Air Canada (Montreal) today on Canada Day (July 1) issued this update statement on its Air Canada rouge (Toronto) brand and division:
Today Air Canada rouge welcomes customers celebrating Canada Day onboard its flights as the airline celebrates its second year in the skies creating a memorable travel experience for customers.
“As an integral component of Air Canada’s strategy for sustained profitability, Air Canada rouge continues to grow and successfully expand our market reach,” said Benjamin Smith , President, Passenger Airlines at Air Canada. “Air Canada rouge is deployed on routes with high leisure travel demand at a competitive cost structure.”
By the numbers
Air Canada rouge began operations on July 1, 2013 with a start-up fleet of two Airbus A319 aircraft and two Boeing 767-300 ER aircraft on 14 routes from Toronto (Pearson) and Montreal (Trudeau) to the Caribbean and Europe . The airline operated 5 flights with 775 customers on the first day of operations.
This year’s Canada Day will see Air Canada rouge operate 101 flights and carry more than 15,000 customers. In the last two years, Air Canada rouge has flown over 4.5 million customers to destinations around the world. Air Canada rouge now operates a total of 33 aircraft including 20 Airbus A319 and 13 Boeing 767-300 ER aircraft on 67 routes from Toronto , Montreal , Calgary and Vancouver to 49 destinations in Europe , Mexico , the U.S., the Caribbean , Asia , South America and Canada .
Investing in the customer experience
Air Canada rouge has also completed the conversion of its Premium rouge cabin on the Airbus A319, from 3×3 seating configuration with a blocked middle seat to two side-by-side larger seats in a 2×2 configuration. An additional 30 per cent of carry-on space on the A319 fleet will be available starting this summer thanks to the installation of new overhead bin doors which allow carry-on items to be stowed more efficiently. Upgrades to the hardware and content offering on the in-flight entertainment system have been made across the Air Canada rouge fleet.
“Air Canada rouge continues to evolve its product, our brand and our customer experience to ensure that we are meeting the expectations of our customers,” said Michael Friisdahl , President and CEO, Air Canada Leisure Group. “It is our responsiveness to customer feedback and to the dynamics and trends of our industry that have helped us create a truly market-leading leisure travel experience.”
Route Map. Rouge has continued to announce new routes since this now outdated 2014 route map:
Air Canada rouge fun facts at two years:
Over 60,000 signature buttons such as “Happy Birthday!” and “First Flight!” distributed to customers celebrating special occasions onboard
Over 2,500 children’s faces painted with onboard face painting kits
About 3,400 puppets created from air sickness bags (that we know of)
Nearly 1,500 pairs of custom Fluevog shoes distributed to rouge crew (flight attendants)
All images by Air Canada.
Air Canada rouge aircraft slide show:ย
Happy National Birthday to all of our Canadian readers.
Emirates (Dubai) has set up this response page to the on-going Open Skies allegations of government subsidies mainly by the U.S. Big Three carriers: CLICK HERE
From the report:ย The maps below show that Emirates is providing vital routes to the US via its hub in Dubai that the three leading US carriers doย not offer. So despite their claims that Emirates is stealing away passengers, these maps illustrate that in reality there are very few network similarities between Emirates and the big three US carriers. Moreover, of course, there is no US national interest in sacrificing the competitive choice of US consumers to protect inconvenient traffic flows over European hubs to benefit some European airline partners of US airlines.
From Airbus:ย Chinaโs agreement for 45 Airbus A330 Family aircraft, along with options for 30 more A330s, was formalized in Paris, France on June 30, 2015. Signing the agreement were Airbus President and CEO Fabrice Brรฉgier and Li Hai, President and CEO of China Aviation Supplies Holding Company, with this milestone witnessed by Chinese Premier Li Keqiang and French Prime Minister Manuel Valls.
Scandinavian Airlines-SAS (Stockholm) is increasing the number of departures to seven flights a week from Stockholm (Arlanda) to Chicago (Oo’Hare) and seven a week from Copenhagen to Shanghai.
The new departures are part of the SAS plan to expand its long haul fleet network that also includes opening all-new routes.
Earlier this year, SAS announced additional departures from Oslo and Stockholm to New York (JFK) and from Copenhagen to San Francisco.
SAS now announces three additional weekly departures โ two extra flights to Shanghai and one more to Chicago. This means a daily service is now available on both routes. The improved services will coincide with the opening of the winter traffic program in late October and means that in winter 2015/16, SAS will offer 108 weekly departures between Scandinavia and the USA and 50 weekly departures between Scandinavia and Asia.
The new departures from Copenhagen to Shanghai will be on Mondays and Wednesdays. The new departures from Shanghai to Copenhagen will be Tuesdays and Thursdays. The new departure from Stockholm to Chicago and return will be on Sunday.
As of the start of the winter traffic program on October 26, 2015, the below five routes will all be upgraded to daily year-round service:
Copenhagen โ Shanghai
Copenhagen โ San Francisco
Stockholm โ Chicago
Stockholm โ New York
Oslo โ New York
SAS offers long haul flights from Scandinavia to New York, Washington, Chicago, San Francisco, Houston, Beijing, Shanghai and Tokyo. In September 2015, SAS will open a new route from Stockholm to Hong Kong.
Copyright Photo: Stefan Sjogren/AirlinersGallery.com. SAS Airbus A330-343 LN-RKH (msn 497) departs from the Stockholm (Arlanda) hub.
Alaska Airlines (Seattle/Tacoma) today inaugurates service between Seattle/Tacoma and Milwaukee, Wisconsin; Seattle/Tacoma and Oklahoma City, Oklahoma; and Portland, Oregon and St. Louis.
The daily flights will be operated by SkyWest Airlines (St. George) with 76-seat Embraer E175 jets (above and below) featuring 12 seats in first class and 64 in coach, and boasting cabin dimensions on par with a 737.
Photo Above: Alaska Airlines.
Onboard amenities will include Alaska Beyond Delicious, featuring food and beverages sourced with items from iconic Pacific Northwest brands, and Inflight Internet access. By mid-July the planes will also be equipped with Alaska Beyond Entertainment, which offers free and premium entertainment direct to customer devices, First class customers will also enjoy power outlets at each seat.
In other news,ย Alaska Airlines has also announced it is doing away with the standard fee for the first checked bag for Alaska Airlines Visa Signature consumer cardholders.
Top Copyright Photo: Raul Sepulveda/AirlinersGallery.com. The pictured SkyWest Airlines Embraer ERJ 170-200LR (ERJ 175) N171SY (msn 17000485) was delivered via San Juan.
Icelandair (Keflavik) has announced further expansion from Seattle-Tacoma International Airport with 11 weekly flights starting on May 5, 2016, including the cityโs only morning flights to Europe.
In response to the growing demand from the Pacific Northwest, Icelandair is adding four weekly flights from Seattle/Tacoma to complement their current daily service, including the only two international morning flights from SeaTac. With departures at 9:15 am on Wednesdays and Saturdays, passengers will now have more options to Paris-Charles de Gaulle and Scandinavia, including Copenhagen, Stockholm, Oslo, Helsinki and Gothenburg. These additional flights also give passengers more connections from Anchorage, Billings, Boise, Eugene, Fairbanks, Spokane, Portland, Calgary, Edmonton and Vancouver on Alaska Airlines, when traveling through their Seattle/Tacoma hub.
Icelandair launched SEA service in 2009.
Icelandair offers service to Iceland from Boston, Chicago (O’Hare), Denver, Edmonton, New York (JFK), Newark, Seattle/Tacoma, Toronto (Pearson), and Washington (Dulles); and seasonal service from Anchorage, Halifax, Minneapolis/St. Paul, Orlando, Portland, OR and Vancouver, BC.
Copyright Photo: TMK Photography/AirlinersGallery.com. Ex-Iberia Boeing 757-256 TF-FIR (msn 26242) prepares to land at Toronto (Pearson).
Southwest Airlines (Dallas)ย is giving its customers a first look at its early 2016 flight schedule by extending it from January 6 through March 8, 2016.
