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California Pacific hopes to launch in early 2012
June 14, 2011
California Pacific Airlines (Carlbad) is targeting “early 2012″ as its prospective launch date with three Embraer ERJ 170s. The upstart recently hired former Skybus/Delta executive Lawrence “Bud” Sittig to get the airline certified and in the air.
Read the full story form Sign On San Diego: CLICK HERE
American Airlines to offer Samsung tablets on select flights
June 14, 2011
American Airlines Boeing 767-223 ER N320AA (msn 22321) (Flagship Independence) LAX (James Helbock), originally uploaded by Airliners Gallery.
American Airlines (Dallas/Fort Worth) has announced it plans to offer 6,000 Galaxy Tab 10.1 tablets according to this article by the Dallas Business Journal. The devices will be offered in premium cabins for domestic flights between New York’s JFK airport and Los Angeles, JFK and San Francisco, and Miami and Los Angeles served with Boeing 767-200 and 767-300 aircraft. Flights departing from Boston to Los Angeles on 757-200 aircraft will also have the tablets.
Read the full article: CLICK HERE
Copyright Photo: James Helbock. Please click on the photo for information about “Flagship Independence”.
ALC places 12 aircraft with TRIP Linhas Aereas
June 14, 2011
TRIP Linhas Aereas ATR 72-202 PP-PTH (msn 365) AJU (AirSpeed), originally uploaded by Airliners Gallery.
Air Lease Corporation (ALC) (Los Angeles) has entered into long term lease agreements with TRIP Linhas Aereas (Sao Paulo-Campinas) for six new ATR 72-600s and six new Embraer ERJ 190LRs, to be delivered between July 2011 and October 2012.
In other leasing news:
ALC is leasing four new Embraer ERJ 190s to Bulgaria Air. Deliveries are set for March, April, June, and November 2012.
ALC is leasing an additional new Airbus A330-300 to Asiana Airlines (Seoul), for delivery in September 2012.
ALC signed a 12 year lease agreement with Garuda Indonesia Airlines for a new Airbus A330-200.
ALC delivered a Boeing 737-800 (msn 32919) on a long term lease to Caribbean Airlines.
Previously unannounced from prior quarters, ALC acquired six additional Boeing 737-800s on lease to five operators, including two to Hainan (msns 35101 and 35077), and one each to Shanghai Airlines (msn 34254), Sun Express (msn 36529), Xiamen (msn 34253), and Sunwing Airlines (msn 30292).
Copyright Photo: AirSpeed. The newer ATR 72s will replace the older ATR 72s. Please click on the photo for additional information.
TRIP’s extensive route map in Brazil:
Southwest and AirTran to put more pressure on Frontier at Milwaukee
June 14, 2011
AirTran Airways Boeing 737-76N WL N176AT (msn 32654) BWI (Brian McDonough), originally uploaded by Airliners Gallery.
Southwest Airlines (Dallas) and AirTran Airways (Orlando) have announced additional service to Milwaukee. Beginning on September 6, 2011, AirTran will add two daily roundtrips between Milwaukee and Des Moines, IA, as well as two daily roundtrips between Milwaukee and Akron-Canton, OH. Also on September 6, 2011, Southwest Airlines will initiate two daily roundtrips between Milwaukee and St. Louis, MO, and a daily roundtrip to Denver, adding to the once daily trip AirTran already makes to the Mile-High city.
Consequently AirTran’s marketing partnership with SkyWest Airlines will end on September 6, 2011.
AirTran Airways is now a wholly owned subsidiary of Southwest Airlines Company.
AirTran Slide Show: CLICK HERE
Top Copyright Photo: Brian McDonough. Please click on the photo for the aircraft information.
Bottom Copyright Photo: Jay Selman. Please click on the photo for information on the SkyWest relationship with AirTran at Milwaukee.
Thai Airways International receives approval to acquire 37 aircraft
June 13, 2011
Thai Airways International Boeing 777-3D7 HS-TKF (msn 29214) HKT (Sam Chui), originally uploaded by Airliners Gallery.
Thai Airways International (Bangkok) board of directors on June 10 approved the acquisition for six additional Boeing 777-300 ERs for delivery in the 2014-2015 period. Thai also received permission to place orders for four Airbus A350-900s for delivery during the 2016-2017 period and five Airbus A320-200s for delivery in 2014-2015.
Thai will also lease eight Boeing 787-8 Dreamliners from International Lease Finance Corporation (ILFC) for 12 years for delivery in the 2014-2017 period. In addition, six Airbus A350-900s will be leased from Aviation Lease and ILFC, two Airbus A350-900s from CIT Aerospace International and six Airbus A320-200 from RBS Aerospace.
Thai Slide Show: CLICK HERE
Copyright Photo: Sam Chui. Please click on the photo for aircraft information.
Korean Air is looking at flying the Airbus A380 to Atlanta in 2012
June 13, 2011
Korean Air Airbus A380-861 F-WWAT (HL7611) (msn 035) XFW (Gerd Beilfuss) (1st A380), originally uploaded by Airliners Gallery.
Korean Air (Seoul-Incheon) has expressed interest to airport officials about assigning its new Airbus A380 to the Incheon-Atlanta route starting next year.
Read the full report from the AJC: CLICK HERE
Copyright Photo: Gerd Beilfuss. Please click on the photo for background information.
Xiamen Airlines to launch the Xiamen-Chongqing-Lijiang route on July 1
June 13, 2011
Xiamen Airlines Boeing 737-85C WL B-5459 (msn 35057) BFI (Joe G. Walker), originally uploaded by Airliners Gallery.
Xiamen Airlines (Xiamen) will launch the seasonal Xiamen-Chongqing-Lijiang route on July 1.
Read the full story: CLICK HERE
Copyright Photo: Joe G. Walker. PLease click on the photo for additional information.
TAAG Angola to start Luanda-Porto twice-weekly service
June 13, 2011
TAAG-Linhas Aereas de Angola (TAAG Angola Airlines) Boeing 777-2M2 ER D2-TEF (msn 34567) GRU (Marcelo F. De Biasi), originally uploaded by Airliners Gallery.
TAAG Angola Airlines (Linhas Aéreas de Angola) (Luanda) is planning to launch a new twice-weekly route from Luanda to Porto in July according to a report by Expansao.
The flag carrier is also getting ready to take delivery of its first (of two) Boeing 777-300 ER.
Copyright Photo: Marcelo F. De Biasi. Please click on the photo for additional information.
Air France is urged to buy “European”
June 13, 2011
Air France Boeing 777-328 ER F-GSQD (msn 32726) SIN (Michael B. Ing), originally uploaded by Airliners Gallery.
Air France (Paris) is coming under domestic political pressure to support Airbus in their aircraft orders. The airline has stated it intends to split its orders.
Read the full story from Reuters: CLICK HERE
Copyright Photo: Michael B. Ing.
Buffalo Airways’ “Ice Pilots” finally makes it to U.S. TV
June 13, 2011 — 1 Comment
pl15juin09bufdc34, originally uploaded by lanpie012000.
Buffalo Airways’ (Yellowknife) “Ice Pilots” TV show that has been appearing on Canadian TV for years is finally appearing on the National Geographic channel in the U.S.
For more information: CLICK HERE
Copyright Photo: Pierre Langlois.
Iberworld Airlines becomes Orbest Orizonia Airlines, introduces this new livery
June 12, 2011
Orbest Orizonia Airlines (Spain) Airbus A320-214 EC-LLX (msn 4735) PMI (Javier Rodriguez) (formerly Iberworld, new livery), originally uploaded by Airliners Gallery.Iberworld Airlines (Palma de Mallorca) has changed its name to Orbest Orizonia Airlines to better reflect its ownership group. The airline has now introduced this new name with this new brand, painted on newly-acquired Airbus A320-214 EC-LLX.
Iberworld Airlines Slide Show: CLICK HERE
Hot New Photos Slide Show: CLICK HERE
Copyright Photo: Javier Rodriguez. Please click on the photo for the full story.
New Logo:
Insel Air International establishes Insel Air Aruba
June 11, 2011
Aruba (Insel Air Aruba) Fokker F.27 Mk. 050 (Fokker 50) PH-KVG (msn 20211) CUR (Roger Cannegieter) (new airline), originally uploaded by Airliners Gallery.
Insel Air International (Curacao) has established a new subsidiary airline named Insel Air Aruba to operate in neighboring Aruba.
Insel Air International announced a new agreement with the Aruban government and Aruban national carrier, Tiara Air.
The new agreement is valid for all routes that both airlines operate to and from Aruba. The Aruban government also stated that it was committed to awarding a new AOC (Air Operating Certificate) to Insel Air Aruba within three months. Insel Air Aruba hopes to launch operations in August.
Insel Air Aruba will be able to operate additional flights to Aruba, therefore creating more inbound flights for the island.
Insel Air Aruba will operate three Fokker 50s and one DC-9-80 (MD-80) increasing the total availability of seats to 50,000 a month.
Insel Air Aruba’s first Fokker, the pictured former KLM CityHopper F.27 Mk. 050 PH-KVG (msn 20211) arrived at Curacao on June 5, 2011 where it is pictured. PH-KVG carries a partial color scheme with a new logo expected to be added on the tail.
Tiara Air is also adopting the same basic new livery.
Copyright Photos: Roger Cannegieter.
Virgin America reports a first quarter operating loss of $29.5 million
June 11, 2011
Virgin America Airbus A319-112 N526VA (msn 3347) FLL (Bruce Drum), originally uploaded by Airliners Gallery.Virgin America (San Francisco) yesterday reports its financial results for the first quarter of 2011 (ending on March 31). Virgin America reported a $29.5 million operating loss with its operating margin remaining steady at (14.7) percent. The airline reported strong revenue performance with $201 million in revenues for the first quarter – a 37 percent jump in revenue versus the first quarter of 2010. Virgin America continued to deliver significant unit revenue performance even as it ramped up in new markets, with a 12 percent improvement in revenue per available seat mile (RASM) year-over-year – a period in which the domestic industry’s RASM increased by 10 percent. The airline’s mature capacity RASM growth exceeded this, with performance in the carrier’s established markets improving by 20 percent year-over-year. During the quarter, the carrier’s scheduled capacity increased by 23 percent, compared to the domestic industry’s average capacity increase of one percent for the same period.
The company blamed the loss on the rising cost of fuel:
“Investment in growth and increased fuel prices accounted for the cost increases for the carrier year-over-year. The financial pressures of growth reduced first quarter operating results by $13 million, when accounting for the additional investment in capacity and the revenue ramp up associated with new routes. Operating expense per available seat mile excluding fuel (ex-fuel CASM) increased by 5 percent over the year earlier quarter, as a result of cost of idle capacity, primarily new teammates in training and new aircraft being modified to Virgin America standards. Although the airline’s new Airbus A320 Family fleet is up to 25 percent more fuel efficient than other domestic fleets, sharply rising fuel prices remained a challenge during the quarter. The skyrocketing cost of fuel accounted for 30 percent of the airline’s fuel cost increases year-over-year. The cost per gallon impact of fuel increased operating expense by $17 million over the increase attributed to the airline’s growth. Crude oil hedges offset $4 million of the airline’s overall fuel cost increase. A significant portion of the rise in jet fuel costs is due to the record high crack spreads experienced in February and March.”
Despite the operating loss, Virgin America is growing its fleet from 28 aircraft in service in the first quarter of 2010 to a projected 52 aircraft by the second quarter of 2012.
Virgin America Slide Show: CLICK HERE
Copyright Photo: Bruce Drum.
US Airways experiences a computer outage
June 11, 2011
US Airways Tails at the Charlotte hub (David Neal), originally uploaded by Airliners Gallery.
US Airways (Phoenix) late last night experienced a computer outage that mainly affected its website but also some airport operations.
The airline issued the following statement:
“US Airways is experiencing a computer systems outage that has impacted usairways.com and the airline’s airport computer systems.
Early reports indicate that the systems outage is the result of a power outage near one of the airline’s data centers in Phoenix.
Some airport computer systems are coming back online now and we are working to restore operational order.
We strongly encourage our customers to check their flight status before arriving at the airport by calling US Airways Reservations at 1-800-428-4322.”
US Airways Slide Show: CLICK HERE
Copyright Photo: David Neal.
Delta and Virgin Australia Airlines received DOT approval for their trans-Pacific joint venture
June 11, 2011
Virgin Australia Airlines Boeing 737-8FE WL VH-YFF (msn 40994) PAE (Nick Dean), originally uploaded by Airliners Gallery.
Delta Air Lines (Atlanta) and Virgin Australia Airlines (formerly Virgin Blue Airlines) (Brisbane) have received DOT approval to begin their trans-Pacific joint venture.
Copyright Photo: Nick Dean. Please click on the photo for the full details.
Capt. Sully’s Airbus A320 N106US finally arrives at Charlotte
June 10, 2011 — 1 Comment
The Airbus A320-214 registered N106US (msn 1044) operated as US Airways flight US 1549 and captained by Captain Chesley “Sully” Sullenberger has finally made it to Charlotte. The “Miracle of the Hudson” airframe arrived at the Carolinas Aviation Museum at 12:38 p.m. today.
Top Copyright Photo: David Neal. N106US now rests safely in the hangar of the Carolinas Aviation Museum at CLT. The airplane will be dedicated tomorrow and become a permanent display. The Carolinas Aviation Museum is 501 (c) 3 nonprofit, charitable organization, relying on the generosity of corporate donors and for more information on the Carolinas Aviation Museum, please visit their website at www.carolinasaviation.org.
Middle Copyright Photo: David Neal: N106US arrives on the airfield at CLT. The logos of the sponsors to bring the airliner back to Charlotte are displayed on the fuselage.
Bottom Copyright Photo: Gary Swanson. The trip down from the New York area created a lot of surprised onlookers and often brought traffic to a complete stop. N106US passes by Lake Norman in North Carolina on Interstate Highway I-77.
Miami welcomes the Lufthansa Airbus A380 with a touch of the past
June 10, 2011
Miami International Airport (MIA) today welcomed the first Airbus A380 scheduled flight to the airport. Lufthansa, as planned, launched the A380 service on the Frankfurt-Miami route. MIA welcome the new airplane with a touch of the past – a Douglas DC-3 painted in American Airlines colors and a Douglas DC-7B painted in Eastern Air Lines.
Video on the oldest flying Douglas DC-3 “Flagship Detroit”:
Copyright Photos: L. Apso. Probably never to be seen again, the DC-3 and the DC-7B were parked next to the A380 on the modern Concourse J ramp in the South Terminal.
Centurion Cargo adds the Miami-Amsterdam route
June 10, 2011
Centurion Cargo McDonnell Douglas MD-11 (F) N986AR (msn 48426) AMS (Ton Jochems), originally uploaded by Airliners Gallery.
Centurion Cargo (Miami) added the Miami-Amsterdam cargo route (twice a week) on June 6.
Copyright Photo: Ton Jochems. Please click on the photo for additional information.
Boeing opens new South Carolina 787 Final Assembly Building
June 10, 2011
Boeing 787-8 N787FT (msn 40694) BFI (Nick Dean) (test aircraft – ZA005), originally uploaded by Airliners Gallery.
Boeing (Chicago) officials along with elected officials and representatives from numerous community and business groups, suppliers and subcontractors joined more than 1,000 Boeing employees at its North Charleston, SC, facility today (June 10) for a ribbon-cutting ceremony to mark the opening of the new 787 Dreamliner Final Assembly building.
Boeing’s Site Services Group and BE&K/Turner, the design-build team, were recognized at the ceremony for their work in bringing construction of the building to completion six months ahead of schedule. In addition the BE&K/Turner team has worked 3.7 million labor-hours without a lost time incident. Employees began moving into the new building in May, and final assembly of the first South Carolina-built 787 Dreamliner will begin later this summer.
In April, Boeing announced that thin-film solar laminate panels would be installed on the roof of the Final Assembly building. This solar installation will provide up to 2.6 megawatts of electrical power for the site and is the largest in the Southeast by production capacity.
The new Final Assembly building features 642,720 square feet (59,711 m2) of covered space, roughly the equivalent of 10.5 football fields. More than 18,000 tons (16,329 mt) of steel and one million cubic feet (28,316.8 m3) of concrete were used in its construction. At full production rate, the South Carolina Final Assembly facility will produce three 787 Dreamliners per month.
The new facility is located at Charleston International Airport (CHS/KCHS). The airport has two runways and is operated under a joint-use agreement with the Charleston Air Force Base.
Boeing workers will have a 1,200,000 square foot building to use for the aircraft assembly. A separate 11,550-square-foot facility is being built where workers will spray airplane logos onto the aircraft tail-fins. A 36,894 square foot security checkpoint and welcome center will be built at the intersection of International Boulevard and Michaux Parkway, Boeing’s main entrance to the site.
The existing building, “The Hub”, will be remodeled, doubling its size to about 30,000 square foot. When finished it will include a large commercial kitchen, of approximately 5,000-square-foot, for employees use. It will also contain a separate section for catering. In addition to the food services, the remodeled “Hub” will feature a medical clinic, human resources office and a retail shop.
Boeing also is in the process of building a separate plant for the construction of 787 aircraft parts to include overhead bins and cabin partitions. The factory will be located off of North Charleston’s Palmetto Commerce Parkway.
Copyright Photo: Nick Dean. Please click on the photo for additional information.
Happy 75th Anniversary Aer Lingus
June 10, 2011
Aer Lingus-Irish International Airbus A320-214 EI-DVM (msn 4634) DUB (Paul Doyle), originally uploaded by Airliners Gallery.Aer Lingus (Dublin) formally unveiled its Airbus A320 1963 retrojet yesterday (June 9).
The pictured A320-214 EI-DVM (msn 4634), named “St Coleman”, was painted especially for the anniversary celebrations and was officially unveiled yesterday at a ceremony at the iconic, Old Central Terminal Building Dublin Airport – designed by the late Desmond FitzGerald.
Cabin crew modelled vintage uniforms, from each decade beginning 1945 through to the current Aer Lingus uniform by acclaimed designer, Louise Kennedy.
Speaking at the event, Aer Lingus CEO Christoph Mueller said: “2011 is a very special year for Aer Lingus as it marks the airline’s 75th anniversary. Since the early days of 1936, Aer Lingus has grown to become a flag carrier with a worldwide reputation for our friendly staff, our high quality of service, value for money and innovation. Throughout the 75 years we have carried out our mission of connecting Ireland with the world, transporting millions of customers annually. We look forward to continuing to fly the shamrock for the next 75 years.”
On May 27th 1936 Aer Lingus launched its first ever flight between Baldonnel and Bristol, with five passengers, on a six-seater De Havilland 84 Dragon named Iolar, – meaning ‘eagle’ in Irish. As part of the anniversary celebrations, the sister aircraft of the Iolar has undergone a restoration project, meaning it is once again airworthy and will partake at celebratory events throughout the year.
Copyright Photo Below: Aer Lingus:
In its inaugural year Aer Lingus operated three routes, carrying 892 passengers and employed a total of 12 staff. In 2010, its 75th year of service, the airline carried 9.4 million passengers, flying to over 100 routes – to 75 destinations in 22 countries and providing employment to almost 4,000 staff.
Aer Lingus was founded by the Irish Government in April 1936 to provide air services to/from Ireland. The first flight, from Dublin to Bristol, took place on May 27th 1936. On October 2nd 2006, Aer Lingus entered a new phase in its history with the airline’s floatation on the Irish and London Stock Exchanges, becoming a publicly quoted company and realising euro 400 million in equity for the airline’s future growth.
Aer Lingus Slide Show: CLICK HERE
Top Copyright Photo: Paul Doyle. Please click on the photo for additional information.
Logo:
American Eagle launches jet services from DFW to six cities
June 9, 2011
American Eagle Airlines Embraer ERJ 140LR (EMB-135KL) N853AE (msn 145742) MIA (Bruce Drum), originally uploaded by Airliners Gallery.
American Eagle Airlines (Dallas/Fort Worth) today (June 9) launched daily nonstop service from Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport to six new destinations – including two new cities in Mexico.
American Eagle celebrated new nonstop service to Mazatlan International Airport in Mazatlan, Sinaloa, Mexico, flying the route with 50-seat Embraer ERJ 145 jet aircraft. Eagle also begins daily nonstop service to Morelia International Airport in Morelia, Michoacan, Mexico, using 44-seat Embraer ERJ 140 jet aircraft.
Also starting today, American Eagle introduces new daily nonstop service to Durango, CO, and Grand Island, NE, operating both routes with 50-seat Embraer jets.
Daily flights to Durango will provide visitors from around the world with greater access to Southwest Colorado, for world-class skiing in the winter or exploring the magnificent San Juan Mountains in the summer.
Two daily nonstop flights to Grand Island’s Central Nebraska Regional Airport will offer customers in Hall County and the surrounding communities convenient connections in Dallas/Fort Worth to destinations throughout the American and oneworld global network.
Seasonal service also resumes from Dallas/Fort Worth to Asheville, NC, with one nonstop per day and from DFW to Montrose, CO, with two daily nonstops.
Copyright Photo: Bruce Drum. Please click on the photo for additional information.
American Eagle Slide Show: CLICK HERE
Continental starts Los Angeles-Hilo service
June 9, 2011
United Airlines Boeing 737-824 WL N76516 (msn 37096) LAX (Brandon Farris) “Eco-Skies”, originally uploaded by Airliners Gallery.
Continental Airlines (United Airlines) (Houston) today (June 9) launches new daily nonstop service between Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) and Hilo, Hawai’i (ITO). In addition, Continental will begin once-weekly nonstop service to Hilo from its San Francisco hub beginning June 11. The flights, operated by Continental Airlines, are the only nonstop service to Hilo from the U.S. mainland and complement Continental/United’s existing service to four other cities in Hawai’i: Honolulu, Kahului, Kona and Lihue.
Continental pilot and Boeing 737 flight instructor Lance Lau, a native of Hilo, will serve as captain on today’s flight, which departs Los Angeles at 5 p.m. (1700) and arrives in Hilo at 7:40 p.m. (1940). The return flight departs Hilo at 8:55 p.m. (2055) and arrives in Los Angeles at 5:15 a.m. (0515) the following day. At a gate event in Los Angeles, Hilo radio personality and well-known community figure DJ Gumby will broadcast live from the airport and hold a trivia contest with customers. Award-winning singer and songwriter Robert Cazimero – who has led a resurgence of Hawai’ian music, language, dance and culture since the 1970s – will perform a traditional Hawai’ian blessing known as a “pule” at the event before joining Captain Lau, DJ Gumby and other customers on the inaugural flight.
