Delta Air Lines (Atlanta) has issued this statement about the cancellation of its interline agreement with American Airlines (Dallas/Fort Worth):
Delta and American Airlines (including US Airways) will no longer have an interline ticketing and baggage agreement beginning Sept. 15. The agreement provided, among other things, the ability for carriers to rebook their own customers on other airlines during irregular operations (IROPs).
The cancellation of the interline agreement with American also means that travel booked (primarily through travel agencies) on and after Sept. 15 can no longer include segments operated by Delta and American on the same ticket. Baggage transfers also wonโt be accepted between the two carriers.
All ticket and baggage exchanges issued prior to Sept. 15 will be honored.
Interline agreements have long been an industry practice to help carriers support passengers during IROPs. These work through a standard rate that carriers agree to pay one another.
โThanks to employeesโ stellar operational performance, Delta customers enjoy an industry-leading experience. Unfortunately, we couldn’t reach an agreement with American that adequately addressed the number of IROPs customers that American transferred to us,โ said Eric Phillips, Senior Vice President โ Revenue Management. โIn July, for example, American sent passengers to Delta for reaccommodation at a five-to-one ratio. At that rate the industry agreement was no longer mutually beneficial.โ
Through employeesโ efforts, Delta has run a top-tier operation for the past several years, and in 2015 has operated 91 days with 100 percent completion factor, meaning no flights were canceled. U.S. Department of Transportation statistics through July show Deltaโs year-to-date completion factor at 99.3 percent.
Delta continues to have interline agreements with a number of other airlines.
South Supreme Airlines (Juba, South Sudan) suspended all operations late on September 10, 2015. There were no flights on Friday, September 11. The airline previously commenced operations in September 2013 and was operating a Boeing 737-300 (4L-AJY) (above), a Fokker 50 (C5-SSA) and two Bombardier CRJ100 regional jets. The Fokker was involved in a landing accident at Aweil, South Sudan on January 7, 2014 according to The Aviation Herald.
The owner of the airline attributed the shut down to the lack of U.S. dollars in the struggling new country according to Radio Tamazuj. The foreign crews were paid in dollars and the carrier was reportedly unable to pay its employees.
Delta Air Lines (Atlanta) is building on its relationship with New York City with a co-branding campaign with the city. The airline issued this statement:
I LOVE NY is one of the worldโs most recognizable logos. Designed in 1977, itโs been used to promote tourism in New York for nearly 40 years. And beginning this week, Delta will spotlight its leadership as New Yorkโs No. 1 airline by tapping into the iconic logoโs strength and launching a co-branded partnership with Empire State Developmentโs Division of Tourism.
The new co-branded logo (above) was unveiled outside the New York Stock Exchange yesterday, where Delta rang the closing bell. In an interactive activation at the exchange, Delta will showcase its own New York partners, network and presence alongside New Yorkโs Upstate tourism initiatives.
Delta will leverage the co-branded logo in a statewide, multi-faceted advertising campaign launching this week with a takeover at Grand Central Terminal, featuring ads that communicate the airlineโs commitment to New York through its sponsorships of iconic cultural landmarks and destinations, partnerships with the sports teams New Yorkers love, industry-leading network and product offerings, and ongoing commitment to continually improving travel in and out of New York.
Delta certainly loves New York. The airline offers more than 500 peak-day departures to more than 130 destinations worldwide from its hubs at New Yorkโs LaGuardia Airport and John F. Kennedy International Airport โ including service to more destinations from New York state than any other airline as well as nonstop service to five continents.
Over the past six years, Delta has invested more than $2 billion in New York Cityโs airports, leading the way in improving the traveler experience by bringing state-of-the-art technology, award-winning chefs and exceptional customer service to a growing number of New York passengers โ more than 24 million in 2014.
Delta is deeply embedded in the New York community, acting as the official airline of the Yankees, Mets, Knicks, Rangers, Madison Square Garden, Food Bank for New York City and the Whitney Museum, among many others.
In addition to the Grand Central takeover, the campaign will reach New Yorkers through street-level placements, airport assets, radio, digital marketing and social media. The campaign will promote borough-specific partnerships in each of New York Cityโs five boroughs before moving upstate to Rochester, Buffalo and Syracuse. Travelers from near and far will also experience the campaign, including at several New York airports with the co-branding at varying customer touch points, such as jetways and flight information screens, and on board through promotion in the annual New York edition of the Deltaโs Sky magazine, available on all flights.
United Airlines (Chicago) according to the airline, “is introducing a new, comfortable, custom-designed seat for first-class cabins on more than 200 of the company’s narrowbody aircraft.”
Above Photo: United Airlines.
The seat will debut on an Airbus A319 (above) next week, with retrofits on A319s, A320s and many Boeing 737s and 757s through 2016.
Developed with input from customers whom the airline invited to test seat prototypes, the custom seat United and design firm PriestmanGoode have created features several elements to improve the customer experience, including:
All-leather seat covers in signature navy and champagne colors;
A patented-design tray table with tablet holder, enabling travelers to enjoy food and beverages while using their personal electronic devices;
An articulating seat bottom for greater comfort when reclining and an adjustable headrest;
In-seat universal A/C power outlets for customers to charge their devices;
Additional in-seat storage, including two seatback pockets and side stowage for laptops and tablets;
Dedicated beverage holders; and
Granite cocktail tables.
At 21.1 inches wide, the new United First seat is wider than the current seat and will have numerous custom-design elements and premium finishes, including the signature United-branded tag.
Each aircraft will continue to have the same number of premium-cabin seats.
Top Copyright Photo: Michael B. Ing/AirlinersGallery.com. Airbus A319-131 N850UA (msn 1653) departs from Los Angeles International Airport.
Malaysia Airlines (Kuala Lumpur) and Air Lease Corporation (ALC) (Los Angeles) today (September 10), in a joint statement, stated the carrierย has signed a contractย to lease four Airbus A350-900s from ALC. The A350sย will be delivered between the fourth quarter of 2017 and the second quarter of 2018.
Malaysia Airlines also has the option to lease another two Airbus A350s and two A330s, according to the joint statement.
The new aircraft are likely to replace the older Boeing 777-200s.
Herre is the statement:
Today Malaysia Airlines Berhad (MAB) and Air Lease Corporation signed long-term lease agreements for four (4) new Airbus A350-900s. The transaction also includes a lease option for two additional A350-900s and two A330-900neo aircraft.
Powered by two Rolls Royce Trent XWB-84 engines, the A350-900 aircraft are from ALCโs order book with Airbus and will be delivered between the fourth quarter of 2017 and the second quarter of 2018.
Malaysia Airlines CEO Christoph Mueller said, โWe are excited to have this aircraft as part of our fleet. The A350 is the most technologically advanced aircraft and we are confident that it will deliver exceptional passenger comfort and improve the overall efficiency of our fleet.We are very pleased to partner with Air Lease Corporation on this strategic transaction,โ
โALC is honored to welcome Malaysia Airlines Berhad as our newest valued customer. We are confident that these aircraft will maximize Malaysia Airlinesโ operations to help grow its business while simultaneously reducing its operating costs and emissions,โ said Steven F. Udvar-Hรกzy, Air Lease Corporationโs Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. โALC looks forward to building a strong long-term relationship with Malaysia Airlines Berhad in the future,โ he added.
Delta Air Lines (Atlanta) yesterday (September 9) retired its pictured Boeing 747-451 N661US (msn 23719), the first Boeing 747-400 built for Northwest Airlines-NWA (Minneapolis/St. Paul). Ship 6301 was retired as ย flight DL 836 from Honolulu to Atlanta according to Delta. Delta issued this story and photo of the historic last flight:
Ship 6301 will move to the Delta Flight Museum, where it will become the latest aircraft exhibit.
On September 9 Delta retired the first Boeing 747-400 aircraft ever delivered to a commercial airline, after its final flight from Honolulu to Atlanta.
Delta Ship 6301 made its first flight with Northwest Airlines in December 1989, and has logged more than 61 million miles, enough to make 250 trips from the Earth to the moon. Northwest later merged with Delta.
Known as the โQueen of the Skies,โ the 747 is one of the most popular and recognizable aircraft in the world today. When the first 747 made its first commercial flight 45 years ago, critics thought the aircraft would soon become obsolete as designers believed that supersonic aircraft would be taking over the skies. However, the four-engine jumbo jet revolutionized the industry with its exceptional long-haul flight capability and sheer size, nearly three times larger than the largest jet flying at the time.
The 747 ushered in a new era of international travel with luxuries and, at one time, features such as spiral staircases to the upper deck and stand-alone piano bars.
The improved 747-400 featured a new glass cockpit, tail fuel tanks, advanced engines and a new interior.
747-400 model is called a โhigh-techโ jumbo to distinguish its advanced features from its predecessor, the โclassic jumboโ of the -100 to -300 series. 747-400s have been flown from the U.S. to numerous long-haul destinations including Amsterdam, Tel Aviv, Honolulu, Shanghai, Seoul, Tokyo, and Manila during the past 26 years.
As Delta continues to modernize its fleet and improve its Pacific network, the airline plans to retire the remaining 12 747s in its fleet by 2017, replacing them with smaller, more fuel-efficient aircraft that will enable the airline to operate a wider variety of routes, particularly in Asian markets.
The final flight of ship 6301 was flight DL 836. The full flight took off from Honolulu on time (see the video below) while the entire Delta team saw off the beloved aircraft.
Above Photo: Delta. The cabin crew of the last revenue flight of N661US.
Following its final flight, Ship 6301 was welcomed home to Atlanta early on September 9.
Delta Chief 747 pilot Steve Hanlon said the 747-400 was affectionately known as โThe Whaleโ among pilotsยญ. โEven as large as the Whale was, it was surprisingly maneuverable and fast, typically cruising at .86 the speed of sound with close to 400 people onboard.โ
Following its retirement, Ship 6301 is scheduled to take a final journey in early 2016 to the Delta Flight Museum, where it will become the latest aircraft exhibit.
Interesting the Jumbo, while with Northwest Airlines, was involved in an in-flight event.ย Flight NW 85 was a flight from Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport to Tokyo’s Narita International Airport. According to Wikipedia, the flight experienced a rudder hardover event on October 9, 2002 when the flight was close to Anchorage, Alaska. The flight diverted to Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport. No passengers or crew were injured.
N661US was delivered to Northwest Airlines as the launch customer of this type on December 8, 1989. Boeing originally showcased the new model as N401PW from April 29, 1988 until it was handed over to Northwest.
Top Copyright Photo: Ton Jochems/AirlinersGallery.com. N661US taxies at Amsterdam in Delta’s colors.
Delta aircraft slide show (current livery):ย
Northwest aircraft slide show:ย
Bottom Copyright Photo: Michael B. Ing/AirlinersGallery.com. N661US arrives at Tokyo (Narita) in Northwest colors.
Video: Video of the last takeoff from Honolulu and the historical last flight:
Small Planet Airlines (Vilnius) is reporting record profits. The carrier will plow the profits into upgrading its Airbus A320 fleet. The company issued this statement:
During the first half of the year the charter flight carrier Small Planet Airlines earned EUR 64.3 million and improved its financial performance by a whopping 25.3%. Meanwhile, the company’s profits doubled from EUR 2 to EUR 4 million. First and foremost, such positive results should delight the carrier’s passengers, as Small Planet Airlines has announced its plans to invest added profits into increasing its passengers’ comfort on-board. As soon as next year the carrier intends to spend EUR 6 million on renewing all of its aircraft, marking the largest investment into the fleet renewal in the entire company’s history.
Based on the new concept of the salon, Small Planet Airlines plans to renew all of its Airbus A320 aircraft until the launch of the new summer holiday season next year. Amongst the anticipated modifications – brand new Recaro seats, special LED lighting and an internal wireless network which will enable all airline passengers to use their mobile devices for extra entertainment on-board. The company is also set to introduce its new Economy Premium product line for those seeking added comfort. According to the CEO of Small Planet Airlines, Vytautas Kaikaris, the newly introduced improvements and aircraft modifications will surely bring extra comfort to the carrier’s passengers, help the company stand out from its competition and positively affect the future development of the airline.
“2015 is the year of massive growth for our company. During the first half [of the year] alone we have supplemented our fleet by 7 aircraft, increased the number of flights by 30% and welcomed 300 new employees to our highly qualified and experienced team,” comments V. Kaikaris. “And what is truly praiseworthy is the fact that our employees have managed to handle such an impressive growth and delivered an increased profit. In the first half of the year our profit margin grew from 3.9 to 6.2%,” added the executive.
According to V. Kaikaris, the upcoming investment will go directly towards improving the passenger comfort. In fact, the company has already signed a contract with the German manufacturer Recaro and placed an order for as many as 3000 brand new seats. “A multiple award winner for its seat quality and design, Recaro is undoubtedly in the top 3 of the best aircraft seat manufacturers in the world. Therefore, we rest assured that the ergonomic properties of our new leather seats will be highly appreciated by our passengers. An added benefit is the increased private space, courtesy of the significantly slimmer seatbacks. These seats are extremely durable and almost twice as light as the existing ones – a lesser weight of seats translates into a lighter aircraft which, in turn, translates into reduced fuel consumption and CO2 emissions,” shares V.Kaikaris.
Another noteworthy improvement to be introduced on Small Planet Airlines aircraft is the new LED lighting, which can be specifically adapted for distinct phases of a flight. Uniform light will produce no blinding effect, so passengers on-board should not experience eye tiredness for significantly longer periods of time.
Those looking for even more comfort will soon be able to opt for the Economy Premium product line. “We have observed that more and more passengers wish to receive that little bit more added attention and convenience. An increasing number of air travellers decide to pay a little bit more for extra legroom, smoother transition through the checkpoints or a pre-ordered hot lunch on-board. We are here to satisfy those demands and create that feeling of a holiday even prior to reaching its destination,” says the CEO.
Copyright Photo: Paul Bannwarth/AirlinersGallery.com. Airbus A320-232 LY-SPB (msn 2987) lands at Tenerife Sur.
Air Canada (Montreal) has announced one of its most far-reaching summer schedule expansions ever with its first route to Africa and the addition of four major European cities to its global network. The new Air Canada rouge service to Casablanca, Morocco , means Air Canada will be one of only a dozen airlines in the world that serve six continents.
“Air Canada is solidifying its position among leading global carriers by becoming one of only a dozen airlines flying to six continents with today’s announcement of non-stop service to Casablanca, our first destination in Africa. Our Montreal – Casablanca flight will also be the only service to North Africa by a North American carrier and our aim is to transform this new route into a year-round operation. Our new, nonstop Air Canada rouge routes to Budapest, Prague, Warsaw, and Glasgow from Toronto Pearson are equally important as we continue to build out our network from our global gateway hub with more international destinations. The European services will be complemented by our Star Alliance partners, giving customers an even wider choice of travel options,” said Benjamin Smith , President, Passenger Airlines at Air Canada.
All the new services will be operated by Air Canada rouge (Toronto), Air Canada’s leisure carrier. All flights will be flown using a 280-seat Boeing 767-300 ER aircraft offering a choice of premium and economy cabins. Customers will have the ability to collect and redeem Aeroplan miles. Seats are now available for purchase. To promote these new nonstop routes, Air Canada is offering a special introductory fare starting as low as CAD$869 roundtrip, all-in for travel before July 2016 .
Route Details:
Toronto – Prague : service begins May 29, 2016 with flight AC1922 and operates three times weekly. Departs Toronto at 16:55 on Wednesday, Friday and Sunday, arriving in Prague at 7:20 the next day. Return flight AC1923 departs Prague at 9:30 and arrives in Toronto 12:40 on Monday, Thursday and Saturday. Service ends for the season on September 29, 2016.
Montreal – Casablanca : service begins June 3, 2016 with flight AC1936 and operates four times weekly, subject to obtaining the necessary government approvals. Departs Montreal at 21:40 on Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday, arriving in Casablanca at 10:00 the next day. Return flight AC1937 departs Casablanca at 11:55 and arrives in Montreal at 14:45 on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday. Service ends for the season on October 17, 2016 .
Toronto – Budapest : service begins June 10, 2016 with flight AC1910 and operates three times weekly. Departs Toronto at 22:35 on Monday, Wednesday and Friday, arriving in Budapest 13:35 the next day. Return flight AC1911 departs Budapest at 15:05 and arrives in Toronto at 18:45 on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday. Service ends for the season on October 15, 2016 .
Toronto – Glasgow : service begins June 13, 2016 with flight AC1938 and operates three times weekly. Departs Toronto at 18:55 on Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday, arriving in Glasgow at 6:40 the next day. Return flight AC1939 departs Glasgow at 8:25 and arrives in Toronto 10:50 on Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday. Service ends for the season on September 25, 2016 .
Toronto – Warsaw : service begins June 16, 2016 with flight AC1926 and operates three times weekly. Departs Toronto at 18:30 on Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday, arriving in Warsaw at 9:30 the next day. Return flight AC1927 departs Warsaw at 11:00 and arrives Toronto 14:50 on Monday, Wednesday and Friday. Service ends for the season on September 30, 2016 .
Since 2009, Air Canada has increased its system-wide international capacity, measured by seats, by approximately 50 percent. This year, Air Canada launched new international services from Montreal to Venice and Mexico , Vancouver to Osaka, and Toronto to Amsterdam . In November, the airline will launch nonstop service to Dubai and Delhi from Toronto and it has also announced new service beginning in 2016 to Brisbane from Vancouver, to Lyon from Montreal, and to London – Gatwick from Toronto.
Copyright Photo: Greenwing/AirlinersGallery.com. Boeing 767-333 ER C-FMWV (msn 25586) prepares to depart from Dublin.
Republic Airways Holdings (Indianapolis) has issued this statement regarding its on-going dispute with its pilots for a new contract under federal mediation:
Republic Airways Holdings Inc. received notification from the National Mediation Board (NMB) requesting the Company meet with the NMB on September 16, 2015, in Washington, D.C. As our case remains under the control of the NMB, the Company intends to fully comply with the request of the mediator.
Although the International Brotherhood of Teamsters has deferred a vote by our Pilots, our proposed contract remains on the table, and we continue to believe the appropriate next step is for the Union to abide by its constitution and let our Pilots vote on their own future. A week ago, we offered to meet with the elected leadership of the Union to discuss their language concerns in the proposed contract. To our dismay, there has been no response from the Union leadership to this invitation as a way to collaboratively bring this process to a close.
Copyright Photo: Brian McDonough/AirlinersGallery.com. Operated by Republic Airlines (2nd),ย Embraer ERJ 170-100SU N806MD (msn 17000019) completes the final approach to the runway at Washington (Reagan National).
Scandinavian Airlines-SAS (Stockholm) first departure from Stockholm (Arlanda) to Hong Kong takes off today, making it the only airline to fly direct between Scandinavia and Hong Kong. At the same time, SAS is reopening its lounge at Stockholm’s Arlanda Airport following extensive refurbishment, which will provide SAS customers with an even better experience.
The new route is SASโs fourth direct connection between Scandinavia and Asia, and SAS is the only airline to fly direct between Scandinavia and Hong Kong. Hong Kong is one of the worldโs busiest airports and is the largest in the world in terms of freight.
Timetable Arlanda โ Hong Kong
Departures from Arlanda on Mondays, Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays on flight SK963 at 3 pm (1500), arriving in Hong Kong at 7.20 am (0720) local time.
Departures from Hong Kong on Mondays, Tuesdays, Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays on flight SK964 at 9.05 am (0905) local time, arriving at Arlanda at 2.35 pm (1435).
SAS currently offers long haul flights from Scandinavia to New York, Washington DC, Chicago, San Francisco, Houston, Beijing, Shanghai, Tokyo and Hong Kong.
During 2016 SAS will open three more routes; Stockholm to Los Angeles, Oslo to Miami and Copenhagen to Miami.
Copyright Photo: Stefan Sjogren/AirlinersGallery.com.ย Airbus A330-343 LN-RKH (msn 497) departs from the Arlanda hub in this winter view.
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