AirTran Airways Holdings reports a 2Q net profit of $12.4 million
AirTran Airways Boeing 717-2BD N949AT (msn 55003) (Orlando Magic) ATL (Norbert G. Raith), originally uploaded by Airliners Gallery.
AirTran Holdings, Inc. (Orlando) the parent company of AirTran Airways, Inc., reported a net profit of $12.4 million or $0.09 per diluted share for the second quarter of 2010. Excluding $26.4 million in unrealized losses, net of taxes, related to the reduction in value of future fuel hedges, the Company’s net income for the quarter would have been $38.8 million dollars or $0.23 per diluted share. This result is particularly noteworthy given the 37.2 percent increase in the per-gallon cost of jet fuel, the airline’s single largest expense, year-over-year.
AirTran set quarterly records for revenue passenger miles flown, load factor and enplaned passengers. For the first time in AirTran Airways’ history, load factor topped 83 percent in the second quarter.
Copyright Photo: Norbert G. Raith. Boeing 717-2BD N949AT (msn 55003) painted in the Orlando Magic scheme, arrives at the ATL hub.
Delta Air Lines reports a $467 million quarterly profit
Delta Air Lines Boeing 757-232 N610DL (msn 22817) (Pink Breast Cancer Awareness) BWI (Tony Storck), originally uploaded by Airliners Gallery.
Delta Air Lines (Atlanta) today reported financial results for the June 2010 quarter. Key points include:
Delta’s net income for the June 2010 quarter was $549 million, or $0.65 per diluted share, excluding special items. This is a $748 million improvement year over year.
Delta’s net income was $467 million, or $0.55 per diluted share, for the June 2010 quarter.
Results include $90 million in profit sharing expense, in recognition of Delta employees’ achievements toward meeting the company’s financial targets.
Copyright Photo: Tony Storck. Delta’s Boeing 757-232 N610DL (msn 22817) arrives at Baltimore/Washington in the Pink Breast Cancer Awareness special color scheme.
Continental Airlines reaches 25 aircraft with new flat-bed Business seats
Continental Airlines Boeing 777-224 ER N77022 (msn 39777) (Star Alliance) PAE (Nick Dean) (planned missed approach, third CO 777 in Star Alliance), originally uploaded by Airliners Gallery.
Continental Airlines’ (Houston) 25th aircraft with new flat-bed BusinessFirst seats and additional upgraded amenities took to the skies this week.
The carrier’s flat-bed seats made their operational debut in November 2009 and are being installed on aircraft used on long-haul international routes. Currently the seats are being installed on Continental’s Boeing 777 and 757-200 fleets, with 11 777s and 14 757-200s completed. In addition, Continental will take delivery of two new Boeing 777 aircraft outfitted with the flat-bed seats by the end of July. The seats will also be installed on many of Continental’s Boeing 767-400 aircraft starting in 2011 and on the Boeing 787 fleet as the new aircraft are delivered to the company.
The BusinessFirst flat-bed seat reclines 180 degrees and provides 6 feet 6 inches of sleeping space in the fully extended position on the Boeing 777 (6 feet 4 inches on the Boeing 757-200). It is one of the widest business-class seats in the air, measuring up to 27 inches (25 inches on the 757-200). Laptop power, headset and USB plugs are conveniently tucked above the customer’s shoulder. iPod connectivity allows each customer to view their personal videos and enjoy their music while their iPod is charging. The new seats feature 15.4-inch video monitors for customers to enjoy on-demand movies, music and games.
Copyright Photo: Nick Dean. One of the two new Boeing 777-224 ERs is N77022 (msn 39777). This spectacular picture shows N77022 making a planned missed approach at Everett (Paine Field) on July 14. Both of the two new Triple Sevens will be in the Star Alliance color scheme.
Alaska Airlines now has over one half of its fleet equipped with Aircell’s Gogo Inflight Internet service
Alaska Airlines Boeing 737-990 N318AS (msn 30018) (Disneyland II) ANC (Tony Storck), originally uploaded by Airliners Gallery.
Alaska Airlines (Seattle/Tacoma) is now offering Aircell’s Gogo® Inflight Internet service on more than half its aircraft, including all 55 of its Boeing 737-800s and 10 of its 737-900s. The service will be available on the airline’s remaining two 737-900s by the end of July.
The airline is partnering with the Alaska Airlines Visa Signature® card to offer passengers Inflight Wi-Fi free of charge on flights through July 31, 2010. After July 31, the Gogo service, currently available in the U.S. lower 48 states, will be offered to customers at a cost of $4.95 per flight and up, based on length of flight and device used.
The airline’s remaining 737-400s and 737-700s will be equipped with the Gogo service by the end of 2010.
To ensure the service is available to the airline’s namesake state, Aircell will expand its network by early 2011 to provide Gogo Inflight Internet service on key routes to, from and within the state of Alaska.
Aircraft equipped with inflight Wi-Fi have a Wi-Fi symbol located outside the aircraft’s boarding door and information about the service located in seatback pockets. Gogo is available above 10,000 feet, following an announcement approving the use of portable electronic devices.
Copyright Photo: Tony Storck. The beautiful Boeing 737-990 N318AS (msn 30018) in the Disneyland II scheme touches down at Anchorage.
Ryanair to cut Dublin winter capacity by 15%
Ryanair Boeing 737-8AS WL EI-CSC (msn 29918) (Cable and Wireless) STN (Antony J. Best), originally uploaded by Airliners Gallery.
Ryanair (Dublin) will cut its winter capacity at Dubin by 15% and reduced the number of based aircraft from 14 to 12.
Read the full WSJ report:
Copyright Photo: Antony J. Best. Now gone to VARIG, Boeing 737-8AS EI-CSC (msn 29918) in the unique Cable & Wireless logojet scheme, prepares to land at London (Stansted).
American Airlines applies for DFW-Rio de Janeiro authority
American Airlines Boeing 767-323 ER N395AN (msn 29432) (Oneworld) MIA, originally uploaded by Airliners Gallery.
American Airlines (Dallas/Fort Worth) has applied to the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) for authority to fly nonstop from Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) to Rio de Janeiro (GIG) three times a week beginning on November 18, 2010.
American will fly the route using Boeing 767-300 aircraft configured with 28 Business Class and 191 Economy Class seats.
Here is the proposed schedule:
From DFW to GIG (Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays)
Depart: 7:45 p.m.
Arrive: 10:25 a.m. (next day)
From GIG TO DFW (Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays)
Depart: 11:15 p.m.
Arrive: 6:25 a.m. (next day)
Copyright Photo: Arnd Wolf. American’s Boeing 767-323 ER N395AN (msn 29432) in the Oneworld Alliance motif arrives back at the MIA hub.
Continental Airlines to start Newark-Cairo nonstop flights on May 18, 2011
Continental Airlines Boeing 777-224 ER N77014 (msn 29862) (Peter Max-NYC 2000) FRA (Arnd Wolf) (historic photo), originally uploaded by Airliners Gallery.
Continental Airlines (Houston) today (July 6) announced plans to launch nonstop flights between the Newark Liberty hub and Cairo, Egypt, beginning on May 18, 2011, subject to government approval.
Cairo, the largest city in Africa and the Middle East, will be the 72nd international destination that Continental serves from its New York hub at Newark Liberty International Airport and the 30th city in Continental’s trans-Atlantic route network.
Continental will operate the approximately 5,600-mile flight with a Boeing 777-200 ER aircraft, seating 50 customers in BusinessFirst with flat-bed seats and 226 customers in economy class. Flying time eastbound will be approximately 10 hours, 25 minutes, and westbound will be approximately 12 hours, 10 minutes.
Copyright Photo: Arnd Wolf. Gone but not forgotten, Continental’s Boeing 777-224 ER N77014 (msn 29862) dressed in the Peter Max special NYC 2000 livery arrives at Frankfurt.
Alaska Airlines to fly the San Diego-Puerto Vallarta route starting on November 12
Alaska Airlines Boeing 737-890 WL N568AS (msn 35183) (Follow Apolo Ohno to Hawaii) SMF (Mike Durbin), originally uploaded by Airliners Gallery.
Alaska Airlines (Seattle/Tacoma) will launch the San Diego-Puerto Vallarta route on November 12, 2010.
Copyright Photo: Mike Durbin. Boeing 737-890 N568AS (msn 35183) decorated with the image of speed skater Apolo Ohno taxies past the camera at Sacramento.
Virgin America launches its first international route to Toronto
Copyright Photo: Mark Durbin.
Virgin America (San Francisco) yesterday (June 29) marked the launch of its first international city by launching its new Toronto service with a celebrated flight from Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) through San Francisco International Airport (SFO) to Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ). Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger joined Virgin Group Founder Sir Richard Branson onboard the LAX to SFO leg, and via WiFi at 35,000 feet over the California coast, they announced the airline’s intention to serve a new destination: Mexico. The SFO to YYZ flight was hosted by Drake, the Toronto native and Grammy nominated recording artist, hosting a mile high party en route.
Read the press release:
Copyright Photos: Mark Durbin. Airbus A320-214 N631VA (msn 3135), pictured at the SFO base, carried special “Air-Time with Drake” and “Thank Drake Me Later” stickers for the inaugural flight.
Air China to order 20 additional Boeing 737-800s
Air China Boeing 737-89L WL B-5198 (msn 36491) (Peony) PEK (Sam Chui), originally uploaded by Airliners Gallery.
Air China (Beijing) is planning to order 20 additional Boeing 737-800s for deliveries in the 2013-2015 period.
Copyright Photo: Sam Chui. The beautiful “Peony”, specifically Boeing 737-89L B-5198 (msn 36491), takes off from the Beijing base.
Delta expands international routes from Minneapolis/St. Paul
Delta Air Lines Boeing 767-432 ER N844MH (msn 29717) (SkyTeam) JFK (Ken Petersen), originally uploaded by Airliners Gallery.
Delta Air Lines (Atlanta) is growing its international presence at its Minneapolis/St. Paul hub, with enhanced offerings to Latin America and Europe. The expansion includes:
New nonstop service between Minneapolis/St. Paul International Airport (MSP) and Mexico City International Airport, subject to foreign government approval. The flight will mark the first nonstop service operated by any airline between the two cities.
The extension of Delta’s nonstop flight between Minneapolis-St. Paul and Paris-Charles De Gaulle Airport from seasonal to year-round service.
The expansion of Delta’s nonstop service between Minneapolis-St. Paul and London-Heathrow from five days each week to daily service for winter 2010.
In addition to the new Mexico City service, Delta offers nonstop seasonal flights between Minneapolis-St. Paul and six Mexican cities: Cancun, Los Cabos, Puerto Vallarta, Mazatlan, Zihuatanejo-Ixtapa and Cozumel. Delta also provides nonstop seasonal service from Minneapolis-St. Paul to three Caribbean destinations: Grand Cayman; Punta Cana, Dominican Republic; and Montego Bay, Jamaica.
The new daily flight to Mexico City, which begins Dec. 18, will be operated with 124-seat Airbus A319 aircraft, which are equipped with 16 First class and 108 Economy seats.
Delta’s service between Minneapolis/St. Paul and Paris will be operated with a Boeing 767-300 ER, which offers 36 BusinessElite seats and 180 seats in Economy. Delta’s service to London-Heathrow will be operated with a Boeing 767-400 ER, which features 40 full flat BusinessElite seats and 205 seats in Economy.
Copyright Photo: Ken Petersen. Boeing 767-432 ER N844MH (msn 29717) taxies past the camera at New York (JFK) in the SkyTeam livery.
Horizon Air to reduce its schedules, will lease out four CRJ700s
Horizon Air Bombardier CRJ700 (CL-600-2C10) N616QX (msn 10128) (WSU Cougars) SEA (Joe G. Walker), originally uploaded by Airliners Gallery.
Horizon Air (Seattle/Tacoma) is discontinuing service on some of its routes effective with its fall schedule starting on August 22.
Service from Seattle/Tacoma to Pasco and Vancouver, and from Medford to Los Angeles, will be temporarily reduced by one flight in each market to help boost profitability on the remaining flights. All of these flights will be reinstated during the busier winter season.
Discontinued routes include Boise to Idaho Falls, Boise to Los Angeles, Flagstaff/Prescott to Los Angeles, Eureka/Redding to Seattle/Tacoma, Redmond to Los Angeles, and Sacramento to Santa Barbara.
Horizon currently has 57 aircraft in its fleet: 40 Bombardier DHC-8-400 (Q400) turboprops and 17 Bombardier CRJ700 (CL-600-2C10) regional jets. In conjunction with these flight reductions, Horizon plans to sublease four of its CRJ700s to another party. Horizon is in the process of transitioning to an all-Q400 fleet for greatest efficiency, and this move will bring the airline closer to that goal.
Copyright Photo: Joe G. Walker. CRJ700 N616QX (msn 10128) in the special Washington State University Cougars color scheme arrives back at the SEA base.
Sun Country Airlines now flies to London with Boeing 737s
Sun Country Airlines Boeing 737-8BK WL N811SY (msn 29660) (25 Years logo) MIA (Brian McDonough), originally uploaded by Airliners Gallery.
Sun Country Airlines (Minneapolis/St. Paul), as planned, started flying weekly charter flights to London (Stansted) via Gander on Friday (June 11). The flights will operate with its Boeing 737-800s through August 15.
Read the full report from the Minneapolis/St. Paul Business Journal:
Copyright Photo: Brian McDonough. Boeing 737-8BK N811SY (msn 29660) is pictured on final approach at Miami with the special 25 Years logo.
American Airlines starts Dallas/Fort Worth-San Salvador flights
American Airlines Boeing 737-823 WL N951AA (msn 29538) (Astrojet) MIA (Brian McDonough), originally uploaded by Airliners Gallery.
American Airlines (Dallas/Fort Worth) yesterday (June 10) launched a new nonstop flight between Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) and San Salvador, El Salvador (SAL). The airline is currently celebrating its 20th anniversary serving the Central American country.
American is operating the new flights using Boeing 737-800 aircraft with 148 seats, 16 of which are in Business Class and 132 in Economy Class.
American currently offers two daily nonstop flights to San Salvador from Miami International Airport (MIA). There is also one daily flight to San Salvador from Los Angeles International Airport (LAX).
Copyright Photo: Brian McDonough. Boeing 737-823 N951AA (msn 29538) painted in the 1962 Astrojet retrojet color scheme arrives at the Miami hub.
TAM signs MOU for 20 A320 Family aircraft and five A350-900s
Copyright Photo: Marcelo F. De Biasi. Please click on photo for full view, information and other photos.
TAM Airlines (TAM Linhas Aereas) (Sao Paulo), Airbus’ biggest customer in the southern hemisphere and Brazil’s largest airline company, announced an order for 20 new Airbus A320 Family and five A350-900 aircraft, bringing the Brazilian airline’s total Airbus orders to 176 aircraft, including 134 A320 Family, 15 A330-200s and 27 A350 XWB aircraft. The Memorandum of Understanding outlining the order was signed during the ILA Air Show in Berlin.
The new A350-900 aircraft will be powered by Rolls Royce engines. TAM is yet to select engines for the new 20 A320 Family aircraft. The airline currently operates its existing fleet of A320 Family with both CFM and IAE engines.
TAM’s incremental A320 Family aircraft order will, in accordance with the airline’s fleet plan, replace existing A320 Family aircraft as part of their commitment to keep an average fleet age of six years. Both the A320 Family and A350 XWBs fleet will serve the carrier’s existing routes.
Virgin Blue Airlines is reviewing its entire network
Virgin Blue Airlines Boeing 737-7FE WL VH-VBY (msn 34323) (VB’s 50th) SYD (John Adlard), originally uploaded by Airliners Gallery.
Virgin Blue Airlines Group (Virginblue.com.au) (Brisbane) is reviewing its entire operation and network and may decide to discontinue some of its brands. The Pacific Blue operation is reportedly losing money and may be axed.
Read the full report:
Copyright Photo: John Adlard. Virgin Blue’s special 50th Aircraft scheme as painted on Boeing 737-7FE VH-VBY (msn 34323).
Delta adds two long-range routes from Seattle/Tacoma
Copyright Photo: Andres Castro.
Delta Air Lines (Atlanta) yesterday (June 4) began nonstop flights from Seattle/Tacoma to Beijing and beginning Monday (June 7) from Seattle/Tacoma to Osaka, Japan. The new routes continue Delta’s development of Seattle as its primary West Coast gateway to Asia. The new routes will be operated with Boeing 767-300 ERs.
Copyright Photo: Andres Castro. In addition, Delta has introduced its latest “Pink Plane” in support of the fight against Breast Cancer via the Breast Cancer Research Foundation. Boeing 767-432 ER N845MH (msn 29719) taxies at the Atlanta hub.
Ryanair reverts to a profit, declares its first dividend
Ryanair Boeing 737-8AS EI-DAO (msn 33550) (Pride of Scotland) STN (Antony J. Best), originally uploaded by Airliners Gallery.
Ryanair (Dublin) will pay its first dividend after reporting a yearly profit because of declining fuel costs. The company reported net income of $370 million for its fiscal year through March 31.
Press release:
Copyright Photo: Antony J. Best. Boeing 737-8AS EI-DAO (msn 33550) “Pride of Scotland” prepares to taxi from the gate at Stansted Airport.
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.
Swiss rolls out its wild San Francisco “flower power” Airbus A340
Copyright Photo: Adrian Arzenheimer. Airbus A340-313X HB-JMJ (msn 150) poses for the camera in its 1960s "groovy" color scheme.
Swiss International Air Lines (Zurich) today (May 26), as planned, rolled out its new “flower power” logojet at Zurich to promote the launch of the new Zurich-San Francisco route.
British Airways is forced to cancel around 40% of its long haul flights
British Airways Boeing 777-236 ER G-YMML (msn 30313) (Keeping the Flag Flying) LHR (Keith Burton) (message to the strikers?), originally uploaded by Airliners Gallery.
British Airways (London) is entering its second day of a strike by its cabin crew (flight attendants).
Read the Business Week report:
Copyright Photo: Keith Burton. Is this a message to the strikers? BA has added a “Keeping the Flag Flying” banner to this Boeing 777-236 ER registered G-YMML (msn 30313). G-YMML is pictured on final approach at LHR on a warm May 24.
Cabin crews strike against British Airways for 5 days
Copyright Photo: David Apps. Airbus A319-131 G-EUPX (msn 1445) arrives back at Heathrow sporting a football (soccer) nose cone. The football nose was applied to support England's bid to host the 2018 World Cup. David Beckham flew on G-EUPX to Zurich a couple of weeks ago to present the UK's bid to FIFA headquarters.
British Airways (London) will be forced to endure a five-day strike this week by its 12,000 cabin crew members led by the Unite union. The two parties failed to reach a compromise over the weekend. The union has begun a five-day strike, increasing the pressure on CEO Willie Walsh who wants to cut staff and wages in order to reverse record losses.
BA has cancelled flights scheduled to fly around 25,000 people a day during the strike, including 40 percent of its long-haul services from Heathrow Airport.
BA issued the following statement:
“We are very disappointed that Unite have gone ahead with strike action from 24 May to 29 May.
We will continue to keep as many of you flying as possible.
We would like to apologise if you are affected by the strike. We will do all we can to minimise the disruption to you.
We will update ba.com with further changes as soon as possible and would recommend that you regularly check the
status of your flight.”
Virgin Atlantic launches a new advertising campaign
Copyright Photo: Nik French. A close-up of the new Harry Potter logojet scheme on Boeing 747-443 G-VLIP (msn 32338).
Virgin Atlantic Airways (London) announced the launch of their first-ever global marketing campaign, “Your Airline’s Either Got it or it Hasn’t.”
The new campaign, launching first in the U.S., stems from the roots Virgin Atlantic was built on – a passion for flying and challenging the norm to give travelers a unique and unforgettable flight experience. Reaffirming Virgin Atlantic’s belief that flying should be a pleasure, not a chore, the campaign line, “Your Airline’s Either Got it or it Hasn’t” encourages passengers to compare their flying experiences and asks “does your airline have ‘it’?” ’It’ represents what makes flying Virgin Atlantic great, from complimentary car service on all four legs of the journey to moving from curb to Clubhouse in under 10 minutes atHeathrow’s Upper Class Wing, to a fully flat bed with your own aisle access. These are just some of the ways that separate Virgin Atlantic from the rest, and as one ad proclaims, Virgin Atlantic is “Je ne sais quoi. Defined.”
“Your Airline’s Either Got it or it Hasn’t” represents a new direction for the airline’s advertising program, by moving to a single global campaign and creating a seamless look across all its global gateways. The rich style of photography features the product benefits of Virgin Atlantic’s Upper Class Suite, Heathrow Clubhouse, complimentary car service and other elements that separate Virgin Atlantic from its competitors.
The U.S. will be the first global market to fully launch the campaign, which was developed by the Virgin Atlantic global team and agency of record, RKCR/Y&R in the UK and Y&R offices globally. The campaign will then continue to move across the globe to all 32 destinations the airline flies. ”Your Airline’s Either Got it or it Hasn’t” will be first seen in the U.S. in consumer and lifestyle print publications, online banners, rich media, email, promotions, and events sponsorship.
To experience the Virgin Atlantic difference, the carrier has launched a new microsite at www.Virginatlantic.com/experience.
Alaska Airlines introduces Aircell’s Gogo WiFi service today
Alaska Airlines Boeing 737-890 WL N512AS (msn 39043) LAX (Boeing Dreamliner color scheme), originally uploaded by Airliners Gallery.
Alaska Airlines (Seattle/Tacoma) launched Aircell’s Gogo® Inflight Internet service today (May 18) on six Boeing 737-800 aircraft and plans to expand the service to its entire fleet by the end of 2010. The airline is partnering with Alaska Airlines Visa Signature Card® to offer passengers Inflight WiFi free of charge on flights through July 31, 2010.
With Gogo, Alaska Airlines passengers with wireless devices will be able to browse the Web; access online music, games, podcasts and webcasts; send and receive e-mail; and connect to virtual private networks while flying. The easy-to-use service will provide passengers with full Internet access on any Wi-Fi-equipped laptop or personal electronic device at speeds similar to wireless mobile broadband services on the ground.
By the end of summer, Gogo will be installed on the airline’s fleet of 737-800s and -900s, which represents the majority of Alaska’s fleet. The remaining 737-400s and -700s will be equipped with the service later in the year.
Copyright Photo: Boeing 737-890 N512AS (msn 39043), painted in the Boeing Dreamliner color scheme, taxies to the gate at Los Angeles.
AirTran Airways officially unveils “Brewers 1″
AirTran Airways Boeing 717-231 N932AT (msn 55073) (Milwaukee Brewers) BWI (Tony Storck), originally uploaded by Airliners Gallery.
AirTran Airways (Orlando and Atlanta) has been flying its latest logojet since April 30. Today (May 17) the airline and the Milwaukee Brewers unveiled a custom plane painted with throwback Milwaukee Brewers logos and colors to honor the club’s 40th anniversary and the airline’s partnership with the team.
Dubbed Brewers 1, Boeing 717-231 N932AT (msn 55073) was officially “unveiled” in Milwaukee today.
Hall of Fame pitcher Rollie Fingers, mascot Bernie Brewer and team executives were among the VIP guests aboard the aircraft as it made its debut at General Mitchell International Airport after being marshaled in by the Klement’s Famous Racing Sausages.
Kids from the YMCA of Metropolitan Milwaukee pulled the 120,000 lb. aircraft 20 feet at the premiere event to earn $50,000 for their summer sports program.
Brewers 1 is the fifth in a series of custom-painted AirTran aircraft and the first affiliated with a Major League Baseball team. In 2009, AirTran Airways unveiled Falcons 1 in Atlanta, Ravens 1 in Baltimore, Colts 1 in Indianapolis and Magic 1 in Orlando to honor the airline’s partnerships with these professional sports teams.
What will be next? Our guess: the Boston Bruins.
Copyright Photo: Tony Storck. Brewers 1 arrives at Baltimore/Washington.
Iberia narrows its first quarter loss to $64 million
Iberia-Lineas Aereas de Espana Airbus A319-111 EC-KKS (msn 3320) MCV (Javier Rodriguez) (retrojet), originally uploaded by Airliners Gallery.
Iberia (Madrid) lowered its first quarter net loss to $64 million.
WSJ news link:
http://online.wsj.com/article/BT-CO-20100514-706627.html?mod=WSJ_World_MIDDLEHeadlinesEurope
Copyright Photo: Javier Rodriguez. Please click on photo for more details.
Ryanair promotes Costa Daurada on Boeing 737-8AS EI-DHX
Ryanair Boeing 737-8AS WL EI-DHX (msn 33585) (Costa Daurada) STN (James Mepsted), originally uploaded by Airliners Gallery.
Ryanair (Dublin) is promoting Costa Daurada with special markings on its Boeing 737-8AS EI-DHX (msn 33585).
The Costa Daurada (Golden Coast) is a 216 kilometers long coastline located on the coast of Catalonia, Spain, in the comarques of Baix Penedès, Tarragonès, Baix Camp and Baix Ebre. It is an important tourism area of Spain.
Copyright Photo: James Mepsted.
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.
Air Canada to add additional flights to Arizona
Copyright Photo: Bruce Drum. Please click on photo for full view, information and other photos.
Air Canada (Montreal) announced that it will introduce the only Phoenix-Montréal nonstop flights Saturdays and Sundays between November 6, 2010 and April 30, 2011. In addition to its existing year-round daily Phoenix-Toronto flights, Air Canada is also adding a daily winter Phoenix-Toronto flight between October 1, 2010 and April 30, 2011. During the winter, between October 31, 2010 and May 28, 2011, Air Canada also operates daily Phoenix-Calgary flights.
The carrier will operate the Montréal and Toronto services using newly refurbished 120-seat Airbus A319 aircraft in a two-cabin configuration offering a choice of Executive Class and Economy service. The A319 jets feature Air Canada’s personal entertainment system with 8.9-inch wide digital in-seat monitors and touch-screen controls offering hours of audio and video on demand programming at every seat. Other features include in-seat power within reach of every customer. The Calgary service is operated using 93-seat Embraer ERJ 190 aircraft a choice of Executive Class and Economy service, free personal audio-video entertainment at every seat and a choice of hours of audio and video on demand.
Copyright Photo: Bruce Drum. Air Canada’s Airbus A319-113 C-GBHZ (msn 813) in the Kids’ Horizon special livery, departs from Fort Lauderdale/Hollywood.
AirTran Airways launches new routes
AirTran Airways Boeing 717-231 N932AT (msn 55073) (Milwaukee Brewers) MCO (Justin Cederholm), originally uploaded by Airliners Gallery.
AirTran Airways (Orlando and Atlanta) yesterday (May 4) began twice daily service from Baltimore/Washington Thurgood Marshall International Airport to Jacksonville International Airport.
The company also launched yesterday daily nonstop service from Gerald R. Ford International Airport in Grand Rapids, Mich., to both Orlando International Airport and Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport.
Copyright Photo: Justin Cederholm. The brand new Milwaukee Brewers logojet is pictured departing from Orlando on May 3 as flight FL 828 to Chicago (Midway). Boeing 717-231 N932AT (msn 55073) was also the last AirTran aircraft to wear the old 1997 color scheme.
JAL announces route changes, frequency changes and fleet plans for FY2010
JAL-Japan Airlines Boeing 777-346 ER JA731J (msn 32431) (Sky Eco) LHR (Wingnut), originally uploaded by Airliners Gallery.
JAL-Japan Airlines (Tokyo-Haneda) has announced revisions affecting routes, flight frequencies and its fleet plan for the first half of fiscal year 2010, and decided on plans for the second half of the year ending on March 31, 2011.
JAL has restructured its overall network with the clear objective of returning to profitability as swiftly as possible by creating a solid business model that can withstand the fluctuations in economic conditions and by generating profits without overly relying on future traffic demand. This plan includes the retirement of the Boeing 747-400 and Airbus A300-600 aircraft by the end of this fiscal year, bold withdrawal from several overseas regions, and the drastic contraction in the size of operations. It is formulated to achieve within one year, substantial reductions in the airline’s fixed costs, a target which was initially planned to be accomplished over a period of 3 years.
The airline has decided to discontinue services on 15 international routes with 86 weekly roundtrip flights, as well as on 30 domestic routes with a maximum of 58* daily roundtrip flights. Totaling the changes made since fiscal year 2009, JAL will end operations on 28 international routes with the closure of 11 overseas bases while domestically, 50 routes will be terminated along with 8 offices. The international and domestic passenger capacity (measured in available seat kilometer) will as a result be reduced by 40% and 30% respectively compared to levels in fiscal year 2008.
*56 roundtrip flights if excluding seasonally-operated flights
Read the full press release:
http://press.jal.co.jp/en/release/201004/001531.html
Copyright Photo: Wingnut. Boeing 777-346 ER JA731J (msn 32431) displays the special “Sky Eco” green markings at London (Heathrow) (please click on photo for additional details).
Southwest Airlines introduces “Florida One”
Image: Southwest Airlines.
Photo: Close-up the of the state emblem.
Southwest Airlines (Dallas) today (April 23) finally introduced at 11 a.m. (1100) in Tampa its lastest logojet named “Florida One” as we speculated on April 1. Boeing 737-7H4 N945WN (msn 36660) did in fact become “Florida One”.
Read the full report on Southwest’s blog:
http://blogsouthwest.com/blog/introducing-florida-one
Watch the video on the making of “Florida One”:
Southwest Airlines reports first quarter net income of $11 million
Southwest Airlines Boeing 737-7H4 WL N727SW (msn 27859) (Nevada One) BWI (Brian McDonough), originally uploaded by Airliners Gallery.
Southwest Airlines (Dallas) today (April 22) reported first quarter 2010 net income of $11 million, or $.01 per diluted share, compared to a net loss of $91 million, or $.12 loss per diluted share, for first quarter 2009. First quarter 2010 results included special items (net of taxes) of $13 million, related to non-cash, mark-to-market, and other items associated with a portion of the Company’s fuel hedge portfolio. Excluding special items for both periods, first quarter 2010 net income was $24 million, or $.03 per diluted share, compared to a net loss of $20 million, or $.03 loss per diluted share, in first quarter 2009. The first quarter 2010 net income per diluted share, excluding special items, is in line with Thomson’s First Call mean estimate of $.03 net income per diluted share.
As anticipated, first quarter 2010 economic fuel costs increased 33 percent year-over-year to $2.34 per gallon, which included approximately $44 million in unfavorable cash settlements from derivative contracts. For the remainder of 2010, including second quarter, Southwest currently has derivative contracts in place for approximately 65 percent of estimated fuel consumption at crude-equivalent prices up to approximately $100 per barrel; approximately 40 percent if market prices settle in the $100 to $120 per barrel range; and approximately 60 percent if market prices exceed $120 per barrel. Based on the current 2010 fuel hedge portfolio and market prices (as of April 20, 2010), the Company estimates economic fuel costs, including fuel taxes, for second quarter will be in the $2.40 to $2.45 per gallon range. Beyond 2010, the Company has derivative contracts in place for over 60 percent of its estimated 2011 fuel consumption; approximately 50 percent for 2012; approximately 25 percent for 2013, and a modest position for 2014.
Excluding fuel, first quarter 2010 unit costs increased 9.8 percent from the same period a year ago, largely due to a 6.4 percent decline in first quarter year-over-year available seat miles (capacity). Based on current cost trends and flat year-over-year capacity, the Company anticipates second quarter 2010 unit costs, excluding fuel, will exceed second quarter 2009’s 6.91 cents.
Copyright Photo: Boeing 737-7H4 N727SW (msn 27859) dressed in the Nevada One special livery arrives at the Baltimore/Washington hub.
Alaska Air Group posts a $5.3 million 1Q net profit
Horizon Air Bombardier CRJ700 (CL-600-2C10) N602QX (msn 10010) (University of Washington Huskies) SFO (Mark Durbin), originally uploaded by Airliners Gallery.
Alaska Air Group, Inc. (Seattle), the parent of Alaska Airlines and Horizon Air, today (April 22) reported first quarter 2010 net income of $5.3 million, or $0.15 per diluted share, compared to a net loss of $19.2 million, or $0.53 per diluted share, in the first quarter of 2009. Excluding mark-to-market fuel hedge losses of $12.5 million ($7.8 million after tax or $0.21 per diluted share), the company reported first quarter 2010 net income of $13.1 million, or $0.36 per diluted share, compared to a net loss excluding special items of $25.4 million, or $0.70 per diluted share, in the first quarter of 2009.
In other news, Alaska Airlines and Horizon Air announced expanded service to Hawaii and Mexico and new service between San Jose, CA., and Los Angeles.
Alaska Airlines will inaugurate daily service between San Diego and Kahului, Maui, beginning on October 1, and daily seasonal service between San Diego and Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, starting on November 12, 2010. It will also begin seasonal flying between Portland, OR, and Kona, on the Big Island of Hawaii, four times a week starting on November 12. Additionally, it will add a second flight between Seattle/Tacoma and Kona that will operate thrice weekly from November 11 to April 10, 2011.
These new flights are in addition to the new daily service between Portland and Honolulu the carrier announced last week.
Copyright Photo: Mark Durbin. Horizon Air is gradually phasing out its Bombardier CRJ700s. CRJ700 (CL-600-2C10) N602QX (msn 10010) beautifully departs from the runway at San Francisco on a clear day. The jetliner carries the special University of Washington Huskies motif.
AMR Corporation reports a wider 1Q 2010 Net Loss of $505 Million
American Airlines Boeing 757-223 WL N690AA (msn 25696) (Flagship Freedom) IAD (Brian McDonough), originally uploaded by Airliners Gallery.
AMR Corporation (Dallas/Fort Worth), the parent company of American Airlines and American Eagle Airlines, reported a net loss of $505 million for the first quarter of 2010, or $1.52 per share. The results include the impact of a $53 million, or $.16 per share, special item related to the devaluation of the Venezuelan currency in January. Excluding that special item, AMR lost $452 million, or $1.36 per share, in the first quarter.
This compares to a net loss of $375 million, or $1.35 per share, in the first quarter of 2009. The first quarter 2009 results included a $13 million charge, or $0.05 per share, related to A300 aircraft retirements during that quarter. Excluding that special item, AMR lost $362 million, or $1.30 per share, in the first quarter of 2009.
Copyright Photo: Brian McDonough. American’s Boeing 757-223 N690AA (msn 25696) is pictured on final approach at Washington (Dulles). It displays the special “Flagship Freedom” scheme.
Continental and United are discussing a possible merger
Continental Airlines Boeing 757-224 WL N14120 (msn 27562) (Star Alliance) AMS (Ton Jochems), originally uploaded by Airliners Gallery.
Continental Airlines (Houston) has restarted merger talks with United Airlines (Chicago), two years after walking away from almost sealing a deal, a source briefed (probably from United) on the matter said yesterday according to this Reuters report.
Reuters reports the talks are in very early stages, though much of the groundwork was laid in 2008, the source said. United and Continental came very close to merging at the time, but the talks fell apart as Continental chose to pursue an alliance instead. Both Continental and United are in the Star Alliance.
The talks come as United is in similar discussions with US Airways (Phoenix), but those talks are much farther along, the source said. US Airways and United are in talks that could create the second-largest U.S. carrier. Those discussions, aimed at cutting costs and competing with the now combined Delta Air Lines (Atlanta) and Northwest Airlines, have been going on for months, the sources said.
How much of these media “leaks” are being stirred up by United which has been itching for a merger for a long time?
Read the full report from Reuters:
http://finance.yahoo.com/news/UAL-Continental-in-merger-rb-3324139989.html?x=0&.v=4
Copyright Photo: Ton Jochems. Continental’s first aircraft to wear the Star Alliance livery is this Boeing 757-224 registered N14120 (msn 27562) pictured at Amsterdam.
Continental Airlines’ new CEO Jeff Smisek tries to make the company profitable
Continental Airlines Boeing 737-724 WL N13720 (msn 28939) (Star Alliance) IAH (Jeffrey S. DeVore) (first CO -700 in Star Alliance colors), originally uploaded by Airliners Gallery.
Continental Airlines’ (Houston) new CEO (since January) Jeff Smisek is trying to make his company profitable again. He is making some significant changes.
Read this interesting profile:
www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/business/6932510.html
Copyright Photo: Jeffrey S. DeVore. CO put the first Boeing 737-700 painted in the Star Alliance livery into revenue service yesterday. 737-724 N13720 (msn 28939) prepares to taxi to the runway bound for New Orleans.
Alaska Airlines starts Sacramento-Kahului service
Copyright Photo: Mike Durbin. Boeing 737-890 N568AS (msn 35183) taxies to the runway at SMF on the inaugural day.
Alaska Airlines (Seattle/Tacoma) yesterday (March 26) launched daily service between Sacramento and Kahului, Maui. To mark the occasion, passengers boarded the “Follow Apolo to Hawaii” plane, a specially-themed Boeing 737-890 (N568AS) highlighting the opportunity to enter for a chance to win a Maui vacation for two with the celebrated short-track speed skater.
Continental and ANA to begin code-sharing on March 28
Continental Airlines Boeing 737-824 WL N76516 (msn 37096) (Eco-Skies) CUN (Rurik Enriquez) (green Blended Winglets!), originally uploaded by Airliners Gallery.
Continental Airlines (Houston) will begin a codesharing agreement with ANA-All Nippon Airways (Tkoyo) on routes between the United States and Japan effective on March 28. It will be the first time that Continental Airlines has implemented a codesharing agreement with a Japanese airline.
Copyright Photo: Rurik Enriquez. Continental introduced its “Eco-Skies” logojet (with a green Blended Winglet!) on March 10. Click on the link below for further details:
Turkish Airlines unveils a special Manchester United logojet
Turkish Airlines Boeing 737-8F2 WL TC-JFV (msn 29782) (Official Partner of Manchester United) LHR (Allan Huse), originally uploaded by Airliners Gallery.
Turkish Airlines (Istanbul) this month has unveiled this special color scheme to celebrate its new relationship with the Premier League Champions. The airliner is marked as the “Official Partner of Manchester United”.
Copyright Photo: Allan Huse. Boeing 737-8F2 TC-JFV (msn 29782) is pictured at London (Heathrow) in the special livery.
Alaska Airlines today introduces a new Apolo Ohno logojet
Copyright Photo: Alaska Airlines. Apolo Ohno poses for the camera in front of his new logojet. The new logojet is Boeing 737-890 N568AS (msn 35183). Full length photo of the aircraft is welcome.
Alaska Airlines (Seattle/Tacoma) is inviting the public to enter for a chance to win a Hawaiian vacation for two with celebrated short-track speed skater and most decorated U.S. winter Olympian in history, Apolo Anton Ohno.
Participants can register for the “Follow Apolo to Hawaii” sweepstakes, beginning today and continuing through April 15, at http://www.followapolo.com.
Five sweepstakes winners and their guests will join Ohno in June for a Hawaiian vacation, including roundtrip tickets to Maui on Alaska Airlines, a private luau with Ohno and luxury accommodations for four nights and five days at the Grand Wailea in Maui.
To mark the occasion, Alaska Airlines and Ohno today (March 12) will unveil a specially-themed Boeing 737-800 adorned with a larger-than-life image of the celebrated short-track speed skater. The unique design features Ohno, wearing a Hawaiian lei, skating across the aircraft’s fuselage and invites travelers to “Follow Apolo to Hawaii.”
Passengers boarding Flight AS 859 from Seattle/Tacoma to Honolulu today will meet Ohno and receive a lei. From Honolulu, the Boeing 737-800 will fly throughout Alaska’s network.
A native of the Seattle area, Ohno has been the top U.S. short-track speed skater since 2001. The youngest-ever U.S. short-track speed skating champion at age 14, Ohno is a 12-time U.S. national champion, 23-time world champion and eight-time Olympic medalist. Away from the ice, Ohno made his mark in Hollywood when he won ABC’s “Dancing with the Stars” in 2007.
The previous Apolo Ohno logojet (displayed on this blog) was removed (by contract) before the start of the 2010 Vancouver Winter Olympics.
Kulula introduces another humorous logojet
Kulula Boeing 737-8K2 WL ZS-ZWO (msn 28373) (This Way Up) JNB (Sean Mowatt), originally uploaded by Airliners Gallery.
Kulula (Kulula.com) (Johannesburg) continues to make flying fun (a lot of airlines should take notes). It’s latest logojet is this “This Way Up” special livery.
Copyright Photo: Sean Mowatt. Ex-Transavia Airlines Boeing 737-8K2 PH-HZA (msn 28373) is now operating with Kulula as ZS-ZWO. The crew of ZS-ZWO taxies away from the gate at the Johannesburg base.
WestJet starts Edmonton-Kahului weekly service
WestJet Airlines Boeing 737-8CT WL C-GWSZ (msn 37092) (Care-antee) YYZ (TMK Photography), originally uploaded by Airliners Gallery.
WestJet Airlines (Calgary) yesterday (March 5) launched new nonstop service between Edmonton and Kahului, Maui. The inaugural flight departed the Edmonton International Airport at 7:30 a.m. (0730) MST yesterday. The seasonal route will operate weekly until April 30.
Copyright Photo: TMK Photography. Boeing 737-8CT C-GWSZ (msn 37092) prepares to taxi to the runway at Toronto (Pearson) in the special “Care-antee” livery which is also the first logojet for the carrier.
Alaska Airlines to serve as the official airline sponsor of the Iditarod Sled Dog Race
Alaska Airlines Boeing 737-490 N705AS (msn 29318) (We’re all pulling together) SFO (Mark Durbin), originally uploaded by Airliners Gallery.
Alaska Airlines (Seattle/Tacoma) will serve as the official airline sponsor of the Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race, marking the 32nd year the airline has supported the race.
As part of its sponsorship, Alaska Airlines also will provide air transportation and dog-care supplies for a team of 48 Iditarod veterinarians who care for the race dogs’ health and safety.
Copyright Photo: Mark Durbin. Boeing 737-490 N705AS (msn 29318) with the special and unique “We’re all pulling together” livery which celebrates the 50th Anniversary of statehood for the state of Alaska passes through San Francisco.
JetBlue Airways is forced to shut down for about one hour
JetBlue Airways Airbus A320-232 N569JB (msn 2075) (10th Anniversary) FLL (Dave Campbell), originally uploaded by Airliners Gallery.
JetBlue Airways (New York) said yesterday afternoon (February 26) that its flights would resume after it had earlier voluntarily issued a systemwide temporary ground halt for all operations because of an information technology (IT) problem with its computers.
Flights restarted around 3:45 p.m. (1545) Eastern time after all flights were halted about an hour earlier.
The company was already flying a reduced schedule on Friday due to a large snowstorm in the Northeast United States.
Copyright Photo: Dave Campbell. Airbus A320-232 N569JB (msn 2075) wearing the special 10th Anniversary scheme prepares for departure from Fort Lauderdale/Hollywood.
SunExpress introduces “Impressions of Istanbul”
SunExpress Airlines (Antalya) has introduced this special color scheme named “Impressions of Istanbul” on its Boeing 737-8HZ registered TC-SUZ (msn 29649).
Finnair retires the McDonnell Douglas MD-11
Finnair McDonnell Douglas MD-11 OH-LGG (msn 48753) (Official airline of Santa Claus) JFK (Eric Dunetz) (Finnair retires the MD-11), originally uploaded by Airliners Gallery.
Copyright Photo: Eric Dunetz.
Finnair (Helsinki) today (February 22) operated its last scheduled passenger flight with a McDonnell Douglas MD-11. OH-LGG (msn 48753) operated flight AY 022 from Delhi to Helsinki. The same aircraft will fly at least one charter flight from Vancouver to Helsinki on March 2. The two MD-11s owned by Finnair are for sale. The possibility of continuing to use them in Finnair’s cargo operation is also being assessed. The MD-11 flew around 400,000 flying hours and had more than 50,000 landings. Overall the fleet carried around 14 million passengers.
Please click on the link below for the full story.
AirTran introduces a Boeing 717 Little Debbie Cupcakes logojet
Copyright Photo: PRNewsFoto/AirTran Airways. Boeing 717-2BD N950AT (msn 55012) "Little Debbie 1" is pictured in the hangar before the inaugural flight in a snowstorm.
AirTran Airways (Orlando and Atlanta) despite a rare snowstorm in Atlanta, yesterday (February 12) celebrated Little Debbie’s 50th anniversary by launching a one-of-a-kind, custom-designed Boeing 717-2BD N950AT (msn 55012), dubbed Little Debbie 1. Flight FL 931, the inaugural flight, departed from Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport yesterday at 12:24 p.m. to Jacksonville.
As part of the 50th anniversary, AirTran Airways and Little Debbie are giving away 50 vacation packages in conjunction with The Great American Getaway sweepstakes. Each vacation package includes roundtrip airfare for two to anywhere AirTran flies in the continental United States, two nights at a Holiday Inn hotel, rental car for two days and a $200 cash card. Sweepstakes ends May 31, 2010. For more details and the chance to win, visit www.littledebbie.com. AirTran is also offering $10 vouchers toward travel on Little Debbie packaging during this promotion period.
In addition to The Great American Getaway, AirTran Airways and Little Debbie will announce the winner of the Little Debbie Look-A-Like Contest at the AirTran Airways Atlanta maintenance hangar. The 10 finalists will help unveil Little Debbie 1, and the winner will be chosen by a panel of judges. The winner will receive a $5,000 scholarship and other prizes.
McKee Foods, a family bakery with annual sales of more than $1 billion, is a privately held company based in Collegedale, TN. The McKee story began during the height of the Great Depression when founder O.D. McKee began selling 5–cent snack cakes from the back of his car. Soon after, he and his wife, Ruth, bought a small, failing bakery, using the family car as collateral. Today, the company employs more than 6,000 people in Collegedale; Gentry, Ark.; and Stuarts Draft, VA. The company creates and bakes Little Debbie Snacks, Sunbelt Snacks & Cereals, Heartland and Fieldstone Bakery food products. Visit mckeefoods.com for more information.
Editor’s Note: From a public relations standpoint, yesterday (February 12) was a nightmare day for any airline PR event as 49 of the 50 U.S. states had measurable snow on the ground (Hawaii had none) along with thousands of airline cancellations nationwide, not to mention the opening day ceremonies of the Vancouver Winter Olympics (which can use some snow!).
Kulula introduces its third Europcar logojet
Copyright Photo: Cornelius Saayman. Boeing 737-4S3 ZS-OAO (msn 24163) showcases this unique livery at Cape Town. The soccer nose and Kulula's Loves Soccer inscription also promotes the upcoming World Cup in South Africa. The fan on the rear is blowing a vuvuzela, sometimes called a "lepatata" (its Setswana name), also known as a stadium or blowing horn, is approximately one meter (three feet) in length, commonly blown by fans at football (soccer) matches in South Africa.
Kulula (Kulula.com) (Johannesburg) has introduced its third logojet for car rental company Europcar.
Europcar (Paris) is owned by the French investment company Eurazeo after its sale by the Volkswagen group in June 2006. The company was founded in Paris in 1949. Europcar today operates a fleet of over 200,000 vehicles at 2,825 locations in 143 different countries.
Webjet introduces an Avatar logojet
Copyright Photo: Rafael Maul. Webjet's Boeing 737-36Q PR-WJN (msn 29327) showcases the new logojet design at Recife.
Webjet Linhas Aereas (Rio de Janeiro) in January introduced this new logojet to help promote the movie Avatar in Brazil.