Despite the merger under one holding company, Continental and United are still separate airlines, adopting the new (old) United brand for all services.
United Slide Show: CLICK HERE
Copyright Photo: Brandon Farris. Please click on the photo for information on this special color scheme.
Lufthansa to introduce the Airbus A380 to Miami International Airport
June 9, 2011
Lufthansa Airbus A380-841 D-AIMB (msn 041) FRA (Ton Jochems) (second A380), originally uploaded by Airliners Gallery.Lufthansa (Frankfurt) will have the honor of being the first airline to introduce the Airbus A380 to Miami International Airport. LH will introduce the A380 on the Frankfurt-Miami route on June 10.
To mark the milestone, MIA is honoring the past with the arrival of American Airlines-painted Douglas DC-3 and Eastern Air Lines-painted Douglas DC-7B with the arrival of the A380 at 1340 (1:40 PM) local time. The entire event will be webcast live by the airport.
Copyright Photo: Ton Jochems. Please click on photo for information on the LH A380.
GoAir is negotiating to finalize an order for 50 Airbus A320s
June 9, 2011
GoAir (GoAir.in) Airbus A320-214 F-WWBC (VT-WAM) (msn 4399) XFW (Gerd Beilfuss) (latest delivery), originally uploaded by Airliners Gallery.
GoAir (GoAir.in) (Mumbai) is in negotiations to finalize an order for 50 Airbus A320s according to this article by AFP.
In addition Jet Airways is planning to order 10 additional Airbus A330s. Both orders are likely to be announced at the Paris Air Show.
Read the full article: CLICK HERE
GoAir Slide Show: CLICK HERE
Copyright Photo: Gerd Beilfuss. Please click on the photo for background information.
Route Map (from Mumbai):
Qatar Airways buys a 35% interest in Cargolux
June 9, 2011
Cargolux International Airlines Boeing 747-8R7F N5573S (LX-VCC) (msn 35807) PAE (Nick Dean), originally uploaded by Airliners Gallery.
Cargolux Airlines International (Luxembourg) has a new strategic, equity-owning, financially-secure partner. Qatar Airways (Doha) has acquired a 35% interest in the cargo carrier, replacing the government of Luxembourg in its temporary shareholder role.
Cargolux Slide Show: CLICK HERE
Copyright Photo: Cargolux is also the launch customer of the new Boeing 747-800F freighter. Please click on the photo for the full details of the aircraft and the transaction.
Delta Air Lines changes its baggage policies for the military
June 9, 2011
Delta Air Lines Boeing 777-232 LR N701DN (msn 29740) (The Spirit of Delta) ATL (Norbert G. Raith), originally uploaded by Airliners Gallery.
Delta Air Lines (Atlanta) has changed its baggage policies after receiving social media criticism over an incident in which U.S. soldiers returning home from Afghanistan were charged $200 each for extra bags on a connecting flight to Atlanta. The extra bags were their unarmed weapons and equipment.
Read the full story from AJC: CLICK HERE
Delta issued the following statement:
Delta Air Lines has increased its free checked baggage allotment for U.S. Military traveling on orders in Economy Class to four checked bags.
Delta’s revised baggage policy also allows U.S. military personnel traveling on orders in First and Business Class to check up to five bags at no charge. This change also adds dependents traveling with active military on orders. Each bag may weigh up to 70 lbs. (32 kg) and measure up to 80 linear inches (203 cm), which offers added flexibility over the standard 50 lbs. and 62 linear inches (157 cm) allotment. Because of weight, balance and space constraints, Delta Connection carriers accept up to four bags at no charge.
For personal travel, active military presenting military identification may now check up to two bags weighing 50 pounds (23 kg) or less and measuring 62 inches (158 linear cm) or less in combined length, width and height without charge.
Previously, Delta’s policy allotted three free checked bags in Economy Class and four in First and Business Class for military members traveling on orders.
Extra fees are becoming a very hated feature for most passengers but for the airlines its is a revenue source they need to offset the high cost of fuel. Some airlines, like Southwest Airlines, tout the difference in the policies.
Copyright Photo: Norbert G. Raith. Please click on the photo for the aircraft information.
First ANA crews complete Boeing 787 pilot training
June 8, 2011
Boeing 787-881 N787BA (msn 40690) (ZA001) PAE (Brandon Farris), originally uploaded by Airliners Gallery.
Boeing (Chicago) and ANA (All Nippon Airways) (Tokyo) have completed pilot training in Seattle, WA, for the first airline crews who will fly the 787 Dreamliner.
Ten ANA pilots concluded their training after each pilot performed flights in the pictured ZA001 – the first 787 flight test airplane – over Washington state. These initial crews to go through training are ANA’s senior training pilots and check airmen and will conduct both simulator and airplane line training for ANA in Japan. They will be the first pilots on 787 commercial flights for ANA.
Copyright Photo: Brandon Farris. Please click on the photo for the full story.
World Airways to start flying for Finnair Cargo effective June 15
June 8, 2011
World Airways Cargo McDonnell Douglas MD-11F N279WA (msn 48756) JFK (Ken Petersen), originally uploaded by Airliners Gallery.
World Airways (Atlanta) will begin operating MD-11F all-cargo flights serving Helsinki, Shanghai and New York (JFK) beginning on June 15, 2011. The new service is to operate twice a week using World’s traffic rights.
World Slide Show: CLICK HERE
Copyright Photo: Ken Petersen. Please click on the photo for additional information.
United Airlines’ and Continental Airlines’ pilots challenge the statement the merger is on track
June 8, 2011
United Airlines Boeing 777-222 ER N219UA (msn 30551) LAX (Michael B. Ing), originally uploaded by Airliners Gallery.
United Airlines’ (Chicago) and Continental Airlines’ unionized pilots are challenging CEO Jeff Smisek’s assessment that integrating the two companies into a single Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Part 121 air operating certificate (AOC) is on track for the end of the year according to this report by Reuters.
Pilots from both airlines are picketing the annual shareholders meeting, saying that contract talks are not moving ahead.
Smisek said “any deal must be affordable and fair”.
The Air Line Pilots Association (ALPA) represents more than 12,000 pilots at the two airlines.
Read the full story: CLICK HERE
United Slide Show: CLICK HERE
Copyright Photo: Michael B. Ing. Please click on the photo for the aircraft details.
Atlas Air Worldwide Holdings to keep its headquarter in Purchase, NY
June 8, 2011
Atlas Air Boeing 747-2D7B (SF) N522MC (msn 21783) ANC (Michael B. Ing), originally uploaded by Airliners Gallery.
Atlas Air Worldwide Holdings, the parent of Atlas Air and majority shareholder of Polar Air, will keep its headquarters in Purchase, NY.
Atlas Air Slide Show: CLICK HERE
Copyright Photo: Michael B. Ing. Please click on the photo for additional information.
Omni Air International puts its first Boeing 777 into service
June 8, 2011
Omni 777-222/ER N918AX Atlanta, originally uploaded by Chris Goodwin.Omni Air International (Tulsa) announced on June 7 it had received U.S. Department of Defense (DOD) Commercial Airlift Review Board (CARB) approval to provide Boeing 777-200 ER passenger airlift services for the DOD. Omni is the first U.S. registered non-scheduled airline to operate the Boeing 777-200 ER aircraft in passenger service. A second aircraft will be added to the company’s certificate in mid July, 2011.
Omni first received CARB approval to transport passengers in February 1999, and has since moved over 5 million military troops in support of scheduled, contingency, exercise, and R and R mission requirements.
The DOD’s Commercial Airlift Division (CAD) is mandated by public law and DOD directive to continuously monitor and oversee commercial air carriers that perform this business for the DOD.
According to the airline, “Omni is in its 19th year as a successful non-scheduled airline with global operating experience. Omni has operated to more than 75 countries, with 60,000 flights totaling more than 300,000 flight hours with a fleet of Boeing 767-300, Boeing 757-200 and McDonnell Douglas DC-10-30 extended range aircraft.”
Omni Slide Show: CLICK HERE
Copyright Photo: Chris Goodwin. Formerly operated by United Airlines as N789UA, this 777-222 ER has become N918AX (msn 26935) and has also become the first Triple Seven on the Omni certificate.
National Airlines puts its first passenger Boeing 757 into revenue service
June 8, 2011
National Airlines (5th) Boeing 757-236 N169CA (msn 25592) SNN (Malcolm Nason) (1st 757), originally uploaded by Airliners Gallery.National Airlines (5th) has placed its first Boeing 757-200 passenger into charter service following FAA certification and DOT authority.
National Slide Show: CLICK HERE
Copyright Photo: Malcolm Nason. Please click on the photo for the full story.
Alaska Airlines and JetBlue Airways are the winners in the annual North American J.D. Power and Associates customer satisfaction survey
June 8, 2011
Alaska Airlines Boeing 737-790 WL N644AS (msn 30795) (WiFi sticker) SFO (Mark Durbin), originally uploaded by Airliners Gallery.Alaska Airlines (Seattle/Tacoma) and JetBlue Airways (New York) came out as the top two winners in the annual J.D. Power and Associates customer satisfaction survey.
Alaska Airlines Slide Show: CLICK HERE
JetBlue Slide Show: CLICK HERE
Please click on the individual photos for the full information.
Top Copyright Photo: Mark Durbin.
Bottom Copyright Photo: Stephen Tornblom.
AMR moves one step closer to spinning off American Eagle
June 8, 2011
American Eagle Airlines (2nd) Embraer ERJ Tails MIA (Bruce Drum), originally uploaded by Airliners Gallery.
AMR Corporation (Dallas/Fort Worth) is moving closer to selling off its American Eagle Airlines (Dallas/Fort Worth) subsidiary according to this article by Bloomberg.
According to the report, negotiations continue over a potential air-services agreement between American Eagle and AMR. However ALP has expressed concerns that a new business plan may not be able to employ all of the current pilots.
Read the story: CLICK HERE
Copyright Photo: Bruce Drum. Please click on the photo for background information on American Eagle.
Aloha Air Cargo adds its first SAAB 340A freighter
June 8, 2011
Aloha Air Cargo SAAB 340A (F) N843KH (msn 046) HNL (Ivan K. Nishimura/Blue Wave Group) (1st SAAB 340A), originally uploaded by Airliners Gallery.Aloha Air Cargo (Honolulu) has added its first (of two) SAAB 340A freighter to supplement its three Boeing 737-200 freighters. The pictured SAAB 340A N843KH (msn 046) (in a blue version of the 2008 livery) arrived at Honolulu on June 5.
For more information, please read the HNL RareBirds blog: CLICK HERE
Compare with the green version for the Boeing 737-200s: CLICK HERE
Top Copyright Photo: Ivan K. Nishimura/Blue Wave Group. Please click on the photo for background information on this airline.
Bottom Copyright Photo: Aloha Air Cargo. On May 28, 2009 Aloha Air Cargo introduced this red and white gingham promotional “Love Jet” color scheme of Love’s Bakery on the right side of its Boeing 737-210C N834AL (msn 20917). Hawaii’s largest wholesale baker of freshly baked bread partnered with Aloha Air Cargo to launch “Hawaii’s Fresh Express.” N834AL was operated daily from Honolulu to Kauai, Maui and the Big Island to ensure regular delivery of freshly baked Love’s Bakery products. However N834AL has recently gone into storage.
Air France inaugurates daily A380 service on the Washington-Paris route
June 7, 2011
Air France Airbus A380-861 F-HPJE (msn 052) IAD (Brian McDonough) (new delivery, Dulles inaugural), originally uploaded by Airliners Gallery.
Air France (Paris) inaugurated daily Airbus A380 service on the Paris (CDG)-Washington (Dulles) route yesterday (June 6).
Copyright Photo: Brian McDonough. Please click on the photo for the full details.
The “Miracle on the Hudson” Airbus A320 N106US is making its final return to Charlotte
June 7, 2011
US Airways Airbus A320-214 N106US (msn 1044) CLT (Jay Selman) (arriving again at CLT), originally uploaded by Airliners Gallery.
The former US Airways “Miracle on the Hudson” Airbus A320-214 registered N106US (msn 1044) is en route via truck to the Carolinas Aviation Museum at Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT). N106US will become a display at the museum.
Top Copyright Photo: Jay Selman. Please click on the photo for the full story.
Bottom Copyright Photo: Gary Swanson. Traffic stops and everybody watches as N106US is trucked down the middle of Interstate Highway I-77 at Lake Norman in Davidson, NC, which is about 30 miles north of CLT.
Jazeera Airways joins IATA as the 238th member
June 7, 2011
Jazeera Airways Airbus A320-214 9K-CAI (msn 3919) DXB (Paul Denton), originally uploaded by Airliners Gallery.
Jazeera Airways (Kuwait City) has joined the International Airline Transport Association (IATA) as the 238th member.
Copyright Photo: Paul Denton. Please click on the photo for the aircraft information.
Route Map:
Emirates adds a special FCO sticker to its Airbus A380 A6-EDJ
June 7, 2011
Emirates Airline (Dubai) has added a special sticker to this Airbus A380 help celebrate the 50th Anniversary of Rome’s FCO airport.
Leonardo da Vinci-Fiumicino Airport (Italian: Aeroporto Leonardo da Vinci di Fiumicino) (IATA: FCO, ICAO: LIRF), also known as Fiumicino Airport, is Italy’s largest airport with 36.3 million passengers served in 2010.
The airport was officially opened on January 15, 1961, with two runways, replacing the smaller Rome Ciampino Airport which remains in service for domestic and charter operations.
In other news, Emirates will launch daily flights to St Petersburg, Russia on November 1, which will become the most northerly point on the airline’s network.
Copyright Photo: Marco Finelli. Airbus A380-861 A6-EDJ (msn 009) arrived on June 6 in Rome to join celebrations for the 50th anniversary of Rome’s Leonardo da Vinci Airport, while also marking 150 years of Italian unification.
It is the first time an A380 has landed in Rome. The one-off flight replaced the normal flights EK 97 and EK 98 – one of two daily services between Dubai and the Italian capital. The aircraft switch enabled passengers to book on the A380 all the way from Auckland to Rome, via the airline’s hub in Dubai.
Aer Lingus’ pilots call off their strike, the airline is running a full schedule
June 7, 2011
Aer Lingus Airbus A330-302 EI-EDY (msn 1025) JFK (Brian McDonough), originally uploaded by Airliners Gallery.
Aer Lingus (Dublin) today is running a full schedule.
The airline announced after an “extensive engagement” between the airline, the Irish Airline Pilots’ Association and Impact unions over the weekend, the immediate threat of industrial action has been removed according to this report by the Irish Times.
Read the full story: CLICK HERE
Aer Lingus Slide Show: CLICK HERE
Copyright Photo: Brian McDonough. Please click on the photo for additional aircraft information.
PAWA Dominicana introduces a new color scheme on its first DC-9-82
June 7, 2011
PAWA Dominicana (Pan Am World Airways Dominicana) (Santo Domingo) is getting ready to introduced a new fleet of McDonnell Douglas DC-9-82s (MD-82s). The first, this former American Airlines DC-9-82 N450AA (msn 49476), has been painted at Opa-locka (near Miami) in this new color scheme for the island carrier.
The airline was created as a subsidiary airline of the owners of the last Pan Am (4th).
Copyright Photo: Robert Collazo.
Delta starts daily nonstop flights between Austin and Kansas City
June 7, 2011
Delta Air Lines (Atlanta) yesterday (June 6) started daily nonstop Delta Connection service between Austin and Kansas City. The new service is currently operated by 50-seat Chautauqua Airlines Embraer ERJ 145 regional jets.
Copyright Photo: Joe Fernandez/Air 72. The first flight received the traditional water salute at Austin.
AeroMexico Connect to fly from Chicago O’Hare to Monterrey and Leon/Guanajuato
June 6, 2011
AeroMexico Connect Embraer ERJ 190-100LR XA-JAC (msn 19000248) MIA (Brian McDonough), originally uploaded by Airliners Gallery.AeroMexico (Connect) (Monterrey) will begin daily flight between Chicago’s O’Hare International Airport and Leon/ Guanajuato via Monterrey.
The new route will operates with Embraer ERJ 190 equipment launching on July 4, 2011 flying northbound. The southbound portion will start the following day.
Copyright Photo: Brian McDonough. Please click on the photo for background information.
AeroMexico Connect Slide Show: CLICK HERE
UPS builds up the Miami cargo hub with additional Boeing 767-300 freighters
June 6, 2011
UPS-United Parcel Service (UPS Airlines) Boeing 767-34AF N317UP (msn 27745) LGB (Michael B. Ing), originally uploaded by Airliners Gallery.
UPS-United Parcel Service (UPS Airlines) increased its cargo capacity by more than 50 percent on19 weekly flights from the Miami cargo hub to Latin American destinations. The increase was accomplished with additional Boeing 767-300 freighters replacing smaller 757-200 freighters.
Copyright Photo: Michael B. Ing. Please click on the photo for additional information.
Boeing to have two 747-800s, one 787 and one 737-700 with the Sky Interior on display at the Paris Air Show
June 6, 2011
Boeing 747-8R7F N747EX (msn 35808) SBD (Michael B. Ing), originally uploaded by Airliners Gallery.
Boeing (Chicago) is planning to have two 747-800s, one 787 Dreamliner, one 737-700 with the Sky Interior and various military aircraft on display at the Paris Air Show later this month.
Copyright Photo: Michael B. Ing. Please click on the photo for the full details.
Malaysia Airlines to join the Oneworld Alliance in late 2012
June 6, 2011
Malaysia Airlines Boeing 747-4H6 9M-MPB (msn 25699) (red hibiscus) LHR (Antony J. Best), originally uploaded by Airliners Gallery.
Malaysia Airlines (Kuala Lumpur) has been invited and will join the Oneworld Alliance in late 2012.
The airline issued today the following statement:
“Malaysia Airlines is to join oneworld, adding one of aviation’s most frequent award winners to the world’s leading quality airline alliance.
Malaysia Airlines was unanimously elected a oneworld member designate by the Chief Executives of the alliance’s member airlines, at a meeting on the sidelines of IATA’s 2011 World Air Transport Summit, which opens in Singapore today.
A formal alliance membership agreement will be completed soon.
Malaysia Airlines is expected to start flying as part of oneworld late next year.
As it prepares for its alliance membership, Malaysia Airlines intends to develop bilateral links with a number of oneworld’s established partners, who include some of the biggest and best names in the airline industry. It already code-shares with oneworld partners Cathay Pacific and Royal Jordanian.
When it becomes part of oneworld, its customers will gain access to the alliance’s truly global network. It will expand oneworld’s global coverage to almost 950 destinations in 150 countries, served by a combined fleet of more than 2,600 aircraft operating some 10,000 flights a day and carrying 358 million passengers a year.
Three established oneworld member airlines currently serve Malaysia, with Cathay Pacific, Japan Airlines and Royal Jordanian flying to Kuala Lumpur, and Cathay Pacific also to Penang and, through its Dragonair affiliate, Kota Kinabalu. Opportunities for expanding the alliance’s coverage of the country will be explored as Malaysia Airlines prepares to join.”
Copyright Photo: Antony J. Best. Please click on the photo for additional information about this special logojet.
Thai Airways International to order 26 long-haul and 11 narrow-body aircraft
June 6, 2011
Thai International Boeing 747-4D7 HS-TGP (msn 26610) CDG (Christian Volpati) (1960 retrojet) (Christian Volpati), originally uploaded by Airliners Gallery.
Thai Airways International (Bangkok) is on the verge of ordering 26 long-haul and 11 narrow-body aircraft according to this report by Market Watch.
This is in addition to the 12 Airbus A330s and six A380s on order.
Read the full article: CLICK HERE
Copyright Photo: Christian Volpati. Please click on the photo for information on this retrojet.
IATA to fight the EU’s proposed tax on carbon emissions
June 6, 2011
The International Air Transport Association (IATA) (Montreal) is fighting the European Union’s (EU) plan to require all airlines flying to Europe to be included in an Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS) from January 1, 2012.
Emissions trading is a market-based approach used to control pollution by providing economic incentives for achieving reductions in the emissions of pollutants. It is a form of carbon pricing.
According to the theory, a central authority (usually a governmental body) sets a limit or cap on the amount of a pollutant that can be emitted. The limit or cap is allocated or sold to firms in the form of emissions permits which represent the right to emit or discharge a specific volume of the specified pollutant. Firms are required to hold a number of permits (or carbon credits) equivalent to their emissions. The total number of permits cannot exceed the cap, limiting total emissions to that level. Firms that need to increase their emission permits must buy permits from those who require fewer permits. The transfer of permits is referred to as a trade. In effect, the buyer is paying a charge for polluting, while the seller is being rewarded for having reduced emissions. Thus, in theory, those who can reduce emissions most cheaply will do so, achieving the pollution reduction at the lowest cost to society.
IATA is complaining that this proposed additional cost, coupled with high fuel costs and political unrest in the Arab world is all coming together at a time when some airlines will not be able to survive in 2012.
The International Air Transport Association (IATA) is an international industry trade group of airlines headquartered in Montreal, Canada, where the International Civil Aviation Organization is also headquartered. The executive offices are at the Geneva Airport in Switzerland
IATA’s mission is to represent, lead, and serve the airline industry. IATA represents some 230 airlines comprising 93% of scheduled international air traffic. The Director General and Chief Executive Officer is Giovanni Bisignani. Currently, IATA is present in over 150 countries covered through 101 offices around the globe.
U.S. airlines are challenging the move in EU courts.
Read the full story from Reuters: CLICK HERE
Japan Airlines says it will take “very long” to recover from the events of March 11
June 5, 2011
JAL-Japan Airlines Boeing 777-246 JA772J (msn 27657) HND (Akira Uekawa) (new livery), originally uploaded by Airliners Gallery.
Japan Airlines-JAL (Tokyo) has stated sales in Europe and the U.S. are lagging behind forecasts and would take a “very long” time to recover from the March 11 earthquake and tsunami.
Read the full story from Bloomberg: CLICK HERE
Copyright Photo: Akira Uekawa. Please click on the photo for additional details.
Air Hong Kong places its first Boeing 747-400 into revenue service in the DHL colors
June 5, 2011
Air Hongkong-DHL (Air Hong Kong) Boeing 747-444 BCF B-HUS (msn 25152) (DHL colors) SIN (K. C. Sim), originally uploaded by Airliners Gallery.
Air Hong Kong (Hong Kong) has placed this Boeing 747-400 Boeing Converted Freighter (BCF) into revenue service on the Hong Kong-Singapore route painted in DHL colors.
Copyright Photo: K. C. Sim. Please click on the photo for additional information.
