To date, Airbus has recorded a total of 810 firm orders for the A350 XWB from 43 customers worldwide, already making it one of the most successful widebody aircraft ever.

Air Canada Adds Two More 787 Routes

Air Canada plans to launch daily Vancouver-Taipei and 3X-weekly Toronto-Mumbai flights using Boeing 787-9s in 2017.

The Vancouver-Taipei route, which is slated to launch June 8, 2017, is subject to government approval. The Toronto-Mumbai service has gained regulatory clearance and will start July 8, 2017.

The 787 routes are the latest examples of Air Canada using the Dreamliner to expand its international reach. The airline announced last week it will start daily Montreal Trudeau-Shanghai Pudong 787-8 flights from Feb. 16, 2017. Air Canada will launch seasonal 3X-weekly Vancouver-Delhi flights with a 787-9 in October.

Air Canada noted it will be the only carrier to offer nonstop service between Canada and Mumbai and the only Canadian carrier to operate nonstop service to Taipei.
The airline's 787-9s are configured with 298 seats, including 30 in business class and 21 in premium economy.
The Toronto-Mumbai route will be Air Canada's third India route. In addition to the Vancouver-Delhi service starting next month, Air Canada launched Toronto-Delhi flights last year.

By Aaron Karp, ATW Daily News 

MRJ's First Test Aircraft Completes Ferry Flight to the U.S.

China Aviation Daily

   

Mitsubishi Aircraft Corporation and Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd. (MHI) today completed the ferry flight to the United States for the First Test Aircraft (FTA-1) of the MRJ (Mitsubishi Regional Jet), the next-generation regional jet. Mitsubishi Aircraft is committed to carrying out frequent, multiple flight tests in the U. S. to accelerate the development of the MRJ toward type certificate acquisition in 2018.

FTA-1 took off from Nagoya Airfield at 1:28 p.m. on September 26 (JST), and arrived at Grant County International Airport in Washington, the U.S. at 9:44 a.m. on September 29 (JST) (5:44 p.m. on September 28 in local time).

Mitsubishi Aircraft and MHI remain committed to achieving steady progress in flight tests with the assistance of three engineering bases (Moses Lake Flight Test Center, the MRJ flight test center within Grant County International Airport; Seattle Engineering Center and Mitsubishi Aircraft Headquarters in Japan) working together toward the success of the MRJ project.
Contributed by Mitsubishi Heavy Industries

COMAC Delivers 2nd ARJ21-700 Regional Jet to Chengdu Airlines

The Commercial Aircraft Corp of China (COMAC) Thursday delivered the second ARJ21-700, the country's first indigenously designed regional jet, to launch customer Chengdu Airlines.

Different from the 90 all-economy seats on its first ARJ21 regional jet, Chengdu Airlines' 2nd ARJ21 (Registration B-3322) features a two-class configuration with 78 seats, including 8 first class seats.
As of September 28, Chengdu Airlines' ARJ21 aircraft has operated 70 flights with an average passenger load factor of 90% since its inaugural revenue flight on June 28, 2016.
As the launch customer of the ARJ21, the Chengdu-based carrier received the first of 30 ARJ21-700 aircraft, Registration B-3321, on November 29, 2015. The regional carrier will take delivery of five ARJ21-700s by the end of this year, including two 90-seat aircraft and three 78-seat ones. All 30 ARJ21s for delivery will be completed within next five to six years.
The regional carrier is the sole airline operating the aircraft type, serving Chengdu-Shanghai Hongqiao route. The new regional jet will be initially deployed on the same route before serving new market, Chengdu Airlines said.
Chengdu Airlines plans to fly first five ARJ21s on seven domestic routes from Chengdu to Shanghai, Beijing, Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Xi'an, Nanjing and Guiyang, to ensure it can handle safe and reliable operations, as well as to build customer awareness of the indigenous aircraft.

China Aviation Daily 

Air Canada to fly Dreamliner direct to Mumbai

Three weekly flights to commence on 1 July 2017

Air Canada will fly its Boeing 787 Dreamliner to Mumbai

Air Canada has unveiled plans to expand its operations in India with the launch of a new direct service connecting Toronto with Mumbai.

Commencing on 1 July 2017, the national carrier will operate three weekly flights on the route using its new Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner aircraft.

Flights will depart Toronto’s Pearson International Airport every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday at 2135 and arrive in Mumbai at 2130 the next day. The return services will then leave Mumbai’s Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport every Wednesday, Friday and Sunday at 2355, arriving back into Toronto at 0535 the following morning.

“Air Canada is pleased to offer customers this new, non-stop route between Toronto and Mumbai. This is Air Canada’s third route to India after Toronto-Delhi service that began last fall and our new seasonal Vancouver-Delhi service commencing next month. This will be the only non-stop service between Canada and Mumbai and with it Air Canada now offers the best coverage of any carrier operating in the Canada-India market,” said Benjamin Smith, Air Canada’s president of passenger airlines.

Air Canada will serve the route using its newest aircraft, the B787-9, which offers 30 flat-bed seats in business class, 21 seats in premium economy and 247 in economy.

This will mean that Air Canada offers three Dreamliner routes between Canada and India, including its year-round daily Toronto-Delhi service and the seasonal Vancouver-Delhi flights, which are due to launch on 20 October 2016

Written by:Mark Elliott

Finnair takes delivery of its seventh A350 aircraft and closes a sale and leaseback agreement

Finnair has finalised an arrangement, already announced last year as a memorandum of understanding, by which Finnair sells the Airbus A350 aircraft delivered today, to GE Capital Aviation Services Limited (“GECAS”) and leases back the aircraft for its own operation. The initial lease period is 12 years, and the lease includes extension options.

The arrangement has a positive, non-recurring effect of approximately 40 million euro on Finnair’s operating profit for the third quarter of 2016, including a gain on sale and currency gains on pre-delivery payments and hedges.

As stated previously, a similar agreement is also in place for Finnair’s next A350 aircraft, which will materialise at the time of delivery, currently anticipated in the first quarter of 2017.

Finnair has ordered a total of 19 new A350-900 XWB aircraft from Airbus and has now received seven. According to the currently anticipated delivery schedule, Finnair will have 11 A350 aircraft by the end of 2017 and 19 by the end of 2023.

Disclosures on the financing arrangements for the A350 aircraft will be made as the agreements are finalized. Finnair’s fleet consists of both owned and leased aircraft.

The fleet operated and owned by Finnair is updated on a quarterly basis on the company’s website at www.finnairgroup.com.

Beijing Capital Airlines Lands in Melbourne for the First Time

Lena Ge, China Aviation Daily

Beijing Capital Airlines officially a Shenyang-Qingdao-Melbourne service, marking its debut in Australia and the sixth mainland Chinese carrier operating at Melbourne Airport.
Flight JD461, operated by Airbus A330-200, touched down at Tullamarine after 8:40 a.m. on Friday morning, after an 11-hour journey from Qingdao in the Shandong Province on China's east coast.

                     

The Beijing-based carrier will operate the Shenyang-Qingdao-Melbourne service thrice weekly, with the Melbourne-bound flights departing on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays.

Beijing Capital Airlines, part of Virgin Australia shareholder HNA Group's stable of airlines, joins Air China, China Eastern Airlines, China Southern Airlines, Sichuan Airlines and Xiamen Air offering service to Melbourne Airport. Hong Kong-based Cathay Pacific and Taiwanese flag carrier China Airlines also serve Melbourne.

And Melbourne will welcome a seventh mainland Chinese carrier from November when Hainan Airlines, also part of HNA Group, begins flights to Tullamarine from Changsha and Xi'an.

Melbourne Airport said China was its number one visitor market, with 820,000 Chinese residents passing through the airport in the 12 months to July 2016.
"Melbourne has achieved the fastest average growth from Chinese passengers over the past five years of all major Australian airports: 18.6 percent each year on average," the airport said.

BOC Aviation Delivers First of Three New Airbus A321 Aircraft to Interjet

BOC Aviation Limited (“BOC Aviation” or “the Company”) is pleased to announce the delivery of the first of three Airbus A321CEO aircraft to Interjet of Mexico. The remaining two aircraft are scheduled to be delivered in the fourth quarter of 2016. All three aircraft are from the Company’s existing order book.

“We are pleased to have Interjet as our newest customer from North America as it grows from strength to strength,” said Robert Martin, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of BOC Aviation. “We continue to provide tailor-made fleet solutions for our customers seeking reliable and fuel-efficient aircraft.”



Jose Luis Garza, the Chief Executive Officer of Interjet, said, “This A321, the first in our fleet, will be used by Interjet in high-density domestic and international flights operations from Mexico City, raising our efficiency in this airport.”

BOC