China Airlines (Taipei) on June 7 introduced this new “Love and Hug” design on Boeing 747-409 B-18203 (msn 28711). The design displays some of the world’s endanger species. The artwork was created by Taiwanese artist Jimmy.

China Airlines has pledged 20 special logojets in the next five years!

In other news, China Airlines introduced nonstop twice-weekly Taipei-Honolulu Airbus A330 service on June 2.

Copyright Photo: Bernhard Ross/AirlinersGallery.com. B-18203 made its first visit to Frankfurt in the special design on June 17.

China Airlines: 

Air Costa (Vijayawada, India) has acquired three E-Jets for the launch of its scheduled regional airline service in India. Two Embraer 170s have been arranged from ECC Leasing, Embraer’s wholly-owned subsidiary. The new carrier has also purchased one new Embraer 190 from Embraer. The firm order is already included in Embraer’s backlog as an “undisclosed” customer.

Air Costa today said it is in the process of getting final approvals from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) and would launch operations in July 2013.

The no-frills Air Costa will initially fly to Bangalore, Chennai, Hyderabad and Vijayawada as well as key secondary cities in the north and northwest of the country.

The new operator had initially planned to launch operations using five Bombardier Q400s.

Copyright Photo: Air Costa. Formerly operated by Gulf Air as A9C-MA, Air Costa will lease this Embraer ERJ 70-100LR G-CHJI (msn 17000278) from ECC Leasing Company as VT-LSR.

Boeing (Chicago) and and Korean Air (Seoul) today announced that the airline has agreed to purchase five 747-8 Intercontinental airplanes and six 777-300 ER (Extended Range) jetliners, valued at approximately $3.6 billion at current list prices. Boeing will work with Korean Air to finalize the order, at which time the order will be posted to Boeing’s Orders and Deliveries website.

Korean Air is the only airline in the world to order both the passenger and freighter variations of the 747-8. When today’s order is finalized, Korea’s flag carrier will have 10 747-8 Intercontinental airplanes on order. The airline has taken delivery of three of its seven 747-8 Freighters on order.

Korean Air currently operates a fleet of 90 Boeing passenger airplanes that consist of 737, 747 and 777 airplanes. The airline also operates an all-Boeing cargo fleet of 27 747-400, 747-8 and 777 Freighters. In February 2012, Korean Air became the first airline in the world to operate both the 747-8 and 777 Freighters.

Top Copyright Photo: Michael B. Ing/AirlinersGallery.com. Korean Air is already an operator of the Boeing 747-800F freighter. Korean Air Cargo Boeing 747-8HTF HL7609 (msn 37132) climbs briskly in the Southern California sky after departing from Los Angeles International Airport.

Korean Air: 

Bottom Copyright Photo: Royal S. King/AirlinersGallery.com. Boeing 777-3B5 ER HL7782 (msn 37643) lands at Paine Field near Everett.

Embraer S.A. disclosed a firm order from Japan Airlines (JAL) (Tokyo) today for another four Embraer 170 jets. The firm order is already included in Embraer’s backlog as an “undisclosed” customer. With this new agreement, the total number of firm orders for the E170 from JAL is 15 aircraft.

As with the previous aircraft ordered by JAL, these four E170s will be configured with 76 seats in a single-class layout and will be operated by J-Air (Nagoya), JAL’s wholly owned subsidiary that serves the company’s domestic network. The airline already operates twelve E170s, with an outstanding dispatch reliability of 99.7% over the last 12 months.

Copyright Photo: Akira Uekawa/AirlinersGallery.com. Embraer ERJ 170-100ST JA218J (msn 17000314) approaches Tokyo (Haneda) for landing.

JAL-Japan Airlines: 

J-Air: 

EVA Air (Taipei) today (June 18) joined the Star Alliance network, further strengthening the Alliance’s presence in Asia/Pacific. At the official joining ceremony held at Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport Mark Schwab, CEO Star Alliance said: “EVA Air has successfully completed all joining requirements and I can confirm that our Chief Executive Board (CEB) has now unanimously accepted EVA Air into our Alliance.”

Founded just over 16 years ago, Star Alliance has progressively built its presence in Asia/Pacific and now has eight member carriers based in this region, which continues to show a growing demand in air travel, posting 5.2% growth in 2012. At present, 19 Star Alliance member airlines operate more than 4,000 daily flights to, from and within the Asia / Pacific region, serving 280 airports in 44 countries.

Austin Cheng, President, EVA Air said: “Star Alliance membership gives us the privilege of serving new customers from all corners of the globe and introducing our passengers to the seamless services and status recognition that the Alliance provides. As a member, we have the opportunity to introduce travellers to new ways of connecting to destinations throughout Asia via our hub in Taipei.”

Star Alliance was founded with the mission of providing seamless global air travel for the high value international traveller. EVA Air’s customers will now have access to a global network of 28 airlines, operating more than 21,900 daily flights to 1,328 airports in 195 countries. In addition to bringing Kaohsiung in Taiwan and Surabaya in Indonesia as unique airports to the network, EVA Air expands the Alliance’s presence on the important Cross-Straits market, which has grown from an annual passenger volume of just over 3 million in 2009 to around 9 million in 2012. Moreover, Taiwan’s geographic location is such that it has the shortest average distance to all major cities in the Asia-Pacific region, making Taiwan’s Taoyuan International Airport an important hub in the region. In total, Star Alliance now offers 10 hubs across Asia / Pacific: Tokyo – Narita and Haneda, Seoul – Incheon, Beijing, Shanghai – Pudong, Taipei – Taoyuan, Shenzhen, Bangkok, Singapore and Auckland.

Top Copyright Photo: Star Alliance. The flight attendants (in their uniforms) of the member airlines welcome EVA Air at Taipei.

EVA Air: 

Bottom Copyright Photo: Yuji Wang/AirlinersGallery.com. EVA Air is a big corporate sponsor of the Hello Kitty cartoon series and brand created and owned by the Japanese company Sanrio. The third Hello Kitty logojet, in the form of Airbus A330-302X B-16333 (msn 1274) prepares to land at Shanghai (Hongqiao) (please click on the photo for the full-size view).

Star Alliance Members:

AeroMexico (Mexico City) has announced the launch of its new Aeromexico Contigo (Aeromexico with You) product which will offer a host of benefits to passengers  traveling frequently between Mexico and the United States.

The use of the Boeing 737-800 airliner for the Aeromexico Contigo program optimizes operating costs, which then translates into lower pricing. Other benefits include increased legroom, personalized attention by Aeromexico Call Center agents and at participating airport check-in counters.

Destinations to feature the Aeromexico Contigo product include:

It is important to note that the benefits offered through Aeromexico Contigo are in addition to Aeromexico’s existing baggage policy for travel between Mexico to the US, which includes free check in of passengers’ first bag weighing 55 lbs (25 Kg) and one carry-on bag weighing 22 lbs (10 Kg) and for passengers’ traveling from the US a first bag weighing 50 lbs (23 Kg) and one carry-on bag of 22 lbs (10 Kg).

Aeromexico Contigo will begin operation in October 2013.

Copyright Photo: Brian McDonough/AirlinersGallery.com. Boeing 737-852 WL EI-DRB (msn 35115) completes its final approach into Miami International Airport.

AeroMexico: 

Delta Air Lines (Atlanta) yesterday (June 17) celebrated new nonstop service from Seattle/Tacoma to Shanghai with an inaugural service ceremony. The flight is the latest addition to Delta’s growing Asian gateway in Seattle/Tacoma, as the service, between Seattle-Tacoma International Airport and Shanghai Pu Dong International Airport complements current nonstop service from Seattle/Tacoma to Beijing, Osaka, Tokyo-Narita and most recently, Tokyo-Haneda.

The flight will operate using a 208-seat Boeing 767-300 ER aircraft with 36 full flat-bed seats in BusinessElite, 29 seats in Economy Comfort and 143 Economy class seats.

Shanghai service is Delta’s second route between Seattle/Tacoma and China, following Beijing service which began in 2010. In addition to its Asian routes, Delta operates nonstop service from Seattle/Tacoma to Paris and Amsterdam. This summer the airline will operate more than 45 daily flights to 18 destinations worldwide from Seattle/Tacoma.

Delta’s recent partnership with Virgin Atlantic also provides the opportunity to offer new service between Seattle/Tacoma and London-Heathrow, pending government approval.

In addition, this summer Delta added a fifth daily flight between Seattle/Tacoma and New York-JFK with upgraded BusinessElite service to match the airline’s trans-continental product from Los Angeles and San Francisco to New York.

In Seattle/Tacoma, Delta has enhanced its facility including a new Delta Sky Club, new power ports, expanded ticket counters and lobby renovations as part of its ongoing $3 billion investment to improve products, services and facilities.

Delta’s international expansion and customer enhancements in Seattle are enhanced by a strategic partnership between Delta and Alaska Airlines that benefits customers of both carriers and creates more competition and travel options for consumers in the Pacific Northwest region. Customers traveling on Delta’s new Shanghai service will have easy connection times to 58 U.S. cities via the two airlines’ domestic networks.

From Shanghai, Delta’s partnership with China Eastern will also provide extensive connection opportunities throughout China for customers traveling from Seattle.

Delta’s schedule between Seattle-Tacoma International Airport and Shanghai Pu Dong International Airport:

Copyright Photo: Bruce Drum/AirlinersGallery.com. Boeing 767-332 ER N1605 (msn 30198) prepares to land at the Minneapolis/St Paul hub (click on the photo for the full-size view).

Delta Air Lines: 

EasyJet (UK) (easyJet.com) (London-Luton), subject to shareholder approval, intends to place a firm order with Airbus for 100 A320neo aircraft. These will be preceded by 35 A320ceo aircraft equipped with Sharklets.  Of the 135 aircraft, 85 will be for replacement.

