Report: Delta is preparing to add additional Airbus A350-900s and Boeing 737-900ERs

Delta Air Lines Airbus A350-941 N515DN (msn 404) AMS (Ton Jochems). Image: 954364.

Delta Air Lines aggressively retired older aircraft at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic when traffic collapsed a year ago. Now traffic is returning. Several airlines have been reluctant to take delivery of their ordered aircraft due to the pandemic and their loss of traffic.

Delta is apparently in talks to acquire these undelivered aircraft presumably at a lower price.

According to Jon Ostrower at The Current, Delta is in the final stages to acquire seven Airbus A350-900s and 29 Boeing 737-900ERs presumably ordered by and not taken up by LATAM Airlines and Lion Air.

Delta has not yet confirmed this report.

Top Copyright Photo: Delta Air Lines Airbus A350-941 N515DN (msn 404) AMS (Ton Jochems). Image: 954364.

Delta aircraft slide show:

Delta and Virgin Atlantic to return to Heathrow Terminal 3 from July 15

Delta Air Lines and Virgin Atlantic Airways are returning to their home at London Heathrow Terminal 3, which has been closed for over a year due to the COVID-19 pandemic, on July 15.

The airlines are looking forward to safely welcoming customers back onto their home turf, which has been missed by many, with their signature flair, dedicated seamless check-in area and award-winning facilities.

Delta is operating nonstop services to Heathrow from both Atlanta and New York-JFK, however U.S. entry restrictions for non-essential travelers from the U.K. still apply. Virgin Atlantic destinations including Antigua, Barbados, Grenada and Israel are all classified as โ€œGreenโ€ on the Governmentโ€™s travel list, which means customers are not required to quarantine on their return.

Lufthansa Cargo to deploy two Airbus A321s permanently converted into freighters

Lufthansa Cargo is investing in the expansion of its cargo capacities. From the beginning of 2022, the company will offer its customers additional capacity in Europe by permanently converting Airbus 321 passenger aircraft into freighters. For this purpose, the twin-engine medium-haul aircraft will receive large cargo doors to enable the transport of containers on the main deck as well. Initially, the conversion of two Airbus aircraft is planned.

These aircraft will be operated by Lufthansa CityLine on behalf of Lufthansa Cargo. They will be stationed in Frankfurt.

The growth for cross-border eCommerce shipments is forecast at around 20% per year for the next five years. Consumers expect ever shorter delivery times for their ordered goods. This is also increasing the demand for air freight connections within Europe.

The Airbus A321s (A321P2F) converted to freighters offer a payload of 28 tons with a range of 3,500 kilometers. The conversion allows the use of standardized cargo pallets on the main deck as well. The twin-engine Airbus A321 is one of the most versatile aircraft in its class and enables very efficient continental operations.

United unveils campaign featuring Team USA Olympic and Paralympic athletes

United Airlines made this announcement:

Today, United, the official airline sponsor of Teamย USA, debuted its new advertising campaign featuring five of the world’s most accomplished and decorated Olympic and Paralympic athletes. Driven by the tagline “Time to Let Yourself Fly,” the campaign highlights Teamย USA’sย return to the Games and honors the feeling many Americans have as they consider returning to travel. Customers traveling with United this summer will experience touches of the Teamย USAย collaboration through signage displayed throughout United terminals and limited-edition amenity kits and pajamas available on select flights.

Selected for their shared values of ambition, excellence, diversity and unity on a global stage, Team United is comprised of the following athletes:

  • Simone Bilesย โ€“ Gymnast fromย Houston, Texas, and the world’s most decorated female gymnast in history
  • Kolohe Andinoย โ€“ Surfer fromย San Clemente, California, who holds the record for most championship titles in U.S. surfing history
  • Julie Ertzย โ€“ Soccer Defender fromย Mesa, Arizona, and two-time World Cup champion
  • Jessica Longย โ€“ Swimmer fromย Baltimore, Maryland, and 23-time Paralympic medalist
  • Oz Sanchezย โ€“ Hand Cyclist fromย San Diego, California, and six-time Paralympic medalist

“The upcoming Olympic and Paralympic games mark the 40th year we’ve supported Teamย USAย on their journey from practice to the podium,” saidย Janet Lamkin, senior vice president of market and community innovation at United. “Like the athletes we’ve flown over the years to compete on a global stage, United is an airline committed to doing the hard work to be the best and engage deeply in the communities we serve.”

