SpiceJet adds its first Boeing 737-700 freighter to its “SpiceXpress” fleet

SpiceJet has added its first freighter aircraft into the “SpiceXpress” fleet.

The pictured Boeing 737-75C (F) VT-SFB (msn 29042, ex B-2998) is named “Bolt” and was delivered on August 29, 2018 after freighter conversion.

The company is planning to expand its freighter fleet to 20 aircraft by 2022.

The division of SpiceJet explains its operations:

SpiceJet is proud to present SPICEEXPRESS-The Door to Door cargo service.

This is first time in India that an Airline has been attributed with integrated Logistics solutions. We are here to cater to your various needs for delivering goods effectively at your doorsteps. Being a leading Airline brand, we have access to unparalleled infrastructure and logistics. Therefore, we use our connectivity, resources and fleet effectively and efficiently to deliver your consignment at the door steps of your choice.

It’s our prime concern to take care of your business needs and therefore we are committed to delivering your shipment within your stipulated time frame.

Also, given our airline lineage, we have our own full- fledged security system in place to ensure maximum safety and security of your consignment.

Photo: SpiceJet.

Virgin Australia leads Australian first with delivery of sustainable aviation fuel at Brisbane Airport

Virgin Australia today announced it has achieved an Australian first, with the successful completion of a trial to deliver sustainable aviation fuel through Brisbane Airport’s general fuel supply system.

Working in partnership with the Queensland Government, Brisbane Airport Corporation, US-based biofuel producer Gevo, Inc. and supply chain partners Caltex and DB Schenker, Virgin Australia led the procurement and blending of sustainable aviation fuel, or biojet, with traditional jet fuel for supply into the fuel infrastructure at Brisbane Airport.

This is the first time that sustainable aviation fuel has been delivered through the general fuel supply system at any airport in Australia and makes Brisbane Airport one of the few airports globally where this has occurred.

As a result of the trial, biojet has now been used to fuel 195 domestic and international flights departing from Brisbane Airport, travelling more than 430,000 kilometres to destinations across Queensland, Australia and around the globe.

Biojet meets recognised international quality and safety standards and contributes to lower levels of carbon emissions compared to traditional fossil jet fuel on a life cycle basis. It can be derived from sustainable sources including sugarcane bagasse, molasses, wood waste and agave and is already in use at major airports in Oslo and Los Angeles.

Virgin Australia Airlines Group Executive, Rob Sharp, said the airline was proud to lead the delivery of sustainable aviation fuel into the fuel infrastructure at Brisbane Airport.

“Virgin Australia is leading the way in the production and use of sustainable aviation fuel in Australia. We recognise that there is a great opportunity to develop a thriving sustainable fuels industry, which will help to reduce emissions and drive investment and jobs growth in Australia.

“The successful completion of the trial at Brisbane Airport is the first important step in ensuring Australian airports and the fuel supply chain will be ready for the regular supply of sustainable fuels in Australia.

“We would like to thank the Queensland Government and our partners for their involvement and look forward to fuelling more flights departing from Brisbane Airport with biojet over the next 12-18 months,” he said.

Speaking from Brisbane Airport, Queensland Premier, the Hon Annastacia Palaszczuk, said she was pleased with the work that had been undertaken with the trial to progress developing a local biofuels industry in Australia.

“This is another step forward in a homegrown biofuels industry – one that my government is supporting. Our own biofuels producers have a ready customer in Virgin Australia and I look forward to their cooperation growing,” Premier Palaszczuk said.

Brisbane Airport Corporation (BAC) Chief Executive Officer, Gert-Jan de Graaff, said the initiative was clearly aligned with BAC’s strategy to reduce energy consumption and carbon emissions.

“BAC is committed to reducing Brisbane Airport’s impact on the environment and putting in place programs that help us to manage and minimise the long-term impacts of climate change.

“We are very proud to be the first airport in Australia, and one of only a few hubs in the world, to have biofuel as part of its fuel supply system as it will help reduce Brisbane Airport’s carbon footprint even further by assisting the airlines to reduce their emissions,” Mr de Graaff said.

Caltex Executive General Manager, Fuels & Infrastructure, Louise Warner, said that Caltex was delighted to support Virgin Australia’s trial of biojet in the Australian airspace.

“Our team at Lytton used their extensive supply chain skills and jet fuel quality control knowledge to manage the successful biojet supply trial, right here in Queensland.

“As a proud Australian company and Australia’s largest supplier of transport fuels, we support the investigation of alternative fuels such as biojet as part of the future fuel options for Australia, and we acknowledge Virgin Australia’s leadership in achieving this important milestone,” she said.

Photos: Virgin Australia.

Three major storms may impact American Airlines operations this week

American Airlines has issued this statement:

American Airlines is monitoring three separate hurricanes which may impact our operation this week. Hurricane Florence (above) aims to make landfall on the East Coast, while Hurricane Olivia (below) is heading toward Hawaii and Hurricane Isaac is tracking toward the Lesser Antilles (also below).

Our thoughts are with those who are in the path of these potentially damaging hurricanes. We are in regular communication with our national partner, the American Red Cross, which has the unique ability to activate immediately and assess critical needs following disaster. We stand ready to activate our disaster response giving platform soon, where our customers and team members can assist those in need.

Storms like these may require customers to change their travel plans and as a result, American has issued a travel alert for more than 30 airports, including our Charlotte, N.C., hub. American has not canceled any flights at this time, however, we will continue to keep news.aa.com updated with the latest operational information. The American Integrated Operations Center (IOC) in Fort Worth, Texas, continues to closely monitor the track of these storms, and is closely coordinating with the National Weather Service, Federal Aviation Administration and local airports.

The current travel alert allows customers to rebook without change fees. Customers can reschedule their travel on aa.com by retrieving their reservation, or by contacting American reservations at +1-800-433-7300 in the U.S. or Canada. Customers calling from outside the U.S. or Canada should check aa.com for our worldwide reservation phone numbers. Customers are also encouraged to check the status of their flight on aa.com. If an American flight has been canceled or excessively delayed, customers may cancel their itinerary and request a refund by visiting our website. Customers who booked through a travel agent are requested to contact their agency directly.

Additional updates will be posted on news.aa.com as the storms begin to impact airports we serve.

Biman signs order for three new Bombardier Q400 aircraft

Bombardier Commercial Aircraft has announced that Biman Bangladesh Airlines Ltd. has ordered three new Q400 turboprops by signing a purchase agreement with the Canadian Commercial Corporation (CCC).

Based on the list price of the Q400 aircraft, the firm order is valued at approximately US$106 million.

Image: Bombardier.

Aeroflot and UAC sign agreement for 100 Russian-built Superjet 100s

Aeroflot Russian Airlines and United Aircraft Corporation have signed an agreement for the delivery to Aeroflot, of 100 Superjet 100 (SSJ100) aircraft.

The document was signed by Aeroflot CEO Vitaly Saveliev and President of PJSC United Aircraft Corporation Yury Slyusar during the Eastern Economic Forum in the presence of President of the Russian Federation Vladimir Putin.

Under the agreement UAC will deliver 100 Russian-built SSJ100 aircraft to Aeroflot between 2019 and 2026. The aircraft will be configured with 12 seats in business class and 75 seats in economy class. The final contract will be signed after the parties agree on material terms of the transaction and corporate approvals have been obtained.

Vitaly Saveliev, CEO of PJSC Aeroflot, said:

“We have signed the largest aircraft delivery agreement in Aeroflot’s history, under which the Company will receive 100 modern Russian-built SSJ100 aircraft. Including the expected delivery of 50 MC-21, by 2026 Aeroflot will operate 200 Russian-built aircraft. Aeroflot has historically been the largest operator of Russian aircraft and has helped to improve all Russian aircraft models currently in operation. It is Aeroflot’s top priority to act in the interests of Russian aviation and our country.”

Yury Slyusar, President of PJSC UAC, said:

“We have worked with Aeroflot for many years. As the first and largest operator of SSJ100 aircraft Aeroflot has significantly helped the development of Russia’s aircraft industry. The signing of this new agreement marks the next stage of our cooperation and joint contribution to the development of the aircraft industry and the expansion of regional and international air connections. We are happy to continue working with Russia’s leading airline.”

Aeroflot currently operates 49 SSJ100 aircraft and is expecting the delivery of the 50th aircraft.

Aeroflot’s first commercial SSJ100 flight took place on June 16, 2011 between Moscow and Saint Petersburg.

Today, SSJ100 aircraft operate on routes to Belgorod, Nizhny Novgorod, Orenburg, Perm, Saratov, Sochi, Syktyvkar, Tyumen, Chelyabinsk and other cities.

SSJ100 aircraft also fly to international destinations including Dresden, Vilnius, Gothenburg, Bucharest, Zagreb, Ljubljana, Riga, Sofia and Tivat.

Top Copyright Photo (all others by Aeroflot): Aeroflot Russian Airlines Sukhoi Superjet 100-95B RA-89043 (msn 95074) HEL (Tony Storck). Image: 943469.

Aeroflot aircraft slide show:

British Airways to extend its sub-contract flying with Air Belgium

British Airways contracted with Air Belgium to operate its flights between London (Heathrow) and Cairo between September 3-5, 2018 while its Rolls-Royce Trent 1000 engine inspections continue.

The British carrier will again utilize Air Belgium to operate the daily London (Heathrow) – Abu Dhabi route from September 15 to October 4, 2018.

British Airways has made this announcement:

Like other airlines around the world, we continue to carry out detailed precautionary inspections on Rolls-Royce Trent 1000 engines on some of our Boeing 787-9 aircraft to ensure we meet all the relevant regulatory safety requirements.

To facilitate the additional engine inspections and any associated maintenance we have had to make some minor adjustments to our long haul flight schedules this summer.

To ensure we operate as many flights for customers as possible we have leased in additional long haul aircraft from Air Belgium.

Changing your flights

If your long haul flight this summer is due to be operated by Air Belgium on behalf of British Airways we recognise that you may not wish to travel as a result. If you wish to discuss the range of options available please contact us or your travel agent if you made your booking through them.

Continuing with your flights

If you wish to fly on the Air Belgium aircraft on the date and time you had originally planned please be aware that there may be some differences in the style and types of services on offer.

In particular Air Belgium offers two long haul cabins (business class and economy class) rather than the four long haul cabins offered by British Airways.

If you have been moved from your original cabin then you have a number of options available to you. Please contact us or your travel agent to discuss these further.

Differences to your journey

A number of other changes may be relevant to your journey and these are summarised in the table below.

Product and services	Customer information
Seat reservations	Customers who already have seats allocated will automatically be allocated a similar seat. Customers who have paid for their seat and find that their newly allocated seat is no longer suitable, will be entitled to a refund of their paid seating and will be able to choose an alternative paid for seat or a free seat at check-in.
Car seats	Car seats will be accepted on these flights for an infant or child who is between 6 and 36 months old, accompanied by an adult. The car seat should have a solid back and seat with internal restraint straps installed to securely hold the child.
Child Aviation Restraint System (CARES)	You may use your own ‘CARES’ child restraint belt on board these flights in conjunction with an aircraft seat. The child must be aged over 1 year and weigh between 10-20 kg (22-44 lbs) and is only suitable for Economy class seat without airbag seatbelts.
On-board child seat/carrycot	On-board carrycots will be provided and are subject to availability on board the aircraft on the day. They will be given to customers sitting in the carrycot positions on a first-come, first-served basis. Please note child seats will not be available.
Baggage allowance	Your baggage allowance will be honoured as per your original booking and customer eligibility.
Prepaid excess baggage	If there has been a change to your booking your prepaid excess baggage will be cancelled and refunded. You will need to repurchase any excess baggage in advance of travelling.
Firearms carried in the hold	The carriage of firearms carried in the hold is not available on these flights.
Lounge access	Lounge access will be honoured as per your original booking and customer eligibility.
Additional assistance	If you have requested assistance for these flights this remains unchanged with the exception of on-board therapeutic oxygen. The provision of on-board therapeutic oxygen is not available on these flights. Customers may bring their own therapeutic oxygen provisions providing they meet certain requirements and have obtained medical clearance in advance. Further details can be found on our medical conditions page.
Special meals	Special meals are available on these flights. Any special meal requests will be retained but there may be a variance in the style of meal for some customers.
Pre-ordered meals	Pre-ordered meals are available on these flights.
Purchased meals	Pre-purchased meals are available on these flights.
Wi-Fi on board	Wi-Fi on board will not be available on these flights.
High Life Shop	Duty free/tax free shopping (including our pre-order service) will not be available on these flights.
Avios and tier points	Avios and tier points will be credited to your Executive Club account as per your original booking.

Thank you for your support and understanding as we try to minimise the levels of disruption for customers which has arisen as a result of the issues with a number of Rolls-Royce Trent 1000 engines.

Top Copyright Photo: Air Belgium (2nd) Airbus A340-313 OO-ABB (msn 844) LHR (Wingnut). Image: 943497.

Air Belgium aircraft slide show:

Ryanair is coming to Exeter, German pilots to strike tomorrow

Ryanair has announced its first ever flights from Exeter, its newest airport, with 3 new routes to Malaga, Malta and Naples commencing in April, as part of its Summer 2019 schedule.

In other news, Vereinigung Cockpit union issued this statement:

Vereinigung Cockpit (VC) announced a 24-hour strike affecting all Ryanair flights from Germany on Wednesday, September 12, 2018 to push for its demands in talks with the Irish carrier on wages and work conditions according to Reuters.

The union has called on all German-based pilots to strike the airline from Wednesday 0101 GMT until Thursday 0059 GMT.

Ryanair reacted this way:

Ryanair on September 11, 2018 condemned the surprise and unnecessary threatened pilot strike in Germany on Wednesday, September 12. The VC Union, which threatened this strike late on Monday evening, has not consulted with Ryanair’s German pilots, and has no reasonable basis for disrupting customers travel plans when Ryanair has already agreed to negotiate local contracts in Germany, agreed to mediation, and has proposed Mr Kieran Mulvey, who successfully mediated the Irish pilots dispute, is therefore familiar with all of these issues, and is available to work immediately.

Ryanair condemned the VC Union and its negotiator Ingolf Schumacher, who has failed to consult with Ryanair’s German pilots, who last Friday evening was unable to explain any difference between mediation and arbitration in Germany (when Ryanair has agreed to mediation), and who has called this strike at short (24 hours) notice, which can only damage Ryanair’s business and some of its bases in Germany, and may lead to aircraft and job cuts in the German market this winter.

Ryanair has written to its passengers this morning confirming that it will try to run its full German schedule tomorrow, September 12. Passengers are being offered a free move to flights on Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday if they so wish, and Ryanair has also written to its German based pilots and cabin crew this morning advising them to work as normal tomorrow Wednesday, and to put its customers first rather than blindly following this damaging and unnecessary strike threat.

Meanwhile Ryanair has made this statement concerning ATC staff shortages on social media:

Copyright Photo (all others by Ryanair): Ryanair Boeing 737-8AS WL EI-EBC (msn 37520) BSL (Paul Bannwarth). Image: 943420.

Ryanair aircraft slide show:

Finnair adds capacity to Lisbon, Alanya-Gazipasa and Brussels

Finnair will add flights between its Helsinki hub and Lisbon, Portugal and Alanya (Gazipasa), Turkey for the winter season 2018-2019.

Finnair opened its Lisbon route during the summer 2018 season, and due to strong demand, it will now fly the route daily year-round. The frequencies added to the Lisbon route increase the capacity on this route by 70% during the winter season.

Finnair is also adding flights to Alanya (Gazipasa), a popular holiday destination in Turkey, and flies there twice a week during the winter season (October 28, 2018 to March 31, 2019). This is the first time a destination on the Turkish Mediterranean coast will now be available on Finnair scheduled flights year-round.

In addition, capacity will be added to Finnair’s Brussels route as of October 31 when Finnair will start to fly one of its daily frequencies, on both Wednesdays and Saturdays, with a wide-body Airbus A330 (top). This change will offer added passenger and cargo capacity between both cities and an excellent business class product with full-flat seats for this busy route.

Top Copyright Photo (all others by Finnair): Finnair Airbus A330-302 OH-LTO (msn 1013) (Unikko poppy – Marimekko) JFK (Fred Freketic). Image: 937135.

Finnair aircraft slide show:

Alaska Airlines and Neste grow innovative partnership to fly more sustainably

Alaska Airlines has made this announcement:

As part of Alaska Airlines’ ongoing efforts to fly greener and expand use of sustainable aviation fuels, Neste and Alaska have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU). In addition to Alaska’s efforts to increase fuel-efficiency and adopt innovative flight technology, the agreement will allow Neste and Alaska to more closely work together to design, create and implement solutions that lay the groundwork for the wider adoption of renewable fuels within the airline industry.

As the leading U.S. airline on the 2017 Dow Jones Sustainability Index, Alaska recognizes that the move toward sustainable aviation fuels will reduce greenhouse gas emissions, reduce turbine emissions, and potentially provide other performance and operational benefits. The companies share the view that closer collaboration within the industry and with key partners will help create the “lift” necessary to help move aviation in the right direction.

“I am delighted to announce our collaboration with Alaska Airlines. We are forerunners in the area of renewable fuels: Neste as a producer, and Alaska as a pioneer in the testing of renewable jet fuel on commercial flights. By working together, we will find the best solutions to secure the success in reaching Alaska’s goal to ‘fly greener’,” says Kaisa Hietala, Neste’s Executive Vice President in Renewable Products business area.

“At Alaska Airlines, we strive to fly true—true to our values, and true to the beautiful places and communities we fly to,” said Kirk Myers, Alaska Airlines Director of Sustainability. “We are proud to partner with Neste, the world leader in the production and advancement of renewable jet fuels, to support these efforts to fly more sustainably. This collaboration is another major step toward supporting the health of our communities and ecosystems.”

Alaska, working with other airlines, is addressing the reality of climate change by adopting targets to mitigate CO2 emissions from air transport. The aviation industry has set ambitious targets to mitigate greenhouse gas emissions from air transportation, including carbon-neutral growth from 2020 and beyond, and a 50 percent reduction of net aviation CO2 emissions by 2050 relative to 2005 levels.

In addition to the reduction of emissions and as part of its sustainability platform, Alaska is identifying operational efficiencies that will protect the environment. These include efficient aircraft design, optimized approach paths that reduce fuel use, in-cabin recycling and reduced paperwork and paper consumption. Alaska has a long history of pioneering innovative partnerships to lower impact, and this agreement is another positive step.

At present, the only viable replacement for fossil jet fuel as an energy source for commercial aviation is sustainable aviation biofuel. Neste MY Renewable Jet Fuel technology has been proven in thousands of commercial flights and can be easily adopted by airlines without the need for additional investments in new jet engines or segregated fuel distribution system. Partnerships between forward-thinking companies like Neste and Alaska will enable the airline industry to continue to connect the world, reduce greenhouse emissions, and ensure a healthy planet and future of flight.

Neste (Helsinki) creates sustainable solutions for transport, business, and consumer needs. Our wide range of renewable products enable our customers to reduce climate emissions. We are the world’s largest producer of renewable diesel refined from waste and residues, introducing renewable solutions also to the aviation and plastics industries. We are also a technologically advanced refiner of high-quality oil products. We want to be a reliable partner with widely valued expertise, research, and sustainable operations. In 2017, Neste’s revenue stood at EUR 13.2 billion. In 2018, Neste placed 2^nd on the Global 100 list of the most sustainable companies in the world.

Top Copyright Photo: Alaska Airlines Boeing 737-890 SSWL N506AS (msn 35690) SEA (Michael B. Ing). Image: 942036.

Alaska aircraft slide show (Boeing):

Allegiant and Vegas Golden Knights announce multi-year partnership agreement

Allegiant Air and the Vegas Golden Knights announced today an unprecedented multi-year partnership, designating Allegiant as the “Official Domestic Airline Partner of the Vegas Golden Knights.” The partnership – in Allegiant’s hometown of Las Vegas – promises to engage hockey fans across North America through key activations and sponsored content.

In addition to the exclusive designation as the “Official Domestic Airline Partner of the Vegas Golden Knights,” Allegiant will engage hockey fans at various touchpoints throughout T-Mobile Arena, through on-site activations on Toshiba Plaza and via digital and social media. Fans can expect big fun from Allegiant throughout the season including Vegas Golden Knights tickets and autographed gear giveaways and much more.

The Vegas Golden Knights are a National Hockey League franchise owned and operated by Black Knight Sports and Entertainment LLC. The Vegas Golden Knights were established by founding partners William Foley and his family and the Maloof family.

Allegiant Air aircraft slide show: