Norfolk Island Airlines to end all operations

Norfolk Island Airlines issued this statement on February 26, 2018:

Norfolk Island Airlines advises that effective from the March 18, 2018 the airline is cancelling all passenger services.

Over the last 12 months the airline has endeavored to provide Norfolk Island with additional independent passenger services to Auckland and Brisbane.

The airline was the only business that came forward to try and solve the damage to the Island economy due to the loss of direct New Zealand services. The direct Auckland service proved to be unprofitable, due to increase charges applied to the route after the decision was made to commence operations, and now with the loss of the Auckland service these same increased operating costs have resulted in continued passenger operations, to and from Brisbane, not being sustainable.

The decision to cancel these passenger services has not been made lightly and has been made in the best interests of all our customers to ensure all passengers receive a full refund. Norfolk Island Airlines appreciates the effect of these cancellations on customers and will be working tirelessly over the next two weeks to ensuring all affected passengers are refunded in a timely manner.

The last Norfolk Island Airlines scheduled service will be ON346 Norfolk Island to Brisbane on the March 17, 2018.

Norfolk Island Airlines wishes to thank all of those who have supported the airline passenger services and advise that we plan to continue to support Norfolk Island through the provision of freighter Air services into the Island.

Nauru Airlines has been operating its Boeing 737-300s for the virtual carrier from Norfolk Island to Brisbane.

Nauru Airlines aircraft slide show:

KLM cancels flights due to weather conditions

KLM issued this statement on March 1, 2018:

Owing to a strong easterly wind, runway capacity at Schiphol is currently restricted. In addition, wintery conditions in the United Kingdom have caused airports to halt or restrict operations. As a result, various KLM flights have been delayed. At present, 39 European return flights have been cancelled as well. This number may increase during the course of the day. Passengers affected will be personally notified and rebooked onto other flights. Passengers are likely to be faced with delays for the remainder of the day. We advise our passengers to keep a close eye on KLM.com for the latest departure and arrival information.

Frontier Airlines adds flights between Providence and Myrtle Beach

Frontier Airlines has announced its tenth destination from Providence’s T.F. Green International Airport (PVD) with new flights to Myrtle Beach, S.C. beginning in May. The route is on top of new, low-cost, nonstop flights to Atlanta Hartsfield Jackson International Airport (ATL) and Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS).

Frontier is the only airline offering nonstop flights to Austin, Charlotte, Denver and Raleigh-Durham.

Summary of New Service

F9 1583 Depart PVD: 5:09 p.m. Arrive MYR: 7:08 p.m.

F9 1582 Depart MYR: 2:16 p.m. Arrive PVD: 4:09 p.m.

Frequency: Tuesday, Thursday, Sunday

Service Start: May 20

Aircraft: Airbus A321

Seasonal Service

Copyright Photo: Frontier Airlines (2nd) Airbus A321-211 WL N701FR (msn 6793) (Owl) (Jacques Guillem Collection). Image: 936802.

Frontier Airlines aircraft slide show:

Austrian Airlines increases the number of flights to Tel Aviv

Austrian Airlines will fly 18 times each week from Vienna to Tel Aviv starting with the new summer flight schedule which takes effect on March 25, 2018.

This means up to four additional frequencies per week compared to the prior-year period. In the winter 2018/19 flight schedule, Austria’s national airline will further increase capacities: Austrian Airlines will fly up to 21 times per week to the Israeli metropolis on the Mediterranean, comprising a doubling of the number of flights compared to the 2017/18 winter flight schedule. The airline is currently assessing whether to further expand flight services from Vienna to Tel Aviv.

Austrian Airlines aircraft slide show:

Meridiana officially becomes the new Air Italy today, retires the last MD-80

Meridiana on March 1, 2018 officially became the new version of Air Italy. The old Air Italy (below) was also officially disbanded as an airline entity. It had been leasing aircraft to Meridiana under the Meridiana brand.

Above Copyright Photo: Air Italy (2nd) Boeing 767-304 ER I-AIGG (msn 28041) YYC (Chris Sands). Image: 935106.

The company issued this statement:

As anticipated during the press conference held in Milan on February,19th , and following the effectiveness of the sale of the aviation business unit of Air Italy to Meridiana fly, today the company has been renamed “AIR ITALY” SpA.

The integration of the two airlines operational activities, with the consequent unification of the personnel and of the respective organizational structures, is now completed, also thanks to ENAC (Italian Civil Aviation Authority) personnel, who fully supported AIR ITALY on technical and administration procedures.

The first long haul flight of the new AIR ITALY, IG3254, departed on March 1, 2018 at 02.00 (Italian local time) from Milan Malpensa Airport to International Abeid Amani Karume airport of Zanzibar, while the first domestic flight IG1111 from Olbia to Rome Fiumicino left the Costa Smeralda airport at 07.00 am.

The integration of the operating structures of the two carriers in the new AIR ITALY S.p.A. will deliver a better and more efficient organization focused on two main bases, Olbia for short-haul flights and Milan Malpensa for international and intercontinental flights. The currently operating Boeing 737 (top) and Boeing 767 aircraft will maintain the Meridiana livery until their phase out, while from next spring 3 Boeing 737 MAX 8 (below) and 5 Airbus A330-200 will join the fleet with the new AIR ITALY livery.

The historical “IG” code remains; it distinguished the company’s activity since its establishment in 1963, as Alisarda, transporting over 100 million passengers.

The start of the new AIR ITALY has coincided with the exit from the fleet of I-SMER, the last of the 18 MD-80 aircraft of the same series, that over 30 years have been protagonists of the history of Alisarda / Meridiana and through out the journeys of its loyal passengers. Airport and staff employees have saluted the take-off from the Olbia Costa Smeralda Airport.

Top Copyright Photo: Meridiana Boeing 737-84P WL EI-IGN (msn 35074) LGW (SPA). Image: 925445.

Meridiana aircraft slide show:

Air Italy (2nd) aircraft slide show:

Videos:

Transport Canada suspends Island Express Air’s Air Operator Certificate

Transport Canada on February 28, 2018 suspended Island Express Air’s Air Operator Certificate. The suspension prohibits the company from providing commercial air services. The department took this action in the interest of public safety due to the airline’s February 23, 2018 accident in Abbotsford, BC and its contraventions of the Canadian Aviation Regulations.

In light of these threats to public safety, Transport Canada will not allow Island Express Air to resume its commercial air service until it proves it can keep its operations consistently compliant with aviation safety regulations.

Transport Canada takes aviation safety seriously and expects all air operators to fully comply with aviation safety regulations. The department does not hesitate to take action when regulatory non-compliance is identified. We will continue to monitor Island Express Air’s actions as the company works towards compliance with aviation safety regulations.

Island Express Air describes its mission on its website:

Island Express Air is a locally owned and operated Lower Mainland air carrier providing scheduled service to Abbotsford, Vancouver, Victoria, and Nanaimo, and charter service to destinations around B.C., Canada, and the United States. The company has grown from 1 aircraft to 10 since launching service in 2007.

Island Express aircraft are all-weather certified and equipped with the latest in satellite and GPS technology, allowing pilots to receive the live weather and terrain information in the cockpit.

We are proud to have one of the best equipped multi-engine propeller fleets in the Lower Mainland. This large and diverse fleet of aircraft, including single- and multi-engine airplanes, allows us to provide affordable scheduled and charter service for any number of passengers.

Mission Statement: Island Express Air is dedicated to providing a first class flight experience, safely, on time and hassle free.

All images by Island Express Air.

Route Map:

Icelandair takes delivery of its first Boeing 737-8 MAX 8, revises its livery

Icelandair and Boeing on February 28, 2018 celebrated the delivery of the airline’s first 737 MAX airplane as the Icelandic carrier seeks to grow and renew its fleet and enhance its trans-Atlantic operations.

The MAX, a new and improved version of Boeing’s 737 airplane, will join Icelandair’s fleet of Boeing 757 and 767 jets in serving destinations throughout North America and Europe.

Icelandair placed an order for 16 737 MAXs in 2013, including the MAX 8 and larger MAX 9 models. Both airplanes offer airlines exceptional performance with lower seat-mile costs and more range (up to 3,515 nautical miles or 6,510 kilometers) to open new routes profitably.

“The arrival of the new aircraft represents a milestone, the start of the renewal of our fleet which is an exciting undertaking for Icelandair,” says Björgólfur Jóhannsson, President and CEO Icelandair. “The MAX will be an excellent addition to our fleet of Boeing 757’s and 767’s and increase both flexibility and capacity for the growth of our network, through added frequencies and new destinations.”

The 737 MAX family is powered by CFM International LEAP-1B engines, and includes design updates such as Boeing’s Advanced Technology winglet that will result in less drag and further optimize the 737 MAX performance, especially on longer-range missions. Together, these improvements reduce fuel use and CO2 emissions by at least 14 percent compared to today’s Next-Generation 737s – and by 20 percent more than the single-aisle airplanes they replace.

“The 737 MAX will complement Icelandair’s trans-Atlantic operations, continuing to seamlessly link points between North America and Europe,” said Monty Oliver, vice-president of Europe Sales, Boeing Commercial Airplanes. “The incredible operating efficiencies of the 737 MAX family will allow Icelandair to steadily and profitably grow its network in the coming years as it introduces both MAX 8s and MAX 9s into its fleet.”

The 737 MAX is the fastest-selling airplane in Boeing history, accumulating more than 4,300 orders from 93 customers worldwide.

Icelandair issued this statement and photos:

Icelandair on February 28 received TF-ICE, the first 737 MAX of three, scheduled for delivery this year. This is part of a larger order of 16 new 737 MAX 8 and 9 series aircraft scheduled for delivery through 2021.

A ribbon cutting ceremony was held for the delivery of TF-ICE with executives from Boeing and Icelandair on hand to celebrate. Boeing and Icelandair have had a partnership for 70 years and this opens a new historic era for both partners.

The plane will remain in Seattle through the first week of March for further pilot training and inspections. From there, TF-ICE heads to Keflavik where the seats will be installed and further details, including the finishing touches on the tail logo will be completed. This year, a lighter color palette and a grey belly with a cleaner tail design was chosen to represent the new livery Icelandair will showcase into the next decade.

This new aircraft will be added to Icelandair’s current fleet, of 35 exclusively Boeing aircraft, in April. The first flight for TF-ICE is scheduled on April 6, 2018 to Germany.

The 737 MAX will enhance Icelandair’s current route network and open many opportunities for planned expansion into the future.

For additional information about Icelandair and their current flight schedule, go to www.icelandair.com

Icelandair previously operated the Boeing 737-400.

Top Copyright Photo (all others by Icelandair): Icelandair Boeing 737-8 MAX 8 TF-ICE (msn 44353) BFI (Joe G. Walker). Image: 941076.

Icelandair aircraft slide show:

Review of 15-hour QANTAS flight from Los Angeles to Sydney

From the Alaska Airlines blog:

By Dave Anderson, Jones Around the World

www.jonesaroundtheworld.com

Flying from Los Angeles to Sydney is not a short distance, and normally when I complete this 15-hour journey I can’t wait to get off the plane. But not this time …

qantas wine Review: A 15 hour journey flies by, thanks to business class on Qantas, an Alaska Global Partner

The sommelier in the sky explains the extensive collection of wine in Qantas business class

This last flight, I was fortunate enough to be sitting business class with Qantas, an Alaska Airlines Global Partner.

And I honestly didn’t want to get off that plane! In fact, I could have easily done another 15-hour journey back to Los Angeles in that comfortable lay-flat bed.

The top-notch customer service, unbelievably delicious meals and endless hours of entertainment were truly outstanding, and made this international journey completely enjoyable.

Here are some of the highlights of flying with Qantas:

Put on the ‘uniform’ and get to work

img 0025 Review: A 15 hour journey flies by, thanks to business class on Qantas, an Alaska Global Partner

Dave Anderson tries on his Qantas pajamas.

After take-off, I was stoked to head to the bathroom and put on my “Qantas business class uniform,” aka, the provided designer pajamas. Then I got back into the award winning Skybed, zipped open the “Qantas Curates” amenity kit, and slathered on some luxurious moisturizer (to avoid skin dehydration during the flight).

The cabin crew welcomed everyone with a glass of bubbly, but the real fun started when the sommelier in the sky came and chatted with me about their extensive Qantas business class wine selection. I didn’t know much about wine at the time (I learned a lot more during a wine tour of Australia’s Yarra Valley), but I was definitely loving the glass of Brokenwood cab-merlot that the friendly sommelier recommended.

Right when I felt my stomach getting a tad-bit hungry, the flight attendant arrived, set up my tray table, and gave me the multi-course dinner menu (designed by leading restaurateur and Australian chef Neil Perry). I glanced through the delicious meal options, and finally came to a decision on the pumpkin & chickpea curry with rice. When it arrived I quickly realized I ordered the vegetarian meal (which I’m not), but didn’t care in the slightest as it was incredible!

Then came time for sweets, and I smashed a ridiculously tasty slice of cheesecake paired with a cheeky glass of dessert wine!

“Business class life suits me!” I comically told myself.

jon4756 Review: A 15 hour journey flies by, thanks to business class on Qantas, an Alaska Global Partner

The dessert wine pairs well with … dessert.

After-dinner entertainment

During the dinner process, I was watching one of my favorite TV shows, “VEEP” on the beautifully sharp 12.1-inch screen. I normally opt to watch movies while on airplanes, but was pleasantly surprised to find out the Qantas entertainment system had Season 6, which had just recently ended, and I hadn’t seen yet!

Oh, and did I mention that this entire time I was enjoying a light chair massage? Yes, that’s right — the business class Skybeds come complete with an enhanced massage and lumbar system!

After a few more episodes of television, I decided it was time to get some shuteye, and reclined to the fully flat Skybed setting. I finished my glass of wine, threw on my sleeping mask, and then enjoyed the best sleep I’ve ever gotten on a plane while dreaming of friendly kangaroos, koalas, and quokkas.

Waking up to breakfast

jon4763 Review: A 15 hour journey flies by, thanks to business class on Qantas, an Alaska Global Partner

Breakfast before arrival in Australia.

When I woke up, I noticed that breakfast was being served to my nearby business class teammates (since we’re all wearing the same uniform). So I quickly filled out the room service breakfast card, and was brought what I had marked “x” over. The French toast with macerated strawberries and yogurt was out of this world, and I nearly asked for a second serving but knew my stomach didn’t need anymore!

Then before I knew it, we had landed in Sydney!

“Thanks for flying with us, Mr. Anderson, and enjoy your time in Australia” the cabin crew told me as I exited the plane and made my way to immigration.

“Did that just happen? Am I really already in Australia?!”

The flight honestly flew by so quickly (pun intended), and I couldn’t believe how refreshed and ready to explore Sydney I was. While yes, business class is definitely a bit more expensive than the economy and premium-economy seat options — it will provide one amazingly comfortable flying experience!

CHEERS!

jon4724 Review: A 15 hour journey flies by, thanks to business class on Qantas, an Alaska Global Partner

Thanks to these Qantas pilots for a great flight!

All photos by Alaska Airlines.

Embraer E190-E2 is granted certification by ANAC, FAA and EASA

In a ceremony held on February 28, 2018 at the Company’s facilities in São José dos Campos, Embraer received Type Certificate for the E190-E2, the first member of the E-Jets E2 family of commercial aircraft, from the Brazilian Civil Aviation Agency (Agência Nacional de Aviação Civil – ANAC), the FAA (Federal Aviation Administration) and EASA (European Aviation Safety Agency). It is the first time that an aircraft program with the level of complexity of the E2 receives a type certificate from three major worldwide certification authorities simultaneously.

Photo Above: Embraer.

It took just 56 months from program launch until the E190-E2 was certified. The E190-E2 features new ultra-high bypass ratio engines and a completely new wing and landing gear. Compared to the first-generation E190, 75% of the aircraft systems are new.

The flight test program comprised four prototype aircraft which were subjected to rigorous testing. The E190-E2 test fleet completed over 2,000 flight hours. Some 45,000 hours of tests were conducted in laboratories with rigs for aircraft avionics, flight controls, and electrical, hydraulic, and environmental systems.

Widerøe, the largest regional airline in Scandinavia, is the first airline in the world to receive the brand-new E190-E2 and will put the aircraft in revenue service in April. The airline has a contract for up to 15 E2 family jets consisting of three firm orders for the E190-E2 and purchase rights for 12 further E2 family aircraft.

Embraer recently announced some final flight test results confirming the E2 as the most efficient single-aisle aircraft on the market. In fuel consumption, the E190-E2 proved to be 1.3% better than originally expected, a 17.3% improvement compared to the current- generation E190.

The E190-E2 also becomes the most environmentally friendly aircraft in its class, with the lowest levels of external noise and emissions. Flight test results also confirmed the E190-E2 to be better than its original specification in takeoff performance. The aircraft’s range from airports with hot-and-high conditions, such as Denver and Mexico City, increases by 600 nm compared to current-generation aircraft. Its range from airports with short runways, such as London City, also increases by more than 1,000 nm allowing the aircraft to reach destinations like Moscow and cities in the north of Africa.

The E190-E2 will also have the longest maintenance intervals among single-aisle aircraft with 10,000 flight hours for basic checks and no calendar limit for typical utilization. This means an additional 15 days of aircraft utilization over ten years compared to current generation E-Jets. Another key gain is with pilot transition training time. Pilots of current-generation E-Jets will need only 2.5 days of training and no full flight simulator to be qualified to fly an E2.

Embraer is the world’s leading manufacturer of commercial jets up to 150 seats. The Company has 100 customers from all over the world operating the ERJ and E-Jet families of aircraft. For the E-Jets program alone, Embraer has logged more than 1,800 orders and 1,400 deliveries, redefining the traditional concept of regional aircraft by operating across a range of business applications.

Top Copyright Photo: Embraer ERJ 190-300STD (E190-E2) PR-ZEY (msn 20001) (E2 FleetSmart) FAB (Antony J. Best). Image: 933758.

AeroMexico adds its first Boeing 737-8 MAX 8

AeroMexico added its first Boeing 737-8 MAX 8 (XA-MAG, msn 43704) on February 23, 2018.

The pictured XA-MAG is the first of up to 90 737 MAX airplanes.

In 2012 Aeromexico placed an order for up to 90 MAX airplanes, including the MAX 8 and the larger MAX 9 variant. The two models offer the airline the flexibility to fly between approximately 160 and 190 passengers on flights of about 3,550 nautical miles (6,570 kilometers), both with better operating costs and passenger experience.

Photos. Boeing.