For the last four decades, United has proudly sponsored Teamย USAย Olympic and Paralympic athletes as part of its long-standing relationship with the United States Olympic and Paralympic Committee.ย As the official airline sponsor of Teamย USA, United flies athletes along with their equipment and gear, and maintains reservations agents dedicated to Teamย USA’sย travel needs.

Leading up to and throughout theย Tokyoย Games, United will also encourage fans to “let yourself fly” with United through airport and onboard marketing activations. Campaign visuals will be displayed on signage throughout United’s airports. Customers flying in premium cabins this summer will receive limited-edition Teamย USA-themed amenity kits and on select international flights, customers in United Polarisยฎ business class will dream like an Olympian in Teamย USA-themed pajamas.

EgyptAir to resume nonstop flights between Cairo and Dusseldorf

EgyptAir's 2018 National Football Team special livery

EgyptAir has made this announcement:

EgyptAir has announced the operation of 3 weekly direct flights between Cairo and Dusseldorf as of July 2, 2021.
The airline will operate its flights to Dusseldorf using one of its Boeing 737-800 aircraft.
Top Copyright Photo: EgyptAir Boeing 737-800 WL SU-GEN (msn 63806) (Egyptian National Football Team) MUC (Arnd Wolf). Image: 941824.
EgyptAir aircraft slide show:

Sky Express takes delivery of its first ATR 72-600

 

SKY Express and ATR have announced the delivery of an ATR 72-600 aircraft.

This deal represents a new country of operations for the ATR 72-600 which is currently flying in over 50 countries around the world. With a fleet of 10 ATR -500 series aircraft, the airline has opted to continue its long relationship with ATR for its fleet modernization project.

When the ATR 72-600 enters into service later this month, it will be the first step in ensuring continued and sustainable operations to Greeceโ€™s many islands.

In other news, the Greek carrier recently took delivery of its 6th Airbus A320neo.

Finnair reports a 54.5% jump in traffic in June over May

Finnair Airbus A330-302 OH-LTT (msn 1088) LHR (SPA). Image: 948136.

In June, Finnairย carried 127,900 passengers, which was 131.5% more than in June 2020. The COVID-19 impact was already clearly visible then as Finnair only operated a minimum network due to strict and extensive travel restrictions. The number of passengers in June 2021 was 54.5% more than in May 2021 (month-on-month figures are not fully comparable as there is one fewer day in June).

The COVID-19 impact, including the strict travel restrictions imposed by several countries, still affected all passenger traffic figures. It was particularly visible in the North Atlantic and Asian figures.ย The overall capacity measured in Available Seat Kilometres (ASK) increased in June by 359.2% year-on-year and by 44.6% month-on-month.ย Finnair operated 78 daily flights (cargo-only included) on average, which was 59.2% more than in June 2020 and 20.0% more than in May 2021.ย The differences between capacity figures compared to June 2020 are explained by the longer average stage length of flights operated and by the larger gauge of aircraft operated. Finnair’s traffic, measured in Revenue Passenger Kilometres (RPKs), increased by 263.6% year-on-year and by 73.0% month-on-month. The Passenger Load Factor (PLF) decreased by 9.1% pointsย to 34.7% year-on-year but increased by 5.7% points month-on-month.

The ASK increase in Asian traffic was 100.0% year-on-year as there were no comparable passenger flights in June 2020. In North Atlantic traffic, the ASKs increased by 5,243.3%: there was only a single passenger flight in June 2020, and the Chicago and Los Angeles routes were re-opened in June 2021, complementing the New York route, which was re-opened in March 2021. In European traffic, the ASKs were up by 85.7%.ย The ASKs in domestic traffic increased by 116.3%.

RPKs increased in Asian traffic by 100.0% year-on-year, in North Atlantic traffic by 16,780.5%, in European traffic by 156.8% and in domestic traffic by 135.7%.

The PLF was 14.4% in Asian trafficย but it was supported by the strong cargo operations and a high cargo load factor. The PLF was 25.5% in North Atlantic traffic, 57.9% in European traffic and 73.1% in domestic traffic.

Passenger numbers increased in Asian traffic by 100.0% year-on-year, in North Atlantic traffic by 15,154.2%, in European traffic by 118.4% and in domestic traffic by 110.9%.

In June, available scheduled cargo tonne kilometres increased byย 3,014.5% year-on-year (increased by 38.9% month-on-month) and revenue scheduled cargo tonne kilometres increased byย 4,342.9% (increased by 36.6% month-on-month), both due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on scheduled flights especially in Asian and North Atlantic traffic in June 2020. However, cargo related available tonne kilometres increased only by 64.4% year-on-year (decreased by 5.5% month-on-month) and revenue tonne kilometres increased by 64.8% (decreased by 6.7% month-on-month) as they both also include the cargo-only flights operated mainly between Europe and Asiaย as well as Europe and North America. Cargo-only tonnes were down by 28.6% year-on-year and by 34.6% month-on-month. The total cargo tonnes increased by 52.2% year-on-year but decreased by 8.1% month-on-month. Demand for the cargo capacity remained strong especially in Asian traffic.ย As a result, the cargo load factor remained high.

In June, 87.9% of all Finnair flights arrived on schedule (96.6%).

Traffic statistics for July 2021 will be published on Thursday 5 August 2021.

Finnair Traffic Performance June 2021
Month % Change YTD % Change
Total traffic
Passengers 1,000 127.9 131.5 550.8 -80.0
Available seat kilometres mill 594.1 359.2 2,619.7 -73.8
Revenue passenger kilometres mill 206.0 263.6 740.8 -89.6
Passenger load factor % 34.7 -9.1p 28.3 -43.0p
Cargo tonnes total 6,216.0 52.2 40,315.3 -0.5
Available tonne kilometres mill 141.5 40.9 857.1 -49.3
Revenue tonne kilometres mill 64.7 95.2 363.3 -59.6
Asia
Passengers 1,000 Asia 4.8 100.0 20.8 -95.5
Available seat kilometres mill Asia 248.5 100.0 1,360.8 -71.0
Revenue passenger kilometres mill Asia 35.8 100.0 155.6 -95.7
Passenger load factor % Asia 14.4 N/A 11.4 -64.9p
Europe
Passengers 1,000 Europe 88.0 118.4 304.9 -80.8
Available seat kilometres mill Europe 213.7 85.7 854.1 -78.0
Revenue passenger kilometres mill Europe 123.9 156.8 402.1 -84.2
Passenger load factor % Europe 57.9 16.0p 47.1 -18.7p
North Atlantic
Passengers 1,000 North Atlantic 3.7 15,154.2 4.7 -94.3
Available seat kilometres mill North Atlantic 105.2 5,243.3 159.9 -81.2
Revenue passenger kilometres mill North Atlantic 26.8 16,780.5 33.6 -94.8
Passenger load factor % North Atlantic 25.5 17.4p 21.0 -55.2p
Domestic
Passengers 1,000 Domestic 31.4 110.9 220.4 -64.2
Available seat kilometres mill Domestic 26.7 116.3 244.9 -59.7
Revenue passenger kilometres mill Domestic 19.5 135.7 149.5 -59.2
Passenger load factor % Domestic 73.1 6.0p 61.1 0.8p
Cargo Traffic
Europe tonnes 169.4 -21.9 1,041.2 -85.7
North Atlantic tonnes 688.0 2,272.1 1,148.4 -54.8
Asia tonnes 2,609.4 100.0 14,151.8 -31.7
Domestic tonnes 25.5 18.8 161.6 -2.2
Cargo scheduled traffic total tonnes 3,492.3 1,206.2 16,503.0 -46.3
Cargo flights tonnes** 2,723.7 -28.6 23,812.3 142.7
Cargo Traffic tonnes total 6,216.0 52.2 40,315.3 -0.5
Available tonne kilometres* mill 56.8 64.4 363.9 -20.3
Revenue tonne kilometres mill 46.3 64.8 297.6 14.1
Available sched. cargo tonne kms* mill 31.3 3,014.5 143.1 -60.8
Revenue sched. cargo tonne kms mill 25.2 4,342.9 117.7 -38.2
Cargo load factor* % 81.5 0.2p 81.8 24.7p
– North-Atlantic cargo load factor* % 75.5 -24.5p 77.5 11.2p
– Asia cargo load factor* % 86.2 N/A 86.0 30.2p
Scheduled traffic Cargo load factor* % 80.5 24.1p 82.3 30.1p

* Based on average operational cargo capacity

** Including purchased traffic

  • Change %: Change compared to the figures of the respective periods in the previous year (p = points).
  • Available seat kilometres.ย ASK: Total number of seats available.ย multiplied by the number of kilometres flown.
  • Revenue passenger kilometres.ย RPK: Number of revenue passengers carried. multiplied by kilometresย flown.
  • Passenger load factor: Share of revenue passenger kilometres of available seat kilometres.
  • Available tonneย kilometres.ย ATK: Number of tonnes of capacity for carriage of passengers.ย cargo and mail.ย multiplied by kilometres flown.
  • Revenue tonneย kilometres.ย RTK: Total revenue load consisting of passengers.ย cargo and mail.ย multiplied by kilometres flown.
  • Overall load factor: Share of revenue tonne kilometres of available ton kilometres.

In other news, Finnair announced changes for travel to Finland:

Finlandโ€™sย new entry modelย opens upย Finlandย for leisure travelers:ย travelers from EU and Schengen countries can enter Finland freelyย as of 12 Julyย without any additional health safety measures when

  • theyย are fully vaccinated, or
  • haveย had aย covid-19 infection before, or
  • are born in 2006 or later, or
  • arrive from a country with low virus incidence.

Those with one vaccinationย onlyย are instructed to take a covid-19 test earliest 72 hours after arrival to Finland, and those without any vaccinations are requiredย in additionย to have a negative test result before departure to Finlandย or a test on arrival.

In line with this new model, Finnair will as of July 12, 2021 discontinue its requirement for customers to present covid certificates before boarding flights to Finland.

โ€œWith the new legislation, the requirements for entry are checked on arrival, so our customers do not need to show their certificates to Finnairย customer service agentย at the check-in, when their destination isย Finlandโ€, saysย Jaakko Schildt, Finnair Chief Operating Officer.ย โ€œWe continueย toย check the documents for those transiting to an international flight at Helsinki, per authority requirements.โ€

โ€œThe health andย safety of our customers is a key priority for us, and we continue to have comprehensive measures in place on our flights to ensure safe travel. These include, among others, the obligation to wear a mask for the duration of the flightโ€, Schildt says.

The Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare recommendedย earlier this yearย that all airlines with flights to Finland require their customers to show either a negative test result, a certificate of recovery, or a vaccination certificate, and Finnair has been the only airline flying to Finland who has adhered to this recommendation. With the discontinuation of this practice, Finnair does not have any requirements of its own regardingย covidย certificates.

During the interim period of 12-25 July 2021 Finnair will however check that customers traveling to Finland meet the Finnish entry requirements, when they depart from a country that is outside the group of normalized border traffic, as internal border control continues and leisure traffic is not yet allowed from all EU and Schengen countries during the interim period.

More details on entry to Finland are available at https://www.finnair.com/fi-en/flight-information/travel-updates/travelling-to-finland-2166364

Many countriesย are open for travel, butย continue to requireย covidย certificates from travelers, so customers are advised toย alwaysย check the requirements of their destination country from theย local authoritiesโ€™ website or from Finnairโ€™s travel mapย atย https://www.finnair.com/fi-en/travel-requirements-map.

Finnair flies to approximately 60 destinations during the summer season, with more destinations being added for the winter season.

Top Copyright Photo: Finnair Airbus A330-302 OH-LTT (msn 1088) LHR (SPA). Image: 948136.

Finnair aircraft slide show:

Ryanair selects seven candidates from six countries for its first customer advisory panel

Ryanair has announced its Customer Advisory Panel, comprising seven customers from six European countries. Having received over 10,000 applicants from 16 countries across Europe โ€“ Ryanairโ€™s seven successful candidates will travel to Dublin for the first of the Customer Advisory Panel meetings in September 2021, coming together to provide feedback and recommendations that will help Ryanair continue to improve its guest services.

While interest was strong across all markets, the UK trail blazed ahead with almost a third of applicants, closely followed by Ireland (20%), Italy (14%), Spain (12%), Germany (9%), France (7%) and Poland (6%).

 

The seven selected panelists include:

  • Mark, (34) fromย Ireland,ย who is an avid traveller, having visited over 50 countries.
  • Julia, (20) fromย Poland,ย a price-savvy traveller who tells us she will come equipped with lots of customer care ideas.
  • Luana, (43) fromย Italyย has a real passion for travel.
  • Jaime, (47) lives inย Ibiza, regularly travels home to Barcelona.
  • Christian, (66) fromย Germany,ย now retired, loves to whisk his wife off for European city breaks.
  • Naomi, (34) fromย Belfastย loves to travel, has previously lived in London and Liverpool, now living in Madrid.
  • Sue, (52) lives inย UK and is looking forward to traveling to see her son in Paris soon.

Ryanair will welcome the panel to Dublin in September for the first of the Customer Advisory Panel meetings, with future meetings to take place in other major European cities such as Madrid, Rome, Berlin, Warsaw and more. Flights and hotel accommodation for panel members (and a partner) will be provided and panel members will have the opportunity to explore Dublin City on their 2-night trip.

The input from the Panel will help shape Ryanairโ€™s ongoing customer improvements program, re-enforcing ย Ryanairโ€™s commitment to delivering the lowest fares, on-time flights and great customer service.

Vistara arrives in Tokyo

Vistara announced its inaugural flight has touched down in Tokyo:

American to add new routes from the Miami hub this winter

American Airlines has made this announcement for its Miami International Airport (MIA) hub:

  • American strengthens its presence at MIA with two new international destinations in Mexico and Colombia in December.
  • Six new domestic routes launch this winter, further connecting South Florida to the broadest global network.
  • By the end of the year, American will offer more than 130 nonstop destinations from MIA, the most of any carrier.

This winter, American Airlines will continue to grow its footprint at its largest international gateway, Miami International Airport (MIA), adding two new international destinations and six new domestic routes. With todayโ€™s announcement, American further solidifies its position as the largest airline at MIA, operating 341 peak daily flights this winter.

San Andres Island, Colombia (ADZ)

San Andres Island, Colombia (ADZ)

Better connectivity to Latin America and the Caribbean

In December, the carrier will launch two new international routes from MIA: Chetumal, Mexico (CTM); and San Andres Island, Colombia (ADZ). With these new routes, American will serve 28 destinations in Mexico โ€“ the most of any U.S. carrier โ€“ and seven in Colombia.

 

Destination Frequency Flights Begin
ADZ Wednesdays and Saturdays Dec. 4
CTM Wednesdays and Saturdays Dec. 1

Photo: Miami International Airport.

Six new ways to head south this winter

This winter, Americanโ€™s customers will enjoy the sun, sand and the world-famous nightlife of South Florida on their terms with the most options and convenient schedule of any airline. The carrier is adding daily seasonal service between MIA and Salt Lake City (SLC); and seasonal Saturday service to Albany, New York (ALB); Burlington, Vermont (BTV); Madison, Wisconsin (MSN); Syracuse, New York (SYR); and Tulsa, Oklahoma (TUL).

 

Destination Frequency Flights Operate
ALB Saturdays Nov. 6 โ€“ April 2
BTV Saturdays Nov. 6 โ€“ April 2
MSN Saturdays Nov. 6 โ€“ April 2
SLC Daily Dec. 16 โ€“ April 4
SYR Saturdays Nov. 6 โ€“ April 2
TUL Saturdays Year-round beginning Nov. 6

 

In addition to these new routes, current daily seasonal service Oklahoma City (OKC) becomes year-round. Daily seasonal service between MIA and Des Moines, Iowa (DSM) and Milwaukee (MKE) will operate between Nov. 2 and April 4. Finally, year-round Saturday service to Fayetteville, Arkansas (XNA) begins Nov. 6.

Earlier this summer, American launched new, three-times-weekly service from MIA to Tel Aviv, Israel (TLV), as well as new domestic service to Huntsville, Alabama (HSV); Little Rock, Arkansas (LIT); Milwaukee (MKE); Portland, Maine (PWM); and Rochester, New York (ROC). Service between MIA and Bangor, Maine (BGR) launched July 3. Starting Sept. 7, American will also be the first and only U.S. carrier to offer nonstop service to Paramaribo, Suriname (PBM). Flights will operate five times per week with a convenient schedule for customers traveling across the United States to connect through MIA.