Copyright Photo: Andi Hiltl/AirlinersGallery.com. Airbus A320-214 G-EZUI (msn 4721) in the special 200th Airbus livery departs from Zurich.

EasyJet: 

Boeing (Chicago) announced today at the 2013 Paris Airshow that it has launched the 787-10 Dreamliner, the third member of the super-efficient 787 family. Commitments for 102 airplanes from five customers across Europe, Asia and North America provide a strong foundation to support development and production of the newest Dreamliner.

Customer launch commitments for the 787-10 include Air Lease Corporation, with 30 airplanes; GE Capital Aviation Services, with 10; International Airlines Group / British Airways, with 12 subject to shareholder approval; Singapore Airlines, with 30 and United Airlines, with 20 airplanes.

The new 787-10 will fly up to 7,000 nautical miles (12,964 km) — covering more than 90 percent of the world’s twin-aisle routes — with seating for 300-330 passengers, depending on an airline’s configuration choices. The second member of the family, the 787-9, is in final assembly in Everett, Wash., and is set to make its first flight later this year.

“The 787-10 Dreamliner will be the most-efficient jetliner in history. The airplane’s operating economics are unmatched and it has all the incredible passenger-pleasing features that set the 787 family apart as truly special,” said Boeing Commercial Airplanes President and CEO Ray Conner. “The 787-10 is 25 percent more efficient than airplanes of its size today and more than 10 percent better than anything being offered by the competition for the future.”

Design of the 787-10 has already started at Boeing, and international partners will be involved in detailed design in the months ahead. Final assembly and flight test of the 787-10 are set to begin in 2017, with first delivery targeted for 2018.

“Our ongoing investment in the 787 family is well-founded,” said Conner.  “With the 787-10, we’ve designed an exceptional airplane supported by an efficient and integrated production system that can meet increasing demands and create new opportunities for us. Our team and our customers are excited about growing the product line and expanding our presence with this family of airplanes.”

The 787 family’s unique interior offers passengers technologies that make their flights more enjoyable, including large, dimmable windows; cleaner air; higher humidity; lower cabin altitude; bigger stowage bins; soothing LED lighting and a smoother ride. The 787-10 will share a common type rating not only with the 787-8 and 787-9 but also with the popular Boeing 777, giving airlines additional flexibility in scheduling and training flight crews.

United Airlines issued this statement:

United Airlines today increased its 787 Dreamliner order to 65 aircraft (including six previously delivered aircraft) with an order for 20 787-10s.United is the North American launch customer for the 787-10 and it expects delivery of its first aircraft in 2018. United ordered 10 incremental 787-10 aircraft and will convert 10 existing 787s on order to 787-10s, enabling the airline to further modernize its international widebody fleet by replacing older, less efficient aircraft. The advanced technology and composite construction of the 787 reduce fuel burn and carbon emissions, while providing a superior customer experience.

United is currently the only U.S. airline to operate the 787. United has six new 787-8 aircraft in service and had previous orders for an additional 49 Dreamliners consisting of both the -8 and -9 variants. The 787-10 is a stretched version of the 787-9 and will offer the lowest fuel burn per seat of any aircraft in its size category. The 787 offers up to 20 percent better fuel efficiency per seat than similarly sized aircraft, due in part to the more than 50 percent composite makeup of its structure. The 787 also boasts an enhanced inflight experience including larger windows, larger overhead bins and lower cabin altitude with enhanced ventilation systems that reduce the effects of jet lag.

The 787-10 order is the latest in United’s commitment to improve the efficiency of its fleet. In July of last year, United announced a narrowbody order for 100 Boeing 737 MAX 9 aircraft and 50 Boeing 737-900ER aircraft. In addition, United has an order for 25 Airbus A350 aircraft. The airline is also modernizing its United Express fleet by adding 70 76-seat Embraer aircraft that will be operated by United Express regional partners.

Images: Boeing.

SkyWest Inc. (SkyWest Airlines and ExpressJet Airlines) (St. George) has signed a firm order for 100 Embraer E175-E2 aircraft, with another 100 Purchase Rights, bringing the total potential of the order to 200 aircraft. The announcement was made today at a press conference at the 50th International Paris Airshow. If all the orders are exercised, the contract has an estimated value, at list price, of $9.36 billion.

This new contract is in addition to SkyWest’s previous order in May 2013 for up to 200 current generation E175 aircraft, and therefore the potential order of E-Jets at SkyWest may reach 400 aircraft.

As the first operator to order the E175-E2, SkyWest becomes the launch customer for that aircraft, one of three E-Jets E2 models. SkyWest is the largest regional airline group in the world.  It is the parent company of SkyWest Airlines and ExpressJet Airlines, both of which have been long time operators of Embraer aircraft.  More than 40 EMB-120 Brasilia turboprops continue to fly in the SkyWest Airlines network, primarily in the western states. ExpressJet Airlines operates 249 aircraft from the ERJ 145 family and has the largest ERJ fleet in the world.

The E-Jets E2 represent Embraer’s commitment to continuously invest in the company’s line of commercial jets and maintain its leadership in the 70 to 130 seats market. The three new airplanes (E175-E2, E190-E2, E195-E2) carry the designator “E2” which signifies generational changes in technology that have been incorporated in the design. Each of the three aircraft has the versatility for a range of single class, multi-class or high-density seat capacities to suit operator requirements with new ‘look and feel’ and improved comfort levels.

State-of-the-art engines in combination with new aerodynamically advanced wings, full fly-by-wire flight controls, and advancements in other systems will result in double-digit improvements in fuel burn, maintenance costs, emissions and external noise.

The first delivery of an E-Jets E2 (the E190-E2) is planned for the first semester of 2018. The E195-E2 is slated to enter service in 2019 and the E175-E2 in 2020. Over 950 E-Jets have been delivered to date. Currently, 65 customers from 47 countries have added Embraer E-Jets to their fleets.

Pratt & Whitney will provide exclusive power for up to 100 firm plus 100 purchase right Embraer Second Generation E-Jets for an order announced today by Embraer and SkyWest, Inc. Deliveriesare scheduled to begin in 2020. Pratt & Whitney is a division of United Technologies Corporation.

Each Embraer Second Generation E2 E-Jet will be powered by two PurePower engines. Pratt & Whitney has announced orders for more than 3,500 engines that include announced and unannounced firm orders, plus options. The PurePower family of engines uses an advanced gear system allowing the engine’s fan to operate at a different speed than the low-pressure compressor and turbine. The combination of the gear system and an all-new advanced core deliver the improvements in fuel efficiency, environmental emissions and noise.

Image: Embraer.

SkyWest Airlines: 

Bombardier Aerospace (Montreal) disclosed today that a previously announced firm order for 10 Bombardier CS100 aircraft was placed by Odyssey Airlines, a new airline that intends to operate from London City Airport. The firm order was announced on June 24, 2011.

According to Reuters, Odyssey Airlines plans to launch nonstop business class flights from London City Airport to New York and other destinations in Europe.

Image: Bombardier.

Bombardier (Montreal) today issued this statement:

Further to the Definitive Agreement (DA) signed on March 21, 2012 covering program commonalities between the C919 and CSeries aircraft and the Letter of Intent (LOI) signed on November 13, 2012 signaling the beginning of Phase II of their strategic collaboration, Bombardier and the Commercial Aircraft Corporation of China Ltd (COMAC) wish to announce the signing of a DA covering four distinctive projects. The DA is to be executed as part of the second phase of the parties’ long-term collaboration on leveraging commonalities between theC919 and CSeries airliners.

The four initiatives COMAC and Bombardier will collaborate on are: 1) specific areas of the CSeries aircraft flight test activities pertaining to non-flying tasks, 2) implementing and maintaining the common items that were achieved as part of Phase I, 3) sales and marketing, and 4) certain areas of customer services related to training, technical publications and parts distribution.

The second phase of COMAC and Bombardier’s cooperation is expected to contribute further to enhancing the competitiveness of not only the C919 and CSeries aircraft programs, but also of both COMAC and Bombardier’s overall businesses, and will help with maximizing both parties’ cost savings and market shares, while allowing customers of the C919 and the CSeriescommercial airliners to realize cost benefits from the operation of both aircraft families.

Image: Bombardier.

Air New Zealand (Auckland) has taken delivery of its first Airbus A320-200 equipped with fuel saving wing tip devices, or Sharklets, at a ceremony during the 50th Le Bourget Paris Airshow. The aircraft was handed over to the airline’s Chief Flight Operations and Safety Officer David Morgan.

Airbus launched the Sharklet during the November 2009 at the Dubai Air Show. Air New Zealand was the first customer to commit to the fuel saving devices.

Air New Zealand will take delivery of a total of 10 Sharklet equipped A320s.

Copyright Photo: Eurospot/AirlinersGallery.com. The pictured Airbus A320-232 F-WWBH (msn 5629) was officially handed over to the carrier on June 15 as ZK-OXA (please click on the photo for the full-size view).

Air New Zealand: 

The Lufthansa Group (Lufthansa) (Frankfurt) has firmed up a previous Supervisory Board decision from March this year and signed for 100 Airbus A320 Family aircraft (35 A320neo, 35 A321neo and 30 A320ceo aircraft with Sharklets) at the Paris International Airshow in Le Bourget, France.

The Lufthansa Group has been operating the A320 Family since October 1989. They were the launching customer for the A321 and belonged to the first operators of the A319 and A320. The new order confirms Lufthansa’s leading position as the largest Airbus airline customer and operator in Europe, increasing its order for the A320 type to 299. Over 150 of these aircraft have already been delivered.

Image: Airbus.

Lufthansa: 

Doric Lease Corporation has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for the purchase of 20 Airbus A380s at the 50th Paris Le Bourget Airshow. The agreement was signed today by Mark Lapidus, CEO of Doric Lease Corp and John Leahy, Airbus Chief Operating Officer, Customers.

With this investment, Doric will offer a tailored A380 leasing solution and will make the aircraft even more accessible to both new and existing A380 operators around the world who prefer to opt for the flexibility of an operating lease. Doric already has significant experience with the A380, ranking as the third largest wide-body lessor worldwide by value, and the world’s largest asset manager of leased A380s. Doric has a six billion US$ aircraft portfolio under management, including 18 A380s acquired through sale-leaseback arrangements.

Image: Airbus.

International Lease Finance Corporation (ILFC) (Los Angeles), a wholly owned subsidiary of American International Group, Inc. (AIG), announced today that it signed a Letter of Intent (LOI), subject to final agreement, for the purchase of 50 E-Jets E2 aircraft from Embraer, including 25 E190-E2 and 25 E195-E2 (Next Generation). The deal also includes options for an additional 50 aircraft, and marks the introduction of the E-Jets Family to the company’s diverse aircraft fleet.

Deliveries of the new aircraft are expected to begin in January 2018 and complete in 2023. The E-Jets E2 are configured with new aerodynamically advanced wings, new engine, full fly-by-wire flight controls, and advancements in other systems, which will result in double-digit improvements in fuel burn, maintenance costs, emissions, and external noise.

In 2011, Embraer announced that it would focus its attention on developing revamped versions of the E-Jet family, rather than an all-new aircraft. The second generation is known as the “E2″ against Bombardier’s CSeries.

Embraer made this announcement today at the Paris Airshow:

Embraer announced the launch of the second generation of its E-Jets family of commercial aircraft, named the E-Jets E2 and comprising three new airplanes – E175-E2, E190-E2, and E195-E2. The E190-E2 is expected to enter service in the first half of 2018. The E195-E2 is slated to enter service in 2019 and the E175-E2 in 2020.

“After more than a decade of success, the E-Jets have become a fixture in commercial airline fleets around the world,” saidFrederico Fleury Curado, Embraer S.A. President and CEO. “The launch of the E2 builds on our vision to offer leading-edge commercial jets with a capacity right-sized for 70 to 130 seats, seamless mainline comfort, and performance for flexible and efficient utilization by regional, low-cost, and network carriers.”

In a typical single-class layout, the E175-E2 was extended by one seat row, compared to the currentgeneration E175, and will seat up to 88 passengers, while the E190-E2 keeps the same size as the E190, of up to 106 seats. The E195-E2, compared to the current E195, has grown three seat rows and will accommodate up to 132 seats.

“Our strategy is to offer all the benefits of a clean-sheet design, but with the reliability of a mature platform and commonality with current generation E-Jets,” said Paulo Cesar Silva, President & CEO, Embraer Commercial Aviation, “We have been continually investing in the E-Jets program, so that our customers can stay competitive with aircraft that have the lowest operating costs and the highest passenger appeal, today and in the future. I’m confident that with our mature global support network, the compelling operating economics, and the benchmark cabins of the airplanes, both existing and prospective customers will recognize the benefits of the E-Jets E2.”

The application of advanced technologies for engines, wings, and avionics distinguishes the E-Jets E2 by providing airlines with maximum efficiency gains and no compromises, while maintaining commonality with current E-Jets. New aerodynamically advanced, high-aspect ratio, distinctively shaped wings, improved systems and avionics, including 4^th generation full fly-by-wire flight controls, and Pratt & Whitney’s PurePower™ Geared Turbofan high by-pass ratio engines (PW1700G on the E175-E2, PW1900G on the E190-E2 and E195-E2) will result in double-digit reductions in fuel consumption, emissions, noise and maintenance costs, and increased aircraft availability. The E-Jets E2 will be capable of achieving similar costs per seat of larger re-engined narrowbody aircraft, with significantly lower costs per trip, thus creating new opportunities for lower risk development of new markets and fleet right-sizing by airlines.

Cockpit commonality with current generation E-Jets was a key driver in the design definition for a smooth transition for pilots who will fly the E2. Honeywell’s Primus Epic™ 2 advanced integrated avionics system with large landscape displays, advanced graphics capabilities, and Honeywell’s Next Generation Flight Management System (NGFMS), already in development with current-generation E-Jets, will provide exceptional pilot situational awareness and flexibility for continuous innovation on the flight deck.

Known for its comfortable and roomy cabins, with no middle seats, the E-Jets passenger experience will be further enhanced in the E2 generation. UK design firm Priestmangoode was contracted to jointly develop the aircraft cabin with Embraer. The interiors will establish a new benchmark in cabin design, improve the passenger experience, and deliver a more comfortable and improved environment, tailored to passengers’ needs, while maximizing airlines’ operational efficiency.

Other suppliers and partners for the E-Jets E2 have been announced previously: Liebherr (control systems for flaps and slats), Moog (fly-by-wire), Rockwell Collins (horizontal stabilizer control system), UTC Aerospace Systems (wheels, brakes, APU, electrical system), Intertechnique (engine and APU fuel feed, pressure refueling, fuel transfer, fuel tank inerting and ventilation, and fuel gauging and control), Crane Aerospace & Electronics (electronic control module for landing gear, brake control systems and proximity sensors), Triumph (fuselage segments, rudder and elevators) and Aernnova Aerospace (vertical and horizontal stabilizers).

Embraer estimates its total investments on the new E-Jets E2 models to be US$1.7 billion over the next eight years.

Embraer foresees a demand for 6,400 commercial jets with capacity of up to 130 seats, over the next 20 years. With more than 1,200 E-Jets orders, Embraer has achieved a 42% market share in its segment. Over 950 E-Jets have been delivered to date to 65 customers from 47 countries. Later this year, the 1,000^th E-Jet will roll off the assembly line, nine years after the first aircraft entered revenue service.

In other news, ILFC has signed a firm contract for the purchase of 50 additional A320neo Family aircraft. The contract was announced today at the Paris Air Show by ILFC Chief Executive Officer, Henri Courpron and John Leahy, Airbus Chief Operating Officer, Customers.

ILFC was the first lessor to commit to the A320neo Family with a firm order placed in 2011 for 100 aircraft.  With this latest order, ILFC increases its total firm NEO order tally to 150. ILFC will make its engine selection for the aircraft at a later date. Including this latest contract, ILFC remains Airbus’ largest customer, having ordered a combined total of 769 single-aisle and widebody Airbus aircraft.

Images: Embraer.

Video:

Qatar Airways (Doha) and Boeing today announced agreements for nine Boeing 777-300 ER (Extended Range) airplanes at the 2013Paris Air Show.  The agreements include a firm order for two airplanes previously attributed to an unidentified customer on Boeing Commercial Airplanes Orders and Deliveries website, plus a commitment for an additional seven airplanes. The total value of the agreement is $2.8 billion at current list prices.

The Doha-based airline currently operates 35 Boeing passenger and cargo 777s of various types, including 22 777-300ERs, nine 777-200LR (Longer Range) airplanes and four 777 Freighters.

The two firm airplanes give Qatar Airways a backlog of nine Boeing 777s. When the additional seven become firm, the backlog will rise to 16.

Qatar Airways currently operates a modern fleet of 125 aircraft to 128 key business and leisure destinations across Europe, the Middle East, Africa, Asia Pacific and The Americas.

Qatar Airways took delivery of its first Boeing 777 in November 2007. In September 2011, the airline received a 777-200LR that became the 100th airplane to join its fleet.

“It is a great honor to have Qatar Airways operate the 777 as its long-haul flagship aircraft,” said Ray Conner, president and CEO, Boeing Commercial Airplanes. “The 777′s unrivaled economics and customer-preferred passenger experience make it a cornerstone of Qatar Airways’ success.”

The demand for the Boeing 777 led to an increased production rate of 8.3 per month — 100 airplanes per year — in February 2013. In the past three years, the 777 program has increased rate two times, first from five airplanes per month to seven in 2011, then to the current, all-time high rate of 8.3.

In other news, the flag carrier has announced  that effective on June 15, Qatar Airways has stepped up frequency on the Chicago – Doha route to daily flights ahead of the peak summer travel season.

As of May 2013, 1,105 777s have been delivered and a total of 1,452 have been ordered by 68 customers around the globe.

Copyright Photo: Nick Dean/AirlinersGallery.com. The pictured Boeing 777-3DZ ER A7-BAW (msn 41741) was handed over to the flag carrier on January 29, 2013.

Qatar Airways: 

Boeing (Chicago) and Skymark Airlines (Tokyo-Haneda) today announced the airline’s intent to select the Boeing 737 MAX as its next generation single aisle aircraft of choice, making it Japan’s first airline to do so. The announcement came on the first day of the 2013 Paris Air Show. Boeing will work closely with Skymark to finalize a firm order in the coming months.

Skymark Airlines currently operates a fleet of 30 Next-Generation 737-800s on a lease from GE Capital Aviation Services (GECAS) and other lessors.

The 737 MAX builds on the strengths of the world’s best-selling Next-Generation 737. The 737 MAX incorporates the latest-technology CFM International LEAP-1B engines to deliver the highest efficiency, reliability and passenger comfort in the single-aisle market. Airlines operating the 737 MAX will see a 13 percent fuel-use improvement over today’s most fuel-efficient single-aisle airplanes.

Copyright Photo: Michael B. Ing/AirlinersGallery.com. Boeing 737-8HX WL JA73NB (msn 36848) prepares to land at Tokyo (Narita).

Skymark Airlines: 

Route Map:

Boeing (Chicago) and GE Capital Aviation Services (GECAS) (Stamford), the commercial aircraft leasing and financing arm of General Electric (GE), announced today at the 2013 Paris Air Show a commitment to order 10 787-10X Dreamliners equipped with state-of-art GEnx engines, subject to the 787-10 program launch.

Boeing looks forward to working with GECAS to finalize the details of the agreement, at which time the airplanes will be posted to the Boeing Orders & Deliveries website as a firm order.

“We have studied the capabilities Boeing is developing for the 787-10X and anticipate strong demand from our airline customers for this airplane,” said GECAS President and CEO Norman C.T. Liu. “The 787-10X will be a perfect complement to our broad portfolio of modern, fuel-efficient aircraft offering the lowest operating costs in the market.”

Boeing has been working closely with airline and leasing customers to define the key capabilities and features of 787-10X, which would be the third and largest member of the 787 family. The 787-10X under consideration would add approximately 15 percent passenger capacity over the 787-9 with superior fuel efficiency to serve medium and long-haul markets.

Once finalized, these 787s will bring the total number of airplanes GECAS has ordered from Boeing to 598 since 1995, including 737s, 747s, 757s, 767s and 777s. To date, GECAS has taken delivery of 444 of the airplanes.

International Lease Finance Corporation (ILFC), a wholly owned subsidiary of American International Group, Inc. (AIG), announced today that it has exercised options to purchase 50 incremental A320neo Family aircraft from Airbus that were part of the agreement signed in April 2011 for 100 firm A320neo Family aircraft.

ILFC was the first leasing company to order the Airbus A320neo Family aircraft and has the largest order position among aircraft leasing companies. Deliveries of ILFC’s NEO aircraft are expected to commence in 2015. Officially launched in December 2010, the A320neo Family aircraft incorporate greater fuel-efficiency and eco-friendly technology, providing reductions in engine noise and emissions.

Aviation Partners Boeing (APB) (Seattle) has announced it has formally launched the 737-900 ER (Extended Range) Split Scimitar Winglet program with an order from United Airlines (Chicago).  Using a newly patented design, the program will consist of retrofitting existing Boeing Next-Generation 737 Blended Winglets by replacing the aluminum winglet tip cap with a new aerodynamically shaped “Scimitar” ^TM winglet tip cap and by adding a new Scimitar tipped Ventral Strake.

In January 2013, APB launched the Split Scimitar Winglet program for the provisioned 737-800 with an order from United Airlines.  FAA supplemental type certification for the Boeing 737-800 is targeted for October of this year with EASA certification planned within the following two months.  Certification flight testing of Split Scimitar Winglets on the 737-900ER will follow closely behind and is scheduled to begin in November with FAA supplemental type certification targeted for late February 2014.

APB is targeting 6 additional Boeing Next-Generation 737 configurations for possible certification; these include:  the structurally provisioned (line number 1545 and on) and non-provisioned (pre-line number 1545) 737-700 and BBJ1, the non-provisioned (pre-line number 778) 737-800, and the structurally provisioned (line number 778 and on) 737-900.

“United Airlines continues to lead the way in adapting its fleet to be as fuel efficient and eco-friendly as possible,” said Aviation Partners Boeing executive vice president and chief commercial officer Patrick LaMoria.  “United’s relentless drive to improvefuel efficiency is the perfect complement to APB’s focus on continuous innovation. We are once again very excited to launch another new program with United.”

“We are always looking for opportunities to improve the fuel efficiency of our fleet.  The Next-Generation 737 Split Scimitar Winglet will provide a natural hedge against rising fuel prices while simultaneously reducing fuel consumption and carbon emissions,” said Ron Baur, United’s vice president of fleet. “We are pleased to build on our commitment to the Split Scimitar Winglet as the launch customer for the new 737-900ER winglet program and appreciate APB’s focus in helping United become even more fuel efficient.”

APB expects Split Scimitar Winglet Systems installed on a Boeing 737-900ER to save United Airlines over 57,000 gallons of jet fuel per aircraft per year resulting in a corresponding reduction of carbon dioxide emissions of over 600 tons per aircraft per year. The fuel savings can enable a 737-900ER to increase its payload up to 3,300 pounds or increase its range up to 60 nautical miles.  APB also expects to certify an improvement in low speed performance that will generate significant take-off benefits from high/hot or obstacle limited runways.

Nearly 5,000 Blended Winglet Systems are now in service with over 200 airlines in more than 100 countries. APB estimates that Blended Winglets have saved airlines worldwide more than 3.7 billion gallons of jet fuel to-date.

Aviation Partners Boeing is a Seattle based joint venture of Aviation Partners, Inc. and The Boeing Company.

Copyright Photos: Aviation Partners Boeing.

United Airlines: 

AirAsia (AirAsia.com) (Malaysia) (Kuala Lumpur) may be getting ready to quit its AirAsia Japan (Tokyo-Narita) joint venture with ANA (All Nippon Airways) (Tokyo) according to a report by the Wall Street Journal. The WSJ is reporting there is management “tension” and different approaches between the two main carriers.

One report has AirAsia selling all of its stock to ANA. ANA in return will merge AirAsia Japan with Peach Aviation. However this has not been confirmed by any of the parties which are reportedly exploring their options. Can the marriage between a fast-growing low fare airline and a mainline legacy flag carrier be saved?

AirAsia Japan commenced operations on August 1, 2012.

Read the full story from the Malaysian Insider: CLICK HERE

The CEO of AirAsia Japan issued this statement on June 11:

In regards to the recent media announcements on the dissolution of AirAsia Japan Co., Ltd., a joint venture between ANA Holdings Inc. and AirAsia Berhad; please be informed that our shareholders are still exploring all available options and any decision will be further subject to respective corporate approvals.

Rest assured that with the strong support from our major shareholder, ANA Holdings Inc., AirAsia Japan will continue to operate flights as usual.

As a Japan-based Low Cost Carrier (LCC), our goal is to make your dreams of travel a reality.
Your support is truly appreciated.

See you in the clouds!

Yours sincerely,

Yoshinori Odagiri
CEO, AirAsia Japan

Copyright Photo: Michael B. Ing/AirlinersGallery.com. The only way to tell it is AirAsia Japan is the small “Japan” inscription by the nose and the JA Japanese aircraft registration. Airbus A320-216 JA03AJ (msn 5325) climbs away from the Tokyo (Narita) base.

Current Route Map:

AirAsia Japan: 

Ethiopian Airlines (Addis Ababa) has announced that it will become the first African carrier to operate scheduled flights to Seoul (Incheon), the Republic of South Korea effective on June 18, 2013 using the Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner.

Ethiopian will fly four weekly services to Incheon International Airport in Seoul and its inaugural flight will coincide with the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Ethiopia and South Korea.

Various ministers, ambassadors, high level officials, members of the business community and an Ethiopian cultural troupe will be on-board the inaugural flight. Joint high profile events such as government, business, trade, tourism, cultural and academic forums highlighting the great potential of the relations between the two countries are scheduled to take place in Seoul from June 19-21, 2013.

Seoul will be Ethiopian 73^rd international destination. The inclusion of Seoul into Ethiopian network is part of Ethiopian Vision 2025 of connecting Africa with the major world economic and financial hubs.

Additionally the flag carrier is also using the Boeing 787 to open a new route to São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro in Brazil starting on July 1. The new route will operate three days a week via Lomé-Tokoin Airport in Togo.

Copyright Photo: TMK Photography/AirlinersGallery.com. Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner ET-AOR (msn 34746) departs from Toronto (Pearson).

Ethiopian Airlines: 

Air Zimbabwe (Harare) according to this report by the Mail and Guardian is trying everything to win back customers. The airline is cutting fare, slashing its workforce, looking for a new chief executive and planning to add four new aircraft. A new Airbus A320 has been added to the fleet for the Johannesburg route.

As previously reported, Air Zimbabwe started flying again in November 2012 on the the Harare-Johannesburg route four days a week and also operates domestic flights between Harare and Bulawayo three days a week.

Read the full article: CLICK HERE

Air Zimbabwe: 

Route Map:

Spirit Airlines (Fort Lauderdale/Hollywood) has launched these new routes:

• Thursday, June 13, 2013: four weekly nonstop seasonal service between Dallas/Fort Worth (DFW) and Los Cabos, Mexico (SJD) with flights on Tuesday, Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays.
• Thursday, June 13, 2013: daily nonstop service between Houston Bush Intercontinental (IAH) and Denver (DEN).
• Thursday, June 13, 2013: daily nonstop service between Houston Bush Intercontinental (IAH) and Detroit (DTW).
• Thursday, June 13, 2013: resumption of daily nonstop seasonal service between Dallas/Fort Worth (DFW) and Toluca/Mexico City (TLC).
• Friday, June 14, 2013: three weekly nonstop flights between Dallas/Fort Worth (DFW) and Latrobe/Pittsburgh (LBE) with service on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays.

DALLAS/FORT WORTH

Just two years after starting service at DFW, Spirit has grown to offer nonstop service to 26 destinations from the Metroplex, including Atlanta, Baltimore/Washington, Boston, Cancun (Mexico), Chicago-O’Hare, Denver, Detroit, Fort Lauderdale/Hollywood, Fort Myers, Houston-Bush Intercontinental, Las Vegas, Latrobe/Pittsburgh, Los Angeles, Los Cabos (Mexico), Minneapolis/St. Paul, Myrtle Beach, New Orleans, New York-LaGuardia, Oakland/San Francisco, Orlando, Philadelphia, Phoenix/Mesa, Portland (Oregon), San Diego, Tampa, Toluca/Mexico City.

HOUSTON

Spirit offers nonstop service from Houston Bush Intercontinental to Chicago, Dallas/Fort Worth, Denver, Detroit, Las Vegas, Los Angeles and Orlando, as well as a variety of connections throughout the Americas.

DENVER

Spirit offers nonstop service from Denver to Chicago, Dallas/Fort Worth, Detroit, Fort Lauderdale/Hollywood, Houston, Las Vegas, Phoenix/Mesa (seasonal) and Minneapolis/St. Paul (seasonal), as well as a variety of connections throughout the Americas.

DETROIT

Spirit offers nonstop service from Detroit to Atlantic City, Cancun, Dallas/Fort Worth, Denver, Fort Lauderdale/Hollywood, Houston, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Myrtle Beach, New York and Orlando, as well as a variety of connections throughout the Americas.

LATROBE/PITTSBURGH

Spirit offers nonstop service from Latrobe/Pittsburgh to Dallas/Fort Worth, Fort Lauderdale/Hollywood, Myrtle Beach and Orlando. As an excellent alternative to Pittsburgh International Airport, Latrobe’s Arnold Palmer Regional Airport is conveniently located along Routes 30 and 981 in Western Pennsylvania.

Copyright Photo: Tony Storck/AirlinersGallery.com. Airbus A320-232 N615NK (msn 5159) prepares to land at Baltimore/Washington (please click on the photo for the full size view).

Spirit Airlines: 

Video: ABC 15 asks is Spirit Airlines that cheap?

CBS examines the ultra low fare strategy of Spirit Airlines and interviews CEO Ben Baldanza: CLICK HERE

The Expanding Route Map:

Emirates (Dubai) has announced an upgrade of service from Dubai to Los Angeles with the introduction of the flagship Airbus A380 starting on December 2, 2013.

The 489-seat Emirates A380 offers 14 Private First Class Suites, 76 lie-flat beds in Business Class and 399 spacious seats in Economy Class. First Class passengers have access to two Onboard Shower Spas, while all premium passengers on the upper deck can socialise at the Onboard Lounge with an array of beverages and snacks. Passengers in all classes of service experience Emirates renowned hospitality, receive a generous baggage allowance, have inflight Wi-Fi and mobile phone connectivity, as well as access to the industry-leading ice entertainment system which boasts more than 1,400 channels of films, TV programs, games and music. This aircraft replaces the Boeing 777-300 ER which has serviced the route previously.

The A380 service will operate daily as flight EK 215 departing Dubai at 0820 (local time) and arriving at Los Angeles’ Tom Bradley International Terminal at 1250 (local). The return flight, EK 216, departs Los Angeles at 1600 and arrives in Dubai at 1950 on the following day. The arrival time of the A380 in L.A. will offer passengers easy connections to desirable destinations in the U.S. such as Phoenix, Las Vegas, San Diego and Honolulu.

Previously Emirates announced it will boost its services to Switzerland with the start of a daily Airbus A380 service to Zurich.

From January 1, 2014, flight EK 087 from Dubai to Zurich and its return sector EK 088 will be operated by an A380, offering an increased capacity of more than 1,100 additional seats every week in each direction. The service is currently operated by a Boeing 777-300 ER. Emirates will continue to serve Zurich with a double daily operation, which will equate to more than 870 seats on offer per day.

Emirates is the largest A380 operator in the world, with 34 A380s in its fleet and 56 on order, and has carried almost 17 million passengers since the double decker was introduced five years ago. Since January of this year, Emirates’ A380 passengers have been able to experience the world’s first purpose built A380 concourse in Dubai (below), reflecting further investment in the airline’s global hub, which is set to grow to a capacity of 90 million passengers by 2018.

From January 1, 2014, the new A380-supported EK 087 flight will depart Dubai at 0825 and arrive in Zurich International Airport at 1220. The return flight, EK 088, will leave Zurich at 1435 and arrive in Dubai at 2340 (all times local).

Top Copyright Photo: Ton Jochems/AirlinersGallery.com (all others by Emirates). A380-861 A6-EDQ (msn 080) taxies at Amsterdam. Click on the photo for the full-size view.

Emirates: 

Video:

Emirates (Dubai) has released this statement:

In a world first, Emirates, one of the world’s fastest growing airlines, has announced plans to open an indoor aviation themed attraction in London this July.

London’s newest public attraction, the Emirates Aviation Experience, will be the first of its kind globally. The Emirates Aviation Experience, located at the south side of the Emirates Airline office in London, will cover an area of almost 300 square meters and will provide an insight into the operations and modern achievements of commercial air travel.

A rendering of the exterior of the Emirates Aviation Experience, due to open in London this July

“This high-tech facility will bring to London a one of a kind insight into the dynamic world of aviation,” said Tim Clark, President Emirates Airline. “The purpose of this center is to provide a fun, yet educational, overview of just what it takes to successfully get a 560 ton aircraft off the ground and 40,000 feet into the sky. Our aim is to explain the intricate science of modern aviation, in a hands-on, entertaining and instructive environment.”

“London is one of the greatest cities in the world, with one of the world’s busiest international airports, making it the perfect setting for this interactive experience. We have successfully operated services to the UK since 1987 and, when opened, the Emirates Aviation Experience will further broaden our already robust UK presence. Being able to provide London and its millions of international visitors with this permanent site is a true reflection of our commitment to innovation and also of our commitment to the UK,” added Mr. Clark.

Utilizing state-of-the-art technology, interactive displays and life-size aircraft models this immersive experience will incorporate several zones that will take visitors on an interactive aviation journey.

The Emirates Aviation Experience will also feature the world’s first public facing commercial flight simulators including two Airbus A380s and two Boeing 777s, utilizing full landscape visuals, allowing participants to practice their takeoff and landing skills. The center will cater to people of all ages and will open to the public in time for the city’s peak tourism period this July.

Emirates has a strong affiliation with this area of London following the launch of the Emirates AirLine, London’s popular cable car system across the River Thames, in a 10 year sponsorship deal last June. One year on from the launch of the Emirates AirLine the Emirates Aviation Experience is expected to further stimulate tourism and development in the area.

Copyright Photo: Emirates.

Video:

Emirates: 

Maximus Air (Abu Dhabi) has grounded its five Airbus A300-600 freighters due to the reported high operational costs. The cargo airline is canceling its A300 contracts. The carrier, which is restructuring and cutting costs, will continue to operate its Russian aircraft according to this report by The Loadstar. The A300s will be available for dry lease. DHL Aviation had been utilizing the aircraft.

Read the full report: CLICK HERE

Copyright Photo: Rainer Bexten/AirlinersGallery.com. Maximus Air introduced this new look in 2012. Airbus A300B4-622R (F) A6-NIN (msn 797) lands at the Liege cargo hub.

Video: The unveiling of the new livery in 2012:

Maximus Air: 

Aeroflot Russian Airlines (Moscow) is using Twitter to name its new Far Eastern Airline. The company issued this statement:

Aeroflot is calling for its passengers to take part in choosing the name for its new Far Eastern Airline.

At the first stage, Twitter users are welcome to send their proposals of a new regional airline name to Aeroflot official account www.twitter.com/aeroflot with #AFLVostok hashtag until June 25, 2013.

The winning name will be chosen through an Internet vote from a list of Twitter leading proposals and some variants provided by our consultants.

It will be the first time in the history of the Russian civil aviation, when the name of a company is invented with the help of passengers.

The airline on June 2, 2013 relaunched the Moscow-Toronto (Pearson) route from Sheremetyevo Airport Terminal D.

Toronto Pearson International Airport greeted the first Aeroflot flight with a traditional water salute followed by an impressive welcome ceremony.

Aeroflot will provide services to Toronto with Boeing 767-300s  on Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays in accordance with the following schedule:

SU 114 flight leaves Moscow at 10:25 and arrives to Toronto at 12:25 (local time).

SU 115 flight leaves Toronto at 14:00 and lands in Moscow at 07:20 (local time).

On the same date, Aeroflot launched a regular Moscow-Yakutsk-Moscow flight from Sheremetyevo Airport Terminal D. The Yakutsk services will also be flown on Boeing 767-300s.

In other news, the company is considering the grounding and replacement of its three McDonnell Douglas MD-11F freighters due to the mounting operational and maintenance costs according to ch-Aviation.

Top Copyright Photo: Brian McDonough/AirlinersGallery.com (all others by Aeroflot). Boeing 767-306 ER VP-BWX (msn 27960) prepares to land at Dulles International Airport near Washington.

Meet Nataliya:

Aeroflot: 

El Al Israel Airlines‘ (Tel Aviv) stockholders have approved a 47 percent acquisition by Fimi Fund, a local Israeli investment fund. The airline issued this statement:

According to agreement signed by El A and the Fimi Fund in April, the Fund will invest up to $75 million in El Al and become a controlling group in the airline along with Knafaim.

According to the draft of the transaction, Fimi will invest up to $50 million by July 2013, and can extend completion of the transaction by two 45-day periods.

Fimi Fund’s commitment to complete the transaction is subject to several conditions, among them approval by El Al stockholders, which was accomplished on June 6.

The completion of the transaction is conditional on approvals by regulatory authorities and a signed agreement between El Al and its people on a new collective agreement whose terms are acceptable to Fimi.

On the financial side, El Al reported its first quarter profit declined to $37.9 million, down from $40.5 millionin the same quarter a year ago.

Copyright Photo: Michael B. Ing/AirlinersGallery.com. Boeing 777-258 ER 4X-ECD (msn 33169) climbs away from the runway Los Angeles International Airport.

El Al: 

The SAS Group’s (Scandinavian Airlines-SAS) (Stockholm) sale of Wideröe Flyveselskap AS (Bodo and Oslo) has been approved by the Norwegian competition authority. The closing of the sale is expected to take place in September 2013.

The cost reductions and the divestments performed in accordance with the 4XNG plan will lead to an improvement in SAS financial position and liquidity.

According to the group, “In November 2012, SAS renegotiated its revolving credit facilityof MEUR 366 to an amortizing credit facility of MSEK 3,500, divided into two tranches with separate conditions for drawdown and with a maturity in March 31, 2015. Lenders are SAS four majority owners, including the Scandinavian states and a syndicate of seven merchant banks, all participating on the same terms.

In connection with the divestment of Wideröe, the amortizing credit facility has been re-negotiated and amended. The actions under the 4XNG plan have made it possible for SAS to reduce the facility to MSEK 2,000. The facility is divided into two tranches with separate conditions for drawdown, one with a maturity in June 1, 2014 one with a maturity in March 31, 2015. The facility remains undrawn.”

Copyright Photo: Ton Jochems/AirlinersGallery.com (please click on the photo for the full size view). All others by Wideroe. Bombardier DHC-8-103 LN-WIA (msn 359) and crew await the next group of passengers at Trondheim, Norway.

Wideroe: 

Video: A typical approach and landing at Hammerfest, in northern Norway:

Copyright Photos: Wideroe. A typical approach at a rural Norwegian airport.

Current Wideroe Route Map:

EasyJet (easyJet.com) (London-Luton) has reached a new agreement with the new owners of London Stansted Airport (STN) (north of central London). New owner MAG previously acquired STN from Heathrow Airport Holdings for $2.35 billion.

EasyJet, as part of the deal, has promised to raise its Stansted passenger numbers to 6 million passengers per year from the current 2.8 million passengers according to Reuters.

It is unclear if this is a straight built up of traffic with new routes or whether some traffic at other London airports will be moving to STN. The low-fare carrier has recently been adding new routes notably from at Gatwick and Southend. Nearby Luton is the base for the carrier.

Traffic at STN had been declining. This new accord will stem those losses. Rival Ryanair has a major hub at STN.

The airline recently announced it had reached the milestone of more than 60 million passengers who have travelled with the airline in the past 12 months to May 31, 2013.

When easyJet was founded in November 1995 the airline first took to the skies with just two aircraft flying between two domestic UK destinations. Eighteen years later, the airline now operates 212 aircraft flying to 137 airports in 33 countries spanning Europe and North Africa.

More than one hundred of easyJet’s 800 Luton based staff gathered outside the airline’s Hangar 89 head office at London Luton Airport to mark the 60 million milestone and celebrate the airline’s continued success and popularity.

Top Copyright Photo: Terry Wade/AirlinersGallery.com. Airbus A319-111 G-EZIW (msn 2578) in the Linate-Fiumicino Per Tutti special scheme arrives at London (Gatwick).

EasyJet (UK): 

The current routes from STN:

LIAT Limited (The Caribbean Airline) (Antigua) has started its fleet upgrade with the first new ATR 72-600 aircraft delivered today (June 14).  This first ATR in LIAT’s fleet is being leased from GECAS (GE Capital Aviation Services). This is the first of a total of eight ATRs (four 68-seat ATR 72-600s and four 48-seat ATR 42-600s) that will be introduced into LIAT’s fleet.

The introduction of these brand new ATR -600s in LIAT’s current fleet of 14 aircraft is a part of the airline’s restructuring plans aiming at fleet modernization and network improvements. By progressively replacing its current fleet of former turboprop aircraft with the modern and fuel efficient ATRs, the airline will significantly reduce operating and maintenance costs, gain further in profitability and offer more comfort to its passengers due to its enhanced seats design. The line-up of the full new generation ATR model range will allow LIAT to optimize their fleet on their pan-Caribbean network with aircraft of one same family, offering both 50 and 70 seat capacity.

“LIAT currently connects 21 destinations throughout the Caribbean with most routes under 100 Nm, like Grenada to Trinidad, or Dominica to Antigua. The 68-seat ATR 72-600s are perfectly adapted to many of our existing and potential routes,” says Ian Brunton, Chief Executive Officer of LIAT. “By renewing our fleet our customers will enjoy more efficiency and better travel experience. The ATR 72-600 perfectly fits with our requirements in terms of low operating costs, most updated technologies and optimal comfort. This is the most-recently certified turboprop aircraft on the market, and we are proud to start our operations with such a modern, successful and well-reputed aircraft”.

It is anticipated that the first ATR 72-600 would be pressed into service before the end of June, with the remaining aircraft expected for delivery during 2013 and 2014.

Copyright Photo: Oliver Gregoire/AirlinersGallery.com. ATR 72-600 (ATR 72-212A) F-WWEN became V2-LIA (msn 1077) on delivery from Toulouse.

LIAT: 

Route Map:

Horizon Air (Alaska Horizon) (Seattle/Tacoma) and theAssociation of Flight Attendants (AFA) announced they have reached tentative agreement on a new five-year contract for the carrier’s nearly 500 flight attendants.

The proposed contract includes pay raises, quality of life improvements and more flexible scheduling. It still must be presented to union members for review and a ratification vote, which is expected to be completed in mid-July. The current contract was ratified on Dec. 21, 2009 and became amendable on Dec. 21, 2011.

Horizon Air is a subsidiary of Alaska Air Group and flies to 39 cities across the United States, Canada and Mexico.

Copyright Photo: Michael B. Ing/AirlinersGallery.com. Bombardier DHC-8-402 (Q400) N429QX (msn 4161) prepares to land at Los Angeles International Airport.

Alaska Horizon: 

Horizon Air: 

AeroMexico (Mexico City) has announced that it will take delivery of its first Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner in the first half of August of this year. This will make AeroMexico the first Mexican carrier to operate the airline industry’s most current and equipped aircraft to serve all of the airline’s customers.

The carrier will start to serve its commercial operations with the Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner in October this year. The aircraft is scheduled to first serve the Mexico City-Monterrey and Mexico City-Tijuana routes on October 1, followed by the Mexico City-New York City (JFK) route between October 2 and October 13.

On October 14, AeroMexico will fly its inaugural flight between Mexico City and Tokyo (Narita), Japan, after which it will serve that same route with the new aircraft three times a week.

AeroMexico will take delivery of its second and third Dreamliners in September will allow it to start serving the Mexico City-Paris (CDG) route with daily service with this new jet airliner, plus weekly flights to New York.

Image: Boeing.

AeroMexico: 

Boeing (Chicago) will reportedly formally launch a new 323-seat version of the 787, dubbed the 787-10, next week at the Paris Airshow according to this report by Reuters. Boeing did not have a comment.

Read the full report: CLICK HERE

Cebu Pacific Air (Cebu Pacific Air.com) (Manila) on June 13 took delivery of its first Airbus A330-300. The pictured A330-343X RP-C3341 (msn 1420, ex F-WWTR) was handed over to the carrier. The carrier is planning to use the new type to launch scheduled low-fare service between Manila and Dubai where many ex-pats work in the Gulf region.

Airbus issued this statement:

Cebu Pacific has taken delivery of its first A330-300 during a special ceremony in Toulouse on June 13. The aircraft is the first of four A330s being leased by Cebu Pacific from US lessor CIT and will be used to launch the carrier’s new long haul low-fare operations.

Cebu Pacific has specified a single class layout for its A330 fleet seating 436 passengers. The airline will initially operate the first aircraft on medium haul regional routes, before launching its first long haul services to Dubai in October.

“The  delivery of our first widebody aircraft marks a milestone for Cebu Pacific,” said Lance Gokongwei, Cebu Pacific President and Chief Executive Officer. “The addition of the highly efficient A330 to our fleet ultimately translates to unbeatable  operating costs, enabling us to offer the lowest possible fares to our guests. In addition, we will be the only Filipino carrier flying nonstop between Manila and Dubai, eliminating multiple stops or connecting flights.”

The A330 will join an existing fleet of single aisle A320 Family aircraft flying with Cebu Pacific on its extensive domestic and regional network, currently covering 34 domestic and 22 international destinations across Asia. In addition to its leased A330s, the carrier  has 47 A320 Family on firm order with Airbus for future delivery, including 30 latest generation A321neo.

The A330 is one of the most widely-used widebody aircraft in service today. Airbus has recorded over 1,200 orders for the various versions of the aircraft and more than 900 are in service with almost 100 operators worldwide today.

Top Copyright Photo: Eurospot/AirlinersGallery.com. RP-C3341 departed this morning (June 14) on its delivery flight to Manila (please click on the photo for the full-size view).

Cebu Pacific Air: 

Bottom Copyright Photo: Airbus. The wide body airliner still wears the F-WWTR test registration prior to the hand over.

Video: Cebu Pacific Air’s version of the “Safety Dance”:

Airbus (Toulouse) today (June 14), as planned, launched the first flight of its first Airbus A350-900 (A350 XWB). The pictured A350-941 F-WXWB (msn 001) took to sunny skies at Toulouse this morning.

Here is the statement by Airbus:

A new chapter has opened in Airbus’ 43 year history as the first A350 XWB, the world’s most efficient large twin-engined commercial aircraft, powered aloft this morning for its maiden flight at Blagnac in Toulouse, France at 10.00 hours local time. Equipped with Rolls-Royce Trent XWB turbofans, the A350 XWB first flight is taking place over south western France.

An international crew of six is on board, comprising two Flight Test Pilots, one Test Flight Engineer and three Flight Test Engineers. At the controls of the A350 XWB’s first flight are Peter Chandler, Airbus’ Chief Test Pilot, and Guy Magrin, Project Pilot for the A350 XWB. Accompanying them in the cockpit is Pascal Verneau, the A350 XWB Project Test Flight Engineer. At their flight test stations in the main aircraft cabin and monitoring the progress of the flight via an extensive array of flight test instrumentation are the three flight test engineers: Fernando Alonso, Head of Airbus Flight & Integration Test Centre; Patrick du Ché, Head of Development Flight Tests; and Emanuele Costanzo, lead Flight Test Engineer for the Trent XWB engine.

This first flight marks the beginning of a test campaign totaling around 2,500 flight hours with a fleet of five development aircraft. The rigorous flight testing will lead to the certification of the A350-900 variant by the European EASA and US FAA airworthiness authorities, prior to entry into service in the second half of 2014 with first operator Qatar Airways (Doha).

The A350 XWB is Airbus’ all-new mid-size long range product line comprising three versions and seating between 270 and 350 passengers in spacious three-class layouts. The new family will bring a step change in efficiency compared with existing aircraft in this size category, using 25 per cent less fuel and providing an equivalent reduction in CO2 emissions. To date the A350 XWB has already won 613 firm orders from 33 customers worldwide.

Copyright Photo: Eurospot (please click on the photo for the full-size view).

Hot New Photos: 

Video:

EasyJet (easyJet.com) (London-Luton), according to this report by Reuters, is in advanced discussions with Airbus to acquire around 100 re-engined A320neo family aircraft. Boeing had hoped to get back into the game with EasyJet. Such a large order would require stockholder approval.

If finalized, the order is likely to be announced at the upcoming Paris Airshow.

Read the full report: CLICK HERE

Copyright Photo: Ton Jochems/AirlinersGallery.com. Airbus A319-111 G-EZIY (msn 2636) taxies to the runway at Amsterdam.

EasyJet (UK): 

Scandinavian Airlines-SAS (Stockholm) for the winter season will add new service from Copenhagen to the German city of Bremen (six flights a week). The route operates all year round from October 28. The route will be served with a 50-seat CRJ every day except Saturday. The airline is also adding a new route from Copenhagen to the oil region of Humberside in northern England. The route operates all year round from October 28. The route will be served with a 50-seat CRJ.

This brings the total number of new routes for SAS in 2013 up to 52.

Furthermore, SAS’ nonstop route from Copenhagen to Bangkok reopens in November with three departures per week. The route opens on November 22 and is open during the winter season. SAS will serve the route with an Airbus A340-300.

In addition to these new routes, SAS is adding more weekly departures on key routes. On the route between Copenhagen and Madrid, SAS is increasing from two departures a week to four (Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday).

SAS is also adding more frequencies to the winter timetable on the popular routes between Scandinavia’s capital cities -Copenhagen and Stockholm as well as Copenhagen and Oslo. During high traffic periods, SAS is increasing the number of daily departures from 15 to 16 on both routes.

The SAS winter timetable 2013/14 comes into effect on the last weekend in October.

SAS, the flag carrier for Denmark, Norway and Sweden, operates a fleet of some 130 aircraft to approximately 100 destinations.

Copyright Photo: Dave Glendinning/AirlinersGallery.com. Boeing 737-883 LN-RCY (msn 28324) with the “Norwegian Most Punctual Person” picture on the tail taxies to the gate at London (Heathrow). GE Capital Aviation Services Limited (GECAS), the commercial aircraft leasing and financing arm of GE, announced it has delivered seven new leased Boeing 737-800s to SAS to expand and modernize the carrier’s fleet. The aircraft were delivered during the period April 2012 to May 2013 and came from GECAS’ existing order book with Boeing. Additionally, GECAS is scheduled to deliver two new leased 737-800s to SAS in 2014.

Scandinavian Airlines-SAS: 

Air Transat‘s (Montreal) parent lost $22.8 million (all amounts in Canadian currency) for the second quarter, but expects to make a profit for 2013. The loss increased from $13.2 million in the second quarter last year. The company blamed the larger loss on fuel hedging losses. The parent issued this statement:

 Transat A.T. Inc., one of the largest integrated tourism companies in the world and Canada’s holiday travel leader, posted revenues of $1.1 billion for the quarter ended April 30, 2013, compared with $1.2 billion in 2012, a decrease of $105.6 million, or 8.7%. The Corporation recorded an operating loss before amortization and depreciation¹ of $1.2 million, compared with $26.2 million in 2012 and a net loss of $22.8 million ($0.59 per share on a diluted basis), compared with $13.2 million ($0.35 per share on a diluted basis) in 2012. Before non-operating items, amortization and depreciation, and restructuring charges, Transat reported a margin of $2.7 million, compared with an operating loss³ before amortization and depreciation of $26.2 million; and an adjusted after-tax loss of $1.4 million ($0.04 per share on a diluted basis) in 2013, compared with $24.5 million ($0.64 per share on a diluted basis) in 2012.

For the quarter, the net loss includes a non-realized charge (excluding taxes) of $18.5 million that stems from the mark-to-market accounting of fuel-hedging contracts, compared with a favourable variance of $3.1 million in 2012 (see Hedging section).

“We reached our cost-reduction targets, and despite a challenging winter selling prices were higher than last year, hence the improvement in our results. The summer is looking fairly good and we expect to be back to profitability this year,” said Jean-Marc Eustache, President and Chief Executive Officer of Transat.

Second quarter highlights

The Corporation posted revenues of $1.1 billion, compared with $1.2 billion in 2012, and an operating loss before amortization and depreciation¹ of $1.2 million (margin of $2.7 million before amortization and depreciation, and restructuring charges), compared with $26.2 million in 2012 ($26.2 million before restructuring charges). The decrease in revenues is mainly attributable to the Corporation’s decision to reduce capacity on its markets (Sun, transatlantic and France), hence a 13.7% reduction in the number of travellers. Across all markets, selling prices and margins were higher than in 2012.

Revenues of North American business units, which are generated by sales in Canada and abroad, decreased by $82.6 million (8.0%) compared with the same period in 2012. For the quarter, the capacity on Sun destinations was down 14% compared with 2012. Capacity on the transatlantic market was down 24%. North American business units recorded an operating loss before amortization and depreciation of $0.6 million, compared with $19.6 million in 2012. Before restructuring charges, Transat posted a margin before amortization and depreciation of $4.5 million, compared with an operating loss before amortization and depreciation of $19.6 million in 2012. The improvement in margin is mainly attributable to higher selling prices during the quarter, as well as cost-reduction initiatives.

Revenues of European business units, which are generated by sales in Europe and in Canada, decreased by $23.0 million (12.4%) over 2012, mainly due to the Corporation’s decision to reduce capacity. European operations generated an operating loss before amortization and depreciation of $1.8 million, compared with $6.6 million the previous year, with the variance mainly attributable to higher selling prices during the quarter, as well as cost-reduction initiatives.

First six-month period highlights

For the first six months of 2013, the Corporation posted revenues of $1.9 billion, compared with $2.0 billion in 2012, and an operating loss before amortization and depreciation¹ of $22.2 million ($18.3 million before amortization and depreciation, and restructuring charges), compared with $58.1 million in 2012 ($58.1 million before restructuring charges). The decrease in revenues is mainly attributable to the Corporation’s decision to reduce capacity on its markets (Sun, transatlantic and France), hence a 12.0% reduction in the number of travellers. Across all markets, selling prices and margins were higher than in 2012.

Revenues of North American business units, which are generated by sales in Canada and abroad, decreased by $92.7 million (5.4%) compared with the same period in 2012. For the six-month period, the capacity on Sun destinations was down 13% compared with 2012. Capacity on the transatlantic market was down 21%. North American business units recorded an operating loss before amortization and depreciation of $7.7 million, compared with $38.7 million in 2012. Before restructuring charges, Transat posted a margin before amortization and depreciation of $3.8 million, compared with an operating loss before amortization and depreciation of $38.7 million in 2012. The improvement in margin is mainly attributable to higher selling prices during the quarter, as well as cost-reduction initiatives.

Revenues of European business units, which are generated by sales in Europe and in Canada, decreased by $36.5 million (11.6%) from 2012, mainly due to the Corporation’s decision to reduce capacity. European operations generated an operating loss before amortization and depreciation of $14.5 million, compared with $19.3 million the previous year, with the variance mainly attributable to higher selling prices during the quarter, as well as cost-reduction initiatives.

Financial situation

As at April 30, 2013, cash stood at $336.1 million, compared with $264.1 million at the same date the previous year; working capital ratio was 0.98 against 0.93 and deposits from customers for future travel were $514.7 million compared with $479.7 million. Off-balance-sheet agreements stood at $509.0 million as at April 30, 2013, compared with $595.8 million at the same date in 2012, the decrease being attributable to payments made during the 12-month period.

Outlook for the summer

The transatlantic market, outbound from Canada and Europe, accounts for a very significant portion of Transat’s business in the summer. From May to October 2013, Transat’s capacity on that market is 12% lower than that for the previous year. To date, 66% of that capacity has been sold, load factors are 2% lower and selling prices are approximately 5% higher compared to 2012.

On the Sun destinations market, outbound from Canada, Transat’s capacity is lower by 3% than that for the previous year. To date, 46% of that capacity has been sold, load factors and selling prices are similar.

In France, compared with 2012, medium-haul bookings are slightly ahead, and long-haul bookings are slightly behind. Selling prices are slightly higher.

To the extent the aforementioned trends hold, Transat expects to record better results than last year for the second half, and an after-tax adjusted income for the year.

Copyright Photo: TMK Photography/AirlinersGallery.com. Air Transat continues to be one of the last passenger operators of the Airbus A310. Air Transat Airbus A310-308 C-GPAT (msn 597) approaches Toronto (Pearson) for landing.

Air Transat: 

Video: Air Transat’s new cabin:

Sky Airline (Santiago) on June 7 received new authorization from the Brazilian aviation authorities for new route authority rights to operate between Chile and Brazil. The airline will start Brazilian flights in 2014.

Meanwhile the airline continues to convert its Boeing 737-200 fleet to more modern Airbus A319s and A320s. The company during May scrapped two more Boeing 737-200s (CC-CTI and CC-CTX).

Top Copyright Photo: Alvaro Romero/AirlinersGallery.com. Airbus A320-232 CC-ABV (msn 1400) arrives at the Santiago hub (please click on the photo for the full size view). All others by Sky Airline.

Sky Airline: 

Route Map:

Gol Transportes Aereos (Sao Paulo) has introduced a new logojet. The carrier has unveiled a new logojet in support of the Brazilian Soccer Federation (CBF-Confederação Brasileira de Futebol). The special livery incorporates the Brazilian flag colors as well as the five stars of the five World Cups won by Brazil. the logojet contains the insignia of CBF on the tail surfaces and the phrase “Transportadora Oficial da Seleção Brasileira” (official transporter of the Brazilian team). The aircraft, the pictured Boeing 737-8EH PR-GUM (msn 35846), flew the Brazilian team from Goiania to Brasilia yesterday for the forthcoming FIFA Confederations Cup during the period of June 15-30, 2013.

The CBF issued this statement:

The CBF announces that on Wednesday (June 12, 2013) Seleção Brasileira arrived in Brasilia, site of the debut in Confederations Cup, on the Boeing 738-800 Next Generation Sky Interior of Gol, specially painted with the colors of Seleção.

The initiative of the airline – the official carrier of Seleção Brasileira – reinforces this act, the meaning of partnership.

Gol managed to have the first of three aircraft alluding to Seleção ready before the Confederations Cup. This was the result of compromise and teamwork, characteristics that unite us even more.

Besides the flights of Seleção, this aircraft will integrate the operations of Gol, which will allow fans to also be able to know this special tribute.

President José Maria is thrilled with the results produced by the partnership between the Brazilian Football Confederation and the company.

“I appreciate the professionalism and dedication of Gol, from its Board to its employees. The CBF has in this company a great partner and ally.”

Copyright Photo: Brazilian Soccer Federation (CBF).

Want to see more logojets? Follow our Airline Special Color Schemes blog: CLICK HERE

Gol: 

Video:

United Airlines (Chicago) now features 180-degree flat-bed seats and personal on-demand entertainment in the premium cabins on all scheduled, long-haul international flights from the airline’s eight North American hubs and between Seattle/Tacoma and Tokyo (Narita).

United has outfitted 183 international long-haul aircraft with United Global First and United BusinessFirst cabins, and offers more than 7,000 total flat-bed seats fleet-wide, more than any other U.S. carrier. Customers in the premium cabins receive a higher level of privacy and comfort, a multi-course meal with complimentary wine options and more-personal attention.

United recently launched turn-down service for customers seated in United Global First, offering travelers an added touch of luxury and a better sleeping experience on long-haul flights.

In addition to offering customers more flat-bed seats on more aircraft than any other U.S. carrier, United currently provides extra-legroom Economy Plus seating on nearly 650 mainline aircraft and approximately 150 regional jets.

United is also revamping the transcontinental ”p.s.” Premium Service fleet of aircraft that fly between New York Kennedy and Los Angeles and San Francisco. Customers traveling on the revamped p.s. aircraft will experience an improved premium cabin with fully flat-bed seats, faster Wi-Fi Internet service, and personal on-demand entertainment at every seat. The fourth p.s. aircraft to be retrofitted enters service this month, and United anticipates completing the entire p.s. fleet by year-end.

United is also outfitting aircraft with satellite Wi-Fi, offering inflight connectivity on long-haul international flights. The airline expects to have more than 200 aircraft outfitted with satellite Wi-Fi before the end of the year.

United recently deployed the 200th aircraft with live television, giving United the world’s largest fleet of aircraft equipped with live television.

Copyright Photo: Michael Stappen/AirlinersGallery.com. Boeing 757-224 WL N18119 (msn 27561) arrives at Amsterdam.

United Airlines: 

American Airlines (Dallas/Fort Worth) today relaunched daily nonstop service between New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) and Dublin Airport (DUB). The new flight is in addition to American’s existing nonstop service from Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD) to Dublin and complements its 12 other daily nonstop flights from JFK to Europe. The route will be operated with a two-class Boeing 757-200 with 181 seats.

Copyright Photo: Dave Glendinning/AirlinersGallery.com. Boeing 757-223 WL N174AA (msn 31308) in the Oneworld scheme taxies at London (Heathrow).

American Airlines: 

WestJet (Calgary) announced today that Transport Canada has issued an air operator certificate (AOC) for WestJet Encore, which launches service in Western Canada on June 24, 2013.

An air operator certificate is granted following an extensive application process whereby Transport Canada determines whether or not a company’s facilities and organizational structure, including properly licensed and qualified personnel, meet the applicable requirements. Transport Canada then determines the applicant has the ability to operate the service safely, properly and in accordance with the regulating standards and procedures detailed in the Canadian Aviation Regulations.

Top Copyright Photo: WestJet. The first, Bombardier DHC-8-402 (Q400) C-FOEN (msn 4440), arrives at the Calgary base.

WestJet: 

Bottom Copyright Photo: WestJet. A symbolic key was presented to the airline for the first delivery. The term “Q400″ is a marketing term. The aircraft are certified as DHC-8-402 aircraft.

Air North, Yukon’s Airline (Whitehorse) on June 6 started seasonal summer service to Kelowna, British Columbia. This marks the first scheduled expansion to Air North’s route network (below) since the airline began offering Boeing 737 service in 2002. Seasonal service will end on October 13, 2013.

Copyright Photo: Ton Jochems/AirlinersGallery.com. Boeing 737-48E C-FANB (msn 25764) taxies to the gate at Vancouver International Airport.

Air North: 

Videos:

Qatar Airways (Doha) is planning to operate its new Boeing 787-8s to six European cities for the October 27, 2013 winter schedule according to Airline Route. The Doha 787 European routes for the winter season include Copenhagen, London (Heathrow), Munich, Oslo, Stockholm (Arlanda) and Zurich.

Copyright Photo: Andi Hiltl/AirlinersGallery.com. Boeing 787-8 A7-BCL (msn 38330) climbs away from the runway at Zurich.

Qatar Airways: 

Virgin Australia Airlines (Brisbane) has announced that from October this year, it will operate its Airbus A330 aircraft on all Perth-Sydney weekday flights.

The introduction of a seventh Airbus A330 to Virgin Australia’s fleet later this year will see these aircraft operate all Perth-Sydney and Perth-Melbourne weekday services and two out of three Perth-Brisbane weekday services.

The airline now offers all customers on flights between Perth and the East Coast fully inclusive hot meals and beverages, as well as in-flight entertainment.

“We have had an extremely positive response to the introduction of our Airbus A330 “Coast To Coast” service and we are very pleased to now be offering this on all Perth-Sydney and Perth-Melbourne weekday flights.

The Airbus A330 aircraft feature Virgin Australia’s designer Business and Economy Class product, which includes luxury leather seating, generous seat recline and a range of gourmet food offerings.

In other news, Virgin Australia has announced flights to Milan, Italy and Amsterdam, Netherlands will be added to its codeshare agreement with Etihad Airways (Abu Dhabi) from June 3, 2013.

The announcement follows recent regulatory approvals being granted allowing Virgin Australia to codeshare on flights into Italy and the Netherlands.

Customers travelling on Virgin Australia’s network will be able to connect through Abu Dhabi on to Milan or Amsterdam on the same ticket. Velocity Frequent Flyer members will also be able to earn points and status credits on these routes.

The codeshare flight between Abu Dhabi and Milan will be operated by a two-class Airbus A330-200 seven times per week. Abu Dhabi to Amsterdam will be operated by a two-class Airbus A330-200 seven times per week. Etihad and Virgin Australia fly 28 times per week from Australia to Abu Dhabi, connecting to 14 codeshare destinations in Europe.

This is a continuation of the roll-out of Virgin Australia’s alliance with Etihad Airways, which already includes 50 codeshare and interline destinations globally. Virgin Australia will continue to work closely with Etihad Airways to develop a network aligned with the needs of their customers.

Etihad Airways currently operates flights from Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane into Abu Dhabi.

Copyright Photo: Olivier Gregoire/AirlinersGallery.com.

Virgin Australia: 

Air New Zealand (Auckland) has issued this statement its new partnership with Tourism New Zealand:

Air New Zealand has unveiled its new aircraft livery which features the iconic official New Zealand Fern Mark, the use of which is managed by Tourism New Zealand and New Zealand Trade and Enterprise.

Under the MOU, Air New Zealand and Tourism New Zealand will each invest more than $10 million over the next 12 months in co-operative marketing activity in the key markets of Australia, China, Hong Kong, Japan, North America, the United Kingdom and Europe as well as increased activity in emerging markets such as India and Indonesia.

Air New Zealand and Tourism New Zealand have a strong track record of working together to market New Zealand as a destination. Recent collaboration includes high profile leverage activity to market New Zealand in association with The Hobbit trilogy; joint advertising campaigns in Australia, Japan, China, North America and Europe, hosting over 180 international media to New Zealand and activity to educate the trade on New Zealand including a recent familiarisation for 140 travel agents from North America, the United Kingdom and Europe.

Over the next 12 months, the organizations will continue to jointly promote New Zealand to travellers through advertising, PR activity, working closely with trade partners and on campaigns that actively target business events.

In the coming year, Air New Zealand will also introduce its new aircraft livery which features the iconic New Zealand Fern Mark.

“We are delighted to reveal our new aircraft livery which would not have been possible without the support of Tourism New Zealand and New Zealand Trade and Enterprise. The new-look livery is distinctive and iconic and we believe will inspire a sense of pride in New Zealanders,” says Mr Luxon.

The livery design process involved extensive consumer testing including focus groups both in New Zealand and offshore. A clear preference was established for the New Zealand Way Fern Mark to be incorporated into the design with 78 per cent of those surveyed believing it fits with the Air New Zealand brand and represented New Zealand.

The new livery will be progressively rolled out across the Air New Zealand fleet from later this year. The majority of the airline’s fleet will eventually feature the white version of the new livery and a limited number will feature the distinctive black version of the new design (see new Boeing 787-9s designs below).

Poll: Do you like the new two-version “Black Fern” livery?

Top Copyright Photo: Colin Hunter/AirlinersGallery.com (all others by Air New Zealand). The new fern livery reminds us of the special All Blacks-Crazy About Rugby livery worn by this Airbus A320. A320-232 OAB (msn 4553) arrives back at Auckland.

Air New Zealand: