World Airways to fly the Polar Route under its new authorization
World Airways Boeing 747-4H6 (SF) N741WA (msn 25702) NUE (Gunter Mayer), originally uploaded by Airliners Gallery.
World Airways (Atlanta), a subsidiary of Global Aviation Holdings Inc., now offers Polar route service for its customers after receiving authorization from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). The Polar authorization allows World to eliminate intermediate stops for several routes, reduce flight times and save fuel. This new authority affects mainly its MD-11 flights.
Copyright Photo: Gunter Mayer.
Atlas Air flies first Boeing 747-400F into the new Dubai World Central-Al Maktoum International Airport
Atlas Air Boeing 747-47UF N492MC (msn 29253) ANC (Tony Storck), originally uploaded by Airliners Gallery.
Atlas Air Worldwide Holdings, Inc. (AAWW) (New York) confirmed the successful operation on October 14 of the first scheduled freighter service into the new Dubai World Central (DWC)-Al Maktoum International Airport on behalf of its long-standing ACMI customer, Panalpina Group.
Atlas Air’s Boeing 747-400 freighter flight initiates a new controlled air freight service by Panalpina. The service will include two weekly flights into Dubai as part of a round-the-world rotation connecting Luxembourg, Dubai, South Africa, Hong Kong, North America and Latin America.
In addition, a second Atlas Air 747-400 freighter is helping Panalpina inaugurate new express service between Huntsville, AL, and São Paulo, Brazil, enhancing connections between Asia, North America and Latin America.
Copyright Photo: Tony Storck.
TNT Airways to lease three Boeing 777F freighters
TNT Global Express (TNT Airways) Boeing 747-4HA ERF OO-THA (msn 35232) AMS (Michael B. Ing), originally uploaded by Airliners Gallery.
TNT Airways (Liege) will lease three new long-range Boeing 777F freighters from Guggenheim Aviation Partners. The new type is expected to enter service in July 2011.
Copyright Photo: Michael B. Ing. TNT Airways currently operates four Boeing 747-400F freighters.
Delta Air Lines is adding back 1,000 flight attendants
Delta Air Lines Boeing 747-451 N671US (msn 26477) LAX, originally uploaded by Airliners Gallery.
Delta Air Lines (Atlanta) is adding back 1,000 flight attendants, including recalling 425 who were on a voluntary furlough.
Read the full report from the Free Press (Freep.com):
Copyright Photo: Boeing 747-451 N671US (msn 26477) arrives at Los Angeles.
United Arab Emirates threatens to take actions against Canada
Emirates SkyCargo (Emirates Airline) (Atlas Air) Boeing 747-47UF N415MC (msn 32837) AMS (Karl Cornil), originally uploaded by Airliners Gallery.
The relationship between Canada and the United Arab Emirates is softening amid media reports that the UAE may restrict Canada from using a military base in the UAE.
Canada will not allow Emirates Airline to operate more than six flights a week into Canada. Emirates says this is not enough capacity to handle the demand.
Read the full story in the CBC News:
Copyright Photo: Karl Cornil. Operated by Atlas Air, Boeing 747-47UF N415MC (msn 32837) prepares to land at Amsterdam.
UPS introduces a new “Logistics” ad campaign
UPS-United Parcel Service (UPS Airlines) Boeing 747-45E (BCF) N578UP (msn 27154) ANC (Michael B. Ing), originally uploaded by Airliners Gallery.
UPS-United Parcel Services (UPS Airlines) (Atlanta and Louisville) has dropped the “brown” ad theme and has launched a new “Logistics” ad campaign.
Read the full WSJ article:
Copyright Photo: Michael B. Ing. UPS Airlines’ Boeing 747-45E (BCF) N578UP (msn 27154) climbs gracefully at Anchorage.
Watch the TV ad via YouTube:
National Airlines puts its first Boeing 747-400 freighter into service
National Air Cargo Boeing 747-428(BCF) TF-NAC FRA 14-09-10, originally uploaded by Axel J..
National Airlines (5th) (National Air Cargo Group) (formerly Murray Air) (Ypsilanti) is now operating its first Boeing 747-400 freighter. Oddly after receiving an N-number (N952CA) on June 30, 2010, the aircraft has now reverted to an Icelandic registration.
Copyright Photo: Axel J. Ex-Air France Boeing 747-428 (BCF) TF-NAC (msn 25238, ex N952CA/F-GISA) is pictured at Frankfurt on September 14 now with large blue titles.
Atlas Air to fly a second Boeing 747-400F for Panalpina
Atlas Air Boeing 747-47UF N492MC (msn 29253) ANC (Tony Storck), originally uploaded by Airliners Gallery.
Atlas Air Worldwide Holdings, Inc. (New York) has confirmed an agreement to place a second Boeing 747-400 freighter with Panalpina Air and Ocean Ltd.
The multi-year agreement, under which Atlas Air (New York-JFK) will provide ACMI (aircraft, crew, maintenance and insurance) services to freight forwarder Panalpina which was announced on the 20th anniversary of Panalpina’s “Dixie Jet” freighter service connecting Huntsville, AL, with Europe, which is also operated by a Boeing 747-400 Freighter leased from Atlas Air.
The second aircraft, to be based at Panalpina’s European hub in Luxembourg, will operate services from Asia and Africa to Europe; Europe to Africa, the Middle East and Asia; and from Asia to the United States. It is set to begin operating in early October.
Copyright Photo: Tony Storck. A beautiful portrait of Atlas Air’s Boeing 747-47UF N492MC (msn 29253) climbing majestically away from scenic Anchorage.
Asiana Airlines Cargo adds service to Atlanta on September 13
Asiana Airlines Cargo Boeing 747-48EF HL7636 (msn 29170) ANC (Michael B. Ing), originally uploaded by Airliners Gallery.
Asiana Airlines (Seoul) began cargo service to Atlanta on September 13 with Boeing 747-400F freighter aircraft. The new route will be operated four times a week.
Asiana Airlines is the 14th all-cargo airline to serve Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport. Singapore Airlines Cargo began scheduled service to Atlanta in September 2009.
Copyright Photo: Michael B. Ing. Boeing 747-48EF HL7636 (msn 29170) climbs away from Anchorage.
World Airways to operate a Boeing 747-400 for Jade Cargo
Jade Cargo International Boeing 747-4EV ERF B-2422 (msn 35173) NUE (Gunter Mayer), originally uploaded by Airliners Gallery.
World Airways (Atlanta) has signed a one-year agreement with Jade Cargo International (Shenzhen) to operate one Boeing 747-400 freighter aircraft on a full-time basis for air cargo service beginning in October 2010. Subject to final government approvals, the aircraft will connect Shanghai and Yantai with Chicago (O’Hare). The three weekly flights will then continue to Amsterdam and return to Shanghai on a “round-the-world” flight pattern.
World recently announced the addition of two Boeing 747-400 freighters, which will bring World’s 747-400 fleet to four aircraft, in addition to nine McDonnell Douglas MD-11 freighters.
Jade Cargo International Company Ltd. was founded in October 2004 as a joint venture between Shenzhen Airlines (51%), Lufthansa Cargo AG (25%) and the German development finance institute DEG-Deutsche Investitions- und Entwicklungsgesellschaft mbH (24%). Jade started flight operations on August 5, 2006 and operates six Boeing 747-400s.
Copyright Photo: Gunter Mayer. Jade Cargo’s Boeing 747-4EV ERF B-2422 (msn 35173) stops at Nuremberg.
Air New Zealand sees a four-fold increase in profits to $58 million
Air New Zealand Boeing 747-419 ZK-NBS (msn 24386) SYD (John Adlard), originally uploaded by Airliners Gallery.
Air New Zealand (Auckland) reported fiscal year net profit of $58 million for the year ending on June 30.
Copyright Photo: John Adlard. Boeing 747-419 ZK-NBS (msn 24386) taxies at Sydney.
Malaysia Airlines lost $170 million in the second quarter
Malaysia Airlines Boeing 747-4H6 9M-MPC (msn 25700) LHR (Antony J. Best), originally uploaded by Airliners Gallery.
Malaysia Airlines (Kuala Lumpur) lost $170 million in the second quarter.
Copyright Photo: Antony J. Best. Boeing 747-4H6 9M-MPC (msn 25700) taxies past the camera at London (Heathrow).
UPS loses N571UP and two crew members at Dubai
UPS Airlines (UPS Parcel Service) Boeing 747-44AF N571UP (msn 35668) ANC (Brian McDonough) (crashed on takeoff at Dubai September 3, 2010), originally uploaded by Airliners Gallery.
UPS Airlines (United Parcel Service) (Atlanta and Louisville) yesterday (September 3) lost its Boeing 747-44AF N571UP (msn 35668) and the two crew members on board when it crashed on takeoff at Dubai.
Click on link below for full view and full details:
Copyright Photo: Brian McDonough. N571UP is pictured arriving at Anchorage on May 10, 2010.
Delta to revitalize its Boeing 747-400 fleet
Delta Air Lines Boeing 747-451 N675NW (msn 33001) NRT (Michael B. Ing), originally uploaded by Airliners Gallery.
Delta Air Lines (Atlanta) has unveiled plans for the complete revitalization of its fleet of Boeing 747-400 aircraft flying primarily from the Tokyo-Narita hub. Between summer 2011 and 2012, Delta will equip each of its 16 747-400s with new fully horizontal flat-bed seats in the BusinessElite cabin and new Economy class seats featuring personal, on-demand entertainment, increased personal space and added under-seat storage.
The 747 upgrades will bring substantial changes to both decks of the aircraft’s BusinessElite cabin. The new, custom-designed product will feature 48 horizontal flat-bed seats with direct aisle access at each seat. Window seats will face the window for improved privacy and center seats will be angled toward each other for the convenience of customers traveling together.
The new seat, manufactured by Weber Aircraft LLC, will be 81.7 inches in length and 20.5 inches wide, similar to the flat-bed product currently offered on Delta’s 777-200LR fleet. It also will feature a 120-volt universal power outlet, USB port, personal LED reading lamp and Panasonic’s 15.4 inch personal video monitors with instant access to 250 new and classic movies, premium programming from HBO and Showtime, video games and more than 4,000 digital music tracks.
Customers in Economy class on the 747-400 will benefit from the industry’s first seat designed collaboratively by a seat manufacturer and an in-flight entertainment company, Weber Aircraft and Panasonic Avionics Corporation, to fully incorporate seat and entertainment functionality into one product. Using a nine-inch screen, the new seat’s embedded touch-screen entertainment system will offer each customer access to 250 movie titles, hundreds of television shows, 4,000 digital music tracks, personalized music playlists, more than a dozen interactive games and a USB port to charge iPods and other personal electronic devices.
The new seats offer up to 1.5 inches more personal space and increased under-seat storage through a “slimline” design that more efficiently uses cabin space than the older, heavier seats they replace. The upgraded seats also feature adjustable headrests and deliver environmental benefits through the Panasonic Eco 9i Integrated Smart Monitors that use 30 percent less energy and are 60 percent lighter than entertainment systems installed on other Delta aircraft.
Delta’s 747s are dedicated largely to trans-Pacific and intra-Asia flights to and from the Tokyo-Narita hub, including routes connecting Tokyo to Detroit, Honolulu, Manila, Minneapolis/St. Paul, New York-JFK and Shanghai.
When reconfigured, the 747s will accommodate 386 customers with 48 BusinessElite seats and 338 Economy class seats.
Copyright Photo: Michael B. Ing. Ex-Northwest Boeing 747-451 N675NW (msn 33001) now in Delta’s colors arrives at the Tokyo (Narita) hub.
Korean Air swings to a $196 million 2Q loss
Korean Air Boeing 747-4B5 HL7491 (msn 27341) (StarCraft) FRA (Bernhard Ross) (special color scheme), originally uploaded by Airliners Gallery.
Korean Air (Seoul) has swung to second quarter loss of $196 million.
Read the full story from the WSJ:
Copyright Photo: Bernhard Ross. A splendid view of Boeing 747-4B5 HL7491 (msn 27341 at Frankfurt in the special “StarCraft” promotional livery.
British Airways and others are bringing aircraft out of desert storage
British Airways Boeing 747-436 G-BNLO (msn 24057) (Face to Face) SFO (Mark Durbin), originally uploaded by Airliners Gallery.
British Airways (London) is bringing a Boeing 747-400 out of desert storage at Victorville, CA along with other carriers.
Read the full story:
Copyright Photo: Mark Durbin. A dramatic picture of BA’s Boeing 747-436 G-BNLO (msn 24057) with the promotional “Face to Face” markings rotating at San Francisco.
ANA to retire the Boeing 747-400 from international service
ANA (All Nippon Airways) Boeing 747-481 JA8098 (msn 25207) NRT (Michael B. Ing), originally uploaded by Airliners Gallery.
ANA-All Nippon Airways (Tokyo) meanwhile will retire the Boeing 747-400 from international scheduled service at the end of this month. From September, the remaining three 747-400s will be used only for charter flights, especially to Canada. The international 747-400s will be retired by March 2011.
The 747-400 (D) (domestic) aircraft will remain in service for the
forseeable future.
Copyright Photo: Michael B. Ing. Boeing 747-481 JA8098 (msn 25207) lines up to land at Tokyo (Narita).
JAL to operate the last Boeing 747 flight in February
JAL-Japan Airlines Boeing 747-446 JA8920 (msn 27648) (Samurai Blue 2006) SYD (Sam Chui) (JAL to retire the 747), originally uploaded by Airliners Gallery.
JAL-Japan Airlines (Tokyo) is quickly reducing its fleet. The final
747-400 (D) (domestic) flight will operate in October, while the international 747-400 aircraft will remain in service until February 2011. This drastic cut is being made possible by slashing routes and capacity
as well as a higher utilization of its Boeing 767-300s and 777s as the airline reorganizes.
JAL has been a long-time operator of the Boeing 747 (40 years). It took delivery of its first Boeing 747-146 (JA8101) on April 22, 1970.
Copyright Photo: Sam Chui. Boeing 747-446 JA8920 (msn 27648) once carried the special “Sammurai Blue 2006″ livery. It is pictured departing from Sydney.
Virgin Atlantic Airways sees 10% revenue growth in its first 1Q
Virgin Atlantic Airways Boeing 747-41R G-VROC (msn 32746) MAN (Nik French) (new livery), originally uploaded by Airliners Gallery.
Virgin Atlantic Airways (London) is reporting a 10 percent revenue growth in its fiscal first quarter.
Read the press release:
Copyright Photo: Nik French. The first aircraft in the “new paint” color scheme is Boeing 747-41R G-VROC (msn 32746) seen on the ramp at Manchester.
British Airways reports a fiscal 2Q operating loss of $112.9 million
British Airways Boeing 747-436 G-BNLX (msn 25435) LHR (Antony J. Best), originally uploaded by Airliners Gallery.
British Airways (London) weary from cabin crews strikes report an operating loss of $112.9 million in fiscal first quarter ending on June 30.
Read the press release:
Copyright Photo: Antony J. Best. Boeing 747-436 G-BNLX (msn 25435) banks away from Heathrow Airport.
Atlas Air’s Global Supply Systems to operate three Boeing 747-800F freighters for British Airways
Copyright Photo: Pedro Pics. The current three Boeing 747-400F freighters are expected to replaced by the new 747-800Fs. 747-47UF (msn 29252) is pictured at the STN base.
Atlas Air Worldwide Holdings (New York-JFK) confirmed that its 49%-owned UK subsidiary, Global Supply Systems Limited (GSS) (London-Stansted), has signed a five-year wet leasing agreement with British Airways Plc to operate three Boeing 747-8 freighters on behalf of British Airways starting in 2011.
Under this long-term aircraft, crew, maintenance and insurance (ACMI) outsourcing contract, GSS will provide a turnkey solution for British Airways’ cargo division, British Airways World Cargo (BAWC). GSS will lease the 747-8F aircraft that it will operate for BAWC from AAWW’s Atlas Air unit, which expects to take delivery of the aircraft from Boeing in early 2011.
World Airways to lease two Boeing 747-400 freighters
World Airways Cargo Boeing 747-4H6 (F) N740WA (msn 25700) MIA (Wade DeNero), originally uploaded by Airliners Gallery.
World Airways (Atlanta), a subsidiary of Global Aviation Holdings Inc., has entered into an agreement to add two leased Boeing 747-400 freighters to its fleet. The aircraft, scheduled for delivery in December 2010 and February 2011, will grow World’s B747-400 freighter fleet to four aircraft.
World is also in the process of reactivating a MD-11 freighter that it had placed into storage in 2009. This aircraft will enter revenue service in September 2010, and will return World’s fuel efficient MD-11 freighter fleet to nine active aircraft.
Copyright Photo: Wade DeNero. Boeing 747-4H6 (F) N740WA (msn 25700) lands at Miami.
UPS’ 2Q earnings soar 71% on 13% revenue growth
UPS-Worldwide Services (UPS Airlines) Boeing 747-45E (BCF) N578UP (msn 27154) ANC (Michael B. Ing), originally uploaded by Airliners Gallery.
UPS (United Parcel Service) (UPS Airlines) (Atlanta) reported second quarter net income of $845 million.
Read the full press release:
Copyright Photo: Michael B. Ing. A beautiful climb out at Anchorage of UPS Airlines’ Boeing 747-45E (BCF) N578UP (msn 27154).
Virgin Atlantic Airways introduces a new livery
Copyright Photo: Nik French.
Virgin Atlantic Airways (London) this morning (July 25) rolled out a new on Boeing 747-41R G-VROC (msn 32746) at Air Livery at Manchester. The revised scheme has taken the rather drab 2006 color scheme and added large lower case billboard titles.
On July 29 Virgin Atlantic officially unveiled the new aircraft livery and brand identity for the airline. As the press release states, “the new design, which will be applied to all of the company’s 38 aircraft, signage, communications and advertising was showcased on one of Virgin Atlantic’s Boeing 747-400 aircraft G-VROC.
The Virgin Atlantic name, previously on the front end of the fuselage is now emblazoned large across the whole of the aircraft in a fine custom drawn font. In addition, the undercarriage of the aircraft now features the new Virgin Atlantic logo in dark purple – making the aircraft more easily identifiable when taking off and landing. The winglets are now red with the Virgin script on the inner side, visible to passengers on board the plane.
The new livery uses an entirely new paint system which is unique to Virgin Atlantic – a first on commercial aircraft. It has been specially developed to achieve a highly reflective depth of metallic color.
The painting process has been simplified, using fewer maskings and applications for a drastic reduction in materials used. Over 450 liters of paint was used and took over 3,000 – 3,500 man hours to paint. The new paint is more durable so aircraft will only require re- painting once a decade.
The iconic, flag carrying flying lady, who appears on all Virgin Atlantic aircraft, has been rejuvenated with a subtle cosmetic makeover and enhanced detailing – now fluttering a larger Union Jack.
London brand agency Circus was commissioned in 2008 to review and refine the Virgin Atlantic brand values. The new livery and logo were developed by award winning design consultancy, Johnson Banks, in collaboration with the in-house brand design team, led by Joe Ferry and Nina Jenkins, and was created using the brand values defined by Circus.”
Copyright Photo: Nik French. Boeing 747-41R G-VROC (msn 32746) is pictured at MAN after the roll out.
Asiana Airlines Cargo to add Atlanta on September 13
Asiana Airlines Cargo Boeing 747-48EF HL7636 (msn 29170) ANC (Michael B. Ing), originally uploaded by Airliners Gallery.
Asiana Airlines (Seoul-Incheon) will extend its cargo network to Atlanta, starting on September 13. The new route will be operated four times a week with Boeing 747-400F freighters.
On the financial side, the second quarter profit slipped to slightly over $12 million.
Read the full report in ATW:
Copyright Photo: Michael B. Ing. Asiana Cargo’s Boeing 747-48EF HL7636 (msn 29170) climbs into the sky at Anchorage.
Atlas Air starts DreamLifter operations for Boeing
Boeing 747-409LCF DreamLifter N780BA (msn 24130) JFK (Ken Petersen) (operated by Atlas Air), originally uploaded by Airliners Gallery.
Atlas Air (New York-JFK) has launched DreamLifter fleet service for Boeing (Chicago, Seattle, Wichita and Charleston) pursuant to a previously announced nine-year agreement that significantly expands Atlas Air’s outsourced CMI (crew, maintenance, and insurance) service offering. The service will provide key supply-chain support for the production of Boeing’s new commercial jetliner, the 787 Dreamliner.
Starting with its inaugural DreamLifter flight from Wichita, KS to Everett, WA on July 20, Atlas Air will commence operation of the remainder of Boeing’s DreamLifter fleet of four 747-400 aircraft during the balance of 2010. The Dreamlifter aircraft have been specially modified by Boeing to transport major assemblies for its 787 Dreamliner from suppliers around the world to Boeing production facilities in the United States.
Copyright Photo: Ken Petersen. Boeing 747-409LCF DreamLifter N780BA (msn 24130) stops at New York (JFK) is part of a fleet of four aircraft.
British Airways’ flight attendants say “no” to the latest company offer
British Airways Boeing 747-436 G-CIVP (msn 28850) (Oneworld) LHR (Keith Burton), originally uploaded by Airliners Gallery.
British Airways (London) is facing another round of strikes after its cabin crews, represented by Unite, rejected the latest company offer.
Read the full report from Reuters:
Copyright Photo: Keith Burton. BA’s Boeing 747-436 G-CIVP (msn 28850) dressed in the Oneworld scheme climbs away from Heathrow Airport.
Cathay Pacific Airways starts its around-the-world cargo flight
Cathay Pacific Airways Cargo Boeing 747-412 (BCF) B-HKH (msn 24227) JFK (Jay Selman) (starts around-the-world cargo flight), originally uploaded by Airliners Gallery.
Cathay Pacific Airways (Hong Kong) yesterday (July 9) launched its new around-the-world cargo service.
Please click on the photo for the full story.
Copyright Photo: Jay Selman. Boeing 747-412 (BCF) B-HKH (msn 24227) arrives at New York (JFK).
Lufthansa’s employees agree to a pay freeze
Lufthansa (lufthansa.com) Boeing 747-430 D-ABTD (msn 24715) MIA (Bruce Drum), originally uploaded by Airliners Gallery.
Lufthansa (Frankfurt) and the Ver.di union have reached an agreement on a pay freeze and profit-sharing for the represented 50,000 employees.
The wage freeze is in effect for 22 months through December 2011.
Read the full report from the Bloomberg Businessweek:
Copyright Photo: Bruce Drum. Boeing 747-430 D-ABTD (msn 24715) prepares to land at Miami.
National Airlines to add its first Boeing 747-400F freighter
Please click on the AG icon for a direct link to the National Airlines photo gallery.
National Airlines (5th) (formerly Murray Air) (National Air Cargo Group) (Ypsilanti) is planning to operate ex-Air France Boeing 747-428 (BCF) freighter as N952CA (msn 25238, ex F-GISA). This will be the first Boeing 747 for the company. The new addition was registered on June 30, 2010.
Air India in crisis, first the accident, now the strike
Air India Boeing 747-4H6 VT-AIS (msn 25703) FRA (Bernhard Ross), originally uploaded by Airliners Gallery.
Air India (Mumbai) today is dealing with an unexpected strike by its employees (ground crews and engineers), in the aftermath of the Air India Express crash.
Read the full report:
Copyright Photo: Bernhard Ross. Boeing 747-4H6 VT-AIS (msn 25703) taxies from the gate at Frankfurt.
Malaysia Airlines posts a first quarter net profit
Malaysia Airlines Boeing 747-4H6 9M-MPC (msn 25700) LHR (Antony J. Best), originally uploaded by Airliners Gallery.
Malaysia Airlines (Kuala Lumpur) posted a first quarter net profit of $97 million.
Business Week news link:
Copyright Photo: Antony J. Best. Malaysia’s Boeing 747-4H6 9M-MPC (msn 25700) taxies to the runway at London (Heathrow).
Virgin Atlantic launches a new advertising campaign
Copyright Photo: Nik French. A close-up of the new Harry Potter logojet scheme on Boeing 747-443 G-VLIP (msn 32338).
Virgin Atlantic Airways (London) announced the launch of their first-ever global marketing campaign, “Your Airline’s Either Got it or it Hasn’t.”
The new campaign, launching first in the U.S., stems from the roots Virgin Atlantic was built on – a passion for flying and challenging the norm to give travelers a unique and unforgettable flight experience. Reaffirming Virgin Atlantic’s belief that flying should be a pleasure, not a chore, the campaign line, “Your Airline’s Either Got it or it Hasn’t” encourages passengers to compare their flying experiences and asks “does your airline have ‘it’?” ’It’ represents what makes flying Virgin Atlantic great, from complimentary car service on all four legs of the journey to moving from curb to Clubhouse in under 10 minutes atHeathrow’s Upper Class Wing, to a fully flat bed with your own aisle access. These are just some of the ways that separate Virgin Atlantic from the rest, and as one ad proclaims, Virgin Atlantic is “Je ne sais quoi. Defined.”
“Your Airline’s Either Got it or it Hasn’t” represents a new direction for the airline’s advertising program, by moving to a single global campaign and creating a seamless look across all its global gateways. The rich style of photography features the product benefits of Virgin Atlantic’s Upper Class Suite, Heathrow Clubhouse, complimentary car service and other elements that separate Virgin Atlantic from its competitors.
The U.S. will be the first global market to fully launch the campaign, which was developed by the Virgin Atlantic global team and agency of record, RKCR/Y&R in the UK and Y&R offices globally. The campaign will then continue to move across the globe to all 32 destinations the airline flies. ”Your Airline’s Either Got it or it Hasn’t” will be first seen in the U.S. in consumer and lifestyle print publications, online banners, rich media, email, promotions, and events sponsorship.
To experience the Virgin Atlantic difference, the carrier has launched a new microsite at www.Virginatlantic.com/experience.
World Airways to operate a Boeing 747-400 freighter for Cargolux
World Airways Boeing 747-4H6 (SF) N741WA (msn 25702) NUE (Gunter Mayer), originally uploaded by Airliners Gallery.
World Airways (Atlanta), a subsidiary of Global Aviation Holdings, Inc., has signed an agreement with Cargolux Airlines International (Luxembourg) to operate one Boeing 747-400 freighter on a full-time basis for air cargo service beginning October 2010 through June 2011.
Cargolux currently operates 15 747-400Fs.
Copyright Photo: Gunter Mayer. Boeing 747-4H6 (SF) N741WA (msn 25702) stops at Nuremberg.
Virgin Atlantic Airways introduces the Harry Potter logojet
G-VLIP, originally uploaded by FastEddie-Freedom Aviation Photography.
Virgin Atlantic Airways (London) has introduced its new Harry Potter logojet to help promote the opening of Universal Studios’ “The Wizarding World of Harry Potter” next month in Orlando.
Copyright Photo: FastEddie – Freedom Aviation Photography. Boeing 747-443 G-VLIP (msn 32338) is now wearing this large Harry Potter sticker.
China Airlines to repaint its Boeing 747-409 B-18210
Copyright Photo: Guillaume Besnard.
China Airlines (Taipei) is planning to shortly repaint its Boeing 747-409 B-18210 (msn 33734) currently painted in the 787 Dreamliner color scheme back into the standard livery.
Copyright Photo: Guillaume Besnard. B-18210 approaches Hong Kong for landing.
Atlas Air Worldwide Holdings announces record first quarter earnings
Polar Air Cargo Boeing 747-46NF N453PA (msn 30811) MIA (Bruce Drum), originally uploaded by Airliners Gallery.
Atlas Air Worldwide Holdings, Inc. (New York) today (May 5) announced record first-quarter earnings that sharply exceeded previous record first-quarter earnings achieved in 2009.
For the three months ended March 31, 2010, AAWW’s net income increased 44.5% to $33.8 million, or $1.30 per diluted share, on revenues of $295.2 million and pretax earnings of $53.9 million. Record earnings for the quarter compared with previous record first-quarter net income of $23.4 million, or $1.12 per share, on revenues of $244.5 million and pretax earnings of $38.5 million for the three months ended March 31, 2009.
Excluding one-time items, adjusted net income in the first quarter of 2010 increased 86.2% to $27.5 million, or $1.06 per diluted share, compared with $14.8 million, or $0.71 per diluted share, in the first quarter of 2009.
The holding company expects to manage and operate a fleet of 22 747-400 freighters and six 747-200s (Atlas Air and Polar Air Cargo) through the remainder of this year. In addition, the Titan Aviation Leasing business acquired a Boeing 757-200 freighter in March that it has leased to a Chinese airline for a five-year term.
The holding company also plans to start outsourced CMI service using two customer-owned 747-400 passenger aircraft later this quarter, and to begin CMI flying for Boeing using four 747-400 Dreamlifter aircraft later this year. Additional fleet and earnings growth is expected with the delivery of 12 next-generation 747-8 freighters beginning in early 2011.
Copyright Photo: Bruce Drum. Polar Air Cargo’s Boeing 747-46NF N453PA (msn 30811) taxies to the runway at Miami.
Atlas Air to start the “Houston Express” on May 3
Atlas Air (SonAir) Boeing 747-481 N263SG (msn 29263) IAH (Jeffrey S. DeVore), originally uploaded by Airliners Gallery.
Atlas Air (New York-JFK) will start the “Houston Express” on May 3.
Copyright Photo: Jeffrey S. DeVore. Boeing 747-481 N263SG (msn 29263) is now based at Houston (Bush Intercontinental).
Cargolux survives a difficult year in 2009
Cargolux Airlines International Boeing 747-4R7F LX-VCV (msn 34235) MSE (Keith Burton), originally uploaded by Airliners Gallery.
Cargolux Airlines International (Luxembourg) saw a reduction in tons sold and the decline in yields which resulted in a drop in revenue of 34 percent to $1.3 billion (US) as the weak economy hit cargo operators very hard. Cargolux recorded an overall loss of $153 million (US) for 2009.
Cargolux kept its fleet of 16 Boeing 747-400Fs in operation. However, a lower utilization of each aircraft meant that, in practice, the company had the equivalent of two aircraft on the ground during the months of June and July, 2009.
In September and October, Cargolux delivered two Boeing 747-400F aircraft to UPS in a deal that had been concluded before the financial crisis hit and was intended to facilitate the planned delivery of the new Boeing 747-8F freighters in 2009. However, by the time those two aircraft left the fleet, Cargolux actually found a need for more capacity, as the cargo markets began to rebound.
To cover the demand, Cargolux leased-in up to three Boeing 747-200Fs for the peak season in the last three months of the 2009.
As a result of the losses incurred and to ensure the survival of the company, a re-capitalization of Cargolux became necessary. In November 2009, the company implemented a restructuring of its capital structure in a two step transaction. First, shareholder SAirlines (part of the defunct Swissair Group) sold its 33.7 percent stake to Luxair, BCEE, SNCI (all current shareholders of Cargolux) and, as a new shareholder, the Luxembourg State.
The production delay of the new Boeing 747-8F has pushed the first delivery to Cargolux from 2009 to late 2010.
Copyright Photo: Keith Burton. Cargolux’s Boeing 747-4R7F LX-VCV (msn 34235) turns on the runway at Manston.
QANTAS Airways reports an engine surge on VH-OJF
QANTAS Airways Boeing 747-438 VH-OJF (msn 24483) SYD (John Adlard) (involved in an incident), originally uploaded by Airliners Gallery.
QANTAS Airways (Sydney) continues to have problems being reported by the media. The company issued this press release on the latest incident:
“The Boeing 747 operating QF Flight 1 from Bangkok to London Heathrow this morning (April 6) experienced a surge in one of its four engines shortly after take-off at 0100 local time (0400 Sydney time). Following procedures, the captain of the aircraft shut down that engine and carried out an air return to Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport, landing at approximately 0230 local time.
There was no safety issue at any stage – Boeing 747 aircraft can fly normally on three engines. Engine surges do not occur regularly, but are not an unknown event on jet aircraft. QANTAS pilots are trained to handle them if they occur.
A replacement aircraft is being flown to Bangkok from Sydney and the 335 passengers on board have been transferred to hotel accommodation. The revised departure time for the service from Bangkok to London Heathrow is 1850 local time (2150 Sydney time).
Engineers are examining the aircraft in Bangkok. The aircraft last underwent a maintenance check at QANTAS’ Avalon maintenance facility in March 2010.
QANTAS regrets the inconvenience caused. However, safety is our highest priority and we have full confidence in the actions taken by the flight crew operating the aircraft.”
The aircraft involved is believed to be the pictured Boeing 747-438 VH-OJF (msn 24483) at Sydney. Ironically the aircraft was delivered exactly 20 years ago today to QF. Copyright Photo: John Adlard.
QANTAS grounds a Boeing 747-400 due to a cracked windshield
Copyright Photo: John Adlard. Boeing 747-438 ER VH-OEI (msn 32913) on approach at Sydney was the aircraft involved.
QANTAS Airways (Sydney) stated today one of its Boeing 747-400s had been grounded after developing cracks in its windshield while flying from the United States. The Boeing 747-400 landed safely in Melbourne this morning after a flight from Los Angeles but was immediately grounded. The first officer noticed the cracks during the flight, a spokesman said.
The windshield is expected to be replaced according to this report by Reuters and the plane was expected to leave for the United States again early on Tuesday.
Read the full report:
JAL to exit the cargo business by the end of October
JAL Cargo (JAL-Japan Airlines) Boeing 747-446 (BCF) JA8909 (msn 26353) LHR (Antony J. Best) (JAL to exit cargo business), originally uploaded by Airliners Gallery.
JAL-Japan Airlines (Tokyo) due to reorganization in bankruptcy has decided to exit the cargo business by the end of October 2010.
Business Week news link:
Copyright Photo: Antony J. Best. Boeing 747-446 (BCF) JA8909 (msn 26353) of JAL Cargo climbs away from London (Heathrow).
Atlas Air to operate four Boeing 747-400 DreamLifters for Boeing
Boeing 747-409LCF DreamLifter N780BA (msn 24130) JFK (Ken Petersen) (to be operated by Atlas Air), originally uploaded by Airliners Gallery.
Atlas Air Worldwide Holdings, Inc. announced that Boeing (Chicago, Seattle, Wichita and Charleston) has selected Atlas Air (New York-JFK) to provide key supply-chain support for the production of Boeing’s all-new commercial jetliner, the 787 Dreamliner. Beginning toward the latter part of 2010, Atlas Air will operateBoeing’s Dreamlifter fleet of four 747-400 aircraft that have been modified to transport major assemblies for the 787 Dreamliner from suppliers around the world to Boeing production facilities in the United States.
The parties have structured the nine-year agreement in a manner consistent with the outsourcing business model under which Atlas Air typically operates. Under that model, Atlas Air will receive contractually determined revenues for the operation of the Dreamlifter aircraft, with Boeing assuming responsibility for certain direct costs, including fuel. Under the CMI arrangement, Boeing will provide and maintain ownership of the aircraft assets.
AAWW is the parent company of Atlas Air, Inc. and Titan Aviation Leasing, and is the majority shareholder of Polar Air Cargo Worldwide, Inc. Through Atlas and Polar, AAWW operates the world’s largest fleet of Boeing 747 freighter aircraft.
Copyright Photo: Ken Petersen. Ex-China Airlines Boeing 747-409LCF N780BA (msn 24130) was converted to a Dreamlifter on February 16, 2007. It is pictured at New York (JFK).
Boeing places the final Dreamlifter into service
Boeing (Chicago, Seattle, Wichita and Charleston) placed the fourth Boeing Dreamlifter, specifically 747-4H6 N718BA, msn 27042, the final airplane in the fleet of specially modified 747-400s, into service yesterday (February 16). Dreamlifters transport the large composite structures of the 787 Dreamliner from partners around the world to Everett, WA for final assembly. The unique airplane, which was modified by Evergreen Aviation Technologies Corp. in Taipei, Taiwan, took off from Paine Field (PAE) in Everett early yesterday morning. Bound for Wichita, Kan., the Dreamlifter is returning the equipment used to transport the forward fuselage section known as section 41.
World Airways to operate a Boeing 747-400F for Asiana
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World Airways (Atlanta), a subsidiary of Global Aviation Holdings, Inc., has signed an agreement with Asiana Airlines (Seoul) to operate one Boeing 747-400 freighter aircraft on a full-time basis for air cargo service beginning February 23 through the remainder of 2010.
Korean Air introduces “Passionate Wings to Culture”
Copyright Photo: GSR. HL7488 climbs away from Nagoya (Chubu Centrair).
Korean Air (Seoul) has added a special “Passionate Wings to Culture” color scheme to its Boeing 747-4B5 HL7488 (msn 26394) in association with the British Museum. The color scheme also celebrates the new availability of Korean audio guide services at the famous museum.
Baltia Air Lines registers its first Boeing 747-400
Baltia Air Lines (New York-JFK) is issuing a press release for every step in its long drawn-out ramping up process as a new would-be airline. It has now registered its first Boeing 747-400. It has reserved the registration mark of N705BL but no other details are known (further details are welcome).
Press release:
finance.yahoo.com/news/Baltia-Air-Lines-to-Register-prnews-141300362.html?x=0&.v=1
Baltia Air Lines takes delivery of its first Boeing 747-400
Baltia Air Lines (New York-JFK) has finally taken delivery of its first Boeing 747-400. The upstart is coming one step closer to becoming a real airline. The new airline intends to start service on the New York (JFK)-St. Petersburg (Russia) route (which can be very seasonal).
Press release:
finance.yahoo.com/news/Baltia-Air-Lines-Takes-prnews-7097469.html?x=0&.v=1
Here is what the new airline will look like:
AeroSur adds its first Boeing 747-400
Copyright Photo: Diego Ruiz de Vargas. CP-2603 arrives at MAD in a new yellow version of the distinctive "Super Torismo" color scheme.
AeroSur (Bolivia) (Santa Cruz) added its first Boeing 747-400 on November 4, 2009 when ex-Virgin Atlantic Airways 747-443 G-VROM (msn 32339) was acquired as CP-2603. The type is now flying the Madrid route.
British Airways continues to promote its “Face to Face” program
British Airways Boeing 747-436 G-BNLO (msn 24057) (Face to Face) SFO, originally uploaded by Airliners Gallery.
British Airways (London) is promoting the importance of “face to face” meetings rather than electronic communications. It recently added “Face to Face” sub-titles to its Boeing 747-436 G-BNLO (msn 24057).
Press release:
finance.yahoo.com/news/British-Airways-FacetoFace-prnews-1188231913.html?x=0&.v=1
Copyright Photo: Mark Durbin.
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