LAX celebrates new Terminal 1 guest experience

Mayor Eric Garcetti, Los Angeles World Airports, Southwest Airlines and Unibail-Rodamco-Westfield celebrated the grand opening of the new Terminal 1 at LAX on Friday, Nov. 30. Pictured left to right: URW President Jean-Marie Tritant, actor Danny Trejo, Mayor Eric Garcetti, Southwest CEO Gary Kelly, LAWA CEO Deborah Flint, Board of Airport Commissioners Vice President Val Velasco. (PRNewsfoto/Los Angeles World Airports)

News Highlights:

Mayor Eric Garcetti, Los Angeles World Airports, Southwest Airlines Employees and Customers jointly celebrate unveiling of new Terminal 1 at LAX.
$516.7 million redevelopment by Southwest introduces larger seating areas in gates, a larger and more efficient centralized Customer screening checkpoint and all-new dining and retail options.
Redevelopment created 3,475 construction jobs.
Partnership with Unibail-Rodamco-Westfield’s airports group, URW Airports, increases dining and retail options, including local L.A. favorites Urth Caffé, Trejo’s Tacos and Cassell’s Hamburgers.

Mayor Eric Garcetti joined Los Angeles World Airports (LAWA) and Southwest Airlines to unveil the new Los Angeles International Airport Terminal 1. This follows a half-billion-dollar, curb-to-gate redevelopment that showcases a new check-in area featuring all-new self-service ticket kiosks, an efficient nine-lane security checkpoint, new area for baggage claim, and exciting new dining and retail destinations with state-of-the-art design.

Completion of the Terminal 1 redevelopment comes as part of LAWA’s multibillion-dollar Capital Improvement Program, considered the largest public works program in history for the City of Los Angeles. The Terminal 1 renovation is part of an overall LAX modernization program, which includes an Automated People Mover – an elevated train expected to be completed by 2023 – and is expected ultimately to create more than 121,000 construction-related jobs.

“Los Angeles is a city of dreamers and doers, and the reimagined Terminal 1 reflects the creativity at the heart of our city,” said Mayor Eric Garcetti. “Working together with Southwest Airlines and our partners, what we have created is more than a terminal that connects passengers to flights — it’s a destination in its own right.”

“Today the City of Los Angeles and Los Angeles World Airports are celebrating a momentous occasion: The completion of a half a billion dollar investment into our airport by Southwest Airlines,” said Councilmember Joe Buscaino. “As investment and partnerships continue to take flight, travelers can get a sneak peek of the future of LAX by visiting Southwest’s Terminal 1 – a new first-class experience for every traveler, visitor and Angeleno.”

“The work happening to modernize LAX is focused on making our airport a more convenient and inviting place to travel through for Angelenos and visitors,” said Councilmember Mike Bonin. “From the improved security screening facilities, new restrooms and concessions that feature local eateries, LAX is rapidly becoming the world-class airport this city deserves. The renovations to Terminal 1 will make this part of LAX more secure and more environmentally-friendly, and I applaud Southwest and LAWA on their progress so far.”

The four-year, $516.7 million project created 3,475 construction jobs and completely refreshed the aging terminal, which was initially constructed in the early 1980s in advance of the 1984 Olympic Games. The project was completed with minimal impact to customer service and flight operations, keeping approximately 10 million customers moving through the facility each year of the redevelopment.

“The new Terminal 1 reflects Los Angeles World Airports’ commitment to creating exceptional facilities and experiences for our guests,” said Deborah Flint, CEO, LAWA. “The T1 modernization has been a phenomenal effort by all partners at LAWA, Southwest, and URW Airports, and the results raise the bar for what guests can expect when they come to LAX.”

“Today’s reveal of Terminal 1 marks a significant milestone in our continued improvement and modernization of LAX,” said Board of Airport Commissioners Vice President Val Velasco. “Not only are we transforming LAX into the airport for the future, but we’re doing so with a local workforce and businesses to ensure that our community is involved in and benefits from all that we do.”

A major goal of the T1 project was to eliminate lines that crowded the approaches to ticketing, security and at shops and restaurants in previously cramped gate areas. Now the terminal runs efficiently with a fleet of new self-service check-in stations, the repositioned security checkpoint and additional retail and dining offerings post-security.

The new 13-gate terminal is a true transformation: curb-to-gate, wall-to-wall. It now boasts an efficient nine-lane security checkpoint; a fully automated checked-baggage inspection and sortation system; refurbished arrival/baggage claim area; updated and expanded restrooms; and replaced Customer boarding bridges.

“Southwest carries more California travelers to, from and within the Golden State every day than any other airline and is scheduled to offer a record 800 departures a day from California next summer,” said Southwest CEO Gary Kelly. “This redeveloped Terminal 1 facility at LAX will host many of those Customers and is the perfect venue for our award-winning People to showcase their world-famous Hospitality.”

Southwest worked with LAX partner URW Airports, the terminal commercial manager, on a new and expanded dining and retail approach that includes celebrated local brands Urth Caffé, Trejo’s Tacos and Cassell’s Hamburgers, among others. With 22 dining and retail destinations comprising 23,543 square feet, the new offerings introduce 13 brands new to LAX and eight that are making their airport debut.

Southwest, construction manager Hensel-Phelps and architects from PGAL worked closely with URW to integrate shopping and dining destinations throughout the terminal, giving airport guests greater options and more visibility to their gate.

As part of the Terminal 1 unveiling ceremony, Mayor Garcetti also opened the first long-term LA Original store, operated by Marshall Retail Group. LA Original will be the first-year occupant of a retail space at the front of the terminal that will rotate regularly to introduce guests to trending brands and new products. LA Original, a pilot program of the Mayor’s Fund for Los Angeles and the Mayor’s Office of Economic Development, provides a platform to showcase diverse makers and promote locally designed, assembled, or manufactured goods through a line of LA-branded products from across Los Angeles. Proceeds support creative entrepreneur programs.

“The Southwest brand is all about customer service and little surprise-and-delight moments, and today you can feel that energy pulsing in the new terminal,” said Dominic Lowe, Executive Vice President and Group Director for URW Airports. “Terminal 1 is true testament to the results we can achieve in airports when we all come together with a shared vision.”

Here’s a closer look at the full dining and retail lineup:

Learn to live Beaming at this ultimate organic superfood café, offering plant-based food, unique cleansing programs and a menu of other delicious delights;
Get pampered with on-demand massage, nail and facial services at LAX-first Be Relax;
Discover unique gifts for men, women and children at Brookstone;
California Pizza Kitchen serves Cali-style cuisine from quality ingredients including hearth-baked pizzas, distinctive pastas, and fresh salads;
Cassell’s Hamburgers is a local crown jewel of LA’s culinary realm with a reputation for quality ingredients and pitch perfect plates that have made it the darling of food critics across the nation;
Made from fresh, simple ingredients, Chick-fil-A serves up chicken with no added fillers or hormones;
The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf was born and brewed in Southern California, delivering the taste and aroma of the world’s best coffees and teas;
Deli & Co puts the “delicatessen” back in deli with fresh, quality ingredients that satisfy cravings morning, noon and night;
Taste the consistently perfect bagels, specialty sandwiches, gourmet salads and handcrafted drinks at Einstein’s Bagels;
I Love L.A., a go-to spot to pick up must-have travel essentials, souvenirs and news and gift items;
Explore unique, natural skincare solutions at Kiehl’s Since 1851;
LA Original showcases locally designed, assembled, or manufactured goods through a line of LA-branded products from across Los Angeles;
From lipsticks and blush to mascara and eye shadow, MAC Cosmetics is like a cosmetic candy store;
Designed to help travelers on their way, the New Stand store and kiosk carry a rotating mix of travel essentials, gifts and accessories while its free mobile app serves up entertaining articles, music, deals and a digital wallet.
Pei Wei Asian Diner delivers a veritable nod to the new American trifecta: make it delicious, make it fresh and make it fast;
Good food, good drinks, and good fun at Reilly’s Irish Pub, a West Hollywoodoriginal boasting the largest selection of whiskey in Los Angeles;
Sample world-class craft beers and quality American comfort food in a vibrant environment at Rock & Brews, a partnership with KISS front men Gene Simmons and Paul Stanley;
Shop quality surf wear and lifestyle items from the Southern California brand Sol Surf, an airport first anywhere;
Indulge in confections and candies at Treat Me Sweet;
Danny Trejo brings an uber-hip, on-trend brand shining bright with star quality appeal in Trejo’s Tacos;
Urth Caffé offers its organic coffee and fine teas as well as a fresh, healthy and sustainable menu.

