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QANTAS to retire its first Boeing 747-400
September 12, 2009
Copyright Photo: John Adlard. Please click on photo for more photos.
QANTAS Airways (Sydney) is planning to retire its first Boeing 747-400. 747-4H6 VH-OED (msn 25126) is due to operate its last revenue flight tomorrow (September 13) as flight QF 107 to Los Angeles and New York and then it will probably be moved to desert storage.
JAL is seeking around $550 million from Delta
September 12, 2009
Copyright Photo: Ton Jochems. Please click on photo for more photos.
JAL-Japan Airlines (Tokyo-Haneda) is seeking around $550 million from Delta Air Lines for a minority share in the Japanese carrier according to published reports. SkyTeam partners Air France and KLM Royal Dutch Airlines may also buy a share. JAL desperately needs a capital infusion. Since it is part of the Oneworld Alliance it may also approach American Airlines to counter bid the Delta offer.
News link:
www.reuters.com/article/marketsNews/idINT10451720090912?rpc=44
Jet Airways and pilots to resume talks
September 12, 2009
Jet Airways (Mumbai) pilot’s strike has entered the fifth day. The airline has canceled 260 flights today however both sides are due to resume discussions today on a new contract after the previous talks ended in a stalemate.
News link:
Hawaiian’s pilots authorize a strike
September 11, 2009
Hawaiian Airlines’ (Honolulu) pilots, represented by ALPA, have authorized a strike if negotiations do not lead to a new contract.
ALPA press release:
www.alpa.org/Portals/Alpa/PressRoom/PressReleases/2009/9-11-09_09.HAL11.htm
Delta is in talks to acquire part of JAL
September 11, 2009
Delta Air Lines (Atlanta) is reportedly in discussions to become the largest shareholder of Japan Airlines Corporation (JAL). DL now has a large presence in Tokyo with the NW merger. JA is part of the rival Oneworld Alliance and this move may have caught that alliance off guard. Is DL overreaching?
News link:
www.reuters.com/article/marketsNews/idINT30087420090911?rpc=44
Jet Airways endures fourth day of the strike
September 11, 2009
Jet Airways (Mumbai) today canceled another 173 flights. Today is also the fourth day of the pilot’s strike.
News link:
www.expressindia.com/latest-news/Jet-cancels-173-flights-as-stir-enters-4th-day/515820/
Boeing delivers the second C-17A to Qatar
September 11, 2009
C-17A A7-MAB taxies at Long Beach. Copyright Photo: Michael Carter.
Boeing (Chicago and Seattle) yesterday (September 10) delivered the second C-17A Globemaster III to the Qatar Emiri Air Force. The transport is painted in full Qatar Airways colors.
Air Transat’s parent reports 3Q income
September 11, 2009
Air Transat (Transat A.T., Inc.) (Montreal) reported third quarter net income of C$31.0 million for the quarter ending on July 31, 2009.
Press release:
finance.yahoo.com/news/Transat-AT-Inc-Third-Quarter-cnw-2714968278.html?x=0&.v=1
Southwest to add three new routes from Denver
September 11, 2009
Southwest Airlines (Dallas) is ramping up the pressure on the new Frontier, the carrier it wanted to purchase. On January 10, 2010 it will add three new routes from Denver to Boston, Reno/Tahoe and Spokane.
Frontier to exit from bankruptcy around Oct. 1
September 11, 2009
Frontier Airlines (2nd) yesterday (September 10) received bankruptcy court approval of its reorganization plan. The carrier is now planning to emerge from Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection around October 1 as a wholly-owned subsidiary of Republic Airways Holdings.
Press release:
finance.yahoo.com/news/Frontier-Airlines-Plan-of-bw-2749943926.html?x=0&.v=1
Atlas Air will continue to train Air Force 1 pilots
September 11, 2009
Atlas Air (Atlas Air Worldwide Holdings, Inc.) (New York-JFK) will continue to train the pilots of VC-25 (Air Force 1).
Press release:
finance.yahoo.com/news/Atlas-Air-Selected-to-Train-bw-4098144024.html?x=0&.v=1
KD Avia ceases operations for the last time
September 10, 2009
Copyright Photo: Antony J. Best. Please click on photo for more photos.
KD Avia (Kaliningrad) ceased all operations and declared bankruptcy on September 8 as it was facing a suspension of its AOC by the Russian government on September 14. Previously the carrier had suspended operations earlier this year on March 11 and was able to resume operations with backing from a bank.
Aviation Week news link:
www.aviationweek.com/aw/generic/story_channel.jsp?channel=comm&id=news/KDAVIA090809.xml&headline=
The first EFly (efly.it) 146-300 is painted
September 10, 2009
The first BAe 146-300 for new airline Efly (efly.it) of Italy is this aircraft currently registered 9H-ELE (msn E3209). It is undergoing maintenance at Cologne (Nayak). Copyright Photo: Rainer Bexten.
Jet Airways cancels another 198 flights
September 10, 2009
Jet Airways (Mumbai) was forced to cancel another 198 flights today as the pilot’s strike against the carrier continues causing chaos in India.
News link:
Ugandan airline runs off with government money
September 10, 2009
Boeing 737-244 ZS-SIG (msn 22586) was painted in this attractive livery. The airframe is currently stored at Cape Town. Copyright Photo: www.afavia-fotos.co.za.
Victoria International Airways (VIAuganda.com) (Entebbe) was a Ugandan airline in 2006 and 2007. It was proposing to become the Ugandan flag carrier and planned to operate Boeing 737-200s. One 737 was actually painted and two were leased and operated. Operations started on October 1, 2006 but quickly ended on January 10, 2007. It appears the government’s investment money of $250,000 for 20 percent of the stock is now gone.
News link:
Ethiopian Airlines adds a second MD-11F
September 10, 2009
Ethiopian Airlines (Addis Ababa) has added a second McDonnell Douglas MD-11F freighter.
News link:
Libyan Airlines to offer Wi-Fi services on A320s
September 10, 2009
Libyan Airlines (Tripoli) is planning to become the first African airline to offer Internet and mobile phone service on its new Airbus A320s due in 2010.
News item:
allafrica.com/stories/200909100361.html
Copyright Photo: Keith Burton. Please click on photo for more photos.
Lufthansa to create mini hub at Abuja
September 10, 2009
Lufthansa (Frankfurt) will create a mini West African hub at Abuja and seek out connecting partners.
News link:
Lufthansa receives 12 potential bmi bidders
September 10, 2009
Copyright Photo: Antony J. Best. Please click on photo for more photos.
Bmi (subsidiary of Lufthansa) (East Midlands and London Heathrow) through Lufthansa has received bids from 12 prospective buyers according to published reports, including British Airways and Virgin Atlantic. Lufthansa is considering all options concerning bmi.
News link:
www.reuters.com/article/marketsNews/idINL937771420090909?rpc=44
Azul considers ordering more Embraers
September 10, 2009
Azul Linhas Aereas Brasileiras (Sao Paulo-Viracopas) is considering a new order for additional Embraer jets during this lull in orders.
News item:
reuters.com/article/marketsNews/idINN0933956620090909?rpc=44
WestJet to offer 20 OW east flights for C$2,000
September 10, 2009
WestJet Airlines (Calgary) is offering 20 one-way flights in the east for C$2,000 between Toronto and Montreal and also between Toronto and Ottawa. Airlines are getting very creative right now to fill seats.
Press release:
finance.yahoo.com/news/WestJet-offers-blockbuster-cnw-2505539064.html?x=0&.v=2
JetBlue launches Boston-Baltimore/Washington
September 10, 2009
Copyright Photo: Bruce Drum. Please click on photo for full view, information and other photos.
JetBlue Airways (New York-JFK) yesterday (September 9) launched Boston-Baltimore/Washington service.
Press release:
finance.yahoo.com/news/JetBlue-Gives-Baltimore-New-prnews-2414921291.html?x=0&.v=1
AirTran to serve Key West with Boeing 737-700s
September 9, 2009
AirTran Airways (Orlando and Atlanta) will add seasonal service to Key West from Orlando starting on December 17. The new route will be operated with Boeing 737-700 aircraft four times a week. Runway 9/27 is 4,801 feet in length. In the past National Airlines operated Boeing 727s into EYW. ASA (Delta Connection) currently operates Bombardier CRJ700s into the airport from Atlanta.
Please click on photo for information and other photos.
AeroMexico Boeing 737-800 is hijacked at MEX
September 9, 2009
EI-DRA departs from Los Angeles prior to the hijacking. Copyright Photo: Michael Carter.
AeroMexico (Mexico City) had its flight AM 576 from Cancun to Mexico City hijacked today by a Bolivian hijacker demanding to speak to Mexican president Felipe Calderon. The Boeing 737-852 EI-DRA (msn 35114) landed safely at MEX. Security forces surrounded the aircraft and a group of suspects were apprehended for questioning but only one was determined to be the hijacker. The aircraft had 104 people on board and was relocated to a remote spot at MEX. The hijacker was threatening to blow up the airliner but never entered the cockpit and quickly surrendered. Later he stated God told him to hijack the aircraft. All of the 104 passengers (minus the hijacker) and seven crew were rescued.
Hours later AeroMexico issued this press release:
finance.yahoo.com/news/AeroMexico-Media-Statement-bw-4075449969.html?x=0&.v=1
QANTAS ponders sale of Air Pacific shares
September 9, 2009
QANTAS Airways (Sydney) has confirmed it is in negotiations with the Fijian government to sell its 46 percent share in flag carrier Air Pacific (Nadi). QANTAS would like to introduce Jetstar Airways service to Fiji to offset plans by Virgin Blue to introduce V Australia service to the islands.
News link:
www.theaustralian.news.com.au/business/story/0,28124,26045948-643,00.html
Jet Airways cancels 206 flights on second day
September 9, 2009
Jet Airways (Mumbai) is expecting to cancel 174 domestic and 32 international flights today, the second day of a pilot’s strike.
News link:
www.reuters.com/article/marketsNews/idINBMA00588020090909?rpc=44
AirArabia to form a joint venture in Egypt
September 9, 2009
AirArabia (airarabia.com ) (Sharjah) is planning to partner with travel company Travco Group to form a new low-cost carrier in Egypt. The new joint venture will operate Airbus A320s in the AirArabia brand (like AirArabia Maroc).
New link:
Camair to replace Cameroon Airlines
September 9, 2009
Camair (Comair-Co) (Douala) is the proposed airline that the government of Cameroon hopes will replace defunct Cameroon Airlines within three months. However the government is still searching for a majority outside investor. The new airline intends to operate Boeing equipment. Former flag carrier Cameroon Airlines ceased operations in March of 2008.
News link:
www.reuters.com/article/marketsNews/idAFL871058720090908?rpc=44
Armavia intends to join the SkyTeam
September 9, 2009
Copyright Photo: Bernhard Ross. Please click on photo for information and other photos.
Armavia (Yerevan) intends to eventually join the SkyTeam. On September 4 Armavia signed a code-share agreement with founding SkyTeam member Air France.
News link:
Sun Country offers 10 unlimited travel awards
September 9, 2009
Sun Country Airlines (Minneapolis/St. Paul) in order to boost travel during this slow period will award 10 winners unlimited travel for one year. Passengers must book a flight before September 13 to be eligible for the drawing.
Press release:
finance.yahoo.com/news/Sun-Country-Awards-Unlimited-bw-736495644.html?x=0&.v=1
JetBlue becomes official airline for N.Y. Jets
September 9, 2009
JetBlue Airways (New York-JFK) has become the official airline for the NFL New York Jets.
Press release:
finance.yahoo.com/news/JetBlue-Touches-Down-as-prnews-3164355916.html?x=0&.v=1
Delta is forced to fly empty planes across Atlantic
September 9, 2009
Delta Air Lines (Atlanta) has been forced to fly empty planes several times across the Atlantic Ocean to London’s Heathrow Airport to be disinfected for malaria and dengue fever so they can be operated to Australia!
News link:
www.guardian.co.uk/world/2009/sep/07/delta-flies-empty-planes-transatlantic
Sky Work Airlines to operate Berne-Rotterdam
September 8, 2009
Please click on photo for more photos and information.
Sky Work Airlines (Berne) will operate a scheduled weekly and seasonal service between Berne and Rotterdam from December 19 through April 10, 2010 every Saturday. The scheduled route will be operated with its single Bombardier DHC-8-402 (Q400).
China unveils plans for the C919
September 8, 2009
China (Beijing) has unveiled plans to build a new single-aisle jetliner capable of seating up to 190 passengers. The C919 would begin testing in 2014 with deliveries starting in 2016.
News link:
Jet’s pilots sick out, at least 130 flights canceled
September 8, 2009
Please click on photo for more photos and information.
Jet Airways (Mumbai) was struck by a sick out by its pilots today. At least 130 flights have been canceled.
News link:
Finnair clashes capacity as demand slumps
September 8, 2009
Please click on photo for more Finnair photos and information.
Finnair (Helsinki) is cutting capacity overall by nine percent. Travel to Asia is slumping which was part of its overall long-term strategy. However travel to North America remains robust.
News Link:
finnair_slashes_capacity_as_demand_slumps_986114.html?origin=rss
Boeing faces a lawsuit over Turkish AMS crash
September 8, 2009
Boeing (Chicago and Seattle) is facing a lawsuit concerning the Turkish Airlines Boeing 737-800 crash at Amsterdam.
New link:
www.nrc.nl/international/article2352852.ece/
Boeing_faces_lawsuit_over_Turkish_Airlines_crash_near_Amsterdam
UTair adds an ex-Continental Boeing 737-524
September 7, 2009
VP-BXV (msn 27322, ex N14609) prepares to land at Moscow (Vnukovo). Copyright Photo: Eurospot.
UTair Aviation (Khanyty Mansiysk, Russia) on August 17, 2009 added this ex-Continental Airlines Boeing 737-524 with Blended Winglets.
Ryanair supports Irish membership in the EU
September 7, 2009
Normally using its aircraft as protest surfaces, Ryanair has selected its Boeing 737-8AS EI-EFP (msn 37540) to add a "Ryanair says Yes to Europe" banner and "Vote Yes" decal. EI-EFP is pictured at Dublin. Copyright Photo: Marco Finelli.
Ryanair (Dublin) is supporting a positive vote on October 2 for Ireland to approve the Lisbon Treaty. A yes vote would bring European Union membership to Ireland, joining 26 other member countries.
News link:
www.ireland.com/home/Ireland_facing_milestone_moment/maxi/fast/news/
Video: Beauty of Flight
September 7, 2009 — 2 Comments
As we celebrate Labor Day in the United States we would like to offer this short video from our Airliners Gallery files showing the Beauty of Flight which is often forgotten in today’s headlines about delays, failing airlines, financial losses and bad service. This video is dedicated to our AG Staff Photographers and contributors who make this happen each and every day. Thank you for your continued contributions, especially those great images that were selected for this video and this weblog. The video is also dedicated to the men and women of the worldwide airline industry who complete their mission each and every day, especially today on Labor Day. Thank you.
Bruce Drum
Airliners Gallery
Link:
Bellview strands passengers at Heathrow Airport
September 7, 2009
Bellview Airlines (Lagos) continues to have operational issues as we previously reported. The carrier has now stranded passengers at Heathrow Airport in London.
News link:
Boeing/Chinese airlines to delay 787 orders
September 7, 2009
Boeing (Chicago and Seattle) is in discussions with some unidentified Chinese carriers about possibly delaying their 787 Dreamliner deliveries.
News link:
finance.yahoo.com/news/China-airlines-Boeing-in-rb-298934244.html?x=0&.v=1
Titan Airways introduces a Pixie Lott logojet
September 6, 2009
G-ZAPU taxies at Manchester with the new titles. Copyright Photo: Nik French.
Titan Airways (London-Stansted) has added “Pixie Lott” (Victoria Louise Lott) titles to its Boeing 757-2Y0 G-ZAPU (msn 26151) for the upcoming Baby-G tour. Pixie will be introducing her “Turn it Up” album on September 14.
For those that are uninformed here is a picture of the English singer-songwriter:
Jazeera Airways is largest operator at Kuwait
September 6, 2009
Please click on photo for full view, information and other photos.
Jazeera Airways (Kuwait City) in July became the largest operator in Kuwait surpassing state airline Kuwait Airways.
AC is banned from flying U.S. domestic charters
September 6, 2009 — 1 Comment
Please click on photo for full view, information and other photos.
Air Canada (Montreal) will not be permitted to continue flying hockey charter flights domestically between any two U.S. cities. NHL teams are now making other arrangements.
News item:
www.faceoff.com/story.html?id=ef257a80-ebc6-4bc8-8a49-7e46fe8a09e4
Southwest reduces flights on 92 routes
September 6, 2009
Please click on photo for full view, information and other photos.
Southwest Airlines (Dallas) has reduced flights on 92 routes (service will be increased on 42 routes) and WN will suspend three routes this winter as it adjusts its schedule to meet the seasonal drop in demand.
News link:
www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/
ALeqM5hPspoWsfXwgUbuQ43p3lTgHQGUvAD9AEKORG0
Southwest has also provided details on how it will replace the flap gate assemblies on 82 Boeing 737-300s and 737-500s which was approved by the FAA.
Press release:
Air India 747-400 engine catches on fire
September 5, 2009
Air India (Mumbai) on Thursday (September 3) had an incident at Mumbai where a fuel leak led to an engine fire before flight AI 829 was due to depart to Riyadh. The leak was spotted and the subsequent fire was quickly extinguished as the aircraft stopped on the taxiway near the fire station. Passengers and crew safely exited the aircraft via the emergency chutes.
News link:
www.indianexpress.com/news/engine-catches-fire-packed-ai-flight-aborts-takeoff/513181/
WTO rules Airbus loans were illegal
September 5, 2009
From Reuters:
The World Trade Organization ruled yesterday that European loans for Airbus were illegal subsidies under world trade rules, U.S. lawmakers said, but European sources said Washington did not win a sweeping victory.
The findings, which came in a confidential 1,000-plus page ruling, are the latest chapter in a decades-old battle between U.S. manufacturer Boeing and European rival Airbus for dominance of the global aircraft market, a major source of jobs on both sides of the Atlantic.
The decision, which will not be made public for months, was handed out to the United States and the European Union at WTO headquarters in Geneva.
BA CityFlyer takes delivery of first E-Jet
September 5, 2009
Photo: Embraer
BA CityFlyer (British Airways) (Manchester and London-City) on September 3 took delivery of the first (of six) 76-seat Embraer ERJ 170-100ST (G-LCYD, msn 17000294) in a ceremony at Sao Jose dos Campos, Brazil. The BA subsidiary will operate the new type from London’s downtown City Airport.
Bellview passengers riot after flight is delayed
September 4, 2009 — 1 Comment
Please click on photo for full view, information and other photos.
Bellview Airlines (Lagos) had an incident yesterday (September 3) in Lagos when security forces were deployed to quell a riot from stranded passengers of a very delayed Bellview flight. The passengers had been waiting for their flight since Monday according to local media reports!
News link:
www.vanguardngr.com/2009/09/04/bellview-airlines-officials-passengers-in-free-for-all/
