Boutique Air Announces Codeshare Partnership with United Airlines

Boutique Air is proud to announce a new codeshare partnership with United Airlines. As a leading airline to smaller, secondary cities throughout the United States, Boutique is excited to begin this partnership with United. Boutique serves 30 destinations with plans for continued expansion and has a large presence in Denver, which is one of United's largest domestic hubs. Customers will enjoy a seamless connection experience between the two airlines. Boutique Air flies Pilatus PC-12 and King Air 350 aircraft, all of which feature an executive style seating configuration.

Air Astana A320 runway excursion - on video

An investigation has been launched into the runway excursion at Astana International Airport in Kazakhstan of an Air Astana Airbus A320-200 on Tuesday 22nd May.

The Airbus A320-232 ran off the right side of the runway during landing, damaging an engine cowling that came into contact with a sign as the aircraft crossed two taxiways before rejoining the runway. The front of the engine appeared damaged and dented in photos posted to social media after the incident, however, there appears to be no other damage to the aircraft as a result of its going off the paved surfaces.

The incident was captured from inside the plane by one of the 97 passengers on board the aircraft on what was quite a windy day. Indeed, there were heavy thunderstorms in the area in the hours preceding the arrival of the  A320, registration P4-KBB and local media report that earlier high winds had caused destruction to a crane in the city.

Map showing where the aircraft left the runway

In the video, passengers can be heard applauding the captain after a relatively smooth touch down following a crosswind landing on the wet runway. Then the aircraft seems to move to the side, following which, a loud bang is heard and it becomes clear the aircraft had left the paved area of the runway and continues across the grass. Save for a few shouts and gasps, the atmosphere in the cabin seems remarkably calm and measured and a following cabin crew announcement sounds relaxed and in a typical style of the usual arrival message.

Delta to start a Mumbai service....maybe....sometime next year

The republican biased Trump supporting US carrier Delta Air Lines has announced it will begin nonstop flights between the United States and Mumbai, India, but you'll have to wait till next year for the service doesn't start until May 2019. Although the airline hasn't said exactly when or where the service will orginate or what aircraft type it will be on.

Asia Miles Introduces Changes To Make Air Travel More Rewarding

Asia Miles, Asia's leading travel and lifestyle rewards programme, is changing the way that members earn and redeem miles when flying. From June, members will earn more miles when they fly Cathay Pacific and Cathay Dragon, and there will be more redemption seats available on those airlines.

SA Express operators certificate suspended

The South African Civil Aviation Authority has suspended South African Express's Air Operator's Certificate as well as the airline's Aircraft Maintenance Organisation (AMO) approvals. 

In addition, the SACAA has also suspended the certificates of airworthiness of nine of the twenty-one aircraft being operated by the airline. This means that, as of today, SA Express can no longer continue to operate as an airline. 

MH17 investigation team confirms plane was shot down by Russian BUK missile

It was the Russians!  That's the proclamation from the official investigators looking into to events of the 17th July 2014 that caused the downing of   Malaysia Airlines flight over eastern Ukraine.

All 298 people on the Malaysia Airlines Boeing 777 were killed when the aircraft blew apart mid-air on a flight heading to Kuala Lumpur from Amsterdam.   Air traffic control lost contact with the aircraft approximately 50km (30 miles) from the Russia-Ukraine border.  It crashed in the Donetsk area, in territory controlled by pro-Russian separatists.

Sir Ernest Shackleton takes to the skies

as Norwegian’s latest tail fin hero

Norwegian is proud to announce that Antarctic explorer Sir Ernest Shackleton is the airlines latest tail fin hero. The renowned explorer’s portrait graces the tail fin of a Norwegian Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft which has taken to the skies this month.

Since Norwegian’s first aircraft took to the skies, the airline has always honoured iconic figures on the tails of its aircraft, using personalities who symbolise the spirit of Norwegian by pushing boundaries, challenging the norm and inspiring others.

To reflect Norwegian’s rapid growth in the UK, where it now flies 5.8 million UK passengers each year to more than 50 destinations, the airline has launched a series of UK tail fin heroes. Sir Ernest Shackleton has become Norwegian’s seventh UK tail fin hero, following the announcement of poet Robert Burns, rock legend Freddie Mercury, author Jane Austen, footballer Bobby Moore, children’s author Roald Dahl, pioneering pilot Amy Johnson and aviation maverick Sir Freddie Laker.

FlyBe to ditch E195's as it struggles to cut costs and focuses on profitable routes with the Q400

One of Europe's largest regional airlines, the UK based FlyBe, has been doing a lot of thinking recently regarding its fleet and has come to the conclusion that the Bombardier Q400 is the best core aircraft for both its current and future needs. 

The airline said it chose the Q400 because it is faster than any other alternative turboprops and its performance is close to that of a jet aircraft over the relatively short sectors that Flybe operates. The carrier also rates the aircraft highly for the operating economics, fuel efficiency and lack of noise.

Part of the fleet reevaluation at FlyBe will see the carrier hand back all of its Embraer 195 jets, of which the airline has nine currently. although it will retrain the 175 aircraft and continue with its outstanding order for four of that type which are due in 2019.  These new aircraft will be delivered with new ‘winglet technology’ to help reduce fuel consumption. Apart from these, Flybe is not going to be ordering any new aircraft for the foreseeable future. It had tried to cancel the four remaining E175 aircraft but was already financially committed to them. 

Ethiopian set to receive its 100th aircraft

The largest aviation group in Africa, Ethiopian Airlines has confirmed it will take delivery of its 100th aircraft next month.

Yes, the pioneering airline will receive a Boeing 787-900 on 5th June 2018,  the 1st for an African airline to operate 100 aircraft fleet in the history of the continent, thus maintaining its pioneering aviation technology leadership role.

Ethiopian Group CEO, Mr Tewolde GebreMariam said: “It is an immense honour for all of us at Ethiopian to reach the milestone of 100 aircraft. This milestone is a continuation of our historical aviation leadership role in Africa and a testimony of the successful implementation of our fast, profitable and sustainable growth plan, Vision 2025."

British Airways changing one of its Moscow flights to Sheremetyevo

At a time when the UK's relationship with Russia grows ever colder, British Airways makes it easier for their passengers to go directly to the secret FSB training centre in the north of Moscow by changing one of their flights to head into Sheremetyevo Airport.

 From 28th October 2018, British Airways will begin operating one of its three daily services to Sheremetyevo International Airport (SVO) instead of Domodedovo International Airport (DME), ideal for northern Moscow. Sheremetyevo is located some18 miles northwest of the centre of Moscow, whilst DME is 26 miles southeast from the centre of the city. 

Joerg Tuensmeyer, Head of Sales for Europe, said: “By changing one of our three daily flights to SVO we are opening up the north of the city for our Russian customers and giving more options to our UK based travellers who need to get to that part of the city when they arrive into the capital. We know how precious time is, especially to our business customers and frequent flyers, so this change allows them to spend more time in the lounge working or relaxing.”

In the British Airways press release issued today advising of the changes, not only did they spell centre wrong, they also spelt the name of DME airport incorrectly, however, thankfully their pilots know where they are going, even if the press office doesn't!

Air France and Qantas renew partnership

Qantas and Air France customers will now have more options to travel between Europe and Australia via Asia following a renewed codeshare agreement between the two carriers.(2)

Available for booking from 5 June for travel from 20 July 2018, Air France will add its code to Qantas flights between Hong Kong and Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane and between Singapore and Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Perth.

Air France customers will also be able to access codeshare services from Sydney to five cities on the Australian airline's domestic network including Canberra, Hobart, Adelaide, Cairns and Darwin.

Allegiant's first US produced A320 joins the fleet.

That ultra-low-cost airline in the US, Allegiant welcomed its first U.S.-produced A320 aircraft from the Airbus U.S. Manufacturing Facility in Mobile, Alabama this week. 

A team of Allegiant employees and executives from the company's headquarters in Las Vegas joined Airbus' leadership team at the production facility for a special ceremony to officially mark the delivery. The Airbus A320 is the 11th of 13 new A320 aircraft scheduled for purchase directly from Airbus, to be inducted into Allegiant's fleet this year. Previously inducted aircraft have been assembled in Airbus facilities in Toulouse, France and Hamburg, Germany.

This delivery marks another step in Allegiant's planned transition to a single fleet type by the end of 2018. Allegiant currently has a total of 99 Airbus aircraft either in service or committed for future delivery.

Xiamen Airlines takes delivery of its first Boeing 737 MAX, expanding the fleet to 200 aircraft

On 22nd May Xiamen Airlines took delivery of its first Boeing 737 MAX aircraft in Seattle, expanding the fleet to 200 aircraft, and, by doing so, formally entering the pantheon of the world's largest airlines.

The 737 MAX is the best-selling civil aircraft in the history of Boeing, featuring excellent performance, flexibility and efficiency. The 737 MAX can offer passengers a more capacious and comfortable flying experience. Equipped with several of the latest technologies, including the winglet and a brand new engine, the aircraft outperforms the previous-generation model in flying performance, environmental protection and reliability.

United Airlines and The Private Suite Create a New Luxury Experience at Los Angeles International Airport

United Airlines and The Private Suite today announced a new relationship, offering the airline's customers access to a newly built, private terminal at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX). Customers who purchase access will enjoy private and personalized check-in and baggage handling as well as private screening by Transportation Security Administration and U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers. United customers using the new terminal will be driven across the airfield in BMW 7-Series sedans directly to their aircraft. The United-branded lounge at the new terminal includes individual suites and restrooms and features a full bar and top-tier food service.

MH370 Was not a murder-suicide by the pilot, Australian investigators say.

Following speculation, reports, a book and a 60 minutes TV show that purported the pilot of MH370, the plane that went missing on a flight from Kuala Lumpur to Beijing in 2014, had committed a murder-suicide has been rejected by Australian investigators 

They rejected claims that the missing Malaysia Airlines flight MH370 was deliberately brought down by the pilot.  The bureau maintains that the pilot was unconscious during the final moments of the flight which took the lives of 239 people. 

Official searches for the wreckage of MH370 was called off last year after 1,046 days, however, others are continuing to seek the final resting place of the ill-fated aircraft. Official searches would only be resumed if new credible evidence is discovered. 

Investigators from the Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB) have said that the plane was out of control when it plunged into the southern Indian Ocean. On Tuesday the ATSB's search director, Peter Foley defended his bureau's findings against supposition and criticism levelled at it n a book by former Canadian air crash investigator Larry Vance. Foley insisted that investigators had explored all the advice and analysis provided.  "We considered every piece of evidence that we had at the time in an unbiased fashion," Mr Foley told a parliamentary hearing in Canberra, adding that he had read Mr Vance's book.  "We have quite a bit of data to tell us that the aircraft if it was being controlled at the end, it wasn't very successfully being controlled," he added.

Taiwan slowly being erased from the global scene..... how airlines are caving in to China's orders

China is succeeding in obliterating Taiwan from the face of the earth... at least in the terms of airline computer reservation systems.  

Many airlines around the world have crumbled and caved to a demand from the Chinese authorities to refer to Taiwan as part of China in all literature and websites. Nearly twenty of the worlds major airlines have completely removed Taiwan from all their websites and just refer to destinations such as Taipei as in China.

At least 16 other airlines have partly submitted to China's orders and use the phrase Taiwan - China, on their websites and booking engines. 

The sudden change comes after the Civil Aviation Administration of China sent a letter on 26th April to 36 foreign airlines ordering them to explicitly refer to Taiwan as a part of China. There are only a couple of days left for the airlines to either fold and submit to Cina's demands or face business sanctions in China. 

The fact that so many airlines have already crumbled has been seen as a clear victory for China’s President Xi Jinping and the Communist Party’s aims of forcing foreign companies to conform to their geopolitical vision, even in operations outside of China, even if it differs from what is the general or legal global viewpoint.  

Many critics see this as just the next step in the Chinese nationalistic programme to exert economic power to change political or accepted norm, that in the case of Taiwan could see a complete military takeover. China regularly sends up its fighter jets to buzz the coast of Taiwan or Taiwanese shipping and are seeking to isolate Taiwan both financially and politically. 

Painting the skies pink: Swoop livery unveiled

Today the first Boeing 737-800NG aircraft was delivered to Swoop, marking one of many exciting milestones as the airline prepares for the launch of operations on June 20, 2018. In the coming weeks and months, Canadians can look forward to many exciting milestone announcements, from Swoop's official uniform unveiling to the launch of a range of international destinations.

The unveiling of Swoop's livery has been much anticipated, prompting Swoop to share a first look teaser image on social media last week. Emblazoned with the eye-catching magenta Swoop logo, and magenta accented tailfin and winglets, this is the first of six Boeing 737-800NG aircraft to be delivered this year. Today Swoop released the official livery photos and a time-lapse video of the aircraft being painted.

Mexico suspends Damojh's operations

Mexico’s civil aviation authority has confirmed it has temporarily suspended Damojh’s operations, the airline that owned the 39-year-old Boeing 737 that crashed in Cuba, as the death toll rose to 111.

The Mexican authorities said it has suspended the airlines' operations while it made sure the firm had adhered to regulations and so it could gather all relevant information to help investigators find out what caused the deadly crash.

It is not the first time the airline, Damojh, has had its operations suspended, the airline that has two other 737's had been suspended twice before for regulatory compliance reviews the authority confirmed this week. 

AirAsiaX profits jump

AirAsia X  the long-haul budget carrier of Malaysia reported a massive jump in profits thanks to a programme to reduce costs and higher passenger numbers.

The airline said the net profit for the January-March rose to 41.5 million ringgit ($10.47 million) from 10.3 million a year earlier while revenue rose 7.2 percent to a record 1.3 billion.

Take off for the summer of Sigala

For one flight only British Airways changed its name to Sigala Airways as the celebrity DJ jetted off from London City Airport with a planeful of friends for his Summer of Sigala album launch in Ibiza.

Bruce Fielder, known professionally as Sigala, swapped his music earphones for aviation ear defenders to welcome almost 100 celebrities, friends and fans on board the private charter flight to the party island this morning.

British Airways launch new route to Marrakech from Heathrow

British Airways launch new route to Marrakech

from Heathrow

Fancy exploring the bustling souks to take in the sights, the sounds as well as the smells that are a true delight for all the senses. Perhaps you'll want to venture to the surrounding desert landscapes and don't forget those striking sunsets. Marrakech, the fourth largest city in Morocco is an amazing destination that offers so much for the intrepid traveller all year long. It boasts some amazing architecture dating back centuries, wonderful gardens and amazing historic buildings and palaces all of which can be explored freely. 

British Airways have confirmed they will be launching a new direct service to Marrakech from Heathrow.  The airline already flies from Gatwick to Marrakech eight times a week. The new Heathrow service starts on 28th October and will operate four times a week from Terminal 5. During the winter season, the carrier will operate on Thursday, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays.

Sean Doyle, British Airways’ Director of Network and Alliances, said: “Marrakech adds another exciting destination to our leisure network at Heathrow and is a fantastic starting point to explore Morocco; from trekking in the Atlas Mountains to discovering the amazing deserts and beaches and soaking up the atmosphere of the many medinas. Marrakech is one of the key tourism destinations in north Africa, so we’re excited to serve it from two of our London airports.”

 British Airways is offering return fares start from £132 in Economy or Euro Traveller as BA call it and £332 for the business class / Club Europe. 

Odd odours and troublesome passengers causing flight disruption for Frontier

Frontier Airlines seem to be having a few issues over the last few days, passengers on one its flights from Tulsa to San Diego found themselves landing in Albuquerque on Sunday after the aircraft they were on had to make an emergency diversion and immediate landing because of an odor.

Approximately halfway through flight 1839, flight attendants smelt an odour of unknown origin in the cabin. The flight diverted, emergency crews checked over the aircraft and the cabin crew were checked by medical staff at Albuquerque, but nothing was found.

Frontier Airlines issued the following statement, “Flight 1839 operating from Tulsa to San Diego has landed safely and without issue in Albuquerque with 129 passengers and six crew. Safety is our number one priority and out of an abundance of caution, this flight diverted due to an unknown odor in the cabin,” 

Thai Airways has a new boss.....probably

After nearly two years of searching it appears that Thai Airways finally have found a new president and chief executive.

In a statement released by the company, it says the board has recommended the recruitment of Sumeth Damrongchaitham, 53, who has previously been president Dhanarak Asset Development Co and chief operating officer of  GMM Grammy PCL a music and entertainment company.

It is hoped that the new boss if terms can be agreed, will help boost the troubled Thai Airways as it faces turbulent times of increased competition from the low-cost market, higher fuel bills and a slump in profits. 

According to local media outlets, many people had been put off the top job with the national airline due to its close ties with the military that run the country. The airlines' board consists mainly of former air force personnel and civil servants. 

Still hope for Porter's CSeries dreams.....

Toronto's Porter Airlines hasn't let go of the dream of flying Bombardier CSeries 100 jets from the small, but beautiful Billy Bishop Airport, its CEO revealed last week.  

Speaking with Canada's Finacial Post the airlines chief executive Robert Deluce said “We continue to be of the view that it is not really a question of if, it’s a question of when,” and confirmed the airline hadn't yet walked away from its deal with Bombardier for 30 CSeries jet aircraft. Indeed, Porter Airlines still have the deposits in place with the manufacturer, despite the Canadian government decided not to allow jet aircraft from using Billy Bishop. 

Mr Deluce remains positive, “I think there is significant growth opportunity available to us. Whether that comes with additional regional routes, or whether a second fleet type gives us the longer-range destinations that come with flying an airplane like the CSeries, that will play out in due course.” 

Back in 2013 when the order was announced, Deluce said “The aircraft fits perfectly into our business plans and growth strategy and we are also proud to be the Canadian launch customer for Bombardier’s CSeries aircraft.  We look forward to expanding our network with an all-Bombardier fleet of CS100 jetliners and Q400 turboprops – promoting greener, quieter flying.”

Profits up for Ryanair but expect to be down next year

Ryanair was perhaps one of the most talked about European airlines over last year, perhaps even more than the bankruptcies of Monarch and Air Berlin. After all, Ryanair was the airline that publically rowed with its staff, suffered strikes and walkouts, had to delay the arrival of some of its new aircraft and of course ruined the travel plans of hundreds of thousands of passengers when they cancelled a whole series of flights due to the pure incompetence of its rostering managers.  Yet even with that negative publicity, that ill feeling among staff, that continual search to rake even more cash from passengers in underhand fees and service charges, the airline, one of the biggest in Europe has still posted a massive profit!

Ryanair said profit after tax rose 10 percent to a record 1.45 billion euros ($1.70 billion) in the year ended 31st March, as passenger numbers increased 9 percent despite the grounding of 25 of its 400 aircraft from November mainly due to crew rota issues. The airline advised that its load factor - bums on seats - was at 95 percent average for the year, one of the highest in the 'low-cost' airline industry, which was thanks in part to the re-accommodation of some of the passengers that had been due to fly on the 20,000 flights the company cancelled in the autumn. 

With more strikes on the horizon and the unionisation of the company, next year's profit is, the airline warns, not expected to be as much. They say annual profits will fall for the first time in five years due to higher fuel and staffing costs and on the flat fares across Europe's low-cost travel market.

More routes from San Antonio for Frontier

The ultra-low-cost carrier, Frontier Airlines has indicated its continued commitment to making flying to and from San Antonio more affordable by adding nine new routes.   The airline announced last week that it will offer more nonstop destinations from San Antonio International Airport than any other airline.

Man punches deaf pregnant woman in stomach and hits her service dog on Frontier Airlines flight to Orlando

A Frontier Airlines passenger punched a deaf pregnant woman and her service dog on a flight from Colorado Springs to Orlando on Friday.

The incident took place shortly after the aircraft had landed at Orlando and was taxing to the terminal. Local media is reporting that Matthew Silvay and Hazel Ramirez, a deaf couple had ben travelling with their two children and a service dog on the Frontier Airlines Flight 1752.

Timothy Manley, a fellow passenger, viciously punched the 20 weeks pregnant, Ms Ramirez in the stomach, as well as punching the couples service dog, causing it to yelp in pain. Local media also report that Mr Manley also touched or manhandled the couples two children during the incident. 

Endeavor CRJ900 runway excursion

An Endeavor Bombardier CRJ-900 operating a Delta Connection flight from Atlanta to Lexington ran off the runway during torrential rain on Saturday.

There were no injuries among the 73 passengers and 4 crew onboard the aircraft after its runway excursion that occurred at approximately 1.30pm on Saturday at Blue Grass Airport.  The passengers were bussed to the airport terminal and appeared to be in good spirits according to airport staff. 

Endeavor Air released a statement Saturday afternoon, advising “Upon landing in Lexington, KY., Endeavor Air flight 3359 from Atlanta, operating as Delta Connection, turned off the active runway and came to a stop in the grassy area between taxiways A2 and A1. Endeavor crew members made the decision to deplane customers through the main cabin door into the grass where buses took all on board to the terminal. We apologize to our customers impacted by this incident.”

IAG boss says 'no hostile bid' on horizon for Norwegian

The boss of International Airline Group, Willie Walsh told the media last week that the deal to take over the rapidly growing low-cost airline Norwegian won't go hostile! Yet we've been told that staff are still working on a bid.

Norweigan recently confirmed that they have so far unanimously rejected two approaches from IAG, the owner of British Airways, Iberia and Aer Lingus because they seriously undervalued the company. Speaking at the CAPA-Centre for Aviation conference, Walsh doubted that he had got the value wrong, "We know what the value to us would be." he said, whilst also indicating that a hostile bid wouldn't be forthcoming, "This isn’t a deal I have to do. We have expressed an interest. If they don’t want to be bought by IAG, fine,” he told various media organisations, adding “I am not going to do anything hostile, that’s not my style.”

More union trouble ahead for Ryanair

There is more trouble ahead for Ryanair, as an Irish pilots union has given the airline a deadline of 24th May to agree to new working practices, or a ballot for industrial action would be called. Such a ballot could pave the way for more strikes at the low-cost high-fee airline. 

Management is, its fair to say, more than a little annoyed that after recognising unions for the first time in its history in December last year that industrial action may be taken so soon.

 The Irish airline has come to certain agreements with other unions in the UK as well as Italy and some other locations, however, it was still negotiating with Irish and Spanish unions. It has already faced some industrial action in Germany and Portugal which has lead to some cancellations and changes, yet no full-on strike had been called, at least so far.  

Previous safety complaints about Mexican Airline that crashed in Cuba

It has been revealed that the Mexican charter airline whose 39-year-old Boeing 737 crashed in Havana, Cuba, on Friday leaving 110 dead, had been the subject of two serious safety complaints during the last decade.

Mexico's National Civil Aviation Authority will now carry out an operational audit of Damojh Airlines, the government confirmed, in order to ascertain if the carrier's “current operating conditions continue meeting regulations” The government also said that it would help collect information for the investigation. 

According to authorities in Guyana, the 737 that crashed on Friday had been banned from Guyanese airspace last year after authorities found that crew had been allowing dangerous overloading of luggage on flights to Cuba.  Guyanese 

737 crashes in Cuba just after take-off

The Caribbean island of Cuba is in mourning today after a plane carrying 104 passengers and 9 crew crashed shortly after takeoff from Havana today.

The Boeing 737 aircraft had just departed Jose Marti International Airport at 11am local time, when it came down in a field. Wreckage and debris from the crash was scattered across the field near the municipality of Rancho Boyeros. 

Local media reported that three people had been pulled from the wreckage of the airliner and taken to Calixto Garcia hospital in Havana. One subsequentially died from the trauma and burns, while the two others are said to be in a serious condition.

The aircraft was operating flight CU972, a domestic flight from Havana to Holguín and according to local media had been leased to state airline Cubana de Aviación by the Mexican company Damojh Aerolíneas. Mexican transport officials confirmed that the 737 jet belonged to Damojh Airlines, which was founded in 1990, which operates by the name of Global Air. The charter carrier has three 737 aircraft and the one that crashed was manufactured in 1979.    

Getting ready to say farewell to SilkAir

Singapore Airlines has confirmed that the end is nigh for its regional wing, SilkAir!  The popular short-haul airline will start an intense programme to upgrade its airfraft cabins that will see it eventually merge into the parent airline Singapore Airlines.

The upgrade programme is estimated to be costing the company more than $100 million and will see Silk's fleet fitted out with new lie-flat seats in Business Class and the installation of seat-back in-flight entertainment systems in both Business Class and Economy Class which will homogenise service across the SIA Group’s full-service network.

According to SIA, the cabin upgrades are expected to begin in 2020 and the absorption into Singapore Airlines main fleet will only take place after a sufficient number of aircraft have been fitted with the new cabin products.

Saratov Airlines to close

The troubled Saratov Airlines looks ready to close and cease operations at the end of this month, just a little over three months from the tragic crash of one of the Russian carriers Antonov An-148s.

The 86 year-old company has had little choice after Rosaviatsia, the Russian air transport regulator ordered the airline to stop selling and issuing its own tickets as well as those for other companies from the end of this month.

In addition, Rosaviatsia has ordered the airline to make sure all its passengers are repatriated on or before that date and no new flights should be sold if the return date is after the 30th May. However, despite that direction from the authorities, we were able to book a return ticket to Moscow from Saratov travelling in June, earlier this afternoon. 

The airline has failed to cope following the fatal crash of one of its An-148 aircraft just outside Moscow Domodedovo on the 11th February which killed all 71 people onboard. The initial investigation found that despite the snow showers and -5c temperature at Domodedovo airport on the day of the flight, the pilot decided the aircraft should not be de-iced. Analysis of the black boxes showed that pitot tube heaters had not been turned on which resulted in them becoming iced over of blocked and therefore different airspeeds were indicated in the cockpit. One was showing increasing speed, one showing decreasing speed, whilst a third showing no airspeed at all. The aircraft was being flown manually by the pilot when it dived downward. The investigation found the first officer had tried to stop the decent but failed to persuade the captain before the aircraft crashed into the ground.

It's understood that the closure of the airline will result in the loss of 1200 jobs.

Another battle between Boeing and Airbus

The battle between Boeing and Airbus to replace United Airlines 767's continues at a rapid pace, as Boeing wants the airline to buy more 787 aircraft, while Airbus is hoping the US giant will take its A330neo offering.

Boeing is the favourite, as they have already sold United the Dreamliner 787 aircraft and the airline has options on a number of airframes and thanks to significant discounts on list prices, is unusually cheaper than the A330neo's that Airbus is offering.

Southwest to offer iHeartRadio on flights

The US low-cost giant, Southwest Airlines announced earlier a new collaboration with iHeartRadio to bring the financially troubled iHeartMedia's free all-in-one digital music and live streaming radio service to Customers as the exclusive music offering within the onboard entertainment portal on Southwest flights.

iHeartMedia is currently in 'chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in the US, with filings showing the company has a total of $20.4 billion in long-term debt, about $13 billion of that is secured. Some of the big names the company owes money to include - $20.9 million to Nielsen, SoundExchange are due $6.4 million, Warner Music Group is owed $3.9 million, Spotify is waiting for $2 million,  Global Music Rights are also owed $2 million. ASCAP is owed $1.5 million, BMI $1.43 million whilst Universal Music Group is owed $1.3 million.  

Alaska Air Cargo to deliver more than 64,000 pounds of wild Copper River salmon to Seattle

 More than 16,000 pounds of fresh Copper River salmon arrived in Seattle on a fish-filled Alaska Airlines plane touching down at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport shortly after 6:30 a.m. this morning. Today officially marks the beginning of the summer salmon grilling season that is anticipated by seafood lovers throughout the Pacific Northwest and beyond. In total, Alaska Air Cargo has three more flights scheduled throughout the day to bring in an additional 48,000 pounds of salmon to market.

BA - TSA Precheck programme

British Airways customers along with customers of other select airlines could benefit from shorter security queues, and more ‘me time’ in US airports now the airline has signed up to the TSA Precheck programme.

People who are accepted under the US government scheme can use fast track security queues and do not need to remove shoes, light jackets, or belts. Laptops and compliant liquids can also remain in hand luggage, making the trip through security at the airport easier. In March 2018, TSA research found 93 percent of customers using the scheme waited less than five minutes.

Fly Leasing's Acquisition of Major Aircraft Portfolio Approved by AirAsia

Fly Leasing Limited  a global leader in aircraft leasing,  announced this week that all agreements relating to FLY's acquisition of 55 Airbus narrow-body aircraft and seven CFM engines on operating lease, and the option to purchase an additional 20 Airbus A320neo family aircraft, were approved by the shareholders of AirAsia Group Berhad ("AirAsia") at their extraordinary general meeting on May 14, 2018.

"The positive vote by AirAsia's shareholders was the final approval needed to complete the acquisition," said Colm Barrington, CEO of FLY. "The addition of these aircraft and engines will grow FLY's fleet significantly and will drive improved returns for our shareholders. We look forward to completing the transfer of the 34 aircraft and seven engines that comprise the initial part of the transaction by the end of the third quarter."

Launch operator A330neo completes maiden flight

Airspace cabin checks commence with TAP Air Portugal aircraft

The first A330neo for launch operator TAP Air Portugal - MSN1819 - completed its 4:32 hours maiden flight.

The aircraft now joins the fleet of two A330-900 test aircraft already performing flight tests since 19 October 2017.

MSN1819 is the first aircraft fitted with the Airspace cabin by Airbus. It is equipped with light Flight Test Instrumentation during its test phase to check cabin systems such as air conditioning, crew rest etc.

With over 1,700 orders, the A330 is the most popular wide-body aircraft ever, performing nearly 1,000,000 flights every year. Today, more than 1,400 aircraft have been delivered to almost 120 customers worldwide on a wide range of routes, from domestic and regional flights to long-range intercontinental services.

Offering the lowest operating costs in its category, and thanks to continuous investments in latest innovations, the new generation A330neo is the most profitable and best performing aircraft in its size category. The A330neo first delivery is planned in summer 2018.

The A330neos will usher the brand-new Airspace by Airbus cabin concept, a consumer-centric cabin developed with passengers at heart and airlines in mind around the four pillars: Comfort, Ambience, Service and Design. These cabin options will ensure that the A330neos will set the benchmark in passenger experience and airline value, alongside its widebody partner, the A350 XWB.

WTO confirmed: no prohibited subsidies at Airbus

On Tuesday, the WTO (World Trade Organisation) Appellate Body published the first of two rulings expected this year on subsidies in the large commercial aircraft dispute between the US and the EU.

The first ruling is the Appellate Body’s final report on the EU’s compliance with previous World Trade Organisation’s (WTO) findings in the case against Airbus (DS316). The second ruling – dealing with Boeing’s case – is expected later this year.

94 percent of all US / Boeing’s 

original claims now dismissed by WTO

The Appellate Body confirmed in its report the legality of the loan partnership approach between Airbus and European governments. The WTO Panel agrees further with earlier findings that the European repayable launch investment (RLI) loans for civil aerospace development projects do not constitute a prohibited subsidy and only a few modifications are needed to achieve full compliance. The WTO has now dismissed in their entirety 94 percent of Boeing’s original claims. 

The WTO confirmed that all aspects of the A320 and A330 programs are now in full compliance and that only minor action remains on the A380.

On A350, minor elements of the RLI remain to be addressed. Airbus is currently implementing changes to respond to these findings. This means that any potential US sanctions, now likely to be minor compared to what had been expected, on the case against Boeing’s subsidies, could result to be counter-productive and ill-timed.

Jazz Pilot Pathway Program Expands again to welcome Keewatin Air

Jazz Aviation, part of Chorus has signed an agreement with Winnipeg, Manitoba-based Keewatin Air for the carrier to become the eighteenth organization in the Jazz Aviation Pathways Programme -("Jazz APP").

"Our Jazz APP program was introduced 11 years ago to provide a clearer pathway for professional pilots across Canada," said Steve Linthwaite, Vice President, Flight Operations, Jazz. "We're very pleased to continue delivering on this commitment by welcoming Keewatin – who has operational bases as far north as Cambridge Bay, Rankin Inlet and Iqaluit, NU – to elevate our Jazz APP further, into a truly Canadian concept."

Alaska Air Group reports April 2018 operational results

Alaska Air Group today reported April operational results on a consolidated basis for its mainline operations flown by subsidiaries Alaska Airlines Inc. (Alaska) and Virgin America Inc. (Virgin America), and for its regional flying operated by subsidiary Horizon Air Industries Inc. (Horizon) and third-party regional carriers SkyWest Airlines and Peninsula Airlines.

On January 11, 2018, Alaska and Virgin America consolidated their operations onto a Single Operating Certificate (SOC). Results for Alaska and Virgin America have been combined into a single mainline operation.