Cargolux launches Atlanta-Munich cargo service via Luxembourg
Cargolux Airlines International (Luxembourg) on June 3 launched a new service between Atlanta and Munich via Luxembourg. The new weekly cargo route with be operated with Boeing 747-400F freighters.
The airline issued this statement:
Cargolux Airlines International S.A. on June 4 announced the introduction of a regular service between Atlanta and Munich via Luxembourg. Starting on June 3, 2013, at the eve of the Air Cargo Munich Exhibition and Conference, the latest addition to Cargolux’s expanding network of worldwide destinations will be served every Monday with a Boeing 747-400 Freighter.
The main import customer for the new Cargolux service is the German freight forwarder Senator International Spedition GmbH, a leading international freight forwarding company specialized in international freight, shipping, packaging and logistics. ‘Cargolux is a trusted and reliable partner who supports us in delivering first class global logistics services to our own customers. The Cargolux network offers us a wide array of options to accommodate with this weekly operation’, said Tim-Oliver Kirschbaum, CEO of Senator International based at the company’s headquarters in Hamburg.
While Cargolux has previously flown a number of charter flights from the Bavarian capital, this is the airline’s first regular airfreight service to and from Munich. Until now, the airline has relied on its trucking services to transport freight between its Luxembourg hub and Munich and earmarked for farther connections within its worldwide network.
Copyright Photo: Jens Polster/AirlinersGallery.com. Boeing 747-4R7F LX-SCV (msn 29733) arrives at Bangkok.
Cargolux: 
British Airways takes a look at what it takes to dispatch a Boeing 747-400
British Airways (London) takes a look at what it takes to dispatch a Boeing 747-400 (soon expanded to an Airbus A380):
Ever wondered what it takes to get a jumbo jet off the ground? British Airways has created a picture of the iconic aircraft, using a jumbo number of items from the aircraft to show the scale of its operation.
From toilet rolls to teaspoons, British Airways loads thousands of individual items on to each jumbo jet before it takes to the skies. With a combined weight of 6,120 kg, the items have to be unloaded and re-loaded before every take-off.
On a typical jumbo jet, the following items are loaded:
1,263 items of metal cutlery
1,291 items of china crockery
538 meal trays
735 glasses
650 paper cups
34 metal teapots
220 drinks stirrers
500 coasters
233 toothpicks
2,000 ice cubes
99 full bottles and 326 quarter bottles of wine
700 small cans of fizzy drinks
164 bags of nuts in Club World
337 cushions and pillows
337 sets of headphones
337 headrest covers
435 air sickness bags
58 toilet rolls
40 extension seatbelts for children
340 safety cards
337 copies of High Life magazine
40 skyflyer packs for children
5 first aid kits
Employees from across the airline came together to create the image, which was drawn on to the floor of an aircraft hangar. Aspects of the photograph include:
Clouds
- created using pillowcases, toilet roll, hand towels and napkins.
Sky
- created using Club World blankets and blue roll (kitchen roll.)
Aircraft
– created using pillowcases, cabin crew sleeping bags, First blankets, china, headrest covers, Skyflyer bags for children and headrest covers.
Aircraft windows
– created using bags of nuts.
Aircraft tailfin
– the red parts are created using headset bags and extension seatbelts for children.
London Eye (London skyline)
– created using a teapot, metal cutlery, china and socks.
The Shard (London skyline)
– created using tea and coffee bags.
The Gherkin (London skyline)
– created using First cushion covers and socks.
Tower Bridge (London skyline)
– created using First slippers and Club World washbags
Big Ben’s Tower (London skyline)
– created using air sickness bags, a plate and metal cutlery (clock face)
Buildings (London skyline)
– created using oven trays, glasses, safety cards, tongs and copies of High Life magazine.
Rod Green, British Airways’ head global supply chain said: “It’s a huge job getting a jumbo in to the air, let alone a fleet of 52 every day. There are teams across the airline working together 365 days a year to ensure that all 27,260 items are delivered on time and to the right place to ensure our customers enjoy the very best travel experience. When we receive our new aircraft, the challenge will be even greater.”
It’s been 42 years since the first British Airways (formerly BOAC) jumbo jet took to the skies and in July 2013 when it takes delivery of its first A380, the number of items loaded on to a plane will increase by approximately 10,000 to cater for two full decks of customers.
British Airways has 52 jumbo jet aircraft in its fleet.
Copyright Photo Below: Keith Burton/AirlinersGallery.com. Boeing 747-436 G-BYGD (msn 28857) is launched at London Heathrow.
British Airways:
Delta to upgrade its 32 Airbus A330s
Delta Air Lines (Atlanta) is upgrading its Airbus A330 fleet – the final fleet type to receive the modification – to include full flat-bed seats in the BusinessElite cabin and new “slim line” seats, which offer more personal space throughout the Economy cabin. The first modified A330 operated its first flight yesterday from Atlanta to Detroit and will operate from Detroit to Amsterdam today. There are 32 A330s in the Delta fleet.
To date, more than 60 percent of Delta’s widebody international fleet has been upgraded with direct-aisle access full flat-bed seats. Already, Delta’s fleet of 16 Boeing 747-400 aircraft, 18 Boeing 777 aircraft and 21 Boeing 767-400ER have been retrofitted with full flat-bed seats. Thirty-five Boeing 767-300ER aircraft with new full flat-bed BusinessElite seats are currently flying, with the entire fleet of 58 aircraft scheduled for completion by the end of 2013. The full international widebody fleet of more than 140 aircraft will be complete by mid-2014.
Copyright Photo: Michael B. Ing. Airbus A330-223 N858NW (msn 718) completes its final approach into Los Angeles International Airport.
Delta Air Lines:
Polar Air Cargo to start nonstop Cincinnati-Tokyo cargo service
Polar Air Cargo Worldwide, Inc. (New York) today confirmed its plans to initiate daily nonstop Boeing 747-400 express freighter service between Cincinnati, Ohio, and Tokyo, Japan, by the end of April 2013.
The new service will complement a daily 747-400 flight from the Japanese industrial city of Nagoya to Cincinnati, facilitating next-day deliveries to the U.S. from all major cities and industrial areas in Japan.
Polar also will double the frequency of its wide-body freighter connections to Australia from two to four days per week. The routing of this service, via Japan, will allow Polar customers such as DHL Express to optimize their intercontinental networks and introduce additional capacity both from the U.S. and from key North Asian markets to Australia. The increase in Polar’s frequencies will be supported by the introduction of two new Boeing 767-300ERF wide-body aircraft.
Copyright Photo: Michael B. Ing. Boeing 747-46NF N453PA (msn 30811) climbs away from Los Angeles.
DHL-Polar Air Cargo:
IAG converts 18 Boeing 787 options to firm order for British Airways, total now 42
International Airlines Group (IAG) (London) has reached agreement with Boeing for new longhaul aircraft for the group’s fleet.
IAG plans to convert 18 existing Boeing 787s options into firm orders for British Airways (London). They will be used to replace some of the airline’s Boeing 747-400 aircraft between 2017 and 2021.
For Iberia, IAG has reached agreement with Boeing to secure commercial terms and delivery slots that could lead to an order for Boeing 787s. Firm orders will only be made when Iberia has restructured and reduced its cost base and is in a position grow profitably.
British Airways’ 787s will be powered by Rolls-Royce Trent 1000 engines. The engine order includes a comprehensive maintenance package with total care agreement.
Willie Walsh, IAG chief executive, said: “British Airways has 24 Boeing 787s on order already and we plan to boost this by a further 18 aircraft by exercising our options.
“The aircraft offers a step change in fuel burn efficiency versus our existing aircraft with improvements in fuel cost per seat of more than 20 per cent. New technology engines and improved aerodynamics will lower fuel burn leading to reduced carbon and NOx emissions.
“The creation of IAG has resulted in greater buying power for both airlines through joint procurement and we have been able to obtain delivery slots for Iberia as part of British Airways’ order”.
British Airways has 118 wide-bodied longhaul aircraft in its fleet with 42 aircraft (12 Airbus A380s, 24 Boeing 787s, six 777-300 ERs) already ordered.
Iberia has 31 wide-bodied longhaul aircraft in its fleet with six A330 aircraft already ordered.
The fleet order is subject to approval by IAG shareholders.
British Airways:
Delta wins Seattle/Tacoma-Tokyo Haneda rights
Delta Air Lines (Atlanta) has received final approval from the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) to operate new nonstop service between Seattle/Tacoma and Tokyo International Airport, also known as Haneda Airport. The new flights will begin on June 1, 2013.
The Haneda flight adds to Delta’s growing Asian gateway in Seattle/Tacoma. In addition to Tokyo-Haneda, Delta will begin new service to Shanghai on June 17, and also operates flights to Beijing, Tokyo-Narita and Osaka, Japan.
Seattle is the largest West Coast city without nonstop service to Haneda, which is the preferred Tokyo airport for many business travelers due to its proximity to the city’s central business district.
The new Haneda flight will complement Delta’s nonstop flight between Seattle/Tacoma and Tokyo-Narita, which will be expanded and upgraded to Boeing 747-400 service on June 1. Delta’s Boeing 747-400 fleet was recently retrofitted with new interiors featuring full flat-bed seats in BusinessElite, Delta’s popular Economy Comfort seating and in-flight entertainment in every seat throughout the aircraft.
Once the Boeing 747-400 is deployed on the Seattle/Tacoma-Narita route, all of Delta’s trans-Pacific flights will feature full flat-bed seats in BusinessElite as well as Economy Comfort and individual in-flight entertainment throughout the aircraft.
In addition to its Asian gateway, Delta operates nonstop service to Paris and Amsterdam from Seattle/Tacoma. By next summer the airline will operate more than 40 daily flights to 15 destinations worldwide from Seattle.
Delta’s international growth in Seattle/Tacoma is possible because of its partnership with Alaska Airlines (Seattle/Tacoma), which operates a domestic hub at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport. Customers of both carriers enjoy access to an expanded network under a major codesharing agreement, as well as reciprocal frequent flier benefits and airport lounge access. The new Tokyo-Haneda flight will benefit from easy connections to 55 U.S. cities on Delta and Alaska’s domestic networks.
Copyright Photo: Michael B. Ing. Boeing 747-451 N676NW (msn 33002) climbs away from Tokyo (Narita).
Delta Air Lines: 
Delta Air Lines completes the flat-bed installations on its Boeing 747-400s
Delta Air Lines (Atlanta) has completed the installation of full flat-bed seats in the BusinessElite® cabin of all Boeing 747-400 type aircraft.
The last of 16 Boeing 747 aircraft, each with 48 BusinessElite seats, has been retrofitted with full flat-bed seats. It entered scheduled service this week on a flight between Singapore and Tokyo’s Narita airport, before making its way to Atlanta.
Delta previously completed installation of the full flat-bed modification on its Boeing 777 and 767-400 ER aircraft types. To date, 13 767-300 ER aircraft have received the modification and three more will be complete by month’s end. In total, approximately 50 percent of Delta’s widebody international fleet has received the upgrade. In addition to flat-bed seats in BusinessElite, the cabin overhaul includes upgraded seats in the Economy cabin with personal entertainment at every seat. The airline’s entire widebody international fleet of more than 140 aircraft will receive the full aircraft modification in both cabins by the middle of 2014.
Delta recently announced plans to install full flat-bed seats on its transcontinental flights between New York – JFK and Los Angeles, San Francisco and Seattle.
This autumn, Delta announced plans to add Wi-Fi to its entire international fleet. The airline is already the largest operator of Wi-Fi-equipped aircraft on more than 3,000 flights serving more than 400,000 customers every day. When complete, Delta will offer Wi-Fi on more than 950 aircraft, from 747s to two-class regional jets.
Copyright Photo: Michael B. Ing. Boeing 747-451 N674US (msn 30269) climbs away from Los Angeles International Airport.
Delta Air Lines: 
Malaysia Airlines is planning to retire the last passenger Boeing 747-400 in February 2013
Malaysia Airlines (Kuala Lumpur) is planning to retire the last Boeing 747-400 from revenue passenger service in February 2013 according to a report by Airline Route.
Copyright Photo: Antony J. Best. Although now repainted and retired, Boeing 747-4H6 9M-MPB (msn 25699) once wore this colorful red Hibiscus livery.
Malaysia Airlines: 
Saudi Arabian Airlines wet leases this Boeing 747-400 from Pullmantur Air for the Hajj
Saudi Arabian Airlines (Jeddah) started wet leasing this Boeing 747-400 yesterday (September 10) from Pullmantur Air (Madrid). The pictured 747-4H6 EC-KXN (msn 25703) has been painted in the full Saudi Arabian livery. Saudi Arabian leases in additional aircraft during the yearly religious Hajj season.
Copyright Photo: Lucio Alfieri. EC-KXN is seen on the ramp at Bologna.
Saudi Arabia Airlines:
Frameable Color Prints and Posters: 
QANTAS Airways to add more Dallas/Fort Worth flights
QANTAS Airways (Dallas/Fort Worth) will increase the frequency of its services between Sydney and Dallas/Fort Worth (DFW) to daily services from July 1, 2012.
The flag carrier began flying to DFW in May 2011. After launching the route with four flights per week, frequencies were increased to six per week in January – and will now move to daily, reflecting strong demand for the services.
The route is served by a three-class Boeing 747-400 ER aircraft. Outbound services from DFW operate via Brisbane while return services operate directly from Sydney.
DFW is home to QF’s oneworld partner American Airlines.
Copyright Photo: Rolf Wallner.
QANTAS Airways: 
Atlas Air to operate a ninth Boeing 747-400 freighter for DHL
Atlas Air Worldwide Holdings, Inc. (New York) has announced the agreement to place a ninth Boeing 747-400 freighter into express network ACMI service for the benefit of DHL Express beginning in July 2012.
Copyright Photo: Michael B. Ing.
Atlas Air: 
Cathay Pacific warns of “disappointing” numbers in the first half
Cathay Pacific Airways (Hong Kong) has announced its first half financial results will be “disappointing”. The flag carrier is cutting costs (including cutting capacity) to prevent further bleeding in the future. The carrier will also speed up the retirement of the Boeing 747-400 (above) while putting the newer, more fuel-efficient Boeing 777-300 ER (below) on even more long-haul routes. On the cargo side, Cathay Pacific will take three Boeing 747-400BCFs out of service this year as a near-term capacity-management measure.
The airline issued the following statement today:
“Cathay Pacific Airways today issued a trading statement to the Hong Kong Stock Exchange advising that its financial results for the first half of 2012 are “expected to be disappointing”.
In response to the changing market conditions and challenging business environment, the group is readjusting the capacity of both Cathay Pacific and Dragonair (Hong Kong) by reducing capacity on some long-haul routes while increasing capacity and introducing six new destinations in its regional network.
Since the airline announced its annual results in March, fuel prices have remained high, the cargo business, despite a temporary improvement in March, has shown no sign of a sustained recovery and pressure on Economy Class yields has continued. There has also been some softening in yield in the premium cabins.
Cathay Pacific Chief Executive John Slosar said: “We previously warned that 2012 is looking even more challenging than 2011 and we were therefore cautious about prospects for this year. In response to the challenging environment we face, we are reducing costs where possible, including through a reduction of capacity. The airline’s financial position remains strong which will enable us, despite the current difficult trading conditions, to maintain the quality of our products and services and to continue with our long-term strategic investment in the business.”
Mr Slosar added: “This is not just a Cathay Pacific problem; it is clearly an industry-wide issue, and continued high fuel prices in particular are hitting airlines hard across the globe. We have no option but to take concerted action to adapt to this volatile operating environment. We need to do this to protect our business in the short-run and to protect the Cathay Pacific team.”
The airline has announced a raft of measures to reduce costs that will include adjusting both passenger and cargo capacity, deploying more fuel-efficient aircraft on long-haul flights, speeding up the retirement of its older Boeing 747-400 aircraft, and putting a hiring freeze on new or replacement ground staff. At the same time it is offering voluntary unpaid leave for cabin crew from June and introducing cost-saving measures such as cancelling non-essential business travel for staff and reducing its marketing and IT spend.
On the passenger side, the Cathay Pacific Group as a whole will see its capacity growth reduced to 3.2% from the targeted 7% this year. The capacity growth for Cathay Pacific will be reduced to 2% from the targeted 7%. The airline’s network will remain intact but frequencies on some long-haul routes to North America and Europe will be reduced in response to high fuel costs and depressed yields. The airline has already made some ad hoc cancellations in May, primarily to Taipei, Shanghai and Japan – and these will continue in June.
The Group will retain its focus on expanding capacity within the region, with Dragonair’s capacity set to grow by 9.2% against a target of 7.3% as a result of the launch of new destinations and increased frequencies on regional and Mainland routes.
For cargo, Cathay Pacific will now target 4% growth in total (freighters plus passenger aircraft bellies), down from the original target of 7%, while there will be zero growth in freighter capacity compared to the 3% originally targeted for 2012. Ad hoc cancellations will continue to be made to match market demand.
In terms of fleet deployment, the airline will put its newer, fuel-efficient Boeing 777-300 ERs on more routes, including flights to San Francisco, Toronto and Paris. There are no plans to cancel or defer aircraft orders and Cathay Pacific is still on track to take delivery of 15 new planes this year, with six already in operation.
Given the persistently high price of aviation jet fuel, the retirement of the Boeing 747-400 fleet will be speeded up. The airline currently operates 21 747-400 passenger aircraft but three of these will now be retired this year, with five more leaving in 2013 and one more in early 2014, which will bring that fleet down to 12 aircraft.
In the cargo fleet, Cathay Pacific currently operates 25 wide-body freighters, including five new, fuel-efficient Boeing 747-8Fs. As it takes delivery of three more 747-8Fs this year and two next year, the airline will take three Boeing 747-400BCFs out of service this year as a near-term capacity-management measure.
While it puts these short-term cost-saving measures in place to address the current business situation, the airline will continue with a number of long-term strategic developments and investments. These include 93 fuel-efficient aircraft with a value of HK$190 billion for delivery by 2019, a new HK$5.7 billion cargo terminal at Hong Kong International Airport due to begin operations in early 2013, and inflight product and lounge investments valued at HK$3 billion.”
Copyright Photos: Michael B. Ing.
Cathay Pacific Slide Show: CLICK HERE
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.
JAL sells its last 19 Boeing 747-400s to AerSale
JAL-Japan Airlines Boeing 747-446 JA8922 (msn 27646) JFK (Ken Petersen) (19 sold to AerSale), originally uploaded by Airliners Gallery.
JAL-Japan Airlines (Tokyo) has sold its last 19 Boeing 747-400s to AerSale (Coral Gables). JAL is planning to retire the type during 2011.
Copyright Photo: Ken Petersen.
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:
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.
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.
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.
A Boeing 747-400 lands at Kemble to be parted out
The Boeing 747-400 is now being parted out. A 747-400 landed at Kemble to be parted out. Further details are welcome.
Read the full story:
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.
Atlas Air starts the “Houston Express”
Atlas Air (SonAir) Boeing 747-481 N263SG (msn 29263) IAH (Jeffrey S. DeVore), originally uploaded by Airliners Gallery.
Atlas Air Worldwide Holdings, Inc. (New York-JFK) announced today (June 2) that its Atlas Air unit has launched new outsourced premium passenger private charter service on behalf of the United States-Africa Energy Association (USAEA). The service, known as the “Houston Express,” has been made possible by a commercial arrangement with USAEA’s agent, SonAir-Serviço Aéreo, S.A. (SonAir), an Angolan company.
Beginning this week, Atlas Air is operating three weekly nonstop flights between George Bush Intercontinental Airport in Houston and Luanda, Angola. The newly customized Boeing 747-400 aircraft, provided by SonAir’s parent company, feature 10 First Class, 143 Business Class and 36 Economy Class seats with the latest in-flight entertainment and comfort.
Not available to the public, the service provides USAEA members with a premium, nonstop link to support long-term energy projects in West Africa.
The flights depart Houston on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays for the 14-hour, 20 minute eastbound journey, returning from Luanda on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays with a flight time of 15:05.
The first round-trip flight arrived in Houston today – constituting the first Atlas-operated aircraft carrying passengers.
Copyright Photo: Jeffrey S. DeVore. Atlas Air’s Boeing 747-481 N263SG (msn 29263) is pictured on the ramp at Houston (Bush Intercontinental).
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).
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.
