Etihad Airways to recruit 50 pilots from Airberlin, enters a new relationship with KLM
Etihad Airways (Abu Dhabi) has announced it will recruit around 50 pilots from partner Airberlin (Berlin) which has been downsizing. The carrier issued this statement:
The move comes as Airberlin, Germany’s second largest carrier, continues to work through its Turbine business turnaround program, and as Etihad Airways prepares for significant international expansion.
The recruitment transfers began in April when the first batch of six Boeing 737-rated First Officers arrived in Abu Dhabi to start type conversion training on to the Boeing 777 at Etihad Airways’ Flight Training Centre.
Upon successful completion, the six pilots will undertake line training on the airline’s global network, before being fully licensed as type-rated Boeing 777 First Officers.
Further pilot transfers will take place in the coming months, comprising Airbus A320 Captains, Airbus A320 First Officers, Airbus A330 First Officers and Boeing 777 non-rated First Officers.
Etihad Airways’ current fleet of 77 Boeing and Airbus aircraft will grow significantly this decade with more than 90 firm order aircraft scheduled for delivery.
Over the next 12 months the carrier will take delivery of four Boeing 777-300 ERs, five Airbus A320s, one Airbus A321, one Airbus A330-200 and one Airbus A330-200 freighter aircraft. Late next year, Etihad Airways will also introduce its first Airbus A380 and Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft.
Etihad Airways currently employs over 1,400 pilots, and plans to recruit 1,000 more by 2020.
In other news, Etihad has announced it has entered the second phase of its strategic partnership with KLM Royal Dutch Airlines (Amsterdam) following the launch of new Amsterdam service. The airline issued this statement:
The daily service, operated by a two cabin Airbus A330-200 and configured to carry 262 passengers with 22 in Pearl Business Class and 240 in Coral Economy Class, was launched on May 15 and carries KLM’s KL code.
The launch of the new flights coincides with the addition of 12 new KLM destinations out of Schiphol Airport which now carry Etihad Airways EY code. KLM has also added its KL code to a further six Etihad Airways destinations from its Abu Dhabi hub.
The 12 additional destinations that Etihad Airways customers can now access through codeshare operations with KLM are Stockholm, Aberdeen, Barcelona, Bergen, Birmingham, Copenhagen, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Gothenburg, Helsinki, Leeds/Bradford and Madrid.
These cities join the first phase of cities served by KLM, which carry the EY code, Billund, Cardiff, Newcastle, Oslo, and Stavanger.
KLM now has its KL code on six Etihad Airways’ flights to Abu Dhabi, Brisbane, Khartoum, Male, Muscat and Seychelles.
These join the initial group of cities served by Etihad Airways – Colombo, Islamabad, Lahore, Melbourne, and Sydney – which also carry the KL code.
In addition to flight operations Etihad Airways has this year wet-leased a Boeing 747-400 freighter from KLM. This aircraft, with a payload capacity of 124 tons, links the two cargo hubs of Abu Dhabi and Amsterdam, and increases our capacity to Frankfurt, Hong Kong and Dhaka.
From KLM’s partner, Air France, Etihad Airways has also wet-leased an Airbus A340-300 for use on the Paris-Abu Dhabi route from now until the end of the year.
Amsterdam joins a group of 17 leading European cities that Etihad Airways flies to including Brussels, Dublin, Frankfurt, Geneva, London and Paris.
Copyright Photo: Arnd Wolf. Etihad Airways’ Airbus A330-243 A6-EYE (msn 688) (Manchester City Football Club) arrives at Munich.
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LOT Polish Airlines to wet lease an Airbus A330-200 from Hifly to replace its grounded Boeing 787-8s
LOT Polish Airlines (Warsaw) is wet leasing an Airbus A330-200 from Hifly (Lisbon) until at least the end of May to replace its grounded Boeing 787-8s according to Air Journal. The leased aircraft will be operated to New York (JFK) and Chicago (O’Hare).
LOT will also be asking Boeing for additional compensation for its grounded fleet.
Copyright Photo: Antony J. Best. LOT Polish Airlines Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner SP-LRA (msn 35938) prepares to land at London (Heathrow) when it was flying.
LOT Polish Airlines:
Air China expands on the Beijing-Vancouver route
Air China (Beijing) has announced that starting on May 17, it will extend its Beijing-Vancouver schedule by adding another flight CA997/8, which will operate on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays and Sundays with Airbus A330-200 aircraft. The new addition will bring Air China’s number of weekly Beijing-Vancouver flights to 11.
Copyright Photo: Michael B. Ing. Airbus A330-243 B-6075 (msn 785) in the special Zijin Hao – Forbidden Pavilion Liner scheme arrives back at the Beijing base.
Air China:
Air Transat’s parent reports a first quarter net loss of C$15.1 million, down from C$29.5 million
Air Transat‘s (Montreal) parent posted a first quarter net loss of C$15.1 million, down from C$29.5 million in the same quarter a year ago. The group issued the following statement:
Transat A.T. Inc. posted revenues of $805.7 million for the quarter ended January 31, 2013, compared with $829.3 million in 2012, a decrease of $23.6 million, or 2.8%. The Corporation recorded an operating loss before amortization and depreciation1 of $21.0 million, compared with $31.8 million in 2012 and a net loss of $15.1 million ($0.39 per share on a diluted basis), compared with $29.5 million ($0.77 per share on a diluted basis) in 2012. Before non-operating items, Transat reported an adjusted after-tax loss3 of $21.6 million in 2013 ($0.56 per share on a diluted basis), compared with $29.9 million ($0.79 per share on a diluted basis) in 2012.
“Changes brought to our organization over the last 18 months, as well as our decision to slightly reduced capacity, have contributed to the improvement of our results,” said Jean-Marc Eustache, President and Chief Executive Officer of Transat.
First Quarter Highlights
The Corporation posted revenues of $805.7 million, compared with $829.3 million in 2012, and an operating loss before amortization and depreciation1 of $21.0 million, compared with $31.8 million in 2012. The decrease in revenues is mainly attributable to the Corporation’s decision to reduce capacity on its markets (Sun, transatlantic and France), hence a 12.6% reduction in the number of travellers. On all markets, selling prices were higher than in 2012.
Revenues of North American business units, which are generated by sales in Canada and abroad, decreased by $10.1 million (1.4%) compared with the same period in 2012. For the quarter, the capacity on sun destinations was down 12% compared with 2012. Capacity on the transatlantic market was down 18%. North American business units recorded an operating loss before amortization and depreciation of $8.3 million, compared with $19.1 million in 2012. The improvement in margin is mainly attributable to higher selling prices during the quarter.
Revenues of European business units, which are generated by sales made in Europe and in Canada, decreased by $13.5 million (10.5%) over 2012, mainly due to a decision to reduce capacity. European operations generated an operating loss before amortization and depreciation of $12.7 million, similar to the previous year.
Financial Situation
As at January 31, 2013, compared to the same date in 2012, cash stood at $247.9 million, compared with $214.0 million; working capital ratio was 1.0 compared with 0.99 and deposits from customers for future travel were $592.0 million compared with $598.4 million. Off-balance-sheet agreements stood at $531.6 million as at January 31, 2013, the decrease since January 31, 2012 being due to payments made during the 12-month period.
Outlook for the second quarter
The Canadian sun destinations market accounts for a very significant portion of Transat’s business in the winter. For that market, Transat’s capacity in the second quarter is approximately 10% inferior than last year, load factors are inferior, selling prices are higher.
On the transatlantic market, on which it is low-season, capacity is 18% inferior to the previous year, load factors are similar and selling prices are higher.
In France, where it is also low-season, medium-haul bookings are similar to last year, and long-haul bookings are 7% inferior (based on the Corporation’s decision to reduce capacity). Selling prices are slightly higher on both market segments.
To the extent the aforementioned trends hold, Transat expects better results than last year for its second quarter.
On the transatlantic market, for the summer, Transat’s capacity is down by 11% compared with 2012. Load factors are similar and selling prices are higher. In France, compared with last year at the same date, bookings are slightly lower and selling prices are similar.
Notes:
The following are non-IFRS financial measures used by management as indicators to evaluate ongoing and recurring operational performance.
| (1) | MARGIN (OPERATING LOSS) BEFORE DEPRECIATION AND AMORTIZATION: Gross margin (operating loss) before depreciation and amortization expense. |
| (2) | ADJUSTED INCOME (LOSS): Income (loss) before income taxes, impact of fuel hedge accounting, ABCP revaluation, and restructuring charges (or gains). |
| (3) | ADJUSTED AFTER-TAX INCOME (LOSS): Net income (loss) attributable to shareholders before impact of fuel hedge accounting, ABCP revaluation and restructuring charges (or gains), net of related taxes. |
| (4) | NET CASH: Cash and cash equivalents not held in trust or otherwise reserved, less balance sheet debt. |
Copyright Photo: Gilbert Hechema. Airbus A330-243 C-GTSJ (msn 795) climbs away from the Montreal (Trudeau) base.
Air Transat: 
Air Seychelles adds its second Airbus A330-200
Air Seychelles (Mahe) on March 7 welcomed its second Airbus A330-200 in a ceremony at the Seychelles International Airport .
The new aircraft, Airbus A330-243 A6-EYZ (msn 807, ex VT-JWE), is leased from Etihad Airways and is named ‘Vallée de Mai’ in honor of Seychelles’ second UNESCO Natural World Heritage Site. A6-EYZ is being operated by an all-Seychellois crew. At the controls were Captain Paul Belle and First Officer Hervé Morel, with the cabin managed by nine Air Seychelles cabin crew.
The Seychellois-operated flight is a significant milestone for the airline, which only a year ago retired its Boeing 767-300 aircraft and retrained all pilots and cabin crew to operate the Airbus A330. Equity partner Etihad Airways provided the training at its world-class facilities in Abu Dhabi.
Copyright Photo: Rainer Bexten. The first Airbus A330 is this A330-243 registered as A6-EYY (msn 751) and was leased from Etihad Airways on July 3, 2012. A6-EYY, pictured arriving at Johannesburg, is named “Aldabra”.
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Fiji Airways to introduce its first Airbus A330-200 on April 21
Fiji Airways (2nd) (formerly Air Pacific) (Nadi) is planning to introduce its first Airbus A330-200 in its new name and brand on April 21 to both Auckland and Brisbane per Airline Route. The flag carrier is reverting back to its original name. The pictured A330-243 F-WWKD (msn 1394) on a test flight today at Toulouse will become DQ-FJT when it is handed over to the carrier next month. This delivery will also mark the change of the name for the company.
In other news, the revitalized airline is losing its CEO who led the turnaround. The company issued this statement:
Air Pacific Chairman Nalin Patel has announced that the airline’s Managing Director and CEO, David H. Pflieger, Jr., has notified the Board of Directors of his decision to leave the airline and return to the United States following the completion of his three year contract on May 1, 2013. Mr. Patel also announced that the Board would immediately begin the recruitment process for the airline’s next Managing Director and CEO.
“Given the exceptional results Dave has delivered, it is with immense gratitude for his extraordinary service that we have reluctantly accepted his decision to relinquish the helm of Air Pacific and return home. At a time when many of the world’s other airlines were struggling, Dave skillfully guided Air Pacific through one of the most remarkable turnarounds in the airline industry. Thanks to his incredible vision, drive, and leadership, Air Pacific is now again profitable and extremely well-positioned for future growth and success,” said Mr. Patel.
“I would like to say ’Vinaka Vakalevu’ or ‘thank you very much’ to our Board, to everyone at Air Pacific, and to the people of Fiji for an incredible three years. Fiji is an amazing country, and I am humbled by and grateful for the once-in-a lifetime experience that my family and I enjoyed and will never forget,” said Mr. Pflieger. “The tremendous accomplishments Air Pacific has realized over the past three years would not have been possible without the foresight of our Chairman, Mr. Patel, the outstanding support of our Board, and the efforts of some of the most talented and dedicated professionals working and flying in the airline industry today – the men and women of Air Pacific,” said Mr. Pflieger. “It has been an honour and a privilege to work with each and every one of them.”
During his three-year tenure at Air Pacific, Mr. Pflieger led the dramatic and highly successful restructuring, re-branding, and revitalization of Fiji’s national airline, highlighted by achievements that include:
• Restoring airline to profitability in just two years–reversing record operating losses of FJ$12 million and FJ$91 million in the two financial years before he arrived, to produce a FJ$16 million profit
• Winning first-ever recognition from Conde Nast Traveler magazine as one of the World’s “Top 5” Small Airlines for two years in a row (2011 and 2012)
• Modernizing the fleet by leading the landmark acquisition and financing of the airline’s first brand-new wide-body aircraft, three A330s, scheduled for delivery in March, May, and November of 2013
• Initiating and leading the complete re-branding, renaming, and restoration of the airline to its 1960s name of ‘Fiji Airways’
• Entering into an extensive code-share agreement with American Airlines
• Implementing the Company’s first-ever profit sharing and quarterly performance incentive plans for front-line employees; and
• Instituting a new and highly robust Corporate Social Responsibility initiative that now includes partnerships with the Foundation for Rural Integrated Enterprises and Development (Friend) for education of underprivileged children, the Mamanuca Environmental Society to preserve Fiji’s amazing coral reefs, and a soon to be announced health and wellness programme.
“As we prepare to fly as ‘Fiji Airways’ with brand new Airbus A330 aircraft, strong P&L, cash, and balance sheet positions, and international awards for being one of the best airlines in the world, it is clear that the company now has a proven track record of success and an exciting future ahead. With our modernization and rebranding almost complete and a completely new and highly capable management team in place, the time is right for me to pass the reigns and pursue other opportunities,” said Mr. Pflieger.
At the Board’s request, Mr. Pflieger, a business executive, attorney, and pilot with almost three decades of aviation experience, will assist with the selection and transition of a new chief executive and help ensure a smooth and successful introduction of the airline’s new aircraft and ‘Fiji Airways’ rebranding.
“The capstone of Air Pacific’s incredible turnaround will be the introduction of our new Airbus A330s. When we welcome the first of these three new wide-body aircraft in mid-March, it will be a proud day for the airline, Fiji, and all Fijians. Thus, I am especially pleased that Dave – as the architect of the airline’s turnaround, rebranding, and growth– will remain with us to see that through,” said Mr. Patel. “It is with great appreciation for a job extraordinarily well done that the Board thanks Dave for his leadership and wishes him and his family our very best regards for the future.”
Copyright Photo: Eurospot.
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AirEuropa to add Montevideo on June 3
AirEuropa (Palma de Mallorca and Madrid) will add Montevideo, Uruguay and the Madrid-Montevideo nonstop route on June 3. The new route will be served three days a week with Airbus A330-200 aircraft.
Copyright Photo: Paul Denton. Airbus A330-243 EC-LQP (msn 526) taxies at Geneva.
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Hainan Airlines is coming to Chicago O’Hare
Hainan Airlines (Haikou and Beijing) has announced it plans to begin nonstop service from Chicago (O’Hare) to Beijing on September 3, 2013. Hainan is Mainland China’s only certified Skytrax® five-star airline. Service will be operated with two-class Airbus A330-200 aircraft four times a week, Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday, with departure and arrival times that allow for convenient connections from points throughout the United States. The new flight will complement the carrier’s existing North American service to Beijing from Toronto (Pearson) and Seattle/Tacoma.
Flight 498 will depart Chicago (O’Hare) at 3:30 pm (1530) and arrive in Beijing at 6:40 pm (1840) the following day. Flight 497 will depart Beijing at 1:20 pm (1320) and arrives Chicago at 1:30 pm (1330) the same day due to the International Date Line. Connections to and from points throughout China are also possible. Cargo service will be offered.
Copyright Photo: Karl Cornil. Airbus A330-243 B-6116 (msn 875) climbs away from Brussels.
Hainan Airlines: 
Air China to add Geneva on May 7
Air China (Beijing) has announced it will add Geneva starting on May 7, 2013. The flag carrier will offer nonstop four-times weekly Beijing – Geneva service using the Airbus A330-200. That will make Air China the only carrier offering nonstop rotations between Beijing and Geneva. The Beijing – Geneva route will become East Asia’s first direct route to Geneva, offering an additional flight option to travelers to and from Tokyo, Seoul, Hong Kong, Bangkok and Manila.
The flight numbers of the Beijing – Geneva service will be CA 861/862. The four-times weekly flight leaves Beijing at 13:30 and arrives at 18:25 in Geneva on the same day. The return flight is expected to take off from Geneva at 20:25 and arrive at the Beijing Capital International Airport at 12:55 the next day.
The Chinese carrier is also retiring the Boeing 757-200 from international service on March 31, 2013 on the Chengdu-Karachi route per Airline Route.
Top Copyright Photo: Dave Glendinning. Airbus A330-243 B-6076 (msn 797) in the special Zichen Hao livery taxies to the gate at London (Heathrow).
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Bottom Copyright Photo: Michael B. Ing. Air China’s Boeing 757-2Z0 B-2820 (msn 25885) arrives back at the Beijing hub.
Air Seychelles to fly to Hong Kong starting on March 24
Air Seychelles (Mahe) will extend its network with a new route to Hong Kong via Abu Dhabi starting on March 24 following government approvals. The new route will be operated three days a week in each direction with the pictured new Airbus A330-200.
Copyright Photo: Konstantin von Wedelstaedt. The single Airbus A330-243 registered as A6-EYY (msn 751) makes a stop at Abu Dhabi preparing for its departure to the island destination of Mahe. The airliner is being wet leased from partner Etihad Airways.
Air Seychelles: 
Iraqi Airways takes delivery of its first Airbus A330-200
Iraqi Airways (Baghdad), the national carrier of Iraq, has taken delivery of its first A330-200 becoming a new operator for the type. This will be the first Airbus widebody aircraft to be operated by Iraqi Airways. The carrier already operates two A321 aircraft. A330-202 YI-AQY (msn 1339) was formally handed over on November 30. This aircraft was originally destined for AirAsia X. The airline has been in desperate need of modern aircraft.
Accommodating a two-class configuration of 24 business and 264 economy seats, the aircraft is powered by GE CF6-80 engines and will be deployed on European routes including Germany, Austria and the UK.
Iraqi Airways: 
Hawaiian Airlines to fly to Taipei, Taiwan starting in July 2013
Hawaiian Airlines (Honolulu) today announced plans to launch nonstop service between Taipei, Taiwan and Honolulu in July 2013, further extending the airline’s strategic expansion into Asia.
The new service, which would operate three times a week, capitalizes on the extension of the U.S. Visa Waiver Program to cover citizens of Taiwan.
Hawaiian will operate the Taipei-Honolulu route using its new 294-seat, wide-body Airbus A330-200 aircraft, adding nearly 46,000 new air seats to the market annually to the benefit of Hawai’i's visitor industry. According to the Hawai’i Tourism Authority, the economic impact of restoring nonstop service from Taipei will be significant for Hawai’i.
Taipei is the capital city of Taiwan and its economic center, with the surrounding metropolitan area of Taipei, New Taipei, and Keelung being home to nearly seven million people. As a whole, Taiwan has more than 23 million people and is considered one of the “Four Asian Tiger Economies” with one of the highest Per Capita GDP in Asia.
Taipei will be the ninth new gateway that Hawaiian has introduced or announced new service to since November 2010, following Tokyo, Osaka, Fukuoka, and Sapporo, Japan; Seoul, South Korea; New York City; Brisbane, Australia; and Auckland, New Zealand (March 13, 2013).
Copyright Photo: Roy Lock. Airbus A330-243 N381HA (msn 1114) powerfully climbs away from the runway at Los Angeles International Airport.
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Air Seychelles to fly to Hong Kong
Air Seychelles (Mahe) has announced it will introduce new services to Hong Kong in February 2013, subject to regulatory approvals, following the delivery of its second Airbus A330-200 aircraft in January 2013. The airline will operate three return services per week from the Seychelles to Hong Kong via Abu Dhabi.
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Air Pacific introduces the new Fiji Airways brand for the upcoming Airbus A330-200s
Air Pacific (Nadi, Fiji) introduced its Fiji Airways livery today. The airline stated:
Air Pacific, Fiji’s national airline, hosted a world premiere event in Suva to introduce the new livery and features of its brand-new Airbus A330s scheduled to take to the skies in 2013.
The new fleet represents many firsts for the airline. The aircraft are the first brand-new, wide-bodied aircraft the company has ever purchased. The state-of-the-art Airbus A330s are the first flown with the first-ever highly fuel-efficient, low-CO2 emission Rolls Royce Trent 700 engines. And flying under a new name and with a new brandmark, the new A330s represent the first aircraft designed exclusively for Fiji and Fiji’s national airline.
“Air Pacific is on a transformational journey to become a best-in-class airline, and we are pleased to have best-in-class partners—Airbus, Rolls-Royce, Singapore Airlines, Panasonic and Zodiac Aerospace/Weber—to join us. We have made significant progress with our turnaround plan during the last 30 months, and have taken great strides to ensure everyone who steps aboard Fiji Airways in 2013 will be able to start their holiday when they step aboard. Service and comfort are top priorities, and these state-of-the-art aircraft promise the best of both worlds,” stated Mr. Pflieger.
The island nation’s new aircraft are equipped with cloud-comfortable economy and business class seats designed by Zodiac Aerospace/Weber. Each seat will have 110v in-seat power for a full range of electronic devices, including laptops, games, iPhones and iPads. In addition, the new aircraft will be equipped with one of the most advanced in-flight entertainment systems flying today, designed and installed by Panasonic.
“We knew the exterior design needed to be just as distinctive, unique, and true to Fiji. Our mission was to create a proud symbol that would stand out at some of the world’s busiest international airports, a symbol that would allow us to become the very best ‘Flying Ambassador’ that Fiji could ever have,” said the airline’s CEO.
On the aircrafts’ exterior, three Masi symbols will represent ‘Fiji Airways’. The distinctive Teteva motif, designed by renowned Fijian Masi artist Makereta Matemosi, is at the heart of the new brandmark revealed last month. Featured prominently at the center of the airline’s new brandmark and on the tail of the new aircraft, it represents the friendliness of Fijians’ and their deep caring nature. The Rova symbol, on the aircraft engine, symbolises the warm greeting Fijians extend to visitors, while the Makare symbol, which appears in the prominent position and scale on the front and underside of the plane, communicates the new ‘Fiji Airways’ name by evoking the allure of clear water flowing on a white sandy beach.
The unveiling of ‘Fiji Airways’ new livery and plane interiors is the latest milestone in a series of initiatives that are part of Air Pacific’s revitalisation and modernisation. The final phase of this process will begin in early 2013 when the airline welcomes the first of the three brand-new A330s and returns to its 1951 name of ‘Fiji Airways.’ The second A330 is scheduled to arrive in May 2013 and the third in November 2013.
The full re-branding for the airline is due to be complete by the end of 2013, by which time the new ‘Fiji Airways’ brand will roll out across the international marketplace, ticket offices, check-in counters, airport lounge facilities, uniforms and the airline’s official website.
The airline’s World Premier event in Suva, Fiji, was dedicated to raising funds for Fiji’s neediest children and children from flood-stricken families. “Because we are a part of Fiji’s national community, we wanted to give back to Fiji’s local community,” said Mr. Pflieger. “Wings of Hope, our airline’s charity, is committed to supporting Fiji’s most precious resource – its children.”
The airline donated two round-trip business class tickets on the first A330 inaugural flight – or a flight of the winner’s choice – in a raffle and pledged to match its donations dollar-for-dollar. The proceeds will benefit the FRIEND (Foundation for Rural Integrated Enterprises and Development), which is based in Lautoka, through the Wings of Hope. The airline earlier this year donated FJ$100,000 to FRIEND. Wings of Hope has in the past also contributed to Nadi Hospital to assist school-children whose families were affected by March floods, Treasure Home (home for orphaned children) and various school projects.
We are pleased to unveil the design of our new Airbus 330-200 fleet taking to the skies in 2013. They are the first planes designed for Fiji’s international airline. They are the first wide bodied aircraft we have ever purchased, state of the art and highly fuel efficient with low carbon Rolls Royce engines. Our main cabin with in-seat power and video on demand featuring Panasonic’s cutting edge technology, in an environment that reflects the natural tones of Fiji. Relax in our business class seats designed for your comfort, where you will experience our exceptional Fiji Airways service. We look forward to proudly welcoming the world back on board as Fiji Airways and together we will soar to new horizons.
Image: Air Pacific. Air Pacific’s new Fiji Airways’ Airbus A330s will be “Flying Ambassadors” for Fiji in 2013.
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Air Pacific: 
Arik Air gets ready to take delivery of its first Airbus A330 for airline service
Arik Air (Arik Wings of Nigeria) (Lagos) is set to take delivery of its first Airbus A330-200 to be operated on its international route network.
Copyright Photo: Malcolm Nason. Formerly operated by Kingfisher Airlines as VT-VJL, Airbus A330-223 EI-EWH (msn 891) is seen departing from Dublin after repainting. Leased from Pembroke, the wide body airliner will become 5N-JIC on delivery. The aircraft is named “Joseph of the Holy Family”.
Arik Air: 
Corsair International introduces its new color scheme on this Airbus A330
Corsair International (formerly Corsairfly) (Paris-Orly) as planned, has introduced its new color scheme on this Airbus A330-200.
Copyright Photo: Gilbert Hechema. Airbus A330-243 F-HBIL (msn 320) completes its final approach into Montreal (Trudeau) in the new livery.
Corsair: 
Air Namibia to lease two Airbus A330-200s
Air Namibia(Windhoek) has announced the lease of two new Airbus A330-200 aircraft. The A330-200s will enter the fleet in October 2013, replacing the Airbus A340-300 currently in use.
The two Airbus A330-200 will be used on the flagship route between Windhoek and Frankfurt, as well as on future long haul destinations. The aircraft will be configured to Air Namibia passenger specifications and requirements, with 30 business class and 214 economy class seats, giving a total of 244 seats.
Copyright Photo: Antony J. Best. Airbus A340-311 V5-NMF (msn 047) prepares to depart from London (Gatwick).
Air Namibia: 
Airberlin is coming to Chicago O’Hare on March 23
Airberlin (Berlin) is coming to Chicago in 2013 to connect with its Oneworld partner American Airlines (Dallas/Fort Worth). Airberlin on March 23, 2013 will start operating direct flights from Berlin (Brandenburg) to Chicago (O’Hare). This is the first time a nonstop route has connected Berlin with Chicago.
Airberlin will start operations on the new route at the beginning of the Easter holidays at the end of March 2013. When the summer schedule starts in May 2013, Airberlin will increase the number of direct flights from three to five per week.
From May 1, 2013, an Airberlin Airbus A330-200 will make the nine-hour flight to the city on Lake Michigan on Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays. Between March 23 and 30th April 30, 2013, Airberlin will operate the direct flight every Monday, Thursday and Saturday. Takeoff from Berlin is at 10:00 and the flight lands at Chicago’s O‘Hare International Airport at 12:10. The return flight from Chicago leaves at 15:25 und arrives in the German capital at 07:00 on the following morning.
Copyright Photo: Mark Durbin.
Airberlin: 
Air Seychelles receives its first Airbus A330-200
Air Seychelles (Mahe) on July 5 took delivery of its first Airbus A330-200, leased from its new strategic partner Etihad Airways (Abu Dhabi). Another A330-200 is due by the end of the year. The airliner is named “Aldabra” after the world’s second largest coral atoll. Aldabra is located in the Aldabra Group of islands in the Indian Ocean which is part of the Seychelles Islands. Aldabra is uninhabited and isolated and has distinctive fauna including the Aldabra Giant Tortoise. Aldabra is designated a World Heritage Site.
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Route Map. Air Seychelles is now feeding all of its European traffic through Abu Dhabi and Etihad Airways.
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Air Pacific returns to profitability
Air Pacific (2nd) (Nadi), the national airline of Fiji, has achieved a significant milestone in its transformation plan, posting a return to profit for the first time in three years, with its financial results for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2012.
Despite a challenging aviation market over the last 12 months, Air Pacific Ltd. and Air Pacific Group both reported operating profits combined with a significant increase in passenger numbers and revenue.
- Air Pacific Ltd. reported an operating profit of $16.5 million, compared to an operating loss of $3.7 million for the previous financial year
- Air Pacific Group reported an operating profit of $13.4 million, compared to an operating loss of $4.3 million for the previous financial year. (Air Pacific Group includes the national airline, its wholly owned subsidiary Pacific Sun, and a 38.75% stake in the Sofitel Fiji Resort & Spa on Denarau Island).
On a net basis, Air Pacific Ltd. reported an after tax statutory profit of $11.4 million ($24.8 million for last fiscal year), and Air Pacific Group reported an after tax statutory profit of $10.7 million ($25.3 million for last fiscal year).
A focus on increasing passenger numbers, improvements to its network and achieving significant efficiencies across the airline saw Air Pacific also record its highest ever revenue of $645.9 million, an increase of $90.5 million in passenger revenue over FY2010/2011 and an increase of $130 million compared to FY2009/2010. Without any increase in the size of the airline’s fleet, the carrier increased passenger numbers by 85,000 for the fiscal year 2011/2012, and carried 122,000 more passengers compared to FY2009/2010.
The latest initiatives in the turnaround strategy include the recent announcement that Air Pacific will re-brand and revert to its former name Fiji Airways, coinciding with the delivery of brand-new Airbus A330-200 aircraft in 2013.
All amounts are in Fijian dollars.
Copyright Photo: John Adlard.
World Airline News: 
Air Pacific: 
Hawaiian produces a 3Q net profit of $30.5 million
Hawaiian Airlines Airbus A330-243 F-WWYX (N380HA) (msn 1104) TLS (first A330 for Hawaiian), originally uploaded by Airliners Gallery.
Hawaiian Holdings, Inc. (Honolulu) , the parent company of Hawaiian Airlines, Inc. (Honolulu), reported consolidated net income for the three months ended September 30, 2010 of $30.5 million, or $0.59 per diluted share, on total operating revenue of $352.0 million. This result compares with net income of $30.7 million, or $0.58 per diluted share, on total operating revenue of $305.6 million for the three months ended September 30, 2009. Adjusted net income reflecting economic fuel expense of $28.5 million or $0.55 per share compares to $34.7 million or $0.66 per share in the prior year period. The Company’s results for the quarter ended September 30, 2010 reflect the benefit of certain discrete items that reduced the Company’s effective taxes in the period by $5.7 million. Including both the tax item and the release of accrued interest associated with it, net income in the period benefited by $7.1 million or $0.14 per share.
Copyright Photo: The first Airbus A330-243 F-WWYX (msn 1104) became N380HA on delivery on April 28, 2010.
Hong Kong Airlines finalizes its order for 10 additional Airbus A330-200s
Hong Kong Airlines Airbus A330-223 F-WJKJ (B-LNC) (msn 1031) ORY (Pepscl) (new type), originally uploaded by Airliners Gallery.
Hong Kong Airlines (Hong Kong) has finalized a contract with Airbus for the firm order of 10 additonal A330-200 long range aircraft and converted an existing order for 15 A330s to the A350 XWBs. Both agreements were previously announced as an initial MOU during the Farnborough Air Show in July 2010.
Deliveries of the newly ordered A330-200s will begin in 2012, while the carrier’s first A350 XWB will arrive in 2018.
Copyright Photo: Pepscl. Hong Kong Airlines (Hong Kong) acquired its first Airbus A330-200 (B-LND) on June 4, 2010. The pictured A330-223 F-WJKJ (msn 1031) at Paris (Orly) became B-LNC was it was accepted on June 21, 2010.
Air Transat’s pilots ratify the new contract
Garuda Indonesia Airways (Air Transat) Airbus A330-243 C-GGTS (msn 250) DUB (Colin Keogh) (to be leased from Air Transat), originally uploaded by Airliners Gallery.
Air Transat (Montreal) has announced that its 320 pilots, represented by the Air Line Pilots Association (ALPA), have ratified an agreement-in-principle reached on September 3 on the renewal of their labor contract. The new 48-month collective agreement will expire on May 1, 2014.
Copyright Photo: Colin Keogh. Air Transat has repainted its Airbus A330-243 C-GGTS (msn 250) for an upcoming lease to Garuda Indonesia Airways. The airliner is pictured at Dublin on an Air Transat flight prior to the start of the lease.
Delta Air Lines to launch a new African route to Luanda
Delta Air Lines Airbus A330-223 N851NW (msn 609) NRT (Michael B. Ing), originally uploaded by Airliners Gallery.
Delta Air Lines (Atlanta) will add an eighth destination to its growing Africa route network on January 20, 2011 between the United States and Luanda, Angola. Flights will operate three times per week with 243-seat Airbus A330-200 aircraft flying between Delta’s hub at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport and Luanda with an intermediate stop in Dakar, Senegal.
Delta also is working with TAAG Angolan Airlines for TAAG to codeshare on the flights at a future date.
Copyright Photo: Michael B. Ing. Airbus A330-223 N851NW (msn 609) prepares to land at Tokyo (Narita).
Air Transat to lease two additional Airbus A330-200s
Air Transat Airbus A330-243 C-GPTS (msn 480) FLL (Bruce Drum), originally uploaded by Airliners Gallery.
Air Transat (Montreal) has signed an agreement with CIT Aerospace for the long-term leasing of two Airbus A330 wide-body jets.
Air Transat’s fleet currently includes 13 Airbus A310s, which will be gradually withdrawn from service, and Airbus A330s. Five of the latter are currently in use, three more will be in operation by the end of this year and an additional three in 2011, including the two A330-200s announced here, bringing the total of A330s to eleven at the end of 2011.
Copyright Photo: Bruce Drum. Airbus A330-243 C-GPTS (msn 480) is pictured on final approach for runway 9L at Fort Lauderdale/Hollywood in the previous 1998 livery.
Air Transat’s pilots call for a strike if negotiations fail
Air Transat Airbus A330-243 C-GITS (msn 271) FLL (Bruce Drum), originally uploaded by Airliners Gallery.
Air Transat’s (Montreal) pilots, represented by the Air Line Pilots Association, Int’l (ALPA), have voted for a strike if a collective agreement is not reached with their management. In a recent strike ballot issued by the union leadership to the pilot group, an overwhelming 97 percent of pilots voted in favor of a lawful strike, should it become necessary to conclude a fair collective agreement with Air Transat management. The pilots have been in negotiations since January of this year.
On June 25, Canada’s Minister of Labour, Lisa Raitt, appointed Ms. Maureen Flynn to serve as conciliation commissioner. The conciliation time line establishes a series of hard deadlines for negotiators, including a 60-day conciliation period that will expire on September 10, 2010, unless the parties agree to extend the process. Under the Canada Labour Code, both the strike authorization vote and written notification to the company are required steps before any withdrawal of services can begin. At the end of conciliation, a mandatory 21-day waiting period will go into effect, which concludes at midnight on October 1, at which time Air Transat pilots will be in a legal position to strike.
After more than six months of bargaining, substantial issues remain open, particularly in the areas of job outsourcing, pilot fatigue mitigation, and compensation.
Copyright Photo: Bruce Drum. Airbus A330-243 C-GITS (msn 271) taxies to runway 9L at Fort Lauderdale/Hollywood.
US Airways wins DOT approval for Charlotte-Sao Paulo
US Airways Airbus A330-243 N281AY (msn 1041) CLT (Jay Selman), originally uploaded by Airliners Gallery.
US Airways (Phoenix) has gained approval from the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) to lease a slot from United Airlines in order to start the proposed Charlotte-Sao Paulo route. However the Brazilians have yet to give approval for the new route.
Read the full story from the Charlotte Observer:
Copyright Photo: Jay Selman. Airbus A330-243 N281AY (msn 1041) lifts off from the CLT hub.
TAM ‘s stockholders to inject another $81 million
TAM Linhas Aereas (TAM Airlines) Airbus A330-223 PT-MVT (msn 1118) GRU (Marcelo F. De Biasi) (new delivery), originally uploaded by Airliners Gallery.
TAM Linhas Aereas’ (Sao Paulo) stockholders will inject another $81 million in equity into the company through the issuance of new stock according to this report by Reuters.
Read the report:
Copyright Photo: Marcelo F. De Biasi. Recently-delivered Airbus A330-223 PT-MVT (msn 1118) climbs from Sao Paulo (Guarulhos).
Garuda Indonesia orders six more Airbus A330-200s
Garuda Indonesia Airways (Jakarta) has placed a firm order with Airbus for six long range A330-200 aircraft. Scheduled for delivery from the fourth quarter of 2012, the newly ordered aircraft will join a fleet of four recently delivered leased A330-200s and six owned A330-300s already in service at the airline.
Copyright Photo: Airbus A330-243 F-WWKQ (msn 1052) at Toulouse became PK-GPI on delivery.
Is Mexicana headed towards a bankruptcy filing?
Mexicana (Compania Mexicana de Aviacion) Airbus A330-243 XA-MXP (msn 966) CUN (Rurik Enriquez), originally uploaded by Airliners Gallery.
Mexicana (Mexico City) according to this Reuters report could be considering a legal filing to restructure its debts.
Read the report:
Copyright Photo: Rurik Enriquez. This beautiful picture shows Airbus A330-243 XA-MXP (msn 966) arriving at Cancun.
Hong Kong Airlines signs MOU for 15 A350s and 10 A330-200s
Hong Kong Airlines Airbus A330-223 F-WJKJ (msn 1031) ORY (Pepscl) (new type), originally uploaded by Airliners Gallery.
Hong Kong Airlines (Hong Kong) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Airbus to acquire 15 A350 XWBs and 10 additional A330-200s. Under the terms of the agreement, the airline is converting 15 existing A330 orders to A350 XWBs and placing an additional order for 10 A330-200s. The MOU was signed at the Farnborough International Air Show.
Deliveries of the additional A330-200s will begin in 2012, with the first A350 XWB arriving in 2018.
Copyright Photo: Pepscl. Airbus A330-223 F-WJKJ (msn 1031) is pictured being prepared for operations at Paris (Orly).
Etihad Airways takes delivery of its first Airbus A330-200F freighter at Farnborough
Etihad Airways (Abu Dhabi) as the launch customer for the new A330-200F freighter, took ceremonial delivery of Airbus A330-243F A6-DCA (msn 1032) at the Farnborough International Air Show. The new aircraft will enter service with Etihad’s cargo business, Etihad Crystal Cargo in September of this year.
The aircraft will be on display throughout the air show, after which it will undertake final pre-delivery preparations by the manufacturer in Toulouse.
Copyright Photo: Wearing the test registration of F-WWKG, the aircraft completes a test flight at Toulouse.
US Airways to distribute $5.1 million to its 31,000 employees ($150 each employee)
US Airways Airbus A330-243 N281AY (msn 1041) CLT (Jay Selman), originally uploaded by Airliners Gallery.
US Airways (Phoenix) for the first time since its 2005 merger with America West Airlines, scored Number 1 in each of the on-time performance, baggage handling and customer satisfaction measures among the “Big Five” network carriers in the U.S. Department of Transportation’s (DOT) May 2010 Air Travel Consumer Report. As a result, the airline will distribute $5.1 million among its 31,000 employees later this month. The airline awards $50 per metric (on time, baggage and complaints) when it places first among the larger network carriers; a “triple play” performance means each employee will receive a $150 bonus for May’s results.
Copyright Photo: Jay Selman. Airbus A330-243 N281AY (msn 1041) rotates at the Charlotte hub.
Hawaiian Airlines to fly to Seoul (Incheon)
Hawaiian Airlines (Honolulu) announced that it will introduce new nonstop flights between Honolulu and Seoul-Incheon International Airport starting in January 2011, pending approval from South Korea’s Ministry of Land, Transport and Maritime Affairs (MLTM).
