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Fourth 787 Joins Boeing Flight-Test Fleet
March 15, 2010
Boeing (Chicago, Seattle, Wichita and Charleston) has added the fourth 787 Dreamliner to its flight-test fleet with the completion of the first flight of ZA003 yesterday. The airplane departed Paine Field in Everett, at 10:55 a.m. (1055) (PDT) and landed at 2:01 p.m. (1401) at King County-Boeing Field in Seattle.
Captains Ray Craig and Mike Bryan piloted the airplane on its three-hour-and-six-minute flight. ZA003 is the final 787 with Rolls-Royce Trent 1000 engines to enter the flight-test program.
ZA003 is the only 787 in the flight test fleet that will include elements of the passenger interior features including cabin and crew support systems. The 787 is introducing new passenger amenities and provisions for a more comfortable flying experience. Among the new features are improved lighting, bigger stowage bins, larger windows with electrochromatic shades and redesigned lavatories with easier access.
In addition to demonstrating that the interior meets certification requirements, ZA003 will be used to conduct tests on systems, noise performance, flight-deck operations, avionics, electromagnetic effects, high-intensity radio frequency response and extended operations (ETOPS).
Hamburg International removes “10 Yahre” titles from the tail of A319 D-AHIK
March 14, 2010
Hamburg International (Hamburginternational.de) Airbus A319-111 D-AHIK (msn 3560) NUE (Gunter Mayer) (new livery?), originally uploaded by Airliners Gallery.
Hamburg International (Hamburginternational.de) (Hamburg) has removed the special “10 Yahre” (10 Years) titles and logo from the tail of its Airbus A319-111 D-AHIK (msn 3560) creating this new livery with the regular tail logo. It is unclear if this scheme will be adopted by the fleet or if this will remain a one-off scheme.
Copyright Photo: Gunter Mayer. D-AHIK poses beautifully for the camera in Nuremberg.
Iberia to exit short and medium-haul routes by 2015
March 14, 2010 — 2 Comments
Iberia (Madrid) is getting out of the short and medium-haul business and will concentrate on its long-haul business.
Iberia will create a new unnamed low-cost subsidiary to be based in Madrid, which will start operations in November 2010. This new airline will gradually take over the IB’s short and medium-haul routes, and will then expand by taking over British Airways’ short-haul routes pending the planned merger. By 2015, IB will no longer fly the short and medium-haul routes with its own planes and crews, thus concentrating on the long-haul routes especially to South America.
Expected fleet changes:
Airbus A320:
Leaving the fleet in 2010:
EC-HQG, EC-HQK and EC-HDN.
Airbus A319:
Arriving in 2010:
EC-LEI (already in MAD) EC-KUB (April 1)
Airbus A340:
Leaving the fleet in 2010:
A340-300:
EC-GQK, EC-HQF, EC-HQH (September), and EC-HQN (December).
Arriving in 2010:
A340-600:
EC-LCZ (already in MAD), EC-LEV (April 1), EC-LEU (June 1), EC-??? (July 1), EC-??? (August 1), the last being the last production line A340-600 to be built, and therefore, the last A340 to be built by Airbus.
British Transport Secretary says cabin crews’ planned strike could threaten the existence of British Airways
March 14, 2010
British Transport Secretary Andrew Adonis urged cabin crew at British Airways (London) today (March 14) to call off their planned strikes this month, saying it threatened the company’s very existence according to this Reuters report.
Cabin crew are due to walk out on seven days this month after talks between the airline and unions on changes to working practices broke down. Analysts say the dispute could cost the airline around $212 million.
Asked if the strike put the future of British Airways in danger, Adonis told the BBC: “Yes I do … The stakes are incredibly high in this strike.”
Read the full report:
www.reuters.com/article/idCNLDE62D05920100314?rpc=44
Meanwhile BA CEO Willie Walsh has declared “war” on the unions:
News link:
financialadvice.co.uk/news/ukeconomy/87957-willie-walsh-declares-war-on-the-unions.html
Emirates Airline warns Airbus about any A350 delays
March 13, 2010
Emirates Airline (Dubai) has warned Airbus that it will tolerate any A350 delays according to this published Aviation Week report.
Boeing 747-8 Freighter Achieves Initial Airworthiness Milestone
March 12, 2010
Boeing (Chicago, Seattle, Wichita and Charleston) has completed initial airworthiness testing on the 747-8 Freighter. This milestone enables test engineers to be on board during future flights and allows the remaining two 747-8 Freighter test airplanes to begin flight test.
Since the first flight in early February, the program has conducted 13 flights, achieving several key accomplishments. Pilots have taken the airplane to an altitude of 30,000 feet (9,144 m) and a speed of Mach .65. The program has completed approximately 33 hours of flying. Initial stall tests and other dynamic maneuvers have been run, as well as an extensive checkout of the airplane’s systems. Five different pilots have flown the newest Boeing freighter.
In the weeks ahead, the 747-8 Freighter will reach an altitude of more than 43,000 feet (13,106 m) and a speed of Mach .97. Subsequent testing will push the airplane beyond expected operational conditions.
Flight testing will continue in the months ahead. All told, the 747-8 Freighter test program calls for approximately 3,700 hours of testing using three test airplanes. First delivery is planned for the fourth quarter of this year.
Boeing has secured 108 orders for the 747-8, 76 of which are orders for the new freighter. Cargolux, NCA-Nippon Cargo Airlines, AirBridgeCargo Airlines, Atlas Air, Cathay Pacific Airways, Dubai Aerospace Enterprise, Emirates SkyCargo, Guggenheim and Korean Air all have placed orders for 747-8 Freighters.
Alaska Airlines today introduces a new Apolo Ohno logojet
March 12, 2010
Copyright Photo: Alaska Airlines. Apolo Ohno poses for the camera in front of his new logojet. The new logojet is Boeing 737-890 N568AS (msn 35183). Full length photo of the aircraft is welcome.
Alaska Airlines (Seattle/Tacoma) is inviting the public to enter for a chance to win a Hawaiian vacation for two with celebrated short-track speed skater and most decorated U.S. winter Olympian in history, Apolo Anton Ohno.
Participants can register for the “Follow Apolo to Hawaii” sweepstakes, beginning today and continuing through April 15, at http://www.followapolo.com.
Five sweepstakes winners and their guests will join Ohno in June for a Hawaiian vacation, including roundtrip tickets to Maui on Alaska Airlines, a private luau with Ohno and luxury accommodations for four nights and five days at the Grand Wailea in Maui.
To mark the occasion, Alaska Airlines and Ohno today (March 12) will unveil a specially-themed Boeing 737-800 adorned with a larger-than-life image of the celebrated short-track speed skater. The unique design features Ohno, wearing a Hawaiian lei, skating across the aircraft’s fuselage and invites travelers to “Follow Apolo to Hawaii.”
Passengers boarding Flight AS 859 from Seattle/Tacoma to Honolulu today will meet Ohno and receive a lei. From Honolulu, the Boeing 737-800 will fly throughout Alaska’s network.
A native of the Seattle area, Ohno has been the top U.S. short-track speed skater since 2001. The youngest-ever U.S. short-track speed skating champion at age 14, Ohno is a 12-time U.S. national champion, 23-time world champion and eight-time Olympic medalist. Away from the ice, Ohno made his mark in Hollywood when he won ABC’s “Dancing with the Stars” in 2007.
The previous Apolo Ohno logojet (displayed on this blog) was removed (by contract) before the start of the 2010 Vancouver Winter Olympics.
United finalizes its order for 25 Airbus A350-900s
March 11, 2010
United Airlines (Chicago) has finalized its order for 25 Airbus A350-900s according to Flightglobal. Deliveries will start in 2016.
News link:
www.flightglobal.com/articles/2010/03/10/339310/united-airlines-firms-a350-order.html
LAN Airlines is now serving all destinations again
March 10, 2010
Please click on the AG icon for a direct link to the LAN Airlines photo gallery.
LAN Airlines (Chile) (Santiago) reports that as of yesterday (March 9) passengers can once again purchase plane tickets for all destinations served by the airline.
LAN has designated an airplane that will fly from Santiago to Concepcion daily carrying shipments of humanitarian aid, volunteers and staff members from organizations including Hogar de Cristo (Christ’s Home), the Red Cross, Caritas, Un Techo para Chile (A Roof for Chile) and Bomberos de Chile (Firefighters of Chile).
Air Transat’s pilots warn the company about outsourcing
March 10, 2010
Please click on the AG icon for a direct link to the Air Transat photo gallery.
Air Transat’s (Montreal-Trudeau) pilots, represented by ALPA, issued the following statement expressing their concerns about outsourcing by the company:
“The pilots of Air Transat are deeply concerned that Transat A.T., the holding company that controls Air Transat, is outsourcing flying while Air Transat’s mainline growth has been stagnant for the past two years,” said Captain John Prater, ALPA president.
“While we applaud any moves to increase profitability, we strongly believe that Transat A.T. and all its subsidiaries’ customers expect and deserve to be flown on Air Transat airplanes with Air Transat pilots in the cockpit,” said Captain Sylvain Aubin, the pilot group’s representative at the Air Line Pilots Association.
“Outsourcing Transat A.T. flying to other carriers runs the risk of diminishing the travel experience in the eyes of our customers and goes directly against the business model that has made this company a success,” said Aubin. “We are putting management on notice that we will not be outsourced to a less experienced and cheaper work force,” said Prater. “As partners in the success of these companies, we are asking Transat A.T. management to work with the pilots and other employees to encourage the growth of the company from within—as they’ve done in the past with notable success,” said Aubin.
Traditionally, Transat A.T. outsourced a portion of their flying with Air Transat carrying up to 75% of Transat A.T.’s flying needs. As recently reported by its holding company, Air Transat is now operating only 50% of the flying. “This situation is not acceptable for our pilot group,” said Aubin.
The Air Transat pilots did not benefit from Transat’s general growth and were forced to send a portion of their pilots to Indonesia for two months of flying in order to avoid potential layoffs. “Both Air Transat and Transat A.T. management are fully aware of our concerns,” said Aubin. “We are confident that this major issue will be resolved.
Air Canada’s Calin Rovinescu takes aim at Emirates
March 10, 2010
Please click on the AG icon for a direct link to the Air Canada photo gallery.
Air Canada’s (Montreal) chief executive accused Emirates Airline (Dubai) on Tuesday (March 9) of wanting to “flood” Canadian skies with airline seats so it can encourage travelers to fly through Dubai according to this Reuters report.
Read the full report:
IBC Airways is adding Miami-Cap Haitien passenger service
March 10, 2010 — 2 Comments
Please click on the AG icon for a direct link to the IBC photo gallery.
IBC Airways (Miami) is adding Miami-Cap Haitien (Haiti) passenger service on April 5 with its passenger SAAB 340 turboprops. The new route will be operated three times a week.
Miami Herald news link:
www.miamiherald.com/2010/03/09/1519808/ibc-airways-to-offer-nonstop-flights.html
Hawaiian orders one more Airbus A330-200 (now 10)
March 10, 2010
Computer Image: PRNewsFoto/Hawaiian Airlines.
Hawaiian Airlines (Honolulu) has announced the purchase of an additional Airbus A330-200 scheduled for delivery in the second quarter of 2011.
With this announcement, Hawaiian is now acquiring 10 new A330-200s with purchase rights available for five additional aircraft. The first three A330-200s to join Hawaiian’s fleet are scheduled to arrive in April, May and November of this year. The first A330 will be A330-243 N380HA (msn 1104).
Hawaiian’s new A330-200s will seat 294 passengers – 30 more than its current fleet – in a two-class configuration and have an operating range of 6,050 nautical miles that would allow Hawaiian to fly nonstop between Hawaiiand points in eastern Asia and all of North America.
According to the press release, a highlight of Hawaiian’s A330-200s will be the state-of-the-art on-demand entertainment system installed in each seatback. A high-resolution LCD touch screen monitor will allow passengers to choose from a wide selection of movies and video programs, audio channels and video games. Each system will also include a USB port allowing passengers to connect their own media players. Passengers sitting in First Class will enjoy the added benefits of having a larger monitor and iPOD compatibility.
In 2017, Hawaiian will continue to expand its fleet by taking the first delivery of six new A350-800 XWB (Extra Wide Body) aircraft from Airbus, with options to purchase an additional six aircraft. The next-generation fuel-efficient A350s will seat 322 passengers in a two-class configuration and have a range of 8,300 nautical miles that would allow Hawaiian to fly nonstop between Hawaii and Asia, Australasia, the Americas, and Europe.
| Delivery Date | ||
| 1. April 2010 | Lease | |
| 2. May 2010 | Lease | |
| 3. November 2010 | Lease | |
| 4. 2nd Qtr 2011 | Firm Order | |
| 5. 1st Qtr 2012 | Firm Order | |
| 6. 2nd Qtr 2012 | Firm Order | |
| 7. 1st Qtr 2013 | Firm Order | |
| 8. 2nd Qtr 2013 | Firm Order | |
| 9. 2nd Qtr 2013 | Firm Order | |
| 10. 1st Qtr 2014 | Firm Order | |
Continental now considers Delta its biggest rival
March 10, 2010
Continental Airlines’ (Houston) strength in Latin America and Asia, and its New York-area hub, pose a “big threat” to its larger rival and former alliance partner Delta Air Lines (Atlanta) according to CEO Jeff Smisek and this Reuters report.
Continental, the world’s fifth-largest airline, was part of Delta’s SkyTeam alliance until last October, when it quit the airline network following Delta’s acquisition of Northwest Airlines (Minneapolis/St. Paul), which formed the world’s largest carrier.
Read the full report:
Boeing sends 787 ZA002 (N787EX) to Victorville for testing
March 10, 2010
Dreamliner N7874, originally uploaded by Rick Schlamp.
Boeing (Chicago, Seattle, Wichita and Charleston) has sent the second Boeing 787-881 Dreamliner, ZA002 (N787EX, msn 34488 in ANA’s colors), to Victorville, CA for testing. The new airliner landed at 10:53 a.m. local time yesterday (March 9) at VCV. VCV is the former George Air Force Base. This marks the beginning of the first flight-test operations outside of Washington state for the program.
The airplane will be stationed at Victorville for approximately three weeks. The crew will conduct ground effects testing among other activities.
A crew of more than 150 employees will be stationed at Victorville while the airplane is there. These include the flight test engineers and support personnel required to prepare the airplane for each day’s flights and to monitor performance and test equipment.
During ground effects testing, the pilots fly the airplane very close to the runway to gather data regarding the aerodynamic effects and performance of the airplane during the takeoff and landing phases of flight. Quantifying this performance is part of the certification requirements for all new airplanes.
Copyright Photo: Rick Schlamp. The latest 787-881 test aircraft is N7874 (msn 40693) pictured at Seattle (King County-Boeing Field) on February 24, 2010.
AmeriJet’s first Boeing 767-200 freighter is now painted and ready to fly
March 10, 2010
Copyright Photo: Robert Collazo. Ex-ABX Air/Delta Boeing 767-232 (F) N741AX (msn 22215) is pictured at Miami being fueled and prepared for its first flight for AmeriJet International.
Amerijet International (Fort Lauderdale/Hollywood and Miami) as we previously reported took delivery of its first of two Boeing 767-200 wide-body freighters from Cargo Aircraft Management, Inc. (CAM), a subsidiary of Air Transport Services Group, Inc. (ATSG). The second leased freighter is scheduled to be delivered to Amerijet this spring. Amerijet signed a seven year agreement with CAM to dry-lease a total of five Boeing 767-200 freighters. The first has now been painted in full colors and is ready to fly.
American, British and Iberia are ready to make concessions
March 10, 2010
American Airlines (Dallas/Fort Worth), British Airways (London) and Iberia (Madrid) have offered to concede a number of trans-Atlantic slots in an attempt to ease competition concerns and gain EU approval for their alliance. The European Commission said on Wednesday interested parties would have until April 10 to comment on the airlines’ concessions. The three carriers are members of the Oneworld alliance.
Read the full Reuters article:
Kulula introduces another humorous logojet
March 9, 2010
Kulula Boeing 737-8K2 WL ZS-ZWO (msn 28373) (This Way Up) JNB (Sean Mowatt), originally uploaded by Airliners Gallery.
Kulula (Kulula.com) (Johannesburg) continues to make flying fun (a lot of airlines should take notes). It’s latest logojet is this “This Way Up” special livery.
Copyright Photo: Sean Mowatt. Ex-Transavia Airlines Boeing 737-8K2 PH-HZA (msn 28373) is now operating with Kulula as ZS-ZWO. The crew of ZS-ZWO taxies away from the gate at the Johannesburg base.
Vietnam Airlines to add Shanghai on March 29
March 9, 2010
Please click on the AG icon for a direct link to the Vietnam photo gallery.
Vietnam Airlines (Hanoi) will add new Airbus A321 service from Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi to Shanghai starting on March 29. The new route will be operated three days a week.
News link:
American Eagle to add two routes from DFW
March 9, 2010
American Eagle Airlines (Dallas/Fort Worth), the regional affiliate of American Airlines, will begin nonstop jet service between Dallas/Fort WorthInternational Airport (DFW) and Fayetteville Municipal Airport (FAY) in Fayetteville, NC, beginning June 10. Eagle will operate the service with 44-seat Embraer ERJ 140 regional jets.
In addition the company will begin nonstop jet service between Dallas/Fort Worth and Augusta Regional Airport (AGS) in Augusta, GA, also beginning June 10. Eagle will operate the service with 50-seat Embraer ERJ 145 regional jets.
Turkish Airlines finalizes its order for 10 Boeing 737-800s and 10 737-900 ERs
March 8, 2010
Please click on the AG icon for a direct link to the Turkish photo gallery.
Turkish Airlines (Istanbul) and Boeing (Chicago, Seattle, Wichita and Charleston) have finalized an order for 20 Next-Generation 737 airplanes. The order includes 10 737-800s and 10 737-900 ER (Extended Range) airplanes. The 737-900 ER will be the latest 737 family member to join the Turkish Airlines fleet. Turkish Airlines currently operates a fleet of 66 Boeing airplanes, including 58 Next-Generation 737s. The order was posted previously to Boeing’s Orders and Deliveries Web site as an unidentified customer.
All of the new Turkish Airlines’ Next-Generation 737 airplanes will be fitted with the latest 737 Boeing Sky Interior. Based on the cabin design of the 787 Dreamliner, the all-new Sky Interior features soft blue overhead lighting, contemporary sculpted sidewalls and window reveals that draw passengers’ eyes to the airplane’s windows, giving passengers a greater connection to the flying experience. The new design offers larger, pivoting overhead stowage bins that add to the openness of the cabin. The bins give more passengers room to store carry-on luggage near their own seats, adding both extra convenience and extra legroom.
JetBlue to offer $10 airfares as it celebrates 10 years
March 8, 2010
Please click on the AG icon for a direct link to the jetBlue photo gallery.
JetBlue Airways (New York-JFK) today (March 8) celebrates 10 years of service with special $10 “Thank You” fares on all remaining seats between New York’s John F.Kennedy International Airport (JFK) and the airline’s first 10 destinations. Travel must be booked online at www.jetblue.com by 11:59 p.m. (2359) CST on March 8, 2010 for travel on Tuesday or Wednesday, March 9 or 10. This one-day sale fare is the first of many monthly celebrations as JetBlue commemorates the start of its second decade.
On February 11, 2000, JetBlue launched a new airline category now known for providing friendly service, free snacks and drinks, comfortable leather seating with ample legroom and free satellite radio and live TV on personal seatback screens. Ten dollar fares(a) are now available between JFK and:
- Fort Lauderdale/Hollywood (FLL)
- Buffalo (BUF)
- Tampa (TPA)
- Orlando (MCO)
- Rochester (ROC)
- Oakland (OAK)
- Burlington (BTV)
- West Palm Beach (PBI)
- Salt Lake City (SLC)
- Fort Myers (RSW)
Tiger Airways is looking at adding another Asian subsidiary
March 7, 2010
Tiger Airways (Singapore) is looking at adding another Asian subsidiary.
News link:
www.ft.com/cms/s/0/3838ebea-24ef-11df-a189-00144feab49a.html
Qatar Airways’ fleet grows to 80 aircraft, headed towards 120 by 2013
March 7, 2010
Qatar Airways Boeing 777-2DZ LR A7-BBC (msn 36015) IAD, originally uploaded by Airliners Gallery.
Qatar Airways’ (Doha) fleet has now grown to 80 aircraft with the delivery of the 15th Boeing 777, up from 40 aircraft five years ago. However the fleet will grow to 120 aircraft by 2013 with a new DOH airport coming in 2012.
Full article link:
www.ameinfo.com/225904.html
Copyright Photo: Brian McDonough. A spectacular image of Qatar Airways’ Boeing 777-2DZ LR (Longer Range) A7-BBC (msn 36015) at Washington (Dulles).
WestJet starts new service to Hawaii
March 7, 2010
WestJet Airlines (Calgary) yesterday (March 6) announced the launch of new, nonstop service between Calgary and Kahului, Maui. The inaugural flight to Maui departed Calgary’s International Airport at 7:30 a.m. MT yesterday.
The launch of new, non-stop service between Calgary and Honolulu, Oahu will take place today, March 7, 2010. The inaugural flight to Honolulu departs Calgary’s International Airport at 7:30 a.m. MT.
WestJet will fly on a one day per week basis between Calgary and Honolulu and between Calgary and Maui until April 25, 2010 and May 1, 2010 respectively.
AirTran Airways returns to Des Moines
March 7, 2010
AirTran Airways (Orlando and Atlanta) yesterday (March 6) launched nonstop service from Des Moines International Airport to Orlando International Airport.
Master Airways to be resurrected
March 6, 2010
Master Airways (Nis) will be resurrected by Montenegro Airlines according to this report in EX-YU Aviation News:
http://exyuaviation.blogspot.com/2010/03/master-airways-resurrected.html
WestJet starts Edmonton-Kahului weekly service
March 6, 2010 — 1 Comment
WestJet Airlines Boeing 737-8CT WL C-GWSZ (msn 37092) (Care-antee) YYZ (TMK Photography), originally uploaded by Airliners Gallery.
WestJet Airlines (Calgary) yesterday (March 5) launched new nonstop service between Edmonton and Kahului, Maui. The inaugural flight departed the Edmonton International Airport at 7:30 a.m. (0730) MST yesterday. The seasonal route will operate weekly until April 30.
Copyright Photo: TMK Photography. Boeing 737-8CT C-GWSZ (msn 37092) prepares to taxi to the runway at Toronto (Pearson) in the special “Care-antee” livery which is also the first logojet for the carrier.
USA Jet Airlines is operating its first McDonnell Douglas DC-9-83 for DirectAir
March 6, 2010
USA Jet Airlines (DirectAir) McDonnell Douglas DC-9-83 (MD-83) N949NS (msn 53022) MYR (Jan Petzold) (operated for DirectAir), originally uploaded by Airliners Gallery.
USA Jet Airlines (Ypsilanti) acquired its first McDonnell Douglas DC-9-83 (MD-83) on December 31, 2009 when this ex-Alaska Airlines aircraft joined the fleet. N949NS (msn 53022, ex N949AS) is being operated for public charter company DirectAir (Myrtle Beach) in this basic all-white condition minus any titles. DirectAir returned to the golfing and beach destination Myrtle Beach, SC for the season starting on February 4, 2010 with charter service to and from Myrtle Beach. Service to other cities is now ramping up.
Copyright Photo: Jan Petzold. N949NS is pictured on final approach to MYR on March 5.
AmeriJet takes delivery of its first Boeing 767-200
March 6, 2010
Please click on the AG icon for a direct link to the AmeriJet photo gallery.
Amerijet International (Fort Lauderdale/Hollywood and Miami) announced it has taken delivery of its first of two Boeing 767-200 wide-body freighters from Cargo Aircraft Management, Inc. (CAM), a subsidiary of Air Transport Services Group, Inc. (ATSG). The second leased freighter is scheduled to be delivered to Amerijet this spring. Amerijet signed a seven year agreement with CAM to dry-lease a total of five Boeing 767-200 freighters. The 767s will enable the airline to increase capacity on its scheduled service routes, and expand its charter availability. Previously AmeriJet wet-leased Boeing 767-200 freighters from ABX Air.
The carrier’s current fleet of eight Boeing 727-200s are deployed on scheduled and charter flights, to points in the Caribbean, Mexico, Central and South America.
Allegiant Air to shake up the Hawaiian market with six Boeing 757-200s
March 6, 2010
Please click on the AG icon for a direct link to the Allegiant photo gallery.
Allegiant Travel Company (Las Vegas) announced it has signed a forward purchase agreement to acquire six Boeing 757-200 aircraft. The introduction of the 757 aircraft will enable Allegiant to expand its leisure travel strategy into Hawaii with flights to be operated by Allegiant Air (Las Vegas), its airline subsidiary.
Allegiant plans to take delivery of these aircraft and place them in service with Allegiant Air on the following schedule:
- Two aircraft delivered within the next two months to be placed into service in the fourth quarter of 2010
- One aircraft delivered in November 2010 and another in January 2011 to be placed into service in the first half of 2011
- Two aircraft delivered in the fourth quarter of 2011 with planned in-service dates in the first half of 2012
The six 757 aircraft are sister-ships and have been in service with a single European operator (Thomson Airways?) since original delivery from Boeing. The aircraft come equipped for extended twin-engine operations (ETOPS), as required for long overwater flights.
Allegiant expects to spend between $75 to 90 million through 2012 acquiring and preparing this fleet for service. While Allegiant is able to acquire and prepare the aircraft for cash, it believes it will finance some portion of the purchase.
Allegiant is acquiring this fleet with the express purpose of serving Hawaii, a major leisure destination that it cannot serve with its existing DC-9-80 (MD-80) fleet. Allegiant Air expects to launch service to Hawaii once appropriate regulatory requirements have been met.
Allegiant Air currently operates 46 DC-9-82/83/87 and MD-88 aircraft and the 757 program will not affect its MD-80 growth plans. Allegiant expects to have 54 aircraft in service by the end of 2010 – 52 MD-80 aircraft and two 757 aircraft.
AirTran to serve Huntsville from BWI and Orlando
March 6, 2010
Please click on the AG icon for a direct link to the AirTran photo gallery.
AirTran Airways (Orlando and Atlanta) announced plans to add Huntsville/Decatur, Ala., to its growing route map on May 27, 2010. The low-cost carrier will offer roundtrip, nonstop flights on its Boeing 717-200 aircraft between Huntsville International Airport (HSV) and both Baltimore-Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI) and Orlando International Airport (MCO).
Somon Air orders two new Boeing 737-900 ERs
March 5, 2010
Please click on the AG icon for a direct link to the Somon Air photo gallery.
Somon Air (Dushanbe) has placed an order for two Next-Generation 737-900 ERs (Extended Range). The order represents Somon Air’s first direct purchase of airplanes from Boeing. Somon Air is Tajikistan’s first private full service carrier. The airline currently operates two 737-800s and flies from Dushanbe to cities in Russia, Germany, Turkey and the UAE.
Germania revises its logo and font
March 5, 2010
Image: Germania.
Germania Fluggesellschaft (Berlin-Tegel) has revised its logo.
Continental adds new Hawaii service
March 5, 2010
Please click on the AG icon for a direct link to the Continental photo gallery.
Continental Airlines (Houston) begins new flights from Los Angeles and Orange County (Santa An) to Maui and a flight between Orange County and Honolulu on Sunday, March 7.
The new daily flight from Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) to Maui’s Kahului Airport (OGG) will depart at 5:05 p.m. (1705) and arrive at 8:45 p.m (2045). The return flight will depart Maui at 10:15 p.m. (2215) and arrive at Los Angeles at 5:45 a.m. (0545) the next day. CO will operate the flight with a Boeing 737-800 with 160 seats. In addition, on Sunday the airline begins a second daily flight between Los Angeles and Honolulu.
The new Orange County-Maui flight will operate four times weekly, departing John Wayne Airport (SNA) at 5:40 p.m. (1740) and arriving at Maui’s Kahului Airport at 9:25 p.m. (2125). The return flight will depart Maui at 12:10 a.m. (0010) and arrive at Orange County at 7:45 a.m. (0745). Continental will utilize a 124-seat Boeing 737-700 aircraft on the new route and plans to increase the service to daily during the summer.
The new daily flight from Orange County (SNA) to Honolulu will depart at 9:00 a.m. (0900) and arrive in Honolulu at 12:45 p.m. (1245). The return flight will depart Maui at 2:00 p.m. (1400) and arrive at Orange County at 9:35 p.m. (2135). CO will utilize a 124-seat Boeing 737-700 aircraft on the new route.
Atlas Air to operate four Boeing 747-400 DreamLifters for Boeing
March 5, 2010
Boeing 747-409LCF DreamLifter N780BA (msn 24130) JFK (Ken Petersen) (to be operated by Atlas Air), originally uploaded by Airliners Gallery.
Atlas Air Worldwide Holdings, Inc. announced that Boeing (Chicago, Seattle, Wichita and Charleston) has selected Atlas Air (New York-JFK) to provide key supply-chain support for the production of Boeing’s all-new commercial jetliner, the 787 Dreamliner. Beginning toward the latter part of 2010, Atlas Air will operateBoeing’s Dreamlifter fleet of four 747-400 aircraft that have been modified to transport major assemblies for the 787 Dreamliner from suppliers around the world to Boeing production facilities in the United States.
The parties have structured the nine-year agreement in a manner consistent with the outsourcing business model under which Atlas Air typically operates. Under that model, Atlas Air will receive contractually determined revenues for the operation of the Dreamlifter aircraft, with Boeing assuming responsibility for certain direct costs, including fuel. Under the CMI arrangement, Boeing will provide and maintain ownership of the aircraft assets.
AAWW is the parent company of Atlas Air, Inc. and Titan Aviation Leasing, and is the majority shareholder of Polar Air Cargo Worldwide, Inc. Through Atlas and Polar, AAWW operates the world’s largest fleet of Boeing 747 freighter aircraft.
Copyright Photo: Ken Petersen. Ex-China Airlines Boeing 747-409LCF N780BA (msn 24130) was converted to a Dreamlifter on February 16, 2007. It is pictured at New York (JFK).
Airberlin’s pilots vote for a three hour strike
March 4, 2010
Airberlin (Airberlin.com) Boeing 737-86J WL D-ABBF (msn 32917) NUE (Gunter Mayer), originally uploaded by Airliners Gallery.
Airberlin’s (Berlin-Tegel) pilots have voted to strike for three hours according to this published report in the New York Times.
News link:
http://intransit.blogs.nytimes.com/2010/03/03/air-berlin-pilots-vote-to-strike/
British Airways to fly through the cabin crew strike with 1,000 volunteer FAs
March 4, 2010
Please click on the AG icon for a direct link to the British photo gallery.
British Airways (London) is prepared to fly through any strike by its cabin crew. BA has lined-up 1,000 volunteer flight attendants according to this published report.
News link:
http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2010/mar/03/british-airways-unveils-strike-plans
USA 3000 Airlines to restore three routes
March 4, 2010
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USA 3000 Airlines (Philadelphia) will restore three routes in the spring. St. Louis-Fort Myers will be restored on May 27. Philadelphia-Bermuda and Baltimore/Washington-Bermuda will be restored on June 13.
US Airways’ “Miracle on the Hudson” Captain Sullenberger retires
March 4, 2010
US Airways (Phoenix) said goodbye yesterday (March 3) to Captain Chesley “Sully” Sullenberger. The 59-year old Sully, who crash-landed a US Airways Airbus A320 safely on the Hudson River (“Miracle on the Hudson”) last January said he is retiring after 30 years and plans to spend some of his time speaking out on flight safety.
Sully’s last flight was flight US 1167 from Fort Lauderdale/Hollywood to Charlotte (where he is based) with an Airbus A321. The airliner arrived at 2:48 p.m. EST (1448), 17 minutes ahead of schedule according to this published story in the Charlotte Observer.
Sullenberger flew on Wednesday with his co-pilot First Officer Jeff Skiles who was with him on the New York crash landing flight.
Full news story:
http://www.charlotteobserver.com/2010/03/03/1285878/captain-sully-retiring-from-us.html
Video:
Boeing delivers two Boeing 777F freighters to Southern Air
March 4, 2010
Thai Cargo Boeing 777F N775SA, originally uploaded by SteelDreams.
Boeing (Chicago, Seattle, Wichita and Charleston) has delivered two 777F freighters to Southern Air (2nd) (Southern Air Holdings, Inc.), the first 777s to join the Norwalk, Conn.-based cargo carrier’s fleet.
The addition of these two airplanes makes Southern Air (Anchorage) the world’s first aircraft, crew, maintenance and insurance (ACMI) operator to feature the 777F freighter.
Southern Air has entered into an agreement to operate the two 777F freighters on behalf of Thai Airways International (Bangkok). Thai Airways will utilize the full capacity of the 777F freighters, becoming the first carrier in Southeast Asia to offer this capability to its freight customers.
Southern Air is a portfolio company of Oak Hill Capital Partners. In addition to the new Boeing 777 Freighters, Southern Air operates a fleet of 16 Boeing 747 Freighter airplanes.
Copyright Photo: SteelDreams. The second Boeing 777-FZB N775SA (msn 37987) is pictured at Everett in the new “generic” color scheme featuring Thai’s web address. N775SA was handed over on March 3 and joins the previously delivered N774SA.
AmeriJet International dry leases two Boeing 767-200 freighters
March 4, 2010
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AmeriJet International (Fort Lauderdale/Hollywood and Miami) is dry leasing two Boeing 767-200 freighters. Air Transport Services Group, Inc. announced its leasing subsidiary, Cargo Aircraft Management, Inc. (CAM), has delivered the first of two Boeing 7672-00 wide body freighters to Amerijet International.
AmeriJet, which operates to Central America from its MIA hub, has been a long-term ACMI customer of ABX Air (Wilmington, OH), an ATSG cargo airline, which has previously operated Boeing 767-200 freighters for AmeriJet.
Under the seven-year lease agreement, AmeriJet will dry-lease two Boeing 767-200 SFs (special freighters) from CAM. The second leased freighter is scheduled to be delivered to AmeriJet this spring. AmeriJet also holds options to lease three additional 767 freighters from CAM. It is unclear if the aircraft will be painted in AmeriJet’s colors.
CAM will provide a turnkey transition for the aircraft entering AmeriJet’s operating fleet. Engines will be maintained under CAM’s contract with Delta TechOps, a subsidiary of Delta Air Lines (Atlanta). CAM arranged Boeing 767 training for AmeriJet pilots through ABX Air, which also provided maintenance manuals and technical assistance to help AmeriJet obtain 767 operating certificate approval. Airborne Maintenance and Engineering Services, another ATSG subsidiary, will provide ground and heavy maintenance services, fly-away kits, component exchange services and engineering and records service to Amerijet to support its daily aircraft operations according to the press release.
Alaska Airlines to serve as the official airline sponsor of the Iditarod Sled Dog Race
March 4, 2010 — 1 Comment
Alaska Airlines Boeing 737-490 N705AS (msn 29318) (We’re all pulling together) SFO (Mark Durbin), originally uploaded by Airliners Gallery.
Alaska Airlines (Seattle/Tacoma) will serve as the official airline sponsor of the Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race, marking the 32nd year the airline has supported the race.
As part of its sponsorship, Alaska Airlines also will provide air transportation and dog-care supplies for a team of 48 Iditarod veterinarians who care for the race dogs’ health and safety.
Copyright Photo: Mark Durbin. Boeing 737-490 N705AS (msn 29318) with the special and unique “We’re all pulling together” livery which celebrates the 50th Anniversary of statehood for the state of Alaska passes through San Francisco.
China Airlines to add Taipei-London service on March 28
March 3, 2010
China Airlines Airbus A340-313X B-18801 (msn 402) FRA (Gunter Mayer), originally uploaded by Airliners Gallery.
China Airlines (Taipei) will add new service to London (Heathrow) from Taipei starting on March 28. The new route will be operated with 276-seat Airbus A340-300s and will operate three days a week.
Copyright Photo: Gunter Mayer. Airbus A340-313X B-18001 (msn 402) climbs away from Frankfurt.
AeroGal to suspend Miami service on April 5
March 3, 2010
AeroGal (Aerolineas Galapagos) (Quito) will suspend Miami service on April 5 and the Boeing 757-200 is expected to be returned. The company is now owned by the Synergy Group (Synergy Aerospace) and is receiving new Airbus A319 and A320 equipment to replace the Boeing fleet. Traffic is now likely to be fed through sister airline Avianca via Colombia.
Copyright Photo: Brian McDonough. Boeing 757-236 HC-CHC (msn 25592) is pictured on final approach at Miami dressed in the 2008 updated color scheme.
AirTran Airways’ FAs object to this special SI logo
March 3, 2010
Copyright Photo: AirTran Airways.
AirTran Airways (Orlando and Atlanta) has adorned one of its Boeing 737-700s with the World War II-style image of a swimsuit-clad woman in heels, as part of a partnership with Sports Illustrated for the magazine’s swimsuit edition.
However according to the attached article, the Association of Flight Attendants at AirTran has now voiced its objections in a message to members. The special logo will soon be removed from the aircraft (registration?) as the special SI flight to Las Vegas is now over (full aircraft photos are welcome).
Sports Illustrated previously used Southwest Airlines to promote the special issue.
Article:
www.ajc.com/business/flight-attendants-protest-airtran-342568.html
AirTran Airways held a sweepstakes contest in association with the SI issue. The winner boarded the specially-adorned AirTran Airways Boeing 737-700 with the SI Swimsuit models from New York, just hours after the 2010 Swimsuit issue was unveiled, for a private flight to Las Vegas. The winner also enjoyed a two-night hotel stay and tickets to the hottest SI parties on the Strip.
Press release:
ACT Airlines Airbus A300 overshoots the runway at Bagram Air Base
March 2, 2010
ACT Airlines’ (Istanbul) Airbus A300B4-203 (F) freighter, registered TC-ACB (msn 121) operating for DHL Airways yesterday (March 1) overshot the runway at Bagram Air Base in Afghanistan, closing the runway. The left main gear reportedly failed on landing causing the engines to shear off.
Kish Air is operating this McDonnell Douglas DC-9-83 with a picture of Kish Island
March 2, 2010
Kish Air McDonnell Douglas DC-9-83 (MD-83) UR-BXO (msn 53149) (picture of Kish Island) DXB (Reiner Geerdts), originally uploaded by Airliners Gallery.
Kish Air (Tehran) is operating this McDonnell Douglas DC-9-83 (MD-83) registered UR-BXO (msn 53149) with a picture of the resort island of Kish Island on the left forward fuselage.
Copyright Photo: Reiner Geerdts. UR-BXO approaches Dubai for landing.
Rayyan Air is operating Boeing 747-21AC AP-BIB
March 2, 2010
Rayyan Air Boeing 747-21AC AP-BIB (msn 23652) SHJ (Reiner Geerdts), originally uploaded by Airliners Gallery.
Rayyan Air (Pakistan) is operating this ex-GIRjet Boeing 747-21AC registered AP-BIB (msn 23652, ex EC-KEP) with just “Cargo” titles.
Copyright Photo: Reiner Geerdts. AP-BIB stops at Sharjah.
Iraqi Airways leases Boeing 737-4B7 EY-537 from East Air
March 2, 2010
Iraqi Airways (East Air) Boeing 737-4B7 EY-537 (msn 24550) DXB (Reiner Geerdts), originally uploaded by Airliners Gallery.
Iraqi Airways (Baghdad) has leased this ex-US Airways Boeing 737-4B7 registered EY-537 (msn 24550) from East Air.
Copyright Photo: Reiner Geerdts. Previously operated for Somon Air, EY-537 now carries Iraqi titles as it approaches Dubai for landing.