The schedule extension brings new seasonal nonstop service, including once-daily flights connecting Phoenix with Ft. Lauderdale/Hollywood, and Grand Rapids with Tampa.
For the first time, the carrier will offer new daily seasonal service between Southwest Florida International Airport (RSW) in Fort Myers and Nashville, as well as new Saturday-only seasonal service between RSW and four cities: Buffalo, Dallas Love Field, Providence, and Washington (Reagan National). Daily seasonal nonstop service between Grand Rapids and Fort Myers also returns with this schedule release.
Southwest is offering seasonal Saturday-only nonstop service connecting Orlando with Omaha, Detroit and Orlando, as well as Ft. Lauderdale/Hollywood with Minneapolis/St. Paul.
Copyright Photo: Brian McDonough/AirlinersGallery.com.ย Southwest Airlines Boeing 737-7H4 N905WN (msn 36617) with the special “Kidd’s Kids – Kidd Kraddick in the Morning” emblem arrives at Baltimore/Washington.
Southwest aircraft slide show (current livery only):ย
JetBlue Airways (New York) yesterday (June 30) implemented a new fare policy and also ended their “first checked bag free” era for regularly ticketed passengers leaving only Southwest Airlines (Dallas) among U.S. airlines that are not charging for the first checked bag. The goal for the airline is to increase revenue and to offer a varied level of service now embraced by most airlines.
The airline stated:
“When you book a JetBlue flight, you’ll choose from several fare options โ Blue, Blue Plus or Blue Flex โ based on what’s most valuable to you, such as number of checked bags, bonus points earned and change/cancel fees. No matter which option you select, you’ll get the award-winning JetBlue experience you know and love โ the most legroom in coach*, free snacks and soft drinks, free DIRECTVยฎ and SiriusXMยฎ Radio, fast Fly-Fiยฎ and more! Plus, if you’re flying coast-to-coast, our refreshing take on a premium travel experience is ready to get you there in Mint condition.”
The following fares are applicable for reservations on JetBlue after June 30:
The airline continued with their new rules:
TrueBlue Mosaic members. TrueBlue Mosaic members receive free first and second checked bags and any additional bags are $100 each. TrueBlue Mosaic members will not pay the applicable JetBlue change/cancellation fee, only any difference in fare when they change or cancel their JetBlue flight or JetBlue Getaways vacation reservation booked directly with JetBlue. The change/cancel fee will also be waived for any traveler on the same reservation as the Mosaic member; the change/cancel fee for any other traveler not on that same reservation will still apply. TrueBlue Mosaic members will earn an extra three (3) bonus points per dollar spent in addition to the TrueBlue points earned based on the Fare Option selected for flights and six (6) TrueBlue points per dollar spent on JetBlue Getaways. For a list of all of TrueBlue Mosaic benefits click here.
1. For Blue fares, the first checked bag fee is $20 when purchased during web check-in or at a kiosk, or $25 at the check-in counter and the second checked bag is $35. For Blue Plus fares, one checked bag is included and the second checked bag fee is $35. For Blue Flex fares, two checked bags are included. For Blue and Blue Plus fares for flights to or from Santo Domingo, Santiago, Port-au-Prince, Port of Spain, Kingston, Cartagena, Medellรญn, Bogota, Lima and Mexico City: one checked bag is included and the second checked bag fee is $35. For Mint fares: two checked bags are included. For all fares, any additional bags are $100 each. All bags are subject to size/weight and other restrictions. Other fees apply for oversized or overweight baggage. See http://www.jetblue.com/travel/baggage/.
2. All Members will earn three (3) Points per dollar spent on any individual flight operated by JetBlue.
3. In addition to the base TrueBlue points earned per dollar, if those JetBlue operated flights are booked directly on http://www.jetblue.com, Members can earn bonus points depending on the fare option selected as follows: Members who have purchased a Blue fare can earn an extra three (3) bonus Points per dollar for a total of six (6) Points per dollar, Members who have purchased a Blue Plus fare can earn an extra four (4) bonus Points per dollar for a total of seven (7) Points per dollar and Members who have purchased a Blue Flex fare can earn an extra five (5) bonus Points per dollar for a total of eight (8) Points per dollar. Members who have purchased a Mint fare can earn an extra three (3) bonus Points per dollar, for a total of six (6) Points per dollar. No bonus Points are earned if JetBlue operated flights are booked by phone or otherwise.
4.All reservations made one week or more prior to a flight’s departure may be cancelled without penalty up to 24 hours after the reservation is made. Changes and cancellations made 60 days or more prior to departure date: Blue : $70 per person fee plus difference in fare. Blue Plus: $60 per person fee plus difference in fare. Blue Flex: difference in fare only. Mint: $75 per person plus any difference in fare for changes for non-stop fares under $950 or connecting fares under $1,350. For all other Mint non-refundable fares, no fee only any difference in fare for changes.
Changes and cancellations made less than 60 days from departure date:
A) for Blue fares under $100, $70 per person plus difference in fare; for Blue fares between $100 and $149.99, $90 per person plus difference in fare; and for Blue fares of $150 or more, $135 per person plus difference in fare;
B) for Blue Plus fares under $100, $60 per person plus difference in fare; for Blue Plus fares between $100 and $149.99, $80 per person plus difference in fare; and for Blue Plus fares of $150 or more, $120 per person plus difference in fare; and
C) for Blue Flex fares, difference in fare only.
D) For Mint fares, for non-stop under $950 and for connecting fares under $1,350, the fee is $150 per person plus difference in fare; for all other Mint fares, difference in fare only.
Additional Change/Cancellation Terms (all fares): For changes, any applicable fare difference will be charged in addition to the change fee and are subject to availability. Cancellations are for a JetBlue flight credit only, valid for a JetBlue flight within 1 year from the date of cancellation. If you do not change/cancel before scheduled departure and you “no show” all money for reservation is forfeited.
5. Available at select airports only and Even More Speed price varies based on airport location.
6. Most legroom in coach based on average fleet-wide seat pitch of U.S. airlines.
7. Fly-Fiยฎ is available on most flights, with more installations underway. Fly-Fiยฎ is not available on flights operating outside of the continental U.S. For flights originating outside of the continental U.S., Fly-Fiยฎ will be available once the aircraft returns to the coverage area.
8. DIRECTVยฎ service is not available on flights outside the continental U.S.; however, where applicable, movies from JetBlue Features are offered complimentary on these routes.
9. Sirius XM Radioยฎ service is not available on flights outside the continental U.S.; however, where applicable, movies from JetBlue Features are offered complimentary on these routes.
10. JetBlue Features premium entertainment on flights longer than two hours.
*Based on average fleet-wide seat pitch for U.S. airlines.
**EatUpยฎ is available on flights longer than two hours. EatUpยฎ Cafรฉ is available only on flights between New York or Boston and Los Angeles, Long Beach or San Francisco. Available on flights scheduled to depart before 8:59 PM local time.
Top Copyright Photo: Tony Storck/AirlinersGallery.com. Airbus A320-232 N565JB (msn 2031) in the Tartan tail design arrives at Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL).
JetBlue Airways aircraft slide show:ย
Poll: If you are a regular JetBlue customer will this deter you from flying the airline?
Vietnam Airlines (Hanoi) has become the second airline in the world to operate the all-new Airbus A350-900 XWB, following a special ceremony in Toulouse today (June 30).
The A350-900 aircraft was delivered to global lessor AerCap on lease to the airline for operation on long haul routes and is scheduled to arrive in Hanoi tomorrow. Altogether, Vietnam Airlines is set to acquire 14 A350-900 XWBs, including 10 ordered from Airbus and four from lessors.
Vietnam Airlines will inaugurate commercial service with the A350-900 XWB later this week, initially on the Hanoi-Ho Chi Minh domestic sector and then on nonstop flights from Hanoi to Paris (CDG). The aircraft is configured with a premium three class layout, with 29 seats that convert to full flat beds in Business Class, 45 seats in Premium Economy and 231 in Economy. In addition to more personal space in all classes, the aircraft features the latest in-flight entertainment and connectivity systems throughout.
Vietnam Airlinesโ new A350-900 XWB will join an existing Airbus fleet of 59 aircraft flying with the carrier, comprising 49 A321s and 10 A330s.
AerCap is Airbusโ largest customer, and has ordered a cumulative total of 945 Airbus aircraft over the years. These include firm orders for a total of 20 A350 XWBs.
To date, Airbus has recorded a total of 781 firm orders for the A350 XWB from 40 customers worldwide, already making it one of the most successful widebody aircraft ever. The aircraft handed over today is the fifth A350 XWB to be delivered, following the typeโs entry into commercial service with its first operator earlier this year.
Vietnam Airlines is also taking delivery of its first Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner, an unique situation for an airline introducing two new types at the same time.
Photos: Airbus/Master Films-P. Masclet. Airbus A350-941 VN-A886 (msn 014) in pictured in flight in the updated 2014 livery.
United Airlines (Chicago) today announced an historic $30 million equity investment in U.S.-based alternative fuels developer Fulcrum BioEnergy, Inc., a pioneer in the development and commercialization of converting municipal solid waste into low-cost sustainable aviation biofuel. It is also the single largest investment by a U.S. airline in alternative fuels and sets United apart in the aviation industry in the advancement of aviation biofuels and carbon emissions reductions. In addition to the equity investment, United and Fulcrum have entered into an agreement that contemplates the joint development of up to five projects located near United’s hubs expected to have the potential to produce up to 180 million gallons of fuel per year.
Fulcrum Video:
United has also negotiated a long-term supply agreement with Fulcrum and, subject to availability, will have the opportunity to purchase at least 90 million gallons of sustainable aviation fuel a year for a minimum of 10 years at a cost that is competitive with conventional jet fuel. This alternative fuel will be a drop-in fuel that meets all of the airline’s technical requirements and specifications, and will power the aircraft in the same way as conventional jet fuel. Fulcrum expects its first alternative fuels plant to begin commercial operation in 2017.
Fulcrum’s Waste-to-Biofuel Technology
Fulcrum’s technology converts household trash, known as municipal solid waste (MSW), into renewable jet fuel. Fulcrum’s renewable jet fuel is expected to provide a greater than 80 percent reduction in lifecycle carbon emissions when compared to conventional jet fuel. Fulcrum
has successfully developed and proven its technology to convert MSW into low-cost, low-carbon transportation fuels in an innovative, clean and efficient thermochemical process. MSW is an attractive biofuel feedstock as it is low cost, has limited volatility and a virtually unlimited supply. United’s agreement with Fulcrum is expected to decrease the airline’s carbon footprint through the use of sustainable aviation biofuel, while also diverting waste from landfills and creating new jobs in those communities where new Fulcrum facilities are sited. Fulcrum’s projects have also received support and participation from the U.S. Air Force and U.S. Navy for the future production of fuel that meets military specifications.
United’s Track Record in Aviation Biofuels
United is the first U.S. airline to invest in a biofuel company. It is another in a series of firsts for the airline which, since 2009, has made significant investments in the advancement of sustainable aviation biofuels.
In 2009, United made history as the first North American carrier to perform a two-engine aircraft demonstration flight using sustainable biofuels.
In 2011, United operated the first U.S. passenger flight powered by advanced biofuels made from algae.
In 2012, United spearheaded the Midwest Aviation Sustainable Biofuel Initiative (MASBI), a public/private partnership of experts from across the Midwest Region, to accelerate the commercialization of advanced biofuels for aviation.
In 2013, United announced an agreement with AltAir Fuels for advanced aviation biofuels to be used on flights out of the airline’s Los Angeles hub, making it the first U.S. carrier to execute a commercial scale agreement for aviation biofuels. United expects to begin regularly scheduled flights using AltAir’s fuel later this year.
In 2015, United received the World Bio Markets (WBM) Award for Excellence in Advanced Biofuels.
Top Copyright Photo: Tony Storck/AirlinersGallery.com. United’s Boeing 737-924 ER N75432 (msn 32835) is painted in this special Eco-Skies livery (inherited from Continental Airlines). N75432 lands at Baltimore/Washington (BWI).
United Airlines aircraft slide show (current livery):ย
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