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Happy New Year 2010
December 31, 2009
Happy New Year
We would like to wish all of our staff photographers, contributors and readers of the Airliners Gallery blogs and our our photo library our very best wishes for a safe and successful 2010.
Bruce Drum
Curator
Airliners Gallery
Copyright Photo: Ariel Shocron.
Kiunga Aviation Cessna 185E P2-MJL crashes in Papua New Guinea, six passengers killed
December 31, 2009
Kiunga Aviation (Lae) Cessna 185E P2-MJL (msn 01947) crashed yesterday (December 30) in Marobe Province. Six passengers were killed in the accident.
News link:
Jetstar Airways and AirAsia to announce a strategic alliance on January 6
December 31, 2009
Jetstar Airways (subsidiary of QANTAS Airways) (Melbourne) and AirAsia (AirAsia.com) (Malaysia) (Kuala Lumpur) are expected to announce a new strategic alliance on January 6. The two groups have been discussing how they can cooperate for the past year.
News link:
biz.thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2009/12/31/business/5389706&sec=business
Qatar Airways takes delivery of 4 aircraft in December, the fleet expands to 76 aircraft
December 31, 2009
Please click on the AG icon for a direct link to the Qatar Airways photo gallery.
Qatar Airways (Doha) is one of the fastest growing airlines in the world, taking delivery of four aircraft in December alone. The carrier has another 220 aircraft on order including firm orders and options. QR now operates eight Boeing 777-300 ERs and five 777-200 LRs. The total fleet is now 76 aircraft with 11 received in 2009.
Here is the full article:
Pacific Blue to add Auckland-Cairns starting on March 23
December 30, 2009
Please click on the AG icon for a direct link to the Pacific Blue photo gallery.
Pacific Blue Airlines (Christchurch) will take on Air New Zealand and add twice-weekly service between Auckland and Cairns starting on March 23, 2010.
News link:
www.stuff.co.nz/business/3199505/Pacific-Blue-to-open-Auckland-Cairns-route/
Royal Brunei Airlines to lease three Boeing 777-300 ER from Jet Airways
December 30, 2009
Royal Brunei Airlines (Bandar Seri Begawan) will lease three Boeing 777-300 ERs from Jet Airways after Jet received Mumbai High Court approval for the lease (Jet is required to receive court approval for each transaction).
Air France and El Al airplanes nearly collide over Belgrade
December 30, 2009
Air France (Paris) and El Al Israel Airlines (Tel Aviv) aircraft nearly collided over Belgrade according to this published report.
News link:
www.b92.net//eng/news/society-article.php?yyyy=2009&mm=12&dd=30&nav_id=64134
Monarch Airlines denies it is in financial trouble
December 30, 2009
Please click on the AG icon for a direct link to the Monarch photo gallery.
Monarch Airlines (London-Luton) has denied it is in financial trouble after an oddsmaker put the carrier at the top of list with the highest probability of going bankrupt.
News link:
business.timesonline.co.uk/tol/business/industry_sectors/transport/
Here is the full list of airlines and the bookie odds (in our opinion there are many missing airlines):
www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/newsbysector/transport/6907940/Next-airline-to-go-bust—the-odds.html
On a cold winter’s night in Stockholm on the Jumbo Hostel
December 29, 2009 — 2 Comments
On a cold winter’s night in Stockholm: Jumbo Hostel Boeing 747-212B 3D-NEE (msn 21162) ARN, originally uploaded by Airliners Gallery.
Passengers (hostel guests) are resting well tonight inside the warm Boeing 747-212B 3D-NEE (msn 21162) now known as the Jumbo Hostel in Stockholm. The unique place to stay is shown this evening in freezing cold weather with snow on the fuselage. The Arlanda Airport (ARN) ATC Tower is pictured in the background. The Jumbo now has a new large blue advertisement on the fuselage for NCC (a construction company).
Copyright Photo: Stefan Sjogren.
China Eastern agrees to purchase 16 Airbus A330s
December 29, 2009
China Eastern Airlines (Shanghai) stated yesterday it agreed to purchase 16 Airbus A330s for delivery between 2011 and 2014.
News link:
www.reuters.com/article/idCNLDE5BR0R520091228?rpc=44
Please click on AG icon for a direct link to the China Eastern photo gallery.
Uzbekistan Airways is now operating this Airbus A300 freighter
December 29, 2009
Uzbekistan Airways Airbus A300B4-622R(F) UK-31005 FRA 27-11-09, originally uploaded by Axel J..
Uzbekistan Airways (Tashkent) is now operating this Airbus A300B4-622R on cargo flights. UK-31005 (msn 722) approaches Frankfurt for landing on November 27, 2009 and only displays a tail logo.
Copyright Photo: Axel J.
Emirates today starts Airbus A380 service to Paris
December 29, 2009
Please click on AG icon for a direct link to the Emirates photo gallery.
Emirates Airline (Dubai) today launched Airbus A380 service to Paris (CDG).
News link:
Syrian claims it is being blocked from Airbus order
December 29, 2009
Syrian Air Airbus A320-232 YK-AKD (msn 1076) FRA, originally uploaded by Airliners Gallery.
Syrian Air (Damascus) through Syria’s transport minister said yesterday (December 28) the United States has rejected a request by France to lift economics sanctions on the sale of Airbus aircraft to Syria. The Obama Administration has stated it wants to improve relations with Damascus. Airbus had offered to lease aircraft to Syrian Air while awaiting the results of the French request according to this article. The U.S. government has previously accused Syria of supporting terrorism and imposed sanctions in 2004 which prohibits Syrian Air flights from entering U.S. air space and banning the export of all U.S. products to Syria except food and medicine. The A320 for example includes U.S.-made products. Syrian Air is now talking to Tupolev about leasing two aircraft.
Syrian Air operates a diverse and aging Boeing and Russian fleet (some awaiting parts) but it also operates seven Airbus A320s.
Link to the full article:
www.busrep.co.za/index.php?fSectionId=552&fArticleId=5297909
Copyright Photo: Gunter Mayer. Airbus A320-232 YK-AKD (msn 1076) taxies at Frankfurt in the 1998 livery.
AirTran Airways to make Milwaukee a hub
December 29, 2009
AirTran Airways (Orlando and Atlanta) sensing a weakness with the Midwest Airlines brand will make Milwaukee a hub next year, basing aircraft and crews at MKE. The company will add additional routes according to this news item.
News link:
Ilyushin Il-18V DM-STA is restored in Deutsche Lufthansa (GDR) 1955 markings
December 28, 2009
Deutsche Lufthansa (GDR) Ilyushin Il-18V DM-STA (msn 180001905) LEJ (restoration), originally uploaded by Airliners Gallery.
Leipzig/Halle will soon display this restored Ilyushin Il-18V registered DM-STA (msn 180001905) at the entrance to the airport. The classic turboprop airliner has been restored in the 1955 colors of Deutsche Luthansa (GDR) and was rolled out of the paint shop in September 2009. Deutsche Lufthansa (GDR) (East Berlin) was founded in 1955 in East Germany as eastern version of Deutsche Lufthansa (West Germany). However a court case in Berne, Switzerland in 1963 awarded the Lufthansa trademark to the West German company. Interflug (a shortened form of Internationaler Flug or “international flight”) was founded in 1958 as the second East German airline to operate charter flights. Therefore in 1963 when the Deutsche Lufthansa name was lost, Interflug was chosen as the new brand for East Germany’s “new” state airline operating international routes. Interflug was liquidated in March 1991 following the reunification of Germany. DM-STA poses for the camera at Leipzig/Halle. The airliner is owned by the Verkehrsmuseum Dresden as a technical memorial and should be placed outside the ramp area somewere in front of the terminal during next year.
Copyright Photo: CGN Spotter.
Airzena Georgian Airways asks to resume the Tbilisi-Moscow route on January 5
December 28, 2009
Please click on AG icon for a direct link to the Airzena photo gallery.
Airzena Georgian Airways (Tbilisi) has asked the Russian government for permission to resume the Tbilisi-Moscow route on January 5, 2010.
News link:
Titan Airways adds its first Boeing 767-300
December 28, 2009
Copyright Photo: John Ballantyne. G-POWD is pictured at STN base.
Titan Airways (London-Stansted) has added its first Boeing 767-300 for its long-range charters. Ex-Skymark Airlines 767-36N ER G-POWD (msn 30847) was accepted on December 17, 2009.
LAN Airlines adds its first Oneworld logojet
December 28, 2009
LAN Airlines (Chile) (Santiago) has added its first Oneworld Alliance logojet. Boeing 767-316 ER CC-CXJ (msn 37801) was delivered on December 18, 2009 in these colors.
Copyright Photo: Eddie Maloney. CC-CXJ gracefully climbs away from Los Angeles (LAX).
DirectAir adds titles to USA Jet’s DC-9-31 N231US
December 28, 2009
Copyright Photo: Jan Petzold. N231US lands at Myrtle Beach in USA Jet Airlines' 1994 colors with DirectAir titles.
DirectAir (Myrtle Beach) has now added titles to the wet leased McDonnell Douglas DC-9-31 N231US (msn 48114) of USA Jet Airlines (Ypsilanti). USA Jet has been operating for DirectAir for approximately six months.
Business Air starts operations in Thailand
December 27, 2009
Copyright Photo: Wim Callaert. HS-BIA arrives at the BKK base.
Business Air (Thailand) (Bangkok) as a new airline has started charter operations in Thailand with this ex-United Airlines/Skystar Airways Boeing 767-222 now registered HS-BIA (msn 21868, ex HS-SSC).
U.S. imposes tighter security rules
December 27, 2009
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) (Washington) has imposed even tighter security regulations, especially for international arriving flights as it attempts to learn how a 23-year old Nigerian man was permitted to enter the country while trying to blow up the Northwest Airlines (now in Delta colors) Airbus A330-323X N820NW (msn 859) while on approach at Detroit. Carry-on luggage is being limited to one item and lines at security checkpoints are expected to be long at most U.S. airports.
News link:
bmibaby introduces a new “Tiny” color scheme on 737-59D G-BVKB
December 26, 2009
Copyright Photo: Gordon Stretch. G-BVKB arrived at Birmingham on December 24 after repainting.
Bmibaby (bmibaby.com) (East Midlands) has modified its color scheme with the first aircraft being this Boeing 737-59D G-BVKB (msn 27268). The former “Children in Need” special color scheme (with balloons) has now been repainted. A new red “Tiny” emblem now adorns a light blue tail. G-BVKB has also been renamed “Jelly Bean”. The use of “Tiny” now matches the use of the figurine on its website.
Link:
Nigerian man tried to blow up Northwest flight 253
December 26, 2009
Northwest Airlines-NWA’s (subsidiary of Delta Air Lines) (Minneapolis/St. Paul) flight NW 253 was far from usually slow Christmas flight yesterday (December 25) as the crew of Airbus A330-323X N820NW (msn 859) attempted to land at the Detroit hub.
According to the AP, “A Nigerian man who said he was an agent for al-Qaida tried to blow up a Northwest Airlines plane Friday as it was preparing to land in Detroit, but travelers who smelled smoke and heard what sounded like firecrackers rushed to subdue him, the passengers and federal officials said.
Flight 253 with 278 passengers and 11 crew members aboard was about 20 minutes from the airport when passengers heard popping noises, witnesses said. At least one person climbed over others and jumped on the man. Shortly afterward, the suspect was taken to the front of the plane with his pants cut off and his legs burned, a passenger said. Law enforcement officials said the burns indicated the explosive was strapped to his legs.
One U.S. intelligence official said the explosive device was a mix of powder and liquid. It failed when the passenger tried to detonate it.”
Here is the full news report:
news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20091226/ap_on_re_us/us_airliner_disturbance
Here is the statement from Delta:
finance.yahoo.com/news/Delta-Air-Lines-Issues-prnews-4002625269.html?x=0&.v=1
Gestair Cargo to retire its last DC-8 this month
December 25, 2009
Gestair Cargo (formerly Cygnus Air) (Madrid) as the last European operator will retire its last McDonnell Douglas DC-8 this month when DC-8-73 (F) EC-IGZ (msn 46133) will be retired.
Press release:
Iceland Express to fly to Winnipeg starting June 2010
December 25, 2009
Copyright Photo: Antony J. Best. Please click on photo for full view, information and other photos.
Iceland Express-Astraeus Airlines Boeing 737-7L9 WL G-STRN (msn 28007) LGW
Originally uploaded by Airliners Gallery
Iceland Express (Keflavik) will add twice weekly service to Winnipeg starting in June 2010. This will also permit permit new European connecting service for Winnipeg via Iceland.
News link:
ca.news.yahoo.com/s/cbc/091223/canada/canada_manitoba_mb_icelandic_
Copyright Photo: Antony J. Best.
Boeing gets order for 11 787 Dreamliners from an undisclosed customer
December 25, 2009
Boeing (Chicago, Seattle, Wichita and Charleston) has announced an order for 11 787 Dreamliners from an undisclosed customer.
News link:
seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/businesstechnology/2010587154_boeing25.html
Merry Christmas and Season’s Greetings to our staff photographers, contributors and readers
December 24, 2009
Copyright Photo: Gordon Stretch.
We would like to publicly thank our great staff photographers, contributors and all of the readers of this airline news blog and the AG for your great support. Without your contributions and assistance this blog and the AG could not be possible. Merry Christmas and Season’s Greetings!
Bruce Drum
Copyright Photo: Gordon Stretch. Boeing 737-8K5 G-FDZA (msn 35134) of Thomson Airways is ready to assist Santa at East Midlands.
Lion Air accepts four Boeing 737-900 ERs in December, reaches the 30 mark
December 24, 2009
Lion Air Boeing 737-9GP ER WL PK-LGK (msn 35728) SIN
Originally uploaded by Airliners Gallery
Lion Air (Jakarta) has taken delivery of four Boeing 737-900 ERs during this monthly, reaching the 30 mark.
Copyright Photo: Kenneth Wong.
Emirates to add Dubai-Jeddah A380 service on February 1, 2010
December 24, 2009
Copyright Photo: Gerd Beilfuss. Please click on photo for full view, information and other photos.
Emirates Airline Airbus A380-861 A6-EDA (msn 011) XFW
Originally uploaded by Airliners Gallery
Emirates Airline (Dubai) will bring the Airbus A380 to Saudi Arabia when it inaugurates A380 service to Jeddah on February 1, 2010. The A380 will be operated four times a week.
News link:
Copyright Photo: Gerd Beilfuss.
Airlink’s 14 BAe Jetstream 41s are grounded
December 24, 2009
Airlink (Johannesburg) is being forced to hire other carriers to fly its routes since its 14 BAe Jetstream 41s were grounded due to safety concerns.
News link:
LAN Airlines signs contract for 30 Airbus A320 Family aircraft
December 24, 2009
Copyright Photo: Alvaro Romero. Please click on photo for full view, information and other photos.
LAN Airlines (Chile) Airbus A320-233 CC-COF (msn 1355) SCL
Originally uploaded by Airliners Gallery
LAN Airlines (Chile) (Santiago) has signed a contract for the purchase of 30 Airbus A320 Family aircraft to be delivered between 2011 and 2016.
The new aircraft will operate flights within Latin America as well as domestic routes in Argentina, Peru, Ecuador and Chile and will be used for the renewal and growth of the LAN’s short haul fleet. In addition to this purchase, LAN’s strategic fleet renewal plan involves the sale of five Airbus A318s in 2011.
Copyright Photo: Alvaro Romero.
Continental, United and ANA apply for antitrust immunity for trans-Pacific flights
December 24, 2009
Copyright Photo: Joe G. Walker. ANA's future Boeing 787-881 N787EX (msn 34488) arrives back at a wet Boeing Field (King County) during the first flight.
Continental Airlines, United Airlines and ANA (All Nippon Airways) yesterday (December 23) filed an application with the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) for antitrust immunity to enable the three carriers to create a more efficient and comprehensive trans-Pacific network.
The trans-Pacific joint venture – the first of its kind between the U.S. and Asia – also would enable United, ANA and Continental to compete more effectively with other global alliances, each of which has a significant presence in Tokyo.
Upon DOT approval of the companies’ immunity application, United, ANA and Continental will be able to jointly manage trans-Pacific activities including scheduling, pricing and sales, offering customers a greater selection of routings and a wider range of fare and service options.
Here is the full press release:
finance.yahoo.com/news/United-All-Nippon-Airways-and-prnews-1325552356.html?x=0&.v=1
Related to this, ANA’s future Boeing 787-881 N787EX (msn 34488) developed some landing gear and brake problems on its previously-reported first flight according to this Seattle Times article:
The final pictures of Boeing 737-823 N977AN
December 24, 2009 — 1 Comment
The location of the aircraft along with the runway and the Caribbean Sea can be seen in this photo.
The three sections of the 737 can be seen in this dramatic photo.
American Airlines (Dallas/Fort Worth) will have to replace Boeing 737-823 N977AN (msn 29550) as this picture shows the extreme amount of damage at Kingston to the fuselage, broken in three spots. This picture confirms the airliner is an insurance write off (WO).
The news media has already started its speculation on what caused the accident including possible pilot fatigue and the relatively fast landing speed (160 MPH) of the aircraft. This is from the Dallas News:
www.dallasnews.com/sharedcontent/dws/bus/stories/DN-AAcrash_24bus.ART.State.Edition2.4b9c8fb.html
Ryanair Boeing 737-800 slides off the runway into the snow-covered grass at Prestwick
December 23, 2009
Please click on the AG icon for a direct link to the Ryanair photo gallery.
Ryanair (Dublin) had an incident this morning at Prestwick Airport near Glasgow when a Boeing 737-800 slid off the end of the runway into the snow-covered grass after landing. There were no injuries or damage to the aircraft.
News link:
www.telegraph.co.uk/topics/weather/6871593/Ryanair-aircraft-slides-off-runway-at-Prestwick.html
TAM buys Pantanal for $7.3 million
December 23, 2009
TAM Airlines (Sao Paulo) has acquired Pantanal Linhas Aereas (Sao Paulo) for $7.3 million and will develop the small airline into a much larger feeder airline. Ironically TAM started as an air taxi company and later a regional carrier.
Please click on the AG icon for a direct link to the TAM photo gallery.
News link:
Air Canada to start daily Toronto-Copenhagen service on June 24
December 23, 2009
Please click on AG icon for a direct link to the Air Canada photo gallery.
Air Canada (Montreal) will start daily Toronto (Pearson)-Copenhagen service on June 24, 2010. The new route will be operated with Boeing 767-300 ERs.
Boeing completes the first flight of the second Dreamliner, ANA’s 787-881 N787BA
December 23, 2009
Copyright Photo: Nick Dean. Please click on photo for full view, information and other photos.
ANA (All Nippon Airways) Boeing 787-881 N787EX (msn 34488) PAE
Originally uploaded by Airliners Gallery
Boeing (Chicago, Seattle, Wichita and Charleston) yesterday (December 22) completed the first flight of the second 787 Dreamliner, designated ZA002 (but actually the pictured 787-881 N787EX, msn 34488). The all-new airplane, which features the 1983 livery of the Dreamliner’s launch customer, ANA (All Nippon Airways) of Japan, took off from Paine Field in Everett, completed a two-hour flight and landed at Boeing Field in Seattle.
Boeing stated “We are delighted that the second Dreamliner is in the livery of our launch customer, ANA,” said Scott Fancher, vice president and general manager of the 787 program. “We are honored by the airline’s support and look forward to delivering ANA the first production airplane next year.”
Captain Randy Neville was at the controls for the flight, with Chief Pilot Mike Carriker operating as co-pilot. Neville and Carriker took the airplane to an altitude of 13,000 feet (3,962 m) and an airspeed of 200 knots, or about 230 miles (370 km) per hour. The airplane took off at 9:09 a.m. PST and landed at 11:10 a.m. PST.
This is the second of six 787s being used in the airplane’s flight-test program. Each of the airplanes will be used for a specific set of tests, with this airplane focusing on systems performance. Like its predecessor, ZA001, the airplane is powered by two Rolls-Royce Trent 1000 engines.
In other news, Boeing announced yesterday (December 22) it is taking full control of Global Aeronautica, the midfuselage plant in North Charleston, SC, by buying out its Italian supplier Alenia. In July, Boeing took over the Vought facility at North Charleston (CHS). CHS will be location of the second Dreamliner assembly plant.
Copyright Photo: Nick Dean.
American Airlines’ Boeing 737-823 N977AN overshoots the runway at Kingston
December 23, 2009
Copyright Photo: Jay Selman. Please click on photo for full view, information and other photos.
American Airlines Boeing 737-823 N977AN (msn 29550) MIA (overshoots the runway at Kingston)
Originally uploaded by Airliners Gallery
American Airlines’ (Dallas/Fort Worth) Boeing 737-823 N977AN (msn 29550) as flight AA 331 from Washington (Reagan National) to Kingston, Jamaica via the Miami hub overshot the runway at KIN on landing with 148 passengers and six crew members in a heavy rainstorm late last night. The aircraft is substantially damaged (a possible insurance write off).
News link with video:
news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20091223/ap_on_bi_ge/us_flight_overshoots_runway
Statement from American Airlines with an update on the injuries:
finance.yahoo.com/news/AMERICAN-ACTIVATES-ITS-FAMILY-prnews-3515628815.html?x=0&.v=1
Copyright Photo: Jay Selman. N977AN is pictured at Miami before the accident.
Help JetBlue Airways pick its next tail design
December 22, 2009
JetBlue Airways Airbus A320-232 N562JB (msn 1948) (8th-Blueberries) FLL
Originally uploaded by Airliners Gallery
JetBlue Airways (New York-JFK) is now seeking votes from the public to select its next tail design to help the company celebrate its 10th Anniversary. Five finalist designs (designed by employees) are now available for selection. The contest ends on January 29, 2010 and the decision will be announced on February 11, 2010.
Vote here:
Copyright Photo: Wade DeNero.
Frontier to expand code-share agreement with Midwest Airlines from Kansas City to eight cities
December 22, 2009
Frontier Airlines (2nd) (Denver) will expand its code-share agreement with virtual airline Midwest Airlines (Milwaukee) from Kansas City to eight cities starting on February 16, 2010. Midwest is now only a brand since the AOC was retired when the last Boeing 717 was retired. All Midwest flights are operated by other carriers especially sister airline Republic Airlines (2nd) (Indianapolis). In addition the “Midwest Connect” titles have been altered to read just “Midwest”.
Press release:
finance.yahoo.com/news/Frontier-Airlines-Adds-Eight-bw-3449792814.html?x=0&.v=1
Copyright Photo: bwione
ANA to order five Boeing 777-200 ERs and five 767-300 ERs
December 21, 2009
ANA (All Nippon Airways) Boeing 777-281 ER JA717A (msn 33415) NRT
Originally uploaded by Airliners Gallery
ANA (All Nippon Airways) (Tokyo-Haneda) is proceeding to order five new Boeing 777-200 ERs (for FY 2012 delivery) and five 767-300 ERs (for FY 2010 delivery).
Copyright Photo: Michael B. Ing.
United Airways starts Dhaka-Kuala Lumpur flights
December 21, 2009
United Airways (Bangladesh) McDonnell Douglas DC-9-83 (MD-83) S2-AEU (msn 49790) LGW
Originally uploaded by Airliners Gallery
United Airways (Bangladesh) today (December 21) starts Dhaka-Kuala Lumpur flights with its 155-seat McDonnell Douglas DC-9-83 (MD-83).
Avianca is adding “90 Anos” to its aircraft in celebration of 90 years of flying
December 21, 2009
Avianca (Bogota) is adding “90 Anos” (90 Years) stickers to its aircraft to celebrate 90 years of flying.
Copyright Photo: Robert Collazo. Airbus A330-243 N973AV (msn 1073) prepares to touch down at Miami.
Copyright Photo: Robert Collazo.
Northwest Airlines retires the last Boeing 747-200F (updated)
December 20, 2009
NWA Cargo (Northwest Airlines) Boeing 747-251B (F) N632NW (msn 23112) ANC (type retirement)
Originally uploaded by Airliners Gallery
Northwest Airlines-NWA (subsidiary of Delta Air Lines) (Minneapolis/St. Paul) operated the last of its Boeing 747-200 freighter flights on revenue flights on Saturday (December 19) as two of the giant aircraft touched down in Chicago and Los Angeles carrying full loads of cargo. Northwest flight NW 908 (with N632NW) departed Osaka and arrived in Chicago (ORD) with 73 tons of cargo, an 89 percent load factor (the last revenue flight). Northwest flight NW 906 (with N639US) departed Shanghai and arrived in Los Angeles (LAX) with 81 tons of cargo, a 99% load factor. Delta has parked its 10 wholly- owned Northwest 747-200 freighters, where they will remain in long-term storage. Two other 747s were returned recently to a leasing agent.
The pictured Boeing 747-251B N632NW (msn 23112) had the honor of operating the last revenue flight (flight NW 908). Here is a disposition of each aircraft and the total hours:
N623US (21705) F9860-25NOV09 MSP-MZJ 103117HRS TOTAL TIME, 18171 CYCLES
N624US (21706) F9860-27NOV09 COS-MZJ 106418HRS TOTAL TIME, 19109 CYCLES
N631NW (23111) F9860-26DEC09 LAX-MZJ 92246HRS TOTAL TIME, 14118 CYCLES
N632NW (23112) F9861-28DEC09 ORD-MZJ 93928HRS TOTAL TIME, 14625 CYCLES
N639US (23887) F9862-26DEC09 LAX-VCV 80975HRS TOTAL TIME, 17442 CYCLES
N640US (23888) F9874-21NOV09 LAX-MZJ 80466HRS TOTAL TIME, 17267 CYCLES
N643NW (22245) F9860-29DEC09 ORD-ARG 97392HRS TOTAL TIME, 22176 CYCLES
N644NW (24177) F9861-26DEC09 ORD-MZJ 76406HRS TOTAL TIME, 14122 CYCLES
MZJ-MARANA, AZ
VCV-VICTORVILLE, CA
ARG-WALNUT RIDGE, AR
Copyright Photo: Michael B. Ing.
AirTran Airways starts weekly Atlanta-Aruba flights
December 20, 2009
AirTran Airways (Orlando and Atlanta) yesterday (December 19) launched weekly Atlanta-Aruba flights. Orlando-Aruba commences on January 9.
Copyright Photo: Tony Storck. Boeing 717-2BD N891AT (msn 55043) in the Atlanta Falcons motif arrives at Baltimore/Washington.
Thai Airways International to turn over three domestic routes to Nok Air
December 19, 2009
Nok Air (XL Airways UK) Boeing 737-8Q8 WL G-XLAI (msn 30702) MAN, originally uploaded by Airliners Gallery.
Thai Airways International (Bangkok) is ending its estranged relationship with Nok Air (Bangkok) and will turn over three domestic routes to the low-cost carrier on March 1, 2010. Thai owns 39 percent of the Nok shares.
News link:
Copyright Photo: Andrew Yarwood.
Air India to trim its fleet by one-third to 105 aircraft
December 19, 2009
Air India Boeing 777-237 LR VT-ALF (msn 36305) IAD, originally uploaded by Airliners Gallery.
Air India (Mumbai) will trim its fleet from the current 146 to 105 aircraft by March 2011 according to the WSJ. This will include returning Boeing 777s and Airbus A319s and A320s coming off lease.
News link:
online.wsj.com/article/SB126103274238995151.html?mod=googlenews_wsj
Copyright Photo: Brian McDonough.
Brussels Airlines to help set up a new airline in the Democratic Republic of the Congo
December 19, 2009
Brussels Airlines (Brussels) is helping to establish a new airline in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Using a working name of Korongo, the new airline will be based in the southern city of Lubumbashi and will operate Boeing 737s. Previously Brussels Airlines was involved with the establishment of airDC which now appears to be a non-starter.
News link:
www.deredactie.be/cm/vrtnieuws.english/news/091215_Congo%2Bairliner
Rosavia delays $2.5 billion tender offer to buy 65 aircraft
December 19, 2009
Rosavia (Moscow) has delayed its $2.5 billion tender offer to acquire 65 aircraft raising doubts about the future of the new state-owned airline. The airline was going to merge the aircraft from KrasAir, Domodedovo Airlines, Samara Airlines and Atlant-Soyuz Airlines into the new airline coupled with the new aircraft order. In addition, state-owned Rossiya, Orenair, Kavminvodyavia, Vladivostok Air, Dalavia and Saravia were also expected to be merged into the new entity.
News link:
Alaska Airlines introduces its first Boeing 737-900 logojet (Disneyland II) featuring Pluto for the first time
December 18, 2009
Copyright Photo: Alaska Airlines.
Alaska Airlines (Seattle/Tacoma) this morning (December 18) introduced its “Spirit of Disneyland II” aircraft at Portland International Airport (PDX). Boeing 737-990 N318AS (msn 30018) is adorned with the faces of Disney’s most recognized characters – Mickey and Minnie Mouse, Donald Duck, Goofy and, for the first time, Pluto. The new design replaces a previous Disney-themed aircraft retired two weeks ago. Alaska Airlines’ Boeing 737-900 aircraft made its inaugural flight from Portland to Los Angeles International Airport carrying three Make-A-Wish® children on their way to the Disneyland Resort to have their wishes granted.
Full press release:
finance.yahoo.com/news/Alaska-Airlines-Introduces-prnews-2635717333.html?x=0&.v=1
Copyright Photos: Alaska Airlines.
