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Camair-Co paints its first Boeing 737-700
March 9, 2011
Camair co-Cameroon Airlines Corporation (Douala) has painted its first Boeing 737-700.
The new flag carrier is planning its first flight to Paris for March 28, 2011. Camair-Co will fly its first Boeing 767-300 named “The Dja” on the flagship route. A second Boeing 737 is expected to join this first 737-700.
The Boeing 737s will be operated on regional routes.
Copyright Photo: Malcolm Nason. Formerly operated by Enerjet as C-GBEJ, the pictured Boeing 737-7BD was ferried from Atlanta to Shannon on March 2. Six days later it was rolled out at SNN as TJ-QCA (msn 34480) in the new color scheme.
Spirit Airlines to enter the Las Vegas-Los Angles market with introductory $9 one-way fares
March 9, 2011
Spirit Airlines Airbus A319-132 N505NK (msn 2485) LAS (Michael B. Ing), originally uploaded by Airliners Gallery.
Spirit Airlines (Fort Lauderdale/Hollywood) announced yesterday (March 8) that starting on May 5, 2011, the ultra low cost carrier will begin five daily nonstop flights between Los Angeles and Las Vegas. Spirit currently serves both markets.
To celebrate the launch of the new route, Spirit offered $9 introductory fares (each way based on a round trip purchase) available for travel on Tuesdays and Wednesdays between May 10 and June 15, 2011.
Copyright Photo: Michael B. Ing. Please click on the photo for additional information.
Spirit Airlines Route Map:
ILFC orders 33 Boeing 737-800s and 100 Airbus A320/A321neos, cancels 10 A380s
March 9, 2011 — 2 Comments
International Lease Finance Corporation (ILFC) (Los ANgeles), a wholly owned subsidiary of American International Group, Inc., yesterday (March 8) announced that it has signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) for the purchase of 100 A320NEO family aircraft from Airbus and a purchase agreement for 33 737-800 aircraft from Boeing.
These decisions follow a year in which ILFC regained access to substantial liquidity with initiatives that led to $14 billion in financings and aircraft sales followed by a $2 billion revolving unsecured line of credit from eleven banks. For the year ended December 31, 2010, the company recorded strong revenues and cash flow from operations, positioning ILFC for future growth.
The purchase agreement with Boeing will secure near-term access to the popular 737-800 aircraft with deliveries beginning in 2012. The memorandum of understanding with Airbus includes 75 A320NEO and 25 A321NEO, 60 of which will be powered by the Pratt & Whitney PurePower PW1100G engine beginning in 2016. This new agreement with Airbus will replace ILFC’s prior commitment for ten A380s.
ILFC currently owns a portfolio consisting of approximately 930 jet aircraft.
JetBlue Airways and LAN to offer interline connections
March 9, 2011
JetBlue Airways Airbus A320-232 N746JB (msn 3622) (NY Jets) LGB (Stephen Tornblom), originally uploaded by Airliners Gallery.
JetBlue Airways and LAN Airlines (Santiago) and its affiliates LAN Peru, LAN Argentina and LAN Ecuador, yesterday (March 8) announced the launch of interline agreements that bring new connecting options for travelers flying between major destinations throughout the Americas via New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport.
Under the interline agreement, customers will be able to purchase a single electronic ticket that combines travel on JetBlue and any of the LAN carriers, bringing new options and new destinations to customers of both airlines.
Copyright Photo: Stephen Tornblom. Please click on the photo for additional information about this aircraft.
JetBlue Slide Show: CLICK HERE
LAN Airlines Route Map (The Americas). LAN Airlines already extensively interlines with American Airlines at the Miami hub.
Boeing completes first engine runs on the new 747-8 Intercontinental
March 9, 2011
Boeing (Chicago) successfully completed the first engine runs for the 747-8 Intercontinental yesterday (March 8). The milestone marks a key step in preparing Boeing’s largest-ever passenger jet for flight test.
Engine runs began at 11:57 a.m. (1157) PST and lasted approximately two hours and 45 minutes. During initial engine runs, the engines are started and operated at various power settings to ensure all systems perform as expected. The engine run test began with the Auxiliary Power System providing power to start the first of four GE GEnx-2B engines. The remaining three engines were started using the cross-bleed function.
Basic systems checks continued throughout the test. The engines were powered down and inspected and will be restarted following a technical review. The team completed a vibration check and monitored the shutdown logic to ensure it functioned as expected.
The GEnx-2B engine is optimized for the 747-8. The new engine contributes to a reduction in fuel burn, emissions and noise, which gives customers the lowest operating costs and best economics of any large passenger airplane while providing enhanced environmental performance.
Copyright Photo: Boeing.
Frontier Airlines to trim underperforming unprofitable flights
March 8, 2011
Frontier Airlines (2nd) Airbus A320-214 N205FR (msn 4253) DCA (Brian McDonough), originally uploaded by Airliners Gallery.
Frontier Airlines (2nd) (Denver) is planning to cut capacity by trimming underperforming and unprofitable flights. The company is not expected to drop any cities and will proceed with the previously-announced new routes. Parent Republic Airways Holdings lost money in 2010.
Read the full story on Indystar.com: CLICK HERE
Frontier Slide Show: CLICK HERE
Copyright Photo: Brian McDonough. Please click on the photo for further information.
Copa Airlines promotes the STOP OVER program to visit Panama
March 8, 2011
Copa Airlines Boeing 737-8V3 WL HP-1534CMP (msn 35125) (visitpanama.com) CUN (Rurik Enriquez), originally uploaded by Airliners Gallery.
Copa Airlines (Panama City) has aligned with the Panama Tourism Authority to promote the STOP OVER program for foreign in-transit visitors to also visit Panama. The airline has added special visitpanama.com sub-titles and logo to its Boeing 737-8V3 HP-1534CMP (msn 35125) pictured at Cancun.
Copyright Photo: Rurik Enriquez. Please click on the photo for the full details.
Hainan Airlines turns to Boeing for its long-range airliner needs
March 8, 2011
Hainan Airlines (Haikou) through its HNA Group parent has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Boeing for 38 aircraft according a report by Reuters..
Boeing said the deal included six 777s and 32 787 Dreamliners.
Air China orders five Boeing 747-8 Intercontinentals
March 8, 2011
Air China (Beijing) yesterday (March 7, 2011) signed an agreement for the purchase of five 747-8 Intercontinental jetliners. Air China is the first Chinese carrier to contract the passenger version of the new, fuel-efficient 747-8.
The agreement requires Chinese government approval, at which time it will be posted to the Boeing Orders & Deliveries website.
Air China, the flag carrier of the People’s Republic of China, will use the airplanes to expand its international routes.
The new 747-8 Intercontinental carries 467 passengers in a three-class configuration. The airplane features a new wing design and an upgraded flight deck. The airplane interior incorporates features from the 787 Dreamliner including a new curved, upswept architecture that will give passengers a greater sense of space and comfort, while adding more room for personal belongings. The architecture will be accentuated by lighting technology that provides smooth transitions for a more restful flight.
Air China’s International Routes in Asia:
American Airlines to offer $1 billion in notes
March 8, 2011
American Airlines (AMR Corporation) (Dallas/Fort Worth) plans to offer $1 billion in secured notes in a private offering to cover operating expenses in 2011. The corporation was one of the few U.S. airline groups to lose money in 2010 (along with Republic Airways Holdings). The notes will be secured with route authorities, landing and takeoff slots and airport rights.
Read the full press release: CLICK HERE
Boeing ferries this Dreamliner to San Antonio for modifications
March 8, 2011
JAL-Japan Airlines Boeing 787-846 JA822J (msn 34832) PAE (Nick Dean) (first flight), originally uploaded by Airliners Gallery.
Boeing (Chicago) has begun “change incorporation work” in San Antonio, Texas on this pictured Boeing 787-846 destined for customer JAL.
Copyright Photo: Nick Dean. Boeing tests its aircraft even in rainy weather. Please click on the photo for the entire story.
Tampa becomes a new port of entry for Cuban charter flights
March 8, 2011
Tampa International Airport (TPA) (Tampa) gets the green light to accept flights to and from Cuba. Yesterday (March 7), TPA received its official approval from U.S. Customs and Border Protection to operate Cuba flights.
TPA becomes the next gateway to Cuba in the U.S. following Los Angeles (LAX), New York (JFK) and Miami(MIA).
Three licensed charter operators have formally indicated their intention to provide service to Cuba fromTampa which includes Air MarBrisa, Island Travel & Tours, Ltd., and ABC Charter.
The State of Florida, by U.S. Census statistics, has the largest Cuban-American population in the entire nation and the Tampa Bay service area is ranked second in the nation only to the Miami-Dade County service area.
Atlanta becomes a new port of entry for Cuban charter flights
March 8, 2011
Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) (Atlanta) has received federal authorization to serve as a port of entry for flights to and from Cuba. Yesterday (March 7), the Airport received official word from U.S. Customs and Border Protection that its application to offer passenger air service to and from the island nation has been approved.
Hartsfield-Jackson becomes one of only a handful of U.S. gateways to Cuba. The previous ones are in Los Angeles (LAX), New York (JFK) and Miami (MIA).
Turkish Airlines orders three additional Airbus A330-200F freighters and 10 A321s
March 7, 2011
Turkish Airlines Cargo Airbus A330-243F TC-JDO (msn 1004) TLS (first A330-200F freighter), originally uploaded by Airliners Gallery.
Turkish Airlines (Istanbul) has signed a firm order for the purchase of ten Airbus A321s and three A330-200F freighter aircraft to meet their growth plans in the passenger and cargo markets. The airline has a further 27 aircraft on order with Airbus from contracts placed in 2009 and 2010.
The new aircraft will join Turkish Airlines’ existing fleet of 75 Airbus aircraft, including four A310 freighters, 50 A320 Family aircraft, 11 A330s, one A330-200F and nine A340s.
Copyright Photo: Please click on the photo for additional information.
Iberia orders 8 Airbus A330-300s + 8 options
March 6, 2011
Iberia (Madrid) has now announced it has agreed to purchase 16 Airbus A330-200s - eight firm acquisitions and eight options.
The A330s will be delivered between the fall of 2012 and the spring of 2014 and is a new type for IB.
Iberia’s current long haul fleet consists of 18 A340-300 and 17 A340-600 aircraft.
Cathay Pacific to help celebrate the centenary of powered flight in Hong Kong with a special logo on a Boeing 747-400
March 6, 2011
Cathay Pacific Airways (Hong Kong) has announced that it will launch four major initiatives to tie in with Hong Kong Civil Aviation Department-led celebrations to mark the 100th anniversary of aviation development in Hong Kong.
The airline will be giving away 1,800 free tickets to the Hong Kong public, inviting them to submit their thoughts on how air transport connects their home city with the world, and will also launch a special fare promotion covering more than 20 destinations with fares as low as HK$990. In addition, the carrier will run an aviation knowledge contest for students in Hong Kong, offering a unique delivery flight trip as a reward, and a special 100th Anniversary logo will go onto one of Cathay Pacific’s passenger aircraft.
Cathay Pacific is launching the “Connecting Your World” competition as part of the Home Affairs Department’s ongoing “Get Into Discovery” campaign, giving away 1,800 tickets to the Hong Kong public. The competition will be organized on a district basis and entries can be submitted online starting in April. The competition is open to all Hong Kong residents aged 16 and above. Participants can submit their entries online in video, photo, graphic illustration or written form on the subject of how air transport connects Hong Kong with the world, from the basic necessities of life to job creation, business opportunities, and building a bridge between people, places and cultures.
One-hundred tickets will be given out to residents of each of Hong Kong’s 18 districts. Each district will select the best 50 entries with a panel of judges made up of District Council representatives, a creative professional and a Cathay Pacific representative. The Champion in each district will win two Economy Class return tickets to any long-haul destination served by Cathay Pacific. The other 49 winners from each district will each get two Economy Class return tickets to any of the airline’s regional destinations. In total, 900 winners will be selected from the 18 districts, each getting two return tickets. More details on how to enter the “Connecting Your World” competition will be announced soon.
The Cathay Pacific Aviation Knowledge Contest is being jointly organised with the Hong Kong Civil Aviation Department and the Hong Kong Air Cadet Corps for all local secondary school students in Hong Kong. From March 5, the public will be engaged through a special Facebook page, www.facebook.com/100cxcontest, featuring fun quizzes and games. In July, teams from local secondary schools will compete against each other in a live aviation quiz, with the winning team being flown to either the Airbus factory in France or the Boeing factory in the United States to join the delivery of a brand-new aircraft. Details of the contest will be made available on the Facebook page.
Finally, Cathay Pacific will show its commitment to honouring Hong Kong’s aviation anniversary by placing a specially designed commemorative logo by Civil Aviation Department on one of its Boeing 747-400 aircraft. The same aircraft will be used in one of the major events being organized by the Civil Aviation Department to mark the centenary – the Aircraft Pull on March 17 where more than 300 pullers will aim to break a Guinness World Record by manually pulling four aircraft simultaneously. This special Jumbo will fly on Cathay Pacific’s long haul routes and help carry the celebration to other parts of the world.
Copyright Photo: Cathay Pacific Airways. Mr Tony Tyler, Chief Executive of Cathay Pacific (right 2), Ms Florence Hui, Under Secretary for Home Affairs (middle) and Mr Norman Lo, Director-General Civil Aviation (left 2) reveal the Boeing 747-400 aircraft which carries the special 100th anniversary logo designed by the Civil Aviation Department.
Etihad Airways cancels four Boeing 787 Dreamliner orders
March 5, 2011
Etihad Airways (Abu Dhabi) has cancelled four Boeing 787 Dreamliner orders. The airline still has 31 copies on order.
Read the full story from domain-b.com: CLICK HERE
Etihad Airways Route Map:
Air Iceland’s DHC-8-106 TF-JMB runs off the runway at Nuuk
March 5, 2011 — 2 Comments
Flugfelag Islands’ (Air Iceland) (Reykjavik) Bombardier DHC-8-106 TF-JMB (msn 337) (correction) ran off the runway yesterday (March 4) while landing at Nuuk, Greenland after a flight from Keflavik, Iceland. The 31 passengers and three crew members were able to escape the aircraft unhurt.
View photos of the damaged aircraft from Karamba.com: CLICK HERE
Who will purchase Sun Country Airlines?
March 5, 2011 — 1 Comment
Sun Country Airlines Boeing 737-7Q8 N712SY (msn 28219) SEA (Bruce Drum), originally uploaded by Airliners Gallery.
Sun Country Airlines (Minneapolis/St. Paul) has been adding routes and emerged from Chapter 11 bankruptcy reorganization on February 23, 2011. Trustee Doug Kelley, who will now control 56% of the stock of the new company, has stated he will probably accept a bid from an unnamed outside bidder to acquire the airline. Who is buying Sun Country?
Read the full story from the StarTribune.com: CLICK HERE
Copyright Photo: Bruce Drum. Please click on the photo for background information and the full story.
Sun Country Route Map:
American Airlines donates DC-9-82 (MD-82) N290AA to Tulsa Tech
March 4, 2011
American Airlines McDonnell Douglas DC-9-82 (MD-82) N73444 (msn 49470) (Working Together) BWI (Brian McDonough), originally uploaded by Airliners Gallery.
American Airlines (Dallas/Fort Worth), the largest private employer in Tulsa, Oklahoma, is donating one of its DC-9-80 (MD-80) aircraft to Tulsa Tech. The plane, specifically DC-9-82 (MD-82) N290AA (msn 49302), which American is retiring from its MD-80 fleet, will provide students in the Aviation Maintenance Technology (AMT) program at Tulsa Tech with an opportunity to gain practical experience by working on a commercial aircraft.
Tulsa Tech offers a cutting-edge, FAA-approved curriculum to train certified technicians who can repair, maintain and inspect aircraft. The donated MD-80 will provide students with hands-on experience as they hone their newly acquired skills.
A special donation ceremony was held today (March 4) at American’s Tulsa Maintenance & Engineering (M&E) Base, which employs more than 6,500 people. American’s Tulsa base is the world’s largest private maintenance facility, providing heavy maintenance work for its MD-80, Boeing 737, Boeing 757 and Boeing 777 fleets. American’s Boeing 767 fleet is maintained at the airline’s maintenance facility in Fort Worth, Texas.
The donated DC-9-82 aircraft was delivered to American on August 27, 1985. During its life, the aircraft traveled more than 36 million miles, or roughly 75 trips to the moon and back. If the aircraft had been operated continuously, without stopping, it would have flown for 3,055 days.
This is the fourth DC-9-80 (MD-80) aircraft American has donated for educational purposes. The other donations include:
February 9, 2011 – Aircraft provided to the Museo del Nino (Children’s Museum) in San Juan, Puerto Rico.
May 20, 2010 – Aircraft provided to G.T. Baker Aviation School in Miami.
March 21, 2009 – Aircraft provided to the Miguel Such Vocational School in San Juan, Puerto Rico.
The American Airlines Tulsa M&E Base has also donated other items to Tulsa Tech, including a Boeing 727 tail dock, wheels and brakes, CF-6 engines and an MD-80 nose cone. American maintenance employees have also volunteered their time to help instructors become experts on this new equipment.
American is replacing its DC-9-82/83 fleet with Next-Generation Boeing 737-800s. In July 2010, American announced it would order 34 additional 737-800s, to be delivered in 2011 and 2012. This order is in addition to the 84 new 737s that began entering American’s fleet in April 2009, when the company launched its replacement plan for its DC-9-82/83 fleet.
Copyright Photo: Brian McDonough. Sister-ship N73444 arrives at BWI.
Alaska Airlines adds summer service from Portland to Billings and Missoula, Montana
March 4, 2011
Alaska Airlines (Horizon Air) N441QX, originally uploaded by Stefan Heymanns.
Alaska Airlines (Seattle/Tacoma) has announced it is adding summer seasonal service between Portland, OR, and Billings, MT, and between Portland and Missoula, MT, starting on June 5, 2011. The new flights are in addition to the carrier’s two daily flights to Billings and three daily flights to Missoula from Seattle/Tcaoma. The flights will be operated for Alaska by Horizon Air using 76-seat Bombardier DHC-8-402s (Q400s).
Copyright Photo: Stefan Heymanns. The first Horizon Air aircraft to wear the Alaska Airlines (with Alaska Horizon titles) livery is the pictured DHC-8-402 (Q400) N441QX (msn 4348). The new turboprop was delivered on February 3 and entered revenue service on February 19.
Alaska Airlines/Horizon Air Route Map from the SEA Hub:
Virgin Blue Airlines to drop the “Blue” in the name as it prepares to launch a new brand
March 4, 2011
Virgin Blue Airlines (virginblue.com.au) Boeing 737-8BK VH-VOD (msn 30624) SYD (John Adlard), originally uploaded by Airliners Gallery.
Virgin Blue Airlines (Brisbane) has decided to drop the “Blue” in its name as it prepares to launch a new brand this year according to this article by The Guardian.
Read the full article: CLICK HERE
Virgin Blue Slide Show: CLICK HERE
Copyright Photo: John Adlard. Please click on the photo for background information on why the term was originally picked.
TAP Portugal posts a $86 million net profit in 2010
March 4, 2011
TAP Portugal Airbus A319-111 CS-TTI (msn 933) ORY (Pepscl), originally uploaded by Airliners Gallery.
TAP Portugal (Lisbon) posted a $86 million net profit for 2010 according to the Associated Press.
In addition, the company will add Miami and the Lisbon-Miami route starting on June 6.
TAP Portugal Route Map: CLICK HERE
Copyright Photo: Pepscl. Please click on photo for further details.
Brussels Airlines to add three new destinations and more Airbus aircraft
March 4, 2011
Brussels Airlines Airbus A319-112 OO-SSC (msn 1086) (Star Alliance) BRU (Karl Cornil), originally uploaded by Airliners Gallery.
Brussels Airlines (Brussels) is adding three new destinations and 709,000 additional seats to its network this summer. Apart from the new scheduled services to Marrakech, Agadir and Lamezia Terme, Brussels Airlines increases frequencies and /or seat capacity to numerous European destinations. This summer, Brussels Airlines will fly 806 European roundtrip flights per week, which is an increase of 28 flights versus last year and of 63 compared to the winter season.
Brand-new for the summer of 2011, that starts end of March, are the new destinations of Marrakech, Agadir and Lamezia Terme. With Marrakech and Agadir, Brussels Airlines introduces two Moroccan holiday destinations in its network. Lamezia Terme is Brussels Airlines’ eleventh destination in Italy. Lamezia is situated in the region of Calabria in Italy’s deep south.
The fleet is being rejuvenated with the replacement of five Avro RJ regional with two Airbus A320 and two Airbus A319s, OO-SSR and OO-SSQ (coming from Mexicana), and will add another two Airbus A319 aircraft to its fleet in 2011.
Brussels Airlines is the operating name of Delta Air Transport S.A./N.V. 45% of the stock is controlled by Lufthansa.
Copyright Photo: Karl Cornil. Please click on photo for additional information.
Video via YouTube:
Copa Airlines becomes the first airline in Latin America to take delivery of the new 737 Sky Interior
March 4, 2011
Copa Airlines Boeing 737-8V3 WL HP-1714CMP (msn 40891) MIA (Bruce Drum), originally uploaded by Airliners Gallery.
Copa Airlines (Panama City) (subsidiary of Copa Holdings, S.A.) yesterday (March 3) became the first airline in Latin America to take delivery of a Boeing Next-Generation 737 airplane with the new Boeing Sky Interior.
Copa’s new 737-800 with the Boeing Sky Interior is the first of 10 new 737-800s the airline will receive in 2011. Copa Airlines is only the eighth airline in the world to take delivery of the 737 Boeing Sky Interior.
Inspired by passenger research, the Boeing Sky Interior cabin design redefines the 737 travel experience from start to finish. Features include:
- “Welcoming” entry: New cove lighting and curving architecture create a distinctive entry way. Passengers will sense a soft blue sky overhead simulated by light-emitting diode (LED) lighting and a more open cabin.
- Increased baggage storage: Larger stowage bins allow passengers to store their luggage closer to their seats. The bins pivot up out of the way and their shape adds to the open feel of the cabin. With more bags stowed above, there is more leg room below.
- Enhanced passenger service units: Service units feature a different look and more separation between the reading light switch and attendant call button, to reduce passenger confusion. The units also have an integrated speaker with improved sound quality and LED reading lights, which will reduce maintenance costs.
- Modern decor: New, modern, sculpted sidewalls and window reveals direct the passengers’ eyes to the view outside the window, adding to the passenger’s thrilling sense of flying.
- Modernized attendant controls: A modernized, touch-screen attendant panel increases functionality by accommodating all existing cabin controls and adding controls for the new cabin lighting.
Copyright Photo: Bruce Drum. Please click on photo for additional aircraft information.
Copa Airlines (Panama) Route Map. Copa is larger than most people realize, stretching from Toronto in Canada to Buenos Aires in Argentina, connecting through the “Hub of the Americas” in Panama City:
Delta to acquire nine MD-90s from Japan Airlines
March 4, 2011
Delta Air Lines McDonnell Douglas MD-90-30 N918DH (msn 53576) BWI (Brian McDonough), originally uploaded by Airliners Gallery.
Delta Air Lines (Atlanta) has announced it will acquire nine McDonnell Douglas MD-90-30s from Japan Airlines.
Copyright Photo: Brian McDonough. Please click on photo for additional information.
Allegiant Air to start seasonal Laredo-Sanford service
March 4, 2011
Allegiant Air McDonnell Douglas DC-9-83 (MD-83) N868GA (msn 49554) LGB (Stephen Tornblom), originally uploaded by Airliners Gallery.
Allegiant Air (Las Vegas) announced it will begin nonstop seasonal travel service between Laredo, TX, and Sanford, DL, via Orlando Sanford International Airport (SFB). The seasonal service will operate May 20 through mid-August.
The new flights will operate twice weekly between the Laredo International Airport (LRD) and Orlando Sanford International Airport (SFB) with service Monday and Friday. Flights will depart Laredo at 7 p.m. (1900) arriving in Orlando-Sanford at 10:55 p.m. (2255). Flights leaving Orlando-Sanford will depart at 4:20 p.m. (1620) arriving in Laredo at 6:20 p.m. (1820) (all flight times are local). The company began nonstop service to Las Vegas June 8, 2006.
Copyright Photo: Stephen Tornblom. Please click on photo for additional details.
Thai Tiger is born in Thailand
March 3, 2011
Tiger Airways (Tigerairways.com) (Singapore) Airbus A319-132 9V-TRB (msn 3801) BKK (Jens Polster), originally uploaded by Airliners Gallery.
Tiger Airways (Singapore) and Thai Airways International (Bangkok) have signed a new Shareholders Agreement creating Thai Tiger (Bangkok), a new low-cost airline in Thailand. As a result, Thai is expected to back-off on any further investments in Nok Air.
Copyright Photo: Jens Polster. Please click on the photo to read the full story.
Olympic Air to drop Brussels, London, Paris and Vienna, will appeal ruling
March 3, 2011
Olympic Air (3rd) Airbus A319-132 M-ABCJ (SX-OAL) (msn 3252) SEN (Antony J. Best), originally uploaded by Airliners Gallery.
Olympic Air (3rd) (Athens) announced on March 2 it will drop all flights to Brussels (March 27), London (Gatwick-March 27), Paris (CDG-May 2) and Vienna (March 27) as part of a route reorganization after the European Commission rejected its proposed merger with Aegean Airlines (Athens).
Olympic also announced it will appeal the January 26 ruling.
Olympic is reorganizing its route system while increasing domestic flights and expanding flights to Amsterdam, Belgrade, Bucharest, Cairo, Istanbul, Larnaca, Sofia and Tirana.
Read the press release: CLICK HERE
Copyright Photo: Antony J. Best. Please click on photo for additional aircraft information.
Cyprus Airways could be forced to shut down at the end of April
March 3, 2011
Cyprus Airways Airbus A330-243 5B-DBT (msn 526) LHR (Antony J. Best), originally uploaded by Airliners Gallery.
Cyprus Airways (Larnaca) is seeking state aid of $20 million Euros or it will be forced to shut down at the end of April, according to Finance Minister Charilaos Stavrakis. The company is suffering because it must fly around Turkey which puts it at a disadvantage against competitors which can fly over Turkey.
Read the full story from FinancialMirror.com: CLICK HERE
Copyright Photo: Antony J. Best.
Aer Lingus to introduce a retrojet in April
March 3, 2011
Aer Lingus (Dublin) is planning to introduce a retrojet. Brand new Airbus A320-214 F-WWDV (msn 4634) will be delivered as EI-DVM in April. The airliner will be painted in a retrojet color scheme. The company introduced the Shamrock logo in 1939.
Copyright Photo: via Paul Denton.
Frontier Airlines adds five new routes and three cities
March 3, 2011
Frontier Airlines (2nd)-Republic Airlines (2nd) Embraer ERJ 190-100 IGW N162HL (msn 19000231) LAX (Michael B. Ing), originally uploaded by Airliners Gallery.
Frontier Airlines (2nd) (Denver) has announced plans to add Knoxville, TN (TYS) (June 6); Provo, UT (PVU) (June 20) and Sioux Falls, SD (FSD) (July 4) to its route map with the addition of nonstop service from its Denver hub. These three markets bring the total of nonstop destinations served from Denver by Frontier to 63.
In addition, the carrier announced it will launch new nonstop service between its Kansas City hub and both Minneapolis/St. Paul, MN (MSP) (June 6) and San Antonio, TX (SAT) (June 7) this summer. The new service rounds out the carrier’s summer schedule that features increased capacity in top markets and the return of popular summer seasonal service.
All of the new routes will be operated by Republic Airlines’ (2nd) Embraer ERJ 170s and ERJ 190s except the Knoxville route which will be operated by Frontier A319s.
Frontier will drop the Denver-Long Beach route on February 16.
Frontier Slide Show: CLICK HERE
Frontier-Republic Slide Show: CLICK HERE
Copyright Photo: Michael B. Ing. Please click on the photo for additional information.
Updated Frontier Route Map:
AirAsia X orders three Airbus A330-200s
March 2, 2011
AirAsia X (AirAsia.com) Airbus A330-343X F-WWYY (9M-XXG) (msn 1131) TLS (Guillaume Besnard) (latest delivery), originally uploaded by Airliners Gallery.
AirAsia X (Kuala Lumpur) has placed a firm order for three Airbus A330-200s and also secured two options.
Copyright Photo: Guillaume Besnard. Please click on the photo for full details.
ANA ends international Boeing 747 scheduled flights
March 2, 2011
ANA (All Nippon Airways) Boeing 747-481 JA8098 (msn 25207) NRT (Michael B. Ing), originally uploaded by Airliners Gallery.
ANA (All Nippon Airways) (Tokyo) meanwhile is ending international service with its last Boeing 747-400 with a series of special “1986″ charter flights to Guam as the company celebrates 25 years of international operations.
The domestic 747-400D fleet will continue to operate until 2015.
Copyright Photo: Michael B. Ing. Please click on the photo for full details of the special flights, special meals and uniforms.
JAL ends 41 years of Boeing 747 service
March 2, 2011 — 3 Comments
JAL-Japan Airlines Boeing 747-446 JA8087 (msn 26346) NRT (Michael B. Ing) (the last 747 is retired), originally uploaded by Airliners Gallery.
Japan Airlines (Tokyo) operated its last revenue Boeing 747 flight on March 1 ending an era of 41 years.
Copyright Photo: Michael B. Ing. Please click on the photo for additional details.
Iceland Express to fly to Boston and Chicago this summer
March 2, 2011
Iceland Express (Astraeus Airlines) Boeing 757-2Q8 G-STRX (msn 25621) LGW (Antony J. Best), originally uploaded by Airliners Gallery.
Iceland Express (Keflavik) is adding new service to Boston (four times a week) and Chicago (O’Hare) (weekly) from June 1 through August 31. The aircraft type is unspecified.
Copyright Photo: Antony J. Best. Please click on photo for additional details.
TRIP Linhas Aereas signs a contract for four ERJ 190s
March 2, 2011
TRIP Linhas Aereas Embraer ERJ 170-200LR (ERJ 175) PP-PJD (msn 17000017) SDU (AirSpeed), originally uploaded by Airliners Gallery.
TRIP Linhas Aereas (Sao Paulo-Campinas) has signed a contract with Embraer for four new ERJ 190 jets.
Copyright Photo: AirSpeed. Please click on the photo for further details.
TRIP Linhas Aereas Route Map (TRIP routes in blue):
Sunwing Airlines to expand its European charter program this summer with Boeing 767s
March 2, 2011
Sunwing Airlines (flysunwing.com) Boeing 737-8HX WL C-FTOH (msn 29647) FLL (Bruce Drum), originally uploaded by Airliners Gallery.
Sunwing Airlines (flysunwing.com) (Toronto) has announced it is expanding its European charter program this coming summer with more cities. The airline will also operate Boeing 767 aircraft.
Copyright Photo: Bruce Drum. Please click on the photo for the complete details.
Mesa Air Group emerges from Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection
March 2, 2011 — 1 Comment
United Express-Mesa Airlines Bombardier CRJ700 (CL-600-2C10) N521LR (msn 10261) CLT (Bruce Drum), originally uploaded by Airliners Gallery.
Mesa Air Group (Phoenix) as expected, yesterday (March 1) emerged from Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection.
Mesa Air Group’s Plan of Reorganization became effective on March 1, allowing the company to emerge from its reorganization under Chapter 11 of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code. Mesa and its related subsidiaries entered bankruptcy protection on January 5, 2010 and Mesa’s exit from bankruptcy protection in 13 months places it among the fastest reorganizations in aviation history.
The Company’s restructuring accomplishments included:
- Elimination of 100 excess aircraft and associated leases and debt which contributed to the deleveraging of Mesa’s balance sheet in the approximate amount of $700 million in capitalized leases and $50 million in debt;
- Restructuring of aircraft leases and financings for Mesa’s remaining CRJ200 and DHC-8 fleets resulting in flexibility, no long term lease exposure and lower costs on the CRJ200 50-seat regional jet aircraft;
- Emerging as a private company that will issue four new series of notes, shares of common stock, and/or warrants to purchase shares of its common stock to its creditors in exchange for their claims in the Chapter 11 proceedings;
- Extending the term of the code-share agreement with US Airways through September 2015.
Copyright Photo: Bruce Drum. Please click on the photo for additional information about the United Express-Mesa operation.
United Airlines (including Continental Airlines) North American Route Map (includes United Express routes): CLICK HERE
JetBlue Airways and South African Airways expand their interline partnership
March 2, 2011
JetBlue Airways Airbus A320-232 N569JB (msn 2075) (10th Anniversary) LGB (Stephen Tornblom), originally uploaded by Airliners Gallery.
JetBlue Airways (New York) and South African Airways (Johannesburg) have announced an expansion of their interline partnership, with South African Airways now offering code share services on JetBlue flights effective March 3rd. The code share service will be available with SAA flight numbers on JetBlue flights to 20 cities served by the airline in the U.S., connecting through either New York’s John F. Kennedy International (JFK) or Washington, D.C. (Dulles) airports and SAA’s Johannesburg hub, where passengers can access connections to more than 45 cities throughout South Africa and southern Africa.
South African Airways also announced recently that its return service from Johannesburg to New York JFK will now operate nonstop beginning on May 1.
Copyright Photo: Stephen Tornblom. Please click on the photo for further details.
JetBlue Route Map from New York (JFK):
Boeing completes the first flight for JAL’s new 787-846 JA822J
March 2, 2011
JAL-Japan Airlines Boeing 787-846 JA822J (msn 34832) PAE (Nick Dean) (first flight), originally uploaded by Airliners Gallery.
Boeing (Chicago, Seattle, Wichita and Charleston) yesterday (March 1) completed the first flight for Boeing 787-846 JA822J (msn 34832) destined for Japan Airlines.
Copyright Photo: Nick Dean. Please click on the photo for additional information.
Blue Air adds this former Air One Boeing 737-400
March 1, 2011
Blue Air YR-BAK, originally uploaded by greenjetaviation.
Blue Air (Bucharest) has been adding older Classic Boeing 737s as it replaces the Boeing 737-800s formerly operated.
One of the aircraft recently added is this former Air One Boeing 737-430 now operating as YR-BAK (msn 27005, ex EI-COJ). The aircraft was acquired on December 22, 2010.
Copyright Photo: greenjetaviation.
Blue Air Interactive Route Map (place cursor over the city): CLICK HERE
Canadian North adds its first Boeing 737-300
March 1, 2011
Canadian North C-GCNW B733, originally uploaded by Matt Dueck.
Canadian North (Yellowknife) meanwhile recently added its first Boeing 737-300.
Copyright Photo: Matt Dueck. Previously operated by Frontier Airlines (2nd) as N307FL and Shandong Airlines as B-2878, the airframe is back in North America. 737-36Q C-GCNW (msn 28760) was acquired on November 22, 2010 and is pictured visiting snow-covered Calgary on February 1 as it arrives from Edmonton.
Canadian North Route Map:
Air North’s first Boeing 737-500 is now operating
March 1, 2011
Air North C-GANH B735, originally uploaded by Matt Dueck.
Air North (Whitehorse) added its first Boeing 737-500 on December 31, 2010 and it is now operating on regular flights. Formerly operated by Nordavia as VP-BOQ, the pictured 737-505 with Aviation Partners Boeing Blended Winglets is now operating as C-GANH (msn 27153).
Copyright Photo: Matt Dueck. This great shot showcases C-GANH departing from Calgary on February 21.
Air North Route Map:
AirTran Airways’ stockholders to vote on the Southwest merger proposal on March 23 in Orlando
March 1, 2011
AirTran Airways (Ryan International Airlines) Airbus A320-232 N391LF (msn 676) LAX (Roy Lock) (historic photo), originally uploaded by Airliners Gallery.
AirTran Airways (Orlando) has called a special voting meeting of its stockholders for March 23 at 11:00 a.m. in Orlando. Stockholders are being asked to vote on the merger proposal by Southwest Airlines (Dallas). There are several lawsuits attempting to block the takeover. If approved by all parties it would be the end of AirTran.
Looking back: A special AirTran Slide Show of some of the aircraft operated over the years by AirTran: CLICK HERE
Historic Copyright Photo: Roy Lock. Click on the photo for information on the Airbus A320s operated for AirTran before the Boeing 737-700s arrived.
American Airlines to reduce capacity and reduce MD-80 flying
March 1, 2011
American Airlines McDonnell Douglas DC-9-82 (MD-82) N73444 (msn 49470) (Working Together) BWI (Brian McDonough), originally uploaded by Airliners Gallery.
American Airlines (Dallas/Fort Worth) will reduce capacity growth this year due to rising fuel costs according to this report by Reuters. The company will also reduced the amount of McDonnell Douglas DC-9-82 and DC-9-83 flying.
Read the full report: CLICK HERE
However AA did increase the number of new Boeing 777-300 ERs on order from two to three.
Copyright Photo: Brian McDonough. Please click on the photo for additional details.
Qatar Airways to drop London Gatwick
March 1, 2011
Qatar Airways Airbus A330-202 A7-ACF (msn 638) CDG (Christian Volpati), originally uploaded by Airliners Gallery.
Qatar Airways (Doha) will drop London (Gatwick). The last DOH-LGW flight will be operated on May 31.
Qatar Airways Slide Show: CLICK HERE
Copyright Photo: Christian Volpati.
Aer Lingus soars to a $64 million profit in 2010
March 1, 2011
Aer Lingus Airbus A320-214 EI-EDS (msn 3755) GVA (Paul Denton), originally uploaded by Airliners Gallery.
Aer Lingus (Dublin) produced a $64 million profit in 2010 but is warning higher fuel costs will affect results in 2011.
Read the full story in the Belfast Telegraph: CLICK HERE
Aer Lingus Slide Show: CLICK HERE
Copyright Photo: Paul Denton. Please click on photo for additional aircraft details.
Aer Lingus European Route Map from Dublin:
ABC orders a pilot TV show called “Pan Am”
March 1, 2011
Pan Am (1st) Boeing 747SP-21 N540PA (msn 21649) “China Clipper” MIA (Bruce Drum) (historic photo), originally uploaded by Airliners Gallery.
Pan Am (1st) is coming back, at least to American television in a pilot show. According to this article in Variety, ABC has ordered a “pilot” show to test the market for this subject matter. The show will take place in the “Golden Era” of the airlines, circa 1960s when the jets were being introduced.
Read the full article in Variety: CLICK HERE
Copyright Photo: Bruce Drum. Please click on the photo for background information.
Southwest kicks off the 2011 Adopt-A-Pilot program
March 1, 2011
Southwest Airlines (Dallas) yesterday (February 28) announced the official takeoff of its award-winning, educational and mentoring program, Adopt-A-Pilot®. Each Spring, fifth-grade students in more than 1,400 classes across the country will “adopt” Southwest Airlines Pilots through a program that leads students through science, geography, math, writing, and other core subjects, all based in aviation-related activities. Students also will research careers, reinforce life values, and realize the importance of staying in school.
Nearly 850 Southwest Pilots are volunteering in this year’s Adopt-A-Pilot® program. During the four-week long curriculum, Pilots volunteer their time in participating classrooms and correspond from the “road” via e-mail and postcards. Classrooms chart their adopted Pilot’s course on an official United States route map and complete lessons related to the Pilot’s monthly flying schedule. To learn more about the program visit our blog, Nuts about Southwest at: http://alturl.com/4ctv2.
To access downloadable materials, including photos and a video, please visit: http://www.swamedia.com/releases/2011_adopt_a_pilot_program
Created in 1997, Adopt-A-Pilot® started as a community outreach program in just 50 classrooms in Southwest’s destination cities, and has grown to reach more than 1,400 classrooms in communities nationwide. To date, the program has been offered to more than 300,000 students nationwide. Southwest Airlines developed the program in cooperation with the U.S. Department of Education and the Smithsonian Institution of National Air and Space Museum. National leaders such as Gen. Colin Powell, President Bill Clinton, and First Lady Laura Bush have recognized the excellence that the Adopt-A-Pilot program offers students.
Copyright Photo: Michael Carter.