Additional improvements at Terminal 1 include renovation of airline support office space; modernized aircraft parking/apron pavement and modernized hydrant fueling system; improvements to the building facade; a new roof; and relocation of the main terminal entrances to ease traffic congestion.

Construction by the same project team is well underway on Terminal 1.5, a connecting structure between Terminals 1 and 2 that will further expand baggage claim areas and offer Southwest Customers connectivity to the new LAX automated people mover.

Video:

Delta unveils first biometric terminal in U.S. in Atlanta; next stop: Detroit

Starting this month, customers can use facial recognition technology from curb to gate at ATL’s Terminal F and to board at DTW.

Previously on November 29, Delta Air Lines, in partnership with U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) and the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), unveiled the first biometric terminal in the United States at Maynard H. Jackson International Terminal (Terminal F) in Atlanta, announced earlier this fall.

This means that customers flying direct to an international destination on Delta, AeroMexico, Air France, KLM or Virgin Atlantic Airways can use facial recognition technology from curb to gate, including to:

Check in at the self-service kiosks in the International lobby
Drop checked baggage at the counters in the International lobby
Serve as identification at the TSA checkpoint
Board a flight at any gate in Terminal F
And, go through CBP processing for international travelers arriving into the U.S.

Touch points throughout the terminal in Atlanta started coming online in mid-October – nearly all 25,000 customers who travel through ATL Terminal F each week are choosing this optional process, with less than 2 percent opting out. And, based on initial data, the facial recognition option is saving an average of two seconds for each customer at boarding, or nine minutes when boarding a wide body aircraft.

“Delta’s successful launch of the first biometric terminal in the U.S. at the world’s busiest airport means we are designing the airport biometric experience blueprint for the industry,” said Gil West, Delta’s COO. “We’re removing the need for a customer checking a bag to present their passport up to four times per departure – which means we’re giving customers the option of moving through the airport with one less thing to worry about, while empowering our employees with more time for meaningful interactions with customers.”

West added that Delta plans to scale the end-to-end airport biometric terminal experience to the global airline’s hub in Detroit in 2019.

On the heels of the successful roll out in Atlanta, Delta, in partnership with CBP and the Wayne County Airport Authority will expand the facial recognition boarding test that started in July, which was the first of its kind for the airport, to all 14 international gates at McNamara Terminal in the Detroit Metropolitan Airport (DTW) by mid-December. With this move, any customer flying direct to an international destination from DTW will also have the option of using facial recognition technology at boarding. In 2019, Delta will roll out facial recognition technology at DTW from curb to gate for its customers.

“It is a great honor for Detroit Metropolitan Airport to become one of the nation’s first biometric terminals,” said Chad Newton, Wayne County Airport Authority Interim CEO. “As a world-class airport, we are continuously seeking ways to enhance the customer travel experience. We look forward to partnering with Delta, CBP and TSA to provide passengers with the option to utilize facial recognition throughout their entire travel process.”

The expansion of the facial recognition option with Delta Biometrics is a natural next step following CBP and Delta’s optional facial recognition boarding tests at ATL, DTW and John F. Kennedy International Airport over the past several years. In addition, Delta recently tested a self-service biometric bag drop at Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport for international customers. Delta has also tested biometric boarding at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport, and has l aunched optional biometric check-in for all domestic Delta Sky Clubs, facilitated by Delta Biometrics.

ATL F — How the curb-to-gate facial recognition technology works:

Customers flying direct to an international destination from Atlanta’s Terminal F wanting to use this option simply:

Enter their passport information when prompted during online check-in.
- Forgot to enter passport information in advance? Don’t worry — this option will be available at the terminal after an initial passport scan and verification.
Click “Look” on the screen at the kiosk in the lobby, or approach the camera at the counter in the lobby, the TSA checkpoint or when boarding at the gate.
Breeze through once the green check mark flashes on the screen.
- Travelers will need to have their passports available and should always bring their passports when they travel internationally for use at other touch points during their trip.

And, if customers do not want to participate, they just proceed normally, as they’ve always done, through the airport.

Photos: Delta Air Lines.

ATR delivers its 1,500th aircraft

ATR on November 29 celebrated its 1,500th aircraft delivery with the entire ATR employee community.

The ATR 72-600 (JA06JC) was delivered to Japan Air Commuter at the end of October. This represents the latest in a year of milestones for the market-leading regional aircraft manufacturer, after the delivery of the 1,000th ATR 72 in July and the 500th ATR -600 Series in August. Since its first delivery, over 30 years ago, ATR has become the leader in regional aviation.

Since 2010, 75% of turboprop sales have been ATRs and the company currently has the largest market share of all regional aircraft. Nearly 500 50-seat ATR 42s and over 1,000 72-seat ATR 72s have been delivered to more than 200 operators in 100 countries. The company’s first aircraft programme, the ATR 42, was launched with the first delivery to French regional operator Air Littoral. ATR subsequently launched a larger version of the aircraft, the ATR 72, which was first delivered to Finnair. Since their respective launches, the ATR 42 and 72 have evolved with important improvements. The latest and most modern version of the aircraft, the -600 series, was launched in 2009, with the first delivery to Royal Air Maroc in 2011.

ATR’s prolonged success is a consequence of this policy of continuously developing its product and striving to go further with its customer service offer. The aircraft provides operators with unbeatable economics, operational flexibility, and state-of-the-art avionics, while passengers can enjoy the widest and most comfortable cabin in regional aviation. ATR’s recent innovations such as its Standard 3 avionics, ClearVision™, and Cabinstream™ ensure that its products continue to be the most advanced regional aircraft in the market. In addition to developing its products, ATR continues to concurrently strengthen its customer support, innovating new methods to lower Direct Maintenance Costs whilst increasing its Training footprint and offering a Customer Care Center that is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. And looking forward, ATR is also exploring the opportunities and impact of new propulsion technologies in the regional aircraft ecosystem.

Regional aviation provides vital connectivity and delivers significant economic advantages to communities worldwide. ATR’s market forecast predicts the need for over 3,000 turboprops in the next 20 years, in part to cater for nearly 3,000 new routes. A 10% increase in regional flights contributes an additional 5% of tourists, increases regional GDP by 6% and Foreign Direct Investment by 8%. This in turn leads to further social-economic development and more employment.

Top Copyright Photo: JAL – Japan Air Commuter ATR 72-212A (ATR 72-600) F-WWED (JA06JC) (msn 1524) TLS (Eurospot). Image: 943849.

JAC aircraft slide show:

Frontier flight 260 returns to Las Vegas after engine cowling rips off

Frontier Airlines flight 260 from Las Vegas to Tampa on Friday, November 30 with 166 passengers and crew members had to return to LAS after there was an issue with the right engine.

The aircraft involved was N227FR.

Frontier confirmed the engine cowling “came loose and separated from the aircraft”.

The Airbus A320 landed safely.

Passengers with window seats on the right side had this view.

Photo: Dan Ponce on Twitter.

Brussels Airlines rejuvenates its Airbus A330 long-haul fleet

Brussels Airlines has made this announcement:

Together with Lufthansa, Brussels Airlines invests in the replacement of seven of its ten Airbus A330 long-haul aircraft. Already one aircraft (OO-SFN) left the airline’s fleet. It is the most substantial investment project in the 16-year long history of Brussels Airlines and the first time ever that the airline operates long-haul aircraft that are owned and not leased.

With the new long-haul aircraft, Brussels Airlines will be able to offer its customers even more comfort, with quieter, more efficient and environmentally friendlier planes. Besides new aircraft, the airline is also investing in an entirely new cabin interior for all three travel classes, providing guests an even higher on-board comfort and a best-in-class travel experience on all intercontinental flights to Africa and the North Atlantic.After a comprehensive study where Brussels Airlines and Lufthansa looked at the current and future intercontinental network of the Brussels based airline, as well as at its capacity need for both passengers and cargo and the available aircraft on the market, it was decided last year to go for A330-300 CEO series. From an economic and operational point of view, this aircraft type is the best fit for Brussels Airlines as it brings many benefits such as a significantly higher range than its current Airbus A330 fleet and a higher maximum take-off weight offering more freight capacity.

