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KLM becomes the first airline to operate a revenue biofuel passenger flight
June 30, 2011
KLM Royal Dutch Airlines Boeing 737-8K2 WL PH-BXA (msn 29131) (1959 Retrojet) LHR (Antony J. Best), originally uploaded by Airliners Gallery.
KLM Royal Dutch Airlines (Amsterdam) yesterday (June 29) became the first airline in the world to operate a commercial flight on “biokerosene”, which included renewable jet fuel supplied by Dynamic Fuels LLC.
KLM used a 50/50 blend of conventional jet fuel and renewable jet fuel in both engines of a Boeing 737-800 aircraft that carried 171 passengers from Amsterdam to Paris (CDG). The flight was a preview of more than 200 commercial flights between Amsterdam and Paris KLM plans to make in September using the same fuel.
KLM Slide Show: CLICK HERE
Copyright Photo: Antony J. Best. Please click on this photo for information about this special retrojet.
United Airlines-Continental Airlines’ flight attendants pick the AFA
June 30, 2011
United Airlines Boeing 777-222 N780UA (msn 26944) AMS (Ton Jochems) (UA aircraft repainted), originally uploaded by Airliners Gallery.
United Airlines-Continental Airlines’ (Chicago) flight attendants have selected the Association of Flight Attendants to bargain for their labor contracts.
Read the full report from Reuters: CLICK HERE
Copyright Photo: Ton Jochems. Please click on the photo for aircraft information.
Republic Airways Holdings’ pilots to be represented by the Teamsters
June 30, 2011
Frontier Airlines (2nd)-Republic Airlines (2nd) Embraer ERJ 170-100SU N818MD (msn 17000039) DEN (Jay Selman), originally uploaded by Airliners Gallery.
Republic Airways Holdings’ (Indianapolis) pilots will be represented by the Teamsters. The International Brotherhood of Teamsters won the representation election yesterday for all pilots employed by Republic Airways Holdings, receiving 68 percent of the total vote.
After certification by the National Mediation Board (NMB), the International Brotherhood of Teamsters will become the representative of the pilots of Chautauqua Airlines, Frontier Airlines (2nd), Lynx Aviation, Republic Airlines (2nd) and Shuttle America.
Previously, Frontier pilots were represented by the Frontier Airlines Pilot Association (FAPA). Midwest pilots were represented by the Air Line Pilot Association (ALPA) and Lynx was represented by the United Transportation Union (UTU).
In 2009, Republic Airways placed the winning bid in an auction to acquire the then-bankrupt Frontier Airlines.
In October 2010, Teamsters Local 357 filed with the NMB for single carrier status to integrate all RAH-owned airlines into one representative body. On April 8, 2011, the National Mediation Board ruled that all airlines own by RAH are operating as a single transportation system. The NMB announced in early May that an election was required to determine the representation for the new, combined pilot group. IBT received the majority of the votes in the election.
The pilots of Chautauqua, Republic and Shuttle America are working under a 2003 contract and wages. The contract has been amendable since 2007. The pilots staged an informational picket in Indianapolis in June. Contract negotiations are currently in federal mediation with the NMB.
The newly combined pilot group will come under one contract following contract amalgamation negotiations which will be initiated by Teamsters at the appropriate time and after consultation and joint planning among the pilots of all RAH subsidiaries.
Copyright Photo: Jay Selman. Please click on the photo for additional information.
JetBlue Airways to add Hartford-San Juan flights in January
June 30, 2011
JetBlue Airways Airbus A320-232 N605JB (msn 2368) (7th-Mosaic) FLL (Bruce Drum), originally uploaded by Airliners Gallery.
JetBlue Airways (New York) has announced plans to add a nonstop daily flight between Hartford’s Bradley International Airport (BDL) and San Juan’s Luis Munoz Marin International Airport (SJU), effective in January 2012. San Juan will be JetBlue’s third nonstop destination offered from Bradley International Airport (BDL), New England’s second-largest airport, in addition to its twice daily service to both Fort Lauderdale/Hollywood and Orlando.
In other news, JetBlue Airways and and Qatar Airways, today announced the signing of a new interline agreement to connect travellers seamlessly between the two carriers’ networks via New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport and Washington Dulles International Airport.
JetBlue Slide Show: CLICK HERE
Copyright Photo: Bruce Drum.
American Airlines is in discussions with both Airbus and Boeing for 250 aircraft
June 30, 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) is in discussions with both Airbus and Boeing for a possible order of 250 aircraft according to this report by Reuters. The discussions also include a possible order for A320neo aircraft as previously reported.
Read the full report: CLICK HERE
American Slide Show: CLICK HERE
Copyright Photo: Brian McDonough. Please click on the photo for additional information.
United Airways may be forced to change its name
June 29, 2011
United Airways (Bangladesh) Bombardier DHC-8-103 S2-AER (N811WP) (msn 366) HNL (Jerrold Wu), originally uploaded by Airliners Gallery.
United Airways (Bangladesh) may be forced to change its name after a court in the United Kingdom agreed with a complaint by United Airlines (Chicago) that United Airways had “illegally violated” its trademark according to this article by Flightglobal.
Read the full story: CLICK HERE
United Airways Slide Show: CLICK HERE
Copyright Photo: Jerrold Wu.
Route Map:
Vision Airlines shifts its focus to Freeport for the winter, adding new routes
June 29, 2011
Vision Airlines (USA) Boeing 737-8Q8 WL N781VA (msn 28214) MIA (Brian McDonough., originally uploaded by Airliners Gallery.
Vision Airlines (Atlanta) is adding new routes to and from Freeport starting in November from Fort Lauderdale/Hollywood, Louisville, Richmond, Raleigh/Durham and Baltimore/Washington.
Copyright Photo: Brian McDonough. Please click on the photo for the full details.
Gol Transportes Aereos introduces this special “GOL 10 ANOS” logojet to help celebrate 10 years of flying
June 29, 2011
Gol Transportes Aereos Boeing 737-8EH WL PR-GTF (msn 34279) (GOL 10 ANOS) CGH (Marcelo F. De Biasi) (10th Anniversary logojet), originally uploaded by Airliners Gallery.
Gol Transportes Aereos (Sao Paulo) is celebrating its 10th Anniversary this year. The high-flying airline in Brazil has introduced this dazzling orange logojet to help celebrate the occasion.
Gol Slide Show: CLICK HERE
Hot New Photos Slide Show: CLICK HERE
Copyright Photo: Marcelo F. De Biasi. Please click on the photo for the full story and details of this airline.
Boeing opens new 787 Vertical Fin Assembly Line in Salt Lake City
June 29, 2011
Boeing 787-881 N787BA (msn 40690) (ZA001) PAE (Brandon Farris), originally uploaded by Airliners Gallery.
Boeing (Chicago) yesterday (June 28) commemorated the opening of a new 787 vertical fin assembly line at its production facility in Salt Lake City, Utah. Operated by Boeing Fabrication, the site will build the vertical fin assemblies for 787 Dreamliners built at Boeing South Carolina. Production on the new assembly line is slated to begin in July.
The new assembly line was designed and built using Lean Manufacturing techniques. These techniques reduced required floor space and increased production capacity without adding new brick and mortar facilities. The 35,000 square feet (3251.6 square meters) state-of-the-art composite assembly line will help improve the efficiency of the final assembly and delivery process at Boeing’s 787 facility in South Carolina.
The Boeing Salt Lake City facility currently supports fabrication activities across all Boeing Commercial Airplane models. It is scheduled to deliver its first vertical fin to Boeing South Carolina during the fourth quarter 2011.
Copyright Photo: Brandon Farris. Please click on the photo for additional information on the 787.
Mega Global Air intends to operate to Beijing and Shanghai
June 28, 2011
Mega Global Air (Mega Maldives Airlines) Boeing 767-3P6 ER N183AQ (8Q-MEG) (Bellview colors) MIA (Rodolfo Garcia), originally uploaded by Airliners Gallery.
Mega Global Air (Mega Maldives Airlines) (Male) is planning to operate from Male and Gan Island to both Beijing and Shanghai starting in July with this former Bellview Airlines Boeing 767-300.
Top Copyright Photo: Rodolfo Garcia. Please click on this photo for the full story of this new airline.
Bottom Copyright Photo: 8QBlog. The aircraft has now morphed into a partial Trip Advisor promotional livery with the Mega logo on the tail. 8Q-MEG is pictured on the ramp at Gan International Airport.
Lufthansa to start Frankfurt-Aberdeen service starting on October 30
June 28, 2011
Lufthansa Regional-Lufthansa CityLine Embraer ERJ 190-100LR D-AECA (msn 19000327) NUE (Gunter Mayer) (now in LH colors), originally uploaded by Airliners Gallery.
Lufthansa (Frankfurt) will add a new route from the FRA hub to Aberdeen starting on October 30. The new route will be operated three times a week with Embraer ERJ 190s.
Copyright Photo: Gunter Mayer.
Virgin Atlantic Airways’ Sir Richard Branson pleads with the pilots to call off their proposed strike
June 28, 2011
Virgin Atlantic Airways Boeing 747-4Q8 G-VFAB (msn 24958) (Birthday Girl) MIA (Bruce Drum), originally uploaded by Airliners Gallery.
Virgin Atlantic Airways (London) is facing possible industrial action by its pilots, the first strike in Virgin’s history if it goes ahead. Sir Richard Branson has pleaded with the 750 pilots to call off the strike action that is set to cause mass chaos. Branson has sent a letter to the pilots calling for the pilots to call off their industrial action and to reconsider the pay structure that the airline has offered them according to this article by IBTraveler.
Read the full story: CLICK HERE
Virgin Atlantic Slide Show: CLICK HERE
Copyright Photo: Bruce Drum. Please click on the photo for information on this special color scheme.
British Airways launches new flights to Faro and Malaga direct from London City
June 28, 2011
British Airways-BA CityFlyer Embraer ERJ 170-100ST G-LCYE (msn 17000296) SEN (Keith Burton), originally uploaded by Airliners Gallery.
British Airways (London) has announced the launch of two new routes to Faro and Malaga and added more frequency to the destinations of Nice, Palma de Mallorca and Ibiza. This means that British Airways now offers 39 leisure flights per week for this summer from London City Airport to top sun destinations at the height of the season.
The four times a week flights to Faro and the three times a week flights to Malaga are now both in operation and will operate year round.
The existing Nice service has been increased to double daily flights from May until September, and from July to September both Palma and Ibiza flights will be increased from four to ten a week.
Flights are operated by the wholly owned British Airways’ subsidiary BA CityFlyer on the new Embraer ERJ 170 and ERJ 190 aircraft.
BA CityFlyer Slide Show: CLICK HERE
Copyright Photo: Keith Burton. Please click on the photo for additional information.
Frontier Airlines launches new seasonal service between Branson, MO and both Austin and Phoenix
June 28, 2011
Frontier Airlines (2nd)-Chautauqua Airlines Embraer ERJ 145LR (EMB-145LR) N270SK (msn 145304) PHL (Tony Storck) “Ginger”, originally uploaded by Airliners Gallery.Frontier Airlines (2nd) (Denver) has announced plans to add nonstop seasonal service between Branson, MO (BKG) and both Austin, Texas (AUS) and Phoenix (PHX) to its route map. The carrier will be the only airline offering nonstop service on these new routes.
Branson-Austin service will operate Monday, Wednesday and Friday from September 16 through December 14, 2011. Branson-Phoenix service will operate Saturdays from September 17 through December 10, 2011. Austin service will be operated by 50-seat Embraer ERJ 145 regional jet aircraft operated by Chautauqua Airlines. The Phoenix service will be operated with 138-seat Airbus 319 aircraft operated by Frontier.
Branson is recent years has become a growing tourist destination in the Ozark Mountains. Local attractions include The Hollywood Wax Museum, Silver Dollar City, White Water, Waltzing Waters, Mount Pleasant Winery, Stone Hill Winery, Ride The Ducks, Dolly Parton’s Dixie Stampede, The Haunted House and Monster Asylum, Butterfly Palace & Rainforest Adventure, Predator World and Branson Landing. Ripley’s Odditorium in Branson is housed in a building that has been made to look as if it is cracked wide open by an earthquake or other disaster.
Branson Landing opened in the summer of 2006 on the Lake Taneycomo waterfront in downtown Branson. The lakefront project includes retail space with Bass Pro Shops and Hudson Belk as anchors in an outdoor shopping mall of stores and restaurants. The new Branson Convention Center, which is situated between the Landing and Historic Downtown Branson, opened September 7, 2007. Two animal attractions are Butterfly Palace and Rainforest Adventure, a palace filled with thousands of flying butterflies in a mystical rainforest maze; and Wings of the World, a home to many birds of the world.
Copyright Photo: Tony Storck. Please click on the photo for aircraft information.
Frontier Slide Show: CLICK HERE
Route Map:
Boeing begins final phase of 787 flight testing
June 28, 2011
ANA (All Nippon Airways) Boeing 787-881 Dreamliner N1006F (JA803A) (ZA102) (msn 34486) PAE (Nick Dean), originally uploaded by Airliners Gallery.
Boeing (Chicago) on June 26 started Function & Reliability (F&R) testing and extended operations (ETOPS) demonstrations on the 787 Dreamliner. This is the final phase of flight testing prior to certification of the airplane.
ANA will take the first delivery in the August to September 2011 time period.
F&R testing simulates various normal and non-normal operations for the airplane, in a realistic airline-like flight environment. ETOPS refers to extended operations – for twin jets, flights that are more than 60 minutes away from a suitable landing field. During ETOPS demonstrations the company validates the airplane’s ability to safely divert for a variety of reasons, including long diversions with one engine shut down.
In addition to F&R and ETOPS testing for the 787 with Rolls-Royce engines, Boeing continues certification testing on 787s with General Electric engines and will conduct a separate F&R/ETOPS test program for that version of the airplane. Other activities will continue on the flight test fleet to support Boeing objectives including examining potential technologies for the 787-9 and testing engine improvement packages.
Copyright Photo: Nick Dean. Please click on the photo for additional information.
ANA’s first two Boeing 787-881 Dreamliners to wear this special livery
June 27, 2011
ANA (All Nippon Airways) (Tokyo) will paint its first two Boeing 787-881s in this special color scheme. All Dreamliners after the first two will wear the standard 1983 color scheme. The first two to be delivered are believed to be 787-881 JA801A (msn 34485) and JA802A (msn 34488).
According to ANA the first two 787s “are painted big in bold and blue at the front of the aircraft to signify that ANA will be the first airline in the world to fly the Dreamliner. The blue lines at the rear of the fuselage are designed to highlight how the three core elements of the airline’s service brand – innovation, uniqueness and the inspiration of modern Japan – operate across the ANA network.”
ANA has ordered a total of 55 Dreamliners for domestic and international routes and the first 787 aircraft is due to be delivered in August or September 2011.
Images: ANA.
SpiceJet prepares to accept its first new Bombardier Q400
June 27, 2011
SpiceJet (Delhi) is seeking the Reserve Bank of India’s approval to raise $270 million from Canada’s export finance agency Export Development Canada (EDC) for financing fleet expansion, according this report by Reuters. The carrier is planning to add 15 new Bombardier DHC-8-402s (Q400s).
Read the full report: CLICK HERE
Copyright Photo: TMK Photography. The first DHC-8-402 (Q400) is pictured at Toronto (Pearson) with the temporary marks of C-GJJU. The new turboprop will become VT-SUA (msn 4373) on delivery.
Tibet Airlines gets ready to accept its first Airbus A319, will launch operations next month
June 26, 2011
Tibet Airlines Airbus A319-115 D-AVYH (B-6436) (msn 4766) XFW (Gerd Beilfuss) (new airline, first aircraft), originally uploaded by Airliners Gallery.
Tibet Airlines (Lhasa) will soon take delivery of its first Airbus A319. The new airline is planning to operate three A319s and is planning to launch scheduled operations next month.
Copyright Photo: Gerd Beilfuss. Airbus A319-115 D-AVYH (msn 4766) arrives back at Hamburg (Finkenwerder) on June 25 after a test flight. It will become B-6436 on delivery.
Hot New Photos Slide Show: CLICK HERE
RUS Aviation to introduced a new livery designed by Lila Design
June 26, 2011
RUS Aviation (Sharjah) is getting ready to introduced a new livery with the pending delivery of former American Airlines Airbus A300B4-622R N77080 (msn 626). The new look was designed by Lila Design Associates.
Read the full report by The Aviation Branding Weblog: CLICK HERE
Route Map:
Aer Lingus to acquire four Airbus A319s from Iberia
June 26, 2011
Aer Lingus (Dublin) is getting ready to acquire four Airbus A319s from Iberia. The first (EC-KEV) is being painted into EI colors at Madrid.
Aer Lingus Slide Show: CLICK HERE
Vision Airlines pulls back, will drop five destinations on July 17
June 26, 2011
Vision Airlines (USA) Boeing 737-8Q8 WL N781VA (msn 28214) MIA (Bruce Drum), originally uploaded by Airliners Gallery.
Vision Airlines (Atlanta) is trimming five destinations from its scheduled route network effective on July 17 due to under performance. Vision will drop Huntsville, Savannah, Columbia, Greenville/Spartanburg and Baton Rouge on that date. The company is looking at other destinations for the winter season.
Vision Slide Show: CLICK HERE
Copyright Photo: Bruce Drum. Please click on the photo for additional information.
Route Map:
Did China block an order for 15 Airbus A380s for Hong Kong Airlines?
June 25, 2011
Hong Kong Airlines (Hong Kong) according to this Reuters report was set to announce an order for 10 Airbus A380s at the Paris Air Show. The order was called off on Thursday due to China’s displeasure with the European Union’s plans to charge airlines for emissions.
Still to be confirmed, Hainan Airlines is believed to be the unidentified carrier that has ordered 15 new Boeing 747-800 Intercontinentals.
Hainan Slide Show: CLICK HERE
Read the full report from Reuters: CLICK HERE
LOT Polish Airlines to introduce a new livery with the first Boeing 787 Dreamliner
June 25, 2011
LOT Polish Airlines (Warsaw) is planning to introduce this updated livery with the introduction of the Boeing 787 Dreamliner. LOT Polish is the European launch customer for the new type. Yesterday Boeing brought a 787 to Warsaw to salute the carrier’s support of the delayed project.
On September 7, 2005 LOT ordered seven (with two options and five purchase rights) Boeing 787-8s for its long haul operations, which were initially planned for delivery in 2008. On February 19, 2007 the airline converted one option to make a total of eight Boeing 787-8s on order. On March 7, 2011 Boeing officially notified LOT Polish that the delivery of the Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner had been delayed for another year. The first aircraft is now due to be delivered in April, 2012. Another four are expected to arrive between August and November of 2012.
For more information from LOT on the 787: CLICK HERE
LOT Polish Slide Show: CLICK HERE
Image: LOT Polish Airlines.
Air China upgrades Business Class on its Airbus A330-200s
June 24, 2011
Air China Airbus A330-243 B-6070 (msn 750) PEK (Michael B. Ing), originally uploaded by Airliners Gallery.
Air China (Beijing) has announced the Business Class upgrade of 16 Airbus A330-200 aircraft, which will be revamped, upgrading the seats to a luxurious full lie-flat 180-degree bed, and improving the entertainment system. This is part of Air China’s long term upgrade program.
Top Copyright Photo: Michael B. Ing. Please click on the photo for additional information.
Bottom Copyright Photo: Air China.
FedEx Corporation reports higher fiscal fourth quarter earnings, $1.5 billion net profit for the year
June 24, 2011
FedEx Express Boeing 777-FS2 N850FD (msn 37721) (FedEx Panda Express) IAD (Brian McDonough), originally uploaded by Airliners Gallery.
FedEx Corporation (Memphis) reported earnings of $1.75 per diluted share for the fourth quarter ended May 31, compared to $1.33 per diluted share a year ago, a year-over-year increase of 32%.
FedEx Corporation reported the following consolidated results for the fiscal fourth quarter:
Revenue of $10.55 billion, up 12% from $9.43 billion the previous year
Operating income of $888 million, up 28% from $696 million last year
Operating margin of 8.4%, up from 7.4% the previous year
Net income of $558 million, up 33% from last year’s $419 million
Revenue and earnings increased due to continued strong yield improvement in all transportation segments and volume growth of ground and international express shipments. FedEx Freight’s return to profitability also improved operating results.
FedEx Corp. reported the following consolidated results for the full fiscal year:
Revenue of $39.3 billion, up 13% from $34.7 billion the previous year
Operating income of $2.38 billion, up 19% from $2.00 billion last year
Net income of $1.45 billion, up 23% from last year’s $1.18 billion
Adjusted earnings per share of $4.90, up from $3.76 per share a year ago.
FedEx Express Slide Show: CLICK HERE
Copyright Photo: Brian McDonough. Please click on the photo for information about this special one-time logojet.
Etihad Crystal Cargo takes delivery of its first Boeing 777 freighter
June 23, 2011
Etihad Crystal Cargo (Etihad Airways) Boeing 777-FFX A6-DDA (msn 39682) PAE (Nick Dean) (1st 777 freighter), originally uploaded by Airliners Gallery.
Etihad Crystal Cargo (Etihad Airways) (Abu Dhabi) on June 21 accepted its first new Boeing 777 freighter. 777-FFX A6-DDA prepares to depart from Everett (Paine Field).
Hot New Photos Slide Show: CLICK HERE
Copyright Photo: Nick Dean. Please click on the photo for the full details.
Eznis Airways acquires its first jetliner
June 23, 2011
Eznis Airways BAe RJ85 JU-9909 (msn E2257) KEM (Antony J. Best) (1st RJ85), originally uploaded by Airliners Gallery.
Eznis Airways (Ulaanbaatar) today (June 23) took delivery of its first jetliner – this former Lufthansa CityLine BAe RJ85 (146-RJ85). JU-9909 (msn E2257) prepares to depart from Kemble in a revised livery.
Hot New Photos Slide Show: CLICK HERE
Copyright Photo: Antony J. Best. Please click on the photo for the full background of this remote airline.
Route Map:
Nordic Aviation Capital orders 10 ATR 72-600s
June 23, 2011
Nordic Aviation Capital (NAC) (Denmark) has ordered 10 ATR 72-600s and also secured 10 options.
According to the company, NAC is the largest provider of turboprop aircraft leasing in the world. NAC’s fleet of 160 aircraft also includes a large portfolio of jet aircraft. NAC currently serve 30 customers in 20 countries.
TAME orders three ATR 42-500s
June 23, 2011
TAME (Quito) has ordered three ATR 42-500s.
TAME Slide Show: CLICK HERE
Skymark Airlines orders two more Airbus A380s
June 23, 2011
Skymark Airlines (Tokyo) has placed firm orders with Airbus for two more A380 aircraft. This latest purchase agreement brings the total number of A380s ordered by Skymark to six aircraft. The Japanese carrier plans to start operations with the A380 on international routes linking Narita to destinations in Europe and the U.S.
Image: Airbus.
Skymark Slide Show: CLICK HERE
GoAir orders 72 Airbus A320neo aircraft
June 23, 2011
GoAir (GoAir.in) Airbus A320-214 F-WWBC (VT-WAM) (msn 4399) XFW (Gerd Beilfuss) (latest delivery), originally uploaded by Airliners Gallery.
GoAir (Go Airways) (GoAir.in) (Mumbai) has ordered 72 Airbus A320neo aircraft at the Paris Air Show.
GoAir Slide Show: CLICK HERE
Copyright Photo: Gerd Beilfuss. Please click on the photo for additional information.
GoAir Route Map:
AirAsia orders 200 Airbus A320neo aircraft
June 23, 2011
AirAsia (AirAsia.com) (Malaysia) Airbus A320-216 9M-AHE (msn 3327) DPS (Michael B. Ing), originally uploaded by Airliners Gallery.AirAsia (AirAsia.com) (Kuala Lumpur) placed a firm order with Airbus for 200 A320neo aircraft. The contract, announced at the Paris Air Show today, is the largest order ever placed for the A320 Family and makes AirAsia the biggest airline customer for the Airbus single aisle product line worldwide. AirAsia announced that its A320neo aircraft will be powered by CFM International’s new LEAP-X engines.
Altogether, AirAsia has now placed firm orders for 375 A320 Family aircraft, with 89 already in service on the carrier’s fast-growing pan-Asian network. In addition, the carrier’s long haul affiliate AirAsia X is also an all-Airbus customer having placed orders for 38 widebody aircraft.
CFM International, the joint venture between GE Aviation and French engine manufacturer Snecma, capped off an already record week at the Paris Air Show in Le Bourget with this announcement that carrier Air Asia will purchase 400 of CFM’s more energy-efficient LEAP engines for 200 of its new Airbus A320neo planes, in the largest single-firm aircraft order in aviation history.
To read more, check out the following link: http://www.gereports.com/leaping-the-competition-at-paris-air-show-27-billion-in-engine-deals/
Boeing, the market has spoken and you are losing customers.
Copyright Photo: Michael B. Ing. Please click on the photo for additional information.
Is American Airlines ready to jump ship again to Airbus?
June 23, 2011
American Airlines (Dallas/Fort Worth) is reportedly in negotiations with Airbus concerning a possible A320 order for as many as 100 copies according to this report by Reuters.
Meanwhile Boeing has stated it will wait until the end of the year to announce whether it will re-engine the 737NG (like Airbus) or proceed with a totally new “797″ narrow body replacement.
Read the full story: CLICK HERE
Continental to resume Guam-Sendai service
June 22, 2011
United Airlines Boeing 737-924 ER WL N53442 (msn 33536) LAX (James Helbock), originally uploaded by Airliners Gallery.Continental Airlines (Houston) will resume regular service between Guam and Sendai, Japan, subject to government approval, with twice-weekly flights beginning on October 2. The new flights mark the first resumption of regular service by a foreign airline at Sendai Airport since the facility reopened on April 13. The airport was temporarily closed after the Great East Japan Earthquake and Tsunami on March 11. Sendai Airport was flooded by the Tsunami.
This route was formerly operated as Continental Micronesia. On December 22, 2010, as a result of the Continental-United Airlines merger, the FAA approved the combination of Continental Micronesia’s air carrier operations with Continental’s under the single Part 121 air operating certificate (AOC) of Continental; although Continental Micronesia remains as a corporation, all flights are now operated directly by Continental Airlines. This step will simplify future integration steps between Continental and United. The callsign, ICAO and IATA codes were changed to reflect the new operating certificate.
Copyright Photo: James Helbock. Please click on the photo for aircraft information.
ALAFCO orders more Airbus aircraft
June 22, 2011
ALAFCO (Aviation Lease and Finance Company) (Kuwait City) has signed an agreement for 30 Airbus A320neo aircraft. The Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) was signed at the 49th Paris Air Show.
ALAFCO already ordered 26 A320s of which 25 have been delivered. Including this order, it shall then take ALAFCO’s total order for Airbus single aisle aircraft to 56.
ALAFCO also signed an agreement for six more Airbus A350 XWB aircraft. This repeat order brings ALAFCO’s total order for the A350-900 to 18 aircraft.
ALAFCO placed its first order for the A350 XWB in 2007 when it ordered 12 A350-800s. these were later upsized to the larger A350-900 in 2010. The A350-900 typically has a capacity of around 40 more seats than the A350-800.
The leasing company is jointly owned by the Kuwait Finance House and Kuwait Airways, the flag carrier of Kuwait.
Garuda Indonesia signs MOU for 25 Airbus A320s for Citilink
June 22, 2011
Garuda Indonesia (Jakarta) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Airbus for the purchase of 25 A320 Family aircraft, making the airline a new customer for the Airbus single aisle product line. The MOU covers 15 standard A320s followed by 10 A320neo aircraft for operation by the carrier’s domestic low cost unit Citilink, replacing its existing Boeing 737 fleet.
Image: Airbus.
LAN Airlines orders 20 Airbus A320neo aircraft
June 22, 2011
LAN Airlines (Chile) Airbus A320-233 CC-BAE (msn 4509) SCL (Alvaro Romero), originally uploaded by Airliners Gallery.LAN Airlines (Chile) (Santiago) announced today it has signed an agreement to purchase 20 Airbus A320neo aircraft, to be delivered between 2017 and 2018.
LAN Slide Show: CLICK HERE
Copyright Photo: Alvaro Romero. Please click on the photo for additional information.
Boeing and American Airlines to accelerate quieter, cleaner aviation technologies
June 22, 2011
American Airlines Boeing 737-823 WL N936AN (msn 29532) MIA (Bruce Drum), originally uploaded by Airliners Gallery.
American Airlines (Dallas/Fort Worth) and Boeing (Chicago) announced today the airline will be the launch customer for the evolutionary ecoDemonstrator Program. A Boeing Next-Generation 737-800 aircraft will be used to flight test and accelerate the market readiness of emerging technologies.
The American Airlines 737-800, and a twin-aisle airplane that will be announced at a later date, are serving as the flight test component for the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA) Continuous Lower Energy Emissions Noise (CLEEN) program – along with other technologies developed by Boeing and other industry partners. Together with the American Airlines engineering team, Boeing is finalizing plans for installing the initial technology applications aboard the first aircraft.
American Slide Show: CLICK HERE
Copyright Photo: Bruce Drum. Please click on the photo for the full story.
PAL Airlines introduces a soccer logojet in support of Chile’s team
June 22, 2011
PAL Airlines (Santiago) on June 21 introduced this Boeing 737-3G7 registered CC-ADZ (msn 24634) with this special color scheme as the official airline of Chile’s soccer team. The national team will compete in Copa América 2011. The t-shirt emblem on the rear fuselage hides the full registration but that will be unveiled today.
The 2011 Campeonato Sudamericano Copa América, better known as the 2011 Copa América or the Copa América Argentina 2011, will be the 43rd edition of the Copa América, the main international football (soccer) tournament for national teams in South America. The competition is organized by CONMEBOL, South America’s football governing body, and will be held in Argentina from July 1 to July 24, 2011. The draw for the tournament was held in La Plata on November 11, 2010. The defending champion is Brazil. The highest finishing CONMEBOL team (other than Brazil) will earn the right to compete for the 2013 FIFA Confederations Cup hosted by Brazil.
PAL Airlines Slide Show: CLICK HERE
PAL Airlines’ ad in Spanish:
Top Copyright Photo: Álvaro Romero/ModoCharlie.com
AviancaTaca signs MOU for 51 A320 Family aircraft including 33 A320neos
June 22, 2011
TACA International Airlines (Grupo TACA) Airbus A320-233 N682TA (msn 3581) MIA (Bruce Drum), originally uploaded by Airliners Gallery.
AviancaTaca (Bogota and San Salvador) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Airbus to acquire 51 A320 Family aircraft including 33 A320neos.
Copyright Photo: Bruce Drum. Please click on the photo for the full story.
North American, Central American and Caribbean Route Map:
South American Route Map:
UTair Aviation to acquire seven Boeing 737-900 ERs and 33 737-800s
June 22, 2011
UTair Aviation (Russia) Boeing 737-8GU WL VQ-BQQ (msn 37552) BFI (Joe G. Walker), originally uploaded by Airliners Gallery.
UTair Aviation (Russia) (Khanty-Mansiyak) has reached a preliminary agreement with Boeing to acquire eight new Boeing 737-900 ERs and 33 737-800s. The order is subject to a finalization of a contract.
UTair Slide Show: CLICK HERE
Copyright Photo: Joe G. Walker. Please click on the photo for the full details.
Spirit Airlines increases its low-fare presence at Chicago O’Hare
June 22, 2011
Spirit Airlines Airbus A319-132 N503NK (msn 2470) FLL (Bruce Drum), originally uploaded by Airliners Gallery.Spirit Airlines (Fort Lauderdale/Hollywood) is adding new service from Chicago (O’Hare) to New York (LGA), Boston, Detroit, Dallas/Fort Worth and Orlanda. Fares start at $9 one-way based on a roundtrip purchase. Will the other legacy carriers match these promotional fares.
Spirit is also adding the Portland, OR-Las Vegas route.
Spirit also made headlines when it announced it will now charge a $5 processing fee for passengers who ask a passenger service agent to print out the boarding pass at the airport.
Passengers can bypass the fee by checking in online or printing out the boarding pass at home or by checking in at an airport kiosk. However starting next summer, boarding passes at airport kiosks will cost $1. Spirit specializes in offering rock-bottom airfares but charging for almost everything else.
Spirit Slide Show: CLICK HERE
Copyright Photo: Bruce Drum. Please click on the photo for the aircraft information.
Updated Route Map:
Republic signs LOI for 40 Airbus A319neos and 40 A320neos for Frontier
June 22, 2011
Republic Airways Holdings Inc. (Indianapolis) today (June 22) announced it has signed a letter of intent (LOI) with Airbus to purchase 40 A319neo (New Engine Option) and 40 A320neo aircraft. The aircraft, which will be powered by CFM’s LEAP-X engines, will be flown by Republic’s Frontier Airlines (2nd) (Denver) subsidiary.
Frontier currently operates 58 Airbus A318, A319 and A320 aircraft.
Surprisingly Republic has recently been moving ahead towards becoming a minority owner of Frontier.
Frontier Slide Show: CLICK HERE
Alternative Air is born in Mexico
June 21, 2011
Alternative Air Jetstream 32 XA-UFT (msn 863) MID (Rurik Enriquez) (new airline), originally uploaded by Airliners Gallery.
Alternative Air (Merida) is a new airline in Mexico planning to launch scheduled passenger services in the Yucatan.
Copyright Photo: Rurik Enriquez. Please click on the photo for the full details.
Firefly to take early delivery of the first of 30 new Boeing 737-800s
June 21, 2011
Firefly (fireflyz.com.my) (subsidiary of Malaysia Airlines) (Subang) will take delivery of two jet aircraft ahead of schedule this year, thus allowing it to further improve connectivity and flight timings domestically and regionally.
According to Firefly, delivery of the two jets were targeted at year-end of 2011. However, the company will take delivery of its sixth Boeing 737-800 and the second Boeing 737-400 in June 2011.
Of the two jets, the Boeing 737-800 will be stationed in Firefly’s Central hub in Kuala Lumpur and the Boeing 737-400 will be stationed in Johor Bahru.
The new routes using the new Boeing 737s includes the twice daily flights from Johor Bahru to Kota Kinabalu, commencing on June 16; twice daily flights between Kuala Lumpur and Sibu starting on July 1; twice daily flights from Kuala Lumpur to Sandakan from August 1; four weekly flights to Surabaya commencing on August 14 and three weekly flights to Bandung from August 16.
These new routes are in addition to existing routes which include six daily flights between Kuala Lumpur to Kota Kinabalu; seven daily flights between Kuala Lumpur and Kuching and twice daily flights between Johor Bahru and Kuching.
Firefly’s new routes from Kuala Lumpur:
On November 8, 2010, Firefly announced the order of 30 Boeing 737-800 aircraft from year-end of 2011 to 2015 as part of its expansion into east Malaysia initially, and into regional markets in future. Firefly’s first Boeing 737-800 arrived in December 2010 and began its operations on January 15, 2011.
Copyright Photo: Joe G. Walker. The first of the 30 new Boeing 737-800s is this Boeing 737-8F2 9M-FFF (msn 39320) getting ready for the handover at Seattle’s Boeing Field.
Malaysia Airlines exercises options for 10 additional Boeing 737-800s
June 21, 2011
Malaysia Airlines Boeing 737-8H6 WL 9M-MXC (msn 40130) HNL (Ivan K. Nishimura/Blue Wave Group), originally uploaded by Airliners Gallery.
Malaysia Airlines (Kuala Lumpur) has exercised 10 options into firm order for additional Boeing 737-800s.
Copyright Photo: Ivan K. Nishimura/Blue Wave Group. Please click on the photo for additional information.
Korean Air accepts its first Boeing 737-900 ER
June 21, 2011
Korean Air Boeing 737-9B5 ER WL HL8221 (msn 37633) BFI (Joe G. Walker) (1st ER model), originally uploaded by Airliners Gallery.
Korean Air (Seoul) has taken delivery of its first Boeing 737-900 ER (extended range) aircraft.
Copyright Photo: Joe G. Walker. Please click on the photo for additional details.
TransAsia Airways orders six additional Airbus A321neos
June 21, 2011
TransAsia Airways Airbus A321-131 B-22605 (msn 606) (VW New Jetta) (Martin Fenner) (orders 6 A321-200s, 2 A330-300s), originally uploaded by Airliners Gallery.
TransAsia Airways (Taipei) has place an additional order for six Airbus A321neos.
Copyright Photo: Martin Fenner. Please click on the photo for additional information.
Mongolian Airlines orders two Boeing 737-800s and one 767-300 ER
June 21, 2011
Mongolian Airlines Boeing 737-8AS WL EI-CSG (msn 29922) PEK (Michael B. Ing), originally uploaded by Airliners Gallery.
Mongolian Airlines (MIAT Mongolian Airlines) (Ulaanbataar) has announced an order for two Boeing 737-800s and one 767-300 ER. The 767 will be assigned to the Moscow and Berlin route. The company acquired its first Boeing 767-300 in May 2011.
Copyright Photo: Michael B. Ing. Please click on the photo for the full details.
Route Map:
China Eastern Airlines and Shanghai Airlines join the SkyTeam alliance
June 21, 2011
China Eastern Airlines Boeing 737-79P WL B-5265 (msn 36767) (Expo 2010) PAE (Nick Dean), originally uploaded by Airliners Gallery.
China Eastern Airlines (Shanghai) and Shanghai Airlines (Shanghai) formally joined the SkyTeam alliance today (June 21) in a ceremony in Beijing.
Copyright Photo: Nick Dean. Please click on the photo for additional details.
