World Airline News
Fresh Daily Airline News
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American is evaluating its 3 maintenance bases
March 11, 2009
American Airlines (Dallas/Fort Worth) has stated it is now evaluating whether it still needs three maintenance and overhaul bases (Alliance Airport near Fort Worth, Kansas City and Tulsa) with the downturn in worldwide demand.
Ethiopian Cargo’s first MD-11F freighter
March 11, 2009
ET-AML arrives at a rainy Liege. Copyright Photo: Rainer Bexten.
Ethiopian Airlines (Addis Ababa) on January 31, 2009 took delivery of its first converted McDonnell Douglas MD-11F freighter. Previously it leased a MD-11 (N801DE) from World Airways.
Alitalia Cargo to be sold to Alis Aerolinee
March 10, 2009
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Alitalia Cargo (Rome) is expected to be sold to Alis Aerolinee in the coming weeks.
Air Dolomiti continues to phase out BAe 146s
March 10, 2009
146-300 I-ADJH (msn E3129) is probably the next to go. The airliner is parked at the gate at Nuremberg. Copyright Photo: Gunter Mayer.
Air Dolomiti (Verona) continues to retire its BAe 146 fleet as the new Embraer ERJ 195s arrive. The company has put its second BAe 146-300 (I-ADJG, msn E3169) into storage at Exeter. This follows the retirement of I-ADJF (msn E3193) in January. The remaining three 146-300s should be gone by the end of the year.
Mexicana Click to replace F100s with 717s
March 10, 2009
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Mexicana Click (subsidiary of Mexicana) (formerly Click Mexicana) (Mexico City) will lease 25 104-seat Boeing 717-200s from Boeing Capital Corporation via its parent. The first copy will arrive this month and will replace the current 25 Fokker F.28 Mk. 0100s (Fokker 100s).
Southwest comes to Minneapolis/St. Paul
March 10, 2009
Southwest Airlines (Dallas) yesterday (March 9) added Minneapolis/St. Paul with eight daily nonstop flights to the Chicago (Midway) hub. WN will operate from the Humphrey Terminal.
Delta to start Atlanta-Brasilia December 17
March 10, 2009
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Delta Air Lines (Atlanta) will start three-times-weekly nonstop service between the Atlanta hub and Brasilia starting on December 17, 2009. The new route will be assigned to Boeing 757-200s.
Lufthansa Cargo to ground four MD-11Fs
March 10, 2009
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Lufthansa Cargo (Frankfurt) due to decreased demand is grounding for McDonnell Douglas MD-11F freighters.
Iberia and SEPLA are at a critical stage
March 10, 2009
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Iberia (Madrid) and the SEPLA pilots association are a critical stage of negotiations for a new contract. After reaching a tentative agreement in the negotiations in late January, the union has now left the negotiations. The union is claiming the airline is changing the previous agreement concerning the retirement age, pay increases (the wages have been frozen for the past five years) and who will fly the long-range routes. SEPLA has called for a meeting on Thursday to either accept the new proposal or call for a strike.
Delta and Midwest announce a new alliance
March 10, 2009
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Delta Air Lines (Atlanta) and Midwest Airlines (Milwaukee) today announced a new alliance agreement for reciprocity of the two airlines’ frequent flyer programs, joint marketing efforts and expanded access to airport lounges throughout North America. This agreement replaces the previous agreement between Midwest and Northwest Airlines which is being absorbed by Delta. The agreement also includes code-sharing which should commence in June 2009. Meanwhile AirTran Airways (Orlando and Atlanta) continues to add routes from Midwest’s Milwaukee hub.
American puts first 767-300 WL into service
March 10, 2009
Boeing 767-323 ER N389AA (msn 27449) maneuvers on the airfield at Heathrow Airport. Copyright Photo: Antony J. Best.
N389AA is pictured at Kansas City (MCI) prior to leaving for San Bernardino. Copyright Photo: Steve Nelson (APB).
American Airlines (Dallas/Fort Worth) on March 8 puts its first Boeing 767-323 ER with Aviation Partners Boeing Blended Winglets into revenue service between DFW and London (Heathrow). Boeing 767-323 ER N389AA (msn 27449) was first 767 to be converted and was ferried from AA’s Kansas City maintenance base after installation to San Bernardino on July 20, 2008 for testing and FAA certification. AA intends to modify all 58 Boeing 767-300s. Each airplane is expected to save 500,000 gallons of fuel each year. The work should be completed by 2011. The company has already added winglets to its fleet of 124 Boeing 757-200s and 77 Boeing 737-800s.
Aerolift Il-76 S9-SAB crashes into Lake Victoria
March 9, 2009
Aerolift (Johannesburg) lost its Ilyushin Il-76 S9-SAB on takeoff today at Entebbe. The cargo plane crashed into Lake Victoria. All 11 people on board were killed.
Cathay Pacific starts Miami cargo service
March 8, 2009
Cathay Pacific and MDAD officials welcome the first arrival at MIA at 0630 local time on March 6. (MDAD)
Cathay Pacific Airways (Hong Kong) launched a new cargo route on March 6 from HKG to Miami and Houston (IAH) via Anchorage.
Airberlin considers selling LTU
March 8, 2009
LTU's Airbus A330-322 D-AERK (msn 120) operates in Airberlin's new 2008 livery at Nuremberg. Copyright Photo: Gunter Mayer.
Airberlin (Airberlin.com) (Berlin-Tegel) is considering selling its long-haul LTU (Dusseldorf) subsidiary according to a report in Wirtschaftswoche. LTU currently operates four Airbus A330-200s and three A330-300s.
Alaska and ALPA reach tentative agreement
March 8, 2009
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Alaska Airlines (Seattle/Tacoma) and the Air Line Pilots Association (ALPA) have reached a tentative new four-year contract. The new agreement is subject to the ratification of AS’ 1,500 pilots.
AirTran Airways starts BWI-Cancun service
March 8, 2009
AirTran Airways (Orlando and Atlanta) yesterday (March 7) started daily service on the Baltimore/Washington (BWI)-Cancun route.
Thai to consolidate operations at Suvarnabhumi
March 7, 2009
Thai Airways International (Bangkok) has decided that operating at Bangkok’s two airports is too expensive. Thai will move its 23 domestic flights from Don Muenang to the newer Suvarnabhumi on March 29, 2009 and consolidate all operations at this airport.
Olympic Airlines to be sold to Marfin
March 7, 2009
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Olympic Airlines (Athens) will be sold to the Marfin Investment Group despite a higher bid by Aegean Airlines (Athens). The government of Greece rejected the Aegean bid and is now finalizing the deal with Marfin.
Aurigny Air Services accepts first ATR 72-500
March 7, 2009
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Aurigny Air Services (Guernsey) on March 6 took delivery of its first (of two) ATR 72-500 (ATR 72-212A). G-COBO (msn 852) repositioned from Toulouse to Southampton. In other news, Aurigny will start Guernsey-East Midlands service on May 1.
LAN Airlines celebrates its 80th Anniversary
March 7, 2009
LAN Airlines (Santiago) on March 5, 2009 celebrated its 80th Anniversary of its founding (please click on photo for more information).
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First Air to lease a Boeing 767-223 (F) freighter
March 7, 2009
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First Air (Bradley Air Services Limited dba) (Ottawa) has signed a contract with Cargo Aircraft Management (CAM), subsidiary of Air Transport Services Group, for the dry lease of an ex-American Airlines Boeing 767-223 (F) freighter. This is the first wide body for the company. Air Transport Services Group is the holding company for ABX Air, ATI and and Capital Cargo International Airlines.
QANTAS is forced to ground all 3 Airbus A380s
March 6, 2009
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QANTAS Airways (Sydney) was forced to ground all three Airbus A380s in a 24-hour period (one is already back in service). Two aircraft had a fuel tank indication system problem.
Cargojet buys remaining 49% of Prince Edward Air
March 6, 2009
Cargojet Airways (subsidiary of Cargojet Income Fund) (Hamilton) has agreed to buy the remaining 49 percent of Prince Edward Air (Charlottetown). Previously Cargojet acquired a controlling 51 percent interest in the feeder and charter airline on May 1, 2008. The deal is expected to be closed on March 31, 2009. Cargojet started the Cargojet Regional brand in October 2007 after it acquired Georgian Express on July 27, 2007
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Republic to invest $40 million in Frontier
March 6, 2009
Republic Airways Holdings (Indianapolis) has pledged to invest further in Frontier Airlines Holdings, the parent of Frontier Airlines (2nd) (Denver) and Lynx Aviation. Upon approval of the bankruptcy court, Republic will supply $40 million in debtor in possession (DIP) funding. Frontier filed for Chapter 11 reorganization on April 10, 2008. Republic is the holding company for Chautauqua Airlines, Republic Airlines (2nd) and Shuttle America.
Colgan Air retires its last Beech 1900D
March 6, 2009 — 2 Comments
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Colgan Air (2nd) (Manassas) retired its last two Beech (Raytheon) 1900Ds in February. The company started operating the Beech 1900C in August 1992. Besides its own operations it operated the two types as a Continental Connection and US Airways Express carrier. Today Colgan operates 14 Bombardier DHC-8-402s (Q400s) for Continental and 34 SAAB 340Bs for Continental, United and US Airways. Six SAABs were retired in the fourth quarter of 2008.
Kingfisher in discussions with Arik Air
March 5, 2009
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Kingfisher Airlines (Bangalore) is in discussions with Arik Air (Lagos) about the possible lease of two Airbus A330-200s.
Jet Airways to lease 2 A330-200s to Oman Air
March 5, 2009
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Jet Airways (Mumbai) will lease two Airbus A330-200s to Oman Air (Muscat) for six months starting in May 2009.
Wataniya Airways starts Kuwait-Bahrain
March 5, 2009
Wantaniya's CEO George Cooper formally launches the new premium airline. Photo: Wataniya Airways.
Wataniya Airways (Kuwait City) today (March 5) start another new route, this time between Kuwait and Bahrain.
Royal Jordanian to start Amman-Brussels
March 5, 2009
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Royal Jordanian Airlines (Amman) will add Brussels and the Amman-Brussels route on April 1, 2009.
Turkish Amsterdam crash due to faulty altimeter
March 5, 2009
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Turkish Airlines (Istanbul) Boeing 737-800 crash at Amsterdam on February 25, 2009 has already been blamed on a faulty altimeter. The Dutch authorities investigating the accident have issued the quick preliminary report in order to alert other Boeing 737 operators. Boeing has also advised 737 operators of the potential danger. At 1,950 feet (594 meters) the auto pilot, with the incorrect data coming from the faulty altimeter (it was showing an altitude of -8 feet), shut down the engines. The crew attempted to restart the engines but they were already too low to recover. Nine people died in the crash.
Aegean makes a surprise bid for Olympic
March 5, 2009
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Aegean Airlines (Athens) has made a surprise last-minute bid for state-owned Olympic Airlines (Athens). Aegean presented a bid of $113 million for the OA’s operations and $25 million for the ATH base. This new bid outbids the prevailing single bid by the Marfin Investment Group. Aegean also bid $75 million for the new Pantheon Airways set up as a paper airline by the government of Greece to take over OA’s operations debt-free. This move by Aegean is seen as a strategy to consolidate airline operations under one brand in Greece. Aegean has gradually been taking away market share from OA. If successful, which brand will survive?
Lufthansa Italia to start Italian domestic flights
March 5, 2009
Lufthansa's Airbus A319-112 D-AKNG (msn 654) is pictured at the gate at MXP with the Lufthansa Italia titles. Copyright Photo: Marco Finelli.
Lufthansa Italia (subsidiary of Lufthansa) (Milan-Malpensa) will start domestic flights on April 1 between Milan (Malpensa) and Rome, Naples and Bari with Airbus A319s. The new Italian-style airline within an airline (it currently uses LH’s AOC) commenced international operations on February 2 when flight LH 1790 departed MXP for Barcelona.
AirTran Airways starts Columbus-Orlando
March 5, 2009
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AirTran Airways (Orlando and Atlanta) today (March 5) starts a new route between Columbus, OH and Orlando (MCO).
Shaheen Air International to acquire more 737s
March 4, 2009
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Shaheen Air International (Karachi) is planning to acquire seven used Boeing 737-200s from South Africa according to a report by Reuters. The Pakistani carrier also intends to add two new Boeing 737-900 ERs in 2010. The carrier is also planning to resume operations to the United Kingdom and possibly Canada using leased Boeing 777s.
Air France may delay the last six Airbus A380s
March 4, 2009
Air France (Paris) is considering delaying the deliveries of the last six Airbus A380s on order according to a report by Reuters. AF has a dozen A380s on order. The first (F-HPJA, msn 033) is due to be delivered in October 2009.
Delta is likely to trade 787s on order for 777s
March 4, 2009 — 1 Comment
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Delta Air Lines (Atlanta) is not likely to take the 18 Boeing 787-8 Dreamliners Northwest ordered when the aircraft are ready. In a filing to the Securities and Exchange Commission, Delta deleted the 787s from the required report. Officially Delta has not yet cancelled the order but is reportedly talking to Boeing about additional Boeing 777s instead.
Allegiant to start Myrtle Beach-Huntington
March 4, 2009
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Allegiant Air (Las Vegas) will start Myrtle Beach-Huntington, WV twice-weekly service starting on April 30. In addition, the company will also start MYR-Allentown flights starting on May 3.
Etihad Airways to add Larnaca in June
March 4, 2009
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Etihad Airways (Abu Dhabi) continues its expansion. It will add Larnaca (Cyprus) and the Abu-Dhabi-Larnaca route in June. The new route will operate three times a week. This brings the count to 53 worldwide destinations. This also adds to previously announced new service to Melbourne in March and Athens and Istanbul also to be added in June.
SkyEurope is using two ex-FlyLAL 737-500s
March 3, 2009
Ex-FlyLAL Boeing 737-522 LY-AWF (msn 26707) taxies at Paris (Orly) devoid of any markings. Copyright Photo: Pepscl.
SkyEurope Airlines (Bratislava) is now using two ex-FlyLAL (Lithuanian Airlines) Boeing 737-522s (LY-AWF and LY-AWG). The airline returned six Boeing 737-700s to GECAS in January 2009 and FlyLAL ceased operations on January 16, 2009.
Garuda Indonesia leases eight 737-800s
March 3, 2009
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Garuda Indonesia Airways (Jakarta) has leased eight Boeing 737-800s from DAE Capital with the first deliveries starting in June 2009. The transaction is actually a sale and leaseback and the aircraft are the first eight of an order for 50 aircraft ordered by Garuda last year.
Korean Air celebrates its 40th Anniversary
March 3, 2009
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Korean Air (Seoul) on March 1 celebrated its 40th Anniversary of being privatized from the state-run Korean Air Lines on March 1, 1969.
Previously Korean National Airlines was reorganized and renamed Korean Air Lines on March 3, 1962.
Southwest agrees to pay $7.5 million fine
March 3, 2009
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Southwest Airlines (Dallas) has agreed to pay a fine of $7.5 million for its failure to perform the necessary maintenance checks for fuselage cracks on some of its older Boeing 737s.
Alaska Airlines to sponsor the Iditarod Dog Race
March 3, 2009
Alaska Airlines (Seattle/Tacoma) this year becomes the official airline sponsor of the Iditarod dog race between the Anchorage area and Nome. Airline employees will also volunteer to support the race teams both on the ground and in the air. Alaska Airlines is expected to shortly unveil a new Boeing 737-400 logojet in recognition of the 50th Anniversary of statehood for the State of Alaska.
Thai seeks a government rescue package
March 2, 2009
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Thai Airways International (Bangkok) is seeking a bailout from the government of Thailand but the Finance Minister is seeking a detail turnaround plan from the flag carrier. Thai report a loss of $592 million for 2008, its first yearly loss in 43 years.
Bahrain Air to launch flights to Kathmandu
March 2, 2009
Bahrain Air (Bahrain) will add Kathmandu, Nepal and the Bahrain-Kathmandu route on March 3. The new route will be flown three times a week with Airbus A319 equipment.
Airbus delivers the 500th A321 to Air France
March 2, 2009
Air France (Paris) had the honor of accepting the 500th built Airbus A321. A321-211 F-GTAU (msn 3814) was handed over at Hamburg on February 27. The first A321 was delivered in 1994.
V Australia’s first revenue departure
March 1, 2009
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ASA’s N741EV “rolls off” runway at Savannah
March 1, 2009
ASA’s (Atlantic Southeast Airlines) (Atlanta) Delta Connection flight DL 4961 from Atlanta to Savannah yesterday afternoon (February 28) “rolled off the runway” on landing at SAV with no injuries or apparent damage to its Bombardier CRJ700 (CL-600-2C10) N741EV (msn 4961) according to Channel 3 in Savannah. There were 56 passengers and four crew members on board the aircraft.
Wataniya Airways starts Kuwait-Beirut today
March 1, 2009
A beautiful in-flight photo of Wataniya's Airbus A320-214 9K-EAA (msn 3739). Photo: Wataniya Airways.
Wataniya Airways (wataniyaairways.com) (Kuwait City) today (March 1) starts daily flights between Kuwait City and Beirut. Service to Cairo also starts on March 3. The new premier airline commenced operations on January 24, 2009.
