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US Airways’ pilots oppose AA/BA/IB tie-up
October 20, 2009
US Airways’ (Phoenix) pilots, represented by the U.S. Airline Pilots Association (USAPA), are joining their fellow pilots at American Airlines, represented by the Allied Pilots Association (APA), in opposing American Airlines’ application for worldwide antitrust immunity with British Airways and Iberia.
Press release:
finance.yahoo.com/news/US-Airline-Pilots-Association-bw-3501818371.html?x=0&.v=1
JetBlue to increase Boston-BWI frequencies
October 20, 2009
JetBlue Airways (New York-JFK) will increase the frequencies on its newly-added Boston-Baltimore/Washington (BWI) to five roundtrips daily beginning on March 1, 2010.
Press release:
finance.yahoo.com/news/JetBlue-Airways-Increases-prnews-3735545371.html?x=0&.v=1
Allegiant Air is still making money
October 20, 2009
Allegiant DC-9-83 N405NV (msn 49623) (Blue Man Group), originally uploaded by Airliners Gallery.
Allegiant Air (Allegiant Travel Company) (Las Vegas) is one of a handful of U.S. airlines still making money. The organization reported net income of $13.8 million in the third quarter. This is up from a previous profit of $4.9 million in the same quarter a year ago.
Copyright Photo: Ton Jochems.
Press release:
Air Mali (3rd) adds DC-9-83 TZ-RMK
October 19, 2009
Copyright Photo: Pepscl.
Air Mali (3rd) (formerly Compagnie Aerienne du Mali) (Group Celestair) (Bamako) added ex-AVIANCA McDonnell Douglas DC-9-83 (MD-83) TZ-RMK (msn 53463, ex N160BS). The new type is now painted in the Air Mali version of the Group Celestair color scheme. The flag carrier was formed by the Aga Khan Fund for Economic Development (AKFED) through its subsidiary IPS and the government of Mali in April 2005. The inaugural flight was June 7, 2005 from Bamako to Mopti and Gao with a DHC-8. The company rebranded as Air Mali on May 15, 2009.
Mexicana Click’s Office Depot logojet
October 19, 2009
Mexicana Click (Click Mexicana)
Copyright Photo: Arturo Zapata. XA-MRB is pictured at the Mexico City hub.
(Mexico City) in August introduced this special color scheme promoting Office Depot for the going back to school season.
JAL’s creditors reject the restructuring plan
October 19, 2009
JAL-Japan Airlines’ (Tokyo-Haneda) creditors have rejected the proposed restructuring plan.
News link:
finance.yahoo.com/news/JALs-banks-reject-restructure-rb-3446762415.html?x=0&.v=2
Aria Air restarts operations
October 19, 2009
Copyright Photo: Paul Denton. Please click on photo for full view, information and other photos.
Aria Air (Tehran) restarted operations on October 14. It previously shut down on July 25, 2009.
Virgin Blue operated “Mile High Karaoke” flight
October 18, 2009
Copyright Photo: Mir Zafriz. VH-VUA is pictured at Perth with the special decal.
Virgin Blue Airlines (virginblue.com.au) (Brisbane) on October 9 operated a “Mile High Karaoke” flight between Melbourne and Perth with the Black Eyed Peas. Boeing 737-8FE VH-VUA carried special titles for the event.
News link:
Aeroflot’s first SkyTeam logojet
October 18, 2009
Copyright Photo: Yvan Panas. Airbus A330-343X F-WWYX (soon to be VP-BCQ) (msn 1058) climbs at Toulouse in the SkyTeam colors.
Aeroflot Russian Airlines (Moscow) will soon take delivery of Airbus A330-343X registered VP-BCQ (msn 1058, ex F-WWYX). It is the first aircraft painted in the SkyTeam color scheme.
Bellview Airlines suspends operations
October 18, 2009
Copyright Photo: Keith Burton. Please click on photo for full view, information and other photos.
Bellview Airlines (Lagos) has suspended its regional operations following the suspension of its London Heathrow services (the company was planning to restore LOS-LHR on November 1). Further complicating matters, IATA has now suspended its B3 code and advised all travel agents not to book on the carrier.
Bellview started as an IATA approved travel agency in Lagos, Nigeria in 1989 and participated in the repatriation of South African exiles funded by Australia care for refuge (AUSTCARE) between 1990-1991. Two years later, it leased a 30-seat Yak-40 and commenced charter operations on October 1, 1992. In 1993 the company commenced scheduled passenger services within Nigeria using a DC-9-32 series aircraft leased directly from the McDonnell Douglas.
Southern Air to operate two 777Fs for Thai
October 17, 2009
Copyright Photo: Ken Petersen. Please click on photo for full view, information and other photos.
Southern Air (2nd) (Norwalk and Anchorage) will operated two Boeing 777F long-range freighters for Thai Airways International (Bangkok) from BKK to Europe starting in early 2010. On July 30, 2007 Southern Air was acquired by Oak Hill Partners and it was merged with Cargo 360 forming Southern Air Holdings. At the time Oak Hill Capital Partners anticipated Southern Air would soon operate a fleet of six Boeing 777F freighters for its ACMI operations. Southern Air is also intending to operate the new 747-800F in the future. Southern Air currently operates a fleet of Boeing 747-200F and 747-300F freighters.
Press release:
finance.yahoo.com/news/THAI-to-be-First-Regional-prnews-1948509025.html?x=0&.v=1
FAA probe of American Airlines may widen
October 17, 2009
Federal Aviation Administration-FAA’s (Washington) probe of American Airlines (Dallas/Fort Worth) for possible safety violations concerning McDonnell Douglas DC-9-82/83 (MD-82/83) aircraft may widen according to the Wall Street Journal.
News link:
www.reuters.com/article/marketsNews/idCNN1737791920091017?rpc=44
DFW’s Founder’s Plaza: Great for aviation
October 17, 2009 — 2 Comments
Editorial:
Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (Dallas/Worth) encourages individuals and families to come out and watch airplanes landing and taking off at DFW (although somewhat distant) at their beautiful Founder’s Plaza. There are other airports that have dedicated spots for public viewing but the list is unfortunately getting smaller especially in the United States. Some airports have taken the mistaken view that everyone is a bad guy intent on destroying aviation and have closed their public areas. It is a short-sighted approach that only alienates the public from the benefits of aviation. Some airports run off people if they even look at an airplane. If these airport administrators are smart they should enlist the help of aviation enthusiasts and photographers to be their eyes and ears against the real bad guys. Programs like Toronto Pearson’s Airport Watch is a good model to emulate. No one wants to protect aviation more than people who like to look at the wonderful flying machine. Aviation is going to need all of the good will it can muster in the coming years. Remember, people watching airplanes (or wanting to watch) are voters and taxpayers. The public can determine the future of your airport. Does your local airport have a Founder’s Plaza? If not, ask “why not?” politically. Thank you DFW (and others) for being progressive and far-sighted.
Bruce Drum
Link to DFW’s Founder’s Plaza:
Nigerian Eagle receives first 2 Embraer ERJ 195s
October 16, 2009
Copyright Photo: Javier Rodriguez. Embraer ERJ 190-200LR (195) 5N-VNH (msn 19000210) passed through Palma de Mallorca on October 15 on delivery.
Nigerian Eagle Airlines (Lagos) has taken delivery of its first two new Embraer ERJ 190-200LRs (195s) registered 5N-VNH and 5N-VNI.
JAL investors: bankruptcy is an option
October 16, 2009
JAL-Japan Airlines’ (Tokyo-Haneda) investors say bankruptcy is an option. Meanwhile the company’s stock dropped to a seven-year low. The Japanese government has pledged full support of the airline and has also stated the reorganization is on track.
News link:
finance.yahoo.com/news/JAL-slumps-investors-say-rb-1672770668.html?x=0&.v=1
Flydubai adds fifth 737-800, adds Doha
October 16, 2009
A beautiful "sunset in the desert" picture of the growing Flydubai fleet at DXB. Copyright Photo: PRNewsFoto/flydubai.
Flydubai (Dubai) on October 12 took delivery of its fifth Boeing 737-800. 737-8KN A6-FDE (msn 40235) is now in DXB and will quickly go into service. The new low-fare subsidiary of Emirates will add Doha (Qatar) and the DXB-DOH route (twice daily) on October 18. This is seventh destination for the new airline.
Southwest loses $16 million in the third quarter
October 16, 2009
Southwest Airlines (Dallas) reported a net loss of $16 million in the third quarter due mainly to the employee buyout program and its fuel hedging portfolio.
News link:
finance.yahoo.com/news/Southwest-posts-net-loss-on-rb-2053058432.html?x=0&.v=2
American celebrates 65 years of air cargo
October 16, 2009
American Airlines (Dallas/Fort Worth) yesterday marked its 65th anniversary of air cargo service. On October 15, 1944 a Douglas DC-3 freighter started multi-stop New York (LGA) to Burbank cargo service.
Press release:
finance.yahoo.com/news/American-Airlines-Cargo-prnews-1560975099.html?x=0&.v=1
Republic to acquire 10 ERJ 190s from US Airways
October 15, 2009
Copyright Photo: Jay Selman. Please click on photo for full view, information and other photos.
Republic Airways Holdings (Indianapolis) has now confirmed our earlier report. The holding company will acquire 10 Embraer ERJ 190-100 IGW aircraft (ERJ 190-100ARs) from US Airways. The first four (N961UW and N963UW have already left US) will enter service flying for its subsidiary Midwest Airlines (probably operated by Republic Airlines) in November and December. The other six will enter service in the first quarter of 2010 for its “branded operations” (believed to also include some flying for Frontier Airlines). Republic will apply $35 million it loaded to US Airways towards the purchase.
Press release:
finance.yahoo.com/news/Republic-Airways-to-Acquire-bw-3710826396.html?x=0&.v=1
Mesa Airlines to launch Pensacola-Dulles Feb. 11
October 15, 2009
Copyright Photo: Bruce Drum. Please click on photo for full view, information and other photos.
Mesa Airlines (Mesa Air Group) (United Express) (Phoenix) will launch twice-daily Bombardier CRJ200 regional jet United Express service for United Airlines between Pensacola, FL and the Washington (Dulles) hub on February 11, 2010.
Press release:
finance.yahoo.com/news/United-Airlines-to-Launch-prnews-3389475633.html?x=0&.v=1
JetBlue officially unveils “Blueberries”
October 15, 2009
The larger titles can be seen on N561JB at the unveiling event (via Stephen Toernblom).
JetBlue Airways (New York-JFK) yesterday afternoon officially introduced the new tailfin “Blueberries” in a press release. The new design also includes larger dark blue “jetBlue” fuselage titles and this will now become the norm for the fleet so it does represent a minor but subtle livery change. The airline also announced an employee design contest ending on November 17 for the next tailfin design. Five aircraft should in the “Blueberries” design by the end of the year.
Here is the full press release:
finance.yahoo.com/news/JetBlue-Airways-Reveals-prnews-45882429.html?x=0&.v=1
JAL’s task force submits restructuring plan
October 14, 2009
Copyright Photo: Antony J. Best. Please click on photo for full view, information and other photos.
JAL-Japan Airlines’ (Tokyo-Haneda) today (October 14) received the government-led task force proposal. The plan proposes the following restructuring plan. It includes the following:
- replace all current executives
- cut over 9,000 employees
- cut pension payments by 50 percent
- ask banks to forget JPY300 billion of debt
- raise JPY150 billion through debt-equity swaps
- spin off subsidiaries
- cut all unprofitable routes
The plan still not has been ratified, and things like pensions need to be approved by the retiree’s union. The debt also needs to be renegotiated with the banks. Either way JAL will be a much smaller airline and group.
Will AirAsia X’s Raiders logojet play in Asia?
October 14, 2009
Copyright Photo: Pedro Pics. Please click on photo for full view, information and other photos.
AirAsia X (Kuala Lumpur) and the NFL Oakland Raiders have taken a bit of a gamble with the Oakland Raiders logojet as American football is not known very well in Asia. Will it bring passengers to Oakland and vice-versa?
News link:
www.thejakartapost.com/news/2009/10/14/will-raiders-follow-with-asian-touchdown.html-0
Air France considers delaying some deliveries
October 14, 2009
Air France (Paris) is considering delaying the delivery of some Airbus A380s and Boeing 777s.
News link:
www.reuters.com/article/marketsNews/idCNLE11871920091014?rpc=44
O’Leary threatens to stop buying airplanes
October 14, 2009
Ryanair’s (Dublin) CEO Michael O’Leary has made many threats before as a negotiating tactic. His latest is he will stop buying airplanes after 2012 if he cannot conclude a deal with either Airbus or Boeing for 200 aircraft by the end of this year!
News link:
www.reuters.com/article/marketsNews/idCNLD64846820091013?rpc=44
Air Transat refutes media reports of emergency
October 14, 2009
Copyright Photo: Bruce Drum. Please click on photo for full view, information and other photos.
Air Transat (Montreal) is refuting media reports of an emergency on board its flight TS 142 between Toronto and London. The flight diverted to St. John’s after the windshield cracked.
Press release:
finance.yahoo.com/news/Correction-no-emergency-on-cnw-1492200867.html?x=0&.v=2
Southwest Airlines announces spring schedule
October 14, 2009
Southwest Airlines (Dallas) is adding flights again in spring 2010. The airline will add 62 flights and eliminate 10 for a net gain of 52 flights.
Press release:
finance.yahoo.com/news/Southwest-Airlines-Opens-prnews-3890445415.html?x=0&.v=1
Republic to pull ERJ 170s out of Hawaii
October 14, 2009
Copyright Photo: Sun Valley Aviation. Please click on photo for full view, information and other photos.
Republic Airways Holdings (Indianapolis) has answered our question of what they would do with the three Shuttle America (Indianapolis) Embraer ERJ 170s operating for subsidiary Mokulele Airlines in Hawaii. The holding company yesterday (October 13) announced that it had reached an agreement with Mesa Air Group (Phoenix) to form a joint venture (JV) to combine the jet routes currently flown by both Mesa (go!) and Republic (Mokulele). Under the agreement, Embraer ERJ 170 routes currently operated by Shuttle America (Republic Airways) will be transitioned to jet service provided by go! (Mesa Air Group). The three ERJ 170s will be returned to the mainland by November and will be operated in Republic Airways’ branded network (probably for either Frontier or Midwest).
Under the terms of the JV agreement, Mokulele shareholders will contribute their ownership of Mokulele to the JV and will own 25 percent of the new unnamed venture. Additionally, current Mokulele shareholders will be obligated to fund up to $1.5 million to capitalize the JV. Republic, which is the majority shareholder of Mokulele, will forgive Mokulele’s $3.1 million outstanding debt to Republic, net of surrendered aircraft deposits.
Here is the full press release from Republic Airways Holdings:
finance.yahoo.com/news/Republic-Airways-Forms-Joint-bw-794256419.html?x=0&.v=1
The press release by the Mesa Air Group states both the go! and Mokulele Airlines brands will continue under the JV. Therefore both airlines will continue to operate under their brands although it unclear what aircraft Mokulele Airlines will operate.
finance.yahoo.com/news/Mesa-Announces-Joint-Venture-prnews-1012591534.html?x=0&.v=1
JetBlue introduces a new tail design – Blueberries
October 14, 2009
Airbus A320-232 N561JB (msn 1927) is the first to wear the new design.
JetBlue Airways (New York-JFK) last night before invited guests and employees introduced a new tail design named “Blueberries” in a hangar at Orlando. This tail design becomes the eighth company tail design, not including special schemes. It is not a new fleet livery. The company is expected to issue a press release today but we have a sneak preview via Stephen Toernblom.
AirTran officially introduces “Falcon 1″
October 14, 2009
Boeing 717-2BD N891AT (msn 55043) "Falcon 1" taxies at Orlando in a typical summer rain storm. Copyright Photo: PRNewsFoto/AirTran Airways.
AirTran Airways (Orlando and Atlanta) yesterday (October 13) officially unveiled the Atlanta Falcons logojet dubbed “Falcon 1″. AirTran intends to also paint logojets for the Baltimore Ravens and the Indianapolis Colts also of the NFL. Ironically AirTran does not fly the football team (its planes are too small). Instead the Atlanta Falcons charter larger aircraft from Delta Air Lines!
Press release:
finance.yahoo.com/news/AirTran-Airways-and-the-prnews-3660268488.html?x=0&.v=1
News link:
www.ajc.com/business/airtran-s-falcons-sponsorship-161883.html
China Eastern unveils a new logojet
October 13, 2009
Copyright Photo: Wu Weiqiang. Airbus A330-343X B-6127 (msn 781) is pictured at Beijing in the special color scheme.
China Eastern Airlines (Shanghai) has introduced this colorful new logojet dedicated to Expo 2010′s volunteers.
Sydney passengers stranded by A380s for 26 hours
October 13, 2009
Copyright Photo: Gerd Beilfuss. Please click on photo for more photos.
QANTAS Airways’ (Sydney) normal sterling reputation took another hit again when some of its London-bound QF 31 passengers where stranded for 26 hours in Sydney after two Airbus A380s had mechanical problems. Critics have stated that outsourcing of maintenance for the past 18 months has hurt the company’s reputation and led to several well-documented incidents.
News link:
www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/world/article6872263.ece#cid=OTC-RSS&attr=797093
Sama Airlines to buy 20 aircraft in four years
October 13, 2009
Sama Airlines (Dammam) is planning to acquire 20 new aircraft over the next four years. The low-cost carrier is talking to both Airbus (A320) and Boeing (737-800).
Qatar Airways completes first natural gas flight
October 13, 2009
Copyright Photo: Bruce Drum. Please click on photo for full view, information and other photos.
Qatar Airways (Doha) today operated the first commercial flight powered by natural gas. Airbus A340-642X A7-AGC (msn 766) successfully completed a flight between London (Gatwick) and Doha. A7-AGC carried special stickers for the event (any photos?). The country of Qatar has one of the largest reserves of natural gas in the world.
Jazeera to go upscale, interested in buying
October 13, 2009
Jazeera Airways (Kuwait) intends to move away from its low-fare roots and add additional classes of services. The successful new entrant is also looking at buying other carriers that may come on the market.
News link:
www.thenational.ae/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20090928/BUSINESS/709289859/1005/ART
Lufthansa is cutting 7.4% of its winter flights
October 13, 2009
Lufthansa (Frankfurt) will cut nearly 1,000 weekly flights (around 7.4 percent of total flights) for the winter season starting on October 25.
News link:
LIAT wants to replace its three DHC-8-100s
October 13, 2009
LIAT-The Caribbean Airline (Antigua) wants to replace its three 37-seat Bombardier DHC-8-100s with newer aircraft.
News link:
SeaPort awarded EAS for 4 Arkansas cities
October 13, 2009
Copyright Photo: Joe G. Walker. Pilatus PC-12/45 N933SP (msn 240) is pictured arriving at Seattle (King County-Boeing Field).
SeaPort Airlines (Portland, OR) has been awarded an Essential Air Service (EAS) contract by the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) to serve four Arkansas cities (Hot Springs, El Dorado, Harrison and Jonesboro) from Memphis with Pilatus PC-12s. Since Arkansas is a long way from the sea, is there a new name coming from SeaPort?
Press release:
finance.yahoo.com/news/Scheduled-Air-Service-Returns-bw-2490788591.html?x=0&.v=1
AirTran drops Charleston, introduces logojet
October 13, 2009
AirTran Airways (Orlando and Atlanta) will drop Charleston, SC and the ATL-CHS route on December 3.
The company, as promised, also introduced the anticipated Atlanta Falcons (NFL) team logojet. Boeing 717-2BD N891AT (msn 55043) has been painted in the team colors.
News link:
JetBlue Airways to introduce a new livery
October 12, 2009
Copyright Photo: Brian McDonough. Please click on photo for full view, information and other photos.
JetBlue Airways (New York-JFK) has confirmed the rumors – it will introduce a complete new livery tomorrow night (October 13) in Orlando.
Here is the message to the employees:
Over the years we’ve made our mark on the industry with a distinctive look – uniforms, signage, and tailfin patterns like mosaic, stripes, harlequin and windowpane. To keep our look fresh as we approach our 10th birthday, we’ll be introducing a new aircraft tailfin and fuselage paint scheme (livery) on Tuesday in Orlando – and you’re invited!
Join Dave Barger and your fellow Crewmembers at the LiveTV Hangar at Orlando International Airport for this exciting event on Tuesday evening. Be the first to experience the sharp new look that our fleet will soon be sporting!
