Virgin Australia announces Sydney – Hong Kong flights

Virgin Australia on February 28 announced plans to launch flights between Sydney and Hong Kong, increasing the airline’s presence into Greater China.

Subject to authorization, Virgin Australia plans to operate daily return services between the two cities with its dual aisle Airbus A330-200 aircraft, featuring ‘The Business’, which has been named the world’s best Business Class for two consecutive years¹.

The announcement comes just seven months after Virgin Australia commenced its inaugural flights to Hong Kong from Melbourne, bringing choice and competition on this route.

Virgin Australia plans to commence services between Sydney and Hong Kong in mid-2018, subject to relevant approvals.

Sydney to Hong Kong Schedule³

Route	Flight Number	Dep/Arr	Day of the Week
SYD-HKG	VA89	1000/1740	Mon, Tues, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun
HKG-SYD	VA88	1950/0710 (+1)	Mon, Tues, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun

Melbourne to Hong Kong Schedule (effective mid-2018)

Route	Flight Number	Dep/Arr	Day of the Week
MEL-HKG	VA85	0030/0810	Mon, Tues, Thu, Sat, Sun
HKG-MEL	VA84	1810/0540 (+1)	Tues, Thu, Sat, Sun
HKG-MEL	VA84	1915/0645 (+1)	Mon

Photo Above: Virgin Australia Airlines.

¹‘The Business’ was named Best Business Class 2017 and 2018 by global ratings agency, AirlineRatings.com.

² According to Tourism Australia’s Greater China Country Profile.

³ Subject to authorization.

Top Copyright Photo: Virgin Australia Airlines Airbus A330-243 VH-XFB (msn 372) SYD (John Adlard). Image: 912544.

Virgin Australia aircraft slide show:

TUI Nordic welcomes the first Boeing 737-8 MAX 8 on a biofuel delivery flight

TUI on February 26 proudly welcomed the first ever Boeing 737 MAX 8 (SE-RNA, msn 44589) delivery flight on bio jet fuel, an important part of TUI’s commitment to the future of sustainable aviation. The flight from the Boeing manufacture in Seattle to Stockholm was performed with 30% blend biofuel.

The pictured SE-RNA is named “Rhodes Colossus”.

This was one of the most carbon-efficient flights ever accomplished by this aircraft type. The 737 MAX 8 was the second delivery of this aircraft to the world’s leading tourism business, this time to TUI Nordic.

One month ago the TUI Group welcomed its very first 737 MAX 8 at TUI Belgium in Brussels. Both aircraft are the initial deliveries of a large fleet renewal at TUI Airlines with a total 72 aircraft and to be completed by 2023.

The massively successful 737 MAX is considered the latest in aviation technology. This aircraft type has 14 percent lower kerosene consumption and therefore 14 percent lower carbon emissions compared to the aircraft of this size previously operated by TUI fly. The aircraft has also a 40 percent smaller noise footprint supporting TUI’s commitment in aviation to sustainability. TUI Group have made a significant investment in their aviation segment and ordered a total of 72 new 737 MAX 8 and 10´s.

LONG TERM COMMITMENT

A more sustainable approach to aviation is an important part of TUI’s long term sustainability strategy – Better Holidays, Better World. TUI aims to operate Europe’s most carbon efficient airlines and reduce the carbon intensity of its operations by a further 10% by 2020. TUI is currently looking into suppliers in the Nordics as well as in Europe and is in the process of developing a sustainable aviation fuels strategy.

“Biofuel represents a significant opportunity for reducing aviation’s carbon footprint and achieving its environmental goals. Our collaboration with TUI in 2015 on the Boeing ecoDemonstrator Program included testing of biofuel, and this 737 MAX delivery flight is a further demonstration of TUI’s interest in bringing price competitive biofuel to market”, said Sean Newsum, director of environmental strategy at Boeing Commercial Airplanes.

By the end of 2018, a total of nine 737 MAX 8 will be delivered to the airlines of TUI Group. These aircraft will be operated by TUI in Belgium, Sweden, the United Kingdom and the Netherlands. The first 737 MAX for TUI fly Germany is scheduled to be delivered in early 2019. TUI Group has ordered the 72 new aircraft in total to renew its narrow-body aircraft fleet by 2023 according to the current planning.

All photos by TUI Nordic.

Cathay Pacific to open “The Deck” at Hong Kong

Cathay Pacific on February 27 unveiled The Deck, the airline’s newest lounge at Hong Kong International Airport, giving customers another great reason to arrive early, relax and pamper themselves before their flight.

Located close to gate 16 in Terminal 1 and designed in the signature style of Cathay Pacific’s award-winning lounges in Hong Kong and across its network, The Deck, which opens its doors to passengers on March 22, emulates a “contemporary living room” environment of understated luxury, helping customers to feel at ease and providing a sense of well-being.

Cathay Pacific Chief Customer and Commercial Officer Paul Loo said: “The Deck builds on the formula that has made our other new lounges around the world so popular with our customers.

“Investing in experiences that our customers value and consider important is at the heart of our product and service philosophy, and helps us differentiate ourselves from any other airline. We look forward to welcoming the lounge’s first passengers.”

The Noodle Bar

Like our other lounges, the dining experience is at the heart of The Deck, with the Main Lounge providing a range of self-service, freshly made international offerings. Not to be missed at The Deck is The Noodle Bar – an iconic favourite among Cathay Pacific customers.

Passengers who yearn for a taste of Hong Kong can choose from a selection of local classics, including wonton noodles in a hearty broth, fish ball noodles and a variety of dim sum and buns. Ready-to-order Asian delights, such as dan dan noodles and Japanese-style vegetarian noodles, are also available.

The Terrace

The Deck is distinct from Cathay Pacific’s other lounges at its home in Hong Kong for the fact that it sits on a balcony on the eastern side of the terminal building.

From The Terrace, an open-ceiling L-shaped verandah featuring both table and individual seating, lounge visitors can take in panoramic views of the airport’s apron, taxi-ways and northern runway whilst enjoying their choice from a wide variety of drinks and dining options.

At 823 square meters, The Deck has seating for 180 passengers and is fitted with designer furniture and lighting carefully selected for practicality, comfort and privacy, while the use of natural materials, plenty of greenery and artworks by local artists add to the lounge’s welcoming atmosphere.

The lounge is further equipped with a relaxation room zone featuring bespoke Solo chairs, as well as eight shower suites, washroom facilities and a range of comfortable seating throughout.

The Deck will join Cathay Pacific’s other lounges at HKIA – including The Bridge, The Pier Business and First Class lounges, The Wing Business and First Class lounges and The Arrival – in providing customers with a Life Well Travelled experience. Meanwhile, The Cabin will close on April 30.

Photos: Cathay Pacific.

Azores Airlines to resume seasonal service to Providence

Azores Airlines on June 8, 2018 will resume weekly summer seasonal service from Ponta Delgado to Providence, RI.

The route will be operated with Airbus A321 aircraft.

Azores Airlines aircraft slide show:

Airbus rolls out the A350-900 Ultra Long Range

The first Ultra Long Range version of the A350 XWB has rolled out of the Airbus final assembly line in Toulouse. The latest variant of the best-selling A350 XWB Family will be able to fly further than any other commercial airliner and will enter service with launch operator Singapore Airlines later this year.

Altogether, Singapore Airlines has ordered seven A350-900 Ultra Long Range aircraft, which it will use on non-stop flights between Singapore and the US, including the world’s longest commercial service between Singapore and New York.

Following completion of the airframe assembly, the first aircraft has now moved to an outdoor station where it will undergo extensive ground tests, prior to installation of its Rolls-Royce Trent XWB engines.

The aircraft will then embark on a short flight test program to certify the changes over the standard A350-900 that will bring the additional range capability. These include a modified fuel system that increases fuel carrying capacity by 24,000 liters, without the need for additional fuel tanks. The test phase will also measure enhanced performance derived from aerodynamic improvements, including extended winglets.

With a maximum take-off weight (MTOW) of 280 tons, the A350 XWB Ultra Long Range is capable of flying up to 9,700 nautical miles or over 20 hours non-stop, combining the highest levels of passenger and crew comfort with unbeatable economics for such distances.

The A350 XWB is an all new family of widebody long-haul airliners shaping the future of air travel. The A350 XWB features the latest aerodynamic design, carbon fiber fuselage and wings, plus new fuel-efficient Rolls-Royce engines. Together, these latest technologies translate into unrivalled levels of operational efficiency, with a 25 per cent reduction in fuel burn and emissions, and significantly lower maintenance costs. The A350 XWB features an Airspace by Airbus cabin offering absolute well-being on board with the quietest twin-aisle cabin and new air systems.

To date, Airbus has recorded a total of 854 firm orders for the A350 XWB from 45 customers worldwide, already making it one of the most successful widebody aircraft ever.

Singapore Airlines is one of the largest customers for the A350 XWB Family, having ordered a total of 67 A350-900s, including the seven Ultra Long Range models. The carrier has already taken delivery of 21 A350-900s.

Photo: Airbus.

AeroMexico to add Leon – Detroit flights

Aeromexico, in partnership with Delta Air Lines, will launch new nonstop service between Detroit and Leon, Mexico, beginning on April 30.

Service on this new route will be operated by Aeromexico using Embraer 190 aircraft with 99 passenger seats, including 11 in Clase Premier, three days a week.

AeroMexico Connect aircraft slide show:

Fly Baghdad adds four more routes

Fly Baghdad (Baghdad) has added four new routes this month:

Amman (February 20)

Ankara (February 19)

Beirut (February 20)

Istanbul (Sabiha Gokcen) (February 20)

Photos: Fly Baghdad.

Air Europa takes delivery of its first Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner

Air Europa (Palma de Mallorca) on February 16, 2018 took delivery of its first Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner, the pictured EC-MSZ (msn 62171) at Charleston, SC. The aircraft arrived at Madrid on February 17.

The carrier unveil the new addition to its employees and the press with a water cannon salute (above) at its Palma base on February 26, 2018. Javier Rodriguez was there to record the event and inspect the new airliner.

The 787-9 has a total of 333 seats with 30 in Business Class:

Business Class:

Economy Class:

EC-MSZ is named “JJ Hidalgo”, the president of Globalia, and will be assigned to the the Madrid – Buenos Aires route next month.

14 more copies are due through 2022. The longer 787-9 joins the carrier’s existing fleet of 787-8 Dreamliners.

The 787 fleet will be based and maintained in Madrid.

The cockpit of EC-MSZ:

All Copyright Photos by Javier Rodriguez.

Top Photo: Air Europa Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner EC-MSZ (msn 62171) PMI (Javier Rodriguez). Image: 941048.

Air Europa aircraft slide show:

Wow Air to launch low-cost flight from New York JFK to Iceland this spring

Wow Air will begin service out of John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) on April 27, 2018, giving New York passengers the opportunity to visit some of the most popular European destinations just in time for spring. Travelers still have the option to fly out of Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) as well, with a total of 20 weekly flights from both JFK and EWR.

For a limited time, $99 tickets will be available from JFK and EWR to Keflavik (Reykjavik), Iceland and $149 tickets from EWR to Amsterdam (AMS), Berlin (SXF) and Paris(CDG) and from JFK to London (STN), Paris (CDG) and Amsterdam (AMS).

Launched in November 2011, Wow Air now connects 38 destinations across the U.S. and Europe with the Icelandic capital. In 2016, WOW Air flew with 1,668,773 passengers in total, which is an increase of 130% from 2015.

Wow Air aircraft slide show:

Cebu Pacific to fly nonstop Manila – Melbourne

Cebu Pacific has announced nonstop service between Manila and Melbourne, Australia starting on August 14, 2018, subject to final regulatory approval.

This is Cebu Pacific’s second destination in Australia following the launch of its nonstop Manila-Sydney route in 2014. Since its entry, tourist arrivals from the Philippines has become one of the fastest-growing source markets for Australia, with an average 16% increase over the past four years. Prior to the entry of Cebu Pacific, tourist arrivals from the Philippines was at about 70,000. Since 2014, that number has steadily climbed to over 120,000.

Cebu Pacific will fly three times weekly (Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday) between Manila and Melbourne with the following schedule:

			ETD (local time)	ETA (local time)
Manila-Melbourne	5J 049	T/TH/Sat	605am	350pm
Melbourne-Manila	5J 050	T/TH/Sat	505pm	1115pm

The Manila-Melbourne service leads Cebu Pacific on another expansion path across the region, further boosting a network that now spans over 106 routes on 37 domestic and 26 international destinations. Cebu Pacific is expecting delivery of the first of its brand new Airbus A321ceo aircraft in the next few weeks. Between 2018 and 2022, CEB expects delivery of six additional Airbus A321ceo, 32 Airbus A321neo, and eight ATR 72-600.

Copyright Photo: Cebu Pacific Air (Cebu Pacific Air.com) Airbus A330-343 RP-C3343 (msn 1495) SIN (Pascal Simon). Image: 939336.

Cebu Pacific aircraft slide show: