Tag Archives: 737400

Blue Air’s new owners lay out their strategy

Blue Air (BlueAirweb.com) (Blue Air Transport Aerien S.A. dba) (Bucharest) was acquired by Airline Management Solutions. The new owners have laid our their strategy and issued this statement:

The new ownership of Blue Air has as objective to strengthen the position in the market. “The target for 2013 is keeping the turnover at the same level as in 2012 and preserving the number of passengers who benefit from our services”, said Gheorghe Răcaru, CEO of Blue Air, during a press conference on Sunday.

He added that for the period 2014-2015, the objective of the new shareholders is to increase the consolidated turnover by 3-5%. “We are considering a radical change in terms of services. From customer service, bookings and catering in the aircraft, you will see radical changes and updates, a first for the Romanian industry. In addition, we are interested in gradually increasing the fleet”, said Răcaru.

The CEO said that the shareholders intend to keep and specialize the current staff. In addition, Gheorghe Răcaru said that the flights will be operated according to the existing schedule, ensuring customers that Blue Air will remain their preferred airline: “We assure our customers that Blue Air will continue to be one of the top airlines in Romania and that all provided services will be at least at the same level of quality, reliability and professionalism as before”.

In turn, Arthur Flieger, lawyer and representative of Airline Management Solutions, the new majority shareholder of Blue Air, said that the transaction goes as planned, with no delays. “From our point of view, even if the process is extensive, all that remains to be done for the sale is just formalities. The actual transfer will be completed probably in two or three weeks”, he explained.

The Airline Management Solutions company has Romanian capital and purchased Blue Air through a transaction worth about 30 million euro, including the assumption of liabilities in the amount of 28 million euro.

Blue Air:

Alaska Air Cargo delivers the season’s first Copper River Salmon to Seattle-Tacoma

Alaska Air Cargo (Alaska Airlines) (Seattle/Tacoma) today (May 17) delivered the season’s first shipment of Copper River salmon to Seattle-Tacoma International Airport. According to the airline, “the arrival of the coveted Copper River salmon marks the start of the summer salmon season and is anticipated by seafood lovers throughout the Pacific Northwest and beyond.”

The Alaska Airlines plane arrived early this morning with Copper River king and sockeye salmon from three seafood processors: Ocean Beauty Seafoods, Trident Seafoods and Copper River Seafoods. At least four more Alaska Airlines flights today will transport salmon from Cordova, Alaska, to Anchorage, Alaska, Seattle and across the United States.

“We’re proud to be the first to bring wild and sustainable Copper River salmon to seafood lovers across the country, in many cases within 24 hours after the fish is caught,” said Betsy Bacon, managing director of Alaska Air Cargo. “With so much demand for sustainable wild Alaska seafood, airline crews in South-Central and Southeast Alaska will kick into high gear to ship more than 2 million pounds of salmon across our 95-city network.”

Copper Chef Cook-off

Following the arrival of the first fish, three top Seattle chefs will compete to create the best salmon recipe in Alaska Air Cargo’s annual “Copper Chef Cook-off.” Pat Donahue, executive chef of Anthony’s Restaurants and the 2010, 2011 and 2012 Copper Chef winner, will compete against executive chefs John Howie of Seastar Restaurant and Raw Bar, and Chris Bryant of Wildfin American Grill. Also competing against the three chefs in the cook-off will be Master Sgt. Robert Shulman, a 31-year U.S. Air Force Reserve chef representing the 446^th Airlift Wing (AW) out of Joint Base Lewis-McChord, located in Tacoma, Wash.

The chefs will have 30 minutes to prepare and serve the first catch of the season to a panel of judges, including Jay Buhner, Seattle Mariners Hall of Famer; Mike Fourtner, deckhand on the F/V Time Bandit, as featured on Discovery Channel’s “Deadliest Catch;” Chief Master Sgt. Tony Mack, 446th AW command chief from JBLM; and Jeff Butler, Alaska Airlines’ vice president of customer service-airports and cargo.

In a special tribute to the military, 10 citizen airmen from the 446^th AW, joined in the morning festivities to cheer on the four chefs and sample the season’s first Copper River salmon. Among the other onlookers awaiting the freighter’s arrival were five Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan MVP Gold members invited to sample the season’s first Copper River salmon. These frequent fliers donated 500,000 Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan miles to Fisher House Foundation’s Hero Miles program to attend the event. Hero Miles turns donated frequent-flier miles into free airfare for wounded, injured and ill service members and/or their families who are undergoing treatment at a military or VA medical center and for other authorized events. Through Alaska Airlines’ partnership with Fisher House, the nonprofit that administers the program, nearly 6 million miles were donated last year to assist U.S. servicemembers injured and wounded in service to their country.

“The Copper Chef Cook-off helps to showcase the proud relationship the Air Force Reserves has with Alaska Airlines and hundreds of other employers and industry leaders here in Washington State,” said Chief Master Sgt. Tony Mack, 446^th Airlift Wing command chief from Joint Base Lewis-McChord. “Chef is only one of hundreds of vocations in the Air Force Reserve, and allowing one of our finest to compete is a testament to the relationships we have within the community.”

Alaska Airlines and its sister carrier Horizon Air employ dozens of reservists who serve as pilots, aircraft maintenance technicians as well as other air and ground crew. An estimated 10 percent of current Alaska and Horizon employees either still serve in the military or have veteran status.

The airline will use its Twitter account, @AlaskaAir, to announce the winning Copper River salmon recipe. The recipes that will be prepared for the Copper Chef Cook-off are available to download at http://bit.ly/13qe3gS. Fish lovers are encouraged to share their own favorite salmon recipes on Twitter, using the hashtag #SalmonChef.

Enhanced seafood quality training program

Copper River salmon shipped on Alaska Air Cargo this season will arrive as fresh as possible to grocery stores and restaurants across the nation, thanks in part to a cool chain training program required of all airline employees who handle perishables. Alaska Air Cargo employees are required to adhere to strict seafood quality standards and pass an annual food quality course.

Seafood processors and shippers follow these cool-chain standards to provide a temperature-controlled environment for proper food handling. The goal is to keep seafood moving rapidly throughout its journey on Alaska Airlines and maintain a consistent temperature range from the time it leaves the water to when it arrives at stores and restaurants.

Copyright Photo: bruce Drum/AirlinersGallery.com. Alaska Air Cargo’s Boeing 737-490 (F) N709AS (msn 28896) arrives at the Seattle-Tacoma International Airport hub.

Alaska Airlines:

Newsworthy Photo of the Day – May 15, 2013

Southwest Air Lines-SWAL/JTA (Japan Transocean Air) Boeing 737-446 JA8999 (msn 29864) HND (Akira Uekawa). Image: 912016.

Hot New Photos:

Alaska Air Group reports 1Q net income of $37 million

Alaska Air Group, Inc. (Alaska Airlines and Horizon Air) (Seattle/Tacoma) today reported first quarter 2013 GAAP net income of $37 million, or $0.51 per diluted share, compared to $41 million, or $0.56 per diluted share in 2012. Excluding the impact of mark-to-market fuel hedge adjustments of $12 million ($7 million after tax, or $0.11 per diluted share), the company reported record first quarter 2013 net income of $44 million, or $0.62 per diluted share, compared to net income excluding mark-to-market fuel hedge adjustments of $28 million, or $0.39 per diluted share, in 2012.

“Our record performance in what is seasonally our weakest quarter is due to steady demand that kept pace with our growth, and to the many changes we’ve made to improve our business over the last several years,” Alaska Air Group CEO Brad Tilden said. “Looking ahead, we’re facing increased competition in certain markets, and we will closely monitor the environment and continue to adjust our plans to appropriately address these challenges. Our first quarter results, and our ability to be flexible and adapt to an ever-changing industry landscape, would not be possible without the dedication and determination of our employees at Alaska and Horizon.”

The following table reconciles the company’s reported GAAP net income and earnings per diluted share (EPS) during the first quarters of 2013 and 2012 to adjusted amounts:

	Three Months Ended March 31,
	2013				2012
(in millions, except per-share amounts)	Dollars		Diluted EPS		Dollars		Diluted EPS
Reported GAAP net income	$	37	$	0.51	$	41	$	0.56
Mark-to-market fuel hedge adjustments, net of tax	7		0.11		(13)		(0.17)
Non-GAAP adjusted income and per-share amounts	$	44	$	0.62	$	28	$	0.39

Copyright Photo: Michael B. Ing/AirlinersGallery.com. Pulling together, Boeing 737-490 N705AS (msn 29318) in the “Spirit of Alaska Statehood” livery approaches Los Angeles International Airport.

Alaska Airlines:

Alaska Horizon:

Horizon Air:

Blue Air is for sale

Blue Air (Blue Air Transport Aerian S.A. dba) (Bucharest) is for sale. The low-fare airline is currently owned by Nelu Iordache, who is currently facing charges for embezzling funds according to the Budapest Business Journal.

In January Blue Air Transport Aerian S.A. announced it had has reached an agreement with The Boeing Company to terminate the order placed in 2008 for five Boeing 737NG aircraft. It also stated “Based on the current troubled financial situation at Romstrade SRL, the major shareholder of Blue Air, SC Blue Air Transport Aerian S.A. is not in a position to continue the commitment.”

Six potential investors have expressed interest according to the airline managers.

Read the full article: CLICK HERE

Blue Air:

Aero Contractors struggles to get airborne again

Aero Contractors Company (Aero) (Lagos) suspended all operations on March 13 after its employees protested the company’s plan to outsource some of the jobs. The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) is now requiring the airline to go through a re-certification process before it can resume operations according to the Nigerian Tribune.

The airline operates scheduled passenger services with Boeing 737-400 and 737-500 aircraft and Bombardier DHC-8-300 series turboprop aircraft to various destinations across Nigeria and other parts of Africa.

Aero Contractors of Nigeria was formed in 1959 as a wholly owned by Schreiner Airways B.V of the Netherlands. The company initially was constituted with a 40% Nigerian holding in 1973 and subsequently 60% in 1976.

In January 2004 Schreiner Airways was bought by Canadian Helicopter Corporation(CHC) who acquired a 40% holding of Aero Contractors while the 60% majority share remained within the Ibru family group. Currently, Aero is wholly owned by the Ibru family.

The airline is currently recruiting new employees.

Read the full report: CLICK HERE

Copyright Photo: Bruce Drum. Formerly operated by US Airways, Boeing 737-4B7 N436US (msn 24558) became 5N-BIZ with the Nigerian carrier.

Aero Contractors:

Vision Airlines launches Sanford-Gulfport/Biloxi flights

Vision Airlines (Atlanta) started a new route linking Sanford (near Orlando) and Gulfport/Biloxi on February 6 per Anna Aero. Gulfport/Biloxi appears to be location of its current winter operations. The airline operates Boeing 737s on the two routes (see map below). The carrier has continuously shifted its route map in search of a winning winter/summer combination.

In June 2012 the airline cancelled its agreement with Globespan Aviation due to “Globespan’s failure to meet its financial obligations under the contract.” Globespan had tried to start a program to South Korea using Vision Airlines Boeing 767-200 ER but according to the airline, “it appears they do not have the financial support for the program.”

Vision Airlines:

Current Route Map:

Please click on the map for the full-size view.

Alaska Airlines to add summer service between Fairbanks and Portland, Oregon

Alaska Airlines (Seattle/Tacoma) announced today it will add a nonstop, daily flight between Fairbanks, Alaska, and Portland, Oregon, starting on June 9 through September 2, 2013. The Portland-Seattle/Tacoma-Fairbanks-Anchorage route was the original historic jet route for the company.

	Summary of new flights:

Start Date	City pair	Departs	Arrives	Frequency	End Date

June 9	Portland-Fairbanks	8:05 p.m.	11:05 p.m.	Daily	Sept 1, 2013

June 10	Fairbanks-Portland	12:15 a.m.	5:04 a.m.	Daily	Sept 2, 2013

	All times based on local time zones

Alaska Airlines:

Sky King secures DIP financial backing for its reorganization

Sky King, Inc. (Sky King Airlines) (Lakeland) has announced the successful negotiation of Debtor in Possession financing and intends to seek immediate court approval. The private investment consortium providing the financing is represented by Dr. Daniel Carson, an experienced aviation executive and entrepreneur. Sky King and the investment group have not announced plans for the company but are certain the airline will put forth a formal plan of reorganization in the near future. Sky King’s President, Frank Visconti stated: “This is simply the next step in the long process of restructuring and preparing the Company for the future. We are proud of the work we have done and are excited to welcome Dr. Carson and his associates into the process as they bring not only capital but equally important expansion opportunities in new markets.”