Oman Air starts Muscat-Paris service
October 12, 2009
Copyright Photo: Ron Skinkis. Please click on photo for full view, information and other photos.
Oman Air (Muscat) started nonstop service between Muscat and Paris (CDG) on October 9. The new route is operated four times a week.
News link:
Emirates tells Boeing 777-200LR is “inefficient”
October 12, 2009
Copyright Photo: Nick Dean. Please click on photo for full view, information and other photos.
Emirates Airline (Dubai) according to published reports has told Boeing the 777-200 LR (Longer Range) is “inefficient” for the Dubai-Los Angeles route.
News link:
TUI Airlines Belgium goes to a generic brand
October 12, 2009
Copyright Photo: Bjorn van der Velpen. OO-TUC taxies at Maastricht after repainting.
Jetairfly (TUI Airlines Belgium) (Brussels) has dropped its all-blue with smiling TUI brand on its Boeing 767-341 ER OO-TUC (msn 24844) and the other 767-300 for a more subdued generic brand with very small titles by the nose. Competitor Thomas Cook Belgium bought a lot of seats on TUI’s charter flights for the winter season and probably did not want their booked passengers getting on a competitor’s emblazoned aircraft.
FAA is experimenting with radar-less control
October 12, 2009
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is experimenting with a new system that does not include radar. The testbed is the Colorado area. The new system uses 20 sensors clustered around four airports within the Rockies. The sensors monitor radio broadcasts from the aircraft. By measuring minute differences in the time it takes for the broadcasts to reach the various sensors, as slim as 10 billionths of a second, computers can determine the location, said Ken Tollstam, vice president of Sensis, which built the devices.
Here is the full article:
www.honoluluadvertiser.com/article/20091011/BREAKING/91011053?source=rss_breaking
United Express CRJ700 leaves Winnipeg taxiway
October 11, 2009
United Express Bombardier CRJ700 after arriving from Denver and taxiing to the terminal on Friday night (October 9) in blowing snow left the taxiway at Winnipeg and went into the grass. The airliner was mired in the grass all night. There were no reported injuries. Further details are welcome.
Media report:
www.cbc.ca/canada/manitoba/story/2009/10/10/mb-airplane-runway-delays.html
AeroSvit to suspend five cities this winter
October 10, 2009
Copyright Photo: Ken Petersen. Please click on photo for full view, information and other photos.
AeroSvit Ukrainian Airlines (Kiev) is “optimizing” its winter schedule by dropping service for the winter season to five cities (Almaty, Cairo, Delhi, Hamburg and Toronto) and code sharing with both air Baltic and Aeroflot Russian Airlines.
Press release:
Air France to bring A380 to Paris Orly Nov. 11
October 10, 2009
Copyright Photo: Gerd Beilfuss. Please click on photo for full view, information and other photos.
Air France (Paris) is planning to bring its first Airbus A380 to Paris (Orly) on November 11 at 1700 local time for airport familiarization (as an alternate airport). AF is due to take delivery of F-HPJA (msn 033) on October 30 and the new type will go into revenue service on November 23 between Paris (CDG) and New York (JFK).
TAM’s CEO suddenly resigns
October 10, 2009
Copyright Photo: Keith Burton. Please click on photo for full view, information and other photos.
TAM Airlines’ (TAM Linhas Aereas) (Sao Paulo) Chief Executive Officer (CEO) (David Barioni Neto) suddenly resigned after almost two years. He was replaced temporarily by Libano Miranda Barroso.
News link:
www.reuters.com/article/marketsNews/idCNN098790120091009?rpc=44
Air Canada Jazz is returning to normal
October 10, 2009
Copyright Photo: Bruce Drum. Please click on photo for full view, information and other photos.
Air Canada Jazz (Halifax) is returning to normal operations after a computer system outage yesterday caused some disruptions and cancelations.
Lynden Air Cargo is flying relief flights
October 10, 2009
Copyright Photo: Bruce Drum. Please click on photo for full view, information and other photos.
Lynden Air Cargo (Anchorage) is flying relief charter flights with emergency supplies to both Apia, Samoa and Padang, Indonesia.
Press release:
finance.yahoo.com/news/Lynden-Air-Cargo-Responds-to-prnews-2803441295.html?x=0&.v=1