While Brussels Airlines is currently flying with different engine types, the ‘CEO’ aircraft will all be equipped with Rolls Royce Trent 700 engines. This engine type that consumes less fuel and emits less noise and CO2, is already in use at several other airlines of the Lufthansa Group. Also for the Brussels Airlines Maintenance and Engineering Department, this harmonization and standardization is of an added value as it significantly reduces the complexity.

The replacement of seven of its ten A330 aircraft is the most substantial investment made in the 16-year long history of Brussels Airlines. In addition, it’s the first time ever that the airline operates its long-haul flights with aircraft that are owned by the Lufthansa Group and not leased.

The very first Airbus A330 with tail number OO-SFN successfully left the Brussels Airlines fleet on November 13, 2018.

In December, the phase out of OO-SFM (top) is planned, followed by OO-SFO, OO-SFY, OO-SFV, OO-SFW and OO-SFU in the course of 2019 and 2020.

The first two new aircraft, OO-SFC and OO-SFB, have started their operations in June. The refleet program will gradually take place in the months to come and will be finalized by the beginning of 2020.

Top Copyright Photo: Brussels Airlines Airbus A330-301 OO-SFM (msn 030) ZRH (Paul Bannwarth). Image: 939584.

Brussels Airlines aircraft slide show:

United Airlines expands partnership with Copa Airlines and Avianca

https://airlinersgallery.smugmug.com/Airlines-USA6/United-Airlines-NC-Boeing/i-cqhJ3Jk/A

United Airlines today announced it has reached an agreement with Compañía Panameña de Aviación S.A. (Copa Airlines), Aerovías del Continente Americano S.A. (Avianca) and many of Avianca’s affiliates, for a joint business agreement (JBA) that, pending government approval, is expected to provide substantial benefits for customers, communities and the marketplace for air travel between the United States and 19 countries in Central and South America.

Many more choices for customers

By integrating their complementary route networks into a collaborative revenue-sharing JBA, United, Avianca and Copa plan to offer customers many benefits, including:

Integrated, seamless service in more than 12,000 city pairs
New nonstop routes
Additional flights on existing routes
Reduced travel times

Drive economic benefits for consumers and the communities we serve

The carriers expect the JBA to drive significant traffic growth at major gateway cities coast to coast, which is expected to help bring new investment and create more economic development opportunities. Further, the JBA is expected to provide customers with expanded codeshare flight options, competitive fares, a more streamlined travel experience and better customer service, resulting in significant projected consumer benefits.

Better serve our customers

Additionally, allowing the three carriers to serve customers as if they were a single airline is expected to enable the companies to better align their frequent flyer programs, coordinate flight schedules and improve airport facilities.

“This agreement represents the next chapter in U.S.-Latin American air travel,” said Scott Kirby, United’s president. “We are excited to work with our Star Alliance partners Avianca and Copa to bring much-needed competition and growth to many underserved markets while providing a better overall experience for business and leisure customers traveling across the Western Hemisphere.”

“We are delighted to further solidify our existing partnership with United Airlines and look forward to increasing service options for our customers by working more closely with Avianca,” said Pedro Heilbron, Copa Airlines’ chief executive officer. “We believe this agreement benefits our passengers by providing competitive fares and a superior network of more than 275 destinations throughout Latin America and the U.S., and promotes further growth and innovation within the airline industry in the Americas.”

“We are certain that together we are stronger in the United States – Latin America market than any of the three airlines individually,” said Hernan Rincon, Avianca’s executive president – chief executive officer. “This partnership will allow Avianca to strengthen its position as a first-level player in the airline industry in America as we will expand our scope in the continent with United and Copa, offering better connectivity to our customers.”

JBAs drive competition that benefits customers

Although JBAs have been proven around the world to benefit consumers and enhance competition, currently 99 percent of the U.S. carrier passenger traffic that makes connections in Central and South America does so without a JBA. Competition in the U.S.-Latin American market has grown and includes a diverse set of carriers offering service across multiple price points. Yet the market lacks a comprehensive revenue-sharing, metal-neutral network of carriers and the associated heightened competitive forces that drive value and better consumer experiences. The JBA represents an innovative, best-in-class new product offering that will make competition in this robust market even stronger.

“Our analysis shows that a metal-neutral JBA among United, Copa and Avianca will provide substantial benefits to consumers traveling between the relevant countries,” said Dr. Darin Lee, executive vice president of economic consulting firm Compass Lexecon and airline industry expert. “This JBA will enable United, Copa and Avianca to compete more effectively, offer competitive fares, and increase service, encouraging innovation and establishing a more robust and vibrant marketplace.”

To enable the deep coordination required to deliver these benefits to consumers, communities and the marketplace, United, Copa and Avianca plan to apply in the near term for regulatory approval of the JBA and an accompanying grant of antitrust immunity from the U.S. Department of Transportation and other regulatory agencies. The parties do not plan on fully implementing the JBA until they receive the necessary government approvals. The JBA currently includes cooperation between the U.S. and Central and South America, excluding Brazil. With the recently concluded Open Skies agreement between the U.S. and Brazil, the carriers are exploring the possibility of adding Brazil to the JBA.

Top Copyright Photo (all others by the airlines): United Airlines Boeing 777-224 ER N78017 (msn 31679) (Star Alliance) LHR (Keith Burton). Image: 944609.

United aircraft slide show (Boeing):

Boeing delivers Fiji Airways’ first 737 MAX airplane

Boeing has delivered the first 737-8 MAX 8 for Fiji Airways, which plans to use the fuel-efficient, longer-range version of the popular 737 jet to expand and modernize its single-aisle fleet.

Above Photo: Fiji Airways. Continuing a rich tradition, this is how our Fijian community in Seattle proudly accepted our new Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft at the official key handover and will be farewelling it tonight when it departs Seattle headed for its new home!

Fiji Airways plans to take delivery of five MAX 8 airplanes, which will build on the success of its 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.

Compared to the previous 737 model, the MAX 8 can fly 600 nautical miles 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).

Based at Nadi International Airport, Fiji Airways serves 13 countries and 31 destinations/cities including Fiji, Australia, New Zealand, Samoa, Tonga, Tuvalu, Kiribati, Vanuatu and Solomon Islands (Oceania), the United States, Hong Kong, Japan and Singapore. It also has an extended network of 108 international destinations through its codeshare partners.

In addition to modernizing its fleet, Fiji Airways will use Boeing Global Services to enhance its operations. These services include Airplane Health Management, which generates real-time, predictive service alerts, and Software Distribution Tools, which empowers airlines to securely manage digital ground-based data and efficiently manage software parts.

Top Copyright Photo: Fiji Airways (2nd) Boeing 737-8 MAX 8 DQ-FAB (msn 64307) BFI (Steve Bailey). Image: 944495.

Fiji Airways aircraft slide show:

Alaska Airlines suspends operations at Anchorage due to earthquake damage

Alaska Airlines has issued this statement:

We understand there’s considerable damage being reported at Ted Stevens International Airport in Anchorage, Alaska, due to a 7.0 magnitude earthquake that hit this morning. There are no reports of any injuries to employees or guests at the airport.

As a precaution, Alaska Airlines is suspending operations at the airport until at least 12:30 p.m. Pacific (11:30 a.m. Alaska) to allow for a thorough safety assessment of the facility and infrastructure. We are pausing arrivals and departures in and out of Anchorage during this time.

Photo: Frank K./Wikipedia.

ANC issued this status report:

The airport is open. The arrivals and departures ramps are closed. The commercial curb where taxis and shuttles arrive is available, follow traffic control.

TSA is screening passengers. Check with your airline for current information.

The N/S Terminals have sustained some cosmetic damage. Water mains were ruptured. All elevators and escalators are out of service. Electrical Power is working, and backup generators are on standby.

Video:

Boeing delivers its 2,000th airplane to China

Boeing today delivered its 2,000^th airplane to a Chinese operator, a 737 MAX for Xiamen Airlines. The milestone and the pace at which it was reached reflect the accelerating growth in the world’s largest commercial aviation market.

Boeing delivered its first 1,000 airplanes to Chinese airlines over four decades. The next 1,000 Boeing jets have now been delivered over the past five years. The rapid pace continues as one in four Boeing-made commercial jet goes to a Chinese operator, either through direct purchase or lease.

XiamenAir 737 MAX 8 C1 Flight: Milestone 2000th Boeing Aircraft for China – November 29, 2018

The new 737 MAX delivered today sports a special logo commemorating the milestone. It is the eighth MAX airplane to join fast-growing Xiamen Airlines, which operates the largest all-Boeing fleet in China with more than 200 jets. The carrier also uses Boeing Global Services to improve the efficiency of its network and operations. Xiamen is the first Chinese airline to use Optimized Maintenance Program, which leverages Boeing AnalytX to recommend customized airplane maintenance plans.

“We’re pleased to be a part of this historic delivery for Boeing and China,” said Che Shanglun, chairman of Xiamen Airlines. “In our 34-year history of operations, Xiamen Airlines has steadily grown, doubling our fleet size over the past five years and achieving profits for 31 years in a row. Throughout that time, Boeing has been a valued partner in our growth and expansion by providing safe and reliable airplanes.”

Xiamen Airlines is one of Boeing’s more than 30 commercial customers in China. In all, Boeing-made jets comprise more than half of the greater than 3,000 jetliners flying in the country.

China’s commercial fleet is expected to more than double over the next 20 years. Boeing forecasts that China will need 7,690 new airplanes, valued at $1.2 trillion, by 2038. Boeing also forecasts China will experience strong growth in the commercial services market with demand growing $1.5 trillion over the next 20 years, accounting for 17 percent of world demand.

China also plays a major role in building the world’s jetliners. The Chinese aerospace manufacturing industry supplies parts for every Boeing jet, including the 737 MAX, 777, and 787 Dreamliner. In December, Boeing and the Commercial Aircraft Corp. of China (COMAC) are set to deliver the first 737 MAX airplane from a completion and delivery center in Zhoushan, China. The facility will handle interior work and exterior painting of 737 MAXs for the Chinese market. Final assembly work will continue to be done at Boeing’s factory in Renton, Wash.

Boeing activity in China is valued at more than $1 billion in economy activity in China. This includes procurement from Boeing’s extensive supply base, joint venture revenues, operations, training, and research and development investment.

Top Copyright Photo (all others by Boeing): Xiamen Air Boeing 737-8 MAX 8 B-1136 (msn 43831) (2000th Boeing aircraft for China) BFI (Joe G. Walker). Image: 944602.

Xiamen Air aircraft slide show:

American Airlines celebrates unveiling of new concourse at New York’s LaGuardia Airport

American Airlines on November 29 joined New York Governor Andrew M. Cuomo; Rick Cotton, Executive Director of the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey; representatives from LaGuardia Gateway Partners (LGP) and LaGuardia Airport (LGA) team members to celebrate the unveiling of a new concourse at LGA’s Terminal B. American will begin operating flights out of the new concourse December 1.

The construction of the new concourse is the first step in the reimagining of Terminal B, where American has exclusively operated since December 2017. The $5.1 billion transformation of the rest of Terminal B is scheduled for completion in 2022 and is led by the Port Authority, LGP, American and other airport stakeholders.

The new concourse is filled with world-class technology, innovation, best-in-class amenities and services, including notable brand names like FAO Schwarz, Shake Shack, and M∙A∙C, and provides a preview of what the completed project will offer.

Over the next few years, two new concourses featuring 35 gates will be built at Terminal B. The two concourses will be connected to the main terminal by dual pedestrian bridges spanning an active taxiway, allowing customers and aircraft to move about seamlessly. The project includes a new 840,000-square-foot main terminal with soaring ceilings and corridors filled with natural light.

LGA is not American’s only hub or gateway getting an extreme makeover. With its airport partners, American has spent and committed billions of dollars for projects at Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW), Miami International Airport (MIA), Reagan National Airport (DCA) in Washington, D.C., O’Hare International Airport (ORD) in Chicago and Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), where the airline recently broke ground on a $1.6 billion project.

All images by American Airlines.