easyJet Gatwick statement for today

easyJet is planning to largely operate a full schedule of flights to and from London Gatwick Airport today, Saturday 22 December. This includes six flights delayed from the closure of the runway yesterday evening. We are experiencing some disruption due to crew being out of place, but we continue to do all possible to ensure we can get customers to their destinations at this important time of the year.

We are still advising all customers flying to and from London Gatwick today to check the status of their flight on our Flight Tracker www.easyjet.com/en/flight-tracker or via the app, before travelling to the airport, in case of further disruption.

The safety and wellbeing of our passengers and crew remains our highest priority.

Air Tanzania takes delivery of first Airbus A220 aircraft powered by Pratt & Whitney GTF™ engines

https://airlinersgallery.smugmug.com/Airlines-Africa/Airlines-Tanzania/Air-Tanzania-2nd/i-RRdKJkT/A

Pratt & Whitney, a division of United Technologies Corp. and Air Tanzania celebrated the delivery of the airline’s first Airbus A220 aircraft powered by Pratt & Whitney GTF™ engines. Air Tanzania, headquartered in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, will be the first airline based in Africa to operate GTF engines and the A220 aircraft.

The United Republic of Tanzania, represented by the Tanzanian Government Flight Agency (TGFA) signed an agreement for two Pratt & Whitney GTF-powered Airbus A220 aircraft and one Pratt & Whitney Canada PW150-powered Bombardier Q400 turboprop aircraft in December 2016. The airline will be utilizing the aircraft for domestic and international operations, expanding their routes and growing beyond Africa.

“While Air Tanzania is well known to the Pratt & Whitney family, having previously operated Pratt & Whitney-powered Q300 and Q400 aircraft, we are embarking on a new journey together as they take delivery of their first GTF-powered A220 aircraft,” said Rick Deurloo, senior vice president of sales, marketing and customer support at Pratt & Whitney. “The impact this airline will make on the region with the operation of these two aircraft is truly notable. The GTF engines offer proven economic and environmental benefits with the ability to fly farther with less fuel, making Air Tanzania’s decision to expand their route network a viable solution. We look forward to growing this relationship together.” The A220, exclusively powered by the GTF engine, offers double-digit improvement in operating costs compared to current generation aircraft. It’s 20% more fuel efficient and provides a 75% reduction in noise footprint and NOx emissions 50% below the ICAO CAEP 6 regulation.

Top Copyright Photo: Air Tanzania (2nd) Airbus A220-300 (Bombardier CS300 BD-500-1A11) C-FOWU (5H-TCH) (msn 55047) YMX (Gilbert Hechema). Image: 944848.

Air Tanzania aircraft slide show:

CommutAir, a United Express carrier, increases pilot sign-on bonus to $45,000 and offers immediate captain upgrades

CommutAir announced it is increasing its pilot sign-on bonus to up to $45,000 for captain-qualified candidates. In addition, to support its massive growth, the company has immediate captain upgrade opportunities for qualified new hires.

Pilots with 1,000 Part 121/135 applicable hours can take advantage of CommutAir’s increased $45,000 sign-on bonus. The Cleveland-based carrier is growing at a record pace and expects to hire or promote 200 captains over the next two years as it continues to grow its all-jet fleet.

Qualified candidates entering captain training will see total first-year benefits and compensation package of up to $117,000. In addition to top-tier compensation and benefits, CommutAir pilots enjoy a fast and direct path to a United Airlines flight deck via the United Career Path Program (CPP).

“Pilots wishing to fly for United Airlines need to look no further,” said Joel Raymond, Chief Operating Officer. “Our ability to provide immediate upgrades allows us to fuel our growth while providing incoming pilots with an incredible opportunity to join United Airlines.”

To learn more about this program, please visit www.flycommutair.com/captain-eligible-pilots/.

WestJet, Swoop and ALPA receive arbitrator’s award on first collective agreement for pilots

WestJet has stated it has received the award of the arbitrator, Mr. William Kaplan, in the interest arbitration between WestJet, Swoop and the Air Line Pilots Association (ALPA).

The arbitrator’s award, which is binding on all parties, follows mediated negotiations and formal arbitration hearings that have taken place since May 2018. The award sets the terms for the first collective agreement including all outstanding terms and conditions of employment for pilots at WestJet and Swoop.

“Today’s award provides WestJet the ability to grow, operate a sustainable business and to compete effectively in the current operating environment,” said Ed Sims, WestJet President and CEO. “The conclusion of this first agreement allows us to now turn our attention to the arrival of WestJet’s first Boeing 787 Dreamliner and our transition to a global network carrier. I look forward to continuing to work collaboratively with our pilots as we deliver on our global future.”

ALPA represents approximately 1,600 WestJet and Swoop pilots not including WestJet Encore. WestJet Encore pilots are represented by ALPA in a separate bargaining unit, which is currently engaged in collective bargaining with the company.

WestJet will meet with ALPA leadership in early January 2019 to review the terms of the award and work towards finalizing the collective agreement. Due to the scope and complexity of the work required, the airline will not provide further comment at this time. WestJet remains committed to working directly with the pilots’ representation. The details of the collective agreement will be communicated when finalized.

In other news, WestJet on December 21 set a new record for guests flown in a single day for the fourth time this year. The group, including WestJet, WestJet Encore, Swoop and WestJet Link flew 82,618 guests, surpassing the previous record of 80,219 guests set on August 7, 2018.

Boeing delivers the first 737 MAX airplane to Royal Air Maroc

Boeing on December 21, 2018 delivered the first 737 MAX (CN-MAX, msn 60008) to Royal Air Maroc, which plans to use the fuel-efficient, longer-range version of the popular 737 jet to expand and modernize its fleet.

Morocco’s flag carrier – which welcomed its first 787-9 Dreamliner last week – will take delivery of three more 737 MAX 8s and three more 787-9s over the next few months as part of its strategic plan to strengthen its operations.

The 737 MAX 8 airplanes will build on the success of Royal Air Maroc’s fleet of Next-Generations 737s. The MAX incorporates the latest technology CFM International LEAP-1B engines, Advanced Technology winglets, and other airframe enhancements to improve performance and reduce operating costs. It also integrates engine technology to reduce the operational noise footprint of the airplane.

Compared to the previous 737 model, the MAX 8 can fly 600 nautical miles (1,112 kilometers) farther, while providing 14 percent better fuel efficiency. The MAX 8 can seat up to 178 passengers in a standard two-class configuration and fly 3,550 nautical miles (6,570 kilometers).

Royal Air Maroc plans to deploy its 737 MAX 8 on routes from Casablanca to Accra (Ghana), Lagos (Nigeria), London–Heathrow (England), Bologna (Italy) and Paris (Orly and CDG).

Boeing has also partnered with the industrial sector in Morocco, supporting the development of the kingdom’s aviation industry through initiatives such as the joint venture MATIS Aerospace that specializes in producing wire bundles and wire harnesses for airplanes. Boeing is also helping to educate local youth through partnerships with EFE-Morocco and the INJAZ Al-Maghrib association.

Photo: Boeing.

Amazon adds 10 additional Boeing 767-300F freighters

Amazon continues to invest in ways to provide fast, free delivery for customers.

Today, the company announced an expansion of its partnership with Air Transport Services Group, Inc. (ATSG) by leasing an additional 10 aircraft to support Amazon’s growth. Amazon previously leased 40 Boeing 767 freighter aircraft in 2016, 20 of those with ATSG, all of which are now flying serving customers in the Amazon Air network.

The 10 additional cargo planes will consist of Boeing 767-300 aircraft, will be operated on Amazon’s behalf by an ATSG airline, and will join the air cargo operation over the next two years.

Amazon Air’s operation launched in 2016 supporting package delivery to the rapidly growing number of customers who love fast delivery, great prices and vast selection. With advanced algorithms and software used for capacity and route planning, the Amazon Air operation can transport hundreds of thousands of packages per day. In addition, with Amazon’s dedicated air network, Amazon is able to deliver packages to its customers faster – 40 aircraft are flying in and out of gateway operations at over 20 airports, making two-day shipping possible almost anywhere in the U.S.

Amazon will open a new Regional Air Hub next year at Fort Worth Alliance Airport, and the Air Hub at the Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport will open in 2021. Recently, Amazon also announced a gateway operation to launch in Wilmington, Ohio, in 2019 as well as an expanded operation in Rockford, Illinois. Since its launch, Amazon’s air cargo operation has invested millions of dollars and created thousands of new jobs at locations across the U.S.

Amazon has launched several initiatives to ensure fast delivery speeds and supply chain capacity for its customers, including its Delivery Service Partner program, Amazon Flex, the company’s mobile application that allows individuals to sign-up, be vetted and begin delivering for Amazon, a dedicated network of over 10,000 trailers to increase trucking capacity and, now, the expanded fleet of air cargo planes. These efforts join Amazon’s robust worldwide network of more than 185 fulfillment centers where the company uses high-end algorithms, robotics, machine learning and other technological innovations to increase delivery speeds for customers. Amazon is now bringing the same technological expertise to efforts in the transportation space to increase shipping capacity for customers.

British Airways to fly to Split, Croatia from London City

British Airways will fly to the Croatian city of Split from London City Airport for the very first time next year when British Airways launches it latest new holiday route.

The airline will start operating three flights a week to the popular Dalmatian Coast sunspot in June through the peak summer months to September.

It will be the first time flights have connected the Docklands airport with Croatia.

British Airways also operates flights to Split from Heathrow Airport and is increasing frequency there from five to seven flights a week next year.

In addition the airline is adding extra frequency to two popular Greek Islands from London City next summer with an extra flight on Fridays to Skiathos and a Tuesday flight to Mykonos .

British Airways has also announced an increase in frequency on leisure routes from Heathrow next year to Chania, Preveza and Kalamata from two to three a week; Faro from four to eight a week; Ibiza, from seven to eight a week; Berlin, from 46 to 47 a week; Malaga from nine to 10 a week; and Venice, from 14 to 15 a week.

London City to Split timetable:Flight No          Depart             Arrive              Days
BA7337`          2.55pm             6.30pm            Mon & Thurs

BA7337            2.10pm             5.45pm            Fri
Split to London City timetable:Flight No          Depart             Arrive              Days
BA7336           7.20pm             8.55pm             Mon & Thurs

BA7336           6.30pm             8.05pm             Fri

Alaska starts Sacramento – Kona service

Alaska Airlines begins nonstop service on December 20 between Sacramento International Airport and Ellison Onizuka Kona International Airport at Keāhole on the Island of Hawaii.

Alaska Airlines is expanding access to the Hawaiian Islands for Northern California residents looking to head to the beach. The new, three-times weekly flight is the only nonstop and fastest way for Sacramentans to get to visit the largest of the Hawaiian Islands. Alaska also offers nonstop service from Sacramento to Maui, Hawaii.

Effective Dates	City pair	Departs	Arrives	Frequency	Aircraft
Dec. 20 – Jan. 5	Sacramento – Kona	12:15 p.m.	4:11 p.m.	Tue, Thur, Sat	737
Dec. 20 – Jan. 5	Kona – Sacramento	3:25 p.m.	10:52 p.m.	Mon, Wed, Fri	737
Jan. 6	Sacramento – Kona	11:45 a.m.	3:50 p.m.	Tue, Thur, Sat	737
Jan. 6	Kona – Sacramento	12:00 p.m.	7:25 p.m.	Tue, Thur, Sat	737

As Alaska continues to improve nonstop travel from key focus cities around California, the airline remains committed to low fares and excellent service for guests. With the lowest average fares and the most flights from the West Coast to Hawaii*, Alaska averages 29 daily departures to the Hawaiian Islands from 10 West Coast cities, which includes six California destinations: Los Angeles, Sacramento, San Diego, San Francisco, San Joseand Oakland.

Boeing, Green Africa Airways announce commitment for up to 100 737 MAX aircraft

Boeing and Lagos-based Green Africa Airways have announced a commitment for up to 100 737 MAX 8 aircraft, evenly split into 50 firm aircraft and 50 options, as the airline gears up to begin commercial operations. The total deal carries a list-price of $11.7 billion, the largest aircraft agreement from Africa, and will be reflected on Boeing’s Orders and Deliveries website once finalized.

“Today is a historic day for the Nigerian and African aviation industry,” said Babawande Afolabi, Founder & CEO, Green Africa Airways. “This landmark deal takes us much closer to our long-held dream of building a world-class airline that will unlock a new realm of positive possibilities for millions of customers. Broadly speaking, this deal is a bold symbol of the dynamism, resilience and soaring entrepreneurial drive of the next generation of Nigerians and Africans.”

Green Africa Airways, a value airline based in Lagos, Nigeria aims to offer safe, quality and affordable air travel and be a significant contributor to the economic development of Nigeria and the African continent. The new airline has received its Air Transport License from the Nigerian government and is anchored by a group of senior industry leaders led by Tom Horton, former Chairman and CEO of American Airlines, William Shaw, Founder and former CEO of VivaColombia and Virasb Vahidi, former CCO of American Airlines.

The airline initially plans to develop the Nigerian market and then build a strong Pan African network. According to Boeing’s 20-year Commercial Market Outlook, airlines in Africa will require 1,190 new airplanes as the continent boosts both intra-continental and intercontinental connectivity over the next couple of decades.

“The growth potential for air travel across Nigeria and Africa is extraordinary with the airplane fleet expected to more than double over the next 20 years. We are delighted that Green Africa Airways has selected the 737 MAX to serve this expanding market,” said Ihssane Mounir, Senior Vice President of Commercial Sales & Marketing, The Boeing Company. “We look forward to Green Africa Airways building their fleet with the MAX and taking advantage of the jet’s efficiency and dependability to open new options across Nigeria and the African continent. Boeing will be a trusted partner to Green Africa Airways as the MAX is introduced into their operations and through their long-term success.”

flyadeal to switch from Airbus to Boeing

Boeing and flyadeal today announced the Middle East carrier is growing its fleet with the 737 MAX aircraft to take advantage of the airplane’s fuel efficiency, range and passenger comforts. The airline committed to ordering 30 airplanes with options for 20 more in a deal that would be valued at up to $5.9 billion at list price.

The deal is subject to both sides concluding final terms and conditions and a purchase agreement. It will appear on Boeing’s Orders & Deliveries website once all contingencies are cleared.

flyadeal, a subsidiary of Saudi Arabian Airlines, offers affordable flights within Saudi Arabia. Over the past year, the airline has conducted an evaluation process for 50 narrowbody airplanes to support domestic growth and potential international expansion. While flyadeal has been operating new Airbus A320s, the airline says it has selected the 737 MAX for the future.

flyadeal selected the 737 MAX 8 which has capacity for 189 passengers in a one-class configuration. Compared to flyadeal’s current fleet of A320s, the MAX 8 carries 12 more passengers and provides 8 percent lower operating costs per seat.”

Boeing’s partnership with Saudi Arabia’s aviation industry began in 1945 with the delivery of a DC-3 aircraft that gave birth to commercial air travel in the kingdom. Over the past seven decades, airlines in the kingdom have operated almost every Boeing commercial jetliner, including the 707, 737s Classics, MD-11Fs, 747s, 777s, and 787 Dreamliners.

Based in Jeddah, flyadeal offers flights to eight domestic destinations including Riyadh, Jeddah, Dammam, Qassim, Tabuk, Gizan, Madinah and Abha.