Lufthansa increases sleeping comfort in Business Class

Lufthansa made this announcement:

From now on, Lufthansa Business Class passengers on long-haul flights to and from South Africa, Latin and South America and the West Coast of the USA can enjoy an even more relaxed night’s sleep. The Lufthansa Dream Collection makes it possible! In addition to a new pillowcase and a large, warm blanket, a comfortable mattress topper makes for beautiful dreams. In addition, our passengers can make themselves comfortable on night flights with the new sleep shirt from Van Laack.

The soft and padded mattress topper was developed especially for Lufthansa in cooperation with the renowned German bed manufacturer “Paradies”. While the upper side is made of 100 percent cotton, the underside is made of non-slip terry cloth. This enables an ideal air exchange, which prevents strong heat accumulation. A similarly soft filling is provided by the new blanket and pillow, which provide pleasant warmth and comfort. Both the blanket and the pillowcase are designed in Lufthansa’s new brand design. Since Lufthansa is also setting standards in terms of environmental friendliness, the plastic packaging of the blanket was replaced by a paper banderole.

The increase in sleeping comfort in Business Class is symbolic of Lufthansa’s premium standard. Last December, the airline was the first western airline to receive the five-star seal from Skytrax, the British management consultancy specialized in aviation.

The Dream Collection will be successively introduced on all other long-haul flights. From June the Dream Collection from Germany will also be available on selected Asian flights. The other long-haul flights will receive the new blankets and pillowcases from autumn 2018.

Photos: Lufthansa.

SAS becomes the first Nordic airline to launch high speed WiFi

Scandinavian Airlines-SAS made this announcement:

Passengers on SAS short and medium haul routes will now have access to a stable, fast and strong WiFi signal, enabling them to stream and work inflight problem-free.

Today, May 16, 2018, SAS is launching new high speed WiFi on its short and medium haul routes between Scandinavia and Europe. The new WiFi system from SAS is the best product on the market. It is more stable, stronger and faster than many other solutions found in the industry today. This means that passengers can now stream their favorite movies, use social media, send images from their seat or answer their emails.

“We have made a big investment that will ensure that our customers enjoy the best inflight experience. Together with our recent fleet order, this will strengthen SAS’ competitiveness even further and maintain our strong position in the Scandinavian market,” says Rickard Gustafson, President and CEO of SAS.

Passengers will be able to start streaming and go online as soon as the aircraft is airborne.

The new WiFi system also makes for more efficient operations.

SAS WiFi has already been installed in 28 aircraft, and by September, around 40 aircraft will have the new high speed WiFi installed. SAS expects the vast majority of its fleet to be WiFi enabled by the first quarter of 2020.

“Fast and stable WiFi connection is a service passengers ask for today. Regardless if you want to watch a movie, stay connected with friends and family or work onboard, you require a reliable highspeed connection. By this investment we continue to deliver on our promise to make life easier for our customers” says Rickard Gustafson.

10 times faster than traditional WiFi onboard

SAS WiFi is based on a satellite communication system supplied by Viasat Inc.; a global company from California, USA, that supplies internet services to private and public organizations, the military and airlines, including US government aircraft, Qantas and Jetblue.

“Viasat’s satellite-based inflight internet service taps the power of the world’s most powerful satellites. This enables the service to be 10x faster than traditional in-flight WiFi services,” says Don Buchman, General Manager & Vice President, Viasat Inc. Commercial Aviation.

The Viasat Ka-Sat satellite is behind SAS WiFi. Ka-Sat orbits Earth at around 28,000 kmph and has 82 signal points around Europe. Every time a passenger accesses a website inflight, a signal is sent to and from a point on Earth.

More facts about SAS Wifi:

Payment model
Travelers in SAS Plus, EuroBonus Diamond and Gold members enjoy free WiFi all the way. Passengers in Go pay €4.90 (or the equivalent in other currencies). Silver members will be offered free WiFi in the launch campaign period from May to 19 August.

Naturally, the SAS App is available free of charge in the air. At our onboard portal, passengers have free access to SAS websites and scandinaviantraveler.com.

Devices
SAS WiFi is optimized for use on all major operating systems (e.g. Windows, macOS, iOS and Android) and for use with all major browsers (e.g. Chrome, Firefox, Microsoft Edge and Safari). Using other systems or browsers may not provide the same full WiFi experience.

Copyright Photo: The Boeing 737-600 fleet is being replaced with new Airbus A320neo aircraft. Scandinavian Airlines-SAS Boeing 737-683 LN-RRO (msn 28288) ARN (Stefan Sjogren). Image: 941879.

SAS aircraft slide show:

Flybe announces its future fleet plans

https://airlinersgallery.smugmug.com/Airlines-Europe-1/Airlines-United-Kingdom/Flybe/i-Kk4kq4N/A

Flybe made this announcement:

After a comprehensive review of regional aircraft options, Flybe Group plc (‘Flybe’), Europe’s largest regional airline, has concluded that the Bombardier Q400 is the best core aircraft for its current and future needs. It will therefore remain as the backbone of the Flybe fleet for the foreseeable future.

The Q400 is faster than the alternative turboprops, with a performance close to jet aircraft over the relatively short sectors that Flybe operates. In addition, with excellent operating economics including turboprop fuel efficiency, it is cheaper to operate than similar-sized jet aircraft, and has a much smaller noise footprint. Flybe will however continue to operate a number of Embraer E175 jets for longer or busier routes.

Flybe’s stated strategy is to reduce its overall fleet and to concentrate on profitable routes only. In the past twelve months, Flybe handed back six older end-of-lease Q400s. With a further planned handback of all nine Embraer 195 jets, the overall fleet is well on the way to reducing in size from 85 at its peak in May 2017, to a target of around 70 aircraft by early 2020.

Flybe’s Q400 fleet remains a relatively young one, with an average age of just over 10 years. The airline has accordingly concluded that it will retain its remaining Q400 aircraft and, where economic, extend their service lives. This will save considerable capital expenditure over the next few years, by avoiding the requirement to acquire new aircraft.

Flybe still has a heritage order for four Embraer E175s due in 2019. These will be delivered with new ‘winglet technology’ to help reduce fuel consumption. Apart from these, Flybe is not planning any additional new aircraft orders for the foreseeable future.

Flybe CEO, Christine Ourmières- Widener said: “Flybe’s strategy is to reduce the fleet size to an optimum level and make the business demand-driven rather than capacity-led. Our fleet configuration is an important part of that strategy. We examined exhaustively all the options and concluded the Bombardier Q400 is the best core aircraft for us. Its superior economy, speed and quietness is ideal for a regional airline such as ourselves. Together with a number of Embraer E175s, our future fleet will be the optimum required for our specific regional route network.”

Fred Cromer, President, Bombardier Commercial Aircraft added: “We are delighted that Flybe, our long-term customer and largest Q400 operator, remains committed to the Q400 as its preferred turboprop. With its jet-like performance, industry-leading reliability and unbeatable economics, we are glad that the Q400 turboprop will continue to support Flybe as the airline further imposes itself as one of Europe’s leading regional providers.”

John Slattery, President & CEO of Embraer Commercial Aviation commented: “Flybe’s commitment to the E175 as its regional jet of choice is a great endorsement of the type as a key part of its wider fleet. Now, introducing in its fleet the most updated version of the E175 with lower fuel burn, Flybe will enjoy even greater operating economics on their jet-service routes. We are looking forward to continuing to support and work with Flybe in the future.”

Copyright Photo: Flybe (British European 2nd) Bombardier DHC-8-402 (Q400) G-ECOH (msn 4221) (Scotland) AMD (Ton Jochems). Image: 941876.

Flybe aircraft slide show:

Air France-KLM, Delta Air Lines and Virgin Atlantic sign definitive agreements to strengthen trans-Atlantic partnership

Air France-KLM, Delta Air Lines and Virgin Atlantic Limited on May 15, 2018 signed definitive agreements paving the way forward for their expanded trans-Atlantic joint venture:

The Joint Venture Agreement signed between Air France-KLM, Delta and Virgin Atlantic sets out the governance as well as the commercial and operational terms of the expanded trans-Atlantic Joint Venture.
Upon completion, Air France-KLM will acquire a 31 percent stake in Virgin Atlantic currently held by Virgin Group for £220 million.
Virgin Group will retain a 20 percent stake and Chairmanship of Virgin Atlantic.
Delta will retain its 49 percent stake.

Air France-KLM, Delta and Virgin Atlantic will now coordinate efforts to secure the appropriate regulatory approvals.

The airlines’ expanded joint venture will become the preferred choice for customers travelling across the Atlantic offering the most comprehensive route network, convenient flight schedules, competitive fares and reciprocal frequent flyer benefits, including the ability to earn and redeem miles across all carriers. Customers will also benefit from the co-location of facilities at key hub airports to improve connectivity and access to each carrier’s airport lounges for premium passengers.

The signed agreements are all subject to regulatory approvals.

Copyright Photo: Once finalized, Virgin Atlantic will have a new ownership structure. Virgin Atlantic Airways Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner G-VNEW (msn 40956) “Birthday Girl” LHR (SPA). Image: 941875.

Virgin Atlantic aircraft slide show:

The first TAP Airbus A330neo completes its first flight

Airbus made this announcement:

The first A330neo for launch operator TAP Air Portugal – MSN1819 – completed its 4:32 hours maiden flight on May 15, 2018.

The aircraft now joins the fleet of two A330-900 test aircraft already performing flight tests since October 19, 2017.

MSN 1819 is the first aircraft fitted with the Airspace cabin by Airbus. It is equipped with light Flight Test Instrumentation during its test phase to check cabin systems such as air conditioning, crew rest etc.

With over 1,700 orders, the A330 is the most popular wide-body aircraft ever, performing nearly 1,000,000 flights every year. Today, more than 1,400 aircraft have been delivered to almost 120 customers worldwide on a wide range of routes, from domestic and regional flights to long range intercontinental services.

Offering the lowest operating costs in its category, and thanks to continuous investments in latest innovations, the new generation A330neo is the most profitable and best performing aircraft in its size category. The A330neo first delivery is planned in summer 2018.

The A330neos will usher the brand-new Airspace by Airbus cabin concept, a consumer-centric cabin developed with passengers at heart and airlines in mind around the four pillars: Comfort, Ambience, Service and Design. These cabin options will ensure that the A330neos will set the benchmark in passenger experience and airline value, alongside its widebody partner, the A350 XWB.

Photo: Airbus. The pictured Airbus A330-941N F-WWKM (msn 1819) will become CS-TUA on delivery.

Boeing statement on WTO ruling

Boeing issued this statement:

The World Trade Organization (WTO) today in its final decision found that the European Union (EU) has failed to honor multiple previous rulings and has provided more than $22 billion of illegal subsidies to European aircraft maker Airbus. After examining this case for more than a decade, the WTO has determined the EU must end its unfair business practices and remedy the ongoing harm caused by the illegal subsidies.

This landmark ruling by the WTO Appellate Body is the final decision in this case, which was initiated in 2006. Today’s decision ends the dispute and clears the way for the United States Trade Representative (USTR) to seek remedies in the form of tariffs against European imports to the United States.

The authorized tariffs are likely to total billions in duties per year, unless and until Airbus addresses the illegal subsidies it received from European governments for its most recently launched airplanes. It is anticipated that U.S. tariffs will be authorized up to the amount of annual harm this market-distorting tactic is causing. Tariffs could be scheduled as early as 2019. This is expected to be the largest-ever WTO authorization of retaliatory tariffs.

“Today’s final ruling sends a clear message: disregard for the rules and illegal subsidies is not tolerated. The commercial success of products and services should be driven by their merits and not by market-distorting actions,” said Dennis Muilenburg, Boeing chairman, president and CEO. “Now that the WTO has issued its final ruling, it is incumbent upon all parties to fully comply as such actions will ultimately produce the best outcomes for our customers and the mutual health of our industry. We appreciate the tireless efforts of the U.S. Trade Representative over the 14 years of this investigation to strengthen the global aerospace industry by ending illegal subsidies.”

The U.S. government, with Boeing’s full support, has complied with WTO rulings stemming from the two cases the EU brought against the United States. One case has already ended in favor of the United States, and in the other, the vast majority of the allegations the EU made against the United States and Boeing were dismissed. Where there were narrow rulings against U.S. practices, they have been fully addressed to the WTO’s satisfaction.

Just one finding against the United States now remains before the WTO, which concerns a Washington state tax measure. It is under appeal and should be decided later this year or in early 2019. Boeing believes that ruling will be reversed, but if not, Boeing has pledged to do whatever necessary to come into full compliance in the interest of upholding rules-based trade, which is essential to fairness and the future prosperity of the global aerospace industry.

Dinner with the Queen: United Airlines MileagePlus members can dine with aviation royalty

(PRNewsfoto/United Airlines)

United Airlines made this announcement:

To celebrate United Airlines’ (UAL) recently retired fleet of iconic Boeing 747-400 aircraft, MileagePlus Exclusives is giving MileagePlus members a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to spend the weekend of June 1-3, 2018 with the “Queen of the Skies.”

Through an auction currently live on the MileagePlus Exclusives website, members can bid miles to travel to Tupelo, Mississippi (below) for a private tour of Universal Asset Management (UAM) Aircraft Disassembly Center, an aviation asset management facility that is currently home to a number of retired United 747-400 aircraft. The tour will culminate with a champagne toast in the 747 first-class cabin of N118UA, followed by dinner under the belly of the aircraft, which operated the airline’s final 747 revenue flight last year.

In total, MileagePlus Exclusives is offering only five packages for this one-of-a-kind event – two packages are available to bid on by all MileagePlus members, two packages are reserved for bids from MileagePlus Premier members and one package is for United MileagePlus Cardmembers. Each package is for two guests.

Package Details:

Roundtrip United Economy® domestic airfare for two to Memphis, Tennessee
Two-night hotel accommodations at a Marriott hotel property in Memphis
- Check-in: Friday, June 1, 2018
- Check out: Sunday, June 3, 2018
Access for two to tour UAM’s hangar and aircraft disassembly center that holds some of United’s 747s on Saturday, June 2, 2018
- Tail numbers: N118UA, N117UA and N121UA
Access for two to tour UAM’s Global Distribution Center on Saturday, June 2, 2018
A champagne toast in the first-class cabin of a United 747 on Saturday, June 2, 2018
Complimentary dinner outside with the “Queen of the Skies” on Saturday, June 2, 2018
Roundtrip shuttle bus transportation from Memphis to Tupelo on Saturday, June 2, 2018

“Through MileagePlus Exclusives, we aim to offer our members access to unique experiences that money can’t buy, and there’s no better example of that then getting up close with the 747 in a setting not typically experienced by the public,” said Luc Bondar, president of MileagePlus Holdings and vice president of loyalty at United Airlines. “We’re thrilled to be able to offer this uniquely United chance of a lifetime to aviation and engineering enthusiasts.”

MileagePlus members have until May 24 to bid for this experience. To claim your spot visit: https://exclusives.mileageplus.com/747-400a

In addition to this exciting experience, in July, MileagePlus members will have an opportunity to own a piece of three United 747s. Members will be able to bid on or buy parts of this historic aircraft fleet, including tail numbers, windows and more. For details, visit: https://exclusives.mileageplus.com/747-400a

United’s final revenue flight operated by a 747 took place on November 7, 2017, when the airline recreated its very first 747 flight, flying from San Francisco to Honolulu.

Air Italy unveils its first Boeing 737-8 MAX 8 at Milan Malpensa

Air Italy (3rd) (Milan-Malpensa), as previously reported, took delivery of its first Boeing 737-8 MAX 8 (EI-GFY) on May 12, 2018 in Seattle. Two days later the rebranded carrier, with officials from part-owner Qatar Airways standing by, welcomed the new airliner to the Milan Malpensa base with the water cannon salute (top) and the official unveiling. A ribbon-cutting ceremony was also held with Qatar Airways CEO Al Baker presiding (below).

All photos by Marco Finelli.

Air Italy has 19 additional copies on order.

New crew uniforms were also introduced.

Below Photo: Officially the new MAX 8s are designated as Boeing 737-8s as detailed on the data plate.

The first Air Italy MAX 8 is due to go into revenue service tomorrow (May 16) from MXP to Naples and Palermo.

In addition, the former Qatar Airways A330-203 A7-ACE (msn 571) (below) has now become EI-GFX and is being painted for Air Italy at Dublin. Qatar Airways is leasing five 260-seat Airbus A330-200s to Air Italy pending the delivery of new Boeing 787-8 Dreamliners in 2019.

Air Italy is an Italian airline fully owned by AQA Holding (51% Alisarda and 49% Qatar Airways), with its headquarters in Olbia. The company was established with the name of Alisarda on March 29, 1963, with the aim of promoting tourism to Sardinia.

In 1991 the name was changed to Meridiana. Following a merger with charter carrier Eurofly and the acquisition of the charter company Air Italy the airline became the most important Italian player in international leisure flights.

In December 2017 growth towards new domestic, medium-haul and long haul destinations from Milan Malpensa was announced reflecting a major strategic shift for the company.

In February 2018 a new corporate identity was presented and the company was rebranded as Air Italy.

Beginning in May 2018, Air Italy will add new domestic routes from Milan to Rome, Naples, Palermo, Catania, Lamezia Terme scheduled for connection to its newest long-range destinations including New York, Miami and Bangkok (starting in September 2018).

Its network also includes direct international flights from Milan Malpensa to Accra, Cairo, Dakar, Havana, Lagos, Mombasa, Moscow, Zanzibar and, from its Olbia Costa Smeralda hub, year-round scheduled services to Rome, Milan Linate and seasonal ones to a wide range of domestic and regional destinations.

Air Italy’s fleet, currently comprising 8 Boeing 737 NGs and 3 Boeing 767-300s, will be progressively renewed with 8 new aircraft – 3 brand new Boeing 737 MAX 8s and 5 Airbus A330-200s joining during 2018 and with the full retirement of the Boeing 767-300 by the end of 2018.

All photos by Marco Finelli, reporting from Milan.

Top Copyright Photo: Air Italy (3rd) Boeing 737-8 MAX 8 EI-GFY (msn 64605) MXP (Marco Finelli). Image: 941855.

Air Italy (3rd) aircraft slide show:

KLM flies sustainably to new destination Växjö

Starting on May 14, 2018, KLM Royal Dutch Airlines is flying to Växjö, Sweden every day and does so as sustainable as possible. This means KLM not only purchases sustainable biojet fuel for the route, it also compensates the total remaining carbon dioxide emissions of all flights through KLM’s CO2ZERO service.

“KLM is involved intensively in flying as environment friendly as possible, for instance, by investing in sustainable biojet fuel. I am pleased that KLM and Växjö Småland Airport are compensating jointly for the total CO₂ emissions of flights to and from Växjö. This makes Växjö – our most sustainable destination – a valuable addition to the KLM network. It is one more step towards making aviation more sustainable, in which cooperation with local partners is crucial. Support from other companies, governments, and other airlines is necessary if we are to make aviation truly sustainable.”

KLM President & CEO, Pieter Elbers

Biojet fuel on the Växjö route
KLM has been using sustainable biojet fuel since 2009 and uses it in part for all flights from Los Angeles because it is the only place with a refinery. To make flights to Växjö as sustainable as possible, KLM is investing in 120,000 litres of biojet fuel per year to the new Swedish destination. KLM guarantees that it will purchase 5% biojet fuel based on all flights to and from Växjö. By expanding the KLM Corporate BioFuel Programme in Sweden, local companies will be able to invest in sustainable biojet fuel.

Sustainable biojet fuel contributes significantly to making aviation more sustainable, but is still two to three times more expensive than fossil fuel. Södra, Sweden’s largest cooperative of forest owners, based in Växjö, will be the first non-Dutch partner in the KLM Corporate BioFuel Programme. Together with Södra and the City of Växjö, KLM and SkyNRG will also investigate the feasibility of producing biojet fuel in the region around Växjö.

CO₂ compensation on the Växjö route
As it is not yet possible to fly entirely on sustainable biojet fuel, KLM and Växjö Småland Airport are joining forces to pay jointly for the total CO₂ compensation for flights to and from Växjö. The money will go to the reforestation initiative CO2OL Tropical Mix in Panama, a ‘Gold Standard for the Global Goals’ project. The project converts degraded meadows into mixed forests by planting a mix of native tree species and some exotic species. In addition, the project’s activities create long-term employment thereby providing a sustainable source of income for the local population.

Växjö
Växjö is the capital of the Kronoberg region located in the south of Sweden. The city has an entrepreneurial climate and a renowned university. It is surrounded by beautiful nature, offers a wide range of outdoor activities, and has an excellent gastronomic reputation.

Photo: KLM.

American Airlines announces changes to emotional support animal policy

American Airlines has announced changes to its emotional support animal policy. In the latest episode of Tell Me Why, American’s vodcast series for team members that shares the “why” behind the decisions we make, Albert Rizzi, founder and chief executive officer of My Blind Spot, Inc., talks about working with Suzanne Boda, American’s Senior Vice President, Los Angeles, to develop these changes. He also discusses how we support our customers who have disabilities and what we’ve done to ensure we make decisions that maximize both inclusiveness and safety.

You can watch Tell Me Why and read more about the emotional support animal policy changes below. You can also download Tell Me Why as a podcast from iTunes or Google Play.

https://player.vimeo.com/video/267482594

5 Things You Should Know

We support the rights of customers, from veterans to people with disabilities, with legitimate needs for a trained service or support animal. Unfortunately, untrained animals can lead to safety issues for our team, our customers and working dogs onboard our aircraft.
American, like other airlines, has experienced an increase in customers who are transporting a service or support animal onboard our aircraft — more than 40 percent from 2016 to 2017.
Prior to enacting these changes to our animal policy, which will become effective July 1, American met with a number of disability groups to get their input, including American Association of People with Disabilities, Paralyzed Veterans of America, American Council for the Blind and My Blind Spot. At American, we want to have policies and procedures in place that protect our team members and our customers who have a real need for a trained service or support animal. We appreciate the dialogue and partnership we have with these organizations.
Some of the changes include additional restrictions on animal types, including insects, hedgehogs and goats. American will now enforce the existing 48-hour advanced notice and pre-clearance policy for emotional support animals, but will have procedures in place for emergency travel booked within 48 hours of departure.
Details regarding our policies are available here.

Photo: American Airlines.