World Airline News
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South African to start Dulles-Dakar-Johannesburg
March 31, 2009
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South African Airways (Johannesburg) on May 1 will launch a new Washington (Dulles)-Dakar-Johannesburg route. The new route will be flown with Airbus A340-600s.
Singapore puts first A330-300 into service
March 31, 2009
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Singapore Airlines (Singapore) put its first Airbus A330-343 (9V-STA) into revenue service today (March 31) between Singapore and Brisbane.
Ethiopian Airlines to add service to Malabo
March 31, 2009
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Ethiopian Airlines (Addis Ababa) will add Malabo and the Addis Ababa-Malabo route on June 2. The three times weekly service will be operated with Boeing 757-200s and 767-300s.
Estonian Air to start two new routes in June
March 31, 2009
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Estonian Air (Tallinn) will add a new route from Tallinn to Amsterdam on June 7 followed by a new route to Berlin (Tegel) on June 8.
Bombardier receives second CSeries order
March 31, 2009
Bombardier (Toronto) has received an order for 20 CSeries airliners from Lease Corporation International Limited. LCI also secured 20 options.
US Helicopter resumes Manhattan service
March 31, 2009
Using a registration from Northwest Airlines' DC-10 past, Sikorsky S-76B N151US (msn 760310) of US Helicopter waits for its next group of passengers at JFK. Copyright Photo: Ken Petersen.
US Helicopter (New York) on March 27 resumed helicopter service from the downtown Manhattan heliport to both JFK and Newark airports.
Alaska is again forced to close Anchorage
March 31, 2009
Alaska Airlines (Seattle/Tacoma) was again forced to close ANC yesterday due to another Mount Redoubt ash clouded headed towards the Anchorage area. AS is diverting its traffic to Fairbanks.
airBaltic to start Riga-Tromso on March 31
March 30, 2009
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airBaltic (Riga) will launch a new route tomorrow (March 31) between Riga and Tromso in northern Norway. The new route will be operated four times a week.
Iraqi Airways returns to the European Union
March 29, 2009 — 2 Comments
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Iraqi Airways (Baghdad) on Thursday (March 26) returned to the European Union after 19 years. The airline scheduled a weekly Baghdad-Athens-Stockholm (Arlanda) flight. However the flight was actually operated by Seagle Air’s Boeing 737-33A OM-HLB (msn 25011). The flag carrier was banned by an international embargo after Iraq invaded Kuwait in August 1990. The company plans to add scheduled flights to Germany as well as to Bahrain, Doha and destinations in India.
British Airways ends Dhaka service after 36 years
March 29, 2009
British Airways (London) yesterday ended its Dhaka-London route after 36 years of BOAC/British Airways service.
Air Canada to launch Vancouver-Paris one-stops
March 29, 2009
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Air Canada (Montreal) on July 1 will launch Vancouver-Paris (CDG) service via Montreal.
In other news, Raymond James analyst, Ben Cherniavksy, has given AC’s chance of survival as no better than 50/50. The flag carrier is facing a tight credit market and is unable to access its $400 million line of credit.
Read the full story in the Financial Post:
http://www.financialpost.com/most-popular/story.html?id=1436524
Mokulele Airlines to start Honolulu-Hilo May 1
March 29, 2009
Mokulele Airlines (Kailua-Kona) will add the Honolulu-Hilo route on May 1. The new route will be operated by Shuttle America’s Embraer ERJ 170s.
Delta and Northwest to cross fleet some flights
March 29, 2009
Delta Air Lines (Atlanta) will start cross-fleeting with Northwest Airlines some flights starting on April 1. The carrier will better match routes with aircraft types. Therefore some Northwest Airlines operated aircraft may be seen flying on some Delta flights and vice versa. The NW fleet is rapidly being repainted but technically there are still two airlines with two separate AOCs until the AOCs can be merged.
Alaska Airlines again closes ANC operations
March 29, 2009
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Alaska Airlines’ (Seattle/Tacoma) Anchorage operation is being destroyed by Mount Redoubt. The dominant carrier at ANC was forced again to shut down operations Saturday evening after Mount Redoubt erupted again around 3:40 p.m. Alaska time. Ted Stevens International Airport ceased all operations around 6 p.m. (1800) local time. AS cancelled 37 flights in and out of ANC on Saturday. Since the volcanic eruptions began on March 22, AS has cancelled more than 185 flights affecting an estimated 10,000 passengers. ANC is expected to reopen today.
Air Azul to start Melbourne-Newark charters
March 29, 2009
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Air Azul (Fort Lauderdale/Hollywood) will start twice-weekly public charter flights between Melbourne, FL and Newark on June 10. Fares will start at $79 one-way and will operate on Wednesdays and Saturdays. Flights will be operated by Sun Country Airlines.
Emirates SkyCargo receives first Boeing 777F
March 28, 2009
The first Emirates SkyCargo Boeing 777-F1H was delivered as A6-EFD (msn 35606). Copyright Photo: Boeing.
Emirates Airline (Dubai) yesterday (March 27) took delivery of its first (of eight) new Boeing 777F freighter for its Emirates SkyCargo division.
Royal Air Maroc to launch Royal Air Maroc Express
March 28, 2009
Royal Air Maroc (Casablanca) will launch a new regional subsidiary called Royal Air Maroc Express this summer. RAM is leasing four used ATR 72-200s from ATR as an interim measure in order to start the new airline. The parent has also ordered two new 48-seat ATR 42-600s and four new 70-seat ATR 72-600s. The new aircraft will start to arrive in the spring of 2011.
Finnair takes delivery of its first Airbus A330
March 28, 2009
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Finnair (Helsinki) on March 26 took delivery of its first (of eight) Airbus A330-302 on March 26.
Austrian takes delivery of first 767 with winglets
March 28, 2009
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Austrian Airlines (Vienna) yesterday (March 27) received its first Boeing 767-300 enhanced with Aviation Partners Boeing Blended Winglets. 767-3Z9 ER OE-LAE (msn 30383) arrived at the Vienna base.
Airberlin agrees to cross share with TUIfly
March 28, 2009
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Airberlin (Berlin-Tegel) has agreed with TUI Travel to cross share stock with its TUIfly (TUIfly.com) (Hanover) subsidiary. Airberlin will purchase up to 20 percent of the TUIfly stock and take over TUIfly’s European inter-city routes. TUIfly’s charter section will remain with TUIfly. In turn, TUIfly Travel will purchase up to 20 percent of the stock of Airberlin. This agreement is subject to regulatory approvals. If approved both airlines will keep their brands.
Alaska Airlines resumes Anchorage operations
March 28, 2009
Now retired, Alaska Airlines' Boeing 737-290C N740AS (msn 22578) prepares to land at Anchorage. Copyright Photo: Michael Carter.
Alaska Airlines (Seattle/Tacoma) yesterday afternoon (March 27) resumed operations at Anchorage as the ash cloud from Mount Redoubt moved on.
Photographer captures possible 737 bird strike
March 28, 2009
Copyright Photo: Jorge Doblado/www.catrachowings.com
Continental Airlines’ (Houston) Boeing 737-824 N14231 (msn 28795) was on final approach to Newark (Liberty) when photographer Jorge Doblado caught at the precise moment what appears to be an apparent bird strike and subsequent engine flames.
China Southern modifies scheme with new 777Fs
March 27, 2009
The second of six, Boeing 777-F1B B-2702 (msn 37310) takes off from Everett in the modified color scheme. Copyright Photo: Joe G. Walker.
China Southern Airlines (Guangzhou) is getting ready to take delivery of the first new Boeing 777F freighters. The new type is also ushering in a modified all-white fuselage.
Delta to phase out the Northwest brand in 2010
March 27, 2009 — 2 Comments
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Delta Air Lines (Atlanta) is quickly repainting the Northwest Airlines-NWA fleet, changing signage and issuing Delta uniforms to NW flight crews. The Northwest brand will be gone by the end of 2010.
Watch for a special salute to the history of Northwest Airlines this summer in the Airliners Gallery digital photo library. Click on the photo for a sample and then search on “Northwest” (many more photos coming).
Alaska cancels all flights from Anchorage
March 27, 2009
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Alaska Airlines (Seattle/Tacoma) was forced yesterday to totally shut down all flights in and out of Anchorage due to ash from Mount Redoubt. AS hopes to reopen ANC this morning if the ash cloud moves away.
Air France/KLM acquire 25% of Alitalia (2nd)
March 27, 2009
Air France (Paris) and KLM Royal Dutch Airlines (Amsterdam) have completed the acquisition of 25 percent of the stock of the new Alitalia (2nd) (Rome).
Volaris to add three U.S. cities
March 27, 2009 — 1 Comment
Volaris (volaris.com.mx) (Toluca) will add Fort Lauderdale/Hollywood in June. The low-cost carrier has also applied to serve Los Angeles and Oakland. Volaris will work closely with Southwest Airlines (both carriers announced a new code share agreement last year).
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Thomson Airways adds Thomson titles to new 737
March 27, 2009
G-FDZR taxies at Seattle (King County-Boeing Field) in the 2001 TUI "smile" livery. Copyright Photo: Joe G. Walker.
Thomson Airways’ (London-Luton) new Boeing 737-8K5 G-FDZR (msn 35145) will be delivered with the new Thomson titles. Thomson Airways was created on November 1, 2008 with the merger of Thomsonfly and First Choice Airways.
Aeroflot submits tender offer for Czech Airlines
March 26, 2009
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Aeroflot (Moscow) has submitted a tender offer to the Ministry of Finance with the intent to buy the Czech government’s 91.5 percent share of the state airline.
In other news, Czech Airlines will start serving Novosibirsk and Tashkent at the end of March for the summer season.
Aerolineas Argentinas to acquire 20 ERJ 190s
March 25, 2009
Aerolineas Argentinas (Buenos Aires) is planning to acquire 20 Embraer ERJ 190s. Brazil will lend the airline $700 million to acquire the new aircraft.
Xtra Airways’ 737-429 N42XA in new colors
March 25, 2009
Boeing 737-429 N42XA (msn 25729) of Xtra Airways prepares to depart from San Francisco in the new look. To see how N42XA was formerly painted please click on the photo. Copyright Photo: Mark Durbin.
Xtra Airways (formerly Casino Express) (Elko) introduced this updated color scheme in December 2008.
Star Aviation delays start-up to July
March 25, 2009
Star Aviation (Chennai) has delayed its start-up to at least July. It was planning to acquire up to seven Embraer ERJ 170-100LRs in order to serve regional routes in southern India.
Air Ethiopia starts operations
March 25, 2009 — 1 Comment
Air Ethiopia (Addis Ababa) commenced charter operations earlier this month with a 19-seat Beech 1900C (ET-AMX). Scheduled flights to Bahir Dar and Mekelle will be added later this month.
Italiatour Airlines will start on April 8
March 25, 2009
The first aircraft for Italiatour Airlines is Avro RJ85 I-CLBA (msn E2300) pictured at Cologne. Copyright Photo: Rainer Bexten.
Italiatour Airlines (Verona) will commence operations on April 8 from Brescia and Crotone to Rome (FCO).
Icelandair to add Seattle/Tacoma on July 22
March 25, 2009
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Icelandair (Reykjavik) will add the Reykjavik (Keflavik)-Seattle/Tacoma route (four times weekly) for the summer season starting on July 22. The new route will be operated with 183-seat Boeing 757-200s.
LAN Cargo (Brazil) starts domestic operations
March 25, 2009
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LAN Cargo (Brazil) (subsidiary of LAN Airlines S.A.) started a domestic route in Brazil between Sao Paulo and Manuas with a Boeing 767-300F freighter on March 23, 2009.
FedEx threatens to cancel Boeing orders
March 25, 2009
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FedEx Express (FedEx Corporation) (Memphis) is threatening to cancel its outstanding Boeing orders if Congress passes a law making it easier for unions to organize according to Reuters. FedEx has 30 new Boeing 777F freighters (777-200LRs) on order besides the 757-200 conversions. Read the full story at:
http://finance.yahoo.com/news/FedEx-threatens-to-cancel-rb-14736526.html
AirTran adds new routes from MCO and MKE
March 25, 2009
AirTran Airways (Orlando and Atlanta) continues to add new routes. The low-fare airline will add three new routes from Orlando (MCO). Asheville (three times weekly) will be added on June 11 followed by Atlantic City (three times weekly) and Knoxville (four times weekly) on June 12.
The airline also continues to build up its focus city of Milwaukee. On June 11 it will add two daily flights on the important MKE-Washington (Reagan National) route filling the void left by the downsizing of Midwest Airlines (Milwaukee). The carrier will now offer 33 daily departures from MKE to 19 non-stop destinations.
Alaska Airlines starts adding WiFi stickers
March 25, 2009
A close-up of N644AS at San Francisco. Copyright Photo: Mark Durbin.
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Alaska Airlines (Seattle/Tacoma) has started adding “WiFi Inflight” stickers.
In other news, the company will operate again to Bethel, Kotzebue and Nome depending on the ash conditions from Mount Redoubt on a day by day basis. Aircraft resting overnight at Anchorage are being wrapped in a protective plastic sealant.
Mesa Air Group ends Mokulele relationship
March 24, 2009
Island Air is the new partner for go! (Mesa Air Group). Island Air's Bombardier DHC-8-103 N809WP (msn 32) stops at Kuanakakai on Molokai. Copyright Photo: Andy Jung.
Mesa Air Group (Phoenix) has elected to prematurely end its relationship with go!Express partner Mokulele Airlines (Kailua-Kona). Effective March 25, Mesa’s go! Hawaiian inter-island subsidiary will code share with Island Air (Honolulu) for feeder traffic. Republic Airways recently announced its intention to increase its share in Mokulele Airlines. The two parties are now squaring off as competitors.
American Eagle to add new routes from DFW
March 24, 2009
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American Eagle Airlines (Dallas/Fort Worth) will add additional routes from the DFW hub besides the previously announced service to Santa Fe, NM. In addition, the company will add spoke routes to Brownsville, Lake Charles and Montgomery on June 11. Manhattan, KS will come on line on August 25.
Alaska suspends all flights north of Anchorage
March 24, 2009
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Alaska Airlines (Seattle/Tacoma) has suspended all flights north of Anchorage due to the eruption of Mount Redoubt on March 23 and the airborne volcanic ash which can cause engine failures. The cities impacted include Barrow, Bethel, Fairbanks, Kotzebue, Nome and Prudhoe Bay. So far, 45 flights have been cancelled.
AirTran to start Atlanta-Atlantic City June 11
March 24, 2009
AirTran Airways (Orlando and Atlanta) will start a new route from the ATL hub to Atlantic City, NJ on June 11. ACY becomes the 59th destination for the company.
Jetairfly adds a Boeing 737-700 with winglets
March 23, 2009
OO-JAR makes its first visit to Palma de Mallorca. Copyright Photo: Javier Rodriguez.
Jetairfly (TUI Airlines Belgium) (Brussels) has added a second Boeing 737-700. 737-7K5 OO-JAR (msn 35150) was delivered on March 7 and is named “Enjoy”. It is the first -700 for the company with Aviation Partners Boeing Blended Winglets.
FedEx Express MD-11 crashes at Tokyo Narita
March 23, 2009
N526FE was a frequent visitor to Anchorage. N526FE is pictured arriving at ANC on an overcast day. Copyright Photo: Joe G. Walker.
FedEx Express (Memphis) has lost a McDonnell Douglas MD-11F freighter (N526FE, msn 48600, ex Delta N813DE) on landing in gusty winds at Tokyo (Narita) on Monday, March 23 (Tokyo time) (March 22 U.S. time). The aircraft, operating as flight FX 80 from Guangzhou, crashed in a fiery crash and is totally destroyed. Video shows the aircraft bounced at least twice, veered to the left and flipped on its side before bursting into flames. Unfortunately the two crew members died in the crash.
Here is the dramatic crash video link on the fiery crash from CNN via YouTube:
Delta adds its first 767-300 with winglets
March 22, 2009
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Delta Air Lines (Atlanta) following American Airlines, will put its first Boeing 767-332 ER (N1610D, msn 30594) with Aviation Partners Boeing Blended Winglets into revenue service in the near future.
SunExpress to celebrate its 20th Anniversary
March 22, 2009
TC-SUJ also now carries SunExpress.com web titles. Copyright Photo: Gunter Mayer.
SunExpress Airlines (Antalya) is getting ready to celebrate its upcoming 20th Anniversary with this special “20 Years” blue sticker as seen on Boeing 737-8CX TC-SUJ (msn 32368) at night at Nuremberg. The company was originally formed in October 1989 as a joint venture between Turkish Airlines and Lufthansa. The company commenced operations in April of 1990.
Czech Airlines’ first ATR 42 in the new colors
March 22, 2009
Czech Airlines-CSA (Prague) has painted its first ATR 42-500 (OK-JFJ, msn 623) in the new 2007 colors.
OK-JFJ was repainted in February 2009 and is spotted at Nuremberg. Copyright Photo: Gunter Mayer.
Sichuan increases share in United Eagle Airlines
March 21, 2009
Sichuan Airlines (Chengdu) has increased its share in neighboring United Eagle Airlines (ueair.com) (Chengdu) to a controlling 76 percent (merger coming?). The remaining shares are held by private entities, mostly in the Chengdu area. United Eagle started regional services on July 2005 after A320 B-6266 (msn 1751) was delivered on June 8, 2005 on lease from GECAS. Today United Eagle operates Airbus A319s and A320s.
Mauritania Airlines International is born
March 21, 2009
Mauritania Airlines International-MAI (Nouakchott) has been established as the new state airline of Mauritania. The new flag carrier will replace defunct Air Mauritanie which was liquidated by the government in October 2007.
