AerCap reports a busy September

AerCap, one of the global leaders in aircraft leasing has revealed some of its major business transactions during the third quarter of 2018.

The firm that employs 4017 people signed lease agreements for 62 aircraft, including 9 widebody aircraft and 53 narrowbody aircraft. The company has around 200 customers in nearly 80 countries also spent a fair amount of money during September as it purchased 12 aircraft, including 6 Airbus A320neo Family aircraft, 2 Airbus A350s, 2 Boeing 737 MAX 8s and 2 Boeing 787-9s.

It executed sale transactions for 13 aircraft, including 4 Airbus A320 Family aircraft, 2 Airbus A330s, 1 Airbus A340, 1 Boeing 737NG, 1 Boeing 757, 2 Boeing 767-300ERs, 1 Boeing 777-200ER and 1 Boeing 777-300, in total AerCap signed financing transactions for $750 million.

AerCap has its headquarters in Dublin, Ireland but also has offices in Shannon, Los Angeles, Singapore, Amsterdam, Shanghai, Abu Dhabi, Seattle and Toulouse. One of its recent transactions was supplying a brand new Boeing 737 Max to China Southern, whilst in August they supplied a big brother to the carrier, its first 787-9.   

(Photo  AerCap)

The Lates Southwest Airlines Traffic Statistics

Southwest Airlines reported its September, third quarter, and year-to-date 2018 preliminary traffic statistics earlier this week.

The Company flew 10.0 billion revenue passenger miles (RPMs) in September 2018, an increase of 5.3 % from the 9.5 billion RPMs flown in September 2017. Available seat miles (ASMs) increased 6.8 % to 12.4 billion in September 2018, compared with September 2017 ASMs of 11.6 billion. The September 2018 load factor was 80.5%, compared with 81.7 % in September 2017.

Delta's 'Breast Cancer One’ takes to the skies again between Atlanta and Boston

The US airline. Delta launched its annual "Breast Cancer One" employee survivor flight on Monday, which instigates the carriers month-long campaign to generate awareness and raise money for the Breast Cancer Research Foundation. 

This was the 14th year the Delta survivor flight took to the skies and this carried more than 140 employee breast cancer survivors and nearly 10 customers on board the airline's iconic pink plane from Atlanta to Boston.

The employee survivors, along with Delta leaders and BCRF executives, were celebrated and honoured during a kickoff celebration at Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport and as well as an arrival gatehouse celebration at Logan International Airport and a special evening event in Boston. 

Since 2005, Delta employees, customers and their friends and families have raised $14.6 million for BCRF, including last year's efforts of $2 million. The collective contributions have funded the vital work of 54 different research projects over the years in the pursuit of eradicating breast cancer.

Air Transat unveils its summer 2019 flight programme

The Canadian holiday and leisure airline, Air Transat, has confirmed it will be adding Split in Croatia, to its ever-increasing list of destinations for its direct flights for many of its main transatlantic markets, namely, Italy, Greece, Croatia, France and Portugal. The company is making it easy for Canadians to discover Europe next summer, with more and more flights to top vacation spots.

With 27 destinations in Europe and the Middle East accessible from six airports in Canada via connecting flights, Air Transat makes planning a dream vacation a breeze for Canadians. Moreover, as of summer 2019, passengers heading to destinations such as Nice, Porto and Basel will fly in one of two new Airbus A321neo LR aeroplanes being added to its fleet.

Air Transat adds the A321neo LR to its fleet and Split, Croatia to its destinations 

"Our fleet's transition period that started last winter is continuing. Summer 2019 will mark the arrival of two new Airbus A321neo LR aeroplanes, benefitting our flexibility and efficiency," says Annick Guérard, Chief Operating Officer at Transat. "We're adding Split in response to Croatia's soaring popularity as a tourist destination, while maintaining our position as a leader in many of our key markets, including the Mediterranean region," she explains.

Surfing the way into the hearts of many heading to California....... United's dropping a board fee

The surf is up,  the time is right and to celebrate California recently naming surfing as the state's official sport, the US mega-carrier United Airlines, is getting funky with finances and removing the service fees for surfboards for customers travelling to or from California. 

Surf's Up! Surfboard Fees Wiped Out in California on United Airlines

From 5th October, customers travelling with a surfboard or paddleboard on direct United Airlines or United Express itineraries that originate or end at any California airport will not have to pay the previous $150 or $200 service fee to check these items. This is a major step forward for surfing passengers who will still have to pay the normal regular checked-bag fees, but will save hundreds on transporting their beloved board!

Also, to help preserve California's coast and oceans, the airline donating $50,000 to Sustainable Surf, a California-based environmental nonprofit that operates as an innovation lab using surfing as a force for good—to solve the ocean health crisis by 2050.

Norwegian reports strong passenger growth in September

Nearly three and a half million people flew with Norwegian during September the airline has reported this week as new results for the month are released.

This September's passenger totals show an increase of some 9% on last years numbers and represent a testament to the airline's global strategy for growth. The total traffic growth (RPK) increased by 31%  in September driven by a 32 % capacity growth (ASK). The load factor was 88.8% on the entire route network and more importantly, 92.4% on Norwegian’s long-haul routes.

In general, the yield development is positive, but is negatively affected by the Swedish passenger tax and the fact that the company operates more longer flights than the same time the previous year. As the revenue per passenger kilometre is lower on longer flights, the company’s total yield falls as the share of long-haul flights increases.

WestJet appoint Colleen Johnston to its board

WestJet today announced the appointment of Colleen Johnston to its Board of Directors. Johnston's appointment will be effective immediately.

"We are thrilled to have Colleen's expertise on our Board," said Clive Beddoe, WestJet Founder and Chairman of the Board. "She brings a wealth of knowledge from the financial services sector as well as considerable community leadership skills. Her addition to the board is invaluable as we enter the next phase of WestJet's global growth.".

Alaska Airlines drops flights from Albuquerque

Alaska Airlines confirmed recently that it was calling a halt to its flights for Albuquerque International Sunport to San Francisco and Orange County.

The airline says lack of demand was the reason behind axing of the routes, but it would continue to operate other services from the airport, including Portland, Seattle and San Diego. However, insiders tell us that San Diego is currently under review and may also be axed with an announcement due in November.

The airline also announced last Thursday the carrier announced it will begin daily nonstop service between Seattle-Tacoma International Airport and El Paso International Airport, along with daily nonstop service between El Paso and San Diego International Airport.  El Paso is a new destination for Alaska.

Effective Date	City Pair	Departs	Arrives	Frequency	Aircraft
Feb. 19, 2019	Seattle – El Paso	7:45 a.m.	12:05 p.m.	Daily	E175
Feb. 19, 2019	El Paso – Seattle	5:55 p.m.	8:35 p.m.	Daily	E175
Feb. 19, 2019	El Paso – San Diego	12:50 p.m.	1:40 p.m.	Daily	E175
Feb. 19, 2019	San Diego – El Paso	2:25 p.m.	5:10 p.m.	Daily	E175
Flight times based on local time zones.

Swooping in for some Mexican magic.....Swoop annouces four new routes between Canada and Mexico

Swooping in to make a big impact on the Canada - Mexico travel market is the low-cost airline from WestJet called Swoop, as they announce the addition of four new routes.

Swoop will be serving the cities of Cancún, Mazatlán and Puerto Vallarta in Mexico with the new services the airline has confirmed this week. John C. Munro Hamilton International Airport (YHM) will see twice weekly service to Puerto Vallarta International Airport (PVR) and three times weekly service to Cancún International Airport (CUN) beginning January 8, 2019 and January 14, 2019, respectively. Similarly, Abbotsford International Airport (YXX) will enjoy twice weekly service to Puerto Vallarta (PVR) and twice-weekly service to Mazatlán International Airport (MZT) beginning January 12, 2019, and January 20, 2019, respectively.

Airline introduces service to three Mexican cities 

beginning January 8, 2019.

KLM's fancy way of checking the size of your cabin bag!

From today, KLM, the Royal Dutch Airline has made it even easier for passengers on Messenger to see whether their hand baggage is of the correct size. The airline says the Augmented Reality (AR) on its new app and available in Messenger, that is widely available for iPhone users (6s or above) in KLM's Messenger. KLM's AR hand baggage check uses a transparent, virtual KLM suitcase that is placed in reality on an actual suitcase to indicate whether the dimensions are appropriate for overhead compartments. This makes it easy for a passenger to check, in the comfort of their home, whether their hand baggage is of the correct size. Earlier this month, the service was launched in the KLM App (iOS).

Volaris sees a 17% growth in passenger numbers.

The leading ultra-low-cost airline serving Mexico, Central America and the US, Volaris has released its latest figures for the year and for the month of September, earlier this week.

Volaris' Chief Executive Officer, Enrique Beltranena, commented: "International load factors were high on the northbound but low on the southbound flights, responding to the seasonality of the VFR traffic. In addition, domestic traffic positively responded in volume despite relatively high ASM growth. This capacity growth reflects the arrival of the Airbus neos. As a general outlook, unit revenues continue the recuperation trend observed in previous months."

According to the latest figures, Volaris increased total capacity, as measured in Available Seat Miles (ASMs), by 17.0% year over year during September. Total demand, as measured in Revenue Passenger Miles (RPMs), in September 2018 increased 15.3% year over year, reaching 1.4 billion. Volaris transported a total of 1.4 million passengers during the month, an increase of 17.0% year over year. Network load factor for September was 81.3%, a decrease of 1.1 percentage points year over year. During September 2018, Volaris launched one domestic route Guadalajara, Jalisco to Tapachula, Chiapas.

CommutAir expands into Canada

CommutAir, a United Express carrier expands its route network from today, 4th October as the airline now operates five daily roundtrips from New York/Newark and Washington D.C's Dulles to Montreal's Pierre-Elliot Trudeau International Airport.

Montreal becomes CommutAir's first international destination since transitioning to an all-jet fleet and the airline plans even more cross-border operations. Over the next few months, Commutair will spread its wings to Quebec City and Ottawa. "We're thrilled to add international service into Canada and look forward to watching our route map continue its rapid expansion as monthly aircraft deliveries fuel our growth," said Joel Raymond, Chief Operating Officer.

CommutAir was started in 1989 and operates flights under the United Express brand, using the Embraer ERJ145 aircraft, from bases in Newark, NJ, and Washington-Dulles. The airline flies some 1,000 weekly flights to more than 35 destinations.  During 2019 the airline plans to increase its fleet to 61 Embraer ERJ145's and is therefore currently seeking more than 400 pilots over the next two years. 

West Wind Aviation appoints CEO and President

Michael Rodyniuk has been named as the new Chief Executive Officer, President and Accountable Executive of West Wind Aviation, the board confirmed this week.

According to the board of the Canadian company, Michael Rodyniuk brings a proven track record in the industry, strong dedication to safety, and unique success with Canadian northern airlines. He's been an airline executive since the 1990s.  His airline experience ranges from the large to the small airlines, most recently with regional carriers playing a vital role in Canada's north.  

The US Senate passes the Federal Aviation Administration Reauthorization Act of 2018.

The big news this week in the aviation industry from the United States of America came on Wednesday when the US Senate passed the Federal Aviation Administration Reauthorization Act of 2018.

To those of us outside of the US, this bill passed relatively unnoticed, without much drama or fanfare, but on the other side of the pond, it will have a big impact on air travel by providing long-term certainty and security for the aviation industry throughout the US. Also, perhaps unusually for these politically divided times, the bill passed with bipartisan support. But what is the act really all about?  Putting it simply, it basically gives the US FAA approval to carry on for the next five years, to continue with all its normal operations as well as a number of other new programmes, improvements and regulations including on seat sizes and critters in the cabin. The bill, which will now be sent to the US President, Donald Trump to approve and sign into law also includes the requirement for the FAA to instigate minimum sizes for aircraft seats and legroom within a year as well as more regulations to prevent airlines from offloading passengers.

Another part of the act deals with animals, which have been making news over the last few years in the US as a wide variety of creatures have been allowed in the aircraft cabins as 'emotional support animals' leading to bites, attacks and various problems. Many airlines have introduced new rules recently to reduce and specify what can be taken onboard as emotional support animals. The act instructs the Transportation Department to set rules for service and emotional support animals including “reasonable measures to ensure pets are not claimed as service animals.” which will help with the uniformity of regulations.  The act also prohibits putting a live animal in overhead luggage racks, although I can only find one case of that actually happening.

A moment in history.........60 years since the first jet engine flight between Europe to New York.

Peggy Thorne at the British Airways Global Learning Academy, with
 Sophie Picton (L) and Nadine Wood (R)

Sixty years ago, the British Overseas Airways Corporation,  -  BOAC, the forerunner to British Airways became the first airline to fly a turbo jet engine aircraft between Europe and New York. 

It was on 4th October 1958 that BOAC flew two de Havilland Comet 4 aircraft, one from New York to London and the other from London to New York. One of the original cabin crew members, Peggy Thorne, 91, had joined BOAC in 1950 and was hand-picked to serve customers on the first flight.

First jet engine flight across the Atlantic

Yesterday, British Airways hosted Peggy, and Captain Hugh Dibley FRAeS, a former Comet 4 navigator, at an event to celebrate the historic achievement. “It was marvellous” Peggy remembers. “We were used to travelling to New York on Boeing Stratocruisers which took up to 20 hours. We couldn’t believe the flight was possible in such a short time.”

Peggy Thorne with the crew of the first transatlantic jet engine flight 

Despite 60 years having passed, Peggy fully recalls the inaugural flight: “It was so exciting to be the first – it was wonderful. There were all sorts of dignitaries on board, press and the chairman of BOAC. It was a thrilling experience. We served customers Madeira biscuits and coffee when they came on board, followed by cocktails and canapes, and then a five-course lunch with wines. Petit Fours followed and then there was Afternoon Tea! Our customers loved it – they ate and drank from when they got on board until the time they got off.”

Hugh said: “The Comet 4 was delivered to BOAC on the 30th September and flew across the Atlantic on the 4th October, which was quite a surprise to some people, not least because it was so fast!"

"The Comet 4 was a firm favourite with pilots, as it was nice to fly and the design meant it was quite easy to make smooth landings. It also had great passenger appeal due to it's beautiful appearance and take-off performance."

The fine wines ff the Bordeaux region come a step closer thanks to new seasoanl service from Montreal

A winery in Bordeaux, France. (CNW Group/Air Canada)

One of the leading Canadian airlines, Air Canada announced on Wednesday that it would instigate a new service from Montreal to Bordeaux next summer.

The new route will operate between 15th June and 15th September 2019 on one of the carriers new Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft and are timed to optimize connectivity to Air Canada's extensive North American network, including major cities along the US east coast including New York, Boston, Philadelphia, also allowing easy connections from Los Angeles, San Francisco and Dallas. 

The Executive Vice President and Chief Commercial Officer at Air Canada, Lucie Guillemette says, "As the only network carrier to offer non-stop transatlantic service to Bordeaux, the addition of a fifth destination in France further enhances Air Canada's competitive position in the French market. Our four weekly flights are the most offered than any other airline between Montreal and Bordeaux providing travellers unique access to the famed wine growing region and the popular Nouvelle-Aquitaine market. In addition to playing a special role in connecting Canada with many French-speaking communities around the world, our Montreal hub is increasingly popular among U.S. travellers who appreciate seamless connections to international destinations on Air Canada,"

Thales to provide in-flight entertainment systems on Vietnam Airlines 787s and A350s

Photo Vietnam Airlines

Vietnam Airlines has chosen Thales to equip their new B787-10 Dreamliner aircraft with the state-of-the-art AVANT in-flight entertainment system. The airline has grown to become a prestigious airline in the region thanks to the strength of its modern fleet and extensive network of routes. Vietnam Airlines flies to 50 destinations in 17 countries. The carrier is recognized as a 4-Star Airline for three consecutive years by the UK-based international air transport rating organisation SKYTRAX. 

This agreement expands the existing partnership between Vietnam Airlines and Thales. The airline has previously chosen Thales AVANT IFE system for their A350-900 XWB-and B787-9 aircraft. In collaboration with VAECO, Thales also provides turn-key maintenance services on these aircraft. Thales's turn-key maintenance program guarantees exceptional services across the airline's fleet, enabling Vietnam Airlines to focus on its core business activities.

New aircraft stands increase capacity at London Stansted Airport

London Stansted Airport has completed the first phase in its amazing £600 million transformation programme this week, with the operational opening of four new parking stands.

The echo stand extension, spanning 40,000m², is the size of four premiership football pitches and boosts the airport’s ability to handle more aircraft during peak hours, helping to make airfield operations more efficient. 

A total of 23,000m³ of concrete was poured, 15 km of drainage pipes and 1850 metres of cabling laid during the seven-month-long development project by the main contractors, VolkerFitzpatrick.

The second phase is already underway at the airport and will include new taxiways, additional aircraft holding areas and a further 20 new aircraft stands, which will make a major milestone in the airport's development. 

British Airways lists the to 19 'Must- See' destinations for 2019.......with some surprises.

Number 3 on the list is Osaka. Photo British Airways

The UK's British Airways has picked its top 19 must-see destinations for 2019, in its annual travel predictions. 

Durban features on the list for the first time and is the number 1 must-see destination for 2019. Located on South Africa’s sublime Indian Ocean coast, 350 miles south-east of Johannesburg, Durban is a tropical, urban gem offering upmarket guesthouses, trendy bars and stylish restaurants overlooking the azure ocean and sweeping beaches.

Also in those 19 must-see places according to BA are popular party hotspot Las Vegas and the romantic paradise of the Seychelles.  

Osaka takes the third spot on the list of top destinations, beaten only by Durban and oddly Pittsburgh. Although it should also be noted that all nominated destinations are ones that BA have routes to, so perhaps this listing from the airline is more sales ploy than a true reflection of the merits of individual destinations. Closer to home, Cologne and Kos are tipped for popularity next year says the airline as it seeks to promote its new routes and crawl back some of the passengers its lost to European low-cost carriers and its long-haul competitors. 

Vienna calling...................more time for Waltzing and swirls as Air Canada launches new route from Toronto

Vienna calling...... The leading international Canadian carrier, Air Canada have confirmed this week that they will be introducing a new year-round service between Toronto and Vienna from 29th April next year.

The airline says it will operate Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners on the route which featuring Signature Class, Premium Economy and Economy cabins. During the winter season, from November until March, flights will operate five days a week, outside those months there service will operate on a daily basis. This service is offered in partnership with Star Alliance joint venture partner Austrian Airlines complementing their Montreal-Vienna flights also beginning in April 2019.

Year-round non-stop flights to with Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners

Star Alliance joint venture partner Austrian Airlines

to begin Montreal-Vienna service in April 2019

More short to medium range aircraft for Lufthansa.....27 Airbus options converted to firm orders

Late last week, the board of one of Europe's largest airlines gave approval for the purchase of 27 short and medium-haul aircraft, with a list value of around $3billion.

That board was the supervisory board of Deutsche Lufthansa AG and they approved the purchase options for 24 Airbus A320neo and three A321neo the airline held will be converted into firm orders. With this decision, the Lufthansa Group is reacting to the positive market and earnings development and thus ensuring the necessary fleet size in the coming years. 

The total value of the order is around three billion US dollars at list prices, although as Lufthansa is a special customer of the European manufacturer, the real price will be much lower. The new order increases the total number of A320neo and A321neo orders to 149 for the Group, 13 of them are already operating with Lufthansa.

27 Airbus A320neo and A321neo options converted into firm orders

Total investment according to list price of about 3 billion US dollars

A total of 149 "Neos" for the Lufthansa Group are ordered 

Investigation launched into ATC fault in Ireland

A full investigation has been started into a major technical fault that disrupted a number of flights in Ireland on Tuesday evening.

Late in the evening, an issue with Air Traffic Control at Shannon caused a number of cancellations, diversions and disruption.  Some inbound flights had to be diverted, while outgoing flights were either cancelled or delayed.  

The Irish Aviation Authority (IAA) confirmed just before 11pm that flights and usual operations could be restored following the implementation of a secondary backup system, “Earlier this evening a technical issue occurred with the Shannon ATC system. Flights to and from Shannon and Cork were affected by the restriction. Dublin was not affected. As part of planned contingency, the IAA moved to its back-up systems and the flight restrictions have been lifted." it said, leaving many to wonder why it took nearly three hours for the backup system to be started.

The problem was indicated to be the radar which covers the entire south and west areas of Irish airspace going down, which meant that any air traffic in the sky was controlled until it landed, however, nothing was allowed into the area.  Dublin escaped the restrictions thanks to its close proximity to UK air traffic control service. 

American Airlines Goes Pink in October for Breast Cancer Awareness Month

US megacarrier, American Airlines have confirmed it will once again introduce a touch of pink this month as it recognises October as Breast Cancer Awareness Month!

The airline and its staff will “go pink” to help raise awareness and critical funds for long-time partner Susan G. Komen. American’s partnership with Susan G. Komen dates back to 1983 when the airline became the organization’s first corporate sponsor. In the time since the partnership began, American has helped raise more than $36 million for the organization. 

Every dollar raised by the airline and its customers goes to support the Susan G. Komen Young Investigators Grant Programme. Through this grant program, researchers are discovering breakthroughs for the most aggressive and deadly breast cancers, including triple negative breast cancer and all forms of the disease that have advanced to stage 4 metastatic breast cancer, meaning they have spread to other parts of the body.

Airbus Helicopters Fully Operational as UK MFTS Aircraft Service Provider

Airbus Helicopters completion of delivery of 29 Helionix equipped H135s and three Helionix, hoist-equipped H145s earlier this year, marked the end of the delivery phase of the MFTS contract. On Tuesday, the company has completed its service provision build up and is fully embedded at RAF Shawbury and RAF Valley, supporting Ascent’s Training delivery from newly modernised facilities. On 1st April 18, the precise date of the RAF Centenary, Airbus Helicopters was confirmed by Ascent and the Ministry of Defence as being ready for training use for the UK MFTS rotary wing element. Since contract signature on 16 May 2016 to ready for training on 1st April 2018, Airbus Helicopters has delivered on time and to cost against an extremely demanding timescale.

The Entry into Service of the H135 Juno and H145 Jupiter in 2018 marks 45 years and three generations of Airbus Helicopters aircraft providing continuous military flying training in the UK; following the selection of the SA341 Gazelle in 1973 for the Navy, Army and the RAF Central Flying School (Helicopters) and the choice of AS350 Squirrels in 1997 for the Defence Helicopter Flying School.

American Airlines Enhances 2019 Schedule with seven new international flights

On Tuesday, American Airlines released details of how it plans to extend its route network and enhance its 2019 schedule. The airline serves more destinations in Mexico, the Caribbean and Latin America from the U.S. than any other carrier. And next summer, that list will grow even longer.

American will add a sixth destination in Cuba with a new daily flight from Miami International Airport (MIA) to Antonio Maceo Airport (SCU) in Santiago de Cuba starting 3rd May. The airline will also start new service from Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) to Durango International Airport (DGO) in Mexico starting 6th June. American will be the only U.S. carrier to serve DGO and SCU.

“We have had a robust schedule of flights between the U.S. and the Mexico, Caribbean and Latin America region for years from our DFW and MIA hubs,” said Vasu Raja, Vice President of Network and Schedule Planning for American. “As we work to deliver the best network, these new routes reinforce our commitment to the region and provide new options for customers.”

American will also add new service to some of its existing international destinations from DFW, MIA, Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT) in North Carolina and LaGuardia Airport (LGA) in New York.

EVA Air, Boeing and Air Lease Corp celebrate the airlines first 787-9 Dreamliner

The US giant plane maker Boeing, together with Air Lease Corp and EVA Air are celebrating today the delivery of the airline's first 787-9 Dreamliner, via lease from ALC, at Boeing's South Carolina Delivery Center. 

The Taiwan based airline, EVA Air plans to debut the long-range aircraft on international routes from November. "This milestone delivery marks the beginning of a new era for EVA Air as we continue to revolutionise Taiwan's dynamic commercial aviation industry," said Steve Lin, Chairman of EVA Air. "The 787 Dreamliner's extraordinary efficiency and passenger-pleasing cabin features will further elevate EVA Air's position as a five-star global airline. We are excited to introduce the 787 into our fleet and they will play an integral role in our success going forward."

Today's delivery marks the first of 24 Dreamliners for the Taipei-based carrier, who first announced an order for the type in 2015.  "ALC is pleased to deliver this historic first Boeing 787-9 to EVA Air and further our strong relationship with a world-class airline," said Steven Udvar-Házy, Executive Chairman of Air Lease Corporation. "As the first airline in Taiwan to operate a Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner, EVA Air will continue to excel as a leading international airline with the most technologically advanced and fuel-efficient fleet."

EVA Air is first in Taiwan to fly the 787

Double daily to Kiev for flydubai before airlines switiches airports

Dubai-based flydubai started its second daily a new service today from its home base to Kiev today and confirmed that from 28th October will shift its operations to Boryspil International Airport (KBP) Kiev. Plus the well respected UAE carrier says it will also start live animal transportation. 

flydubai launched its operations to Ukraine in 2011 and offers 17 weekly flights from Kiev and Odessa to Dubai.  Jeyhun Efendi, Senior Vice President, Commercial at flydubai, said, “We welcome the start of our double daily service from Boryspil International Airport, which provides a more convenient travel experience and better connectivity via Dubai’s aviation hub to some of the most popular leisure destinations. Our passengers from Kiev were also one of the first on our network to enjoy our new Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft with a flat-bed in Business Class and optimised space and comfort in Economy Class.”

Delta saw passenger numbers increase during September latest figures show

Trump supporting Delta Air Lines has released its latest operational performance figures for the month of September this week.  In total the company carried 15.2 million passengers over its entire global network during the month.

The airline saw 5.4% more people travelling on its domestic routes this September when compared to last year's figures. International passenger numbers also increased during the month, but via a more modest 1.1%.

SpiceJet to launch new services

One of India’s major airlines, SpiceJet has recently announced additions to its flight network, last week it advised it would start Ahmedabad-Jaisalmer and Surat-Jaisalmer services.

SpiceJet says it will begin the Ahmedabad-Jaisalmer operation on 31st October, while Ahmedabad and Surat-Jaisalmer-Surat route would begin on 30th November this year. Additionally, SpiceJet is all set to enhance its operations on the Surat-Goa sector with a second direct flight from 30th November.

The airline is also starting a new daily non-stop flight between Delhi and Hong Kong with effect of 22nd November, using a state-of-the-art brand new Boeing 737 MAX aircraft. This will be SpiceJet’s eighth International destination after Bangkok, Colombo, Dubai, Dhaka, Kabul, Male and Muscat.

Virgin Atlantic signs up for 'Worldwide by easyJet'

In a surprise development, Virgin Atlantic has joined forces with easyJet, for the low-cost carriers connecting platform ‘Worldwide by easyJet’.

The ‘Worldwide by easyJet’ was introduced in September last year designed to help passengers booking connecting flights with easyJet and other airlines at London Gatwick for a fee. Initially, it launched with onward flights on WestJet and Norwegian. This quickly expanded to Thomas Cook Airlines, Corsair, La Compagnie and Loganair and the connections platform was extended to Milan Malpensa airport in December 2017. Earlier this year easyJet decided it would roll out the connection service to Berlin Tegel, Venice Marco Polo, Amsterdam Schiphol, Paris Charles De Gaulle and Orly and Edinburgh airports.

Regulatory approval for Airbus long-range capability for A321neo

In a significant step forward, Airbus has received regulatory approval for “Long Range” (LR) operations of the A321LR this week, despite its launch customer Primera Air going bust.

The aircraft makers got joint EASA and FAA approval of the aircraft to operate with up to three underfloor Additional Centre Tanks (ACTs), including for ETOPS operation. This latest milestone is one of various A321neo capability options which when combined, allow the A321LR version to fly up to 4,000nm with 206 passengers with extra fuel stored in three ACTs, including on ETOPS routes. Moreover, the ETOPS authorisation enables up to 180 minutes single-engine diversion time, which is sufficient for performing any transatlantic route.

EASA and FAA certify long-range capability for A321neo

Primera Air goes bankrupt, stranding thousands.......

"Goodbye to all of you," is what the staff of low-cost airline Primera Air put on their website as the airline crashed and suspended operations on Sunday night and filed for bankruptcy today.

In the message posted on the site, it told how the airline had stopped flying and thanked passengers for their loyalty but lacked any detail to help the thousands of stranded passengers or give details of how people with future bookings could claim refunds.

The Danish company with Icelandic owners started operations in 2003 as a charter airline and had grown rapidly in the last few years expanding into low-cost trans-Atlantic scheduled flights. The airline had started many routes to the USA from various European countries including the UK, often advertising incredibly low fares.

For UK passengers, there is little recourse on getting money back, the UK's CAA said "Primera Air, a Danish scheduled air carrier which operated services from various points in the United Kingdom, has announced it will cease operations.  Primera Air is not covered by the UK Civil Aviation Authority's ATOL Protection scheme which only covers passengers booked on a package holiday.". The authority advised that if passengers had booked using their credit cards, they may be able to make a claim against their card provider. Some card providers will ask for a negative response letter confirming the position, which the CAA advises will be published shortly.  People who had booked flights as part of a package or a travel agent may also be entitled to a refund, but would need to check with their tour company or travel agent. For more details on the CAA advice can be found on its website - https://www.caa.co.uk/News/Advice-to-UK-consumers-on-Primera-Air-ceasing-operations/

Qatar Airways Announces Upgrade of Five Airbus A350-900s to A350-1000s

Doha based Qatar Airways confirmed on Monday that it had done a deal with European planemaker Airbus to upgrade five of its current order of A350-900s to the higher-capacity A350-1000. 

Qatar Airways is already a strong customer for the passenger delighting A350, having already taken delivery of 30 A350 aircraft (27 A350-900 and three A350-1000) from the total order of 76 A350 XWBs.

The decision to upgrade the original order comes just eight months after the award-winning airline, which was the global launch customer for both A350 types, welcomed the first A350-1000 into its fleet. The strong performance of this state-of-the-art aircraft and the need for extra capacity on the world’s fastest-growing airline are the key factors behind this latest announcement.

Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive, His Excellency Mr Akbar Al Baker, said: “Qatar Airways is delighted to have upgraded five of its previously ordered A350-900 to the more recently launched A350-1000. Since taking delivery of the world’s first A350-1000 in February 2018, we have been extremely pleased with the aircraft’s performance, which has prompted us to update our original order. The A350-1000 has been a welcome addition to our fleet and very well received by our passengers who enjoy the unprecedented levels of comfort and technology that this new generation aircraft offers.”

Qatar Airways upsizes original order following the strong performance of the A350-1000 and need for extra capacity on its growing global network

More Dreamliners for United

United Airlines announced on Monday that it had ordered another 9 Boeing 787-9 aircraft in a deal worth $2.53 billion according to list prices or $1.95 billion at real prices.

United Airlines says the order forms part of its fleet strategy of replacing older widebody jets with new, advanced aircraft which can fly farther for less. In total, The U.S. airline has ordered 64 examples of Boeing's Dreamliner family of aircraft.

The airline started operating the Dreamliner in 2012, and later this year is all set to take delivery of the largest member of the Dreamliner family, the 787-10, which can seat up to 330 passengers in a standard configuration. While the aeroplane is capable of flying long distances with a range of 6,430 nautical miles, United today announced plans to debut its first 787-10 on premium transcontinental routes in the U.S., boosting its coast-to-coast schedules to offer passengers travelling between New York/Newark and Los Angeles and San Francisco more flights and more premium seats.

(Photos Boeing / United)

Ryanair cuts profits guidance by 12% and cuts European bases

The European low-fare-high-fee airline Ryanair said on Monday that its profits for the full year would be down by at least 12% due to strike action by disgruntled staff and higher fuel prices.

The airline says its profits will now be in the range of €1.10bn – €1.20bn, down from €1.25bn – €1.35bn, it originally posted. The strikes have had a big impact on passenger numbers the airline concedes and it is also seeing a lot lower volume of advance bookings for the winter period, particularly for the October school half-term holiday, perhaps because of a lack of consumer confidence their Ryanair flights would actually go ahead.  The airline is also complaining bitterly that its vast profits might take a little dent because it has had to pay out a lot more compensation under the European EU261 regulations that it previously anticipated. 

Read on for Michael O'Leary's comments on the profits warning and find out which bases are facing the axe. 

Aeroflot future plans

The Russian airline Aeroflot has recently unveiled some of its future development plans following a meeting of the board on 27th September.

According to the strategy agreed by the board, the Aeroflot Group must maintain its position among top 20 global airlines by passenger traffic, that's paramount to its continued success.

It must also,

- increase target passenger traffic by 2023;
- further develop international transit;
- open new regional bases and hubs;
- significantly expand the fleet to achieve target passenger traffic; by 2026, the Group should operate 200 Russian-built SSJ100 and MC-21 aircraft;

The Aeroflot board have also stated that as part of the development strategy, the group needs to  ensure a high level of digitalisation within the Group (further development of online-sales channels, including mobile apps; increasing operational efficiency through the introduction of new digital technologies; use of existing data to generate new revenues and optimise the Group’s operations).

Aeroflot has a fleet of around 248 aircraft and that fleet is the youngest of any airline worldwide that operates more than 100 aircraft. It currently serves 146 destinations in 52 countries and is a member of the SkyTeam global alliance. 

The airline recently announced that it will start a new service to Colombo, Sri Lanka, five times a week from 28th October.  Subsidiary carrier Rossiya Airlines will begin three weekly flights to the capital of Bali, Denpasar from the same date.  

(Photo Aeroflot)

Delta to link Boston and Lisbon

The US airline Delta will be starting a new route from Boston to the capital of Portugal, Lisbon from 23rd May next year.

The new trans-Atlantic service will operate on a seasonal basis operating between 23rd May and 3rd September. The flights leave at  2145 from Boston and arrive the next morning in Lisbon at 0915.  On the return, the flight is scheduled for a 1045 departure and arrival 1315.

The Trump supporting airline will use a Boeing 757 aircraft on the route that has 20 seats in Delta Premium Select, 29 seats Delta Comfort+ and 150 seats in the Main Cabin. The onboard experience includes access to Wi-Fi, free personal in-flight seatback entertainment screens and power ports in every seat. 

"Delta is thrilled to offer our customers one more additional European destination next summer," said Charlie Schewe, Director — New England Sales. "Greater Boston has a large Portuguese community and this new service will provide a valuable link for residents on both sides of the Atlantic." 

"Delta has significantly grown Boston's direct access to the world in the past five years, including popular tourism destinations like Dublin and now Lisbon, as well as flights to major international hubs offering onward travel to hundreds more destinations," said Roberto Ioriatti, Vice President — Trans-Atlantic. "This will be an excellent addition to the many options for nonstop international travel available to Delta customers at Logan International Airport."