Monthly Archives: April 2018

Trans States Airlines and Frontier Airlines announce new pilot flow agreement

Trans States Airlines pilots now have a direct pathway to the Frontier Airlines flight deck. An agreement inked by the two airlines guarantees participating Trans States pilots a First Officer position with the Denver-based Airbus operator after as little as two years of service with Trans States.

The agreement comes on the heels of a major order announcement by Frontier in November of 2017, in which it announced its intent to triple the airline’s fleet size over the next 10 years growing the airline’s order book to nearly 200 aircraft.

“Given Frontier’s considerable order book, imminent growth and financial stability, we believe that this new flow program will be immensely popular with our pilots,” remarked Trans States Chief Operating Officer, Fred Oxley. “A guaranteed pathway that allows for quick progression to a major carrier of Frontier’s caliber will be a huge asset to Trans States’ pilot recruiting efforts.”

“Additionally, judging by the popularity of our growing Denver crew base with our crews, we expect Frontier’s significant presence in Denver to be very attractive to our pilot group,” added Lee Stelzner, Chief Pilot at Trans States.

“With forecasted retirements, it’s no secret that the demand for highly qualified pilots will grow over the next several years,” says Frontier Chief Operating Officer Jim Nides. “This new partnership helps address our future pilot staffing needs while providing pilots entering the workforce a certainty for their careers.”

Current Trans States pilots with the requisite time in service will be eligible to apply for this program immediately, while new Trans States pilots may apply as soon as they have completed training.

To learn more about this program, please visit transstates.net or contact a Trans States pilot recruiter at pilothiring@transstates.net.

Alaska Airlines to take the next step in the retirement of the Virgin America brand

Alaska Airlines made this announcement on its blog:

As of April 25, you will:

Check-in using one website (alaskaair.com).
Use one mobile app (Alaska’s).
Call one call center (Alaska’s).
Look for Alaska flight numbers.

At the airport, check-in takes place at Alaska’s ticket counters and kiosks. Regardless of where you’re flying, you’ll head for Alaska gates.

On the night of April 24, we’ll complete physical changes at 29 airports around the U.S. and Mexico that are served by both Alaska and Virgin America. The only branding and signage will now be for Alaska Airlines. Signs and screens will all change to Alaska branding at curbside locations, lobbies, ticket counters, gates and baggage areas. While there will be some Virgin America painted aircraft still flying for a period of time after April 25, tickets will be sold only under the Alaska name.

Alaska Airlines and Virgin America are now one airline – and with our regional carrier Horizon Air – we’re one family, all under the Alaska name and brand. Whether you’ve flown on Alaska for years, or on Virgin America, or you’re new to us – we’re proud to be your West Coast airline with great service, low fares and generous mileage awards.

Like most things at Alaska, we do things a little differently – with you in mind. Even when it’s things you don’t see.

As you can imagine, fully integrating two airlines takes time. We’ve already started painting some of Virgin America’s Airbus planes in Alaska colors. In the fall, we’ll begin installing new interior cabins in these Airbus jets. (For a period of time, a guest may board an Airbus plane with an Alaska exterior and a Virgin America interior). It’s expected to take until the end of 2019 for the completion of a single brand experience on all Alaska aircraft.

Our journey continues – painting airplanes, upgrading cabin interiors, installing satellite Wi-Fi and launching new food onboard. We’ll keep offering flyers the good stuff, like free texting and movies during flights, incredible people and plenty of hometown pride.

Copyright Photo: The repainting of the Virgin America Airbus fleet (Alaska is no longer “Proudly All Boeing”) will take some time. Virgin America Airbus A321-253N WL N921VA (msn 7589) SFO (Mark Durbin). Image: 937921.

Virgin America aircraft slide show:

Hawaiian publishes new Airbus A321neo routes

Hawaiian Airlines is expanding Airbus A321 coverage as more aircraft are delivered.

According to Airline Route, the carrier will start the following new routes with the new type:

January 1, 2019:

Honolulu – Phoenix
Honolulu – San Jose
Kahului – San Jose
Kona – Los Angeles
Lihue – Los Angeles

March 31, 2019:

Honolulu – Sacramento

In other news, on April 12, the airline celebrated its 10-year anniversary of service between Oakland and the Hawaiian Islands. Guests boarding the airline’s flights from Oakland International Airport (OAK) to Honolulu and Maui were treated to Hawaiian music, hula, and 250 bonus HawaiianMiles offered by its World Elite Mastercard program.

Hawai‘i’s flagship carrier first introduced its authentic Hawaiian hospitality to Bay Area travelers in 1986 when it launched service at San Francisco International Airport. Hawaiian expanded operations in 2005 with flights at San Jose International Airport, followed by OAK in the spring of 2008.

In the past decade, Hawaiian has carried more than 1.5 million guests on over 6,000 flights departing OAK toward Hawai‘i, with nonstop service to Honolulu and Maui, as well as seasonal service to Līhu‘e on Kaua‘i and Kona on the Island of Hawai‘i.

In January, the airline introduced its new Airbus A321neo aircraft on its Oakland to Maui route.

Starting July 15, 2018 Hawaiian will launch nonstop service between OAK and Kaua‘i operated by the A321neo.

Hawaiian Airlines aircraft slide show:

Singapore Airlines and SilkAir to codeshare with Fiji Airways

Singapore Airlines, SilkAir and Fiji Airways have announced the signing of a codeshare agreement that will provide more convenient connections for customers travelling to Fiji from 10 destinations in Asia and Europe through the Singapore hub.

Under the agreement, Singapore Airlines and SilkAir customers can access Fiji Airways’ nonstop flights between Singapore and Nadi, including the airline’s third weekly seasonal service that was launched on April 4, 2018. Customers can also travel on codeshare flights between Nadi and three domestic destinations, including the Fijian capital Suva, Labasa, and Savusavu.

In turn, Fiji Airways customers will be able to access Singapore Airlines and SilkAir-operated flights to destinations in, China, Germany, Japan, South Korea, Thailand and the United Kingdom.

The codeshare flights are subject to regulatory approvals.

Top Copyright Photo: SilkAir Boeing 737-8SA WL 9V-MGN (msn 44230) BFI (Steve Bailey). Image: 929664.

SilkAir aircraft slide show:

Fiji Airways aircraft slide show:

Bottom Copyright Photo: Fiji Airways (2nd) Boeing 737-8X2 WL DQ-FJH (msn 29969) SYD (Keith Burton). Image: 926459.

Qatar Airways and Air Italy to codeshare

Qatar Airways, to no surprise, will start to code share with Air Italy on April 24.

Qatar Airways will place its QR code on Air Italy flights from Milan (Malpensa) to Catania, Naples, Palermo, Olbia, Palermo and Rome (Fiumicino).

Qatar Airways now owns 49 percent of Air Italy’s parent AQA Holding.

Air Italy is painting its first aircraft in the new livery.

Top Copyright Photo: Qatar Airways Boeing 777-2DZ LR A7-BBI (msn 41061) (100th Aircraft) LAX (Michael B. Ing). Image: 941619.

Qatar Airways aircraft slide show:

JetBlue flight attendants vote to join the TWU

The Transport Workers Union (TWU) has issued this statement:

More than 5,000 flight attendants employed by JetBlue voted 2,661 to 1,387 to join the Transport Workers Union. The results were released by the National Mediation Board, which oversaw the electronic balloting.

The victory came after a multi-pronged organizing campaign by rank-and-file flight attendants and professional TWU organizers. Nationally, the Transport Workers Union represents more than 140,000 workers in the airline, railroad, mass transit, utilities and service industries.

Our first order of business will be negotiating the flight attendants’ initial contract, Samuelsen said. He noted that the number of working women and men in unions increased last year – for the first time in decades. The JetBlue vote is a strong sign that the upward trend is continuing this year, he said.

The crewmembers want and deserve job security, representation and due process in disciplinary cases, improved wages and benefits, and a seat at the table in case of possible merger or acquisition.

Samuelsen’s full statement:

“Congratulations to the more than 5,000 JetBlue Inflight Crewmembers on their landslide (66% voting yes – 34% voting no) vote for Transport Workers Union representation. JetBlue is an extremely profitable corporation, and now the time has arrived for these frontline workers to be appropriately compensated for their undeniable contribution in bringing JetBlue this high level of success.”

“This historic victory is yet another example of the tide turning in America as workers collectively fight back to defend their livelihoods. The United States trade union movement is the greatest vehicle for the economic security of working families that this country has ever seen, and more Americans are recognizing this every day.”

“The TWU intends to immediately commence contract bargaining with JetBlue. It is our sincerest wish that the company comes to the table and bargains a fair and just contract with the workers they employ. But if JetBlue refuses to bargain in good faith, this union is prepared to engage in a fightback campaign that will continue until a contract is secured and the Inflight Crewmembers are protected.”

JetBlue Airways issued this statement:

JetBlue has issued the following statement in response to the unionization vote among JetBlue’s 5,000 inflight crewmembers in which the crewmembers who voted elected to have the Transport Workers Union (TWU) represent them:

While we respect the outcome of the election, we are disappointed in this result because we believe the direct relationship is superior to third-party representation. Our crewmembers remain at the heart of the JetBlue experience and we value all they do to provide that experience to our customers. As we move forward, we will work to come together around our mission to inspire humanity that has set JetBlue apart from other airlines since day one.

Once the National Mediation Board authorizes the TWU as the representative body for JetBlue inflight crewmembers, both JetBlue and TWU will organize negotiating committees.

AeroMexico reports a first quarter loss

AeroMexico reported a net loss of $722 million pesos ($40.1 million) for the first quarter 2018.

Grupo Aeromexico’s first quarter 2018 revenue reached $16.3 billion pesos, a 15.4% year-on-year increase.

During the quarter, the Company incorporated two aircraft into its fleet under operating lease agreements and one under a finance lease agreement.

As of March 31, 2018 Grupo Aeromexico’s operating fleet comprised 130 aircraft.

AeroMexico aircraft slide show:

United Airlines announces its first quarter results

https://airlinersgallery.smugmug.com/Airlines-USA6/United-Airlines-NC-Boeing/i-3QqjWm4/A

United Airlines has announced its first quarter 2018 financial results.

UAL reported first quarter net income of $147 million, diluted earnings per share of $0.52, pre-tax earnings of $184 million and pre-tax margin of 2.0 percent.
Excluding special charges and mark-to-market adjustments, UAL reported first-quarter net income of $143 million, diluted earnings per share of $0.50, pre-tax earnings of $179 million and pre-tax margin of 2.0 percent.
UAL has repurchased $747 million of its common shares year-to-date through April 16, 2018, representing approximately 4 percent of its shares outstanding as of year-end 2017.
Consolidated passenger revenue per available seat mile (PRASM) increased 2.7 percent year-over-year.
Consolidated total revenue per available seat mile (TRASM) increased 3.4 percent year-over-year.
Consolidated unit cost per available seat mile (CASM) increased 4.3 percent year-over-year.
First quarter consolidated CASM, excluding special charges, third-party business expenses, fuel and profit sharing, increased 0.6 percent year-over-year.
UAL now expects full-year 2018 diluted earnings per share, excluding special charges and mark-to-market adjustments, to be $7.00 to $8.50¹.

“The exceptional operational performance United’s employees delivered over the past quarter is impressive. Even more so when we consider United achieved the best departure performance among our largest competitors despite four nor’easters and other weather disruptions.” said Oscar Munoz, chief executive officer of United Airlines. “With our first-quarter financial results and our increased confidence in the outlook for the remainder of the year, we are tightening our adjusted EPS guidance range for the full year to $7.00 to $8.50. We continue to execute our strategy to strengthen and grow our domestic network, drive asset efficiency and productivity, while also continuing our focus on our customers.”

First-Quarter Highlights

Operations and Employees

Ranked first among our largest competitors in on-time departures and second among the same group in fewest cancelled flights.
Introduced and began training our team on United’s new customer service decision framework, the core4, which focuses on the principles of being safe, caring, dependable and efficient.
Ranked number one among global carriers in Newsweek’s 2017 Global 500 Green Rankings, one of the most recognized environmental performance assessments of the world’s largest publicly traded companies.
Announced new global partnership with the Special Olympics.
Flew hundreds of Team USA Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games 2018 athletes – along with coaches and family members – to PyeongChang, South Korea, continuing the 38-year relationship between United and the United States Olympic Committee.

Customer Experience

Announced United Premium Plus that will provide more space, comfort and amenities on select international flights starting later this year.
Expanded menu selections for our Snack Shop and Bistro on Board and launched a new menu for customers flying from Canada to the U.S.
Announced that consumers can now earn and use United MileagePlus award miles at participating BP retail stations.
Eliminated charges for customers’ second checked bag on all routes from North America to China and Hong Kong.

Network and Fleet

Launched two new international routes from Houston to Sydney and Denver to London.
Announced new service between six domestic hubs and eight destinations in California, Ohio, North Dakota, South Dakota, Virginia and Wisconsin.
As part of our joint venture relationship, Air New Zealand announced new nonstop service between Aucklandand Chicago beginning this fall.
Announced year-round service between San Francisco and Auckland beginning April 2019.
Awarded tentative authority by the U.S. Department of Transportation to begin offering daily nonstop service between Houston and Havana, Cuba.
Took delivery of six new aircraft: four Boeing 787-9s and two Boeing 777-300ERs.
Announced newest aircraft type, the Boeing 737 MAX 9, to be introduced in domestic flight schedules starting in June.
Entered into an agreement to purchase 20 used Airbus A319 aircraft with expected delivery dates scheduled in 2020 and 2021.

Copyright Photo: The first Boeing 737-9 MAX 9 is being prepared for the handover. United Airlines Boeing 737-9 MAX 9 N60659 (N67501) (msn 43430) BFI (Joe G. Walker). Image: 941611.

United Airlines aircraft slide show (Boeing):

Southwest flight WN 1380 makes an emergency landing at Philadelphia, one passenger is killed

Southwest Airlines flight WN 1380 flight from New York (LGA) to Dallas (DAL) made a safe emergency landing at Philadelphia after an apparent uncontained engine failure in the number one engine. One injured passenger has been transported to a hospital.

The aircraft involved is the pictured Boeing 737-700 N772SW.

Report by JACDEC on Twitter:

Initial Statement by Southwest Airlines:

We are aware that Southwest flight #1380 from New York La Guardia (LGA) to Dallas Love Field (DAL) has diverted to Philadelphia International Airport (PHL). We are in the process of transporting Customers and Crew into the terminal. The aircraft, a Boeing 737-700, has 143 Customers and five Crewmembers onboard. We are in the process of gathering more information. Safety is always our top priority at Southwest Airlines, and we are working diligently to support our Customers and Crews at this time.

Southwest Airlines later confirmed the one fatality:

Southwest Airlines confirms an accident involving Southwest Airlines Flight 1380. The flight made an emergency diversion to Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) earlier today after the Crew reported issues with the number one engine which resulted in damage to the fuselage.

We are deeply saddened to confirm that there is one fatality resulting from this accident. The entire Southwest Airlines Family is devastated and extends its deepest, heartfelt sympathy to the Customers, employees, family members and loved ones affected by this tragic event. We have activated our emergency response team and are deploying every resource to support those affected by this tragedy. For a message from Gary Kelly, Southwest Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, please click here.

The aircraft involved today was a Boeing 737-700 (N772SW) and was enroute from New York LaGuardia (LGA) to Dallas Love Field (DAL). In total, the flight had 144 Customers and five Southwest Crewmembers onboard. We extend our heartfelt appreciation to the Southwest Pilots and Flight Attendants who acted professionally and swiftly to take care of our Customers during the emergency diversion and landing.

Finally, Southwest Airlines officials are in direct contact with the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to support an immediate, coordinated response to this accident. Southwest is in the process of gathering additional information regarding flight 1380 and will fully cooperate in an investigative process.

Please join the Southwest Family in keeping all of those affected by today’s tragedy in your thoughts.

Finally Southwest Airlines announced it will inspect all CFM56 engines in the next 30 days:

Southwest Airlines has announced that it is accelerating its existing engine inspection program relating to the CFM56 engine family. The accelerated inspections are being performed out of an abundance of caution and are expected to be completed over the next 30 days. The accelerated checks are ultrasonic inspections of fan blades of the CFM56 engines.

The airline expects minimal disruption to the operation during the course of the inspections.

Video:

QANTAS to extend the service contract for its 20 Boeing 717-200 aircraft

UTC Aerospace Systems, a unit of United Technologies Corp., today announced an 8-year contract extension with QANTAS Airways to provide BR715 engine nacelle asset support and repair services for the airline’s fleet of 20 Boeing 717-200 aircraft. The long-term agreement is through Prime Solutions®, which is customized to the airline’s specific support requirements.

The 20 aircraft are operated by Cobham Aviation under the QANTAS Link banner.

QANTAS Airways has been a Prime Solutions customer since 2000, and this new agreement represents an expansion of the existing support program as the airline has nearly doubled its fleet of Boeing 717-200 aircraft to meet increasing passenger demand. With easy access to spares and rotables, and fully customized support, the airline has been able to extend the operational life of its Boeing 717-200 fleet. Support will be provided on-site at the customer’s locations in Perth and Canberra, Australia, and the UTC Aerospace Systems Aerostructures Service Center in Singapore.

Copyright Photo: QANTAS Link-Cobham Aviation Services Australia Boeing 717-231 VH-NXN (msn 55095) (Jacques Guillem Collection). Image: 922314.

Cobham aircraft slide show: