Chinese ship discovers a pulse signal in the southern Indian Ocean, is this missing flight MH 370?

According to CNN, “A Chinese patrol ship looking for signs of Malaysia Airlines (Kuala Lumpur) flight MH 370 in the southern Indian Ocean discovered Saturday a pulse signal with a frequency of 37.5 kHz, state news agency Xinhua reported.

“That is the standard beacon frequency” for both so-called black boxes — the cockpit voice recorder and the flight data recorder, said Anish Patel, president of pinger manufacturer Dukane Seacom.”

Read the full report: CLICK HERE

The Joint Agency Corrdination Centre of Australia issued this statement today:

Up to 10 military planes, three civil jets and 11 ships will assist in today’s search for missing Malaysia Airlines flight MH370. Today ADV Ocean Shield and HMS Echo continue underwater search operations.

The Australian Maritime Safety Authority has determined a search area of about 217,000 square kilometres, 1700 kilometres north west of Perth.

Today’s search area will focus on three areas within the same vicinity.

The weather forecast for today’s search is fair, with possible showers in the search area.

The Australian Transport Safety Bureau continues to refine the area where the aircraft entered the water based on continuing ground-breaking and multi-disciplinary technical analysis of satellite communication and aircraft performance, passed from the international air crash investigative team comprising analysts from Malaysia, the United States, the UK, China and Australia.

Malaysia Airlines today issued this statement:

1. Introduction

It’s been almost a month since MH370 went missing.

The search operation has been difficult, challenging and complex.

In spite of all this, our determination remains undiminished.

We will continue the search with the same level of vigour and intensity.

We owe this to the families of those on board, and to the wider world.

We will continue to focus, with all our efforts, on finding the aircraft.

2. Investigation into MH370

As per the requirements set out by the ICAO in Annex 13 of the International Standards and Recommended Practices, Malaysia will continue to lead the investigation into MH370.

As per the ICAO standards, Malaysia will also appoint an independent ‘Investigator In Charge’ to lead an investigation team.

The investigation team will include three groups:

– an airworthiness group, to look at issues such as maintenance records, structures and systems;

– an operations group, to examine things such as flight recorders, operations and meteorology;

– and a medical and human factors group, to investigate issues such as psychology, pathology and survival factors.

The investigation team will also include accredited countries.

Malaysia has already asked Australia to be accredited to the investigation team, and they have accepted.

We will also include China, the United States, the United Kingdom and France as accredited representatives to the investigation team, along with other countries that we feel are in a position to help.

3. Formation of committees

In addition to the new investigation team mentioned above, the Government – in order to streamline and strengthen our on-going efforts – has established three ministerial committees.

Firstly, we have established a Next of Kin Committee. Hamzah Zainuddin, the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, leads this committee.

This committee will oversee all aspects regarding the Next of Kin of those on board MH370, providing families with information on the search operation, and offering support after the search operation has been concluded.

The committee will co-ordinate with relevant foreign governments, and will complement the work already being done for the families by Malaysian Airlines.

The second committee oversees technicalities, specifically, the formation and the appointment of the investigation team. Abdul Aziz Kaprawi, the Deputy Minister of Transport, leads this committee.

The third committee takes over issues related to the deployment of assets for the search operation. Abdul Rahim Bakri, the Deputy Minister of Defence, leads this committee. This committee will work with foreign counterparts involved in the search operation, and liaise closely with the Australian Joint Agency Co-ordination Centre.

4. US-ASEAN Defence Forum

This morning, I returned from the US-ASEAN Defence Forum, which I attended in my capacity as Defence Minister.

At the forum, I updated our ASEAN counterparts, and the United States, on the latest developments in the search for MH370.

I also spoke to officials from other countries involved in the multi-national search operation.

The spirit of co-operation at the meeting, and the support offered, was commendable.

During my bilateral meeting with US Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel, Secretary Hagel reiterated his commitment that the United States would continue to support the search operation, and will provide whatever assets are deemed necessary.

