Monthly Archives: October 2012

OpenSkies to launch nonstop New York JFK-Paris Orly flights on March 31

OpenSkies (subsidiary of British Airways) (Paris-Orly) has announced a new daily route, between New York (JFK) and Paris (Orly) beginning on March 31, 2013. This new route compliments the current Newark-Paris Orly service and brings OpenSkies to three daily services between New York area and the Paris area.

The new flight departs New York JFK at 9:00 pm (2100) and arrives at Paris Orly at 10:35 am (1035) local time. Customers have a choice of three cabins, recently introduced in celebration of OpenSkies’ fourth anniversary:

Biz Bed, with a completely flat bed offering the best night’s sleep
Prem Plus, a unique class, offering leather seats in a 2 x 2 configuration
Eco, an economy cabin offering comfort and personalized service

All customers are offered a personal iPad loaded with more than 70 hours of entertainment, including movies, TV shows and games.

At JFK’s Terminal 7, customers traveling in Biz Bed cabin and Executive Club Gold and Silver card members will have access to the British Airways Galleries lounge. This lounge offers a luxurious, private space where passengers can relax in the Elemis(R) spa with complimentary treatments and showers and enjoy snacks and beverages or work before their flight. In addition, Biz Bed passengers can take advantage of pre-flight dining, allowing them to maximize their sleep on board.

OpenSkies is the only airline that flies to the Paris Orly West Terminal nonstop from the U.S. This terminal provides OpenSkies passengers with numerous advantages, such as close proximity to the center of Paris, as well as a more extensive choice of destinations, flights and connections within France. OpenSkies passengers are also able to benefit from a smoother journey through the airport, with the departure gates being located just past the security checks. Premium passengers also have access to Iberia’s VIP lounge, both spacious and recently refurbished.

Members of the British Airways Executive Club loyalty program will benefit from their status while flying with OpenSkies. With each flight, Executive Club members accumulate Avios points that can be converted into flight tickets or upgrades.

OpenSkies Schedule

New York Newark	Paris Orly	18h45	8h40 (+1 day)
New York Newark	Paris Orly	20h25	10h (+1 day)
New York JFK	Paris Orly	21h	10h35 (+1 day)
Paris Orly	New York Newark	10h45	13h20
Paris Orly	New York Newark	13h40	16h15
Paris Orly	New York JFK	14h55	17h25

Copyright Photo: Brian McDonough. Boeing 757-236 G-BPEK (msn 25808) takes off from Dulles International Airport near Washington.

OpenSkies:

HNA Group purchases a 48% equity interest in Aigle Azur

HNA Group Company, Ltd. (Hainan Airlines) (Haikou and Beijing) has announced the completion of the acquisition of a 48% equity interest in Aigle Azur Transports Aeriens (Paris-Orly), becoming the second largest shareholder of Aigle Azur, after Go Fast Transport, and the first Chinese aviation enterprise to invest in a European airline.

Under the agreement, Aigle Azur will be governed by the Executive Committee composed of five representatives, two of which will be named by HNA Group. In addition, HNA Group also has the right to assign an executive member to be the vice president and appoint a Deputy Chief Financial Officer.

During the investment ceremony, Mr. Adam Tan, Board Director of HNA Group, said investing in Aigle Azur and cooperating with Go Fast, a large group with a focus on the major industries of logistics, aviation and tourism, is a milestone in HNA’s internationalization, demonstrating the success between Chinese and French companies.

After the discussion with major shareholders of Aigle Azur, according to HNA, two wide-body aircrafts have been decided to be introduced by Aigle Azur, while air routes from Paris to Beijing and other destinations will be opened. Aigle Azur will continue to expand routes from France to North and West Africa and other places throughout Africa, integrating resources by utilizing advantages of both parties and building a flight network connecting Asia, Europe and Africa.

Other than Aigle Azur, Africa World Airlines (AWA), which was co-invested by HNA and other shareholders in Ghana, and that made a successful maiden voyage on September 21st in Accra, is also committed to create an aviation hub in West Africa.

HNA Group has made internationalization the top priority of its development in recent years. Taking the aviation industry for example, the Group has invested in Turkey and Hong Kong with business covering passenger transport, cargo transport, maintenance and flight schools. Together with other efforts around the world, the investment in Aigle Azur and the establishment of AWA, as part of the international strategy of HNA Group, will surly enhance the Group’s competitiveness.

Founded in 2000, HNA Group offers services in air transportation, logistics, financial solutions, tourism, real estate, retailing, airport management and other sectors. By the end of 2011, HNA Group reached $46 billion of total assets and about $15.4 billion of total revenue. It provides about 120,000 job opportunities to society.

HNA Aviation, as a core industrial group of HNA, manages HNA’s subsidiaries in air transportation related businesses. Now, the company has a total asset of USD18.5 billion, over 270 aircraft and 500 flight routes to 130 cities.

Copyright Photo: Paul Bannwarth. Airbus A320-214 F-HBII (msn 3852) arrives at Basel/Mulhouse/Freiburg (EuroAirport), an airport that serves three countries – Switzerland, France and Germany.

Aigle Azur:

Aegean Airlines to acquire rival Olympic Air from MIG for €72 million ($93.1 million)

Aegean Airlines (Athens) appears to be finally successful in acquiring rival Olympic Air (3rd) (Athens). Previously on February 22, 2010 the two Greek airlines announced they had agreed to merge. However on January 26, 2011 the European Commission rejected the merger due to anti-competitive concerns.

Now Aegean Airlines and the Marfin Investment Group, the owner of Olympic Air, have agreed to a buy-out by Aegean of Olympic Air for €72 million ($93.1 million). Initially the two airlines will be operated as separate brands and airlines but the deal is still subject to the same anti-competitive concerns of the European Commission.

Both airlines have been losing money, especially with the austerity measures and EU protests in Greece.

Aegean Airlines has issued the following statement:

Aegean Airlines and Marfin Investment Group agreed on October 22, 2012 on the sale of 100% of Olympic Air to Aegean.

Following the completion of the transaction, Olympic Air will become a subsidiary of the listed Aegean. The brand names and logos of the two companies will be maintained and each will have distinct aircraft and flight staff. The unification of administrative, planning, purchasing and commercial functions will lead to substantial economies of scale, in buying power and elimination of duplicate systems. Fleet usage and network planning will be optimized to improve efficiencies and connectivity while improving coverage and product offer.

The deal is subject to approval by the Competition Authorities, a process which will also determine the timing of its execution.

The consideration for 100% of Olympic Air has been set at €72 million with payment in installments to MIG by Aegean. The shareholding structure of Aegean is not affected by the transaction.

Theodoros Vassilakis, Chairman of Aegean Airlines, commented on the deal: “Aegean Airlines and Olympic Air in recent years have invested $2 billion in a brand new fleet. Their service quality has been recognized with the receipt of numerous industry Awards. The two companies contribute in excess of €270 million to the Greek state revenues in airport taxes, fees, social security contributions. However, our subscale size, combined with the effects of the unprecedented Greek crisis, restrict our ability to successfully compete within the European and Global Aviation market leading us to further losses and further reductions of size and scope. As a result we are faced with the immediate danger of Greek Tourism, an industry essential for the country’s recovery, becoming entirely dependent on foreign carriers with permanent losses in local employment and state revenues.

Aegean still possesses the financial reserves to lead the consolidation of aviation in Greece to the benefit of tourism and state revenues as well as our employees and shareholders. The synergies from this agreement will allow us to reduce unit costs and offer enhanced network coverage with competitive prices to the consumers. We hope that all Greeks will support us in this challenging, ambitious and necessary endeavor.”

Companies’ Profiles

Fleet October 2012

	AEGEAN	OLYMPIC AIR
A321	4
A320	22	5
A319	3	2
Airbus Α320 Family	29	7


Bombardier Q400	0	10
Bombardier Dash 8-100	0	4
Total	29	21

Routes (Scheduled network – Summer 2012)

	AEGEAN	OLYMPIC AIR
Domestic	19	38
International	51	7

Annual Financial Results FY 2011 (in million €)

	AEGEAN	OLYMPIC AIR
Revenue	668.2	240.5
Net losses after taxes	(27.2)	(37.6)

Passenger traffic 2012 (estimate in million passengers)

	AEGEAN	OLYMPIC AIR
Domestic	2.6	2.3
International	3.4	0.6
Total	6.0	2.9

Top Copyright Photo: Wingnut. Airbus A321-231 SX-DVO (msn 3462) is pictured on the ramp at London (Heathrow).

Aegean Airlines:

Olympic Air (3rd):

Bottom Copyright Photo: Ole Simon. Flybe’s Bombardier DHC-8-402 (Q400) G-JECV (msn 4148), operated for Olympic Air, arrives at Frankfurt.

Four AirTran Airways cities convert to Southwest Airlines cities with new routes on April 14, 2013

Southwest Airlines (Dallas) announced today future service details affecting four AirTran Airways cities that will convert to Southwest Airlines service in the Spring of 2013.

Beginning April 14, 2013, Southwest Airlines nonstop service will be offered between:

Charlotte and Baltimore/Washington, Chicago (Midway), Houston (Hobby), and Orlando
Flint and Baltimore/Washington, Orlando, and Tampa Bay
Portland, Maine and Baltimore/Washington
Rochester and Baltimore/Washington, Chicago (Midway), Orlando, and Tampa Bay

AirTran service in these cities will end the previous day, April 13, 2013.

In addition to seasonal and other itinerary changes across the 97 destinations served by both carriers, AirTran’s international footprint grows with the new schedule to include new, daily service beginning April 14, 2013, between Punta Cana in the Dominican Republic and Baltimore/Washington, subject to applicable governmental approval.

Additional New Service on Southwest Airlines beginning April 14, 2013:

One daily nonstop flight between Boston Logan and Kansas City
One daily nonstop flight between Houston (Hobby) and Pittsburgh

Copyright Photo: Bruce Drum. Boeing 737-7H4 N459WN (msn 32497) of Southwest Airlines taxies to the active runway at Seattle/Tacoma International Airport (SEA).

AirTran Airways:

Southwest Airlines:

Turkish Airlines plans to order 15 additional Boeing 777-300 ERs

Turkish Airlines (Istanbul) plans to order 15 additional Boeing 777-300 ERs by 2017 with five options according to a report by Reuters.

Read the full report: CLICK HERE

Copyright Photo: Michael B. Ing. Boeing 777-3F2 ER TC-JJP (msn 40797) completes its final approach into Los Angeles International Airport.

Turkish Airlines:

JAL to start Tokyo Narita-Helsinki service on February 25, commences new 787 routes to Singapore

Japan Airlines (JAL) (Tokyo) has announced February 25, 2013 as the launch date for its inaugural service between Tokyo (Narita) and Helsinki.

Flight schedule of new Tokyo – Helsinki service, commencing on February 25, 2013:

Flight Number

Route

Dep. Time

Arr. Time

Aircraft

Days of Operation

JL413

Narita – Helsinki

11:45

15:05

787-8　Business　Economy

Mo, Tu, Th, Sa from February 25, 2013

Daily service planned for first half of FY2013.

JL414

Helsinki – Narita

17:25

10:15 + 1

・The above schedule is subject to government approval.

・The above timings may change after March 30, 2013 following the standard industry switch from winter to summer schedules.

・The increase in frequency to a daily service is subject to the delivery schedule of the 787-8.

In addition, JAL started Tokyo (Haneda)-Singapore and Tokyo (Narita)-Singapore 787 service on October 14. Both routes will be offered three days a week becoming daily service on October 28.

Copyright Photo: Akira Uekawa. The first Boeing 787 Dreamliner logojet. 787-8 JA828J (msn 38438) in the special “Sora wo Tobu” (Flying Sky) motif was also introduced on October 14. Designed by Studio Ghibil, the logojet features the art of seven children. JA828J is pictured pushing back from gate 114 of the International Terminal at Tokyo (Haneda) on a late night departure bound for Singapore as flight JL 35.

Hot New Photos:

JAL-Japan Airlines:

Hello suspends all operations and files for bankruptcy

Hello (Zurich) today (October 21) suspended all operations and filed for bankruptcy protection. Previously the company launched operations on August 6, 2004. The charter airline issued the following statement:

The airline Hello has temporarily stopped its flight operations. Reasons are the cancellation of large contracts, a dwindling tourism business and high fuel costs. Additionally there were serious errors of an executive manager in the finance department. Hello operated 4 Airbus A320 aircraft with approximately 140 employees. A social plan is in place.

The management and board of Hello AG have decided, to temporarily cease operation of the airline on Sunday night, 23.00 on 21^st of October. Up until that point, all efforts to recapitalize the company have failed. All aircraft are currently on the ground in Switzerland. The management was able to avoid an uncontrolled breakdown of the operation. Tour Operators are informed and are already looking for alternative travel opportunities for their clients. For the approximately 140 employees a social plan in place. Also a care team is ready to support them.

The reason for the bankruptcy is the financial implosion of two large French customers, ever higher fuel costs and the strong Swiss Franc, which led to the cancellation of a large contract with TUI Germany. Also there is an increasingly fierce competition in the tourism business.

Additionally, there were serious booking keeping errors by the former Chief Financial Officer. He has left the company at the end of September. All the business figures supplied to the board and the management on a weekly and monthly basis turned out to have been incorrect. Therefore, management and board were convinced that there was sufficient funding available. However, this was not the case. A detailed assessment of the figures by the new CFO uncovered this situation. All efforts to find additional liquidity yielded no results.

The board of directors and the management are very disappointed and are regretful of this situation.

Hello:

Frameable Color Prints and Posters:

Kingfisher Airlines loses its AOC

Kingfisher Airlines (Bangalore and Mumbai) today (October 20) lost its ability to resume operations when the DGCA suspended its Air Operators Certificate (AOC) due to the airlines’ failure to respond to the orders issued by DGCA. The carrier suspended operations on October 4 due to employee unrest and strikes.

Yesterday the airline posted this notice on its website:

Kingfisher Airlines Ltd. has extended the partial lockout until October 23, 2012. We had a positive meeting with employee representatives on October 17th and are hopeful of reaching common ground when we meet again next week. Currently, we anticipate resuming operations on November 6th, subject to our resumption plan being reviewed and approved by the DGCA.

Kingfisher Airlines:

Frameable Color Prints and Posters:

Thomson Airways to introduce the Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner on May 1 to Sanford and Cancun

Thomson Airways (London-Luton) is planning to introduce the new Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner on May 1, 2013 on the East Midlands-Cancun and London (Gatwick)-Sanford (near Orlando) routes subject to change.

Here is the complete introduction schedule: CLICK HERE

Image: Thomson Airways.

Thomson Airways:

Gol files a new request to operate regular scheduled flights to the United States

Gol Linhas Aéreas Inteligentes S.A. (Gol Transportes Aereos) (Sao Paulo) has announced that it has submitted to the Brazilian Civil Aviation Agency (ANAC) a formal request to operate regular flights in routes connecting Brazil to the United States, with one stop in Santo Domingo. These flights will be operated by Next Generation Boeing 737 aircraft.

They are expected to begin at the end of the year. If approved, the plan will consist of two daily flights between Brazil and the United States with a stop in Santo Domingo. One flight will depart from São Paulo (Guarulhos International Airport) and the other from Rio de Janeiro (Galeão International Airport). The flights will arrive in Santo Domingo (Las Americas Airport), where passengers will be transferred to flights to their final destinations, Orlando and Miami.

Gol is awaiting all the necessary authorizations before disclosing any details about the new operation, including information about fares, services and products.

Copyright Photo: Bernardo Andrade. Boeing 737-8EH PR-GTY (msn 34273) prepares to taxi to the runway at Santos Dumont Airport in Rio de Janeiro.

Gol Transportes Aereos: