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Malaysia Airlines introduces a new color scheme with the first of 35 new Boeing 737-800s
October 16, 2010
Malaysia Airlines Boeing 737-8H6 WL 9M-MXA (msn 40128) BFI (Rick Schlamp) (new livery), originally uploaded by Airliners Gallery.
Malaysia Airlines (Kuala Lumpur) will soon officially introduce this new color scheme for its fleet. The first (of 35) new Boeing 737-800 completed its first flight yesterday in the new look.
What do you think? Do you like the new look? Vote in our Airline Poll.
Copyright Photo: Rick Schlamp. Boeing 737-8H6 9M-MXA (msn 40128) arrives back at Seattle (Boeing Field) in the new livery.
Delta Air Lines is adding back 1,000 flight attendants
October 16, 2010
Delta Air Lines Boeing 747-451 N671US (msn 26477) LAX, originally uploaded by Airliners Gallery.
Delta Air Lines (Atlanta) is adding back 1,000 flight attendants, including recalling 425 who were on a voluntary furlough.
Read the full report from the Free Press (Freep.com):
Copyright Photo: Boeing 747-451 N671US (msn 26477) arrives at Los Angeles.
Boeing joins fuselage sections for first 747-8 Intercontinental
October 16, 2010
Boeing (Chicago, Seattle, Wichita and Charleston) moved closer this week toward completing assembly of the first 747-8 Intercontinental as mechanics in Everett, WA, loaded the forward and aft fuselage sections to join with the wing and center section.
The 747-8 fuselage is 250 feet 2 inches (76.3 meters) long, which is 18 feet 4 inches (5.6 meters) longer than the 747-400. The stretch provides space for 51 additional seats to accommodate 467 passengers in a typical three-class configuration and offers 26 percent more cargo volume.
The 747-8 is the new high-capacity 747 that will give airlines the lowest operating costs and best economics of any large airplane while providing enhanced environmental performance. The airplane also features a 787 Dreamliner-inspired interior that will offer passengers a greater feeling of space and comfort.
The 747 program has orders for 109 747-8 Freighter and Intercontinental airplanes. Thirty-three of those are for the 747-8 Intercontinental, with orders coming from Lufthansa, Korean Air and eight VIP customers. The first 747-8 Intercontinental delivery is scheduled for late 2011 to a VIP customer.
JetBlue Airways unveils its NY Jets A320 logojet
October 16, 2010 — 1 Comment
Airbus A320-232 N746JB (msn 3622) is unveiled at a ceremony at JFK. Copyright Photo: JetBlue Airways.
JetBlue Airways (New York) yesterday (October 15) as the official airline of the New York Jets turned its classic blue livery green on its first specially painted Airbus A320 aircraft in honor of the NFL New York Jets on its turf at Hangar 81 at New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport. The newly branded aircraft was revealed by CEO Dave Barger and NY Jets Chairman and CEO Woody Johnson, together with Curtis Martin, Emerson Boozer and other Jets alumni players, the Jets Flight Crew and hundreds of the airline’s crewmembers.
Designed by T.J. McCormick, JetBlue’s general manager of brand design, the Airbus A320-232 registered N746JB (msn 3622) interchanges blue for green, featuring a green belly, green wing tips and a green tail, with large green JETS lettering across the fuselage and a football helmet towards the rear of the aircraft. In place of a characteristic ‘blue’ name featured under the cockpit of each aircraft, this plane features the airline’s co-branded trademark with New York State’s iconic tourism campaign and logo, I LOVE NEW YORK, solidifying the carrier’s status as the official hometown airline of New York.
How well will this logojet sell in rival Boston (New England Patriots) and South Florida (Miami Dolphins) markets? Are more logojets coming for JetBlue?
Turkish Airlines takes delivery of its first 777-300 ER direct from Boeing
October 15, 2010
Turkish Airlines Boeing 777-3F2 ER TC-JJE (msn 40707) PAE (Nick Dean) (new livery), originally uploaded by Airliners Gallery.
Turkish Airlines (Istanbul) has taken delivery of its first Boeing 777-300 ER direct from Boeing.
Click on the photo for the full story.
Copyright Photo: Nick Dean.
Southwest Airlines is positioned to order larger Boeing 737-800s
October 15, 2010
Southwest Airlines Boeing 727-291 N406BN (msn 19991) DAL (Bruce Drum) (rare type, titles, logo), originally uploaded by Airliners Gallery.
Southwest Airlines (Dallas) is positioned to convert some of its Boeing 737-700s on order for larger 737-800s. The decision to bring the Boeing 737-800 into the WN fleet moved yet another step closer to reality yesterday as the Board of Directors for the Southwest Airlines Pilots’ Association (SWAPA), representing more than 5,800 Pilots, unanimously approved a tentative agreement reached with the Company. The tentative agreement will now be presented to the full SWAPA membership for a ratification vote.
If approved by a majority vote of the Pilots, their current contract will be extended by one year, becoming amendable August 31, 2012, and also include the potential for wage rate increases based on the Company’s financial performance.
Last month, the Executive Board of the Transport Workers Union (TWU) Local 556, representing more than 9,700 Southwest Flight Attendants, unanimously approved a tentative agreement reached with the Company. The tentative agreement is currently being presented to all members of TWU 556 for a ratification vote.
Copyright Photo: Bruce Drum. This is not the first time WN has operated larger aircraft than the 737-700. Click on the historic photo for the full story.
JetBlue Airways to introduce a new advertising campaign today
October 15, 2010
JetBlue Airways Airbus A320-232 N569JB (msn 2075) (10th Anniversary) PHL (Tony Storck), originally uploaded by Airliners Gallery.
JetBlue Airways (New York) today (October 15) will debut a new marketing campaign. According to the airline: “The campaign is designed to position the iconic brand as a continued leader well into its second decade of operations. The campaign features the introduction of a newly articulated JetBlue brand promise – You Above All – a restatement of JetBlue’s commitment to putting people first that was founded on the company’s original and ongoing mission to bring humanity back to air travel.”
You Above All is designed to shine a light on the airline’s key competitive differences and to celebrate its crewmembers’ long-standing efforts to provide a superior travel experience – an experience that has been lauded as JetBlue has grown, over the past ten years, from its New York roots to now serve 61 cities in 12 countries throughout the Americas.
“In so many ways, this exciting new marketing campaign speaks to the core of who we are as a brand,” said Marty St. George, senior vice president of marketing and commercial strategy at JetBlue. “You Above All is authentic. It’s transparent. It’s understandable. Quite simply, it’s very JetBlue. As we move into our second decade of service, You Above All underscores our commitment to always put people first, to bring humanity back to air travel. That’s a message we can all relate to, whether we take to the skies once a year or once a week.”
The campaign, the first that JetBlue has developed in partnership with its new advertising and media agency-of-record Mullen, features a comprehensive mix of media including online, social media, in-flight, print, and out-of-home components.
The online portion features a series of hidden camera scenarios called Ground Rules. The unscripted videos point out the shortcomings of much of the airline industry by bringing other airlines’ service policies and procedures to light on the ground. They feature real people in real situations being deprived of things they’ve come to expect, such as legroom in a taxi, a full can of soda from a street vendor and free luggage storage in the trunk of a taxi. The videos will debut in a YouTube homepage takeover on Friday.
You Above All creative uses a colorful, modern, simple illustration style to depict travelers, the airline’s key product and service offerings, and its destinations. A key element of the creative is what the airline has dubbed “I-People,” a visual representation of the brand’s focus on humanity, that are used to create a flexible, identifiable look that is significantly different from other carriers.
In a first for JetBlue, the airline will also take advantage of so-called “Monster Media” technology in Boston, Los Angeles and New York. These interactive billboards respond to the motion of consumers passing by them, to create an animated experience which literally places consumers in the airline’s advertising.
The campaign includes a series of call-outs explaining JetBlue’s superior service offering, including the following lines:
“Overpack. Underpay. First bag flies for free.”
“Mix business with legroom. The most legroom in coach.”
“Room. With a view. The most legroom in coach and free DIRECTV®.”
“Someone has to stand-up for tall people. The most legroom in coach.”
“Our standards beat their extras. Unlimited brand-name snacks and soft drinks.”
You can view and download examples of the creative on the following site:
http://work.mullen.com/clients/jetblue/
Copyright Photo: Tony Storck. Airbus A320-232 N569JB (msn 2075) in the special 10th Anniversary scheme soars high at Philadelphia.
Hong Kong Airlines finalizes its order for 10 additional Airbus A330-200s
October 14, 2010
Hong Kong Airlines Airbus A330-223 F-WJKJ (B-LNC) (msn 1031) ORY (Pepscl) (new type), originally uploaded by Airliners Gallery.
Hong Kong Airlines (Hong Kong) has finalized a contract with Airbus for the firm order of 10 additonal A330-200 long range aircraft and converted an existing order for 15 A330s to the A350 XWBs. Both agreements were previously announced as an initial MOU during the Farnborough Air Show in July 2010.
Deliveries of the newly ordered A330-200s will begin in 2012, while the carrier’s first A350 XWB will arrive in 2018.
Copyright Photo: Pepscl. Hong Kong Airlines (Hong Kong) acquired its first Airbus A330-200 (B-LND) on June 4, 2010. The pictured A330-223 F-WJKJ (msn 1031) at Paris (Orly) became B-LNC was it was accepted on June 21, 2010.
Ryanair to close its Marseille base in January due to French taxes
October 14, 2010
Ryanair Boeing 737-8AS EI-DHJ (msn 33819) BOH (Antony J. Best), originally uploaded by Airliners Gallery.
Ryanair (Dublin) will close its Marseille base in January due to French taxes and social insurance requirements. Ryanair considers its employees to be Irish employees while French authorities consider the employees to be under French law. 13 routes will be dropped.
Read the full report from Reuters:
Copyright Photo: Antony J. Best. Boeing 737-8AS EI-DHJ (msn 33819) lands at Bournemouth.
AeroMexico operates its first “green flight”
October 14, 2010
AeroMexico Boeing 737-752 WL XA-AGM (msn 35786) YYZ (TMK Photography), originally uploaded by Airliners Gallery.
AeroMexico (Mexico City) on October 12 operated its first set of “green flights”. The “green” routes were Mexico City-San Jose and Costa Rica- Mexico City. The objective was to promote the sustainable initiatives and actions to reduce the rate of CO2 emissions and polluting materials to help the environment.
The airline stated the following in its press release:
“The “green flights”, operated by Aeromexico’s Boeing 737-700, aim to save a fuel equivalent to 555 kilograms of CO2 emissions on both flights. On ground in Mexico City, they will save approximately 300 kilograms of emissions and during the stay in San Jose International Airport in Costa Rica, the savings could be of up to 180 kilograms of emissions. With a total of a little over a ton of CO2 that will not be liberated into the atmosphere, which is comparable to the emissions of a midsize car traveling approximately 2858 miles.
These gas emission savings are achieved thanks to the techniques and procedures used on land and in air, and to the technology in this modern aircraft. The training of the pilots, flight attendants and ground personnel along with close coordination with vendors and entities in the Air Traffic Control, generate the ideal conditions to develop these flights.
In regards to the in-flight service, several new eco-initiatives were incorporated, such as the separation of organic and inorganic waste, the reduction of printed materials to generate less amount of waste and weight, the use of bio-degradable bags (accelerated decomposition), 100% cotton in pillows, tablecloths and napkins, as well as biodegradable hand soaps, among others.
All of the food on board included organic ingredients and the vita film plastic and aluminum tops were eliminated and replaced with recyclable plastic cups and water bottles (elaborated with 25% recycled PET). In addition, the ultra modern light-weight carts used to transport meals helped reduce fuel consumption and therefore, pollution in the air.
Through the “green flights”, Aeromexico seeks to show the potential fuel savings, the usage of less contaminating materials and the environmental benefits that could be generated during the normal operations of a flight, promoting environmental preservation programs that have been already used by the airline.
In order to make this possible, Aeromexico counted with the support of various authorities and entities, such as, the Centers of Air Traffic Control in Mexico SENEAM / COCESNA / CENAMER, Costa Rica, the General Civil Aviation of Mexico and its equivalent in Costa Rica, Aeris Consortium (airport administrator in Costa Rica); Mexico City International Airport, ASA Combustibles (fuels), SEAT (Ground Support Services), Swissport and Coopesa in Costa Rica, among others.”
Copyright Photo: TMK Photography. Boeing 737-752 XA-AGM (msn 35786) is seen on the ground at Toronto (Pearson).
Republic’s CEO to be featured on “Undercover Boss” this Sunday
October 14, 2010
Republic Airways Holdings’ (Indianapolis) CEO (Bryan Bedford) and Frontier Airlines (2nd) (Denver) will be the subject of the CBS TV show “Undercover Boss”, scheduled to be shown this Sunday (October 17) evening in the USA.
Read the article from Indystar.com
Frontier Airlines issued the following press release:
Bryan Bedford, Chairman, President and CEO of Frontier Airlines, a wholly owned subsidiary of Republic Airways Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ:RJET - News), earned his wings after spending a week on the frontlines of his Company for the hit CBS show “Undercover Boss.” The episode featuring Frontier Airlines is scheduled to air this Sunday, Oct. 17, at 9 p.m. ET/PT on CBS.
“Participating in ‘Undercover Boss’ was an unforgettable experience that will forever shape they way I do my job,” said Bedford. “Experiencing our front line as an everyday employee uncovered ways we can improve things for our employees and guests, but most importantly it showed me that our employees are so passionate about their jobs and committed to the ongoing success of our Company.”
During his undercover experience, Bedford worked as an aircraft appearance agent and lavatory truck driver in Denver and as a cross-trained customer service agent in Oklahoma City. Bedford also worked a shift at 35,000 feet as a Frontier flight attendant. A video clip is available to watch here.
This Sunday we’ll invite guests flying onboard Frontier’s Airbus aircraft to enjoy complimentary DIRECTV® service “on the boss” so they can tune into CBS at 9 p.m. EDT. Prior to the episode airing, fans of Frontier’sFacebook fan page can take a special “Undercover Boss” quiz to earn a $25 credit toward their next flight. Followers of Frontier’s Twitter feed can tune in Sunday evening to learn interesting facts and figures about the jobs featured in the episode.
Transafrik International’s Lockheed 382E Hercules 5X-TUC crashes in Afghanistan
October 13, 2010
Transafrik International (Luanda) lost its eight crew members and its Lockheed 382E Hercules registered 5X-TUC (msn 4362) in a crash in Afghanistan yesterday (October 12). The cargo aircraft was flying for National Airlines (5th) (National Air Cargo) (Ypsilanti) on flight 662 from Bagram Air Force Base to Kabul. The freighter crashed as it approached Kabul. The Hercules once was operated by Southern Air Transport (1st) as N522SJ.
Read the full report from CNN:
SAS to add two long-haul routes and European expansion
October 13, 2010
Scandinavian Airlines-SAS Airbus A330-343X LN-RKH (msn 497) ARN (Stefan Sjogren), originally uploaded by Airliners Gallery.
Scandinavian Airlines-SAS (Stockholm) will expand its route network with two new long-haul routes. Oslo-New York will commence on March 27, 2011, while the Copenhagen-Shanghai route will start during the winter of 2011. In addition, SAS will also launch a number of new European routes, as well as significantly increase frequency across its key short haul routes by 150 new weekly departures.
The Oslo-New York route will be launched March 27 next year and serviced daily with an Airbus A330-300, offering 34 Business class seats, 35 Economy Extra and 195 Economy seats, whilst Copenhagen-Shanghai will start as five times weekly as of next winter, using an Airbus A340-300, which offers 46 Business class seats 28 Economy Extra and 171 Economy seats.
The additional European frequencies will be continuously introduced during spring 2011. Compared to same period last year, SAS will offer150 more departures a week on key routes.
In addition four new routes will open: Oslo-Munich, Oslo-Palma, Oslo-Split and Stockholm-Venice.
Copyright Photo: Stefan Sjogren.
Virgin America touches down in Orlando
October 13, 2010
Virgin America Airbus A319-112 N530VA (msn 3686) YYZ (TMK Photography), originally uploaded by Airliners Gallery.
Virgin America (San Francisco) today (October 13) celebrated its new nonstop service to Orlando International Airport (MCO) from both Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) and San Francisco International Airport (SFO). The airport welcome party was hosted by Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer, Orange County Florida Mayor Richard T. Crotty, Virgin America CEO David Cush and Virgin Group Founder Sir Richard Branson.
Copyright Photo: TMK Photography.
Aer Arann’s examinership is extended by the court
October 13, 2010
Aer Arann ATR 72-201 EI-REH (msn 260) CDG (Christian Volpati), originally uploaded by Airliners Gallery.
Aer Arann’s (Dublin) examinership (bankruptcy protection) has been extended by the High Court in Ireland pending the finalization of a prospective takeover and investment deal.
Click on the photo for additional details.
Copyright Photo: Christian Volpati.
United Airlines files for Los Angeles-Shanghai authority
October 13, 2010
United Airlines Boeing 777-222 ER N787UA (msn 26939) SEA (Bruce Drum), originally uploaded by Airliners Gallery.
United Airlines (United Continental Holdings, Inc.) (Chicago) has filed an application with the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) for authority to begin daily nonstop service between the airline’s Los Angeles hub and Shanghai, starting on May 20, 2011. In addition, Continental Airlines applied for authority to place its CO code on the United-operated flights between the two cities.
The proposed flights from Los Angeles will depart at 1:33 p.m. (1333) and arrive at Shanghai Pudong International Airport at 5:55 p.m. (1755) the next day. Service from Shanghai, beginning on May 21, 2011, will depart at 7:50 p.m. (1950) and arrive in Los Angeles at 4:47 p.m. (1647) the same day.
United intends to operate the service with three-cabin Boeing 777-200 ER aircraft, which offer customers service in United First ®, United Business ® and United Economy ®.
United currently serves Shanghai daily from Chicago (O’Hare) and San Francisco. Continental serves Shanghai daily from Newark.
Additionally, United Airlines is boosting service into Mexico City from its hubs in Chicago (O’Hare), Denver, Los Angeles and San Francisco. United will launch a second daily flight from Los Angeles to Mexico City beginning on October 15, and a third daily beginning pn January 4, 2011. From Chicago, United’s current Saturday-only service to Mexico City will become twice-daily beginning November 4. From San Francisco, daily service to Mexico City becomes twice-daily on November 4. From Denver, United will offer once-daily service to Mexico City between December 16 and January 3, 2011. All flights will be operated with Airbus A319 and Airbus A320 aircraft.
From Washington Dulles, United currently offers daily service to Mexico City.
Copyright Photo: Bruce Drum. Boeing 777-222 ER N787UA (msn 26939) arrives from Tokyo (Narita) at Seattle/Tacoma.
Continental Airlines to launch Los Angeles-Leon/Guanajuanto flights
October 13, 2010
Continental Airlines Boeing 737-524 WL N17640 (msn 28901) BWI (Brian McDonough), originally uploaded by Airliners Gallery.
Continental Airlines (United Continental Holdings, Inc.) (Houston) will launch daily nonstop service between Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) and Leon/Guanajuato, Mexico (BJX), subject to Mexican government approval, beginning on November 1. The daily service will be operated with a Boeing 737-500 aircraft, with seating for 114 customers (eight in first class and 106 in economy).
In addition, Continental Airlines today filed an application with the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) for authority to begin once-weekly nonstop service to Cancun, Mexico, from three new cities: Austin and San Antonio, TX, and Raleigh-Durham, NC. These Saturday services, which are subject to government approval, would begin February 19, 2011. In addition, United Airlines applied for authority to place its UA code on Continental-operated flights between these cities, further enhancing service options for customers traveling to Cancun.
Continental plans to operate the service with Boeing 737-700 aircraft, with seating for 124 customers (12 in first class and 112 in economy). Continental serves 30 destinations in Mexico, more than any other airline from the U.S. Continental currently serves Cancun 76 times weekly from its hubs in Houston, Newark and Cleveland. United currently serves Cancun 31 times weekly from Denver, Los Angeles, Chicago, San Francisco and Washington-Dulles.
Copyright Photo: Brian McDonough. Boeing 737-524 N17640 (msn 28901) completes the final approach at Baltimore/Washington.
Frontier Airlines is considering other “marketing” options with other larger airlines
October 12, 2010
Frontier Airlines (2nd) Airbus A319-111 N942FR (msn 2497) LAX (Bruce Drum) “Stan”, originally uploaded by Airliners Gallery.
Frontier Airlines (2nd) (Denver) is in discussions about possible new “marketing agreements” with other larger airlines according to this article in Bloomberg.
Read the full report:
Copyright Photo: Bruce Drum. Airbus A319-111 N942FR (msn 2497) taxies to the gate at Los Angeles.
Sky Airline to start the Santiago-Buenos Aires route on December 1
October 12, 2010
Sky Airline (Chile) Airbus A320-232 CC-ABV (msn 1400) SCL (Alvaro Romero) (new type), originally uploaded by Airliners Gallery.
Sky Airline (Santiago) has announced it was start the new Santiago-Buenos Aires (EZE) route on December 1 2010 after receiving government authorization in September. The Airbus A320 will be operated on this new international route.
Two “new” Boeing 737-200s are to enter service soon. The first is CC-CVI to be followed by CC-ABD (the former CC-CVJ). However the company has no further plans to add additional Airbus A320s.
The new route to Lima (Perú) is scheduled to start on November 17 and domestically to Puerto Natales (in the Chilean Patagonia) on November 3.
Boeing 737-200 CC-CTW has been removed from the fleet and will be scrapped.
Copyright Photo: Alvaro Romero. The first Airbus A320, A320-232 CC-ABV (msn 1400), is pictured on approach at the SCL base.
United Airlines starts to move into a new Chicago area headquarters
October 12, 2010
United Airlines Boeing 757-224 WL N29124 (msn 27565) IAH (Jeffrey S. DeVore) (first 757 in new colors), originally uploaded by Airliners Gallery.
United Airlines (Chicago) is moving into headquarters. The first 280 United Airlines employees are moving into new offices as the company begins relocating its operations center in Elk Grove Village to its new location in Willis Tower. This is the first phase of the move of more than 2,500 people who currently work at the company’s Elk Grove facility.
United currently plans to occupy 12 floors at Willis Tower, three more floors than the company originally announced in August of 2009.
United has been Chicago’s “hometown airline” for more than 80 years and after the move to Willis Tower is complete, United expects to employ more than 13,000 people in the city.
United anticipates moving more than 1,000 employees into Willis Tower by year end, and expects that the remaining moves will occur over the next 18 months.
Copyright Photo: Jeffrey S. DeVore. The first Boeing 757 in the new (old) colors is this 757-224 N29124 (msn 27565) pictured at the Houston hub.
ILFC places 10 additional aircraft, reaching 150 for the year
October 12, 2010
International Lease Finance Corporation (ILFC) (Los Angeles), a wholly-owned subsidiary of American International Group, Inc., announced the recent lease placement of ten aircraft which brings the company’s total lease placements year-to-date to 150.
Recent lease commitments:
- one (1) Airbus A320-200 aircraft to Royal Falcon Airlines (Jordan)
- one (1) Boeing 767-300 aircraft to Transaero Airlines (Russia)
- one (1) Airbus A320-200 aircraft to Sichuan Airlines Corporation Ltd. (China)
- one (1) Boeing 737-800 aircraft to PT. Garuda Indonesia (Indonesia)
- two (2) Airbus A340-300 aircraft to Finnair Aircraft Finance Ltd. (Finland)
- one (1) Airbus A330-300 aircraft to Air Transat A.T. Inc. (Canada)
- one (1) Boeing 747-400 aircraft to Air Atlanta Icelandic (Iceland)
- two (2) Boeing 737-700 aircraft to Lucky Air Company Limited (China)
United Arab Emirates threatens to take actions against Canada
October 11, 2010
Emirates SkyCargo (Emirates Airline) (Atlas Air) Boeing 747-47UF N415MC (msn 32837) AMS (Karl Cornil), originally uploaded by Airliners Gallery.
The relationship between Canada and the United Arab Emirates is softening amid media reports that the UAE may restrict Canada from using a military base in the UAE.
Canada will not allow Emirates Airline to operate more than six flights a week into Canada. Emirates says this is not enough capacity to handle the demand.
Read the full story in the CBC News:
Copyright Photo: Karl Cornil. Operated by Atlas Air, Boeing 747-47UF N415MC (msn 32837) prepares to land at Amsterdam.
EasyJet settles its dispute with founder Stelios
October 11, 2010
easyJet (UK) Airbus A319-111 G-EZID (msn 2442) (100th airplane) ORY (Pepscl), originally uploaded by Airliners Gallery.
EasyJet (London-Luton) has resolved a brand-license dispute with its founder and biggest shareholder Stelios Haji- Ioannou.
The company issued the following statement:
“easyJet, the UK’s largest airline, announces it has resolved its litigation with easyGroup IP over the terms of the ‘easyJet’ brand licence.
A revised brand licence agreement ends the long-standing uncertainty arising from the on-going dispute and confirms easyJet’s right to generate revenues from ancillary activities.
The amended and re-stated licence agreement continues easyJet’s worldwide rights to the use of its brand on a basis which protects easyJet’s current commercial activities and provides clarity and certainty over the terms of the licence. Operational flexibility is considerably improved and easyJet will have the freedom to enter new co-branding agreements with other travel service providers as well as white label partners such as car hire, hotels and travel insurance companies. In addition, easyJet will have the right to enter co-branding promotions with other leading brands.
The rights will continue for a fifty year term, with a minimum commitment of ten years in return for an annual royalty payment of 0.25% of easyJet’s revenues. The payment is fixed at £3.9 million and £4.95 million for the first two years of the agreement.
Upon obtaining shareholder approval for the revised brand licence, Sir Stelios has agreed to give up the right to appoint himself as easyJet Chairman and end easyGroup’s rights of representation on the Board of easyJet.
The way low cost airlines make money has changed over the 10 years since the original licence was signed. This amendment allows the airline to now grow its business even further by removing some of the restrictions imposed by the original agreement.”
Copyright Photo: Pepscl. Airbus A319-111 G-EZID (msn 2442) taxies past the camera at Paris (Orly) with the special 100th airplane logo.
Virgin America to lease four Airbus A320s from Sahaab Aircraft Leasing
October 11, 2010
Virgin America Airbus A320-214 N625VA (msn 2800) SEA (Bruce Drum), originally uploaded by Airliners Gallery.
Virgin America (San Francisco) will lease four Airbus A320-200s from Sahaab Aircraft Leasing, a subsidiary of the Jazeera Airways Group.
Read the full report from Reuters:
Copyright Photo: Bruce Drum. Airbus A320-214 N625VA (msn 2800) taxies to the gate at Seattle/Tacoma.
Star1 Airlines files for bankruptcy protection and will not be revived
October 10, 2010
Star1 Airlines (www.star1.aero) Boeing 737-73S LY-STG (msn 29083) STN (Antony J. Best) (files for bankruptcy), originally uploaded by Airliners Gallery.
Star1 Airlines (www.star1.aero) (Vilnius) has filed for bankruptcy protection and will not be revived.
Please click on the photo for the full caption and information.
Copyright Photo: Antony J. Best. Boeing 737-73S LY-STG (msn 29083) is pictured in action at London (Stansted).
Hello to receive its first Airbus A320
October 10, 2010 — 1 Comment
Hello (Basle/Mulhuse/Freiburg) is planning to add its first leased Airbus A320. Formerly operated by Philippines as A320-214 RP-C3229 (msn 936), the airframe will be delivered to Hello as HB-JIZ. Further information and photos are welcome.
Contact us at airlinersgallery@gmail.com.
Swift Air is now operating Boeing 767-238 ER N250MY
October 10, 2010
Swift Air (Phoenix) is now operating ex-Maxjet Airways Boeing 767-238 ER N250MY (msn 23306) in a basic white condition.
The company was established in 1997. In November 2006 the company received its Part 121 AOC and began operations with three Boeing 737-400s. The aircraft are each configured with all first class interiors, electrical outlets and work areas with tables. Primary use of these aircraft is air transportation for major professional sports team (NBA, NHL, MLB) and for VIP charters such as the John McCain presidential campaign.
WestJet has its best day ever
October 9, 2010
WestJet Airlines Boeing 737-8CT WL C-GWSZ (msn 37092) (Care-antee) YYZ (TMK Photography), originally uploaded by Airliners Gallery.
WestJet Airlines (Calgary) set a new one-day record yesterday (October 8) for the greatest number of passengers flown in a day.
The airline issued the following statement:
“WestJetters are giving thanks as a record number of guests chose to fly with WestJet on October 8. The airline set a new single-day record with 49,545 guests travelling on-board flights in WestJet’s network leading into the Canadian Thanksgiving weekend.”
“At a time when everyone expresses their thanks, WestJet is thankful for each and every guest who chose to fly with WestJet today and to all guests who continue to choose us as their favourite airline,” said Bob Cummings, Executive Vice-President, Marketing and Sales. “It makes us feel so good to be able to bring so many families and friends together for the Thanksgiving holiday.”
The previous single-day record was 46,757, set on the Friday before Thanksgiving in 2008. On average, WestJet flies approximately 40,000 guests across its 71-city network each day.
Copyright Photo: TMK Photography. Boeing 737-8CT C-GWSZ (msn 37092) shows off the special “Care-antee” promise livery.
Vision Airlines to start Atlanta-Louisville service on December 13
October 9, 2010
Vision Airlines (USA) Dornier 328-120 N330MX (msn 3067) MIA (L. Apso), originally uploaded by Airliners Gallery.
Vision Airlines (North Las Vegas) has announced that it is expanding into regularly-scheduled commercial passenger service with new nonstop flights between Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) and Louisville International Airport (SDF) beginning on December 13, 2010.
Copyright Photo: L. Apso. Dornier 328-120 N330MX (msn 3067) rests between assignments at Miami.
Allegiant’s DC-9-83 N893GA has a contained engine fire at Sanford
October 9, 2010
Allegiant Air (Las Vegas) had an incident yesterday at Sanford, FL (near Orlando). The right engine on ex-AeroMexico McDonnell Douglas DC-9-83 (MD-83) N893GA (msn 53051, ex N881LF) had a contained engine fire as the aircraft was pushing back from the gate. The fire was contained using foam and the flight was cancelled. Passengers were put on another aircraft for their flight.
Here is a local news video from station WFTV (Channel 9) in Orlando:
JAL sells its last 19 Boeing 747-400s to AerSale
October 8, 2010
JAL-Japan Airlines Boeing 747-446 JA8922 (msn 27646) JFK (Ken Petersen) (19 sold to AerSale), originally uploaded by Airliners Gallery.
JAL-Japan Airlines (Tokyo) has sold its last 19 Boeing 747-400s to AerSale (Coral Gables). JAL is planning to retire the type during 2011.
Copyright Photo: Ken Petersen.
Libyan Airlines orders three more Bombardier CRJ900s
October 8, 2010
Libyan Airlines Bombardier CRJ900 (CL-600-2D24) 5A-LAC (msn 15122) LHR (Keith Burton), originally uploaded by Airliners Gallery.
Libyan Airlines (Tripoli) through the Libyan African Aviation Holding Company has signed a firm order for three Bombardier CRJ900 NextGen aircraft and has also taken options on an additional three CRJ900 NextGen aircraft. The aircraft will be operated by Libyan Airlines, a subsidiary company of Libyan African Aviation Holding Company.
Libyan Airlines currently operates three CRJ900 and two CRJ900 NextGen aircraft in a two-class configuration with seven business class and 68 economy seats. The airline’s previous orders for CRJ900 and CRJ900 NextGen aircraft were announced on June 14, 2007 and January 3, 2008 respectively.
Copyright Photo: Keith Burton. Bombardier CRJ900 (CL-600-2D24) 5A-LAC (msn 15122) completes its final approach to Heathrow Airport in London.
American Airlines receives U.S. DOT approval to fly from Los Angeles to Shanghai
October 8, 2010
American Airlines Boeing 777-223 N785AN (msn 30005) MIA (Bruce Drum), originally uploaded by Airliners Gallery.
American Airlines (Dallas/Fort Worth) has received U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) approval to fly between Los Angeles and Shanghai, China.
The company issued the following statement:
“We are very pleased that the United States Department of Transportation (DOT) has granted us the authority and frequencies needed to begin new service between Los Angeles and Shanghai, the largest market for travel between the United States and China that is not presently served by a U.S. airline. These new flights will enrich American’s customer service offering to China and will expand American’s schedule at Los Angeles International Airport, one of its five cornerstone cities.
“We thank DOT officials for their expedited review of our request and we look forward to launching these new daily flights on April 5 using 247-seat Boeing 777 aircraft, which feature 16 First Class, 37 Business Class and 194 Economy Class seats.
“This has been a terrific week for the employees, customers, and shareholders of American Airlines. We have launched our new joint business with our immunized trans-Atlantic and oneworld partners, British Airways and Iberia. We have announced new service from New York Kennedy to Budapest, as well as a second Barcelona flight, plus new service from Chicago O’Hare to Helsinki and a second flight between Miami and Madrid. In addition, DOT has tentatively granted trans-Pacific antitrust immunity for American and its oneworld partner Japan Airlines.”
Copyright Photo: Bruce Drum. Boeing 777-223 ER N785AN (msn 30005) taxies to the runway at Miami.
Air Canada and United Airlines announce a new trans-border agreement
October 7, 2010
Air Canada (Montreal) and United Continental Holdings, Inc. (Chicago) today announced that the airlines have concluded a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) setting out the principles for a comprehensive revenue-sharing joint venture that would provide for an enhanced partnership on United States-Canada transborder flights, and generate substantial service and pricing benefits for consumers traveling between the two countries. On October 1, 2010, United Continental Holdings, Inc. announced the closing of the merger of United Air Lines and Continental Airlines, combining the carriers’ global networks to create the world’s leading airline which will operate under the name United Airlines.
The Canada-U.S. market is one of the largest air transportation markets in the world. Air Canada’s transborder network to 59 U.S. cities will be strengthened by United’s presence in 210 U.S. airports. Similarly, United’s transborder network to 16 Canadian cities will be strengthened by Air Canada’s network serving 59 communities across Canada.
The joint venture is expected to come into effect in early 2011, subject to Air Canada and United Airlines making the necessary filings, obtaining regulatory approvals and finalizing documentation. The carriers already benefit from anti-trust immunity granted by the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT).
Sriwijaya Air is planning to order 10 new Boeing 737-800s
October 7, 2010
Sriwijaya Air Boeing 737-4Q8 PK-CKC (msn 26285) SUB (John Adlard), originally uploaded by Airliners Gallery.
Sriwijaya Air (Jakarta) is planning to place an order for 10 new Boeing 737-800s according to this article in The Jakarta Post.
Read the full report:
Copyright Photo: John Adlard. Boeing 737-4Q8 PK-CKC (msn 26285) is pictured at Surabaya.
Arkefly to fly to Sanford near Orlando
October 7, 2010
Arkefly Boeing 767-304 ER WL PH-OYI (msn 29138) LTN (James Mellon) (leased from Thomson Airways), originally uploaded by Airliners Gallery.
ArkeFly (Amsterdam) has announced scheduled service beginning on June 24, 2011 from Amsterdam Airport Schiphol (AMS) to Sanford International Airport near Orlando. This is the first ever nonstop scheduled service between Amsterdam and Orlando Sanford. ArkeFly is part of the World of TUI whose brand Thomson Airways currently operates year-round between various points in the United Kingdom and Orlando Sanford.
This new year-round service will operate twice weekly on Mondays and Fridays using 283-seat Boeing 767-300 ER aircraft configured with 31 Premium Comfort seats, 154 Comfort Class seats and 98 Economy Class seats.
Nonstop service on Mondays is scheduled to leave Amsterdam at 8:30 AM (0830) and arrive at Orlando Sanford at 12:45 PM (1245); flights will depart Orlando Sanford at 2:30 PM (1430) and arrive in Amsterdam at 7:15 AM (0715) (on Tuesdays) via Miami. On Fridays the nonstop service is scheduled to leave Amsterdam at 2:30 PM (1430) and arrive at Orlando Sanford at 7:45 PM (1945); flights will depart Orlando Sanford at 9:30 PM (2130) and arrive in Amsterdam at 1:15 PM (1315)(on Saturdays) via a stop in Miami. All flight times are local.
Copyright Photo: James Mellon. Arkefly has leased this Boeing 767-304 ER PH-OYI (msn 291238) from sister airline Thomson Airways. It was delivered yesterday from Luton Airport.
Air France is facing a 24-hour strike on October 12
October 7, 2010
Air France Airbus A380-861 F-HPJC (msn 043) CDG (Christian Volpati), originally uploaded by Airliners Gallery.
Air France (Paris) is facing a 24-hour strike on October 12. Unions at the company are planning to join a national strike in protest of President Nicolas Sarkozy’s plans to raise the minimum retirement age.
Read the full report from Reuters:
Copyright Photo: Christian Volpati. Airbus A380-861 F-HPJC (msn 043) prepares to depart from Paris (CDG).
Icelandair to fly to Washington Dulles
October 7, 2010
Icelandair Boeing 757-208 WL TF-FIN (msn 28989) LHR (Keith Burton), originally uploaded by Airliners Gallery.
Icelandair (Keflavik) will begin seasonal service from Washington Dulles International Airport with four flights a week starting on May 17, 2011 through September 13, 2011.
In addition to Washington, D.C. Icelandair, offers non-stop service to Iceland from Boston, New York-JFK, Seattle/Tacoma, and seasonal service from Minneapolis/St. Paul, Orlando (Sanford), Halifax and Toronto (Pearson).
Copyright Photo: Keith Burton. Boeing 757-208 TF-FIN (msn 28989) climbs away from Heathrow Airport.
LAN Airlines suspends operations in Ecuador due to political violence
October 7, 2010
LAN Airlines (Ecuador) Boeing 767-316 ER WL HC-CHA (msn 27613) MIA (Arnd Wolf), originally uploaded by Airliners Gallery.
LAN Airlines (Ecuador) (Quito) has suspended operations in Ecuador due to the current political violence.
Read the full report from Reuters:
Copyright Photo: Arnd Wolf. Boeing 767-316 ER HC-CHA (msn 27613) is pictured on final approach at Miami.
Aero Republica becomes Copa Airlines Colombia
October 7, 2010
Copa Holdings (Panama City) announced that as of October 6, the Colombian airline Aero Republica (Bogota) will operate as Copa Airlines Colombia.
Evergreen International Airlines’ crewmembers express “no confidence” in the airline’s management
October 7, 2010
Evergreen International Airlines Boeing 747-412F N491EV (msn 26561) ANC (Michael B. Ing) (first 747-400F), originally uploaded by Airliners Gallery.
Evergreen International Airlines’ (McMinnville and Marana) crewmembers issued the following press release:
“The Evergreen International Airlines (EIA) crewmembers, represented by the Air Line Pilots Association, Int’l (ALPA), remain frustrated as their management team continues to avoid their concerns and make empty promises.
The crewmembers reinforced their lack of confidence in the airline’s upper management and flight operations management with a resolution passed by the pilot group’s Master Executive Council (MEC) to back their claim. The crewmembers are exhausted with management’s behavior of constantly violating their contract, not addressing the pilot shortage that affects the quality of life for current crewmembers, and the attitude that the crew force has had it too good for too long. Their continued disappointment comes after the crewmembers rejected a tentative collective bargaining agreement with management in August.
“The crewmembers are fed up with empty promises from management as it continues to claim willingness to work with the union’s negotiators at the negotiating table, but has not done so over the past five years, and their multiple declarations of bringing more aircraft on to the property to no avail,” said William Fink, MEC chairman of the Evergreen pilot group. “We want to work with management for a fair contract and welcome an expedited resolution to restart contract negotiations without the close-minded attitude, as well as expand the airline with new aircraft, but its lack of commitment and follow-through makes us question the management team’s lip service.”
The parties remain under the jurisdiction of the National Mediation Board (NMB), which will determine future measures for processing this case. The union is preparing for the next steps in securing a fair and equitable contract for the EIA crewmembers and looks forward to the opportunity to continue where negotiations with management left off at the table.
ALPA is the bargaining representative for the 243 pilots and flight engineers in service for EIA. Founded in 1931, ALPA represents 53,000 pilots at 38 airlines in the United States and Canada. Visit the ALPA website at http://www.alpa.org.”
Copyright Photo: Michael B. Ing. Evergreen’s first Boeing 747-400 freighter, ex-Singapore Airlines 747-412F N491EV (msn 26561) is pictured at Anchorage.
Nok Air to add 14 aircraft
October 6, 2010
Nok Air Boeing 737-4H6 HS-DDH (msn 27191) BKK (Poowin Bunyavejchewin), originally uploaded by Airliners Gallery.
Nok Air (Bangkok) is planning to add and lease four Boeing 737-400s, four ATR 72s and six newer Boeing 737-800s according to this article in the Bangkok Post.
Read the full report:
Copyright Photo: Poowin Bunyavejchewin. A beautiful picture of the colorful Boeing 737-4H6 HS-DDH (msn 27191) climbing at Bangkok. “Nok” means bird in the Thai language.
Norwegian Air Shuttle to open a Helsinki base
October 6, 2010
Norwegian Air Shuttle (Norwegian.com) Boeing 737-8JP WL LN-NOX (msn 37818) (Christian Krohg) ARN (Stefan Sjogren) (latest delivery), originally uploaded by Airliners Gallery.
Norwegian Air Shuttle (Norwegian.com) (Oslo) has announced it will open a new Finnish base at Helsinki’s Vantaa airport. At the same time it will also introduce two Finnish domestic routes and expand the current international destinations from two to eleven. Three Boeing 737 aircraft will be based in Helsinki.
As the second largest airline in Scandinavia and the third largest low lost airline in Europe, Norwegian serves a total of 238 routes to 93 destinations both domestic and international.
By entering the Finnish domestic market, Norwegian further increases its foothold as a major Nordic player. Today, the airline has domestic operations in Norway, Sweden and Denmark. The new Finnish routes include Helsinki-Oulu and Helsinki-Rovaniemi. Four daily flights will serve the Helsinki-Oulu route and one daily flight will operate between Helsinki and Rovaniemi. The first flight departs on March 31 2011.
Norwegian has since late April 2010 operated several daily flights between Helsinki and Stockholm and Helsinki and Oslo. In the spring of 2011 Norwegian will introduce nine new international destinations departing from Helsinki’s Vantaa airport: Copenhagen, Malaga, Nice, Crete (Chania), Rome, Barcelona, London Gatwick, Split and Alicante.
Copyright Photo: Stefan Sjogren. The latest new Boeing delivery is this Boeing 737-8JP LN-NOX (msn 37818) with the tail of Christian Krohg. The new airliner was accepted on September 8 and prepares to land on runway 01R at Stockholm (Arlanda).
Air Transat’s pilots ratify the new contract
October 6, 2010
Garuda Indonesia Airways (Air Transat) Airbus A330-243 C-GGTS (msn 250) DUB (Colin Keogh) (to be leased from Air Transat), originally uploaded by Airliners Gallery.
Air Transat (Montreal) has announced that its 320 pilots, represented by the Air Line Pilots Association (ALPA), have ratified an agreement-in-principle reached on September 3 on the renewal of their labor contract. The new 48-month collective agreement will expire on May 1, 2014.
Copyright Photo: Colin Keogh. Air Transat has repainted its Airbus A330-243 C-GGTS (msn 250) for an upcoming lease to Garuda Indonesia Airways. The airliner is pictured at Dublin on an Air Transat flight prior to the start of the lease.
American Airlines to recall 545 flight attendants and 250 pilots
October 6, 2010
American Airlines Boeing 737-823 WL N936AN (msn 29532) DCA (Bruce Drum) (35 more 737-800s ordered), originally uploaded by Airliners Gallery.
American Airlines (Dallas/Fort Worth) today announced that it is sending recall notices to 545 flight attendants and 250 pilots. Several factors contributed to the company’s ability to recall, primarily its efforts to capitalize on new international flying and business opportunities with British Airways and Iberia, continuing to strengthen its cornerstone hubs, and preparing for it’s pending alliance with Japan Airlines.
The first group of 25 pilots will be recalled in mid-November, and the company will continue to recall at a rate of approximately 30 per month. For flight attendants, recall notices will be sent in phases. The first notices will be issued to approximately 225 flight attendants this month; subsequent notifications will follow later in the year.
Copyright Photo: Bruce Drum. Boeing 737-823 N936AN (msn 29532) completes the river approach at Reagan National Airport in Washington.
American Airlines, British Airways and Iberia launch their new relationship
October 6, 2010
American Airlines (Dallas/Fort Worth), British Airways (London) and Iberia (Madrid) announced today (October 6) four new routes that will start next April as an early benefit of the new joint business. They are: New York JFK-Budapest and Chicago-Helsinki (operated by American), London Heathrow-San Diego (operated by British Airways) and Madrid-Los Angeles (operated by Iberia).
The CEOs of the three oneworld® airlines met in London today for the official start of the new trilateral relationship, which enables oneworld to compete far more effectively with other global alliances on routes between Europe and North America.
The airlines have also placed codeshares on a significant number of additional routes, greatly increasing the number of destination choices available to customers. American will add its code to 322 British Airways and Iberia flights serving 101 destinations, British Airways will add its code to 2063 American and Iberia flights serving 181 destinations and Iberia will add its code to 354 American and British Airways flights serving 96 destinations. There will be further opportunities to increase codeshares in the future. In total, customers will be able to travel more easily on the airlines’ combined route network which will serve more than 400 destinations in 105 countries with around 5,200 daily departures.
Other customer benefits include:
- Greater access to a wider choice of fares
- Coordinated schedules on joint routes to provide customers with better flight choice and timings
- Dedicated support teams for customers transferring at five of the airlines’ hubs: New York JFK, London Heathrow, Madrid, Chicago and Miami.
- Online check in and boarding pass printing with either the airline operating the flight, or the one the ticket was booked through
- Integrated online flight information on all three airlines’ websites
- Increased opportunity to earn and redeem frequent flyer benefits on trans-Atlantic flights
- More integrated account management for corporate customers
Continental flight attendants decline joint talks
October 6, 2010
United Airlines Boeing 737-924 ER WL N53442 (msn 33536) LAX (James Helbock), originally uploaded by Airliners Gallery.
Continental Airlines’ (Houston) flight attendants will not participate in contract talks with the FAs at United Airlines (Chicago), according to a report in Bloomberg. Continental is doing business as United pending a merger of the two AOCs.
Read the full report from Reuters:
Copyright Photo: James Helbock. Boeing 737-924 ER WL N53442 (msn 33536) arrives at Los Angeles.
Boeing puts its sixth 787 Dreamliner into testing, but returns early
October 5, 2010
Copyright Photo: Joe G. Walker. N787ZA arrives at Boeing Field.
Boeing (Chicago, Seattle, Wichita and Charleston) yesterday (October 4) added its sixth 787 Dreamliner to the flight test fleet. The airliner made its first flight from Paine Field in Everett, WA. The airplane, 787-8 N787ZA (msn 40695), disgnated as “ZA006″, is the second 787 equipped with General Electric GEnx engines.
Captains Christine Walsh and Bill Roberson were at the controls during the 1 hour and 4 minute flight. The airplane landed at Boeing Field at 12:45 p.m. (1245) (Pacific time).
In addition to achieving first flight of ZA006, the Boeing test team has completed a number of flight test milestones in recent weeks.
Boeing wrapped up a series of natural and artificial icing tests, meeting all requirements with no changes required. Pilots reported that the airplane continues to handle well even in the presence of ice.
Flight loads survey testing, which demonstrates the pressure distribution on the airplane structure throughout the phases of flight in a variety of configurations, also has been completed. The team conducted this testing on ZA004 primarily at the airport at Victorville, CA. Analysis of this testing continues.
A dramatic series of tests that stress the airplane’s brakes, called maximum brake energy testing, was completed in late September at Edwards Air Force Base, also in California. ZA001 conducted this testing as well as a series of extreme takeoff and landing conditions including minimum takeoff speed testing. Earlier in the month, ZA001 completed wet runway testing at Roswell, NM.
ZA003 flew to Glasgow, MT, to complete community noise testing. All results were within expectations.
As a result of these tests and others, all takeoff performance and handling characteristics testing is complete for the initial version of the 787. Additional testing will be required for 787s equipped with GE engines.
The 787 flight test program has logged more than 1,900 hours over 620 flights and completed more than 65 percent of the flight test conditions for 787s with Rolls-Royce engines.
Equally important to the testing required in the air is the ground testing required to certify a new airplane. Boeing has completed well over 4,000 hours of ground testing on the same airplanes that are in the flight test program.
In addition, fatigue testing has started at a test rig in Everett. Fifteen flights have been simulated. Federal regulations require Boeing to conduct twice as many flight cycles as any airplane in revenue service. Boeing plans to have completed 10,000 flight cycles prior to first delivery.
ALC finalizes its order for 60 Boeing 737-800s
October 5, 2010
Air Lease Corporation (ALC) (Los Angeles) has finalized an order for up to 60 Next-Generation 737-800s.
The order, first announced at the Farnborough Airshow in July, is for deliveries through 2017. In addition to 54 firm orders the deal includes six additional airplanes to be reconfirmed.
Air Lease Corporation (ALC) was founded in February 2010, and is led by two airline industry veterans, Steven F. Udvar-Hazy and John L. Plueger.
Air Canada to fly out of Toronto City Airport, but not with Jazz Air!
October 4, 2010
Air Canada (Montreal) today announced that it has settled the terms of a long term Commercial Carrier Operating Agreement (CCOA) with the Toronto Port Authority (TPA), operator of Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport. Conclusion of the agreement is subject to certain conditions, including agreement with the lessor of terminal space, City Centre Terminal Corp. (CCTC), for lease of space at the airport. In addition, the airline has entered into a letter of intent (LOI) for the leasing of aircraft and has finalized arrangements with a regional carrier to operate flights from the Toronto Island Airport beginning in February 2011.
Air Canada’s initial schedule will offer customers the choice of up to 15 daily non-stop flights from Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport, in close proximity to downtown Toronto, to Montreal Trudeau International Airport.
Flights will be operated with Bombardier DHC-8-402 (Q400) (ex Lynx Aviation?) turboprop aircraft. Air Canada has signed a letter of intent (LOI) with a lessor for the five aircraft that will be operated on the Toronto City Airport-Montreal route. Formal terms and conditions of the lease agreements are expected to be finalized in the coming weeks.
Following a competitive bid process to select a Canadian regional operator for these aircraft, Air Canada has concluded a capacity purchase agreement with Sky Regional Airlines Inc., an associated company of Skyservice Business Aviation. The regional carrier will sublease and operate the Q400 aircraft on behalf of Air Canada. According to Air Canada, “Selection of Sky Regional Airlines was based on a number of criteria including a competitive cost structure, a proven track record in customer service excellence and experience maintaining Dash 8 Q400 aircraft. The selection of Sky Regional Airlines to operate these flights has no impact on Air Canada’s commercial arrangements with other regional carriers including Jazz Air LP (Air Canada Jazz) (Halifax) with which Air Canada maintains a strong commercial relationship.”
Air Canada is actively engaged in talks with the airport terminal owner, City Centre Terminal Corp. (CCTC), towards an agreement to lease terminal facilitates that will accommodate the new service.
