Author Archives: Bruce Drum

About Bruce Drum

I have started the ultimate digital photo library of the fascinating world of airliners and airlines. The goal is to have the complete history of all airlines and the various aircraft operated. I have been photographing airplanes since 1965. Join us in this adventure.

Finnair suspends flights to Tartu for a month

Finnair will suspend its daily flights to Tartu, Estonia, from April 29 to May 31, so that an alternative approach solution that doesn’t require a GPS signal can be put in place at Tartu Airport.

The approach methods currently used at Tartu Airport are based on a GPS signal. GPS interference, which is quite common in the area, affects the usability of this approach method and can therefore prevent the aircraft from approaching and landing. Last week, two Finnair flights had to divert back to Helsinki after GPS interference prevented the approach to Tartu.

Finnair suspends its flights to Tartu for one month, during which time the aim is to build approach methods at Tartu Airport that enable a safe and smooth operation of flights without a GPS signal.

Customers who have booked flights between Helsinki and Tartu on 29.4.-31.5. will receive a cancellation message from Finnair and will be given more information of their options by text message and/or email.

Finnair is the only airline operating international flights to Tartu.

Finnair aircraft photo gallery:

Dubai Airports details reveals expansion plans for Al Maktoum International Airport (DWC)

To be attributed to Paul Griffiths, CEO of Dubai Airports:

The growth of Dubai has always been hand in hand with the growth of its aviation infrastructure and today we see another bold step on that journey. The announcement of phase two of Dubai World Central – Al Maktoum International Airport’s (DWC) expansion, representing a substantial investment of AED128 billion, marks the start of a huge investment of resources by our many stakeholders in designing and building a state-of-the-art airport that will provide a quick, convenient, and high quality 21st century experience for our customers. This further solidifies Dubai’s position as a leading aviation hub on the world stage.

DXB will continue to serve as the primary hub, meeting the needs of 100 million plus guests over the next few years as phase two of DWC takes shape.

We will be actively collaborating with our airline customers, our strategic partners, the Dubai Government, and our stakeholders to bring this visionary project to fruition.

Video:

WestJet opens up a new route to MSP from Regina

WestJet yesterday opened up a new WestJet Encore route linking Regina with Minneapolis/St. Paul.

New route! ✈🎉🥳

Starting today, @WestJet offers daily service between the Twin Cities and Regina, Saskatchewan. @flyYQR pic.twitter.com/0VyJLia4w0
— MSP Airport (@mspairport) April 28, 2024

Air France 20th Airbus A220 & A350 Cockpit Delivery Flights

From JustPlanes:

‘They thought I was a child’: US airline repeatedly registers 101-year-old as baby

American Airlines’ computers can’t handle someone born in 1922!

Read the story from The Guardian:

https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2024/apr/28/us-american-airlines-booking-system-woman-age-error

airBaltic launches direct flights from Tampere to Palma de Mallorca

airBaltic has announced the launch of direct flights between Tampere, Finland and Palma de Mallorca, Spain. Starting today, flights will operate twice a week, on Mondays and Fridays, and will continue until October.

Currently, airBaltic operates eight direct routes from Tampere to European destinations. This year, the airline plans to add 17 new routes from all its bases and has expanded its network to include seven new countries in the Balkan region.

In 2024, airBaltic will connect Finland with direct flights to 10 destinations and offer one-stop connections to more than 70 destinations in its network.

The new flights will be operated by Airbus A220-300 aircraft.

In other news, the airline issued this statement:

As the Latvian national airline, airBaltic prepares to publish its financial results for the first quarter of 2024, preliminary data already points to a strong performance. airBaltic continues to demonstrate operational excellence and confident business indicators, building on its record results for the full year of 2023. According to preliminary indicators, total revenue for Q1 is expected to reach approximately EUR 132 million, an increase of 26% as compared to the corresponding period of 2023 and the highest ever in Q1 for the airline. Passenger numbers increased by 20% compared to the first quarter of 2023 – another historical high for Q1 for airBaltic.

Significant improvements were also seen in airBaltic’s overall operational capacity, as evidenced by a 30% increase in Available Seat Kilometers (ASK) to 1.9 billion, compared to 1.5 billion in Q1 2023. The airline’s load factor has improved to 75.9% from 71%, also the best ever performance in Q1 record. Total flights, including ACMI, rose to 12.3 thousand in Q1 2024, up from 11.4 thousand in the same quarter the previous year, an 8% increase.

airBaltic plans to announce full financial results of the first three months will be presented on 22^nd of May, 2024, during an investor call, and afterwards the information will be available on the company’s website.

Position	Q1 2024 (Preliminary data)*	Q1 2023	Change
Total revenue	EUR 132.3 million	EUR 105.1 million	26%
Passengers	926 thousand	770 thousand	20%
Total flights (including ACMI)	12.3 thousand	11.4 thousand	8%
Flights	9.6 thousand	8.7 thousand	11%
ASK (billion)	1.9 billion	1.5 billion	30%
Load Factor (%)	75.9%	71%	4.9pp

* Subject to change.

airBaltic aircraft photo gallery:

SAS to join the SkyTeam Alliance on September 1

SAS made this announcement:

Today marks an exciting milestone as SkyTeam and SAS have officially signed an Alliance Adherence Agreement (AAA), serving as an important step toward SAS’ official entry into the global airline alliance. SkyTeam and SAS are committed to ensuring a seamless transition for all customers.

From September 1, 2024, SAS will officially become a part of SkyTeam, enriching the alliance with the best access to Scandinavian key hubs. This collaboration will bolster SkyTeam’s global network, offering new destinations, enhanced connectivity, and a more seamless, elevated customer journey for all travellers.

From the moment SAS joins SkyTeam, EuroBonus members will enjoy benefits across most SkyTeam airlines. EuroBonus Silver members will be recognized as SkyTeam Elite level, while Gold and Diamond members will be recognized as Elite Plus. This will offer them access to a network of 750+ airport lounges and SkyPriority services at eight airport touchpoints including priority check-in, boarding and baggage handling.

SAS customers will benefit from easy connectivity across SkyTeam’s network of 1,060+ destinations, which includes their favourites as well as previously unserved cities – particularly across Africa, Latin America and the Caribbean. SkyTeam and SAS share the vision of providing a valued customer experience through quality products, innovation, and dedicated service.

SkyTeam members serving SAS’ hubs include Air France, KLM, Delta Air Lines and Middle East Airlines (MEA).

SAS aircraft photo gallery:

KLM unveils “Travel Well” to redefine the travel experience

KLM recently launched its latest brand platform, KLM Travel Well. This platform is designed to inspire and enable travelers to make more meaningful connections with people, places and experiences when they travel.

With this platform, KLM is calling on people to move beyond the “well-traveled” autopilot that emphasizes ticking off destinations to a true “meaningful travel” experience that prioritizes real connections with people, places and experiences.

Recent research conducted by KLM with Norstat indicates that people want to change how they travel: 3 out of 4 travelers indicate they would like to travel more meaningfully on their next trip, especially Gen Z and Millennials. According to the research, a shift in travel mindset is observed: 97% of Chinese travelers express a desire for meaningful experiences on their next trip with 89% prioritizing meaningful connections with people and places over simply visiting destinations. For them, meaningful travel is all about connecting with their own self, connecting with the natural environment and enjoying spontaneity.

The decision to launch Travel Well resonates with traveler’s needs and stems from KLM’s commitment to enhancing the meaningfulness of every traveler’s journey. Guided by Travel Well, KLM will continue to prioritize genuine connections with travelers, embedding thoughtfulness and care about each and every journey into all aspects of the KLM experience: to do our own small part in creating more meaningful – and therefore more memorable and enjoyable – travel experiences.

KLM, an enabler to a more connected and meaningful travel experience

KLM strives to inspire travelers to explore new destinations and embrace diverse cultures, while facilitating opportunities for meaningful connections along the way. By introducing next-generation aircraft, integrating AI technology, offering more spacious seating, fine dining, augmented entertainment and other service upgrades both on the ground and in the air, we ensure enhanced comfort for every traveler. In addition, through our travel guides, curated recommendations for places and activities, we enable travelers to delve deeper into the cultural fabric of their destinations, weaving connections with local communities and experiences.

KLM offers travelers the opportunity to purchase an additional SAF contribution during booking, which helps to reduce air travel’s dependence on fossil fuels and makes a meaningful contribution to sustainable air travel.

The Travel Well platform is just the beginning of KLM’s multi-year commitment to enable people to make more meaningful connections with people, places and experiences while traveling. KLM has been committed to providing world-class service to its Chinese customers since its first commercial flight to China in 1948. In the Spring/Summer 2024 season, KLM will operate 23 weekly passenger flights to Amsterdam Airport Schiphol from March 31 to October 26, from 4 destinations in Greater China: Beijing (7 weekly flights), Shanghai (7 weekly flights), Hong Kong (4 weekly flights) and Taipei (5 weekly flights). The flights will be operated with Boeing 777 and 787-9 aircraft.

KLM aircraft photo gallery:

Condor Airbus A330neo touches down in Vancouver

Condor Airlines (DE) flight #DE2454 from Frankfurt arrived in Vancouver on April 25. The nonstop route to Frankfurt is now serviced by the airline’s new Airbus A330neo aircraft sporting Condor’s eye-catching, striped branding.

The A330neo arrived in Vancouver just in time for the start of the summer transatlantic travel season, when Condor will offer five flights weekly (Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday) to its Frankfurt hub, with easy connections to 100+ destinations throughout Europe and beyond. The A330neo will replace the previous generation of Boeing 767 aircraft and will significantly reduce Condor’s operating costs and offer increased passenger and cargo capacity into the Vancouver market.

The A330neo is the new version of the popular A330 widebody. Incorporating the latest generation Rolls-Royce Trent 7000 engines, new wings and aerodynamic innovations, the aircraft reduces Condor’s fuel consumption and CO₂emissions by 20 percent. The A330neo consumes just 2.1 liters per passenger per 100 kilometers flown – — well below the industry average. It is the first aircraft in the world already certified for the regulatory reduction in CO₂emissions, which will be required by 2028, and that subsequently will reduce travelers’ environmental footprint. The A330neo supports state-of-the-art flight and navigation systems tailored to Condor’s exacting requirements, resulting in more noise- and CO₂-efficient approach and departure procedures, even at particularly high-altitude airports, reducing noise pollution by up to 60 percent.

Unrivalled Passenger Comfort Inflight

Condor’s A330neo will offer unrivalled inflight passenger comfort and will accommodate 310 passengers, featuring 30 seats in Business, 64 seats in Premium Economy and 216 seats in Economy class. The A330neo features an award-winning, whisper quiet Airspace cabin, providing passengers with a high level of comfort, ambience, and design. This includes offering more personal space, larger overhead bins, a new lighting system, and the ability to offer the latest in-flight entertainment systems and connectivity. The A330neo also features a state-of-the-art cabin air system, ensuring a clean and safe environment during the flight.

Best-in-Class, New Business and Premium Economy Class

The new Condor Business Class offers 30, lie-flat (180 degree) seats in a 1-2-1 configuration with direct aisle access for all guests. The seat conveniently converts to a 76-inch long by 19-inch-wide bed. Business Class guests have access to the latest movies, series, podcasts, and games, all accessible on a 17.3-inch screen in 4K mode, with touchscreen and remote control. The first row of Business Class will also feature four “Prime Seats”, with added space large enough to accommodate two guests who wish to dine together and an extra large, 24-inch entertainment screen. The “Prime Seats” will feature added in-flight amenities including a premium travel kit, inflight pajamas and a premium snack basket.

In Premium Economy Class, guests enjoy more personal space thanks to a generous extra seat pitch of 35 inches and a greater backrest angle of up to six inches. In addition, the multi-adjustable headrest and footrest at every seat ensure a significantly more comfortable flight experience. Both the Premium Economy Class and Economy Class seats have 13.3-inch in-seat 4K monitors with touchscreens, which can be used to enjoy the extensive in-flight-program. Condor’s A330neo features a 2-4-2 seating configuration in both classes.

A brand-new feature awaits guests in all three classes: Condor’s new A330neo offers high-speed broadband internet and onboard connectivity. The latest in-flight-entertainment technology provides a wide of films, series, and podcasts. Each seat has an extra holder for mobile device, so that streaming is also possible. In addition, personal Bluetooth headphones can be connected to the aircraft’s in-flight-entertainment system.

The cabin also features mood lighting in all three classes that can be individually adjusted to suit the time of day. This helps guests aboard to fall asleep easily and wake up more relaxed.

Modern Elegance with Stylish Accents

Visually, the new cabin product impresses with a stylish color concept featuring the “Condor Marina” and “Condor Earth” color schemes as well as subtle stripes as a recurring design element. This includes a striped badge on every seat as well as uniformly striped headrest covers in Business and Premium Economy Class. This complements Condor’s new branding which is proudly displayed on the exterior of each A330neo. The design of the cabin was implemented by the design agency müller/romca industrial design based in Kiel. Remo Masala, owner of the visionalphabet agency in Berlin, who designed Condor’s new brand identity, guided the process with creative direction.

Along with Vancouver, this summer Condor will operate from a total of 18 North American cities to Frankfurt: including Toronto (YYZ), Calgary (YYC), Edmonton (YEG) and Halifax (YHZ) in Canada and New York (JFK), Los Angeles (LAX), Seattle (SEA), San Francisco (SFO), Boston (BOS), Baltimore (BWI), Miami, (MIA), Portland (PDX), Minneapolis (MSP), Las Vegas (LAS), Phoenix (PHX), San Antonio (SAT), and Anchorage (ANC).

Condor aircraft photo gallery:

Capital A and AirAsia Group sign a conditional sale and purchase agreement on the divestment of Capital A’s airline business

consideration for Capital A’s disposal and correspondingly, AirAsia Group’s acquisition amounting to RM6.8 billion, to be fulfilled with shares and debt settlement
Capital A’s shareholders’ equity to turn positive for the first time in 14 quarters following the divestment, while AirAsia X’s shareholders’ equity to also strengthen post-transaction
AirAsia Group to fortify its position as the largest low cost carrier in Asia, with a win-win “One Airline” strategy set to transform the face of global low cost travel
AirAsia Group’s ultimate vision to create a global network airline based on the robust narrowbody fleet with enhanced operational efficiency and extended range capabilities to lower cost

Capital A Berhad (“Capital A”) and AirAsia Group Sdn Bhd (“AirAsia Group”), the newly incorporated entity that will eventually be the holding company of AirAsia X Berhad (“AirAsia X”), announced it has signed a conditional sale and purchase agreement for Capital A’s strategic divestment and AirAsia Group’s strategic acquisition of its aviation businesses (the “Transaction”). This landmark agreement, approved by the boards of Capital A and AirAsia X, is expected to catalyse AirAsia to its next growth phase to become the world’s first low-cost network carrier and redefine the aviation industry landscape.

Under the terms of the agreement and subject to requisite approvals, the Transaction includes two parts:

The divestment of AirAsia Aviation Group Limited (AAAGL), consisting of AirAsia subsidiaries in Thailand, Indonesia, the Philippines and Cambodia, will be fulfilled through the issuance of new AirAsia Group shares to Capital A worth RM3 billion. Following this divestment, Capital A will immediately distribute-in-specie RM2.2 billion worth of the newly issued AirAsia Group shares to Capital A shareholders. Upon the completion of the proposed divestment and AirAsia X proposal, Capital A is expected to retain 18.39% of the enlarged issued shares of AirAsia Group.
The divestment of AirAsia Berhad, otherwise known as AirAsia Malaysia, for RM3.8 billion, to be satisfied by AirAsia Group’s assumption of RM3.8 billion of debt owed by Capital A to AirAsia Berhad.

Shareholders from both sides stand to gain as the value of the aviation assets is realised. Prior to the Transaction, AirAsia X’s shares and listing status will be transferred to AirAsia Group, effectively materialising the corporate structure of an enlarged aviation group, with AirAsia X’s shareholders then holding shares in AirAsia Group. The issuance of free warrants acts as a token of appreciation for shareholders’ continued support, while also providing them with the option to enhance their equity participation and contribute to the future growth trajectory of the enlarged aviation business. In recognition of the Transaction’s magnitude, a private placement is also proposed to fortify AirAsia Group’s financial standing, increase its shareholder base and improve the trading liquidity of its shares. From the perspective of AirAsia X shareholders, the allure lies in gaining access to an unlocked value of RM6.8 billion through a RM3 billion new shares issuance. This investment grants them ownership in a mature and ongoing airline business operation, comprising four established airlines that collectively form Asean’s most extensive short-haul network, consolidating AirAsia Group’s position as the largest low-cost carrier in Asean.

Capital A shareholders stand to benefit significantly as the proposed divestment is expected to unlock RM6.8 billion in value of Capital A’s aviation business, more than double the current market capitalisation of the group. Following the divestment and the distribution-in-specie of RM2.2 billion worth of new AirAsia Group shares, Capital A shareholders will maintain direct ownership in the combined aviation businesses, ensuring access to future growth opportunities. Moreover, post-divestment, Capital A will retain four high-growth, aviation-focused core businesses, including Capital A Aviation Services, Teleport, MOVE Digital, and Capital A International, all poised for continued growth and diversification.

AirAsia X (Malaysia) aircraft photo gallery: