Boeing statement on MAX 8 Operations Manual Bulletin

Boeing issued this statement:

Boeing is providing support and technical assistance to the Indonesian National Transportation Safety Committee and other government authorities responsible for the investigation into Lion Air flight 610.

The Indonesian National Transportation Safety Committee has indicated that Lion Air flight 610 experienced erroneous input from one of its AOA (Angle of Attack) sensors.

Whenever appropriate, Boeing, as part of its usual processes, issues bulletins or makes recommendations regarding the operation of its aircraft.

On November 6, 2018, Boeing issued an Operations Manual Bulletin (OMB) directing operators to existing flight crew procedures to address circumstances where there is erroneous input from an AOA sensor.

The investigation into Lion Air flight 610 is ongoing and Boeing continues to cooperate fully and provide technical assistance at the request and under the direction of government authorities investigating the accident.

Top Copyright Photo: Lion Air (PT Lion Mentari Airlines) Boeing 737-8 MAX 8 PK-LQP (msn 43000) BFI (James Helbock). Image: 944190.

Lion Air aircraft slide show:

SkyLease Cargo Boeing 747-400F N908AR is destroyed on landing at Halifax

Halifax Stanfield International Airport issued this statement:

At 5:05 a.m. today, a Boeing 747-400 SkyLease Cargo aircraft arriving from Chicago, Illinois, went off the end of Runway 14/32 upon its scheduled landing. Halifax Stanfield has activated its emergency plan and its well-trained and highly skilled emergency response team is responding to the incident along with local emergency responders including Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP), Halifax Regional Police (HRP), Halifax Regional Fire & Emergency (HRFE), and Emergency Health Services (EHS).

The aircraft was carrying four (4) crew members who have been removed from the aircraft and transported to hospital for treatment of minor injuries.

The airfield has reopened. However, flight schedules continue to be significantly impacted. Passengers are advised to check with their airlines on the status of flights prior to coming to the airport.

Old Guysborough Road has been closed to local traffic between Oldham Road and Tower Access Road as part of the RCMP’s investigation into this matter. Traffic will be redirected.

All photos above by the Transportation Safety Board.

Note: Boeing 747-412F N908AR (msn 28026) is an insurance write off as the fuselage is broken.

Transportation Safety Board statement and update on the investigation:

On 7 November 2018, at about 0505 Atlantic Standard Time (AST), a Sky Lease Cargo Boeing 747 overran Runway 14 of the Halifax/Stanfield International Airport. The aircraft came to rest off the end of the runway. There were 4 crew members on board. The TSB is investigating.

What we know

On 7 November 2018, at about 0505 AST, a Boeing 747-400 cargo aircraft operated by Skylease Cargo overran Runway 14 of the Halifax/Stanfield International Airport, coming to rest approximately 695 feet, or 210 metres, off the end of the runway. The aircraft was on a flight from Chicago/O’Hare International Airport to Halifax Stanfield International Airport.
There were 4 crew members and no passengers nor any cargo on board at the time of the occurrence. Minor injuries to the 4 crew members were reported following the occurrence, and the aircraft was substantially damaged.
There was a strong westerly wind gusting at 18 knots, which would be approximately 33 mph. It was raining at the time of the occurrence. In more technical terms, according to METAR issued 7 minutes before arrival, the winds were 250 degrees, 11 gusting 18 knots. The ceiling was 1,200 feet above ground and visibility was 8 miles.
The aircraft struck a localizer antenna during the overrun. Its landing gear collapsed, two engines separated from the aircraft, and the remaining engines were substantially damaged. A small post-impact fire originated from the detached No. 2 engine which was lodged under the tail of the aircraft.
Runway overruns are a TSB Watchlist issue. Since 2013, there have been an average of 9 overrun accidents and incidents every year in Canada. These can lead to aircraft damage, injuries and loss of life. The consequences can be particularly serious when there is no adequate runway end safety area (RESA) or suitable arresting material (see the video).
The TSB has 4 outstanding recommendations aimed at reducing the number of runway overruns, and minimizing risks should an overrun occur.

Progress to date

The investigation team has conducted the following information-gathering work:

The flight data recorder, cockpit voice recorder, along with other systems aboard the aircraft that contain flight data are being recovered. These will be sent to the TSB’s Engineering Laboratory in Ottawa for analysis.
An initial examination of the accident site has been conducted.
A thorough examination of Runway 14/32 has been conducted.
The investigation team is in contact with the Skylease, the US National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), the American Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), the manufacturers Boeing and Pratt & Whitney, the Halifax Airport Authority, NAV CANADA and Transport Canada.
Transport Canada has appointed a Minister’s Observer who will obtain factual information and advise the Department of any significant regulatory factors. He or she might also identify deficiencies that require immediate corrective actions and coordinate the required support to the investigation.
The TSB investigation team will be augmented with investigators from Head Office, Quebec and Western Regions, HumanFactors, Engineering Laboratory and Communications.

Next steps

In the coming days and weeks, investigators will do the following:

Download and analyze the data from the aircraft’s cockpit voice recorder and flight data recorder.
Conduct interviews with witnesses, air traffic control, and airport personnel and others who may provide additional information useful to the investigation.
Thoroughly review audio and radar data from NAV CANADA.
Gather and analyze all available information about the weather and runway surface conditions at the time of the occurrence.
Examine aircraft systems, review the aircraft maintenance records, pilot training, qualifications and proficiency records.
Review policies, operational procedures and regulatory requirements.
Examine the terrain at the end of the runway at Halifax/Stanfield Airport to determine what role it played in aircraft damage.

Communication of safety deficiencies

Aircraft accident investigations are complex and the TSB will take the time it needs to complete a thorough investigation. However, should we uncover safety deficiencies that present an immediate risk, we will communicate them without delay.

It is important not to speculate or draw conclusions about the causes of occurrences. Several factors usually contribute to an accident.

Air Tahiti Nui puts its first Dreamliner into service

Air Tahiti Nui announced on social media its first revenue flight for the first Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner:

Our first Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner will operate its first commercial flight today. The departure from Papeete (PPT) will be on Wednesday, November 7 at 8:45 AM and will arrive in Auckland (AKL) on Thursday, November 8 at 01:05 PM.

Above Photo: Air Tahiti Nui.

Top Copyright Photo: Air Tahiti Nui Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner F-OMUA (msn 39297) LAX (Michael Carter). Image: 943871.

Air Tahiti Nui aircraft slide show:

Finnair invests in new ATR cabin in 2019, new Premium Economy class for long-haul in 2021

Finnair will renew the entire cabin of its ATR aircraft, and introduce a new Premium Economy cabin class for its long-haul fleet. These investments speak of Finnair’s commitment to offer a high level of customer comfort and increased choice for its customers.  

Finnair’s ATR aircraft are currently used for domestic flights in Finland, on flights to the Baltics, to Gdansk in Poland and to Stockholm’s Bromma airport. The flights are operated by Finnair’s partner Norra.

The cabin renewal will include new seats, new carpets and a harmonised and fresh cabin interior design.

The first ATR aircraft with the renewed cabin is expected to be in operation in summer 2019, and the refurbishment of the 12 aircraft will be completed by the end of Q1, 2020.   

Finnair will also introduce a new cabin class, Premium Economy, for its entire long-haul fleet from 2021. Located in its own cabin, the Premium Economy class will feature highly customised designs for Finnair and provide customers with increased space and comfort along with an enhanced service offering. 

“We see a growing trend of quality focused travellers, who place a strong focus on the comfort and quality of their travel experience,” adds Karhu. “Responding to customer needs from all our key markets, our new Premium Economy class will serve the requirements of both leisure and corporate customers.” 

The rollout of Premium Economy class to Finnair’s long-haul fleet starts in Q4 2020 and is expected to be completed by the end of 2022.  Detailed planning of the cabin design, service concept as well as the commercial aspects are currently ongoing, and Finnair will be communicating more details at a later stage.

Top Copyright Photo (all others by the airlines): Norra – Nordic Regional Airlines ATR 72-212A (ATR 72-500) OH-ATG (msn 757) HEL (Tony Storck). Image: 943676.

Norra aircraft slide show:

Video: New safety video from Air New Zealand – Kiwi Safety

Our homegrown Safety Video It’s Kiwi Safety is the largest scale safety video we have ever produced, with a 600-strong cast. The video stars well-known Kiwi actor Julian Dennison (Hunt for the Wilderpeople, Deadpool2), local musicians Kings, Theia and Randa as well as talent from 30 community groups across the country. The safety video was filmed at various New Zealand locations in Auckland, Wellington, Dunedin, Balclutha, Hokitika and Naseby in Central Otago. It also features a number of Air New Zealanders including cabin crew, pilots, engineers, loaders and airline staff from Dunedin Airport. Enjoy! Original music track: “It’s Tricky” by RUN-DMC “In the Neighbourhood” by Sisters Underground Track produced by Josh Fountain of Auckland’s Golden Age Studios.

Urumqi Air will take delivery of five ARJ21-700 aircraft from COMAC by the end of 2019

Urumqi Air entered into an agreement with Commercial Aircraft Corporation of China Ltd (COMAC) at the 12^th China International Aviation and Aerospace Exhibition (Airshow China) on November 6, 2018 (local time), whereby the airline will take delivery of two ARJ21-700s from COMAC by the end of this year and plans to receive three additional ARJ21-700s in 2019.

At the Farnborough International Airshow held in July 2018, HNA Group signed a letter of intent to buy 20 ARJ21 aircraft from COMAC. The 20 airplanes will be operated by HNA Group’s subsidiary Urumqi Air.

With outstanding performance in extremely cold and high-elevation environments, the ARJ21 can accommodate the taking off and landing conditions at airports in the central and western regions of China and navigate the complicated air routes in these regions. The plane is better equipped to meet the air route operating needs of Urumqi Air in Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region.

Photo: COMAC.

British Airways adds the poppy decal to a Boeing 747-400

LONDON, UK:(L-R) Sophie Fox (Cabin Crew), Kai Burman (Flight Planner/RAF Reservist), Tom Deary (Cabin Mechanic/RAF Reservist), Andrea Popkiss (Customer Service Manager), Emily Rowlands (Cabin Crew) and James Hill (Fleet Planning Engineer) from British Airways in front of the Poppy which has been applied to a 747 to mark the Poppy Appeal ahead of Remembrance Sunday at Engineering, London Heathrow on 19 October 2018(Picture by Nick Morrish/British Airways)

British Airways has made this announcement:

British Airways proudly unveils a poppy decal on a Boeing 747 fuselage, as a symbol of remembrance for the fallen.

In the centenary year of the end of the First World War, the 8ft by 8ft poppy will be displayed on the aircraft as it flies to numerous British Airways destinations around the world.

Tom Deary, a British Airways Engineer, Sergeant in 381 Squadron and a former RAF Aircraft Technician, said: “It’s important that our aircraft carries the poppy as it is a national symbol of remembrance, and as a national carrier we should take pride in remembering those that have fallen in all conflicts, new or old, for our country.

“We have many colleagues that have served or are still serving in Reservist or Cadet forces roles and it is also a thank you to them for their hard work and dedication to the country.”

Every year, Tom co-rallies 100 volunteers from across the airline, alongside members of the armed forces, to sell poppies at Heathrow.

Alex Cruz, British Airways’ Chairman and CEO, said: “We are so proud of the millions of people who represented Britain a century ago. Flying the poppy on our aircraft will help us carry the spirit of remembrance across the globe in their honour.”

Collections will take place at Heathrow Terminal 3 and 5, at arrivals and departures.
A Remembrance Wall is being displayed in Terminal 5 between 1st and 11th November
On 11th November, at 10.55am, all British Airways staff will pause ground operations and engines will be shut down to observe the two minute silence – where possible.

First flight for the new Airbus A330-800

The first Airbus A330-800 took off this morning (November 6) at Blagnac in Toulouse, France at 10:31 am local time, for its maiden flight taking place over southwestern France. The aircraft, msn 1888, will perform the dedicated flight-physics tests required for this variant.

The crew in the cockpit comprise: Experimental Test Pilots Malcolm RIDLEY and François BARRE and Test-Flight Engineer Ludovic GIRARD. Meanwhile, monitoring the aircraft systems and performance in real-time at the flight-test-engineer’s (FTE) station are Catherine SCHNEIDER and Jose CORUGEDO BERMEJO. The A330-800’s certification development programme itself will last around 300 flight-test hours, paving the way for certification in 2019. Its sibling, the larger A330-900 family member, recently completed its development testing and certification programme which validated the A330neo Family’s common engines, systems, cabin and flight & ground operations.

Launched in July 2014, the latest generation of Airbus’ widebody family, the A330neo builds on the A330ceo’s proven economics, versatility and reliability while reducing fuel consumption by a further 14 per cent per seat. The NEO’s two versions – the A330-800 and A330-900 – will accommodate 257 and 287 passengers respectively in a three-class seating layout, are powered by the latest-generation Rolls-Royce Trent 7000 engines, offer new “Airspace” cabin amenities and feature a new larger span wing with Sharklet wingtip devices.

The A330 is one of the most popular widebody families ever, having received over 1,700 orders from 120 customers. More than 1,400 A330s are flying with over 120 operators worldwide. The A330neo is the latest addition to the leading Airbus widebody family, which also includes the A350 XWB and the A380, all featuring unmatched space and comfort combined with unprecedented efficiency levels and unrivalled range capability.

Above Copyright Photo (all other images by Airbus): Airbus A330-841N F-WWTO (msn 1888) TLS (Eurospot). Image: 944290.

Emirates to introduce the Boeing 777-300 First Class product on the Vienna route

Emirates’ latest Boeing 777-300ER aircraft fitted with the ‘Game Changer’ First Class product will operate between Dubai and Vienna on a daily basis from December 1, 2018. Austria will be one of the first few countries in the world to be served by Emirates’ Boeing 777 aircraft with fully enclosed private suites inspired by Mercedes-Benz.

Emirates flies to Vienna twice daily and both flights will be operated by its flagship products – the iconic A380 and Game Changer Boeing 777 product – underscoring its commitment to the market since 2004. It also means customers travelling to or from Vienna can enjoy the latest Emirates products regardless of which of the two daily flights they opt for.

With floor-to-ceiling sliding doors and sleek design features, Emirates’ new private suites on the Boeing 777 takes luxury and privacy to the next level. Offering up to 40 square feet of personal space each, these spacious, fully-enclosed private suites are laid out in a 1-1-1 configuration.

The new suites were designed with customer comfort in mind as the seats recline into a fully flat bed and can be placed in a “zero-gravity” position inspired by NASA technology, giving a feeling of relaxation and weightlessness.

The aircraft also boasts the industry’s first virtual windows for suites located in the middle aisle. These virtual windows project the view from outside the aircraft using real time camera technology. In the other suites, binoculars are available for customers who want to explore the sky outside their windows. Customers in each suite can easily communicate with the cabin crew or request for room service through a new video call function.

From First Class through to the Business and Economy Class cabins, the latest Emirates 777 aircraft boasts multi-million dollar features that include newly-designed seats and upgraded inflight entertainment systems in all cabins, giving customers an unmatched travel experience regardless of which cabin they are in.

The Business Class seats are inspired by the interior of a modern sports car, and feature an ergonomically designed headrest with a sleek overall look and feel. It has touchscreen controls for the seat and inflight entertainment system, several personal lighting options, privacy panels between seats, a shoe stowage area, footrest, and a personal mini-bar.

The Economy Class cabin features a colour palette of soft greys and blues. The ergonomically designed seats come with full leather headrests that have flexible side panels and can also be adjusted vertically for optimum support.

Operating one of the two daily flights from Dubai to Vienna, travelers can enjoy the new Boeing 777 product on flight EK125 departing Dubai at 16:50 hrs, arriving in Vienna at 20:00 hrs. The return flight EK126 leaves Vienna at 21:55 hrs, arriving back at Dubai International Airport at 06:35 hrs the following day. The other daily rotation between Dubai and Vienna, EK127/EK128, is served by an Emirates Airbus A380.

Emirates’ products and services across cabin classes are continually improved and enhanced following feedback from customers. The airline pioneered the private suite concept on commercial flights in 2003, establishing a new standard for First Class travel.

Emirates is the largest operator of the Boeing 777 aircraft, one of the most popular and advanced wide-bodied aircraft in commercial operation today. The airline has 164 Boeing 777s in its fleet, and a further 151 on firm order, including 150 of the next generation Boeing 777x aircraft. Today, Emirates operates the Boeing 777 to more than 130 passenger and cargo destinations from its hub in Dubai.

Top Copyright Photo (all others by Emirates): Emirates Airline Boeing 777-31H ER A6-ENI (msn 41087) (Expo 2020 Dubai UAE) DPS (Pascal Simon). Image: 943557.

Emirates aircraft slide show:

Jet Airways commences India’s first nonstop service between Mumbai and Manchester

Jet Airways on November 5, 2018 commenced its new nonstop service between Mumbai and Manchester, further expanding the airline’s connectivity in the United Kingdom (UK).

This new service is the first nonstop service connecting India, via its economic capital with Manchester, the third largest city in the United Kingdom.

Jet Airways is now the largest carrier between Mumbai and the UK and Manchester, the 21^st international destination on the carrier’s network.

Ahead of the launch of its inaugural service from Mumbai Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport, Jet Airways conducted a multi-faith prayer followed by a ceremonial lamp lighting ceremony to mark the occasion of its maiden Mumbai – Manchester flight.

This inaugural function was led by Mr Raj Sivakumar – Senior Vice-President, Worldwide Sales & Distribution, Jet Airways; Mr. Tom Mottershead, Deputy Director for Trade and Innovation, British Deputy High Commission; dignitaries and invitees from airport (MIAL) graced the occasion. The lamp – lighting ceremony was followed by inauguration of the check- in counter marked by a symbolic ribbon cutting. The airline felicitated the first guest to check in by handing over a boarding pass and by a floral presentation.

The airline’s first flight to Manchester 9W 130, departed on schedule from Mumbai at 0230 hrs, operated by its modern wide body Airbus A330-200 aircraft. The flight arrived at Manchester’s Terminal 2 at 0755 hrs (Local time). The return flight, 9W 129 departed from Manchester at 0935 hrs (Local time) and arrived at Mumbai’s Terminal 2 at 0040 hrs.

Since announcing the new service in May this year, the airline has been working to strengthen additional connectivity choices for guests arriving in Manchester, who can now connect onwards to North America and Europe or even within the UK, via flights with Jet Airways’ partner carriers including Virgin Atlantic, KLM Royal Dutch Airlines, Air France and other interline partners. Jet Airways’ guests and those of certain partner carriers will also be able to enjoy mutual earn and burn of miles on each other frequent flyer programmes as per agreement between the respective airlines.

Conversely, guests flying via Mumbai will be able to access Jet Airways’ network of 46 destinations within India. Similarly, quick connections to beyond points on Jet Airways’ international network such as Bangkok, Colombo, Hong Kong, Singapore, Dhaka and Kathmandu, will now be available. Some of the domestic destinations to which the new service will seamlessly connect to from Mumbai include Ahmedabad, Amritsar, Aurangabad, Bengaluru, Bhopal, Bhuj, Chandigarh, Chennai, Coimbatore, Dehradun, Delhi, Goa, Hyderabad, Indore, Jaipur, Kolkata, Nagpur, Raipur, Rajkot, Udaipur, and Vadodara.

Jet Airways’ A330-200 aircraft with 254 seats including 18 in Première will operate on this new sector.

The new service will complement the carrier’s existing thrice daily nonstop services between Mumbai – London Heathrow, and a daily service between Delhi – London Heathrow. The launch of the new service comes one year after the airline launched 3 new international services last year on October 29, 2018, to Amsterdam, Paris and London from Bengaluru, Chennai and Mumbai respectively.

Top Copyright Photo (all others by Jet Airways): Jet Airways Airbus A330-202 VT-JWQ (msn 956) SIN (Michael B. Ing). Image: 937746.

Jet Airways aircraft slide show: