EASA issues warnings to Airbus A321neo operators about excessive pitch attitude under certain conditions

EASA has issued this Airworthiness Directive concerning the new Airbus A321neo:

Manufacturer(s):

Airbus

Applicability:

Airbus A321-251N, A321-252N, A321-253N, A321-271N, A321-272N, A321-251NX, A321-252NX, A321-253NX, A321-271NX and A321-272NX aeroplanes, all manufacturer serial numbers.

Definitions:

For the purpose of this AD, the following definitions apply:

Affected ELAC: Elevator Aileron Computer (ELAC) unit having Part Number (P/N) 3945129100 with L102 software P/N 3945129114 (data-loadable); or ELAC unit having P/N 3945128220 (non-data-loadable).

The applicable AFM TR: Airbus Aircraft Flight Manual (AFM) Temporary Revision (TR) 766, TR 767, TR 768, TR 769, TR 770, TR 771 issue 2 and TR 772 issue 2, as applicable.

EASA AD No.: 2019-0171

Groups:
Group 1 aeroplanes are those that have affected ELAC installed.
Group 2 aeroplanes are those that do not have affected ELAC installed.

Reason:

Analysis of the behavior of the ELAC L102 installed on A321neo revealed that excessive pitch attitude can occur in certain conditions and during specific manoeuvres.

This condition, if not corrected, could result in reduced control of the aeroplane.

To address this potential unsafe condition, Airbus issued the applicable AFM TR to provide operational limitations.

For the reason described above, this AD requires amendment of the respective AFM, with AFM TR, as applicable.

This AD is considered to be an interim action and further AD action may follow.

Required Action(s) and Compliance Time(s):

Required as indicated, unless accomplished previously:

AFM Change:

(1) For Group 1 aeroplanes: Within 30 days after the effective date of this AD, amend the applicable AFM to incorporate the applicable AFM TR, inform the flight crews, and, thereafter, operate the aeroplane accordingly.
(2) For Group 2 aeroplanes: From the effective date of this AD, before next flight after modification of an aeroplane to install affected ELAC, amend the applicable AFM to incorporate the applicable AFM TR, inform the flight crews, and, thereafter, operate the aeroplane accordingly.
(3) For Group 1 and Group 2 aeroplanes: Amending the applicable AFM of an aeroplane to incorporate later AFM revisions, which include the same content as the applicable AFM TR, is acceptable to comply with the requirements of paragraph (1) or (2) of this AD, as applicable, for that aeroplane.

American kicks off new routes in time for college football season

American Airlines has made this announcement:

It’s football Friday. Almost. To get ready for the upcoming season, American Airlines announces special routes in support of college football’s biggest games of the year. American is providing more convenient access to and from cities that are hosting the games that matter the most to alumni and college fans across the U.S.

New point-to-point flying

Game	Origin	Destination	Departure	Arrival	Date
LSU @ Texas Sept. 7	New Orleans, Louisiana (MSY)	Austin, Texas (AUS)	5:39 p.m.	7:20 p.m.	Sept. 6
LSU @ Texas Sept. 7	AUS	MSY	7:20 a.m.	8:50 a.m.	Sept. 8
UVA @ Notre Dame Sept. 28	Washington, D.C. (DCA)	South Bend, Indiana (SBN)	11:40 a.m.	1:30 p.m.	Sept. 27
UVA @ Notre Dame Sept. 28	SBN	DCA	2:20 p.m.	4:09 p.m.	Sept. 29
USC @ Notre Dame Oct. 12	Chicago (ORD)	SBN	3:05 p.m.	5 p.m.	Oct. 11
USC @ Notre Dame Oct. 12	SBN	ORD	12:15 p.m.	12:15 p.m.	Oct. 13
Alabama @ Texas A&M Oct. 12	Birmingham, Alabama (BHM)	College Station, Texas (CLL)	6:40 p.m.	8:36 p.m.	Oct. 11
Alabama @ Texas A&M Oct. 12	CLL	BHM	7:12 a.m.	7:59 p.m.	Oct. 13
Virginia Tech @ Notre Dame Nov. 2	DCA	SBN	11:40 a.m.	1:30 p.m.	Nov. 1
Virginia Tech @ Notre Dame Nov. 2	SBN	DCA	2:07 p.m.	3:56 p.m.	Nov. 3

Extra sections added

Game	Origin	Destination	Departure	Arrival	Date
Texas A&M @ Clemson Sept. 7	Greenville-Spartanburg, South Carolina (GSP)	Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW)	6:20 a.m.	7:54 a.m.	Sept. 8
Texas A&M @ Clemson Sept. 7	Increasing from 3 to 4 flights.
Michigan @ Penn State Oct. 19	ORD	State College, Pennsylvania (SCE)	3:05 p.m.	5:48 p.m.	Oct. 18
	SCE	ORD	6:20 p.m.	7:20 p.m.	Oct. 20
	Increasing from 3 to 4 flights.
Tennessee @ Alabama Oct. 19	BHM	DFW	7:15 a.m.	9:27 a.m.	Oct. 20
Tennessee @ Alabama Oct. 19	Increasing from 2 to 3 flights.
LSU @ Alabama Nov. 9	BHM	DFW	7:15 a.m.	9:27 a.m.	Nov. 10
LSU @ Alabama Nov. 9	Adding an additional return flight.

Daily Headlines – July 19, 2019

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Air Tahiti Nui unveils its new uniforms

Air Tahiti Nui has recently unveiled its unique, French Polynesian-inspired crew uniforms in conjunction with the introduction of its new Tahitian Dreamliner during the 53rd International Paris Air Show – Le Bourget. Air Tahiti Nui’s crew debuted the new uniforms at the event on June 20, 2019.

With these updated uniforms, Air Tahiti Nui brings even more color into their award-winning Tahitian Dreamliners, drawing inspiration from the vivid colors used by famed painter, Paul Gaugin. The bright outfits paired with the ocean-inspired coloring of the cabin will coalesce into a sense of already being on the tropical islands of French Polynesia before one even leaves the airport.

“As ambassadors of The Islands of Tahiti, it is important that every aspect of our Tahitian Dreamliners embody the destination,” said Nicholas Panza, Vice President of North America, Air Tahiti Nui. “Our goal is to provide a fully immersive passenger experience, from the moment passengers approach the plane to the moment they disembark, and the crew uniforms are an important part of this.”

The designers, Steeve Liu, known in Tahiti as “Steeve L,” and Moerani Morgrin, or “Moya B,” were tasked with creating uniforms for Air Tahiti Nui’s hostesses and stewards that met the professional requirements of an international airline, while still reflecting the charm, beauty and warmth that are typical of the islands. To do this, the designers created two separate outfits: a formal pre- and post-flight uniform and a less formal in-flight uniform.

The first and more formal uniform, worn by crew while outside the aircraft, features patterns of turquoise tropical foliage on a dark blue background, bringing a touch of exoticism to an outfit that is nevertheless meant to be strict and professional. The borders and red lapels, representing the Polynesian flag, highlight the more rigorous nature of this outfit.

The second uniform, worn by the crew while in-flight, are the fitted Purotu and flowing Mamaruau, popular dresses loved by the women of Polynesia. These dresses feature the vibrant reds, blues, yellows and pinks that were loved by Gauguin, boasting a pattern made of foliage and vanilla blossoms in three color schemes, either mauve on a turquoise background, black on a red background or pink on a yellow background. Adorned with laces and red piping, these dresses bring the vivid colors and tones that compose the beauty of Polynesian gardens into the cabin. Together, these two outfits distinguish the airline’s authenticity to its destination.

The uniforms meld seamlessly with the recent launch of the Tahitian Dreamliners. Each Dreamliner aircraft seats a total of 294 passengers onboard and offers three different seating options including Poerava Business, Moana Premium and Moana Economy. The Dreamliner fleet began operation in November 2018 on flights between Tahiti and Auckland, New Zealand and three times a week to Los Angeles.

Headquartered in Papeete, Tahiti, Air Tahiti Nui currently operates from its Tahiti base to destinations in 10 countries. The phasing out of the current Airbus A340-300 fleet will be completed by September 2019. The airline has a number of codeshare partners including American Airlines, SNCF, Air Calin, Air New Zealand, Japan Airlines, Korean Air, Qantas and LATAM.

All photos by the airline.

Air Tahiti Nui aircraft photo gallery:

United Airlines is resuming service between Newark and Delhi and Mumbai

https://airlinersgallery.smugmug.com/Airlines-USA6/United-Airlines-NC-Boeing/i-cpJHk3L/A

United Airlines has announced it is resuming its daily nonstop service between Newark and Delhi and Mumbai on September 6, 2019 (eastbound), and September 7, 2019 (westbound).

United has operated service between the United States and India since 2005, and in December will become the only U.S. airline to offer nonstop service between the U.S. West Coast and Delhi.

United is the only U.S. airline offering nonstop service to Mumbai and Delhi from New York/Newark. Seasonal service between San Francisco and Delhi begins December 5, 2019, with Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner aircraft.

United to India Schedule 2019

Top Copyright Photo (all others by United): United Airlines Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner N26966 (msn 60143) LHR (Rolf Wallner). Image: 947048.

United Airlines aircraft slide show:

Air France opens its revamped Washington Dulles Airport Lounge

Air France has revealed its completely revamped and more spacious lounge located in the heart of Washington-Dulles International Airport (USA), near the boarding gates.

The new lounge welcomes Air France La Première, Business customers and Flying Blue Elite Plus members in a completely revamped, more elegant and modern setting. Spanning a total surface area of 6619 sq. feet, on two levels, the lounge can accommodate up to 155 customers.

Subtly combining comfort, creativity and French-style elegance, the lounge reflects the Air France brand identity. Through its choice of materials, furnishings and range of bright colors, the Air France lounge has a sleek and elegant feel.

The New Night Service – Dine in the Lounge and Sleep on Board

At the heart of the lounge, a new dining area will be home to the airline’s Night Service, which is offered to Business customers on the daily 21:10 AF027 flight from Washington to Paris-Charles de Gaulle.

The Night Service anticipates customers’ needs to enjoy a good night’s sleep on night flights. They can enjoy the same gourmet French meal in the airport lounge as the one served on board. A full meal comprising a starter, hot dish, cheese, dessert and a wine as well as a Champagne list is served at their table.

During the flight, customers can enjoy a good night’s sleep in the comfort of the Business class cabin. A quiet, private cabin guarantees a peaceful night’s sleep in a seat that transforms into a lie-flat bed. When they awake, as the French coast looms on the horizon, breakfast is served before landing at Paris-Charles de Gaulle.

The Iconic Bar Area in the Lounge

Dressed in a lacquered metal structure and completely open to the lounge, the bar offers a selection of wines, Champagnes and spirits, served by a bartender. For the first time in an Air France lounge, customers can also enjoy cold draught beers.

A New Dining Experience

As part of its ongoing effort to offer its customers the best possible service, the company has also revamped its dining area to highlight French gourmet cuisine.

Designed in the spirit of a Parisian brasserie, new furnishings and circular benches have been custom designed to provide conviviality and comfort. Customers can enjoy a self-service buffet with cold, sweet and savoury selections.

Starting in September, Air France Business customers will be able to enjoy three new Signature dishes created by Daniel Rose, an American Michelin-star chef with a love for French cuisine.

A Cozy Environment

The second level offers customers a genuinely cozy environment. In a relaxing light-filled atmosphere, where light screens perfectly mimic sunlight and the colour of the sky, customers can relax comfortably in chaises lounges or other seating of their choice. A snacking area completes this moment of well-being.

A Custom-Designed Experience

The new Air France lounge also includes dedicated areas for a tailor-made experience –

– A VIP area with a cozy and private atmosphere, dedicated to customers travelling in the La Première cabin;

– An area reserved for Ultimate customers.

Not Forgetting the Essentials

– A lobby equipped with new eligibility kiosks, for smoother access;

– A co-working space;

– Free Wi-Fi access and electrical/USB outlets close to each seat;

– A lounge area reflecting the architectural design of the latest Air France lounges – wide bench seating, brightly-colored individual seats that give the lounge its own distinctive identity;

– A press kiosk offering French and international newspapers and magazines, in addition to the digital offer available on the “Air France Play” app;

– Freshen up and relax thanks to an invigorating shower.

Flight schedule

From Paris-Charles de Gaulle, Air France operates two daily flights to Washington by Airbus A380 and Boeing 777-200.

Flight times operated (in local time) –

AF054: leaves Paris-Charles de Gaulle at 13:15, arrives in Washington at 15:40;
AF055: leaves Washington at 18:05, arrives at Paris-Charles de Gaulle at 7:35 the next day.
Daily flight on departure from Paris by Airbus A380.

AF026: leaves Paris-Charles de Gaulle at 16:30, arrives in Washington à 19:05;
AF027: leaves Washington at 21:10, arrives at Paris-Charles de Gaulle at 10:45 the next day.
Daily flight on departure from Paris by Boeing 777-200.

From Amsterdam-Schiphol, KLM operates a daily flight to Washington.

Flight times operated (in local time) –

KL651: leaves Amsterdam-Schiphol at 13:20, arrives in Washington at 15:40;
KL652: leaves Washington at 17:45, arrives at Amsterdam-Schiphol at 7:20 the next day.
Daily flight on departure from Amsterdam.

All photos by Air France.

Southwest extends the Boeing 737 MAX grounding until November 2, partners with Nintendo

Southwest Airlines has made this announcement:

Southwest Airlines continues to monitor information from Boeing and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) on the impending 737 MAX software enhancements and training requirements. We remain confident that, once certified by the FAA, the enhancements will support the safe operation of the MAX.

We previously revised our flight schedule by removing the MAX through October 1 to offer reliability to our operation and stability for our Customers. With the timing of the MAX’s return-to-service still uncertain, we are again revising our plans to remove the MAX from our schedule through November 2.

By proactively removing the MAX from scheduled service, we can reduce last-minute flight cancellations and unexpected disruptions to our Customers’ travel plans. The limited number of Customers who have already booked their travel and will be affected by our amended schedule are being notified of their re-accommodated travel according to our flexible accommodation procedures. The revision will proactively remove roughly 180 daily flights from our schedule out of our total peak-day schedule of more than 4,000 daily flights.

We offer our apologies to our Customers impacted by this change, and we thank them for their continued patience.

In other news, is celebrating a summer of surprises with the ultimate travel companion: Nintendo Switch. The partnership will come to life for Southwest Customers and Nintendo fans through a variety of ways, including the Let’s Play Getaway 30 days of giveaways sweepstakes* for a chance for one lucky winner to win a Nintendo Switch system and a download code for the digital version of the Super Mario Maker 2game each day between July 15 and August 13. The sweepstakes will culminate with one grand prize of roundtrip air travel for a winner and three guests, in addition to four Nintendo Switch systems and download codes for the digital version of the Super Mario Maker 2 game.

The partnership kicked off today for Customers on Southwest Flight 2246 from Dallas to San Diego, a city that is hosting one of the biggest comic convention weekends. Customers were surprised with a Nintendo-themed gaming flight as Southwest and Nintendo representatives onboard provided them with the opportunity to play a custom air travel-themed Super Mario Maker 2 course, called the Southwest Super Sky Challenge. Everyone onboard who played the game was entered for a chance to win a $500 Southwest® gift card and a Nintendo Switch prize pack containing a Nintendo Switch system and a download code for a digital version of the Super Mario Maker 2 game, with one lucky winner being selected prior to the flight landing.

Each of the Customers onboard the 737-700 aircraft was then awarded a Nintendo Switch system and a download code for the digital version of the Super Mario Maker 2 game to enjoy during their travels and on future flights. Upon arrival to San Diego, Mario himself greeted the flight and took photos with Customers in the gate area.

“Together, Southwest and Nintendo continue to elevate the ways in which we connect to our Customers’ passions, bringing families together over shared memories that will last,” said Brandy King, Director of Communication & Outreach who oversees the airline’s Brand Partnerships and Entertainment Public Relations initiatives. “We’re excited to celebrate this summer by introducing our Customers to a great travel companion sure to keep them entertained, while on a flight, on the road, or at home: Nintendo Switch.”

“With the help of Southwest, we brought smiles to an entire plane full of people,” said Nick Chavez, Nintendo of America’s Senior Vice President of Sales and Marketing. “We hope that spirit of fun lasts for a long time, as now everyone on the flight has a Nintendo Switch system and Super Mario Maker 2 to play at home or on their future travels.”

Fans attending the big convention in San Diego July 18-21 can stop by the Nintendo Gaming Lounge at the San Diego Marriott Marquis & Marina at 333 W. Harbor Drive, directly adjacent to the San Diego Convention Center. There they can play the Southwest Super Sky Challenge Super Mario Maker 2 course and be entered into a sweepstakes** for a chance to win a $500 Southwest gift card, a Nintendo Switch system, and a digital version of Super Mario Maker 2 game. Fans who already own a Nintendo Switch system and the Super Mario Maker 2 game can play a custom air travel-inspired course especially designed for Southwest by using the Course ID 39C-LQR-WLF in the Course World mode***.

Known for its ability to play fun games at home and one the go, the Nintendo Switch system allows consumers to customize their gaming experiences and find their way to play. The system has a large library of critically acclaimed games, with more on the way for 2019 and beyond.

All photos by Southwest.

Boeing to recognize charge and increased costs in second quarter due to 737 MAX grounding

Boeing has made this announcement on the on-going grounding of the 737 MAX:

Boeing has announced it will recognize an impact to earnings when it releases second quarter 2019 results on July 24.

Boeing will record an after-tax charge of $4.9 billion¹ ($8.74 per share) in connection with an estimate of potential concessions and other considerations to customers for disruptions related to the 737 MAX grounding and associated delivery delays. This charge will result in a $5.6 billion reduction of revenue and pre-tax earnings in the quarter.

While the entire estimated amount will be recognized as a charge in the second quarter, the company expects any potential concessions or other considerations to be provided over a number of years and take various forms of economic value.

Additionally, Boeing’s estimated costs to produce the aircraft in the 737 accounting quantity increased by $1.7 billion in the second quarter, primarily due to higher costs associated with a longer than expected reduction in the production rate. The increased 737 program costs will reduce the margin of the 737 program in the second quarter and in future quarters.

Boeing continues to work with civil aviation authorities to ensure the 737 MAX’s safe return to service, and these authorities will determine the timing of return to service. For purposes of the second-quarter financial results, the company has assumed that regulatory approval of 737 MAX return to service in the U.S. and other jurisdictions begins early in the fourth quarter 2019. This assumption reflects the company’s best estimate at this time, but actual timing of return to service could differ from this estimate. The second-quarter financial results will further assume a gradual increase in the 737 production rate from 42 per month to 57 per month in 2020, and that airplanes produced during the grounding and included within inventory will be delivered over several quarters following return to service. Any changes to these assumptions could result in additional financial impact.

“We remain focused on safely returning the 737 MAX to service,” said Boeing Chairman, President and CEO Dennis Muilenburg. “This is a defining moment for Boeing. Nothing is more important to us than the safety of the flight crews and passengers who fly on our airplanes. The MAX grounding presents significant headwinds and the financial impact recognized this quarter reflects the current challenges and helps to address future financial risks.”

Boeing Chief Financial Officer and Executive Vice President of Enterprise Performance and Strategy Greg Smith added, “We are taking appropriate steps to manage our liquidity and increase our balance sheet flexibility the best way possible as we are working through these challenges. Our multi-year efforts on disciplined cash management and maintaining a strong balance sheet, in addition to our strong and broad portfolio offerings, are helping us navigate the current environment.”

Boeing’s previously-issued 2019 financial guidance did not reflect impacts related to the 737 MAX. Due to the uncertainty of the timing and conditions concerning 737 MAX return to service, new guidance will be issued at a future date.

¹= Reflects the tax impact recorded in the second quarter of 2019. Based on current assumptions, additional tax impact would be recorded later in the year bringing the 2019 after-tax charge down to approximately $4.4 billion.

Photo: Joe G. Walker.