QANTAS launches 787 Dreamliner services to Hong Kong

The first QANTAS Boeing 787 Dreamliner service from Australia to Hong Kong took off on December 13, marking the first destination in Asia to be served by the airline’s Boeing 787-9.

QF29 pushed back from Melbourne just after 10 am in the morning and arrived in Hong Kong at 4.15pm (local time).

The launch follows the arrival of QANTAS’ eighth Dreamliner in November, joining the national carrier’s A330 and A380 aircraft that also fly to Hong Kong.

Hong Kong joins Los Angeles, New York, London and San Francisco as international destinations served by the QANTAS Dreamliner, as the more efficient aircraft gradually replaces the 747 on key routes.

QANTAS has also re-timed one of its two daily flights from Sydney to Hong Kong from March 31, 2019, offering customers the choice of a midday or evening departure from Sydney.

QF117 will operate overnight and arrive into Hong Kong in the morning, providing more options for onward connections to other destinations in Asia, including those operated by QANTAS’ new codeshare partner Cathay Pacific.

QANTAS’ Dreamliner carries 236 passengers across three cabins. It features the latest version of the airline’s Business Suite, nicknamed “mini First Class” by some frequent flyers, as well as a next generation Premium Economy seat and a significantly improved Economy seat with extra storage compartments and more legroom.

QANTAS operates 28 flights per week to Hong Kong from Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane.

Top Copyright Photo (all other by the airline): QANTAS Airways Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner VH-ZNC (msn 39040) LHR (Keith Burton). Image: 944781.

QANTAS aircraft slide show:

Aer Lingus to hire over 100 new pilots

Aer Lingus has made this announcement on its blog:

We’ve launched our latest pilot recruitment drive, with over 100 direct entry pilot positions available. Positions are open to qualified pilots, who, if successful, will join our flight team for an exciting and rewarding career, flying our modern aircraft, such as the Airbus A320/321 and A330, to over 80 destinations worldwide.

Aer Lingus Pilots Cockpit

The pilot recruitment drive comes as we continue to expand, having recently announced our ambitious growth strategy that will see our North Atlantic fleet increase from 17 to 30 aircraft by 2023. The growth strategy will see significant investments in guest experience, brand, fleet, network expansion and our people.

Over the coming years, we’ll add the new Airbus A321neo long-range aircraft, giving successful pilots the opportunity to fly the longest-range, single-aisle aircraft in the world when introduced.

We already fly to over 80 destinations worldwide but is continuing to eye new opportunities across the Atlantic and within Europe. This will give successful candidates exciting travel opportunities.

We’ve a strong track record of supporting female pilots, employing twice as many compared with the international airline industry average. We are continuing to make a concerted effort to attract more female pilots and we encourage them to apply for a position to join our team.

Aer Lingus Female Pilot

Candidates should be highly motivated individuals who are committed to delivering our excellent service and who are tuned into the challenging commercial priorities faced by a value carrier in today’s highly competitive aviation sector.

Successful candidates will be offered a very competitive package, which includes an incremental starting salary and excellent benefits.

Our direct entry pilot application process is now open and will close on Friday, 28th December.

Applicants are invited to apply online via the Aer Lingus careers website http://careers.aerlingus.com.

Wizz Air expands its Varna base in Bulgaria

Wizz Air, the largest low-cost airline in Central and Eastern Europe and the leading airline of Bulgaria, has announced further capacity expansion to its Varna network, allocating an additional Airbus A320 aircraft, adding 6 new routes and updating the frequencies of some of the airline’s existing routes.

The new Airbus A320 will be joining Wizz Air’s Varna fleet in July 2019.

With the arrival of the new aircraft in Varna Wizz Air’s Bulgarian fleet will grow to a total of 9 aircraft, with 2 based in Varna and 7 in Sofia. The fleet growth will increase Wizz Air’s capacity in Bulgaria further by 14% year on year, manifesting in both new routes and frequency updates.

Starting in July 2019, the newest Wizz Air routes will connect Varna with three exciting German cities. The beautiful port town of Hamburg, Cologne the gothic gem and the remarkable cultural hub Berlin are all among the airline’s newest direct routes from Varna. The romantic vibes of Paris, the exciting Mersey-side in Liverpool and the historical harbors and the colorful creativity in Copenhagen are now available for passengers travelling from Varna at Wizz Air’s genuinely low fares.

Wizz Air’s first Varna flight took off in 2007 and since then, the airline has become the leading carrier at Varna Airport. In the first eleven months of 2018, Wizz carried over 400,000 passengers on its low fare routes to and from Varna representing 48% year on year growth, while more than 2.8 million passengers to and from Bulgaria, which represents 17% increase compared to 2017.

Wizz now offers more than 500,000 seats on its 14 routes from Varna, while in total more than 3 million seats on 49 services to and from Bulgaria in 2019, as it aims to create more opportunities for Bulgarian travellers and their visitors to enjoy low fares and outstanding travel experience.

Wizz now offers 49 routes from three Bulgarian airports to 18 countries.

All images by Wizz Air.

KLM opens the first phase of the new Crown Lounge at AMS

KLM Royal Dutch Airlines on December 13 opened the first part of the new KLM non-Schengen Crown Lounge at Schiphol for its customers.

The lounge now boasts a completely new setup and ambience. The primary point of departure here is the ultimate customer experience. The lounge features the latest technologies and innovations, along with top-notch service and catering provisions. Customers can already take advantage of this in a temporary setup. Refurbishment of the second part of the lounge continues until its festive opening in summer 2019, the year in which KLM will celebrate its 100^thanniversary.

The international KLM Crown Lounge is located between the E and F Piers at Schiphol. The lounge caters to KLM’s most important customers travelling on intercontinental flights. The lounge is easy to find thanks to its new impressive entrance on the Holland Boulevard. Customers can access the lounge by escalator or elevator, are welcomed individually by personal lounge assistance and can gain easy access by scanning their boarding passes at the self-service devices. The lounge facilities are located on the second floor and on the completely rejuvenate third floor.

New service and catering concepts

Taken together, the new food & drink concepts, kitchen layout, logistics, digital innovations including self-service access and rejuvenated service provided by lounge staff all contribute towards an entirely personal experience. In so doing, KLM has created the lounge of the future.

New decor and fittings & fixtures catering to customer requirements

The new decor of the KLM non-Schengen Crown Lounge focuses on providing customers with a completely new experience. To this end, KLM has set up different zones to satisfy the diverse wishes and requirements of its customers: work, relaxation, food & drink, entertainment and fine dining. Capacity has also been expanded in order to accommodate anticipated growth in the number of (intercontinental) lounge visitors in the future. Once renovated completely, the lounge will offer around 1,500 seats in comparison with the previous 800 and will boast a surface area of 6,800 m2 compared to 3,600 m2 now.

JetBlue Airways arrives in Bozeman, Montana

JetBlue Airways on December 13 announced the start of new service in Bozeman, Montana, with the arrival of the airline’s inaugural flight landing on schedule just before 2:30 p.m. local time (below).

Above Photo:. Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport.

Roundtrip flights between Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport (BZN) and Long Beach Airport (LGB) will operate twice weekly on Thursdays and Sundays on a summer and winter seasonal schedule.

Bozeman is JetBlue’s first destination in Montana.

JetBlue will operate new Bozeman flights using its Airbus A320 aircraft. The first flight was operated with the pictured N805JB.

Top Copyright Photo: JetBlue Airways Airbus A320-232 WL N805JB (msn 5148) (Barcode) LGB (Michael B. Ing). Image: 931273.

JetBlue aircraft slide show:

The new route:

Boeing delivers the 787th 787 Dreamliner to AerCap and China Southern

Boeing has delivered the 787^th 787 Dreamliner to come off the production line, marking a special milestone for the super-efficient airplane family and the fastest-selling twin-aisle jet in history.

Since its first delivery in September, 2011, the 787 family has flown nearly 300 million passengers on more than 1.5 million flights around the world, including more than 210 new nonstop routes made possible by the airplane’s superior fuel efficiency and range.

The airplane was delivered to AerCap, the world’s largest lessor and 787 customer. Sporting a special logo commemorating the production milestone, the airplane will be leased and operated by China Southern, which continues to expand its long-haul fleet of 787 Dreamliners, including 10 787-8s and eight 787-9s.

China Southern Airlines first ordered 10 787-8 Dreamliners in 2005 and further increased its capability on long-haul routes when they placed an order for 787-9s in 2016.

The 787s have enabled the airline to launch a number of non-stop global routes, connecting Guangzhou to London and Rome in Europe; Vancouver, British Columbia, in North America; and Perth, Auckland, and Christchurch in the Oceania region.

About China Southern Airlines

As China’s largest airline by fleet size, China Southern Airlines currently operates more than 800 aircraft, including Boeing 787, 777, 747 and 737s. The carrier operates more than 3,000 daily flights to 224 destinations in 40 countries and regions across the world.

About AerCap

AerCap is the global leader in aircraft leasing with, as of September 30, 2018, 1,457 owned, managed or on order aircraft in its portfolio. AerCap has one of the most attractive order books in the industry. AerCap serves approximately 200 customers in approximately 80 countries with comprehensive fleet solutions. AerCap is listed on the New York Stock Exchange (AER) and has its headquarters in Dublin with offices in Shannon, Los Angeles, Singapore, Amsterdam, Shanghai, Abu Dhabi, Seattle and Toulouse.

Top Copyright Photo (all others by China Southern): China Southern Airlines Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner B-1168 (msn 38797) (787th Boeing 787) PAE (Nick Dean). Image: 944679.

China Southern Airlines aircraft slide show:

First Looks: Sun Country’s first aircraft in the new livery

Sun Country Airlines has taken delivery of the pictured Boeing 737-83N N861AM (msn 30706). It is the first aircraft to be wear the new 2018 livery which was decided by an online contest.

The airline made this short announcement on social media:

Our first ever owned plane is making a splash in the sky with our new livery! We’ve updated our planes and redefined our passenger experience.

Guests will enjoy new comfortable seats, USB ports in every seat, free in-flight entertainment and delicious new food and beverage options.

All photos by Sun Country.

American Airlines introduces 18 new routes and adds seats to Paris and Madrid

American Airlines is opening up additional flights to more cities across the U.S. as well as two new flights to Europe.

The 18 new routes start this summer and include a new destination: Glacier Park International Airport in Kalispell, Montana (FCA), with service from Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW), Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) and Chicago’s O’Hare International Airport (ORD).

The airline is also returning to Canada’s Halifax Stanfield International Airport in Nova Scotia (YHZ), with service from Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) and LaGuardia Airport in New York (LGA).

The world’s largest airline is also increasing summer service from DFW to two popular European cities next summer: Paris and Madrid.

All flights will be available for sale Monday, December 17.

More domestic flights from hubs

“With 18 new routes, we are committed to providing the most choices for our customers across the U.S. and a chance to see the world,” said Vasu Raja, Vice President of Network and Schedule Planning for American. “Service to Kalispell, for example, offers an exciting destination for our customers to experience. It also introduces new opportunities for local Kalispell customers to connect across American’s vast network through LAX, ORD and DFW.”

At the same time, the company is investing to provide a more consistent experience across regional and mainline fleets. American’s dual-class regional aircraft are equipped with first class seats, Wi-Fi and free wireless entertainment, and work has already begun to provide access to power at every seat.

More service from DFW

American continues to grow its largest hub as it increases to 900 flights per day in the summer of 2019 by opening 15 new gates at the Terminal E satellite. American will add five new routes from DFW beginning in April with service to San Luis Obispo County Regional Airport (SBP) in California. In May, the airline will launch new daily service to Myrtle Beach International Airport (MYR) in South Carolina. Then, in June, in addition to Kalispell, American begins year-round service to Harrisburg International Airport (MDT) in Pennsylvania and daily seasonal service to California’s Wine Country via Charles M. Schulz Sonoma County Airport (STS) in Santa Rosa.

The airline will also add a second daily flight to Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG) in Paris and Adolfo Suarez Madrid-Barajas Airport (MAD) starting June 6, providing more choices and connectivity for its customers and cargo, improving what is already the most robust service to those destinations from DFW.

“The additional flights are scheduled to provide more flexibility in a traveler’s day with a later departure from DFW and from CDG, and, in the case of MAD, enable optimal connectivity to Iberia’s network from larger markets such as Sacramento, California (SMF); Reno, Nevada (RNO); and Guadalajara, Mexico (GDL),” said Raja.

Customers flying to CDG and MAD from DFW can choose fully lie-flat business class seats featuring access to the Flagship Lounge and chef-designed meals, as well as a lumbar support pillow and duvet from sleep experts Casper. Or, they can opt for one of more than 20 Premium Economy seats featuring more width, legroom and adjustability; extendable foot and head rests; a chef-inspired meal; complimentary amenity kits and a Casper pillow and blanket.

The additional CDG and MAD flights will be operated as part of the Atlantic Joint Business (AJB) among American, British Airways, Iberia and Finnair. Through the AJB, customers can seamlessly book and fly on nearly 150 trans-Atlantic flights to hundreds of destinations in North America, Europe and the Caribbean.

Second daily flight to CDG and MAD, June 6–Oct. 27 (subject to change)

DFW–CDG (Boeing 787-9)

AA22
Departs DFW at 8:30 p.m.
Arrives CDG at 12:45 p.m.

AA23
Departs CDG at 3:25 p.m.
Arrives DFW at 6:50p.m.

DFW–MAD (Boeing 787-9)

AA156
Departs DFW at 8:50 p.m.
Arrives MAD at 1:05 p.m.

AA157
Departs MAD at 4:55 p.m.
Arrives DFW at 8:20 p.m.

New summer routes

From DFW

Destination city	Aircraft	Flights begin	Frequency	Season
San Luis Obispo, California (SBP)	E175	April 2	Daily	Year-round
Myrtle Beach, South Carolina (MYR)	E175	May 3	Daily	Summer
Kalispell, Montana (FCA)	E175	June 6	Daily	Summer
Harrisburg, Pennsylvania (MDT)	E175	June 6	Daily	Year-round
Santa Rosa, California (STS)	E175	June 6	Daily	Summer/Fall

From DCA

Destination city	Aircraft	Flights begin	Frequency	Season
Melbourne, Florida (MLB)	E175	May 4	Sat./Sun.	Summer

From LAX

Destination city	Aircraft	Flights begin	Frequency	Season
Santa Rosa, California (STS)	E175	May 3	Daily	Summer
Kalispell, Montana (FCA)	E175	June 6	Daily	Summer

From LGA

Destination city	Aircraft	Flights begin	Frequency	Season
Columbia, South Carolina (CAE)	E145	May 3	Daily	Year-round
Asheville, North Carolina (AVL)	E175	May 4	Sat./Sun.	Summer
Daytona Beach, Florida (DAB)	E175	May 4	Sat./Sun.	Summer
Jackson, Wyoming (JAC)	A319	June 8	Saturday	Summer
Halifax, Nova Scotia (YHZ)	E175	June 15	Saturday	Summer

From ORD

Destination city	Aircraft	Flights begin	Frequency	Season
Manchester, New Hampshire (MHT)	CRJ700	June 6	Daily	Year-round
Kalispell, Montana (FCA)	E175	June 6	Daily	Summer
Durango, Colorado (DRO)	CRJ700	June 8	Saturday	Summer

From PHL

Destination city	Aircraft	Flights begin	Frequency	Season
Halifax, Nova Scotia (YHZ)	E175	June 13	Daily	Summer

From PHX

Destination city	Aircraft	Flights begin	Frequency	Season
Raleigh, North Carolina (RDU)	A320	May 3	Daily	Year-round

Also, as previously announced, American will inaugurate 28 new domestic and international routes from Dec. 19 to 22, 2018 on top of two international launches this week: MIA–Matecana International Airport (PEI) in Pereira, Columbia, and MIA–Argyle International Airport (SVD) in St. Vincent and the Grenadines.

Top Copyright Photo (all others by American): American Airlines Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner N832AA (msn 40638) LAX (Michael B. Ing). Image: 944767.

American aircraft slide show (Boeing):

Wear an ugly holiday sweater on December 21 – get early boarding on Alaska Airlines

In celebration of National Ugly Holiday Sweater Day, Alaska Airlines guests who wear their festive holiday sweaters to the airport on Friday, Dec. 21 can board their flight early. The one-day promotion will be celebrated by flyers and employees alike across Alaska’s 116-city network and includes all Alaska and Horizon Air flights. Festive holiday-themed boarding music and free holiday movies will play all month to help get guests into the holiday spirit.

Back by popular demand, this is the second year Alaska Airlines and its employees have embraced National Ugly Holiday Sweater Day, hoping to bring joy to travelers during the busy holiday travel season. All guests are invited to join in the celebration and share their memories on Twitter by tagging their photos and videos using the hashtags: #UglySweaterDay and #iFlyAlaska.

Airports are busier than ever in December. As a reminder, anyone traveling during the holidays is encouraged to arrive to the airport at least two hours before their flight given anticipated congestion at the airport. Learn our 8 tips to keep the “nice” in your holiday travel.

All photos by Alaska Airlines.

British Airways expects to carry over half a million passengers during the Christmas holiday period

LAPLAND, FINLAND:
Andrea Hatfield (Cabin Crew) gets into the Christmas spirit onboard a special charter to Lapland from London Gatwick on 07 December 2015

British Airways has made this announcement:

British Airways is gearing up for the great Christmas getaway as it prepares to carry over half a million customers over the festive period, with the most popular long-haul destination being New York and the most popular short-haul route being Geneva.

New York is also set to be the busiest route on Christmas Day, with many travellers opting to head to the Big Apple for holiday and New Year celebrations.

Travellers will be able to get into the Christmas spirit on board as British Airways will serve 66,000 Christmas dinners. 330,000 brussels sprouts will be prepped alongside 270,000 roast potatoes, and 8250 kgs of turkey. A record number of mince pies will also be served, with nearly 100,000 of the festive treats given out to customers.

The airline is also laying on festive entertainment with up to 40 new Christmas films, TV show episodes and audio available, including popular favourites Elf and The Holiday.

British Airways is spending £6.5 billion for customers over the next five years, including the installation of industry-leading, streaming WiFi, 72 new aircraft and the refreshing of 128 long-haul aircraft with new interiors. The airline is also investing in Club World, including offering an outstanding restaurant-style dining experience and luxurious White Company bedding – plus, the roll out, from 2019, a new Club World seat with direct aisle access.