World Airline News
Fresh Daily Airline News
You can scroll the shelf using ← and → keys
JetBlue has another “meltdown in a snowstorm” in Hartford
October 31, 2011
JetBlue Airways Airbus A320-232 N531JL (msn 1650) (Barcode) FLL (Bruce Drum), originally uploaded by Airliners Gallery.JetBlue Airways (New York) did not have a good public relations day on Saturday (as many other airlines also struggled against the weather) as a freak late October snowstorm hit the Northeast, especially around the northern New Jersey and central Connecticut area. A Fort Lauderdale/Hollywood-Newark Airbus A320 flight 504, after holding to land at EWR, diverted to Bradford International Airport (BDL) near Hartford, CT (why Hartford?), which was dealing with upwards of a foot of snow at the time.
When the diverted flight landed, the cockpit crew was unable to secure a gate to disembark the passengers or get help from its own company and pleaded for help from airport and the ATC tower. The passengers ending up being stuck in the plane (without workable toilets, water or food) for a reported eight hours. It is now a PR nightmare for JetBlue which has not yet issued a statement.
JetBlue had previously dealt with its famous (or infamous) JFK snowstorm and vowed to never have this winter snowstorm problem again.
Worse yet, there is now a federal mandate that prohibits just this type of problem.
Read the full story from gothamist: CLICK HERE
Aerolineas Argentinas prepares to add two former Airberlin Boeing 737-800s
October 31, 2011
Aerolineas Argentinas Boeing 737-86J WL D-ABBA (msn 30570) SNN (Malcolm Nason) (new type), originally uploaded by Airliners Gallery.
Aerolineas Argentinas (Buenos Aires) is adding a new type to the fleet. The company is adding two former Airberlin Boeing 737-800s.
Copyright Photo: Malcolm Nason. Please click on the photo for the full story.
Aerolineas Argentinas Slide Show: CLICK HERE
Asiana Airlines Cargo’s two missing crew members bodies located
October 31, 2011
Asiana Airlines Cargo Boeing 747-48EF HL7604 (msn 29907) BRU (Karl Cornil) (crashed July 28, 2011), originally uploaded by Airliners Gallery.
Asiana Airlines’ (Seoul) two missing crew members from the crashed cargo flight of July 28, 2011 have been located. The bodies have been located near Jeju Island. The crash is still under investigation according to The Korean Times.
Read the full article: CLICK HERE
Asiana Slide Show: CLICK HERE
Copyright Photo: Karl Cornil.
Qatar Airways to fly for an Iranian airline in Iran
October 31, 2011
Qatar Amiri Flight (Qatar Airways) Airbus A320-232 (ACJ) A7-MBK (msn 4170) TLS, originally uploaded by Airliners Gallery.
Qatar Airways (Doha) is planning to operate its aircraft for an unnamed Iranian carrier on internal domestic flights in Iran according to a report by ISNA and The Peninsula. This is the first time a foreign carrier has been permitted to fly on domestic routes in Iran. There is a current aircraft and parts shortage in Iran due to the embargo.
Read the full report by The Peninsula: CLICK HERE
Qatar Airways Slide Show: CLICK HERE
Air Tanzania set to resume operations tomorrow
October 31, 2011
Air Tanzania (2nd) (Dar es Salaam) is preparing to relaunch domestic operations tomorrow (November 1) to Kigoma and Tabora with a single Bombardier DHC-8-300 according to this report by eTN. Previously the flag carrier suspended operations on December 8, 2008 due to financial problems.
Read the full report: CLICK HERE
Air France expects to cancel around 15% of its flights today due a cabin staff strike
October 31, 2011
Air France Airbus A320-214 F-GKXU (msn 4063) CDG (Christian Volpati), originally uploaded by Airliners Gallery.
Air France (Paris) expects to cancel around 15 percent of its flights due to a strike by its cabin staff (flight attendants).
Read the full report from Reuters: CLICK HERE
Air France Slide Show: CLICK HERE
Copyright Photo: Christian Volpati.
US Airways posts a third quarter net profit of $95 million
October 31, 2011
US Airways Boeing 767-2B7 N256AY (msn 26847) CLT (Bruce Drum), originally uploaded by Airliners Gallery.
US Airways (Phoenix) reported its third quarter 2011 financial results. The Company reported a net profit excluding special items for the third quarter 2011 of $95 million, or $0.51 per diluted share. This compares with the third quarter 2010 net profit excluding special items of $243 million, or $1.23 per diluted share. On a GAAP basis, the Company reported a net profit for the third quarter 2011 of $76 million, or $0.41 per diluted share. This compares with the third quarter 2010 net profit of $240 million, or $1.22 per diluted share.
The company took delivery of three of its 12 A321 aircraft deliveries scheduled for 2011. The Company expects to take delivery of the remaining nine A321 aircraft in the fourth quarter 2011 and an additional 12 A320 family aircraft in 2012. These 24 aircraft will be used to replace legacy Boeing 737-300/400 aircraft.
US Airways Slide Show: CLICK HERE
Copyright Photo: Bruce Drum.
QANTAS Airways resumes operations after a court ruling
October 31, 2011
QANTAS Airways Boeing 747-438 VH-OJO (msn 25544) (Go Qantas Wallabies) SYD (John Adlard), originally uploaded by Airliners Gallery.
QANTAS Airways (Sydney) after grounding its entire mainline fleet this past weekend in a bold tactic to force the Australian government to intervene in the worst labor dispute in a decade according to this report by Reuters.
The flag carrier took the drastic step to ground all mainline flights on Saturday, stranding 70,000 passengers.
Australia’s labor tribunal ordered the airline to resume operations and banned trade unions from staging more strikes while negotiations continued.
Read the full report from Reuters: CLICK HERE
QANTAS issued the following statement:
“QANTAS can confirm that all domestic and international services have resumed from mid-afternoon on Monday October 31 (Sydney time). We are deeply sorry for the inconvenience and stress our customers have faced over the past days and months. Industrial action is now over, you can again book QANTAS flights with confidence.”
QANTAS Slide Show: CLICK HERE
Copyright Photo: John Adlard.
Air China completes its first biofuel demonstration flight
October 29, 2011
Air China (Beijing), in partnership with Boeing, Honeywell UOP, the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC), PetroChina and Pratt & Whitney, on October 28 completed a demonstration flight using a sustainable biofuel derived from biomass grown in China.
Air China’s Boeing 747-400 aircraft, powered by Pratt & Whitney PW4000 94-inch engines, completed approximately a one hour flight. No modifications to the aircraft or engine were required for the biofuel, which is a “drop-in” replacement for petroleum-based fuel.
The fuel source for this test flight is derived from the jatropha plant supplied by PetroChina. With the technology of UOP, the crude oil of jatropha could be transformed into aviation biofuel. In order to meet the standard of GB6537 and ASTM D7566-11 simultaneously, China Aviation Oil mixed aviation biofuel with traditional aviation kerosene by a proportion of 50:50.
According to the airline, “the quality of aviation biofuel may meet or even surpass the current aviation oil standard. Aviation biofuel can work properly after being directly mixed with traditional fossil-fuel, neither aircraft nor engine needs to be refit, and neither storage nor transportation facility needs to be built or rebuilt. At present, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) of the US has ratified the standard of ASTM D7566-11. Therefore, any mixed aviation biofuel according to this standard can be used on business flights immediately. With such advantage, aviation biofuel may replace traditional fossil-fuel. The great pressure brought by the oil shortage would be reduced if aviation biofuel was industrialized.”
Presently, the second-generation biofuels are mainly derived from jatropha, camelina, salt plant and microalgae. These non-food sources do not compete with food crops for land or water. Also, many aspects should be taken into account in the process of aviation biofuel development, such as biodiversity protection, regional economic development promotion and more employment opportunities. Therefore, many industries include carriers and energy suppliers, and aircraft and engine manufacturers are working together now to accelerate the development and industrialization of sustainable aviation biofuel.
Photo: Air China.
Air China Slide Show: CLICK HERE
Is BMI Regional the next new Scottish-theme airline?
October 29, 2011
BMI Regional Embraer ERJ 145EP G-RJXB (msn 145142) LHR (Keith Burton), originally uploaded by Airliners Gallery.
BMI Regional’s (Aberdeen) parent, Lufthansa AG, announced on October 28, 2011 that it was in advanced negotiations to sell the airline to a UK-based investor group by the end of 2011. The proposed sale includes all of the assets including the aircraft, route network and staff.
The new investor group plans to rebrand the airline with a Scottish name and marketing the rebranded airline as “Scotland’s national airline”.
BMI Regional currently operates Embraer regional jet aircraft from six British bases including Aberdeen, Edinburgh and Glasgow.
Read the full report from the BBC: CLICK HERE
BMI Regional Slide Show: CLICK HERE
Copyright Photo: Keith Burton. Please click on the photo for the full background on the airline.
QANTAS Airways is forced to shut down due to the on-going strike actions
October 29, 2011 — 2 Comments
QANTAS Airways (Sydney) as of 1700 (5 p.m.) Sydney time today (October 29) (0600 GMT) is shutting down. All QANTAS domestic and international flights will cease operations with all aircraft en route grounded indefinitely at the completion of their current sectors.
CEO Alan Joyce said the airline could not operate with the current union industrial action (from pilots, ground handling agents and engineers-mechanics) raging against the airline. All members of the unions will be locked out of the workplace from 2000 (8 p.m.) Sydney time on Monday (October 31).
Jetstar Airways, QANTAS Link, Australian Air Express, Atlas Air operated freighters and New Zealand flights operated by JetConnect are not affected by the shutdown.
The Australian government has stated it will not be drawn into the labor dispute. However this action will have tremendous unfortunate ramifications for Australia.
QANTAS has issued the following statement:
“QANTAS will stop all domestic and international flights from 5 p.m. (AEDT) on Saturday October 29 until further notice. This is in response to the damaging industrial action by three unions – the Australian Licenced Aircraft Engineers Association (ALAEA), the Australian International Pilots Association (AIPA) and the Transport Workers Union (TWU).
QANTAS Link, Jetstar Airways, JetConnect services, and our freight services (Express Freighters Australia and Atlas Air) will continue to operate as normal.
QANTAS is providing a full refund for any flights cancelled due to the industrial action. Customers can also rebook their flights for a later date.
Customers are advised not to travel to the airport unless they are travelling on a QANTAS Link , Jetstar Airways or JetConnect flight and are urged to reconsider any non-urgent travel and defer their travel plans wherever possible.
If your flight number falls within the range QF 1400 – 2699 you are travelling with QANTAS Link and your flight is not affected by the grounding so you should travel to the airport as normal.
QANTAS codeshares with a number of airlines, these carriers are continuing their operations as scheduled. These flights have both QANTAS and alternative carrier flight numbers eg. QF319 and BA16.
Please be patient while Flight Status is updated on qantas.com.
Due to the significant nature of this disruption and the uncertainty as to how long the grounding will last, we are only able to manage customer bookings on a day-by-day basis.”
Copyright Photo: John Adlard. All flights are pictured returning to the gates at SYD on October 29.
QANTAS Slide Show: CLICK HERE
TonleSap Airlines leases its first Boeing 737-700 from Astraeus
October 28, 2011
TonleSap Airlines (Phnom Penh) is a new Cambodian airline which launched scheduled passenger operations on January 21, 2011 with a single Boeing 737-300. The main routes currently connect Siem Reap with Taipei and Kaohsiung although it plans to add Hanoi and Seoul.
The name of the airline is derived from the Tonlé Sap which is a major lake and river system in Cambodia. It is the largest freshwater lake in South East Asia and is an ecological hot spot that was designated as a UNESCO biosphere in 1997.
Now the airline is planning to add its first Boeing 737-700, the pictured 737-7L9 G-STRN (msn 28007) from Astraeus Airlines. G-STRN is pictured departing from Manchester.
Copyright Photo: Ashley French.
Route Map:
Transaero Airlines to become an Airbus A380 operator
October 28, 2011
Transaero Airlines (Moscow) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Airbus for four A380 aircraft.
Transaero will become the launch customer for the A380 in Russia, the CIS and Eastern Europe. The Russian carrier plans to start operations with the A380 on its long-range network of high density routes from Moscow. The aircraft will feature a three class cabin layout, seating about 700 passengers. Transaero will announce an engine selection for the new aircraft in the near future.
Image: Airbus.
Transaero Slide Show: CLICK HERE
Air France to introduce the Airbus A380 on the Los Angeles route
October 28, 2011
Air France Airbus A380-861 F-HPJB (msn 040) CDG (Christian Volpati), originally uploaded by Airliners Gallery.
Air France (Paris) will introduce the Airbus A380 on the Paris (CDG)-Los Angeles route on May 28, 2012 according to Airline Route.
Air France Slide Show: CLICK HERE
Copyright Photo: Christian Volpati.
Cimber Sterling to launch the Copenhagen-Kiev route on October 30
October 28, 2011
Cimber Sterling Boeing 737-7L9 WL OY-MRG (msn 28010) LGW (Antony J. Best), originally uploaded by Airliners Gallery.
Cimber Sterling (Copenhagen) will launch the Copenhagen-Kiev route on October 30.
Cimber Sterling Slide Show: CLICK HERE
Copyright Photo: Antony J. Best.
Route Map:
Ryanair to open its 47th base at Baden-Baden
October 28, 2011
Ryanair Boeing 737-8AS EI-DHJ (msn 33819) BOH (Antony J. Best), originally uploaded by Airliners Gallery.
Ryanair (Dublin) has announced it will open its 47th base at Baden-Baden (Karlsruhe) Airport in March 2012 with two based Boeing 737-800 aircraft and 20 routes.
In addition to Ryanair’s existing 12 Baden-Baden routes Ryanair will open 7 new routes to Faro, Malaga, Palma, Riga, Thessaloniki, Vilnius and Zadar.
Ryanair Slide Show: CLICK HERE
Copyright Photo: Antony J. Best.
Routes from its newest base:
NT Air King Air 100 crashes near Vancouver, 11 injured
October 28, 2011
NT Air (Northern Thunderbird Air) (Prince George) King Air 100 burst into flames yesterday (October 27) after it crash landed while attempting to return to Vancouver International Airport. The King Air crash landed in a street just outside of the airport security fence. The King Air was operating a charter flight to Kelowna when it attempted to return to YVR.
The airline issued the following statement:
“Northern Thunderbird Air would like to confirm that an accident has occurred with one of its aircraft in the vicinity of the Vancouver International Airport. The aircraft involved is a Beechcraft King Air 100 carrying 7 passengers and 2 crew. The flight had departed Vancouver at approximately 3:40 PM on a charter flight to Kelowna, BC. Shortly after departure, the crew advised that they were returning to YVR. All passengers and crew have been transported to hospital and we are awaiting further confirmed information as to their condition.”
Two people in a car were injured when the aircraft slammed into the vehicle.
Read the full report from CBCnews: CLICK HERE
American Airlines and Air Pacific sign a code-share agreement
October 28, 2011
Air Pacific (2nd) (Fiji) Boeing 737-7X2 WL DQ-FJF (msn 28878) SYD (John Adlard), originally uploaded by Airliners Gallery.
American Airlines (Dallas/Fort Worth) and Air Pacific (Nadi) have signed a new codeshare agreement that will give American’s customers more travel options throughout the South Pacific and Air Pacific customers easier access to major business centers in the United States.
Pending U.S. government approval, expected within the next 30 to 60 days, American will place its code on Air Pacific flights in the following markets: Los Angeles-Nadi, Honolulu-Nadi, and Nadi-Suva while Air Pacific will place its code on nearly 20 new destinations to cities flown from American’s Los Angeles hub.
Air Pacific Slide Show: CLICK HERE
Copyright Photo: John Adlard.
EVA Air introduces a new generation “Hello Kitty” logojet
October 27, 2011 — 1 Comment
EVA Air (Taipei) accepted this brand new Airbus A330-302X registered as B-16331 (msn 1254) on October 20, 2011. Following delivery , the airliner has been rolled out at the Taipei base in this new generation “Hello Kitty” special color scheme. Two additional Airbus A330-302X aircraft with two additional designs will also be introduced in the coming weeks.
Hello Kitty is a fictional character produced by the Japanese company Sanrio, first designed by Yuko Shimizu. Hello Kitty is portrayed as a female white Japanese bobtail cat with a red bow. The character’s first appearance on an item, a vinyl coin purse, was introduced in Japan in 1974 and brought to the United States in 1976. The character is a staple of the kawaii segment of Japanese popular culture.
The Hello Kitty trademark has spread globally; Sanrio earned over $1 billion annually in sales outside of Japan, as of 2003. Although mainly aimed at the pre-adolescent female market, the Hello Kitty product range goes all the way from purses, stickers and pen sets to toasters, televisions, clothing, massagers, and computer equipment. It has a cult-like following among adults as well, especially in Asia, where Hello Kitty adorns cars, purses, jewelry and many other high-end consumer products. Several Hello Kitty TV series, targeted towards young children, have also been produced. Examples of products depicting the character include dolls, stickers, greeting cards, clothes, accessories, school supplies, dishes and home appliances. Her fame as a recurring Sanrio character has led to the creation of two officially licensed Hello Kitty theme parks, Harmonyland and the indoor Sanrio Puroland.
In October 2005, EVA Air launched a campaign with Japanese company Sanrio to create the original “Hello Kitty Jet,” featuring the popular Japanese character. Using an Airbus A330-200, the exterior adopted a livery of Hello Kitty characters. A year later, the airline launched a second Hello Kitty Jet. The aircraft featured a Hello Kitty motif on exterior and interior fittings and features. Both planes were used to serve Japanese destinations, and from mid–July 2007, also the Taipei-Hong Kong route. The original Hello Kitty livery was retired in 2009, but in 2011 EVA Air announced its return in a redesigned form to mark the carrier’s 20th anniversary and renew interest in Japanese tourism.
EVA Air Slide Show: CLICK HERE
Copyright Photos: Manuel Negrerie.
KLM to open up a new route to Havana, Cuba
October 27, 2011
KLM Royal Dutch Airlines McDonnell Douglas MD-11 PH-KCK (msn 48564) YUL (Gilbert Hechema), originally uploaded by Airliners Gallery.
KLM Royal Dutch Airlines (Amsterdam) will open up the Amsterdam-Havana route on October 31. The new route will be operated by McDonnell Douglas MD-11s, three times a week.
KLM Slide Show: CLICK HERE
Copyright Photo: Gilbert Hechema.
Iberia to launch a new route to Luanda tomorrow
October 27, 2011
Iberia Airbus A340-313X EC-IIH (msn 483) MIA (Dave Campbell), originally uploaded by Airliners Gallery.
Iberia (Madrid) will launch the Madrid-Luanda (Angola) route tomorrow (October 28). The new route will be operated twice-weekly.
Iberia Slide Show: CLICK HERE
Copyright Photo: Dave Campbell.
easyJet announces its 23rd base at Lisbon
October 27, 2011
easyJet (Switzerland) Airbus A320-214 HB-JZR (msn 4034) LIS (Pedro Baptista), originally uploaded by Airliners Gallery.
eastJet (UK) (London-Luton) announced today it will create its 23rd base in Lisbon, Portugal. The initial operations will commence with five new services, Copenhagen, Amsterdam, Bordeaux and Venice and a brand new destination – Asturias, in addition to its 16 existing routes. As a result, easyJet will have 21 routes from Lisbon and operate over 150 flights per week.
easyJet Slide Show: CLICK HERE
Copyright Photo: Pedro Baptista.
Azul orders 11 additional Embraer 195s
October 27, 2011
Azul Linhas Aéreas Brasileiras (Sao Paulo-Campinas) has signed a contract for the purchase of 11 additional Embraer ERJ 195 jets. The transaction increases the airline’s total orders for Embraer E-Jets to 52 aircraft. The value of this latest acquisition, at list price, is $497.2 million. Deliveries are scheduled to begin in 2013.
In addition to the 23 E195s it already flies in 118-seat single class configuration, Azul also operates ten 106-seat E190s. Both airplanes are the backbone of Azul’s fleet, which started operations in 2008 and in a couple of years expanded to achieve the respectable mark of 12 million transported passengers. With this new order, Azul will be the operator of the largest fleet of E-Jets in South America. All of the aircraft are equipped with individual in-flight entertainment system.
Azul Slide Show: CLICK HERE
Photo: Embraer.
Route Map:
UPS’ earnings per share rise 14% on 8% revenue growth in the 3Q
October 27, 2011
UPS-United Parcel Service Boeing 757-24A (PF) N407UP (msn 23729) PAE (Nick Dean), originally uploaded by Airliners Gallery.
UPS (Atlanta) announced diluted earnings per share of $1.06 for the third quarter of 2011, a 14% improvement over the adjusted $0.93 for the prior-year period. Total revenue increased 8% to $13.2 billion.
The results were driven by the U.S. Domestic and Supply Chain and Freight segments. U.S. Domestic operating margin improved to 13.1% compared to last year’s adjusted results and Supply Chain and Freight operating profit increased more than 10%. Free cash flow for the first nine months of the year was strong, exceeding $3.7 billion.
On a reported basis, diluted earnings per share increased 7.1% over the same quarter last year. In the prior-year period, the company recorded an after-tax benefit of $61 million from the sale of real estate.
UPS Slide Show: CLICK HERE
Copyright Photo: Nick Dean.
United Continental Holdings reports a large third quarter net profit
October 27, 2011
United Airlines Boeing 737-524 WL N16642 (msn 28903) CLT (Jay Selman), originally uploaded by Airliners Gallery.
United Continental Holdings, Inc. (Chicago) (United Airlines and Continental Airlines) today reported third-quarter 2011 net income of $773 million or $2.00 per diluted share, excluding $120 million of net special items consisting primarily of integration-related costs. On a GAAP basis, UAL reported third-quarter 2011 net income of $653 million or $1.69 per diluted share.
UAL results for the third quarter include the financial results of its two operating subsidiaries, United Airlines and Continental Airlines. Prior to the merger on October 1, 2010, UAL results included only the financial results of United. Pro forma results that consolidate the financial results for Continental for the third-quarter 2010 and nine months ended Sept. 30, 2010, are included for meaningful year-over-year comparisons.
Both airlines are moving ahead towards a single operating AOC with November 11 being the target date.
United Slide Show: CLICK HERE
Copyright Photo: Jay Selman.
Spirit Airlines reports a third quarter net profit of $28.6 million
October 27, 2011
Spirit Airlines Airbus A320-232 N602NK (msn 4264) DCA (Brian McDonough), originally uploaded by Airliners Gallery.
Spirit Airlines (Fort Lauderdale/Hollywood) reported net income for the third quarter was $28.6 million, or $0.39 per diluted share, excluding $1.5 million ($0.9 million net of tax) of unrealized fuel hedge losses and special items. GAAP net income was $27.7 million, or $0.38 per diluted share.
Spirit ended the quarter with $351 million in total cash and cash equivalents.
Spirit Slide Show: CLICK HERE
Copyright Photo: Brian McDonough.
JetBlue Airways and Dunkin’ Donuts extend their partnership
October 27, 2011
JetBlue Airways Airbus A320-232 N510JB (msn 1280) (DIRECTV On Board) LGB (James Helbock), originally uploaded by Airliners Gallery.
JetBlue Airways (New York) and Dunkin’ Donuts have extended their relationship. Passengers will continue to run on Dunkin’ as JetBlue announced that Dunkin’ Donuts will continue as its exclusive coffee provider network-wide. According to the airline, “the extension of this partnership assures that JetBlue customers will enjoy Dunkin’ Donuts coffee on-board all flights throughout the Americas. Since the partnership took flight in 2006, JetBlue has served its customers more than 28 million cups of Dunkin’ Donuts coffee.”
JetBlue and Dunkin’ Donuts will celebrate their partnership tomorrow in Boston by surprising 43 people spotted holding a cup of Dunkin’ Donuts coffee with a free round-trip flight to any of JetBlue’s destinations out of Boston. The 43 denotes the number of non-stop markets JetBlue will fly to out of Boston with the addition of service to St. Thomas starting on December 15.
JetBlue’s partnership with Dunkin’ Donuts began in 2006 in direct response to feedback from travelers who wanted a better in-flight coffee experience. According to a joint survey by the companies in 2006, more than one-third of respondents stated that airline coffee was worse than their daily cup of coffee. Those surveyed also cited coffee most frequently as the beverage they would like to improve on the airplane.
Founded in 1950, Dunkin’ Donuts is America’s favorite all-day, everyday stop for coffee and baked goods. Dunkin’ Donuts is a market leader in the regular/decaf coffee, iced coffee, hot flavored coffee, donut, bagel and muffin categories. Dunkin’ Donuts has earned the Number 1 ranking for customer loyalty in the coffee category by Brand Keys for five years running. The company has more than 9,700 restaurants in 31 countries worldwide. In 2010, Dunkin’ Donuts’ global system-wide sales were $6 billion. Based in Canton, Massachusetts, Dunkin’ Donuts is a subsidiary of Dunkin’ Brands Group, Inc.
Is there a Dunkin’ Donuts logojet coming?
JetBlue Slide Show: CLICK HERE
Copyright Photo: James Helbock.
American Airlines and the TWU reach a tentative agreement
October 27, 2011
American Airlines Boeing 767-223 ER N327AA (msn 22327) LAX (Michael B. Ing), originally uploaded by Airliners Gallery.
American Airlines (Dallas/Fort Worth) and the Transport Workers Union (TWU) have reached a tentative agreement in principle for the Fleet Service and Ground Service employees. This tentative agreement provides American’s Fleet Service and Ground Service employees with increased compensation and other enhancements such as additional holidays, sick time and vacation.
The tentative agreement also gives American additional productivity and better aligns American’s work rules with all other airlines through outsourcing the dayline cabin cleaning and fueling work. The employees currently performing these jobs will be reassigned to other duties. The productivity improvements and savings provided through the outsourcing helps fund the structural increases and other economic enhancements, while ensuring that American remains competitive.
According to both parties, “both parties put a significant amount of time and effort into the negotiating process to reach an agreement that recognizes the interests of American’s TWU-represented employees and the company. This agreement is a significant step in our efforts to achieve the competitive costs that are critical to our future success.”
American Slide Show: CLICK HERE
Copyright Photo: Michael B. Ing.
Allegiant Travel slips by 27.9% to $9.5 million net profit in the third quarter
October 27, 2011
Allegiant Air McDonnell Douglas DC-9-82 (MD-82) N408NV (msn 53246) (Blue Man Group) LAX (Michael B. Ing), originally uploaded by Airliners Gallery.Allegiant Travel Company (Las Vegas) reported its third quarter net profit slipped by 27.9 percent to $9.5 million. In the same quarter last year, the company reported a net profit of $13.2 million.
Allegiant began Boeing 757-200 operations with the first 757-200 aircraft in late July 2011 and currently operates it on two routes to and from Las Vegas.
Allegiant Slide Show: CLICK HERE
Copyright Photo: Michael B. Ing.
ANA puts the first Boeing 787 Dreamliner into revenue service
October 26, 2011
ANA (All Nippon Airways) Boeing 787-881 JA801A (msn 34488) (Dreamliner special colors) PAE (Nick Dean), originally uploaded by Airliners Gallery.
ANA (All Nippon Airways) (Tokyo) made aviation history today (October 26) by operating the first ever revenue passenger flight of the Boeing 787 Dreamliner.
The specially chartered flight took off from Tokyo (Narita Airport) with more than 240 passengers of board just after midday and landed four and a half hours later in Hong Kong.
Built mainly from carbon fiber composite material, the Dreamliner raises the bar for fuel efficiency and passenger comfort. The 787 uses 20% less fuel, meaning it is the first mid-size airplane capable of flying long-range routes while cutting carbon emissions.
The Dreamliner’s other innovation include:
1. Passenger-friendly cabin air pressure – Passenger comfort will be improved by maintaining air pressure inside the cabin at the equivalent of an altitude of 6,000 feet (1,800m), noticeably lower than the 8,000 feet (2,400m) maintained on conventional aircraft. The plane’s composite materials also allow for humidity to be maintained at a more comfortable level for passengers.
2. Auto-dimming windows – The 787’s windows are 30% larger than those on the Boeing 767. A higher eye level means passengers can maintain a view of the horizon throughout the flight while smart glass “auto-dimming” windows use electro-chromatic technology to reduce cabin glare at a touch of a button while allowing passengers to still see outside.
3. Largest overhead compartments yet – approximately 30% larger than those on the Boeing 777, the overhead compartments are the largest in the industry and have enough space to hold four large-size carry-on bags.
The 787 Dreamliner has strong links with Japan, with Japanese manufacturers providing approximately 35% of all the aircraft parts, including key sections of the wings and fuselage.
ANA has ordered 55 Dreamliners from Boeing and has already received two planes, with a total of 20 expected to be delivered by the end of FY2012. The Dreamliners will eventually help ANA save $130 million through fuel savings.
Scheduled services featuring the Dreamliner will begin on November 1, 2011 to domestic Japanese destinations and international services on ANA will commence in the following two months with flights initially to Beijing and Frankfurt.
ANA Slide Show: CLICK HERE
Copyright Photo: Nick Dean. Please click on the photo for additional information.
Video of the historic event from telegraphtv:
Sichuan Airlines orders 20 COMAC C919s
October 26, 2011
Sichuan Airlines (Chengdu) has signed a firm order for 20 COMAC C919s. This brings the total for firm orders to 105.
PAL Airlines drops its objection to the LAN-TAM merger
October 26, 2011
PAL Airlines Boeing 737-322 CC-ACE (msn 24669) SCL (Alvaro Romero/ModoCharlie.com) (first 737-300), originally uploaded by Airliners Gallery.
PAL Airlines (Santiago) PAL has decided to withdraw its appeal before the Supreme Court of Chile against the merger process between LAN Airlines (Santiago) and TAM Linhas Aereas (Sao Paulo). According to the airline, “after detailed analysis of the resolution of the Tribunal de Defensa de la Libre Competencia (TDLC), Chile’s antitrust court, and of LAN’s appeal before the Supreme Court, which was submitted after the appeal filed by PAL, the company is convinced that LAN accepts the large majority of the mitigation measures imposed by the TDLC. Furthermore, PAL recognizes that the mitigation measures that LAN is appealing are either not essential, or LAN proposes reasonable alternatives.”
The airline continues, “PAL will abstain from presenting any further objection in Chile or abroad and requested LAN cover the costs incurred by PAL in connection with the proceedings at the TDLC and its appeal before the Supreme Court. Accordingly, and pursuant to a settlement agreement between both companies dated October 25, 2011, LAN agreed to pay PAL 116,091 Unidades de Fomento (approximately equivalent to $5 million).”
PAL Airlines Slide Show: CLICK HERE
Copyright Photo: Alvaro Romero/ModoCharlie.com.
LAN Airlines records a third quarter net profit of $94.5 million
October 26, 2011
LAN Cargo (LAN Airlines Chile) Boeing 767-316F ER WL CC-CZZ (msn 25756) SCL (Alvaro Romero), originally uploaded by Airliners Gallery.
LAN Airlines (Chile) (Santiago) reported net income of $94.5 million in third quarter 2011, a decrease of 11.0% compared to the $106.2 million reported in third quarter 2010.
According to the airline, “results this quarter were driven by solid traffic growth, reflected in strong yields and load factors in both the passenger and cargo businesses. This was partially offset by the continued impact of the startup of LAN’s operations in Colombia as well as, at a non-operating level, exchange rate differences resulting from the depreciation of local currencies.”
LAN Slide Show: CLICK HERE
Copyright Photo: Alvaro Romero.
JetBlue Airways posts a third quarter net profit of $5 million
October 26, 2011
JetBlue Airways Embraer ERJ 190-100 IGW N192JB (msn 19000014) (Stripes) CLT (Bruce Drum), originally uploaded by Airliners Gallery.
JetBlue Airways (New York) reported net income for the third quarter was $35 million, or $0.11 per diluted share. Excluding the one-time item, JetBlue reported net income of $38 million, or $0.12 per diluted share. This compares to JetBlue’s third quarter 2010 net income of $59 million, or $0.18 per diluted share.
JetBlue Slide Show: CLICK HERE
Copyright Photo: Bruce Drum.
Gulfstream International to acquire six SAAB 340B turboprops
October 26, 2011
Gulfstream International Airlines (VPAA Company dba) (Fort Lauderdale/Hollywood) has announced it reached an agreement with SAAB Aircraft Leasing to purchase six 34-seat SAAB 340B turboprops. Gulfstream will deploy all six SAAB 304Bs on its Florida-Bahamas routes, replacing smaller 19-seat Beechcraft 1900D aircraft.
Gulfstream will integrate the six SAAB 340B aircraft into its fleet over a nine-month period beginning in mid-November 2011 when the first 340B is slated for delivery. Each aircraft will be subject to a period of inspection and certification under U.S. and Bahamian aviation regulations to ensure full compliance with all safety and operational requirements prior to initiating scheduled passenger service. In-service dates for the new aircraft type will be announced upon receipt of regulatory approvals.
Gulfstream Slide Show: CLICK HERE
Gulfstream Florida-Bahamas Route Map:
Dynamic Airways adds its first wide-body Boeing 767-200
October 26, 2011
Dynamic Airways McDonnell Douglas MD-88 N880DA (msn 49760) INT (Jay Selman), originally uploaded by Airliners Gallery.
Dynamic Airways (Greensboro) has announced it was approved by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to add a Boeing 767-200 aircraft to its Air Carrier Certificate.
According to the charter airlines, “the new Dynamic Airways Boeing 767-200 is a mid-size, wide-body, fuel-efficient twin-engine airliner configured with 218 passenger seats, consisting of 18 first class and 200 economy class seats. The aircraft will allow Dynamic Airways to continue to build its core competencies by providing aviation solutions to a new customer base. Dynamic Airways is a subsidiary of Virginia-based Dynamic Aviation, which has a 75-year history and vision for providing solutions to a broad array of commercial and public sector customers.”
Dynamic Airways’ Boeing 767-200 is available for ACMI wet lease, full charter and corporate shuttle programs for private and government organizations.
Copyright Photo: Jay Selman.
Delta produces a third quarter net profit of $765 million
October 26, 2011
Delta Air Lines Airbus A319-114 N314NB (msn 1191) BWI (Tony Storck), originally uploaded by Airliners Gallery.
Delta Air Lines (Atlanta) reported financial results for the third quarter. Key points include:
1. Delta’s net income for the September 2011 quarter was $765 million, or $0.91 per diluted share, excluding special items(1).
2. Delta’s GAAP net income was $549 million, or $0.65 per diluted share, for the September 2011 quarter.
3. Strong top line revenue growth of 10% year over year helped offset the $1 billion impact of higher fuel prices.
4. Results include $167 million in profit sharing expense, in recognition of Delta employees’ achievements toward meeting the company’s financial targets, bringing total profit sharing expense for the year to date to $175 million.
5. The company ended the September 2011 quarter with $5.1 billion in unrestricted liquidity.
Copyright Photo: Tony Storck.
Delta Slide Show: CLICK HERE
Boeing produces a third quarter profit of $1.1 billion
October 26, 2011
Korean Air Boeing 777-2B5 ER HL7526 (msn 27947) NRT (Michael B. Ing), originally uploaded by Airliners Gallery.
The Boeing Company (Chicago) reported third-quarter net income of $1.1 billion, or $1.46 per share, on revenue of $17.7 billion. Operating margin of 9.7 percent reflects continued strong core performance across the company’s businesses, partially offset by higher pension expense.
The company increased its 2011 earnings per share guidance to between $4.30 and $4.40 per share reflecting the strong core performance. Total company 2011 revenue is narrowed to between $68 and $70 billion. Operating cash flow guidance is unchanged.
Copyright Photo: Michael B. Ing.
Air Pacific selects the Airbus A330-200 for its fleet renewal
October 25, 2011
Air Pacific (Nadi) is going Airbus. Air Pacific has selected Airbus aircraft to renew and to grow its fleet. The carrier has signed a firm contract to buy three new A330-200 aircraft to replace its existing fleet of Boeing 747-400s and 767-300s.
The A330-200 aircraft will be delivered in 2013.
Air Pacific Slide Show: CLICK HERE
Singapore Airlines Cargo to launch a new cargo route to Frankfurt
October 25, 2011
Singapore Airlines Cargo Boeing 747-412F 9V-SFK (msn 28030) ANC (Brian McDonough), originally uploaded by Airliners Gallery.
Singapore Airlines Cargo (Singapore) will launch a twice-weekly cargo route to Frankfurt on November 2.
Copyright Photo: Brian McDonough.
Qatar Airways to launch a new route to Benghazi
October 25, 2011
Qatar Amiri Flight (Qatar Airways) Airbus A320-232 (ACJ) A7-MBK (msn 4170) TLS, originally uploaded by Airliners Gallery.
Qatar Airways (Doha) will launch a new route to Benghazi (Libya) on November 1, 2011 according to Airline Route. The new route will be operated four times a week with Airbus A320s.
Qatar Slide Show: CLICK HERE
Kuwait Airways’ employees suspend their strike and return to work
October 25, 2011
Kuwait Airways Boeing 777-269 ER 9K-AOB (msn 28744) JFK (Jay Selman), originally uploaded by Airliners Gallery.
Kuwait Airways (Kuwait City) is returning to normal operations after its employees suspended their one-day strike yesterday and have returned to work.
Read the full report from the Arab Times: CLICK HERE
Kuwait Airways Slide Show: CLICK HERE
Copyright Photo: Jay Selman.
Airberlin delays some Airbus and Boeing future deliveries
October 25, 2011
Air Berlin (Airberlin.com) Boeing 737-86J WL D-ABKM (msn 37755) PAE (Nick Dean) (latest delivery), originally uploaded by Airliners Gallery.
Airberlin (Tegel) announced today it has reached agreements with both Airbus and Boeing to postpone 11 Airbus A320 family aircraft and eight Boeing 737NG family aircraft. For 2012 and 2013, 31 new aircraft will be delivered to Airberlin. 19 aircraft will be postponed. As a result, Airberlin’s debt load is eased, in particular for the years 2012 through 2014, and the delivery of new aircraft is also secured until 2016.
In other news, Airberlin is looking east for traffic potential. The company is expanding its presence in Eastern Europe. For the first time, Airberlin’s and Niki’s 2011/12 winter flight schedule is offering synchronized flights catering to the growth markets of Rumania, Bulgaria and Serbia. With up to three flights daily, the capital cities of these countries, namely Bucharest, Sofia and Belgrade, will be linked with the Vienna hub. Flight times and connections are scheduled such that Airberlin can offer significantly faster connections from the German-speaking regions to South Eastern Europe. This applies to the routes from Berlin, Düsseldorf, Hamburg, Hanover, Nuremberg and Zurich.
According to the airline, “Flight connections to Russia are also being improved. A capacity increase of almost 35% from the Russian market enabled better connections to Europe-bound and long-haul flights. The number of passengers transported increased by more than 50%. Airberlin wants to take part in this development and therefore, starting from the winter flight schedule, will be offering 50 flights per week to Moscow and St. Petersburg from Berlin, Düsseldorf, Munich, Stuttgart, Vienna and Salzburg.”
Airberlin will also strengthen its position in Poland. As of May 1, 2012, Airberlin, Germany’s will triple its flights to Krakow and will link the city of Gdansk to the Berlin hub. With two daily connections per week during off-peak times and one flight connection on Saturdays and Sundays, travelers from Northern and Southern Poland will be able to catch connections to flights within Germany, to Austria, Switzerland or the Nordic countries. Furthermore, long-haul connections to New York, Miami or Bangkok will be available. Travelers to Gdansk will thus have rapid access to the Polish region of the Baltic Sea, to Masuria, and to the European Football Championship in the summer of 2012.
Airberlin is also increasing its presence in Turkey with a new Airberlin Turkey operation.
Airberlin Slide Show: CLICK HERE
Copyright Photo: Nick Dean. Please click on the photo for additional information.
B&H Airlines to restore Copenhagen service on December 1
October 25, 2011
B&H Airlines Airbus A319-132 TC-JLR (msn 3142) ARN (Stefan Sjogren) (new type for B&H), originally uploaded by Airliners Gallery.
B&H Airlines (Sarajevo) will restore the twice-weekly Sarajevo-Banja Luka-Copenhagen route on December 1 according to Airline Route.
B&H Slide Show: CLICK HERE
Copyright Photo: Stefan Sjogren.
KLM to drop the Amsterdam-Manila route in April 2012
October 25, 2011
KLM Royal Dutch Airlines Boeing 777-206 ER PH-BQK (msn 29399) JFK (Bruce Drum), originally uploaded by Airliners Gallery.
KLM Royal Dutch Airlines (Amsterdam) has decided to drop the Amsterdam-Manila route in April 2012 due to rising taxes due to this report by Business World. KLM is the last European carrier flying to the Philippines.
Read the full story from Business World: CLICK HERE
KLM Slide Show: CLICK HERE
Copyright Photo: Bruce Drum.
Spirit Airlines’ flight attendants authorize a strike if negotiations fail
October 25, 2011
Spirit Airlines Airbus A319-132 N503NK (msn 2470) FLL (Bruce Drum), originally uploaded by Airliners Gallery.
Spirit Airlines’ (Fort Lauderdale/Hollywood) flight attendants, represented by the Association of Flight Attendants-CWA (AFA), authorized a strike should management fail to reach an agreement with flight attendants. 98.4 percent of Spirit’s flight attendants voted to authorize a strike, if necessary. Negotiations continue.
Meanwhile the company is expected to announce soon a new round of new routes with new aircraft arrivals in time for the winter season.
The company recently reported its revenue passenger miles rose to 575.5 million during September 2011, up 9.8 percent compared to the same month in 2010.
Spirit Slide Show: CLICK HERE
Copyright Photo: Bruce Drum.
Route Map:
Continental Airlines to start daily Houston-Lagos service on November 6
October 25, 2011
Continental Airlines Boeing 777-224 ER N77019 (msn 35547) NRT (Michael B. Ing), originally uploaded by Airliners Gallery.
Continental Airlines (United Airlines) (Houston) will launch a daily route connecting the Houston (Bush Intercontinental) hub with Lagos starting on November 6 according to Airline Route. The new route will be operated with Boeing 777-200 ER equipment.
Continental is also adding the the Tokyo (Narita)-Hong Kong route with Boeing 737-800s.
Continental Slide Show: CLICK HERE
Copyright Photo: Michael B. Ing.
Biman Bangladesh Airlines takes delivery of its first Boeing 777-300 ER, becomes the 300th delivered
October 24, 2011
Biman Bangladesh Airlines Boeing 777-3E9 ER S2-AFO (msn 40122) PAE (Nick Dean) (1st 777-300, new livery), originally uploaded by Airliners Gallery.
Biman Bangladesh Airlines (Dhaka) became a new Boeing 777-300 ER operator on October 21 when the pictured S2-AFO was accepted at Paine Field in Everett. This is a also a milestone for Boeing, being the 300th of the type to be delivered.
S2-AFO also introduces this new livery for the flag carrier.
Biman Bangladesh Slide Show: CLICK HERE
Copyright Photo: Nick Dean. Please click on the photo for the full story.
PSA Airlines’ pilots enter Into Federal mediated contract talks
October 24, 2011
US Airways Express-PSA Airlines (2nd) Bombardier CRJ200 (CL-600-2B19) N241PS (msn 7909) CLT (Bruce Drum), originally uploaded by Airliners Gallery.
PSA Airlines’ (2nd) (Dayton) pilots, represented by the Air Line Pilots Association, Int’l (ALPA), today, according to the union, took the next step toward reaching a new contract with senior management by meeting with a federal mediator from the National Mediation Board (NMB). PSA pilots, who fly regional aircraft under the US Airways Express brand, have been in direct contract negotiations with their management since June 2009.
According to the pilots, “ALPA and company executives initially made steady progress in the early stages of negotiations. The parties reached tentative agreements on many of the non-economic sections of the collective bargaining agreement. The pace of negotiations has slowed recently, as the two sides began discussing pay, work rules, retirement, and other money-related issues. No significant progress has been made since September 2010, and recent discussions have not been productive. The NMB was petitioned for mediator assistance in July 2011, and the request was granted shortly thereafter.”
Under the Railway Labor Act, airlines’ labor contracts do not expire; they become amendable. The PSA pilots’ contract became amendable on June 30, 2009. Mediation presents an opportunity for a neutral third party, appointed by the NMB, to facilitate the process. The mediator does not have the authority to impose conditions upon the parties or decide issues. Talks will continue until the parties reach a contract or until the NMB determines the parties are at an impasse and releases them into a 30-day cooling off period, which could be followed by a pilot strike.
US Airways Express-PSA Airlines Slide Show: CLICK HERE
Copyright Photo: Bruce Drum. Please click on the photo for the full story of the airline.
Bravia Capital and HNA Group acquire ACT Airlines, rebrand the company as MyCargo Airlines
October 24, 2011
MyCargo Airlines-HNA Boeing 747-481 (F) TC-ACF (msn 25624) (HNA colors) HHN (Rainer Bexten), originally uploaded by Airliners Gallery.
Bravia Capital (Bravia), a private equity investor based in Hong Kong and HNA Group Company, Ltd. (HNA) of China, announced today that they have completed the acquisition of cargo carrier ACT Airlines (Istanbul). According to the announcement, “The transaction represents the strategic expansion of China’s global footprint into the high-growth marketplace of Turkey and surrounding regions, and allows Bravia and HNA to build a cargo platform to capitalize on the growing Eurasian cargo traffic.”
As a result of the acquisition, ACT Airlines has been rebranded and will now trade as MyCargo Airlines.
Copyright Photo: Rainer Bexten. Please click on the photo for the full details.