Sky King began operating in 1995 under FAR Part 125 and in 2002, the Company was granted Part 121 operating authority by the Federal Aviation Administration. Operating a fleet of Boeing 737 aircraft, the Company serves the Tour Operator, Private Charter and Public Charter markets, serving numerous Casino operators, sports franchises and scheduled flight service providers. One specific market served by Sky King involves over 150 flights per month between the US and Cuba on behalf of several US Treasury Department licensed service providers. Sky King filed for Chapter 11 Bankruptcy protection on August 31^st, 2012 after two of Sky King’s largest clients in 2011 and 2012 ceased operations with substantial, unpaid debt to Sky King; these were among several factors ultimately contributing to the Company’s decision to seek Chapter 11 reorganization protection.

Copyright Photo: Brian Mcdonough. Boeing 737-4Q8 N916SK (msn 24706) with rare titles approaches Miami International Airport after finishing a Cuban charter.

Sky King:

Alaska Airlines protects its turf by submitting a formal proposal to the FAA for possible scheduled operations at Paine Field

Alaska Airlines (Seattle/Tacoma) has issued the following statement about the possible use of Paine Field near Everett, WA for possible scheduled airline service. The proposed service is unlikely to start unless another competitor files to start service from PAE (Boeing’s home for the 747, 767, 777 and the 787). In other words, Alaska is keeping its options open to protect its Pacific Northwest turf. Paine Field is on the north side of the Seattle area while the current SEA (Sea-Tac) is on the south side of the Seattle area between Seattle and Tacoma. Here is the full statement:

Alaska Airlines is working with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to add Paine Field in Everett, Washington, as an authorized airport for the carrier’s operations. This is a required step if the carrier were to begin jet service out of the regional airport at some point in the future. As required by its application, Alaska Airlines is providing the FAA with a proposed schedule over the next five years that could include 28 round-trip jet flights a week.

“We continue to believe that our flights at Sea-Tac Airport and in Bellingham best serve the Puget Sound region’s needs for affordable air travel, particularly in light of the significant investments both airports have made recently to improve their facilities,” said Andrew Harrison, Alaska Airlines’ vice president of planning and revenue management. “That said, if one or more other airlines begin operations at Paine Field, we would commence service alongside these carriers. Submitting a schedule with the FAA along with a request for authorization to serve Paine is a necessary step in the process.”

Alaska Airlines’ proposed schedule in the first year of operations would include 14 weekly round-trip flights to Las Vegas, Honolulu and Maui, Hawaii, using Boeing 737-800 jet aircraft. Alaska would also fly 21 weekly round-trip flights to Portland, Ore., with Bombardier Q400 turboprop aircraft. Not all destinations would be served daily.

By the fifth year of operations, Alaska would fly 49 weekly round-trip flights. This would include 28 round-trips to Las Vegas, Honolulu, Maui, Los Angeles, Phoenix and San Diego with 737-800s, plus 21 weekly round-trips to Portland using Q400s.

Alaska Airlines informed the FAA that these proposed schedules could change depending on competitors, business and economic factors, and the needs of its customers. The carrier is also seeking information from the FAA about any necessary environmental review of its proposed schedule, given a pending legal challenge to the agency’s approval of commercial air service at Paine Field in December.

Alaska Airlines operates about 1,750 weekly round-trip flights at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, located 42 miles south of Paine Field, and up to 63 weekly round-trip flights at Bellingham International Airport, which is approximately a one-hour drive north of Everett.

Paine Field currently has no adequate passenger terminal, which would need to be built before operations by any airline could begin.

Summary of proposed service for the first year — 35 round-trip flights a week:

City Pair	Weekly Frequency	Aircraft
Everett-Honolulu	4	737-800
Everett -Las Vegas	7	737-800
Everett -Maui	3	737-800
Everett -Portland	21	Q400

Summary of proposed service by the fifth year — 49 round-trip flights a week:

City Pair	Weekly Frequency	Aircraft
Everett -Honolulu	4	737-800
Everett -Las Vegas	7	737-800
Everett -Los Angeles	7	737-800
Everett -Maui	3	737-800
Everett -Phoenix	4	737-800
Everett -Portland	21	Q400
Everett -San Diego	3	737-800

Copyright Photo: Nick Dean. Alaska Airlines’ Boeing 737-490 N706AS (msn 28894) in the Disneyland-Make-A-Wish motif makes a landing at Paine Field for maintenance reasons.

Alaska Airlines: