Malaysia Airlines issued this statement concerning the flaperon found on Reunion Island

Malaysia Airlines (Kuala Lumpur) today issued this statement:

Malaysia Airlines would like to sincerely convey our deepest sorrow to the families and friends of the passengers onboard Flight MH370 on the news that the flaperon found on Reunion Island on July 29 was indeed from Flight MH370. This has been confirmed jointly today by the French Authorities, Bureau d’ Enquetes et d‘ Analyses pour la Securites de I’AviationCivile (BEA), the Malaysian Investigation Team, Technical Representative from PRC and Australian Transportation Safety Bureau (ATSB) in Toulouse, France and subsequently announced by the Prime Minister of Malaysia, Dato’ Seri Najib Tun Razak.

Family members of passengers and crew have already been informed and we extend our deepest sympathies to those affected.

This is indeed a major breakthrough for us in resolving the disappearance of MH370. We expect and hope that there would be more objects to be found which would be able to help resolve this mystery.

Moving forward, Malaysia Airlines’ priority will continue to provide latest updates and information to the families and will fully cooperate with the relevant authorities on the investigation and recovery of this tragic accident.

Delta issues this statement regarding the Skymark Airlines’ creditors choice of ANA for the recovery

Delta Air Lines (Atlanta) has issued this statement about the choice of ANA (All Nippon Airways) (Tokyo) to lead the recovery of bankrupt Skymark Airlines (Tokyo):

Creditors have chosen ANA, Japan’s largest airline, to sponsor financially troubled Skymark Airlines’ rehabilitation. Skymark is Japan’s third-largest airline.

Delta had offered to back an alternative plan, an indication of its commitment to serving the region.

Masaru Morimoto, Delta’s managing director of Japan, thanked Skymark’s creditors and business partners for their support of the Creditors’ Rehabilitation Plan. The company said while Delta will not be able to support Skymark as a sponsor airline, Delta’s desire remains for Skymark to recover as one of the three largest Japanese airlines.

“Delta’s strategy in Japan remains strong and the company will continue its ongoing focus on improving the customer experience and network offerings,” he said.

Copyright Photo: Michael B. Ing/AirlinersGallery.com. Boeing 767-332 ER N196DN (msn 28453) approaches the runway at Narita International Airport (NRT) near Tokyo.

Delta Air Lines aircraft slide show (current livery):

Finnair continues negotiations to sell 60% of Nordic Regional Airlines

Finnair (Helsinki) has issued this update on the on-going negotiations with Staffpoint and G.W. Sohlberg to sell a 60 percent share in its subsidiary Nordic Regional Airlines (Norra) (previously Flybe Nordic) (Helsinki). Norra operates 12 ATR 72-500s, two Embraer ERJ 170s and 12 Embraer ERJ 190s for Finnair on domestic and European routes. Here is the update:

Finnair, Staffpoint Holding Ltd (Staffpoint) and G.W. Sohlberg Ltd (GWS) have previously indicated an intention to conclude a transaction whereby 60 percent of the shares in Nordic Regional Airlines AB would be transferred to the ownership of Staffpoint and GWS.

As of March 31, 2015, Finnair has owned 100 percent of the company during an interim permission by the Finnish Competition and Consumer Authority (FCCA). Due to the negotiations being protracted and the interim permission expiring, Finnair has now filed an application with the FCCA to approve the current ownership structure.

However, negotiations on the ownership arrangements of Nordic Regional Airlines AB continue, and Finnair expects the transaction to proceed within the next few months. The delay is due to the need of the parties to assess even more thoroughly the alternative traffic models of regional flying in a constantly developing operating environment.

Nordic Regional Airlines AB owns the entire share stock in its Finnish subsidiary Nordic Regional Airlines Oy (Norra).

Norra operates a fleet of 26 ATR and Embraer planes on Finnair’s domestic and European routes. The company previously operated under the name Flybe Finland Oy.

Above Photo: Norra.

On January 7, 2015, Finnair signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Staffpoint and GWS on a transaction whereby Staffpoint and GWS would jointly acquire from Flybe Ltd its 60 percent majority stake in Finnair’s and Flybe Ltd’s joint venture company, Nordic Regional Airlines AB.

While the negotiations continued, Finnair acquired Flybe Ltd’s stake, and Flybe Nordic was thus transferred entirely to Finnair’s ownership on March 31, 2015.

Finnair has issued stock exchange releases on the Norra transactions on November 12, 2014, January 7, 2015, January 29, 2015 and March 31, 2015.

Top Copyright Photo: Paul Bannwarth/AirlinersGallery.com. Finnair (Nordic Regional Airlines-Norra) Embraer ERJ 190-100LR OH-LKH (msn 19000086) prepares to land in Zurich.

Finnair aircraft slide show:

Finnair-Norra aircraft slide show:

Video: A typical turnaround flight in rural Finland.

Frontier Airlines introduces “The Works”, a new fare bundle

Frontier Airlines (2nd) (Denver) today unveiled a new fare bundle called “The Works”:

Frontier Airlines, the airline that recently introduced the widest economy seat in the U.S. airline industry, today unveiled THE WORKS sm. The new bundle, containing Frontier’s most popular options for one low price, saves customers 60 percent or more and assures the best value with several guarantees. Foremost is Frontier’s industry-leading guarantee that your carry-on will be accommodated in the cabin, a frustration of customers on many other airlines.

How THE WORKS sm works:

— Available at FlyFrontier.com at time of initial booking
— Prices range from $49 to $69 each-way, based on round-trip purchase
— You get:
o One carry-on bag
o One checked bag
o Best available seat* including Stretch and Exit Row options
o Full Refundability when canceled at least 24 hours prior to scheduled departure
o No change fees
o Priority boarding **

With THE WORKS sm, the following is GUARANTEED:

— Your carry-on bag will be accommodated on board
— Best available seat on the flight*
— Zone 1 boarding
— Get your money back when canceled at least 24 hours prior to scheduled departure
— Want to make a change? Flexibility
— Furry animal on your aircraft tail***

“Unbundling has lowered fares for millions of fliers, but some want it all for one low price, and THE WORKS sm gives them that choice,” said Frontier Airlines President Barry Biffle. “NO ONE ELSE offers this many features for such a low price, and our new carry-on guarantee ends bag separation anxiety.”

How much can customers save with THE WORKS sm? On nonstop flights, prices range from $49 to $69 each-way, based on round-trip purchase, with a savings up to $100 each way. For connecting flights, prices range from $57 to $83 each-way, based on round-trip purchase, with a savings up to $110 each way.

The savings are even more noticeable when comparing Frontier to the competition which charge up to a $200 change fee, in excess of $50 for priority boarding and up to $125 for additional legroom in coach.

***Furry animal guarantee excludes all non-furry animals on our planes. Fare differences may apply when changing your flight. All bags must conform to published dimension and weight requirements. THE WORKS sm price varies by route, is each-way and based on round-trip purchase by Aug. 31, 2015. If we fail to get your size-required carry-on bag in the cabin, we will refund you the current website carry-on charge. All change and refund requests must be made on-line at least 24 hours prior to scheduled departure. *Purchase includes access to the best available seat at time of booking. **Priority boarding is only available if a carry-on bag is selected.

Copyright Photo: Royal S. King/AirlinersGallery.com. Airbus A320-214 N228FR (msn 5526) with Orville, the red Cardinal, taxies to the runway at Las Vegas.

Frontier Airlines aircraft slide show:

WestJet’s pilots vote against union representation

WestJet (Calgary) has issued this statement:

WestJet today issued the following statement from President and CEO Gregg Saretsky regarding the outcome of the unionization vote among its Boeing 737 pilots.

“We are pleased that the majority of our pilots who voted have voted against union representation. Our model of cooperation and employee representation through the WestJet Pilots’ Association has allowed for the continued success of our pilots and our airline. Despite the positive outcome, there is continued work that needs to take place to better understand some of the issues for our pilot group and we can now turn our efforts to that goal.”

Meanwhile WJPA issued this statement:

Today the Canada Industrial Relations Board (CIRB) released the official results of the vote to unionize WestJet pilots. The results demonstrate decisive support for the WJPA: over 684 eligible pilots, representing 55 per cent of WestJet pilots who voted, showed their support for the WJPA by voting no to the WestJet Professional Pilots Association acting as their bargaining agent in matters of collective bargaining with their employer.

“WestJet pilots were offered a clear choice—continued representation by the WJPA or unionization,” said Captain Paul Ysselmuiden and Captain Michael Wesolowski , co-chairs of the WJPA. “These results demonstrate decisive support for the WJPA to continue to lead more than 1,500 pilots into the future.”

The WJPA strongly believes that WestJet and WestJet Encore pilots are stronger when they are part of one team. Moving forward, the WJPA will continue to effectively advocate on behalf of all WestJet and WestJet Encore pilots.

Copyright Photo: Robbie Shaw/AirlinersGallery.com. Boeing 737-7CT C-GQWJ (msn 35505) with the Tartan tail is pictured on the taxiway at Glasgow, Scotland.

WestJet aircraft slide show:

El Al to order and lease up to 15 Boeing 787 Dreamliners

El Al Israel Airlines (Tel Aviv) intends to become a new Boeing 787 operator.

Boeing has issued this statement:

Boeing is pleased that El Al Israel Airlines has announced its intent to purchase and lease up to 15 787 Dreamliners, with purchase rights for 13 additional airplanes. When finalized, the order will be posted to the Boeing Orders & Deliveries website.

El Al aircraft slide show:

Alaska Airlines expands its relationship with American Airlines

Alaska Airlines (Seattle/Tacoma) is moving one step closer to American Airlines (Dallas/Fort Worth). Alaska is increasingly competing with Delta Air Lines (Atlanta) at its Seattle/Tacoma hub. Alaska issued this statement:

Members of Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan now have access to book nearly 3,000 more daily flights on partner American Airlines following the most recent phase of the airline’s reservation system migration, which will bring all US Airways flights under the American code this fall. On October 17, Mileage Plan members will enjoy seamless access to the world’s largest airline and have even more options to earn and redeem miles for award travel.

Alaska Airlines also announced today an expanded lounge agreement with American Airlines, which gives Board Room members access to all 54 Admirals Club locations worldwide beginning August 15.

Elite members of Alaska’s Mileage Plan receive exclusive benefits on American’s expanded network, including expedited security, priority check-in and boarding, complimentary or discounted access to Main Cabin Extra seats, as well as baggage waivers.

“We are excited to deepen the strong relationship we already have with Alaska Airlines by providing customers more access to more destinations,” said Andrew Nocella, American’s chief marketing officer. “Our relationship with Alaska goes back more than 15 years and we continue to look for ways to work together to enhance the benefits for our customers, whether through access to clubs or new opportunities to earn and redeem miles.”

Alaska Airlines existing relationship with American began in 1999 and has included codeshare and frequent flyer reciprocity, which expanded in 2011 to include reciprocal elite benefits on each airline. The two carriers are working to expand their codeshare agreement even further later this year.

Copyright Photo: Michael B. Ing/AirlinersGallery.com. Boeing 737-890 N508AS (msn 35691) with APB Split Scimitar Winglets taxies to the runway at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport.

Alaska Airlines aircraft slide show:

Ryanair becomes the first airline to carry over 10 million international passengers in a month, load factor reaches 95%

Ryanair (Dublin) has set a new airline record. The airline becomes the first airline in the world to carry over 10 million international passengers in one month.

The airline issued its traffic statistics for July and noted this accomplishment:

Load Factor Rises 4% Points To 95%

First airline to carry 10 million international customers in a month

Ryanair’s Kenny Jacobs said:

“Ryanair’s July traffic grew by 11% to 10.1 million customers, while our load factor jumped 4% points to 95%. This is the first time ever that any airline has carried over 10 million international customers in one calendar month. For example, we carried more customers in one month (10.14 million in July) than Aer Lingus carried in a whole year (9.77 million in 2014).

These record customer numbers and highest ever load factors are due to our lower fares, our stronger forward bookings and the continuing success of our “Always Getting Better” customer experience program, which continues to deliver stronger than expected traffic and load factors on our biggest ever summer schedule.

Ryanair customers can look forward to more service enhancements in the autumn, as we continue Year 2 of our AGB program, which include a new website, new app, new cabin interiors, new crew uniforms, improved inflight menus, reduced fees, and great new digital features such as ‘hold the fare’, as Ryanair continues to deliver so much more than just the lowest fares in Europe.”

Copyright Photo: Paul Bannwarth/AirlinersGallery.com. Boeing 737-8AS EI-DWG (msn 33620) breaks through the clouds in order to land at Las Palmas in the Canary Islands.

Ryanair aircraft slide show:

ANA wins out over the Delta/Intrepid bid for Skymark Airlines

From our partner ZipanguFlyer in Japan:

On August 5, the creditors of bankrupt Skymark Airlines (Tokyo) approved the bankruptcy reorganization plan backed by ANA Holdings, the parent of ANA-All Nippon Airways (Tokyo), over the Delta Air Lines (Atlanta) sponsored proposal submitted by the largest Skymark creditor, Intrepid Aviation.

ANA has agreed to buy the undelivered Skymark Airbus A380s to gain support from Airbus and Rolls-Royce.

If finally approved, ANA and JAL will directly or indirectly control 100% of the domestic market at Tokyo’s Haneda Airport and 97% of the domestic market according to ZipanguFlyer.

Read the full story: CLICK HERE

Top Photo: Airbus. Can ANA operate the Airbus A380 in Japan profitably? ANA needed the support of Skymark creditors Airbus and Rolls-Royce to win out over ANA.

Skymark Airlines aircraft slide show:

Video: The making of the first Skymark Airbus A330:

South African Airways celebrates the inaugural flight from Washington Dulles to Accra, Ghana

South African Airways (SAA) (Johannesburg) continues to expand its West African network and celebrated its inaugural flight between Washington (Dulles) and Accra, Ghana, on August 3, 2015.

Flight SA 209 from Accra arrived at Washington Dulles International Airport at 6:05 AM and flight SA 210 departed at 5.40 pm under a ceremonial water cannon salute (above).

Both flights were operated with Airbus A340-600 aircraft, featuring 42 full-flat 180 degree beds in Premium Business Class and 275 seats in Economy Class.

Celebrations at Washington Dulles Airport included local Washington, D.C.-based Ghanaian drummers and dancers, who performed at the boarding gate for SAA’s first passengers departing to Accra and representatives from the Ghanaian Embassy, the South African Embassy, the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority and Destination D.C.

With the introduction of this new flight, SAA is providing the only nonstop flight between Washington D.C. and Ghana, as well as the only Skytrax 4-Star rated airline service and world-class quality from North America to the entire West Africa region. South African Airways also offers convenient connections from over 50 markets in the U.S. and Canada through its airline partners United Airlines, JetBlue Airways, American Airlines and Virgin America via Washington, D.C.-Dulles.

South African Airways’ flights to Accra are available four days a week with continuing service to Johannesburg, South Africa, operating on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday. SAA also provides nonstop service from Washington D.C.-Dulles to Dakar, Senegal and onwards to Johannesburg, three-times per week, operating on Wednesday, Friday and Sunday.

This new route is part of South African Airways’ continued expansion in North America, where the airline is the only carrier to offer daily nonstop service from New York -JFK International Airport to Johannesburg, South Africa.

Photo: South African Airways.

SAA aircraft slide show: