Recorded by Captain Dave Wallsworth this video shows the inaugural landing of British Airwaysโ Boeing 787 service in to Johannesburg. In the video Captain Simon Scholey can be seen setting up the approach for runway 03 right at OR Tambo before handing over to First Officer Mark Grigg for the landing. Senior First Officer, Nigel Holgate, is also in the cockpit.
Will Air France end the Joon experiment?
The new CEO of Air France-KLM (Ben Smith) wants to end Joon, the lower-cost subsidiary project of Air France designed to appeal to millennials according to Reuters.
Joon was the project of previous CEO Jean-Marc Janaillac.
The employees of Joon are expected to be placed with parent Air France if the final decision is made.
Look now, Joon painted aircraft could become a rarity in 2019.
Previously Joon was planning to add six new destinations for the summer of 2019:
Starting in summer 2019, Joon will serve 6 new destinations:
In Europe:
- Madrid;
- Stockholm;
- Prague;
- Manchester.
In the Caribbean:
- Saint Martin.
In South America:
- Quito.
Starting next summer Joon will serve 6 new destinations from Paris-CDG: Madrid* (Spain), Stockholm* (Sweden), Prague* (Czech Republic), Manchester* (UK), Saint-Martin* (France) and Quito (Ecuador).
- Madrid, Stockholm, Prague and Manchester by Airbus A320 and A321!
From Paris-CDG, Joon will fly to Madrid, Stockholm, Prague and Manchester by Airbus A320 (174 seats) and A321 (212 seats).
Here is the full report by Reuters:
Air France-KLM is mulling the closure of Joon, its newest airline brand, company sources told Reuters, in an about-face that could help new boss Ben Smith address the chronic underperformance of the main Air France business.
The discussion about scrapping Joon, which has not been decided, may be a sign of the Canadian chief executiveโs determination to tackle weak Air France profitability head-on rather than mitigate it with lower-cost secondary offerings, as many of his predecessors have tried and failed to do.
The new CEO โhas made clear he doesnโt understand the positioning or identity of Joon,โ one Air France source said. โItโs a question heโs raised internally, several times.โ
An Air France-KLM spokesman declined to comment.
Smith, hired in August to restore peace and prosperity to the Franco-Dutch group after devastating strikes that led to his predecessorโs resignation, has said Air France must narrow the profitability gap with its more efficient KLM stablemate. The Dutch carrier recorded an 8.8 percent profit margin last year, more than double Air Franceโs 3.7 percent margin.
The former Air Canada second-in-command is now urging Air France pilots to relinquish some perks if they want more pay rises, two people familiar with the matter said. That may include giving up downtown hotels and sleeping at the airport on long-haul layovers, as their KLM colleagues already do.
Layover accommodation is just one aspect of the complex accords now up for renegotiation with pilotsโ unions – who are pressing for a 4.7 percent pay increase in addition to the 4 percent company-wide raise negotiated last month to offset real-income erosion during earlier pay freezes.
โWeโve always had downtown hotels as part of our package,โ one pilot union official said. โItโs not really our job to hang around at airports for two days, as nice as they are.โ
By winding down Joon, created a year ago, Smith could actually foster staff goodwill and help reach cost-saving agreements for Air France and its other two brands – low-cost operator Transavia and domestic short-haul Hop. Strikes earlier this year wiped 335 million euros ($381 million) off earnings.
Created by his predecessor Jean-Marc Janaillac to replace Air France on the least profitable routes, Joon combines standard company pilot contracts with 540 cabin staff on lower-cost terms. But it has proven unpopular with clients, employees and investors alike.
โThe intention to get rid of Joon would be understandable,โ said HSBC analyst Andrew Lobbenberg. โYouโve got a whole new business created with all the complexity and cost, just to get a handful of cheap cabin crew – thatโs not rational.โ
Smith โshould be negotiating what he can get in terms of productivity and efficiency across the whole Air France group, against which he trades the closure of Joon,โ Lobbenberg added.
The decision may be swayed by growing discontent among Joon cabin crew, who recently threatened fresh strike action unless pay and conditions are improved.
โWhen Ben Smith got here, he said to us, โWhat is this Joon thing?โ,โ another Air France union official said. โThatโs more or less what weโve been saying all along.โ
Top Copyright Photo:ย Joon (Air France) Airbus A320-214 F-GKXT (msn 3859) LIS (Ton Jochems). Image: 940724.
Joon aircraft slide show:
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Video: Air France spotlights its Boeing 787 in 8K
Air France spotlights the most modern aircraft in its fleet in flight with 8K images, a high-flying technical feat.
In partnership with Daher and Airborne Films, Air France has created a video of the latest flagship in its fleet, the Boeing 787 in flight, using state-of-the-art technology to produce unprecedented 8K Ultra High Definition images.
Discover the Air France Dreamliner as you’ve never seen it before:
And to understand the extent of this technological challenge, click here for the videoโs Making Of:
The best of Air France on board the Boeing 787
For Air France customers, the Boeing 787 has many assets, including:
- the latest Air France cabins: a cocoon in the sky in the Business cabin (30 seats) and enhanced comfort for all in the new Premium Economy cabin (21 seats) and Economy (225 seats);
- on-board WiFi adapted to the needs of customers;
- more comfort and space with the new Premium Economy seats;
- windows that are approximately 30% larger than on similar aircraft; and
- improved air pressure and humidity levels for greater travel comfort.
Ethiopian delays the launch of the Istanbul route to March 2019
Ethiopian Airlines has announced a delay in its new route between Addis Ababa and Istanbul, which had been originally planned for December 5, 2018.
The route has now been postponed to March 4, 2019 due to the delay in the issuance of operating permit and landing slots by the Turkish Aviation Authorities, although Ethiopian has duly finalized all preparations to start the flights. Ethiopian Airlines regrets this unexpected delay.
Cayman Airways takes delivery of the first MAX 8 in the Caribbean
Cayman Airways took formal delivery of its new Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft from Air Lease Corporation (ALC) on November 28, 2018 at a ceremony in Seattle hosted by Boeing to mark the occasion.
Cayman Airways 737 MAX 8 Delivery (7256) – November 28, 2018
Above Photo: Cayman Airways.ย Pictured at the ribbon cutting ceremony in Seattle, Washington are (from left): Kishore Korde, Air Lease Corporation; Ricardo Cavero, The Boeing Company; Phillip Rankin, Cayman Airways; Steve Hazy, Air Lease Corporation; Fabian Whorms, Cayman Airways; and Andrew Zollers, Boeing.
โThis year, as we celebrate 50 years of safe and reliable service, we take great pride in introducing the first Boeing 737-8 MAX 8 to our fleet,โ said Fabian Whorms, President and CEO of Cayman Airways. โOver the next 20 months, we will be adding three additional MAX 8 aircraft while retiring our existing Boeing 737-300 jet fleet. Following a competitive public tendering process, the unique lease structure and terms offered to Cayman Airways by ALC, has afforded Cayman Airways the ability to be the first 737-8 MAX 8 operator based in the Caribbean, and we look forward to a strong working relationship with ALC.โ
โIn 2014, we purchased our 737-300s as the first step of our fleet modernization plan. That purchase was made with the expectation to retire those aircraft within 3-5 years and the aim of replacing them with a new fleet capable of cutting fuel consumption and maintenance costs, while offering greater opportunities for revenue growth and enhanced customer experience,โ said Philip Rankin, Chairman of the Cayman Airways Board of Directors.
โIn 2016, our business case demonstrated that the Boeing 737 MAX 8 was the preferred aircraft, but was expected to be out of reach financially. However, the unique terms and pricing of the successful proposal from ALC made these aircraft a logical replacement choice for our retiring Boeing 737-300s compared to any other available mission-suitable aircraft, be it new or used.โ
As part of its fleet modernization plan, Cayman Airways is replacing its four 737-300 aircraft with the MAX 8, offering 30% more seating capacity while achieving up to 30% savings in fuel costs.ย The airplane incorporates the latest technology CFM International LEAP-1B engines, Advanced Technology winglets, and other airframe enhancements to improve performance and reduce operating costs.
The new Boeing 737 MAX 8 is expected to arrive on Grand Cayman on November 30, 2018 around 4:30 pm, where there will also be a customary celebration for its arrival.
Boeing also made this announcement:
Boeing and Air Lease Corporation delivered the first 737 MAX 8 for Cayman Airways. The first 737 MAX to enter service in the Caribbeanย marks the beginning of the airline’s plans to modernize its fleet and expand its network.
Cayman Airways plans to take delivery of four MAX 8 airplanes to replace its fleet of 737 Classics.
Compared to the 737-300, the MAX 8 offers 30 percent greater seat capacity, and a more than 30 percent improvement in fuel efficiency per seat. The MAX achieves the higher levels of performance with the latest technology CFM International LEAP-1B engines, Advanced Technology winglets, and other airframe enhancements.
To prepare for their new 737 MAX, Cayman Airways will train pilots at Boeing Global Services’ Miamiย training campus. Under this agreement, Cayman will use Boeing simulators for its entire 737 fleet including 737 Classics and Next-Generation 737s.
The 737 MAX family is the fastest-selling airplane in Boeing history, accumulating about 4,800 orders from more than 100 customers worldwide. Boeing has delivered more than 200 737 MAX airplanes since May 2017.
Top Copyright Photo:ย Cayman Airways Boeing 737-8 MAX 8 VP-CIW (msn 68309) BFI (Joe G. Walker). Image: 944529.
Cayman Airways aircraft slide show:
Video:
Indigo Partners to invest in Wow Air
Indigo Partners LLC and Wow air, the Icelandic airline based in Keflavik (Reykjavik), have agreed in principle for Indigo to invest in Wow. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed. Following successful completion of due diligence, the parties would work to close as soon as practicable. Wow’s CEO and primary shareholder, Skuli Mogensen, would remain a principal investor in Wow upon completion of the transaction.
Wow is advised in this transaction by Plane View Partners LLC, the U.S. air transportation advisory firm.
This announcement comes after Icelandair decided to drop its bid to acquire its competitor.
When complete, Wow Air will join the Indigo Partners group of airlines (pictured).
Icelandair Group’s acquisition of Wow air is cancelled
Icelandair Group issued issued this statement:
The acquisition of Icelandair Group of Wow air, based on a purchase agreement signed on November 5t, 2018 has been cancelled. Both parties agree on this outcome.
Icelandair Group hf. issued a stock exchange release last Monday, November 26, 2018 stating that the company estimated that it would be unlikely that all of the conditions in the share purchase agreement would be fulfilled by the shareholdersโ meeting on November 30, 2018. That situation remains unchanged.
Therefore, it is unlikely that the Board of Directors of Icelandair Group can recommend to the shareholders that they agree to the purchase agreement. Furthermore, the Board does not intend to submit to the shareholdersโ meeting a proposal to postpone decision-making on the purchase agreement.
Due to this this situation, both parties agree to abandon the aforementioned purchase agreement.
Icelandair Group will hold its shareholdersโ meeting on Friday, November 30, as previously announced. An authorisation proposal for the Board to increase the share capital of Icelandair Group is on the agenda of the shareholdersโ meeting.
Bogi Nils Bogason, Interim President & CEO of Icelandair Group:
“The planned acquisition of Icelandair Group of Wow air will not go through. The Board of Directors and management of both companies have worked on this project in earnest. This conclusion is certainly disappointing. We want to thank WOW airโs management for a good cooperation in the project during recent weeks . All our best wishes go out to the owners and staff of the Wow air. ”
Skรบli Mogensen, CEO and Founder of Wow air:
“It was clear at the outset that it was an ambitious task to complete all the conditions of the share purchase agreement in this short period. We thank the Icelandair Group’s management team for this challenging project, and also wish the management and staff of Icelandair Group all the best.”
United Airlines announces new nonstop service between Denver and Frankfurt
https://airlinersgallery.smugmug.com/Airlines-USA6/United-Airlines-NC-Boeing/i-gLxNgJp/A
United Airlines (UAL), the U.S. carrier with the most service to Germany, today announced it will begin its 15th daily nonstop flight between the United States and Germany from its hub at Denver International Airport. The airline announced it will begin year-round service between Denver and Frankfurt, Germany, beginning May 2, 2019, subject to government approval.
United’s new service between Denver and Frankfurt is the only nonstop service from Denver to Germany by a U.S. carrier and is the airline’s ninth flight between the United States and Frankfurt. United currently operates daily nonstop service between Frankfurt and its hubs in Chicago, Houston (Bush Intercontinental), Newark, San Francisco and Washington (Dulles).
|
Denver (DEN) โ Frankfurt (FRA) starts May 2, 2019 |
|||||
|
Flight |
Frequency |
City Pair |
Depart |
Arrive |
Aircraft |
|
UA 182 |
Daily |
DEN – FRA |
3:40 p.m. |
09:20 a.m. +1 day |
Boeing 787 |
|
UA 181 |
Daily |
FRA – DEN |
11:05 a.m. |
1:20 p.m. |
Boeing 787 |
United Airlines has served the Denver community since 1937 and is the only airline to continuously operate service in Denver โ operating 6.5 million flights and serving more than 580 million customers.
Top Copyright Photo (all others by United):ย United Airlines Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner N29907 (msn 34830) ZRH (Andi Hiltl). Image: 944200.
United aircraft slide show:
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NAC to lease two Embraer E195s and one Embraer E175 to Air Burkina
Nordic Aviation Capital (NAC) has announced that it has committed to lease two Embraer E195 and one Embraer E175 to Air Burkina, the first of which was delivered in November 2018 to a delegation of the airline led by Transport Minister Vincent Dabilgou and CEO Blaise Sanou.
The remaining E195 and the E175 are planned to join Air Burkinaโs fleet in December 2018 and January 2019, respectively. Air Burkina intends to use the aircraft to replace its current fleet of two Embraer E170 aircraft (below) and to expand its network and frequencies.
Route Map:
American Airlines introduces premium Airbus A321T aircraft to transcontinental service between Los Angeles and Boston
American Airlines will introduce its unmatched premium travel experience twice daily on a three-class Airbus A321T between Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) and Boston Logan International Airport (BOS) beginning April 2, 2019. American already offers more flights between LAX and BOS than any other airline, and with todayโs announcement, becomes the only airline to offer both first and business class on this route.
Customers traveling from coast to coast on the A321T in Flagship First and Flagship Business will experience fully lie-flat seats and a chef-curated menu, as well as premium wines and amenity kits. Those traveling in Main Cabin can stay connected with power at every seat, high-speed Wi-Fi and seatback entertainment. And, as part of Americanโs new collaboration with Zoรซs Kitchen, Main Cabin customers can purchase new light and healthy menu options.
The A321T has become the standard for comfort when traveling between New Yorkโs John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) and LAX, as well as between JFK and San Francisco International Airport (SFO). Flagship First and Flagship Business customers have access to meals designed by chef-partner Sam Choy as well as a lumbar support pillow, duvet, mattress pad and other bedding from sleep experts Casper. The aircraft also offers 36 Main Cabin Extra seats, which include extra leg room and complimentary beer, wine and spirits. All customers enjoy free movies and TV shows with seatback entertainment. High-speed satellite Wi-Fi is available for purchase with bandwidth sufficient to support access to personal subscription video streaming services like Netflix* and Hulu*.
Customers at BOS traveling in Flagship First or Flagship Business will have access to the newly renovated Admirals Club, which re-opens in early 2019 after an ongoing colocation project is completed. This will move all American flights to the same terminal with one ticket counter and one baggage claim, and with all gates in the same area, for a seamless customer experience in Terminal B.
At LAX, customers flying in Flagship First have exclusive access to the most premium experience, including Flagship First Check-In โ a private, dedicated VIP check-in facility โ the Flagship Lounge and Flagship First Dining in Terminal 4. Flagship First Dining offers customers an elevated sit-down meal with regionally inspired dishes and locally sourced ingredients including the Flagship Burger, which wasย called the โbest airport burgerโ by Travel + Leisure. Flagship Business customers enjoy the best amenities and services in the Flagship Lounge at LAX with a range of options, including a robust food offering and a chef action station with fresh, made-to-order dishes, along with the ability to pair meals with premium wine, champagne and spirits or a refreshing drink from the build-your-own-cocktail station.
Flights will be available for sale on Monday, Dec. 3.
A321T flight schedule (subject to change):
LAXโBOS
AA156 Departs LAX at 7:45 a.m.
AA156 Arrives BOS at 4:16 p.m.
AA2455 Departs LAX at 9:55 p.m.
AA2455 Arrives BOS at 6:22 a.m.
AA156 Departs LAX at 7:45 a.m.
AA156 Arrives BOS at 4:16 p.m.
AA2455 Departs LAX at 9:55 p.m.
AA2455 Arrives BOS at 6:22 a.m.
BOSโLAX
AA211 Departs BOS at 7:24 a.m.
AA211 Arrives LAX at 11:10 a.m.
AA2542 Departs BOS at 5:45 p.m.
AA2542 Arrives LAX at 9:28 p.m.
AA211 Departs BOS at 7:24 a.m.
AA211 Arrives LAX at 11:10 a.m.
AA2542 Departs BOS at 5:45 p.m.
AA2542 Arrives LAX at 9:28 p.m.
*Membership required for streaming services
Top Copyright Photo (all others by American):ย American Airlines Airbus A321-231 WL N909AM (msn 7756) LAX (Michael B. Ing). Image: 944596.
American aircraft slide show (Airbus):
Video:
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