The announcement follows Hawaiian’s plans to begin daily service between Honolulu and Tokyo’s Haneda International Airport later this year and is seen as the latest step in Hawaiian’s long-term plans to expand its service in Asia.
Hawaiian will initially operate its new service four times weekly using 264-seat Boeing 767-300 ER aircraft (later with the pictured new Airbus A330-200 aircraft), adding more than 54,000 new air seats annually between Honolulu and Incheon. The company plans to increase service on the route in 2011 as its long range fleet expansion progresses.
Flight HA 459 is planned to depart Honolulu International Airport on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays, and Sundays at 1:15 p.m. (1315) and arrive at Incheon International Airport at 8:00 p.m. (2000) the following day. Flight HA 460 will depart Incheon on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays at 10:00 p.m. (2200) and arrive in Honolulu at 10:45 a.m. (1045) the same day. South Korea is 19 hours ahead of Honolulu and the flight crosses the International Dateline.
Copyright Photo: The first Airbus A330-243 F-WWYX (msn 1104) at Toulouse became N380HA on delivery.
Turkish Airlines orders an additional Airbus A330-200
Turkish Airlines Airbus A330-203 TC-JND (msn 754) NUE (Gunter Mayer), originally uploaded by Airliners Gallery.
Turkish Airlines (Istanbul) has placed a firm order for an additional A330-200 aircraft. The purchase joins existing orders for 10 A330-300s, two A330-200 freighters and 24 A320 family aircraft signed in 2009.
The newly ordered aircraft will be powered by Rolls Royce engines and will be delivered in July 2011 .
Turkish Airlines has operated Airbus aircraft since 1985, and today operates the largest Airbus fleet in the country, with 70 Airbus aircraft, including four A310s, 50 A320 family aircraft, seven A330s and nine A340s.
This new aircraft will join the existing fleet of seven A330-200s.
Copyright Photo: Gunter Mayer. Airbus A330-203 TC-JND (msn 754) makes a visit to Nuremberg.
Arik Air takes delivery of its first Airbus A330-200
Copyright Photo: Antony J. Best. Airbus A330-223 5N-EIA (msn 1002) makes its first visit to London (Heathrow).
Arik Air (Arik Wings of Nigeria) (Lago) on June 10 took delivery of its first Airbus A330-200.
Hong Kong Airlines takes delivery of its first Airbus A330-200
Copyright Photo: Pepscl. Sister-ship A330-223 F-WJKJ (msn 1031) was rolled out on June 10 at Paris (Orly).
Hong Kong Airlines (Hong Kong) on June 4 took delivery of Airbus A330-223 B-LND (msn 1042), its first A330.
The company celebrated becoming a new Airbus operator with a ceremony in Hong Kong to mark the delivery of its first A330-200. Featuring the carrier’s new two class long haul cabin product, the aircraft will be used to launch services to Europe at the end of this month, initially flying non-stop to Moscow.
The A330-200 is the first of 53 aircraft ordered by the airline from Airbus, comprising 23 A330s and 30 single aisle A320s. In addition to direct orders with Airbus, the airline also plans to operate two A330-200F freighters under a separate lease agreement.
Hawaiian inaugurates Airbus A330-200 service to Los Angeles
Copyright Photo: Ivan K. Nishimura/Blue Wave Group. A push back shot of HA's inaugural A330 flight, HA 2 to LAX. HA assigned Airbus A330-243 N381HA (msn 1114) named "Hōkūle‘a" for the inaugural flight.
Hawaiian Airlines (Honolulu) yesterday (June 4) launched a new era in its storied 80-year history with the inaugural flight of its new, wide-body Airbus A330-200 aircraft, from Honolulu to Los Angeles.
Passengers on the inaugural flight were greeted at the boarding gate in Honolulu with Hawaiian music and hula by the Hawaiian Airlines Serenaders, and presented with fresh orchid lei to commemorate the first commercial flight aboard Hawaiian’s new “fleet of the future.”
Named Hokule’a or “star of gladness,” for the star known as Arcturus that served as a guiding beacon for Polynesian voyagers in ancient times, the new, 294-seat A330 immediately adds 30 more seats per flight to Hawaiian’s popular twice-daily Los Angeles-Honolulu route as the peak summer travel season begins.
Hawaiian dedicates its new Airbus A330, to enter service on Friday, June 4
Copyright Photo: Hawaiian Airlines.
Hawaiian Airlines (Honolulu) yesterday (June 1) introduced its fleet of the future by welcoming the first of up to 27 new long-range Airbus A330 and A350 aircraft joining the company’s fleet this decade.
HA’s 294-seat Airbus A330-243 N380HA (msn 1104) will inaugurate service on Friday, June 4, on a flight departing Honolulu for Los Angeles.
The new A330 is named for the constellation Makali’i, otherwise known as Pleiades or the Seven Sisters, which guided ancient Polynesian voyagers across the Pacific and was seen high in the sky when Inter-Island Airways (renamed Hawaiian Airlines in 1941) launched its first scheduled flight on November 11, 1929. Each of Hawaiian’s new A330s are being named after a star or constellation used by Polynesian voyagers for celestial navigation.
In keeping with Hawaiian Airlines’ heritage, the ceremony featured a traditional Hawaiian blessing by Kahu Richard Kamanu of Kaumakapili Church, a special ‘oli (Hawaiian chant) created just for the occasion by company employee Keoni Martin, and hula by Halau I Ka Wekiu, led by Kumu Hula Veto Baker and Michael Casupang.
Hawaiian took delivery of Makali’i five weeks ago in a Hawaii-themed acceptance ceremony at the Airbus headquarters in Toulouse, France, that included a group of more than 200 Hawaiian Airlines employees and their guests.
Makali’i made its arrival in Honolulu on May 3 and since then has been undergoing final preparations and training for its introduction into service.
Hawaiian’s second A330, named Hokule’a or “star of gladness,” arrived Saturday, May 29, following a 16-hour nonstop flight from Toulouse to Honolulu.
Afriqiyah Airways crash was not caused by a technical problem
Afriqiyah Airways Airbus A330-202 5A-ONG (msn 1024) CDG (Christian Volpati) (crashed May 12, 2010), originally uploaded by Airliners Gallery.
Afriqiyah Airways’ (Tripoli) May 12 crash was not caused by a technical problem according to the preliminary report.
Read the full report from the BBC:
Copyright Photo: Christian Volpati. Airbus A330-202 5A-ONG (msn 1024) is pictured at Paris (CDG) before the tragic accident.
Air Algerie introduces its “Viva L’Algerie” logojet for the World Cup
Copyright Photo: Pepscl. Airbus A330-202 7T-VJW (msn 647) came to Paris (Orly) today (May 31) in this new special color scheme.
Air Algerie (Algiers) has introduced this new “Viva L’Algerie” logojet in preparation for the World Cup in South Africa.
Investigators call off search for missing Air France Flight Data Recorders
Air France Airbus A330-203 F-GZCP (msn 660) DXB (tragically crashed June 1, 2009), originally uploaded by Airliners Gallery.
Air France’s Airbus A330-203 F-GZCP (msn 660), which crashed tragically on June 1, 2009 in the Atlantic Ocean, will probably remain a mystery. Investigators have called off their search for the Flight Data Recorder and the Cockpit Voice Recorder.
Air France flight AF 447 operating from Rio de Janeiro to Paris (CDG) plunged into the Atlantic Ocean during a thunderstorm, killing 228 people.
Read the full report from Reuters:
In other news, Air France-KLM will be considering a purchase of either the Airbus A350-900 or the Boeing 787-900. A decision is expected next year.
Read the full report from Reuters:
Copyright Photo: Paul Denton. F-GZCP arrives at Dubai before the crash.
ATW raises a question: Did Afriqiyah mistake the road for the runway?
Copyright Photo: Antony J. Best. The doomed Airbus A330-202 5A-ONG (msn 1024) is seen at Dubai before the crash in similar desert conditions it would have encountered at Tripoli.
ATW has raised this question:
Investigators are looking at navaids and the rising sun for the Afriqiyah A330 crash
Afriqiyah Airways Airbus A330-202 F-WWYS (5A-ONG) (msn 1024) TLS (investigation continues), originally uploaded by Airliners Gallery.
According to ATW, “Investigators examining the Afriqiyah Airways A330-200 crash are expected to focus on faulty landing aids and the pilots being blinded by the sun as possible causes.
ATWOnline has learned that Runway 09, to which the aircraft was headed, does not have an ILS and the VOR navigational aid was suffering from interference. Pilots were warned in a NOTAM that “interference from signal being experienced during current airport development work. VOR should be used with caution.”
The aircraft was landing to the east and crashed just as the sun was rising, leading to suspicions that the pilots may have been blinded by sunlight to possible errors in their approach and height caused by problems with the landing aids. The aircraft’s flight data and cockpit voice recorders both have been recovered.”
Read the full report in ATW:
Copyright Photo: The relatively-new crashed A330-202 is seen at Toulouse on a test flight as F-WWYS before it was delivered as 5A-ONG on September 8, 2009.
Corsairfly to add Miami on June 11
Corsair (Corsairfly.com) Airbus A330-243 F-HBIL (msn 320) YUL (Gilbert Hechema), originally uploaded by Airliners Gallery.
Corsairfly (Corsairfly.com) (Paris-Orly) will begin scheduled passenger and cargo service to Miami from Orly Airport in Paris on June 11. The new service will operate twice weekly initially with an Airbus A330-200 until July 2 when the airline will operate with a Boeing 747-400 configured for 582 seats. Corsairfly is a member of the TUI group of airlines.
Copyright Photo: Gilbert Hechema. Corsairfly’s Airbus A330-243 F-HBIL (msn 320) rotates at Montreal (Trudeau).
Hawaiian’s first Airbus A330 arrives in Hawaii, will enter service on June 4
Copyright Photo: Ivan K. Nishimura. This interesting wide-angle view documents N380HA's arrival at HNL. The new airliner is named "Makalii".
Hawaiian Airlines (Honolulu yesterday (May 3) welcomed its fleet of the future to Hawaii – its first new, long-range Airbus A330-200 aircraft that will set the company’s course for growth and expansion.
The wide-body, 294-seat A330-243 registered N380HA (msn 1104) touched down at Honolulu International Airport at 10:49 a.m. on May 3. The wide-body airliner was piloted by Captain Robert Mixand Captain Mark Dawson. The 13-member flight crew was greeted by Hawaiian Airlines employees with fresh flower lei, Hawaiian music, and hula.
Mark Dunkerley, Hawaiian’s president and CEO who was among a crowd of employees greeting the plane’s arrival, said, “What a special moment for all of us at Hawaiian, to see more than three years’ planning and coordination come to fruition. This first A330 heralds a new era for Hawaiian, one of growth and new services for our customers.”
Hawaiian’s new A330 is scheduled to begin service on Friday, June 4, as Flight HA 2, departing Honolulu at 1:15 p.m. (1315) for Los Angeles.
Hawaiian took possession of the A330 on April 28 in a Hawaii-themed acceptance ceremony at the Airbusfactory in Toulouse, France attended by more than 200 Hawaiian Airlines employees and their guests. The aircraft was flown nonstop from Toulouse to Seattle on April 30 for scheduled modification work before making its flight into Honolulu this morning.
Hawaiian plans to introduce up to 27 new Airbus aircraft into its fleet by the end of this decade. Hawaiian is leasing three A330s that are joining the fleet this year, and has signed a purchase agreement with Airbus to acquire seven A330s (starting in 2011) and six A350XWB-800 (Extra Wide-Body) aircraft (starting in 2017), as well as purchase rights for an additional five A330s and six A350s.
Airbus is awarded an European Type Certificate for the new A330-200F freighter
Copyright Photos: Airbus A330-223F F-WWYE (msn 1004) is one of the two test aircraft.
Airbus (Toulouse and Hamburg) has received its Type Certification for the A330-200F from the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), paving the way for delivery startup of Airbus’ next-generation freighter this summer.
Certification comes as a result of the freighter’s successful 200-hour flight test campaign, which evaluated the aircraft’s handling qualities, performance and cargo capabilities. The trials were performed by two aircraft, each powered by one of the A330-200F’s two available engine types: the Pratt & Whitney PW4000 and the Rolls-Royce Trent 700.
In total, five of these mid-size freighters will be delivered in 2010. Total orders for the aircraft now stand at 66.
This dedicated freighter aircraft, which is derived from Airbus’ A330-200 passenger version, is now expected to receive Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Type Certification in the coming weeks.
Over 3,400 freighters will be needed in the next 20 years to accommodate a 5.2 per cent average annual growth rate, according to Airbus’ 2009 Global Market Forecast. This will include around 1,600 mid-sized freighters, of which the A330-200F will play an important role.
Hawaiian Airlines’ first Airbus A330-200 is seen at Toulouse today
Hawaiian Airlines Airbus A330-243 F-WWYX (N380HA) (msn 1104) TLS (first A330 for Hawaiian), originally uploaded by Airliners Gallery.
Hawaiian Airlines (Honolulu) will take delivery next month of its first (of 10) Airbus A330-200.
Copyright Photo: Airbus A330-243 F-WWYX (msn 1104) is pictured on the runway today at Toulouse. It will become N380HA on delivery.
