Yearly Archives: 2019

SAS welcomes the first Airbus A350-900, will enter service on January 28

Scandinavian Airlines-SAS has made this announcement:

The first of eight Airbus A350-900s has officially entered SAS’ fleet and from January 28, 2020 travelers will be able to experience the world’s most modern and fuel-efficient long-haul aircraft. Showcasing innovative technologies and design, it offers a new and more sustainable way of traveling long haul, to and from Scandinavia.

Travelers can look forward to even more comfortable flights, including a cabin with new seat models and unique, customized SAS solutions. The new aircraft is composed of the latest aerodynamic design and technology meaning unrivaled levels of operational efficiency.

SAS designers and engineers have looked at all elements of the aircraft and designed an interior to match and enhance the high comfort level, while also minimizing weight and thereby reducing carbon emissions. Several of SAS’ features are based on important feedback from our customers.

On each flight, a total of 300 travelers and crew can look forward to a cabin environment with the quietest double-aisle cabin, an optimized cabin altitude, with more fresh air, and advanced control of temperature and humidity.

The first A350, named “Ingegerd Viking”, will enter long-haul service on January 28, 2020.

It will be based at the SAS hub at Copenhagen Airport and will operate on seven routes during the first year, including Chicago, Beijing, New York, Tokyo, Shanghai, Hong Kong and San Francisco.

In total, as a part the modernization of the short and long-haul fleet, SAS will take delivery of new Airbus A320neo (80), Airbus A330 Enhanced (5), Airbus A350 (8), and Airbus A321LR (3) aircraft before the end of 2023.

SAS A350 UNIQUE FEATURES

The cabin ceiling of the A350 is the highest in the industry, with vertical sidewalls for more shoulder room, and the overhead bins are the largest on the market. The aircraft has a high definition tail camera providing views of the aircraft during the flight at every seat-back screen.

SAS Business. 40 seats featuring an in-flight entertainment screen 18,5” with higher resolution, PC-power and high-power USB, better articulation of the seat, separate control for backrest recline, a new bi-fold tray table including a personal device holder and more durable seat padding. The business class beds measure a minimum of 196cm, with some even longer, and SAS has installed a durable threshold that also can give a light foot massage.

SAS has developed a new welcoming area at the entrance door where travelers are greeted in a stylish area, featuring inlaid lights and other unique design features. During the flight, this area will serve as a refreshment bar for SAS Business travelers.

SAS Plus. 32 seats of a brand-new type to SAS. They include a leg rest with a foot support feature, 13.3” high-resolution IFE screens, PC-power and high-power USB and a cabin divider distinctly separating the cabin from the rest of the plane. Travelers in SAS Plus and SAS Go can enjoy a special snack shop designed to encourage passengers to take a walk to boost health onboard.

SAS Go. 228 seats with 11.6” IFE screens with high resolution, high-power USB, a bi-fold meal table and a water bottle holder. The plane also features a “cross-aisle” passageway midway through SAS Go, for the benefit of passengers and crew.

The A350 features also a new work environment for crew. In addition to eight spacious beds for cabin crew and pilots, galleys have been redesigned to provide better, larger work surfaces for cabin crew. Furthermore, the A350 has iPads both to help with personalization of service and make it easier for crew to automatically report faults to maintenance, and more.

SAS aircraft photo gallery:

Hong Kong Airlines receives a cash infusion

Hong Kong Airlines has made this announcement:

Hong Kong Airlines is committed to serving Hong Kong. We have always been committed to delivering a safe and smooth operation to our customers, while striving for the long-term development of Hong Kong Airlines.

We have been notified by the Air Transport Licensing Authority (ATLA) that it would not take further action against us for the time being. We will comply with ATLA’s requirements and all relevant regulatory requirements as always. Our operation has been running normally and we will endeavour to serve all our passengers over the upcoming holiday season and beyond.

Hong Kong Airlines has a cash injection plan following urgent consultations with our stakeholders, including shareholders and management, who attach great importance to the airline’s long-term growth. Funding for operation will be injected into Hong Kong Airlines by phases. Over the past year, Hong Kong Airlines has rolled out a consolidation program to cut costs, optimize its network and elevate the customer experience. Moving forward, we will continue to drive consolidation and strengthen our internal structure to operate more efficiently and improve our revenue.

Hong Kong Airlines would like to thank our customers and business partners for their ongoing support and confidence in us. Our staff will continue to maintain the highest standard of professionalism, put the interests of our customers first and work together to offer our best services to the people of Hong Kong and our overseas customers. We will also actively communicate with our service providers to resolve outstanding financial issues and gradually bring our service back to normal.

All photos above by the airline.

Hong Kong Airlines aircraft photo gallery:

Cabo Verde Airlines is now flying to Washington, D. C.

Cabo Verde Airlines, the Cape Verdean airline, began regular flights to Washington, D. C., the capital of the United States, starting on December 8, 2019.

The inaugural flight took place this Sunday, December 8th, and departed from Amílcar Cabral International Airport, in Sal, at 09:30 am, landing at Dulles International Airport at 02:00 pm.

The route will operate three times a week, on Sundays, Wednesdays and Fridays departing from Sal Island and on Mondays, Thursdays and Saturdays from Washington, D. C.

All flights will connect to Sal Island, Cabo Verde Airlines’ international hub from where it will be possible to connect to the airline’s destinations in Cabo Verde, Brazil (Fortaleza, Recife and Salvador), Senegal (Dakar), Nigeria (Lagos), and Europe (Lisbon, Paris , Milan and Rome).

In addition to the hub connections in Sal Island, Cabo Verde Airlines’ Stopover program allows passengers to stay up to 7 days in Cabo Verde and thus explore the diverse experiences on the archipelago at no additional cost on airline tickets.

This new connection seeks to strengthen the company’s presence in the North American market. Recently, Cabo Verde Airlines also decided to reinforce its connections to Boston, with one more call per week, which will start operating from December 14th.

Forbes: United Airlines’ Next CEO Scott Kirby Used To Count Cards. Now He Counts Regional Jets.

Recommended reading: From Forbes. J. Scott Kirby, formerly of America West, US Airways and American Airlines, will take over United Airlines in May 2020. As previously reported, J. Scott Kirby, President (right above), will succeed Oscar Munoz (left above) as Chief Executive Officer. Read the full story on his background.

American Airlines partners with Gary Sinise Foundation Snowball Express as official airline partner

American Airlines made this announcement:

On December 7, nearly 1,000 American Airlines team member volunteers will work with the Gary Sinise Foundation to bring more than 1,700 family members of fallen soldiers to Orlando, Florida, for five days of fun and fellowship at the 14th Annual Snowball Express. The event offers inspirational programs, fostering critical peer-to-peer support for them during the holiday season.

During the trip, families will visit Walt Disney World® Resort in Orlando, Florida, where they will also have direct access to complimentary resources such as counseling services; application support for educational scholarships; education about and access to medical and government benefits; financial counseling and assistance; mentoring; and aid for those with special needs or disabilities. Gary Sinise Foundation Snowball Express (GSF SBE) will offer a variety of activities and entertainment, including a concert from Gary Sinise and the Lt. Dan Band.

As the official airline of GSF SBE, American is transporting the families from 87 cities via chartered and commercial flights. American’s 13 charter flights will bring the families to Orlando International Airport from every corner of the world, some stopping at up to three locations to pick up additional participants along the way.

Snowball Express 2019

Charter cities include:

Atlanta
Charlotte, North Carolina
Chicago
Colorado Springs, Colorado
Dallas-Fort Worth
Detroit
Fayetteville, North Carolina
Houston
Indianapolis
Kansas City, Missouri
Killeen-Fort Hood, Texas
Los Angeles
Nashville, Tennessee
New York
Norfolk, Virginia
Phoenix
Pittsburgh
Sacramento, California
Salt Lake City
San Antonio
Seattle
Washington, D.C.

American team members volunteer their time in a variety of ways, including hosting special send-off celebrations at each of the departure airports, staffing the flights, assisting with activities, “decking the gates” with holiday decorations and providing refreshments and entertainment — all to make sure Snowball Express families have a remarkable experience they’ll treasure forever.

“Ten years ago in Atlanta, my general manager told me we’d have the honor of hosting one of the Snowball Express charter stops at our station,” Nashville Customer Service Agent and Snowball Express volunteer coordinator Tammy Lake-Meyers said. “The whole team pulled together to create a winter wonderland departure for the families and I’ve passionately volunteered every year since.”

Tammy and hundreds of fellow American team members donate their time and talents each year to the families of those who’ve made the ultimate sacrifice. “We hear a lot from the parents about how different their children are when they’re at Snowball,” Tammy said. “They can be happy and relax a little and not feel bad about it. Seeing the impact we have on these families and knowing we’re making a difference in their lives is incredibly rewarding.”

The annual Snowball Express event began in 2006, with a letter written by a fallen soldier to his wife, only to be opened should he perish in battle. While the letter expressed many hopes, one wish was that they visit Disneyland. Inspired by the letter, Snowball Express was created to bring together the children and surviving spouses of fallen U.S. military heroes for a healing retreat.

Avianca celebrates 100 years of flying

Avianca is celebrating its 100th anniversary with the addition of an Airbus A320 (N284AV) painted in the 1940 livery with a special “100 Anos” logo.

easyJet announces four new destinations from Bordeaux

easyJet, Europe’s top airline by its network, is pushing ahead with its local commitment and investment, adding an Airbus A320 from summer 2020 and paving the way to the launch of four new lines from Bordeaux in 2020, bringing the total to 42 lines. easyJet will thus rank as the top airline in Bordeaux for the number of available destinations.

36 new cabin crew positions will also be created, bringing the total workforce to 200 employees, two years after opening its local base.

As from summer 2020, Bordeaux residents will have a choice of four new charming seaside destinations at affordable rates: Corsica and Sardinia with Ajaccio and Figari, and Olbia in the high summer season, and Fuerteventura (Canaries) all year round.

Starting this winter, Bordeaux residents will also enjoy more frequent connections and better scheduling to Lille, Marseille and Nice, and to European cities such as Berlin, Granada, Porto and Venice. Last but not least, Catania will be available year-round as from this winter, instead of only in high season.

Using the aircraft based in Bordeaux, easyJet can put out a top-quality, ever-improving offer from the capital of the Gironde region. By 2020, the orange network will boast almost 20% extra seats, with 3 million seats available in total, of which 1 million during the winter.

Growth sustained by the easyJet base opened in 2018 is also driving job creation with 200 direct jobs signed under French law in the past two years, including 36 new hires starting in summer 2020.

easyJet aircraft photo gallery:

Wizz Air further expands in Bucharest

Wizz Air, the largest airline in Romania and one of Europe’s fastest growing airlines today announced further development of the operation in Bucharest basing 1 new Airbus A321 aircraft. The new aircraft will enter the WIZZ fleet in July 2020, and will increase the local Bucharest fleet to a total of 13.

From July 2020, Wizz Air will also launch two new exciting routes from Bucharest to Prague, in Czech Republic and Seville, in Spain, which will be only connection between the Romanian Capital and the Andalusian city.

Prague is one of the most interesting cities in Europe, ranking in top 10 most visited capital across the continent. Well renowned for its historical landmarks like the Charles Bridge above the Vltava River, the Prague Castle, or the beautiful old town square with the Astronomical Clock, Prague can also offer a glimpse into contemporary design and architecture, with the Dancing House which is one of the city landmarks. Gastronomy enthusiasts will feel like home in Prague, famous for its great beer and tasty food. So Prague offers an authentic journey into the history while also providing relaxing moments on Vltava cruises. On the other hand, Seville, the capital of the Andalusia region in Spain, offers the best of the Latin culture. The must see list needs includes places like the emblematic Giralda (the bell tower of the Cathedral), the Basilica of La Macarena, Centro Ceramica Triana or The Guadalquivir River and several enchanting gardens.

WIZZ is constantly adding new routes to the Romanian network. In the second half of 2019 WIZZ announced new destinations from Bucharest to London Southend and Edinburgh or Lyon, which offers Romanian passengers the opportunity for new travel experiences in England, Scotland and France.

With this brand new addition in the Romanian fleet, Wizz Air will have 30 based aircraft in Romania in 2020 employing more than 1,100 customer-oriented crew. Wizz Air now offers 153 routes to 20 countries from 10 Romanian airports and has just recently welcomed its 50 millionth passenger in Romania and 20 millionth passenger in Bucharest. Both of them were awarded with EUR 250 vouchers for Wizz Air flights. Wizz Air is committed to the Romanian market and offers almost 11 million seats on sale on its Romanian routes in 2020, which represents a 10% growth year over year.

Wizz Air aircraft photo gallery:

Lufthansa to restore the Munich – São Paulo route

Lufthansa mad this announcement:

Reintroduction of the Munich–São Paulo direct connection with the Airbus A350-900
Lufthansa Group offers 17 flights from Europe to São Paulo per week

Off to Latin America: Lufthansa continues to expand its offer from Munich. From now on, the airline is including the connection to São Paulo in its Munich flight schedule again. Three weekly connections with the Airbus A350-900 to the largest city in Brazil are planned. Flight number LH504 takes off in Munich on Mondays, Thursdays and Saturdays at 10:30 p.m. and arrives in São Paulo at 6:55 a.m. the following day. The return flight leaves the Brazilian metropolis at 6 p.m. local time and arrives in Munich at 9:35 the next morning. Lufthansa Group now offers a total of 17 weekly connections from Europe to São Paulo. “We are pleased to connect São Paulo with our premium hub in Munich again. For the first time ever, Lufthansa is using the Airbus A350-900 on flights to South America – the most modern and environmentally friendly long-haul aircraft in the world,” says Markus Binkert, CCO Hub Munich & Senior Vice President Marketing.

São Paulo is the most important economic, financial and cultural center of Brazil and the largest industrial conurbation in Latin America. 21 million people live in the Grande São Paulo metropolitan area, making São Paulo one of the largest cities in the world.

Airbus A350-900: the world’s most sustainable long-haul aircraft

Lufthansa is serving the new destination with an Airbus A350-900, the world’s most modern and sustainable long-haul aircraft. Its kerosene consumption averages 2.9 liters per passenger per 100 kilometers of flight, which is 25 percent less than comparable aircraft types. As a result, the A350-900 produces a quarter less greenhouse gas. The Rolls-Royce XWB engines are among the most efficient engines for large passenger aircraft currently in operation. Together with the weight savings, they result in a noise footprint reduction of 50 percent. At the same time, a modern fleet also means a significant increase in comfort for passengers. The cabin of the A350-900 has received several awards: the Economy Class received the German Design Award in 2018, and the cabin lighting received a special award at “Deutscher Lichtdesign-Preis”, the German lighting design awards. With the introduction of the Lufthansa A350-900, it is possible for the first time to provide biorhythm support with the right light at the right time. And another special feature of the A350-900: due to the special structural design, cabin pressure remains comfortable during cruising, so that passengers arrive better rested.

Lufthansa aircraft photo gallery:

Lufthansa Group confirms its long-haul destinations from Düsseldorf for the summer 2020 schedule

Lufthansa Group made this announcement:

North America focus with destinations New York, Miami and Fort Myers
From May 2020 daily service to New York-Newark (EWR)
Three times a week to Punta Cana (Dominican Republic)
Flights now bookable with Lufthansa and Eurowings

The Lufthansa Group will continue to offer attractive long-haul destinations from Düsseldorf in the summer of 2020. The two New York airports Newark (EWR) and John-F.-Kennedy (JFK) as well as Fort Myers (RSW) and Miami (MIA) in Florida offer travellers a strong North American program. In addition, Lufthansa Group continues to connect Düsseldorf with the Caribbean destination of Punta Cana in the Dominican Republic. The flights from the largest airport in North Rhine-Westphalia can now be booked via lufthansa.com and eurowings.com.

The flights are operated in cooperation with Eurowings, which uses a fleet of Airbus A330 aircraft with 283 seats. A business class product is also on board on all intercontinental routes from the NRW state capital: Passengers benefit, among other things, from a comfort seat which, at the push of a button, automatically transforms into a two-metre-long bed with a horizontal lying surface (“full flat”). Premium Economy and Economy Class are also available for bookings. The intercontinental destinations from Düsseldorf complement the growing range of flights to attractive long-haul tourist destinations with which Lufthansa, together with Eurowings, is also present at the hubs of Frankfurt and Munich. All North American flights from Düsseldorf will be offered with a Lufthansa codeshare.

Destinations from Düsseldorf in detail

From NRW’s largest airport, Lufthansa flies six times a week to New York/Newark (EWR) – from 4 May 2020 to 23 October 2020 even daily. The flight starts at 11.35 a.m. in Düsseldorf and arrives at its destination at 1.55 p.m. local time. The return flight takes off from Newark at 4.35 p.m. and arrives in Düsseldorf at 6.05 a.m. the next day.

In the summer flight schedule 2020 Lufthansa will serve New York Airport John F. Kennedy (JFK) three times a week from 27 April – on Mondays, Thursdays and Sundays. In the period between 1 June and 13 September, Lufthansa will increase the frequency to six departures per week – then a connection to JFK will be offered every day except Tuesdays. Departure from Düsseldorf is at 1.10 p.m., landing at 3.30 p.m. local time in JFK. Return is at 5.15 p.m. local time, arrival in Düsseldorf takes place at 07.00 a.m. the next day.

Lufthansa flies to Miami (MIA) three times a week – Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays. In the period from 3 June to 5 September, another flight on Sunday will supplement the service to Miami. Departure from Düsseldorf is at 12.25 p.m., landing in Miami at 4.40 p.m. local time. Return is at 6.25 p.m. local time, arrival in Düsseldorf is at 9.30 a.m. the next day.

Lufthansa will serve Fort Myers (RSW) three times a week in the 2020 summer timetable – Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays. Departures from Düsseldorf on Tuesdays and Thursdays are at 12.10 p.m. and landings at 4.30 p.m. The return flight takes off from Fort Myers at 6.15 p.m. and arrives in Düsseldorf at 9.25 a.m. the next day. On Saturdays the plane takes off at 1.15 p.m. and lands in Florida at 5.35 p.m. Return is at 7.20 p.m. – arrival in Düsseldorf is then at 10.30 a.m.

Lufthansa connects the Caribbean destination of Punta Cana (PUJ) three times a week – Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays. Departure from Düsseldorf on Wednesdays and Sundays is at 1.20 p.m., landing is at 5.25 p.m. local time in Punta Cana. Return is at 6.55 p.m. local time, arrival in Düsseldorf takes place at 10.15 a.m. the next day. On Fridays the plane takes off at 1.50 p.m. and lands at 5.55 p.m.in Punta Cana. It returns at 7.25 p.m. – arrival in Düsseldorf is then at 10.45 a.m.

Eurowings aircraft photo gallery: