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Lufthansa to introduce the Airbus A380 on the Frankfurt-Miami route

March 31, 2011

Lufthansa Airbus A380-841 D-AIMB (msn 041) FRA (Ton Jochems) (second A380), originally uploaded by Airliners Gallery.

Lufthansa (Frankfurt) will introduce the Airbus A380 on the Frankfurt-Miami route on June 10, 2011.

Boeing calls for an end of subsidies to Airbus

March 31, 2011

Boeing (Chicago) today issued the following statement as the WTO issued their final report concerning government subsidies:

“A World Trade Organization final case ruling published today confirms the massive market advantage Airbus has enjoyed from billions in illegal government subsidies provided to fund the company’s commercial airplane product line since its inception more than 40 years ago.

“This WTO ruling shatters the convenient myth that European governments must illegally subsidize Airbus to counter U.S. government assistance to Boeing,” said J. Michael Luttig, Boeing executive vice president and general counsel. ”The ruling rejects 80 percent of the EU’s claims against the U.S., finding no more than $2.7 billion of impermissible subsidies to Boeing not previously remedied. That amount includes$2.6 billion in NASA R&D funding, which is but a small fraction of the total amount challenged,” Luttig said.

Today’s ruling resulted from the European Union’s attempt to counter a U.S. case that successfully challenged illegal subsidies to Airbus. Last June, the WTO upheld approximately 80% of the U.S. claim, finding Airbus had received more than $20 billion in illegal government subsidies, which harmed the U.S. aerospace industry and resulted in the loss of billions in exports and tens of thousands of U.S. jobs.

Illegal government subsidies to Airbus included:

$1.5 billion in R&D subsidies,
$1.7 billion in infrastructure subsidies,
$2.2 billion in equity infusions, and
$15 billion in launch aid (including $4 billion for the A380) – a subsidy that is unique to Airbus and is the most pernicious and market-distorting subsidy under the law.

“Comparing today’s decision with the decision last June reveals a market distorted by Airbus’ practices, with illegal launch aid being the key discriminator,” Luttig said. “The WTO ruling on launch aid goes to the heart of the Airbus business model, which now must change. In contrast, there are no comparable findings or consequences to the U.S. or Boeing from today’s decision, as the WTO has now fully and finally rejected most of the EU’s claims.”

Both sides may appeal today’s ruling. Once any appeal concludes, Boeing will support whatever steps the U.S. government deems necessary to fulfill its WTO obligations, and expects the same commitment to compliance from Airbus and its sponsor governments.

“Illegal launch aid must end. Airbus must take immediate steps to withdraw the outstanding prohibited subsidies provided to the A380, and it must finance the A350 and all other future programs on commercial terms,” Luttig said.

“With $16.6 billion of cash on hand, EADS/Airbus can, and now must, develop its products without illegal government subsidies,” he added.

Luttig said the WTO had done an outstanding job adjudicating the subsidy dispute.

“An impartial arbiter has spoken, and has set important precedents for all nations with ambitions to grow their aerospace industries. Compliance with WTO rules is essential to fair play and to the public’s confidence in the global trading system,” he said.”

AirTran Airways introduces “Dophin 1″ today in Atlanta

March 31, 2011

AirTran Airways (Orlando) may be heading towards its sunset as it awaits approval of its pending merger and takeover by Southwest Airlines, however the company is not slowing down on introducing logojets. Today (March 31) AirTran Airways and Georgia Aquarium unveiled a custom designed aircraft celebrating their long partnership. The Boeing 737-7BD registered N354AT (msn 36725), named “Dolphin 1″, is uniquely adorned with dolphins and an aquatic theme to celebrate the airline’s partnership with the world’s largest aquarium while highlighting the facility’s newest attraction, the AT&T Dolphin Tales gallery and theater.

The one-of-a-kind aircraft was introduced to the AirTran fleet with a water cannon salute from the Atlanta Fire Department and festive music from the Tri-Cities High School Marching Band. Executives from AirTran Airways and the Georgia Aquarium gathered with AirTran Airways Crew Members and other guests to commemorate the launch. “Dolphin 1″ will serve AirTran’s growing national and international network of more than 70 cities and will be seen by millions of travelers.

The unveil is part of the community’s celebration of Georgia Aquarium’s $110 million dolphin exhibit, which features a 1.8 million gallon habitat featuring bottlenose dolphins. The gallery includes a lobby featuring an expansive underwater viewing window, and an 1,800-seat theater featuring a live production with dolphins, human actors and singers, and special effects and lighting. To help underscore Georgia Aquarium’s commitment to marine mammal conservation and research, in 2008 the Aquarium donated $1.5 million to build a new marine animal rescue, care and research facility, the Dolphin Conservation Field Station at Marineland, Florida.

Volaris adds Las Vegas, will increase frequencies

March 31, 2011

Volaris Airbus A319-133 N501VL (msn 2979) (Octavio) LAX (James Helbock), originally uploaded by Airliners Gallery.

Volaris (Toluca) yesterday (March 30) added Las Vegas (5th U.S. destination) and the Guadalajara-Las Vegas route. Advance bookings are strong and the fast-growing airline will add two more weekly frequencies.

Volaris’ routes from Guadalajara (GDL):

AeroMexico to add new routes, increase capacity

March 31, 2011

AeroMexico Boeing 737-752 WL XA-GMV (msn 5118) (Tarjeta Aeromexico Banamex) LAS (Eddie Maloney), originally uploaded by Airliners Gallery.

AeroMexico (Mexico City) as of April 4, 2011 will begin operating daily flights between Guadalajara and Fresno, California and between Monterrey and Mexicali on a Boeing 737. There will also be daily flights between Guadalajara and Hermosillo, on an Embraer ERJ 145, and an overnight flight from Culiacan to Mexicali on an Embraer ERJ 190 operated by AeroMexico Connect.

Also beginning on the same date, AM routes between Mexico City and Mazatlan, Mexico City and Ciudad del Carmen, and Mexico City and Veracruz will be offering a greater passenger capacity, thanks to new planes that will be larger than the planes currently traveling those routes. There will also be additional flights between Hermosillo and Mexicali, Tijuana and Hermosillo, as well as Mexico City and Tapachula.

As of May 9, there will be an increase in the frequency of flights on several routes that are already running. AeroMexico will add another flight to the Mexico City – Campeche connection, the Monterrey – Veracruz connection, and two more flights between Mexico City and Oaxaca, which will amount to 40 connections a week to the city.

GECAS finalizes its order for 10 Boeing 777-300 ERs

March 31, 2011

Boeing (Chicago) and GE Capital Aviation Services (GECAS) finalized an order for 10 777-300 ER (extended range) airplanes. The order is worth approximately $2.8 billion at list prices.

GECAS has now ordered 53 777s, including 41 777-300 ERs.

DirectAir to add Lakeland and Hagerstown

March 31, 2011

DirectAir (Sky King Airlines) Boeing 737-4Q8 N773AS (msn 25106) MIA (Brian McDonough), originally uploaded by Airliners Gallery.

DirectAir (Myrtle Beach) announced yesterday (March 30) it will add two new cities to its growing route map – Lakeland, Florida and Hagerstown, Maryland effective on June 23.

Lakeland (LAL) (close to Disney World and Legoland Cyprus Gardens) will see new service to Myrtle Beach, Niagara Falls, NY and Springfield, IL. LAL, the home of the annual spring Sun ‘n Fun Air Show and fly-in, recently became a Part 139 commercial airport. DirectAir will now bracket the Orlando area by serving Sanford on the north side and Lakeland on the south side.

Hagerstown will see new service to Myrtle Beach and Lakeland.

Service is expected to be operated by Sky King Airlines, which is also now based at LAL.

Read the full story from TheLedger.com: CLICK HERE

DurectAir is a public charter airline and contracts with Part 121 air carriers to operate the flights.

DirectAir’s current route map (without the two new cities):

Tassili Airlines gets ready to take delivery of its first Boeing

March 30, 2011

Tassili Airlines-TAL Boeing 737-8ZQ WL 7T-VCA (msn 40884) BFI (Joe G. Walker) (new Boeing operator), originally uploaded by Airliners Gallery.

Tassili Airlines (Algiers) is getting ready to take delivery of its first Boeing aircraft.

Hot New Photos Slide Show: CLICK HERE

QANTAS Airways to scale back the number of flights and cut management jobs

March 30, 2011

QANTAS Airways Airbus A330-303 VH-QPF (msn 595) SYD (John Adlard) (aircraft involved in the rescue of Abby Sunderland), originally uploaded by Airliners Gallery.

QANTAS Airways (Sydney) plans to scale back some of its flights and cut some management jobs in order to partially offset soaring fuel prices and an estimated A$140 million ($144 million) decrease in earnings from due to the natural disasters in its key markets.

British Airways creates trans-Atlantic shuttle service, faces another possible strike

March 30, 2011 — 1 Comment

British Airways Boeing 777-36N ER G-STBB (msn 38286) LHR (Wingnut), originally uploaded by Airliners Gallery.

British Airways (London), American Airlines (Dallas/Fort Worth) and Iberia (Madrid) have announced they will deliver more benefits to customers as schedules are coordinated across the North Atlantic and more destinations are launched in summer 2011.

From March 27, American Airlines and British Airways will effectively create a transatlantic shuttle service between the top US-UK routes by aligning the timing on their schedules.

The biggest change is on the Heathrow – New York route. Previously, five of the 11 daily flights to New York left Heathrow at almost exactly the same time, leaving gaps of up to three hours between services.

Now flights will depart every hour, on the hour between 1pm and 8pm from Heathrow. There will also only be an hour and a half between morning departures at the most.

Chicago flights inbound to London previously had four flights departing the Windy City at similar times around 5pm and 8pm. Now the flights will be evenly spaced, departing at around 5pm, 6pm, 7pm and 8pm. The 9am and 9.45pm slots will remain as they were.

Two of the three flights to Miami from London clashed around 10am, and these have now been split to leave at 10am and 11am. The 1.30pm has moved to 1.35pm.

The joint business will also now give customers the chance to fly direct between New York (JFK) and Budapest starting from April 5, and between Chicago and Helsinki, both seven times a week on American Airlines from May 1.

British Airways will launch daily flights to San Diego from June 1, marking the airline’s return to the route after eight years. It offers a great variety of hotels in San Diego suitable for all ranges of budgets and tastes. Customers can save by booking a flight and hotel package for their San Diego holidays at the same time on ba.com plus benefit from a 24 hour in-resort support and expertly chosen hotels which adhere to stringent health and safety criteria.

The British carrier will also increase its services from Gatwick to Cancun from two to three a week from March 27 offering even more choice to customers wishing to take their holidays in Cancun.

Iberia is starting the only direct flight between Spain and California; flying between Madrid and Los Angeles three times a week from March 28, with an additional flight between July and September. Iberia will also launch new flights between Barcelona and Miami three times a week from March 29.

Meanwhile, BA is facing another possible threat of a strike by its cabin crew. Unite, the union representing British Airways cabin crew, said staff have voted to back more strike action at the airline, but didn’t give possible dates according to this article by the WSJ.

According to the WSJ, “The union said just under 10,000 crew were polled and some 83% of the 6,981 who returned valid voting papers supported strike action. This is the fourth official ballot in two years in which staff have voted to strike.”

Read the full article from the WSJ: CLICK HERE

Sun Country Airlines to fly for Apple Vacations from Dallas/Fort Worth

March 30, 2011

Sun Country Airlines Boeing 737-8Q8 WL N806SY (msn 28215) MIA (Bruce Drum), originally uploaded by Airliners Gallery.

Sun Country Airlines (Minneapolis/St. Paul) will be flying for Apple Vacations from DFW to Puna Cana. Apple Vacations has announced new exclusive vacation flights to Punta Cana, Dominican Republic from Dallas-Ft. Worth International Airport. Nonstop flights on Sun Country to Punta Cana will depart on Sunday and Thursday mornings, operating from June 2 through August 11, 2011 for 3, 4, 7, 10 and 14 night durations.

JetBlue Airways extends its contract with the Boston Red Sox, logojet coming?

March 30, 2011

JetBlue Airways Airbus A320-232 N746JB (msn 3622) (NY Jets) LGB (Stephen Tornblom), originally uploaded by Airliners Gallery.

JetBlue Airways (New York), Boston’s largest airline, has announced an eight-year extension as the Official Airline of the Boston Red Sox and the Official Airline of Fenway Park. Additionally, the airline will sponsor JetBlue Park, the new Spring Training ballpark for the Boston Red Sox in Lee County, Florida. Red Sox Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer Sam Kennedy and JetBlue’s Senior Vice President of Marketing and Commercial Strategy Marty St. George celebrated the announcement today with JetBlue crewmembers at the JetBlue Airways Ticket Counter at the Southwest Florida International Airport. The ballpark and adjoining Player Development Complex are scheduled to open for the 2012 Spring Training season.

The centerpiece of JetBlue’s partnership with the Red Sox in Lee County, FL, is the team’s new Spring Training ballpark, and at today’s event the airline announced it will make an annual contribution during the term of the agreement to the capital improvement fund already established by the Red Sox and Lee County to support ongoing maintenance and improvements to the facility. JetBlue also announced the creation of a new program that, beginning in 2012, will provide Spring Training game tickets to Lee County, FL non-profit groups.

As part of the extension, JetBlue also becomes a Fenway Park Preservation Partner, making it one of a select group of organizations that will play a key role in helping the Club celebrate the 100th anniversary of its Boston home next year. JetBlue will also continue as a sponsor of Lindos Suenos, the Red Sox’ youth volunteer exchange program in the Dominican Republic.

Additional extension terms include JetBlue signage throughout Fenway Park, naming rights to the Red Sox Dominican Academy, continued sponsorship of the annual Spring Training “Truck Day” and preferred partner status of the Red Sox Destinations fan travel program.

JetBlue is the largest carrier at Boston Logan International Airport, serving 39 destinations with up to 100 flights daily. As of June 2011 JetBlue will be serving 42 destinations non-stop from Boston. Customers traveling through Boston from most destinations may also take advantage of convenient connecting service operated by JetBlue’s marketing partner, Cape Air, to fly onward to some of New England’s most beautiful destinations including Hyannis, Martha’s Vineyard, Nantucket, and Provincetown, Mass., and Rutland/Killington, VT.

Copyright Photo: Stephen Tornblom. Is there a red “JetBlue” plane coming? Click on the photo for additional facts about the New York Jets logojet.

AMR receives a $3.25 billion takeover offer

March 30, 2011

American Airlines Boeing 777-223 ER N757AN (msn 32636) MIA (Bruce Drum), originally uploaded by Airliners Gallery.

AMR Corporation (Dallas/Fort Worth) yesterday received a takeover proposal from a Florida entity for $3.25 billion. AMR is skeptical that the offer is genuine.

AMR said it received a letter from Sterling Global Holdings, which offered $9.25 a share for the corporation, representing a 48 percent premium over yesterday’s closing price of $6.58 according to this article by the Star-Telegraph.

Read the full article: CLICK HERE

Alaska Airlines declares a tie in the Portland Timbers “Paint-The-Plane” Contest

March 29, 2011

Alaska Airlines (Seattle/Tacoma) and The Portland Timbers (Portland) on March 22 announced a winner’s tie in their “Paint-The-Plane” contest. Elements of the two first-place designs created by Paul Wright, of Portland, and John Bode of San Mateo, California, will be combined into a final design that will adorn an Alaska Airlines 737-700 jet and fly throughout the carrier’s network.

Wright, who was born and raised in Portland, used the Timbers jersey as the inspiration for his design, which features the team’s name across the fuselage overlaid against a subtle soccer ball screen. The tail boasts the team’s signature chevron and ax.

Bode is a passionate soccer fan and remembers attending matches during the years of the original North American Soccer League as a child with his father in San Jose, California. He appreciates the spirit of Rose City soccer fans and has been a follower of all “Left Coast” soccer teams for more than three decades. His winning artwork combines the team’s trademark colors with a rising sun across the forward part of the fuselage.

Bode said he felt a responsibility to the Timbers’ loyal and spirited fans and chose to honor them with the rising sun, a symbol traditionally associated with Timbers fans.

The artwork by Wright and Bode was among about 500 designs submitted by fans across the country. The winning artwork was selected by representatives from Alaska Airlines and the Portland Timbers. In addition to the first-place winners, Lee Zeman, of Portland, was named runner-up and seven other submissions were named honorable mentions.

Besides having their designs featured on a plane, Bode and Wright will each receive the grand-prize package, which includes two first-class tickets on Alaska Airlines, two club seats to the Timbers’ home opener on April 14 and a team-autographed jersey.

The final design of the Timbers-themed airplane will be unveiled during a special event at Portland International Airport in early May and immediately enter regular service to all cities currently served by Alaska Airlines with a 737-700.

Above images: Alaska Airlines. The two designs will be combined into a joint design to be unveiled in early May.

Below images: Some of the runner-up submitted images:

AirTran Airways’ Fleet and Passenger Service/Reservation employees vote to join the IAM

March 29, 2011

AirTran Airways Boeing 717-2BD N949AT (msn 55003) (Orlando Magic) ATL (Norbert G. Raith), originally uploaded by Airliners Gallery.

AirTran Airways’ (Orlando) 2,900 Fleet and Passenger Service/Reservation employees have voted to join the Machinists Union (IAM).

The National Mediation Board conducted the Internet and telephone vote from February 28-March 28, 2011. A majority of participating employees voted in favor of the Machinists Union.

The IAM represents Passenger Service/Reservation employees at AirTran’s proposed merger partner, Southwest Airlines. IAM members at Southwest earn $8.56 an hour more per hour than AirTran Passenger Service Agents, and $9.66 an hour more than AirTran Reservation Agents.

AirTran issued the following statement:

“AirTran Airways, a subsidiary of AirTran Holdings, Inc. (NYSE:AAI – News), announced today that the results of the representation vote by its customer service, ramp and reservations agents have been released by the National Mediation Board (NMB). Ballots for the election, which was conducted by the NMB, were counted today in Washington. The Board informed the airline that 34 percent of the 2,904 eligible voters cast votes in favor of representation by the International Association of Machinists (IAM)-a majority of the votes cast. Thirty percent of eligible voters voted against representation and 36 percent of eligible voters did not vote.”

AirTran Slide Show: CLICK HERE

Air New Zealand recruits Richard Simmons to get its passengers “fit to fly”

March 29, 2011 — 1 Comment

Air New Zealand’s (Auckland) new safety ambassador for its new inflight safety video is US fitness legend Richard Simmons.

Starting on March 28, Simmons will be putting Air New Zealand customers through their paces, as he takes them step-by-step through the airline’s pre-flight safety briefing.

The inflight video features Air New Zealand cabin crew and Les Mills fitness instructors working out in colorful lycra, fluorescent leg warmers and sweat bands.

Simmons is also assisted in conveying the key safety messages with some celebrity cameo roles by the Amazing Race host Phil Keoghan, sporting a bright yellow headband, television personality Paul Henry, in orange shorts and pink sweat band, and Silver Fern Temepara George in some stunning silver hot pants.

Watch carefully and you may even catch a glimpse of Air New Zealand CEO Rob Fyfe, who donned pink shorts and a purple head band for the occasion.

Simmons, accompanied by the cabin crew, shows passengers the essential safety information, including how to “stretch like a giraffe” to put baggage into the overhead lockers, and Simmons’ favorite move “the duck.”

“Fit to Fly” follows on from the airline’s hugely successful recent inflight safety videos, which have totaled more than 7,000,000 views on YouTube, including “Bare Essentials of Safety” which featured body-painted staff and “Crazy about Rugby” featuring All Blacks players including captain Richie McCaw.

Air New Zealand General Manager Marketing and Communications Mike Tod says the new in-flight safety briefing again features Air New Zealand cabin crew, working alongside Simmons, to convey the safety messages.

The new “Fit to Fly” safety video goes live on March 28 onboard Air New Zealand’s narrowbody aircraft fleets, and will also be showing on the airline’s widebody aircraft from May 1.

The music track featured on the inflight safety video is a specially recorded version of Yazz’s 1980s hit record “The Only Way is Up,” performed by New Zealand singer Leza Corban.

The new safety video and exclusive behind-the-scenes content with some hilarious additional dance-offs with Phil Keoghan, Temepara George and Paul Henry can be viewed at http://www.youtube.com/airnewzealand or below.

Well done ANZ. You make flying interesting!

Camair-Co launches operations

March 29, 2011

Camair-Co (Cameroon Airlines Corporation) Boeing 767-33A ER TJ-CAC (msn 28138) SNN (Malcolm Nason) (now delivered), originally uploaded by Airliners Gallery.

Camair-Co (Cameroon Airlines Corporation) (Douala) operated its inaugural flight on March 28, 2011, from Douala to Yaoundé Nsimalen, then on to Paris (CDG) with the pictured 767-33A ER TJ-CAC (msn 28138).

Read the full account in the CamerPress (in French): CLICK HERE

Hot New Photos Slide Show: CLICK HERE

Ural Airlines is adding three former Aer Lingus Airbus A321s

March 29, 2011

Ural Airlines Airbus A321-211 VQ-BKJ (msn 815) SNN (Malcolm Nason), originally uploaded by Airliners Gallery.

Ural Airlines (Yekaterinburg) is adding three former Aer Lingus Airbus A321s.

Ural Airlines Slide Show: CLICK HERE

UPS launches next-day service from Hong Kong to Europe

March 28, 2011

UPS-Worldwide Services (UPS Airlines) Boeing 747-45E (BCF) N578UP (msn 27154) ANC (Michael B. Ing), originally uploaded by Airliners Gallery.

UPS-United Parcel Service (UPS Airlines) (Atlanta and Louisville) today announced the launch of direct flights from Hong Kong to Europe.

With the addition of four direct flights, UPS now offers a total of 11 flights from Hong Kong to Europe each week.

The new daily direct flights will link Hong Kong with Cologne, Germany, Monday to Thursday using Boeing 747-400 freighter aircraft. The freighters will operate in addition to the seven flights that UPS already offers each week between Hong Kong and Cologne via Dubai.

UPS’s Cologne air hub is the centerpiece of the company’s extensive and integrated European air and ground network, which includes 460 operating facilities and 156 daily intra-Europe flight segments, ensuring UPS can deliver to every address in Europe.

Southwest Airlines arrives at Newark

March 28, 2011

Southwest Airlines Boeing 737-7H4 WL N714CB (msn 27848) (gold) FLL (Bruce Drum), originally uploaded by Airliners Gallery.

Southwest Airlines (Dallas) today (March 28) celebrates the airline’s new service into the New Jersey/New York area via Newark Liberty International Airport. This new service will provide six daily nonstop flights to Chicago Midway and two daily nonstop flights to St. Louis. Gary Kelly, Southwest Airlines Chairman of the Board, President, and CEO, joined Chris Bollwage, Mayor of the City of Elizabeth, and Bill Baroni, Deputy Executive Director of the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, in today’s news conference at the New Jersey Performing Arts Center.

Southwest Airlines’ new service to Newark Liberty International Airport will offer direct or connecting service to more than 45 destinations including: Los Angeles, San Francisco, Las Vegas, Dallas, and San Diego. Beginning June 5, 2011, Southwest will offer more service from Newark with three daily nonstops to Baltimore/Washington, three daily nonstops to Denver, two daily nonstops from Houston Hobby, and two daily nonstops to Phoenix Sky Harbor.

Southwest Slide Show: CLICK HERE

Southwest’s initial routes from EWR:

FedEx Express announces new 777F service to South Korea

March 28, 2011

FedEx Express Boeing 777-FS2 N850FD (msn 37721) (FedEx Panda Express) IAD (Brian McDonough), originally uploaded by Airliners Gallery.

FedEx Express (Memphis) today (March 28) announced the launch of a new dedicated Boeing 777F route connecting the FedEx World Hub in Memphis, Tennessee to South Korea with four nonstop flights a week. Because the new route combines faster service with larger cargo capacity, FedEx can now deliver documents and packages from the U.S., Canada and select markets in Latin America to Seoul, South Korea in two to three business days.

FedEx now also offers the fastest delivery of priority freight to Seoul from the U.S., Canada and select markets in Latin America.

In 2010, US$38.8 billion of goods were exported from the U.S. to South Korea, a significant 35% rise year–on-year1. FedEx has strategically placed the 777F into service to South Korea in order to meet growing demands across global markets and offer practical solutions for increased shipping needs.

FedEx Express is the first U.S.-based, global, all-cargo airline to add the 777F to its fleet. As part of its commitment to environmental sustainability, FedEx has been expanding its fleet of 777F aircraft because of its fuel efficiency and lower carbon emissions.

Airberlin loses $137 million in 2010

March 28, 2011

Airberlin (airberlin.com) Airbus A319-112 D-ABGQ (msn 3700) PMI (Ton Jochems), originally uploaded by Airliners Gallery.

Airberlin (Berlin-Tegel) reported a net loss of $137 million in 2010.

In addition, the integration of subsidiary LTU (Dusseldorf) will take place according to plan as on April 1, 2011. LTU’s flight operations will become part of airberlin, and maintenance in Berlin, Düsseldorf and Cologne will be consolidated in Airberlin Technik.

Read the full report from Airberlin: CLICK HERE

Alaska Airlines and Horizon Air operations nearly normal after computer system is restored

March 28, 2011

Horizon Air (Alaska Horizon) Bombardier DHC-8-402 (Q400) N401QX (msn 4031) (WSU Cougars) SFO (Mark Durbin), originally uploaded by Airliners Gallery.

Alaska Airlines and Horizon Air (Alaska Horizon) (Seattle/Tacoma) reported yesterday their operations were back to almost normal operations after their computer system was restored.

The group the following:

“A computer system outage that disrupted Alaska Airlines and Horizon Air flights on Saturday has been resolved. The majority of Alaska and Horizon flights are operating on time although the airlines have delayed about a dozen flights due to crew scheduling issues. Customers traveling today are still advised to check the status of their flight at www.alaskaair.com or by calling 1-800-ALASKAAIR before leaving for the airport.

Throughout the day on Saturday, Alaska and Horizon canceled 150 flights affecting some 12,150 passengers. Customers were being re-accommodated on the next available flight at no charge and in some cases on other airlines.

Mesaba gets ready to start its US Airways Express operation next month

March 27, 2011

US Airways Express-Mesaba Airlines SAAB N414XJ (msn 414) IAD (Brian McDonough) (new operation), originally uploaded by Airliners Gallery.

Mesaba Airlines (Minneapolis/St. Paul) is getting ready to launch its new US Airways Express operation with SAAB 340B turboprops next month for US Airways.

Aer Arann adds Southend as a new London gateway

March 27, 2011

Aer Arann Dublin), Ireland’s regional airline, on January 31 announced new direct scheduled services between Waterford and Galway and Southend Airport near London, marking the opening of Aer Arann’s new gateway to central London and the English south east.

According to the airline:

“With its new direct rail link and speedy and frequent train services, London Southend Airport is Ireland’s new London gateway with a unique service offering that cannot be matched by major London airports.

10 Minutes From Plane to Train with Cabin Baggage
8 Trains Per Hour at Peak Times
50 Minutes to Central London”

Aer Arann inaugurated the new routes today (March 27). The first flight was from Waterford using ATR 42 EI-EHH, followed about 40 minutes later with ATR 72 EI-SLN from Galway.

Aer Arann will operate the flights twice daily, morning and evening, from both Galway and Waterford to Southend Airport offering the fastest and most direct access from the two cities to central London.

Direct flights will operate twice daily seven days per week from Waterford. Twice daily flights from Galway will operate direct four days per week and on three days a week will operate via Waterford.

Aer Arann will continue to fly four days a week direct from Waterford to London Luton and four days a week from Galway via Waterford to London Luton.

Copyright Photo: Keith Burton. ATR 72-212 EI-SLN (msn 404), leased from Air Contractors, was given the traditional water cannon salute at SEN prior to the inaugural flights.

Aer Arann Slide Show: CLICK HERE

Aer Arann Route Map:

Alaska Airlines’ computer system is partially restored

March 27, 2011

Alaska Airlines Boeing 737-490 N705AS (msn 29318) (We’re all pulling together) ANC (Michael B. Ing), originally uploaded by Airliners Gallery.

Alaska Airlines (Seattle/Tacoma) suffered through another day of delays and cancelations. A computer system outage that disrupted about 15 percent of Alaska Airlines and Horizon Air flights yesterday (March 26) has been partially restored. Alaska and Horizon flights are operating, although many are delayed by two hours or more and additional cancellations are possible.

By midday yesterday, Alaska and Horizon had canceled about 140 flights affecting some 11,700 passengers. Customers are being re-accommodated on the next available flight at no charge. The airlines are also working to accommodate customers on other carriers.

Alaska Airlines Slide Show: CLICK HERE

Delta, Air France and KLM launch international Florida service

March 26, 2011

Delta Air Lines Boeing 767-332 ER WL N192DN (msn 28449) JFK (Ken Petersen) , originally uploaded by Airliners Gallery.

Delta Air Lines (Atlanta) and the Air France-KLM Group (Paris and Amsterdam) kick off a major international expansion this week with new flights connecting Florida with three major European cities: London, Paris and Amsterdam.

Delta will launch daily new nonstop service between Miami and London’s Heathrow Airport on March 26. On March 27, KLM begins new nonstop flights between Miami and its hub in Amsterdam four days weekly. And on June 11, Air France will inaugurate new nonstop service between Orlando and its Paris hub three days weekly.

The airlines will operate the new Florida flights under the trans-Atlantic joint venture, an agreement, which also includes Alitalia, that allows the partners to coordinate flights and share costs and revenues of the service.

Delta Slide Show: CLICK HERE

American Airlines to resume Chicago O’Hare-Dublin flights on April 5

March 26, 2011

American Airlines Boeing 767-323 ER N377AN (msn 25446) MIA (Bruce Drum), originally uploaded by Airliners Gallery.

American Airlines (Dallas/Fort Worth) will re-launch its daily nonstop flight between Chicago O’Hare International Airport and Dublin, Ireland, beginning on April 5. The route will be operated using American’s two-class Boeing 767-300 aircraft offering a total of 225 seats, including 30 in Business Class.

Starting April 6, American will also move its operations into Dublin Airport’s new Terminal 2 that opened in late 2010. That means customers will be able to pre-clear U.S. immigration and customs prior to boarding their flight. On arrival in Chicago, customers will be treated as domestic rather than international passengers. They will be allowed to make connections in American’s Terminal 3 at O’Hare and will not need to claim and re-check baggage before continuing on their next flight.

American Slide Show: CLICK HERE

Alaska Airlines adds new service from the Bay Area to Hawaii

March 26, 2011

Alaska Airlines Boeing 737-890 WL N512AS (msn 39043) (Boeing Dreamliner colors) SEA (Bruce Drum), originally uploaded by Airliners Gallery.

Alaska Airlines (Seattle/Tacoma) inaugurates nonstop service between San Jose, CA, and Lihue, on the Hawaiian island of Kauai, on Sunday, March 27, and between Oakland, CA, and Lihue beginning March 28. The San Jose flights will operate three times weekly and the Oakland flights will operate four times weekly.

The new service complements the airline’s existing Hawaii flights from San Jose and Oakland to Kahului, Maui, and Kona, on the Big Island of Hawaii.

With the new service, Alaska Airlines now offers 105 weekly round-trip flights from the U.S. mainland and state of Alaska to Hawaii.

In other news, on March 26 Alaska Airlines reported a central computer system used to prepare flight plans and other information went down in the morning and is causing multiple departure delays and some cancellations. Many morning flights were delayed by two hours or more and other delays are expected throughout Alaska Airlines’ route network until the system is restored.

Alaska Slide Show: CLICK HERE

American Airlines is forced to cancel 188 flights today at the Miami hub

March 25, 2011

American Airlines Boeing 737-823 WL N936AN (msn 29532) MIA (Bruce Drum), originally uploaded by Airliners Gallery.

American Airlines (Dallas/Fort Worth) was forced to cancel 188 flights at the Miami hub today in the wake of the March 23 fuel farm fire which destroyed the underground pumping system. The airline and airport are being forced to fuel aircraft using a limited amount of capacity-constrained fuel trucks which is causing delays and cancellations. 190 flights were cancelled yesterday. The airport expects to install a remedy next week although it will take two months to replace the damaged pumps.

Read the full story from Bloomberg: CLICK HERE

The airline issued the following statement:

“Due to the fire that has severely affected aircraft fueling capabilities at Miami International Airport (MIA), American Airlines offers customers the ability to change their travel plans.

American’s operation at the Miami airport continues to be impacted with many cancellations and delays. Customers with a flight today to, from, or through Miami should plan ahead on AA.com by checking gates and times and signing up for proactive flight status alerts. Customers can also use the automated flight information option at 800-433-7300 to check the status of their flight.

If your flight is cancelled or delayed, please do not go to the airport to seek standby opportunities. Customers will be automatically rebooked if their flight is cancelled and will be contacted.

Should you choose not to travel today, please contact American Airlines reservations at 800-433-7300. We can change your flight to an alternate airport, or to another day for travel. One change will be allowed without any charge, though fare differences may apply.

Please note that calls to Reservations may involve lengthy hold times. American realizes this can be an inconvenience and appreciates your patience.”

Pacific Blue Airlines changes its titles to comply with an Indonesian directive

March 25, 2011

Pacific Blue Airlines-Airline of Virgin Blue Boeing 737-8FE WL VH-VOQ (msn 33798) SYD (John Adlard) (new titles), originally uploaded by Airliners Gallery.

Pacific Blue Airlines (Christchurch) has changed its titles on its Boeing 737s in order to comply with an Indonesian directive.

Pacific Blue is the New Zealand based subsidiary of Australian airline Virgin Blue. Pacific Blue currently operates low-fare air services between New Zealand and Australia, and Australia to South Asia. It also operates services on behalf of Polynesian Blue.

Shenzhen Airlines to introduce a promotional logojet for the 26th Summer Universiade

March 25, 2011

Shenzhen Airlines Airbus A320-232 F-WWDU (B-6749) (msn 4633) (The 26th Summer Universiade Shenzhen) TLS (latest delivery), originally uploaded by Airliners Gallery.

Shenzhen Airlines (Shenzhen) is getting ready to take delivery of this new logojet for the 26th Summer Universiade in Shenzhen.

El Al Israel Airlines finalizes its order for four new Boeing 737-900 ERs

March 25, 2011

El Al Israel Airlines Boeing 737-86Q WL 4X-EKO (msn 30287) GVA (Paul Denton), originally uploaded by Airliners Gallery.

El Al Israel Airlines (Tel Aviv) has completed a contract to order four Next-Generation 737-900 ERs (extended range) and reserve options for future aircraft.

The Boeing 737-900 ER can seat up to 215 passengers in a single-class configuration and has a range of up to 3,265 nautical miles (6,045 km). The 737-900 ER offers 6 percent lower operating costs per trip and 4 percent lower operating costs per seat mile than competing models.

El Al will use the Boeing 737-900 ERs to replace the current fleet of 757-200s

Boeing will deliver EL AL’s new Next-Generation 737-900 ERs with the all-new 737 Boeing Sky Interior.

Copyright Photo: Paul Denton. The 737-900s will fly along the existing 737-800s. Please click on the photo for additional details.

Aer Lingus takes delivery of its new retrojet

March 25, 2011

Aer Lingus-Irish International Airbus A320-214 EI-DVM (msn 4634) TLS (retrojet now delivered), originally uploaded by Airliners Gallery.

Aer Lingus (Dublin) yesterday took delivery of its new retrojet.

Aer Lingus Slide Show: CLICK HERE

United Airlines to start San Francisco-Guadalajara service on June 9

March 25, 2011

United Airlines Boeing 737-824 WL N76519 (msn 30132) LAX (Michael B. Ing), originally uploaded by Airliners Gallery.

United Continental Holdings, Inc. (Chicago) has announced daily nonstop service between San Francisco International Airport (SFO) and Guadalajara, Mexico (GDL), beginning on June 9, 2011, subject to Mexican government approval. The new service will be operated by Continental Airlines.

The new service complements the existing flights to Guadalajara from Houston and the new Los Angeles – Guadalajara nonstop service beginning on May 3.

Flight CO 662 will depart San Francisco at 11:55 p.m. (2355) daily, arriving in Guadalajara at 5:35 a.m. (0535) the following day. The return flight (CO 661) will depart Guadalajara at 7:00 a.m. (0700) daily, arriving in San Francisco at 9:00 a.m. (0900) the same day. The San Francisco – Guadalajara service will be operated with a Boeing 737-800 aircraft, with seating for 160 customers (16 in first class and 144 in economy).

United Slide Show: CLICK HERE

Fire at MIA’s fuel farm cuts airport fuel supply by 40 percent

March 24, 2011

Miami International Airport (MIA) suffered a fuel farm fire last night. According to the Miami Herald American Airlines was forced to cancel 22 outbound and 14 inbound flights this morning.

The fire reduced MIA’s fuel supply by 40 percent.

Read the full story and video from the Miami Herald: CLICK HERE

Southwest’s CEO Gary Kelly discusses AirTran, 717s, Atlanta, South Carolina and new aircraft

March 24, 2011

Southwest Airlines Boeing 737-7H4 WL N945WN (msn 36660) (Florida One) BWI (Tony Storck), originally uploaded by Airliners Gallery.

Southwest Airlines’ (Dallas) CEO Gary Kelly spoke at the J.P. Morgan conference on Tuesday. He had some pertinent comments on issues facing the company.

Read the highlights from the DallasNews.com: CLICK HERE

Southwest’s current route map from Orlando (MCO) which will complement the existing AirTran routes very well:

Sun d’Or International Airlines to be shut down on April 1

March 23, 2011

Sun d’Or International Airlines Boeing 757-258 ER 4X-EBT (msn 25036) MUC (Arnd Wolf) (to be shut down on April 1), originally uploaded by Airliners Gallery.

Sun d”Or International Airlines (Tel Aviv) will be shut down on April 1 when its AOC is suspended.

Cyprus Airways and Olympic Air move closer with a code-sharing agreement

March 23, 2011

Cyprus Airways Airbus A320-231 5B-DBD (msn 316) LHR (Antony J. Best), originally uploaded by Airliners Gallery.

Cyprus Airways (Larnaca) and Olympic Air (3rd) (Athens) will implement a new code-sharing agreement effective March 27.

Read the full story in the Cyprus Mail: CLICK HERE

Cyprus Airways Slide Show: CLICK HERE

AirTran’s stockholders approve the acquisition by Southwest

March 23, 2011 — 2 Comments

AirTran Airways Boeing 717-231 N925AT (msn 55079) (The Wizarding World of Harry Potter) BWI (Tony Storck), originally uploaded by Airliners Gallery.

AirTran Holdings, Inc. (Orlando), the parent company of AirTran Airways, announced that its stockholders voted overwhelmingly today (March 23) to approve the merger of a wholly-owned subsidiary of Southwest Airlines Company (Dallas) with and into AirTran at a special meeting held in Orlando.

AirTran Slide Show: CLICK HERE

If finally approved, Southwest will gain a large hub at Atlanta (the current ATL routes are displayed in red):

Continental Airlines signs LOI with LiveTV for inflight Wi-Fi

March 23, 2011

Continental Airlines Boeing 757-224 WL N13110 (msn 27300) LGW (Antony J. Best), originally uploaded by Airliners Gallery.

Continental Airlines (Houston) announced it has executed a letter of intent (LOI) with inflight entertainment provider LiveTV to offer inflight Wi-Fi via Ka-band beginning in 2012. The company plans to offer the service on more than 200 domestic Boeing 737 and 757 aircraft equipped with DIRECTV®, providing onboard connectivity and more than 95 channels of live television programming to customers flying within the continental United States.

Parent United Continental Holdings, Inc. (Chicago) also announced that all Continental flights operated with Boeing 757-200 aircraft now feature new flat-bed seats in BusinessFirst, marking the second major milestone in the installation of 180-degree flat-bed seats throughout Continental’s international fleet. Continental completed the retrofit on its 22 Boeing 777s in December 2010.

Continental operates 41 Boeing 757-200 aircraft, flying principally between its New York hub at Newark Liberty International Airport and Europe.

Additionally, the tenth United Boeing 777-200 to be outfitted with flat-bed seats in both United First and United Business is scheduled to enter service in April. United completed the retrofit of its Boeing 747-400 and international 767-300 aircraft with flat-bed seats in its premium cabins in 2009.

Continental Slide Show: CLICK HERE

United Airlines to modify its 777 fleet with Boeing’s “Performance Improvement Package”

March 23, 2011

United Airlines Boeing 777-222 ER N786UA (msn 26938) SEA (Bruce Drum), originally uploaded by Airliners Gallery.

United Airlines (Chicago) and Boeing (Chicago) announced that United Airlines’ 777 fleet will be modified with a Performance Improvement Package that will result in greater fuel efficiency, along with reduced emissions.

The package, to be installed on 52 United Airlines 777s, is expected to reduce fuel spending per airplane by about $200,000 annually (assuming $100 per barrel crude oil prices), according to Boeing estimates.

United Slide Show: CLICK HERE

Southwest Airlines and Teamsters announce contract ratification

March 23, 2011

Southwest Airlines Boeing 737-5H4 N505SW (msn 24182) LAS (Bruce Drum), originally uploaded by Airliners Gallery.

Southwest Airlines (Dallas) and the International Brotherhood of Teamsters (IBT) Airlines Division, representing the carrier’s Material Specialists (formerly known as Stock Clerks), announced today that the IBT membership ratified a mutually beneficial tentative agreement. The agreement is for a new, five-year contract through August 16, 2013. The current contract became amendable on August 16, 2008. One year ago, Southwest and the Teamsters agreed to seek assistance from the National Mediation Board through the mediation process as defined by the Railway Labor Act. IBT represents more than 170 Southwest Airlines employees.

Southwest Slide Show: CLICK HERE

JetBlue Airways and Virgin Atlantic Airways team up for trans-Atlantic connections

March 23, 2011

JetBlue Airways Airbus A320-232 N661JB (msn 3228) LGB (Stephen Tornblom), originally uploaded by Airliners Gallery.

JetBlue Airways (New York) and Virgin Atlantic Airways (London) have announced the launch of a new trans-Atlantic interline partnership that links the networks of the two airlines.

Effective March 22, travellers can now connect from London, Glasgow and Manchester on Virgin Atlantic onward to JetBlue’s domestic flights.

The airlines will interline in the following Virgin Atlantic-operated transatlantic markets that depart from JetBlue’s Boston, New York, Washington and Orlando focus cities:

Boston – London (Heathrow)
New York (Kennedy) – London (Heathrow)
Orlando – Glasgow
Orlando – London (Gatwick)
Orlando – Manchester
Washington (Dulles) – London (Heathrow)

JetBlue Slide Show: CLICK HERE

Delta to cut flights to Japan by 15-20%, drops Haneda and will trim the Memphis hub by 25%

March 23, 2011

Delta Air Lines Airbus A319-114 N314NB (msn 1191) BWI (Tony Storck), originally uploaded by Airliners Gallery.

Delta Air Lines (Atlanta) announced major cuts at the J.P. Morgan Aviation, Transportation and Defense Conference yesterday.

The company will cut Japanese flights by 15-20 percent through at least May 2011 as the country recovers from the recent massive earthquake and tsunami. DL will also drop all service to Haneda but will continue its hub at Narita Airport.

The Memphis hub will lose around 25 percent of its flights.

View the official presentation: CLICK HERE

Delta Slide Show: CLICK HERE

AirTran Airways and its flight attendants reach a tentative agreement

March 23, 2011

AirTran Airways Boeing 717-2BD N950AT (msn 55012) (Little Debbie Cupcakes) BWI (Tony Storck), originally uploaded by Airliners Gallery.

AirTran Airways (Orlando) has announced it has reached a tentative agreement on terms of a new two-year flight attendant collective bargaining agreement with the Association of Flight Attendants-CWA, AFL-CIO (AFA). AirTran Airways has more than 2,200 flight attendants represented by AFA-CWA.

The tentative agreement will go before the airline’s flight attendants for a ratification vote over the next 30 days. If ratified by the flight attendants, the collective bargaining agreement would take effect on May 1, 2011. The tentative agreement calls for increased compensation, improved benefits and preservation of key service and reliability function. Specific terms of the agreement will not be released. The current collective bargaining agreement became amendable on December 1, 2008.

AirTran Airways’ stockholders will be voting on a merger agreement with Southwest Airlines.

In route news, AirTran starts daily service to Bermuda from Baltimore/Washington on April 7 and from Atlanta starting on May 26.

AirTran Slide Show: CLICK HERE

Interactive Route Map: CLICK HERE

Arik Air enters into a JV with the government of Sierra Leone to form Leone Airways

March 22, 2011

Arik Wings of Nigeria (Arik Air) (arikair.com) Boeing 737-8JE WL 5N-MJP (msn 38970) LHR (Richard Vandervord), originally uploaded by Airliners Gallery.

Arik Air (Arik Wings of Nigeria) (Lagos) has signed a joint venture deal with the government of Sierra Leone. Arik will operate for the new flag carrier called Leone Airways (Freetown). Arik will also operate its Boeing 737-800s on the Freetown-London (Heathrow) route on a wet lease basis starting in July 2011.

Read the full story from Awoko: CLICK HERE

Arik’s route map with its two hubs. Arik already flies to Freetown from Lagos.

Alitalia to lease 15 ERJ 175s and five ERJ 190s

March 22, 2011

Alitalia Express Embraer ERJ 170-100LR EI-DFL (msn 17000036) MXP (Richard Vandervord), originally uploaded by Airliners Gallery.

Alitalia (2nd) (Rome) has finalized a lease agreement for 15 Embraer ERJ 175s and five ERJ 190s.

KLM uses Twitter to sell tickets, resumes the Miami route early

March 22, 2011

KLM Royal Dutch Airlines McDonnell Douglas MD-11 PH-KCK (msn 48564) YUL (Gilbert Hechema), originally uploaded by Airliners Gallery.

KLM Royal Dutch Airlines (Amsterdam) resumed service to Miami yesterday (March 21) earlier than the planned March 27 relaunch date because some passengers, namely Sied van Riel and Wilco Jung, a Dutch DJ and filmmaker, who wanted to come to Miami for the Ultra Music Festival this weekend. The pair used Twitter to help fill the seats and KLM went along with the request. This is believed to be a first although many airlines are now using social websites to promote and sell tickets.

Read the full story in the Miami Herald: CLICK HERE

Camair-Co acquires its first Boeing 767-300

March 21, 2011

Camair-Co (Cameroon Airlines Corporation) Boeing 767-33A ER TJ-CAC (msn 28138) SNN (Malcolm Nason) (now delivered), originally uploaded by Airliners Gallery.

Camair-Co (Cameroon Airlines Corporation) (Douala), the new flag carrier of Cameroon, has taken delivery of its first Boeing 767.

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