I thanked Secretary Hagel for the United States’ unwavering support, which has included both the deployment of naval and air assets, sophisticated underwater search equipment, and assistance from the FBI, the NTSB and the FAA.

At the Forum, I also received strong support from our ASEAN partners in the search for MH370.

I would like to read out the joint statement issued by the ASEAN Ministers, which I believe underscores the tremendous spirit of co-operation within ASEAN, in the face of this difficult search operation:

“We, the Defence Ministers of the member states of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations express our deepest sympathies to the family members of the passengers and crew on board the missing Malaysia Airlines Flight MH370.

We acknowledge that the member nations of ASEAN have participated in the search operations directly and indirectly since the plane went missing on 8th March 2014.

From the South China Sea, the Andaman Sea to the Indian Ocean – ASEAN has continued to assist in every way possible, true to the spirit of regional cooperation and friendship without any hesitation in sharing of information, assets and expertise.

We believe that Malaysia has done its level best in its response to this unprecedented predicament given the sheer scale of the Search and Rescue (SAR) operation which is the biggest and most complex we have ever seen.

We reaffirm our commitment for greater cooperation between each member nationespecially in the field of disaster management under the framework of the ASEAN Agreement on Disaster Management and Emergency Response. This incident stressed upon us the importance of information and resource sharing as we strive to be in the utmost state of readiness in mitigating potential calamities and risks.

ASEAN’s unity will remain solid and is totally committed to assisting Malaysia in coordinating this massive SAR to locate MH370. We are resolute in finding a closure to this tragic chapter in aviation history. Our thoughts and prayers remain with the families in these difficult times.”

5. Concluding remarks

Before I end, let me touch on some unfounded allegations made against Malaysia.

These allegations include the extraordinary assertion that Malaysian authorities were somehow complicit in what happened to MH370.

I should like to state, for the record, that these allegations are completely untrue.

As I have said before, the search for MH370 should be above politics.

And so I call on all Malaysians to unite; to stand by our armed forces as they work in difficult conditions, with their foreign counterparts, thousands of miles from home; and to support all those who are working tirelessly in the search for MH370.

—

Lastly, as I mentioned on Wednesday, while I was at the US-ASEAN Defence Forum, I spoke by telephone to the British Secretary of State for Defence, Phillip Hammond, regarding the nuclear-powered submarine HMS Tireless.

I hereby confirm that the submarine is now in the search area and helping in the search operation.

Map: AMSA.

Malaysia Airlines:

Republic Airways Holdings’ pilots reject the proposed tentative contract

Republic Airways Holdings‘ (Indianapolis) over 2,200 pilots of subsidiaries Chautauqua Airlines, Republic Airlines (2nd) and Shuttle America have rejected by a 85-15 percent vote the tentative agreement with management.

According to ALPA, “While their Tentative Agreement contained some substantial contract improvements, including pay increases, it did not meet their pilots’ demands. After 7 years of negotiations, the pilots clearly felt that they deserved pay and benefits commensurate with their positions as professional air line pilots and the value they bring to the company. Also of note is that the negotiated TA only touched four areas of the contract and did not address many areas of pilot interest.”

In addition, Teamsters Local 357 Executive Board issued this statement to the pilots: “In rejecting the TA, the pilot group has stated clearly its demand that Republic must do better in establishing acceptable terms for a new agreement. The Company cannot ignore the pilots’ demands without risking the continued deterioration of its operation which drove it back to the bargaining table last year.”

In return, the company, Republic Airways Holdings issued this statement:

Republic Airways Holdings announced on April 4 that members of the International Brotherhood of Teamsters (IBT) Local 357 failed to ratify a proposed four-year pilot labor agreement.

IBT Local 357 represents more than 2,200 pilots for Republic’s sister companies Chautauqua Airlines, Republic Airlines and Shuttle America.

“We are extremely disappointed that the union’s membership failed to ratify the tentative agreement that was reached in mid-February. At a time when other regional airlines have been negotiating concessionary agreements for their pilots, we were able to reach an industry-leading contract that significantly improved pay and work rules for our pilots to vote upon,” said Republic Airways Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer Wayne Heller. “Despite the outcome of this vote, Republic remains committed to providing the safest, most reliable flight service for our legacy airline partners.”

The proposed contract included increases in pay that would have placed Republic pilots at or near the top of its regional airline peers. It also included improvements in quality of life enhancements and more flexibility in scheduling, as well as a significant signing bonus if it had been ratified.

Republic Airways Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer Bryan Bedford said, “I am disappointed with the results of the IBT Pilot vote as I believe that the Tentative Agreement we reached with the IBT was in the best interest of our Pilots and an important step forward for our Company. We will work with the IBT to determine our next steps.”

Republic Airways Holdings, based in Indianapolis, Indiana, is an airline holding company that owns Chautauqua Airlines, Republic Airlines and Shuttle America, collectively “the airlines.” The airlines operate a combined fleet of about 250 aircraft and offer scheduled passenger service on over 1,350 flights daily to about 110 cities in the U.S., Canada and the Bahamas through fixed-fee flights operated under our major airline partner brands, including American Eagle, Delta Connection, United Express, and US Airways Express. The airlines currently employ about 6,300 aviation professionals.

As a result, Republic has delayed a decision on its order for 40 Bombardier CSeries aircraft. The order is not cancelled but it is pending according to Bedford after this vote.

Copyright Photo: Tony Storck/AirlinersGallery.com. Formerly operated in Frontier Airlines colors, Embraer ERJ 190-100 IGW N163HQ (msn 19000255) is now painted in the Republic Airways house colors and operated by Republic Airlines (2nd).

Republic Airways-Republic Airlines:

The combined route map of Chautauqua Airlines, Republic Airlines (2nd) and Shuttle America:

Baltia Air Lines is still in the FAA certification process

Baltia Air Lines (Ypisilanti) has been one of the longest-running start-ups in U.S. aviation history. The company acquired former Northwest Airlines/Kalitta Air Boeing 747-251B N706BL (msn 21705) on December 9, 2010 and has been proposing scheduled airline service from New York (JFK) to the Baltic region, especially St. Petersburg, Russia for several years. With the invasion of Crimea by Russia, is this route still viable for tourism?

Route Map: A previously proposed route map.

Each step in the certification process has been well documented by the upstart. Here is the latest press release:

Baltia Air Lines announced yesterday (April 4) that its Boeing 747 aircraft has entered scheduled maintenance inspection in preparation for its operations. Baltia is America’s newest airline currently undergoing air carrier certification. Baltia’s base of operations is at Willow Run Airport in Ypsilanti, Michigan.

On their website, the company describes itself:

Baltia Air Lines, Inc. (BLTA) is a New York corporation headquartered at JFK International Airport in New York with a base of operations at Willow Run Airport outside of Detroit, Michigan. Baltia’s goal is to become the leading U.S. airline in the trans-Atlantic market between the major U.S. cities and capital cities of Eastern Europe, including Russia, Latvia, Ukraine, and Belarus.

Baltia will provide high quality three-class passenger service, and reliable cargo and mail transportation.

All images courtesy of Baltia Air Lines.

LOT Polish Airlines introduces a 1945 retrojet color scheme on Embraer 175 SP-LIE

LOT Polish Airlines (Warsaw) has introduced an Embraer ERJ 170-200LR (ERJ 175) registered as SP-LIE (msn 17000153) in a 1945 retro paint scheme. This livery was used by company from 1945 through 1973.

According to LOT, “On the interior walls are mounted vintage photos and posters”.

Video:

LOT Polish Airlines:

Austrian Airlines introduces “Life Ball 2014” on Boeing 777 OE-LPB

Austrian Airlines (Vienna) has introduced a “Life Ball 2014” decorated Boeing 777. The airline received financial support from the Vienna Tourist Board to promote the event. Austrian Airlines has branded former Lauda Air Boeing 777-2Z9 ER OE-LPB (msn 28699) to promote the upcoming Life Ball 2014.

Austrian Airlines:

Air Lituanica to add seasonal service to Gothenburg and Malmo, Sweden

Air Lithuanica (Vilnius) will add seasonal twice-weekly flights to Gothenburg (Göteborg) starting on June 15. In addition, Malmö, the third largest city in Sweden, will be swerved twice-weekly from June 17.

The airline will also offer seasonal service to Billund, Denmark, three days a week, from June 16 through August 28.

Air Lithuanica:

Emirates to upgrade the Dallas/Fort Worth route to the Airbus A380 on October 1

Emirates (Dubai) has announced it will bring its Airbus A380 to Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW), launching the first scheduled A380 service at the airport.

On October 1, 2014, the world’s largest passenger aircraft will touch down at DFW with a daily service between Dallas/Fort Worth, the world’s fourth busiest airport, and the city of Dubai in the United Arab Emirates. Dallas/Fort Worth will become the 28th international destination to which Emirates operates the aircraft, joining New York (JFK) and Los Angeles which are already served by the A380.

Emirates started flying to Dallas/Fort Worth in 2012 with a Boeing 777-200 LR, the first passenger carrier to fly nonstop to the Middle East from DFW. The introduction of the 489-seat A380, powered by U.S.-made GE GP7200 engines, is a direct response to demand with over 370,000 Emirates’ passengers travelling between Dallas and Dubai to date.

DFW Airport is making its final preparations for the arrival of the Emirates A380 with the construction of a second level jet bridge in Terminal D and modifications to the airfield, ramps and taxiways. Terminal D opened in 2005 with A380 capabilities already built into its design, so the final additions to make DFW ready for the A380 are relatively minor.

Emirates’ A380 is a wide-bodied double decker aircraft with a capacity of 489 passengers including 14 First Class Private Suites, 76 lie-flat beds in Business Class and 399 spacious seats in Economy Class.

Powered by GP7200 engines which burn up to twenty percent less fuel per seat than its nearest competitor, Emirates’ A380s have lower carbon dioxide emissions and thirty percent better fuel efficiency than the ICAO global fleet average. This is the most significant advancement in reducing fuel consumption and emissions in four decades. Emirates also stands apart from the rest as the average age of the fleet is less than half that of many European airlines. Emirates is the largest operator of the A380 and continues to work closely with Airbus to further reduce weight of future A380s by using a range of lightweight materials that account for twenty five percent of its structure.

The Emirates A380 service will operate daily as EK 222, departing Dallas/Fort Worth at 12:35 and arriving in Dubai at 12:20 the following day. EK 221 departs Dubai at 02:45 and arrives at Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport at 09:45 the same day.

Emirates:

Air Seychelles launches Shorts 360 cargo service in the Seychelles

Air Seychelles (Mahe) on April 2 announced the launch of a once per week all-cargo service between the two largest islands of Seychelles on its Shorts 360 aircraft.

The cargo service will target perishable commodities destined for hotels and other tourism establishments on Praslin, offering seamless connections to Air Seychelles flights from Johannesburg and Abu Dhabi.

All shipments destined to Praslin will be customs cleared in Mahe. Consignee trucks on Praslin will be given access to the airport ramp to facilitate off-loading on to the trucks for quick and seamless distribution to customers.

The Shorts 360 aircraft has been retrofitted to operate as a cargo aircraft, and can now carry up to 3500 kilograms of cargo with a volumetric capacity of 1309 cubic feet.

The inaugural Shorts 360 freighter flight flew with 73 pieces, 730 kilograms of perishable cargo on Monday, March 31, arriving on Praslin fresh and cool.

The cargo flights will operate under the flight number HM 3300 departing Mahe at 09:00 every Monday to arrive at Praslin at 09:15. Flight HM 3301 will return as a scheduled flight departing from Praslin at 10:15.

Air Seychelles:

Current Route Map:

Alaska Airlines to bring movies and TV shows to its passenger’s personal electronic devices

Alaska Airlines (Seattle/Tacoma) will offer a new, customizable inflight entertainment option, bringing movies, TV and other content directly to customers’ personal electronic devices onboard its flights by the end of the year.

The enhancement is part of a $100 million investment that Alaska Airlines is making to upgrade the cabins of its 737-800, -900 and -900ER aircraft with seats that feature both a personal space-enhancing design and 110-volt and USB power outlets. By this summer, about half of Alaska’s fleet will have the new seats and 36 airplanes will be equipped with power outlets. The carrier expects to finish upgrades to its fleet and offer the new inflight entertainment system on flights starting this fall.

The new system, called Gogo Vision, will allow customers to use their own laptop, tablet or smart phone to access more than 100 movies, 50 television shows and unique content, personalizing their onboard entertainment experience on Alaska Airlines. Since the movies are installed on stand-alone servers on each aircraft, broadband access to Gogo’s inflight Wi-Fi will not be compromised.

Prices for Gogo Vision will range from under $6 for movies and under $3 for television content.

Alaska Airlines also announced this week that Gogo has completed its Canadian air-to-ground Wi-Fi network, allowing uninterrupted inflight Internet coverage for the carrier’s numerous routes between the Lower 48 and the state of Alaska. Previously, Gogo Internet was unavailable for select periods when Alaska Airlines’ aircraft were flying over Canada.

With Gogo Internet, Alaska Airlines passengers can browse the Web, interact on social media, send and receive e-mail, and connect to virtual private networks while flying. The easy-to-use service provides passengers with full Internet access on any Wi-Fi-equipped laptop or personal electronic device at speeds similar to wireless mobile broadband services on the ground.

Copyright Photo: Michael B. Ing/AirlinersGallery.com. Boeing 737-990 WL N319AS (msn 33679) taxies to the runway at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA).

Alaska Airlines:

Norwegian flies over 1.8 million passengers in March, an increase of 25 percent

Norwegian Air Shuttle (Norwegian.com) is growing fast and its traffic is booming. The passenger volume grew by 25 percent alone in March. The company issued this statement (translated from Norwegian):

Norwegian flew over 1.8 million passengers in March 2014, an increase of 25 percent over the same month last year. Capacity growth was in the high 51 percent, in absolute terms the largest capacity growth that Norwegian has ever had in a month.

In March flew 1,805,551 passengers on Norwegian, an increase of 25 percent compared with the same month last year. The total traffic growth (RPK) increased by 52 percent in March, while capacity growth (ASK) increased by 51 percent. This represents an increase of 1.2 billion seat kilometers, the largest capacity growth ever during a month. The passenger load factor was 77.8
percent in March, up 0.2 percentage points compared with the same month last year.

Despite the increased load factor, this year’s late Easter had a negative impact on the load factor in March.

We have a record capacity growth this month, something that depends on the establishment of new bases outside Scandinavia and the launch of several new routes and flights throughout its route network. Despite strong growth in capacity and this year’s late Easter filled planes slightly better than the same period last year. It shows that Norwegian holds the promise of good quality and low prices, said CEO Bjørn Kjos.

In March came two brand-new aircraft; a Boeing 737-800 and a 787 Dreamliner. In 2014, Boeing will deliver 14 Boeing 737-800s and four 787 Dreamliners. Norwegian’s fleet is among the most modern and environmentally friendly in Europe.

Norwegian completed 99.7 percent of scheduled flights in March, of which 87.1 percent departed at the scheduled timetable.

Copyright Photo: Paul Bannwarth/AirlinersGallery.com. Boeing 737-86N LN-NOJ (msn 37884) with Danish astronomer Tycho Brache on the tail lands at Tenerife Sur (South).

Norwegian:

Routes from Oslo: