ANA to Unveil Livery Design on Third Aircraft Featuring "Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba"

・ANA to operate aircraft with new livery on scheduled domestic flights starting from October 3.
・Cabin attendants will sport newly designed aprons inspired by the popular character Kocho Shinobu. Limited edition designs will be featured on in-flight headrest covers and paper cups.
・Stainless steel bottles with illustrations of the new aircraft livery will be available for purchase.

All Nippon Airways (ANA), Japan's largest and 5-Star airline for nine consecutive years is launching its third painted aircraft featuring pictures and characters from the popular animated TV series "Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba." ANA Group began its collaboration with the anime in December 2021, and the first aircraft with "Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba" livery entered service on domestic routes on January 31, 2022 and the second aircraft on March 26, 2022.
The design for the new livery is based on an original illustration by ufotable, drawn exclusively for the ANA aircraft and illustrates characters Tanjiro, Rengoku and Tengen in a dynamic pose. The special livery will be on the B777-200ER (aircraft number: JA745A) aircraft. In addition, special in-flight announcements* by Tanjiro, Rengoku and Tengen can be enjoyed onboard.

"The latest 'Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba' inspired livery is dedicated to the return of an entertaining and unique travel experience for our passengers," said Tomoji Ishii, Executive Vice President, Customer Experience Management & Planning of ANA. "This partnership highlights Japan's rich pop culture and restores a coveted in-flight experience."
From September 1, 2022, passengers onboard domestic and international flights will be able to enjoy the full episode of "Entertainment District Arc", in addition to the "Mugen Train" episodes already available as in-flight entertainment. Details of ANA's collaboration with Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba can also be found on the following website (Japanese only): https://www.ana.co.jp/ja/jp/domestic/promotions/kimetsu/
Flight schedule for special "Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba" livery aircraft
From October 3 to October 16, the aircraft will operate on the schedule below. The aircraft will operate on various routes across Japan from October 17.

*The above flight schedule is subject to change without notice.
*Original in-flight announcements may not be made inflight depending on operating conditions.
*When aircraft is changed, the special services provided on "Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba" livery aircraft will not be provided on the alternate aircraft.
On the first day of scheduled flights on October 3, commemorative gifts will be offered to passengers on the following flights:
Applicable flights: NH241 (from Haneda), NH246 (from Fukuoka), 

NH30 (from Itami), NH78 (from Sapporo)
Commemorative gift: "Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba" original memo pad

Newly designed aprons inspired by Kocho Shinobu
A new design will be added to the tie-up limited edition cabin attendant apron. The current design, an original apron with a motif of Nezuko, will also continue to be worn.

Limited edition in-flight headrest covers
An exclusive headrest cover featuring Tanjiro and Nezuko, illustrated by ufotable, will be used on seats for the special livery aircraft.

Newly designed paper cups
In-flight beverage services will be provided with specially designed paper cups featuring the first Demon Slayer : Kimetsu no Yaiba livery aircraft.
*Paper cups will be introduced sequentially from October 2022

Stainless steel bottles with illustration of the specially designed aircraft
Starting September 30, 2022, two different versions of stainless steel bottles with designs of the new livery aircraft will be available. Stainless steel bottles will be available at "In-flight Duty Free Pre-Order Service" for international flights, at "ANA STORE@SKY" which can be accessed via Wi-Fi on ANA domestic flights and in lounges, and the official ANA EC site "ANA STORE/ANA Shopping A-style"*.
Purchases at *"ANA STORE/ANA Shopping A-style" are available only within Japan.


*To ensure that as many customers will be able to purchase, a limit of one item per person will be applied.
ANA

From the classroom to the big stage: Alaska surprises HBCU students with trip to legacy Monterey Jazz Festival

Today, guests were treated to an exclusive concert in the clouds and at the gate by students from HBCUs Morgan State & Texas Southern University headed for the Monterey Jazz Festival. They even invited Alaska employee, Lauren, to join them in song. We’re all jazzed about it! 

Alaska Airlines
 

United Invests Another $15 Million in Electric Flying Taxi Market with Eve

Airline Signs Purchase Agreement for up to 400 eVTOL Aircraft from Eve Aiming to Revolutionize Commuter Experience in Cities Around the World

CHICAGO, September 8, 2022 – United today announced a $15 million investment in Eve Air Mobility and a conditional purchase agreement for 200 four-seat electric aircraft plus 200 options, expecting the first deliveries as early as 2026. This marks another significant investment from United in flying taxis – or eVTOLs (electric vertical take-off and landing vehicle) – that have the potential to revolutionize the commuter experience in cities around the world. Under the terms of the agreement, the companies intend to work on future projects, including studies on the development, use and application of Eve’s aircraft and the urban air mobility (UAM) ecosystem.

“United has made early investments in several cutting-edge technologies at all levels of the supply chain, staking out our position as a leader in aviation sustainability and innovation,” said Michael Leskinen, President of United Airlines Ventures. “Today, United is making history again, by becoming the first major airline to publicly invest in two eVTOL companies. Our agreement with Eve highlights our confidence in the urban air mobility market and serves as another important benchmark toward our goal of net zero carbon emissions by 2050 – without using traditional offsets. Together, we believe our suite of clean energy technologies will revolutionize air travel as we know it and serve as the catalyst for the aviation industry to move toward a sustainable future.”

“United's investment in Eve reinforces the trust in our products and services and strengthens our position in the North American market,” said Andre Stein, co-CEO of Eve. “I am confident that our UAM agnostic solutions, coupled with the global know-how we have been developing at Eve and Embraer’s heritage, are the best fit for this initiative, giving United’s customers a quick, economical and sustainable way to get to its hub airports and commute in dense urban environments. It is an unparalleled opportunity to work with United to advance the US UAM ecosystem, and we look forward to it.”

United was the first major U.S. airline to create a corporate venture fund, United Airlines Ventures (UAV), designed to support the company’s 100% green commitment to reach net zero emissions by 2050 without the use of traditional offsets. Through UAV, United has led the industry in investments in eVTOL and electric aircraft, hydrogen fuel cell engines, and sustainable aviation fuel. Last month, United gave a $10 million deposit to a California-based eVTOL company for 100 aircraft.

United’s investment in Eve was driven in part by confidence in the potential growth opportunities in the UAM market and Eve’s unique relationship with Embraer, a trusted aircraft manufacturer with a proven track record of building and certifying aircraft over the company’s 53-year history. Critically, their relationship includes access to Embraer’s service centers, parts warehouses and field service technicians, paving the way for a reliable operation. Upon entry into service, United could have its entire eVTOL fleet serviced by Eve’s agnostic service and support operations. Moreover, United joins the consortium led by Eve, which will simulate UAM operations in Chicago from September 12th.

Rather than relying on traditional combustion engines, eVTOL aircraft are designed to use electric motors, providing carbon-free flights and to be used as 'air taxis' in urban markets. Eve’s design uses conventional fixed wings, rotors and pushers, giving it a practical and intuitive lift-plus-cruise design, which favors safety, efficiency, reliability and certifiability. With a range of 60 miles (100 km), its vehicle has the potential not only to offer a sustainable commute but also to reduce noise levels by 90 percent compared to current conventional aircraft. Eve is also creating a new air traffic management solution designed for the UAM industry to scale safely. This software is intended to perform at the same safety level as Embraer’s existing air traffic management software and expected to be a strategic asset to helping the entire industry grow.

FLYARYSTAN / A320 Néo / F-WWDX msn 11120

 Alain Charpentier

STARLUX AIRLINES / A350-900 / F-WZGN msn 480

Alain Charpentier
 

Brussels-Zaventem [BRU/EBBR] Belgium - 09/2022

 Steven Picalausa

USAJET / MD-88F / N833US

 new colors usajet MD-88F getting loaded up at CLE
delivered 3-3 1991 to Delta as N972DL
12-2021 converted to a freighter for usajet

GeorgeM757 / Cleveland Hopkins

Seattle / Tacoma - International (SEA / KSEA) - 09/2022

 Brian Worthington

Seattle Boeing Field King County International (BFI / KBFI) - 09/2022

Brian Worthington
 

Comlux Aruba / P4-787 / P4-787 - New Livery, "Solitaire"

Dublin - EIDW, Ireland
By: Conor Ewings

EGYPT GOVERNMENT / B747-8 / SU-EGY - New Livery

Dirk Grothe
 

JetSmart / A321N / CC-AWS

Dirk Grothe
 

Frontier / A321N / N603FR

 Dirk Grothe

Los Angeles International Airport - 08/2022

 hsckcwong 

Rhodes-Diagoras-Greece - 09/2022

Steven Picalausa 
 

Pakistani CAA rescinds Iconair's operating licence

 The Pakistan Civil Aviation Authority (PCAA) has reportedly canceled the operating licence of Iconair (ICN, Karachi Int'l). The airline was established in 2012 by Saudi Arabian investors, acquired its air operator's certificate in 2012 and received its first plane in 2015, a B737-800.

But Pakistan's Daily Times reported on Monday, September 19, that the PCAA revoked Iconair's right to operate domestic and international flights with immediate effect. Citing PCAA sources, the newspaper reported that the PCAA was warning the public against dealing with the airline. Iconair initially intended to operate a fleet of B737 Classics to destinations in South Asia, the Middle East, and Africa.

The PCAA website does not list Iconair as an active Pakistan-based airline. The ch-aviation PRO airlines module indicates that Iconair does not presently have any aircraft in its possession. ch-aviation has approached Iconair for comment.

Ch aviation

Turkish Airlines bemoans B787 delays; considers E2s

Turkish Airlines (TK, Istanbul New) is severely constrained in its growth ambitions by the lack of available narrow- and widebody next-generation aircraft and could add as many as 70 new aircraft in 2023, Chairman Ahmet Bolat told aviation journalist Kurt Hofmann.

"I’m planning to open new routes, but missing widebodies. If I can find them right now, we could easily buy 20 more next-generation widebody aircraft - B787s or A350s - ready to come in 2023," Bolat said.

The carrier had hoped that once the FAA had recertified B787 production, deliveries of the carrier's ten remaining firm-ordered B787-9s (of which eight are already built) would have progressed smoothly. Bolat said that this hope had proven misplaced, and "nobody knows when Boeing delivers[sic] our B787s". The ch-aviation fleets advanced module shows that Turkish Airlines currently operates fifteen B787-9s.

To compensate for the B787s' absence, the airline scooped six A350-900s originally assigned for Aeroflot (SU, Moscow Sheremetyevo) earlier this year. Four of them have already been delivered, with the other two due to follow by year-end. In addition to these aircraft and eleven A350-900s already in Turkish Airlines' fleet, the carrier has a further 13 on order from Airbus.

Bolat said the airline is looking for more white-tail widebodies as it is the only way to rapidly add more capacity.

Aside from a widebody deficit, Turkish is also struggling with a shortage of narrowbody aircraft. Bolat said the airline holding group will be able to absorb up to 50 next-generation aircraft - either A320neo Family or B737 MAX - in 2023. The new units will be split evenly between the mainline carrier and AnadoluJet division.

"I have the routes where we would need all these aircraft and also, it gives us advantages to replace my old fleet - about half of the new aircraft would be replacements of older aircraft," Bolat explained.

Turkish Airlines' and AnadoluJet's narrowbody fleet currently comprises six A319-100s, eleven A320-200s, a single A320-200N, sixty-six A321-200s, thirty-six A321-200NX, seventy-nine B737-800s, twenty-seven B737-8s, and five B737-9s.

Bolat added that the carrier is also in talks with Embraer about adding its first regional jets. However, any such step would be contingent on the manufacturer offering extensive maintenance support for a relatively small sub-fleet.

"Bring the aircraft, the pilots, bring power-by-the-hour maintenance, then I'll take the aircraft. Such an offer I would consider," he mused.

ch aviation

Azul to retire 12 Embraer E195-E1 jets

Brazilian airline Azul announced Tuesday that it will phase out, by the end of 2023, 12 Embraer E195-E1 jets from its passenger operating fleet.

The E195-E1 fleet will be reduced by 22 aircraft compared to 2019, representing a 40% reduction and a significant acceleration of the fleet renewal plan.

The exit of these 12 aircraft is related to the recent negotiation of the sale of 5 aircraft to Azorra Aviation, reducing debt, the end of the lease of 4 aircraft, and the conversion of 3 aircraft to freighters.

“This announcement demonstrates our ability to accelerate the gradual replacement of Embraer’s E195-E1 aircraft. The departure of these aircraft gives us the opportunity to move forward in receiving the new generation E195-E2s, further expanding our margins, given that the cost per seat of the E2s is 26% lower compared to the E1s,” said Alex Malfitani, CFO of Azul.

aviacionaldia.

B747-400ERF joins National Airlines Fleet

U.S. based National Airlines announces the arrival of a Boeing 747-400 ERF, Extended Range Freighter, to its fleet. This addition is a fuel-efficient freighter under registration N663CA (MSN 35237). Featuring a nose door and a large side door, the aircraft is a logical choice globally for sophisticated cargo movements across long distances. The induction is part of National Airlines’ current global fleet and network expansion approach to meet the massive demand to move huge shipments worldwide.

The aircraft has a maximum gross payload of an incredible 128 metric tons (about 282,000 pounds). The nose door loading capability, a unique feature of this type of aircraft, gives National the capability to move customers’ shipments of any length, which is not possible with the B777 freighter. This aircraft is also particularly suitable for pharmaceuticals, seafood, perishables, and other cold chain shipments.

“The introduction of the B747-400 ERF aircraft is part of our greater vision to modernize our fleet and enhance our service offerings for our customers. Our prime focus is not just rapid fleet expansion, but also to offer newer and innovative air freight solutions to the post-COVID global market to meet growing specialized cargo demands”, remarked Christopher Alf, Chairman of National Air Cargo Holdings, Inc.

With this addition, National Airlines offers additional freighter capacity to carry lengthy, odd-sized, bulk and delicate cargo across its global network of over 200 airports within a stipulated time frame. National will continue to add more freighter aircraft to its fleet in the coming months.

Artist Impression by: National Airlines

Scramble