Monthly Archives: October 2015

3 news nuggets from Delta’s CEO Richard Anderson

Delta Air Lines (Atlanta) issued this statement:

Hours after releasing details of the company’s record 3Q earnings, Delta leaders walked investors, analysts and reporters through the results on their regular conference call. Along the way they divulged a few more nuggets of previously undisclosed news.

Delta could be shopping for aircraft. CEO Richard Anderson said prices of widebody aircraft are falling – there is a “bubble,” he said – and that could create opportunity for Delta. When asked specifically if the airline is planning to purchase Boeing 777 aircraft said to be on the market, Anderson said there is no deal in place. In fact, he thinks prices will continue to fall.

“We do think the aircraft market is going to be ripe for Delta and … the bubble will spread to narrowbodies and there will be some huge buying opportunity,” he said. “There aren’t many people in the world who can take a dozen 777s.”

Delta gains Heathrow slots. The airline has acquired six slots at London-Heathrow Airport from its joint venture partner Air France-KLM, slot pairs that Delta had previously leased, President Ed Bastian said.

By taking ownership of the slots, Delta will enhance its ability to provide long-term continuity and stability on the route network operated from London-Heathrow with joint venture partner Virgin Atlantic Airways, company officials said. Delta and Virgin jointly operate 23 nonstop flights between Heathrow and the U.S. today, providing choice for customers in one of the world’s most important travel markets.

Expanded agreement expected with GOL. Delta expects the U.S. and Brazil to reach an “Open Skies” aviation deal that removes restrictions on flights between the countries in the next year, Bastian said.

“Open Skies” would allow Delta and its airline partner GOL Linhas Aereas Inteligentes SA to apply for immunity from antitrust law, Bastian said, and thereby coordinate the prices and timing of their U.S.- Brazil flights. Delta expanded its alliance with GOL under a $446 million stock and loan agreement in July. Delta owns nearly 10 percent of GOL.

The last US Airways flight arrives in Philadelphia this morning

American Airlines (Dallas/Fort Worth) operated the last US Airways-coded (US/AWE) flight (US1939) (the flight was named after the year All American Aviation was founded) overnight as a red eye flight from San Francisco to the Philadelphia hub. This was the last leg of an historical two-day flight. The last portion departed SFO at 9:43 pm (2143) local time last night and arrived at PHL this morning at 5:58 am (0558). The last flight was operated with Airbus A321-211 N152UW (msn 5588) (below).

American Airlines Group issued this short statement:

As we fly on
We remember
All the flights we
Had together…
We will still be friends forever.
‪#‎US1939‬

Today American is merging the two reservations systems.

Virgin America to fly between Dallas Love Field and Las Vegas, will drop service to Austin

Virgin America (San Francisco) has announced new nonstop option between Dallas Love Field (DAL) and Las Vegas McCarran International Airport (LAS) as of December 1, 2015.

Las Vegas is currently the eighth largest market from Dallas Love Field in terms of guest traffic and the sixth largest destination from all Dallas airports combined (QDF). Virgin America will also be the only airline offering a red-eye from Las Vegas to Dallas, allowing Dallas-originating travelers to maximize their time taking advantage of everything Vegas has to offer before returning home.

In order to make aircraft available at its two Dallas Love Field gates to support the new Dallas-Las Vegas service, Virgin America will end its scheduled service between Love Field and Austin Bergstrom International Airport (AUS), effective November 30, 2015.

Virgin America aircraft slide show:

United recycles in-house banners into travel bags

United Airlines (Chicago) made this announcement on how it is recycling in-house travel banners into travel carry-on bags:

More than 20 large banners that encouraged United Airlines customers to “Fly the Friendly Skies” at Chicago O’Hare are finding new life. The company worked with the Columbia College Chicago Department of Fashion Studies and the Re:new Project – a nonprofit that provides employment opportunities for refugee women – to transform the large fabric signs into 100 eco-friendly carry-on bags.

The Challenge

United challenged the students at Columbia College to create a carry-on bag from the banner material that could:

Fit under an airplane seat (9″x10″x17″)
Be economical to make, yet attractive
Be durable and wearable
After United selected the winning designs, Re:new stepped in to produce the one-of-a-kind, hand-sewn bags featuring distinct skyline images from the airline’s hub cities.

Watch the video:

Photo: United Airlines.

United Airlines aircraft slide show:

Southwest begins daily international service to six destinations from Houston Hobby

Southwest Airlines (Dallas) is celebrating the launch of international flights from the new international terminal at William P. Hobby Airport yesterday (October 15). The airline issued this statement:

Employees of Southwest Airlines (LUV) launched a new international chapter on October 15 in a 45-year history of serving Houston by joining with Houston Airport System and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, to open a new five-gate concourse, Federal Inspection Station for Customs and Border Protection, new concessions for travelers, and begin daily international service for travelers using Houston’s William P. Hobby Airport. Southwest’s new nonstop daily service to a total eight international destinations by November charts a new horizon for Houstonians who value world-renowned Customer Service.

At a news conference that began just as Southwest Flight 305 to Cancun departed from one of five gates in the airport’s new west concourse, Southwest’s local Employees and Company Leadership joined many Houstonians who played a role in bringing international service back to William P. Hobby Airport.

In 2012, the Houston City Council overwhelmingly approved Southwest Airlines’ proposal to expand service across borders from William P. Hobby Airport by building the new international concourse and Federal Inspection Station, thus “freeing Hobby” from domestic-only capability and a historically monopolized market long-burdened by high international airfares. Southwest broke ground on the new facility on Sept. 30, 2013, and two years later has completed the $156 million project both on time and under budget. Southwest worked diligently throughout the construction to give opportunity to Small Business Enterprise and Minority and Women-owned Business Enterprise (SBE / MWBE), and has exceeded City of Houston SBE / MWBE requirements.

International-themed festivities at the airport throughout the day included a chance for travelers in the terminal to win prizes provided by Southwest Vacations. Ceremony surrounded departures to the new destinations, including Belize City, Belize, Southwest’s 96th and newest city served.

Through William P. Hobby Airport, Southwest Airlines began operating twice daily nonstop service to and from Cancun as well as once daily nonstop options between Houston and Mexico City, Puerto Vallarta, and San Jose del Cabo/Los Cabos, a total of four cities in Mexico. Nonstop service linking Costa Rica to Houston also began on October 15 with a daily flight to and from the nation’s capital, San Jose, with additional new service to Liberia in Costa Rica’s Guanacaste province, Southwest’s 97th city served, scheduled to begin daily operation November 1, 2015, subject to foreign government approval. That same day, Southwest is scheduled to begin daily nonstop service between Montego Bay, Jamaica, and Houston Hobby.

In addition, seasonal service on Saturdays connects Houston nonstop with San Juan, Puerto Rico, and Oranjestad, Aruba, making a total of ten nonstop routes across Latin America and the Caribbean available to Southwest Customers using Hobby Airport.

Copyright Photo: Steve Bailey/Airlinersgallery.com. Boeing 737-8H4 N8643A (msn 42524) departs from Boeing Field in Seattle.

Southwest Airlines aircraft slide show (current livery):

Allegiant dismisses claims of an impasse in the on-going pilot negotiations

Allegiant Air (Las Vegas) has issued this statement in reference to the on-going pilot negotiations for a new contract:

Allegiant issued a statement that dismantles the recent request from the International Brotherhood of Teamsters (IBT) Local 1224 for the National Mediation Board (NMB) to declare an impasse in pilot contract negotiations, and highlights the significant progress that has been made towards a first contract for Allegiant’s pilots.

In response to the union’s request, Allegiant COO Steve Harfst said in a letter to all company employees that the company wants to reach a deal with the union that provides Allegiant pilots with significantly higher wages, improved retirement plans, a union-sponsored health plan, and better scheduling rules. He noted that “the IBT’s request ignores the reality that significant progress is being made in these negotiations. Fourteen of 26 sections have been agreed to, and proposals for the remaining 12 sections are being actively negotiated. In fact, nine sections of the proposed contract have been agreed to just since the start of 2015, which is the clearest evidence that the parties are moving towards an agreement.”

The full text of Mr. Harfst’s letter to employees follows.

October 14, 2015

Dear Allegiant Team Members:

Earlier today, the National Mediation Board (NMB) received a letter from the International Brotherhood of Teamsters (IBT) asking the NMB to declare an impasse in the pilot contract negotiations with Allegiant. I wanted to provide you with Allegiant’s perspective on this recent development.

The IBT’s request ignores the reality that significant progress is being made in these negotiations. Fourteen of 26 sections have been agreed to, and proposals for the remaining 12 sections are being actively negotiated. In fact, nine sections of the proposed contract have been agreed to just since the start of 2015, which is the clearest evidence that the parties are moving towards an agreement.

Allegiant wants to reach an agreement with its pilots as soon as possible. We are moving forward at the bargaining table and we are nowhere near impasse. This request by the Teamsters is simply their latest scheme-without-substance, which is aimed at putting economic negotiating pressure on Allegiant. We expect this ploy by the IBT to fail — just as it did the last time they attempted this ploy with the NMB in January.

Negotiations are never easy, particularly with a first contract, where both parties are effectively starting from scratch to reach a collective bargaining agreement. But with a willing partner, we can reach an agreement that is fair and recognizes the significant contribution of our pilots to Allegiant’s success. Over the last few months, the company has made numerous proposals to the union that include significantly higher wages, improved retirement plans, a union-sponsored health plan, and better scheduling rules for the pilots.

The recent exchange of proposals demonstrates our commitment to our pilots and to the negotiations process. The parties are far from reaching an impasse. On the contrary, negotiations had gained momentum until the union decided it wouldn’t move anymore in the hopes of gaining a release from mediation. In fact, more progress has been made over the past several months than in almost three years of negotiations.

We urge the IBT to continue negotiating in good faith. The NMB has already informed us of its intention to hold the next bargaining session scheduled as planned for October 26-27.

We believe that the sooner both sides can reach an agreement, the sooner we can capitalize on the opportunities before us.

Sincerely,

Steve Harfst

Chief Operating Officer

Copyright Photo: Michael B. Ing/AirlinersGallery.com. Boeing 757-204 N902NV (msn 26964) departs from Los Angeles International Airport.

Allegiant Air aircraft slide show:

ATR receives EASA certification for its combi version of the ATR 72-600

ATR (Toulouse) has obtained European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) certification for its passenger-cargo “combi” version of the ATR 72-600. The new cabin configuration of the aircraft allows combining increased cargo volume for over 19 m3 in volume and nearly 3,000 kg in weight with up to 44 passenger seats section. By replacing the forward seven rows by a cargo section which can accommodate four containers, the aircraft load-carrying capacity can be almost doubled. The combi version design is also offered for retrofit on the existing aircraft.

The delivery of the first unit is scheduled to take place before the end of the year to Airlines PNG of Papua New Guinea. Airlines PNG will take eight aircraft in a “combi” configuration.

EVA Air to finalize an order for up to 24 Boeing 787-10 Dreamliners and two additional 777-300 ERs

EVA Air (EVA Airways) (Taipei) intends to purchase up to 24 Boeing 787-10 Dreamliners and two additional 777-300 ER (Extended Range) jetliners, which is valued at more than $8 billion at current list prices. EVA Airways will join the 787-10 launch customer team and will be one of the first airlines in the world to introduce the newest member of the 787 Dreamliner family.

Once the deal is finalized, Boeing will post the order on the Boeing Orders and Deliveries website.

The airline currently operates more than 37 Boeing airplanes in its fleet, including 21 777-300 ERs. The 777-300 ER is the backbone of EVA Airways’ growing fleet and the carrier is the world’s 8th largest 777-300ER operator and 4th largest in Asia.

With its intent to purchase two additional 777-300 ERs as part of this deal, EVA Airways will have unfilled orders for 15 777-300 ERs and five 777 Freighters, as well as 24 787-10s – both direct purchased and leased.

The 787-10 will be the third and longest member of the super-efficient 787 family. With its greater passenger and cargo capacity, robust range and passenger-pleasing features, the 787-10 will complement EVA’s Boeing widebody fleet while setting a new benchmark for fuel efficiency and operating economics. The 787-10 will be 25 percent better in fuel and emissions than the airplanes it replaces and more than 10 percent better than anything offered by the competition for the future.

Image: Boeing.

EVA Air aircraft slide show:

Ryanair to establish its 75th base at Corfu, Greece

Ryanair (Dublin) has announced it will open a new base at Corfu (number 75), from April 2016, with one based aircraft, 11 new routes to Birmingham, Bratislava, Budapest, Cologne, Rome, Katowice, Poznan, Pisa, Rzeszow, Venice and Warsaw and more flights to Charleroi (near Brussels), East Midlands, London (Stansted) and Bergamo (near Milan).

The first additional route will be to Rome (Fiumicino) starting on March 29, 2016. The others will be added in late April, early May and June 3, 2016 to Pisa.

Copyright Photo: Ton Jochems/AirlinersGallery.com. Boeing 737-8AS EI-FIO (msn 61579) taxies at Brussels. The new aircraft was delivered on June 12, 2015.

Ryanair aircraft slide show:

Denver Air Connection to connect Denver with Sheridan, Wyoming

Key Lime Air dba Denver Air Connection (Denver) has announced the introduction of nonstop service between Denver, Colorado and Sheridan, Wyoming. The service is scheduled to begin effective November 19, 2015, and will represent the return of commercial airline service to Sheridan.

The flights are being launched in conjunction with CAST, the Critical Air Service Team, a community wide stakeholders group from Sheridan. CAST includes senior members of the local community whose primary goal has been supporting air service in the region.

Service on Denver Air Connection will operate twice-daily with a Dornier 328JET. The Dornier 328JET is comfortably configured for 30 seats and operates with two pilots and a flight attendant. The service will operate from Sheridan into Denver International Airport, facilitating connections to points worldwide.

Photo: Denver Air Connection.