Tag Archives: 747-400

Kalitta Air increases its pilot retirement contribution and new hire pay in pilot union deal

Kalitta Air (2nd) Boeing 747-4KZF N403KZ (msn 34018) ANC (Brian Worthington). Image: 961007.

Kalitta Air (Ypsilanti, MI) and its Kalitta Air Pilot Union, Kalitta Air Master Executive Council (MEC), reached a settlement agreement over new-hire pay and significantly increased retirement plan contributions for all pilots, the company announced today.

Effective as soon as feasible, considering the necessary items and documentation required to implement the changes, Kalitta Air will increase its crewmember nonelective contribution to the 401(k) plan from seven percent to 12 percent. Kalitta Air will also compensate new pilots at the full First Officer rate as soon as the pilot begins Kalitta Air training.

Earlier this week, Kalitta Air announced a major initiative in partnership with Kalitta Motorsports, also owned by drag racing legend Connie Kalitta, to recruit pilots and mechanics. Kalitta Air Careers, a multifaceted effort to tell the Kalitta Air story and enhance the airline’s recruiting efforts, includes a significant social media presence and livery on one of the team’s Top Fuel dragsters. The team competes in the National Hot Rod Association’s Camping World Drag Racing series and will share the Kalitta Air Careers message through its NHRA on FOX television broadcasts.

Kalitta Air is a Limited Liability Company headquartered in Ypsilanti, Mich., Kalitta Air began service in November 2000 with three Boeing 747 aircraft but currently flies some 29 planes, comprised of 777 freighters and Boeing 747-400 freighters with 12 more economical 777s arriving by the end of 2024.

Top Copyright Photo: Kalitta Air (2nd) Boeing 747-4KZF N403KZ (msn 34018) ANC (Brian Worthington). Image: 961007.

Kalitta Air (2nd) aircraft photo gallery:

Air India bucks the trend, will retain its Boeing 747-400s for now

Air India is not following the lead of other airlines regarding the future of the Boeing 747-400.

Although parked for the most of the time, Air India has four Boeing 747-400s (VT-ESO, VT-ESP, VT-EVA and VT-ESB) still remaining in its fleet.

According to BusinessToday.In and the Minister of Civil Aviation of India, Air India has no plans for the final phase out of its remaining Boeing 747-400s.

The average age is 26 years. Three of the four are currently undergoing maintenance according to the Minister.

Top Copyright Photo: Air India Boeing 747-4H6 VT-AIS (msn 25703) FRA (Ton Jochems). Image: 954587.

Air India aircraft slide show:

El Al schedules its last Boeing 747 revenue flight

El Al Israel Airlines has been gradually replacing its Boeing 747-400 fleet with new Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners.

According to Airline Route, the carrier is now scheduling its last Boeing 747 revenue flight, charter flight LY 1747 between Rome (Fiumicino) and Tel Aviv on November 3, 2019.

The operational Boeing 747-458 fleet is now down to two aircraft: 4X-ELA (pictured) and 4X-ELC.

Top Copyright Photo (all others by the airline): El Al Israel Airlines Boeing 747-458 4X-ELA (msn 26055) LHR (SPA). Image: 925399.

El Al aircraft slide show:

Photo of the Day: British Airways G-CIVB departs Dublin in the Negus livery

Today, the pictured Boeing 747-436 G-CIVB (msn 25811) of British Airways departed the paint shop at Dublin bound for London’s Heathrow Airport and regular service.

The Jumbo is painted in the 1973 Negus and Negus livery which was the first livery for British Airways in 1974 when BOAC and BEA merged to form BA. G-CIVB is also the fourth (and final) historic livery in the BA 100 celebrations.

This livery was unveiled in September 1973 on Boeing 707 G-AXXY.

Delta says goodbye to the last Boeing 747

Delta Air Lines on Wednesday, January 3, 2018, ferried its last Boeing 747-451 (N674US) to the Pinal Airpark in Marana, Arizona. Flight DL 9771 departed from Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (above) bound for Marana. The last Delta Boeing 747 is now resting in the desert. After operting several charters during the Christmas – New Years holidays and making a goodbye tour, the last 747 was retired from the fleet with this ferry flight. Employees were permitted to go on the last flight to the desert including a couple who decided to marry on the last flight.

Delta Air Lines issued this statement and photos:

For Delta flight attendant Holly R. and pilot Gene P., the 747 is more than the beloved Queen of the Skies. It was a matchmaker at 35,000 feet.

“We met nine years ago on the 747-400,” Gene said. “Since then we’ve spent years flying this airplane together around the world. In a lot of ways we really grew up on the 747, so it’s a fitting salute to say goodbye with this milestone. For us, it’s really a way of showing that as one life ends, another one begins.”

The couple, who married on board Delta’s final 747 passenger flight, met on the upper deck of a 747-400 flying U.S. troops to Kuwait.

“We met at row 75,” Holly said. “I will never forget that day, and just feel so blessed that we are able to take this awesome aircraft on its last flight.”

Holly began her career at Northwest Orient in 1985, becoming a Delta flight attendant when the airlines merged. Gene began his career in 1977 with Braniff Airways, later joining Northwest Airlines and becoming a Delta pilot after the merger.

After their initial meeting, the two cultivated their relationship while flying on the 747 together. As single parents living in different states, the two kept their relationship long distance.

“Every month Gene and I would look at our schedules and bid on flights together and every once in a while we’d get to fly together,” Holly said. “There were times where we wouldn’t get on the same rotation and we’d be apart for a month and a half, but for us, it just worked.”

Nine years later, Holly and Gene decided to tie the knot. Knowing their love of aviation and the Queen of the Skies, Holly and Gene opted for a unique venue, getting married on Delta’s final 747 passenger flight from Atlanta to the desert, where the plane will retire.

“I love this plane – it truly feels like home to me,” Holly said. “I feel very fortunate that the 747 was based in Detroit. I was able to fly with the same crews and we really became a family. It’s always been my favorite plane, and it’s absolutely a love of Gene’s – he loves it like he loves me. We’re so fortunate to able to give her a farewell with the memory of a lifetime. It was meant to be.”

Above Copyright Photo: Michael Carter. N674US shows its wear as it approaches Los Angeles on January 1, 2018 on its Farewell Tour.

After the two said “I do” alongside some of their closest friends and colleagues, they shared a champagne toast and cake.

“I am very sad to say goodbye to one of the most iconic airplanes that’s ever been made, but we’re thrilled and proud to have this lifelong memory of getting married on the last passenger 747 flight in the United States,” Gene said.

The newlyweds will make a home together in Minnesota, and will continue their Delta careers based in Minneapolis.

Above and below photos: Delta. Employees were permitted to write send-off messages on the aircraft.

Delta Air Lines Boeing aircraft slide show (current livery):

Below Copyright Photo (all others by Delta): Delta Air Lines Boeing 747-451 N674US (msn 30269) LAX (Michael B. Ing). Image: 907046.

Delta customers, employees begin saying ‘goodbye’ to iconic Boeing 747-400

Delta Air Lines issued this statement:

Delta customers and employees began saying their goodbyes to the airline’s iconic Boeing 747-400 fleet as the aircraft operated its final Tokyo-Narita to Honolulu flight. It then made a rare appearance on two domestic flight legs earlier this month.

After arriving in Honolulu from Tokyo-Narita for the last time, the aircraft was routed through Los Angeles on its way back to Detroit. The flights from Honolulu to Los Angeles and Los Angeles to Detroit were expected to be the final domestic 747 flights by any U.S. airline before two 747s were sent from Detroit to Orlando last week to help assist with Hurricane Irma evacuation efforts.

Employees in Honolulu paid tribute to the aircraft, which regularly operated the Honolulu-Narita route, with traditional Hawaiian customs by fashioning a maile lei big enough to fit over the top of the aircraft as a sign of respect (below). The team also held a gate celebration, and several employees held back tears as the group sang Aloha Oe and watched the aircraft depart Honolulu for the last time.

Photo Above: Delta Air Lines.

The Los Angeles team also had a chance to say their goodbyes to the “Queen of the Skies.” Employees lined the ramp at LAX and waved orange wands as it made its late-night departure to Detroit. Employees in Detroit met the aircraft when it landed, though the 747 will continue flying through Detroit for a few more months.

A group of 50 Delta Diamond Medallion customers joined in on the festivities as well. When one member of a Diamond Medallion Facebook group saw that the 747 would be flying two domestic legs, he notified other members of the group, who jumped at the chance to take one last flight on the aircraft. The group booked nearly the entire Delta One cabin and some of the Main Cabin as well, and they flew in from all over the country to catch one last ride on the 747.

Additionally, employees in Los Angeles hosted a reception for the group in the Delta Sky Club, and each member of the group received model 747 aircraft as a parting gift. All customers on the flight received commemorative ear buds in celebration of the final scheduled domestic flight.

Delta expects the remaining 747s in its fleet to be retired by the end of 2017. The retiring aircraft will be replaced by the Airbus A350.

Top Copyright Photo: Delta Air Lines Boeing 747-451 N663US (msn 23818) NRT (Michael B. Ing). Image: 913623.

Endangered Species List:

United Airlines moves up the retirement date of its last Boeing 747

United Airlines today (January 11) issued this statement to its employees:

“There’s something very special about a Boeing 747. It’s the one aircraft that even casual travelers can easily identify. And we know that the experience of traveling on one, or flying one, is unforgettable.

As deeply connected as we all are to this iconic aircraft, the time has come to retire our 747 fleet from scheduled service. Last March, we announced that this would occur by the end of 2018; now we plan to operate our last 747 flight in the fourth quarter of this year.

It’s a bittersweet milestone — this jumbo jet with its unmistakable silhouette once represented the state-of-the-art in air travel. Today, there are more fuel-efficient, cost-effective and reliable widebody aircraft that provide an updated inflight experience for our customers traveling on long-haul flights.

For these reasons, we’re saying farewell to the Queen of the Skies, which has been part of our fleet since we first flew the aircraft between California and Hawaii in 1970.

We’ll be working with all of you who fly or work on the 747s to ensure a smooth transition to other fleets. Our forward-looking fleet plan will cover 747 replacements and anticipated growth opportunities. And of course, we’ll honor the 747 with an unforgettable retirement celebration — we’ll keep you posted with more details on her final flight in the months ahead.

Thank you for all that you are doing. I am so proud and excited about the great future we’re building together as we create the best airline in the world.

Sincerely,

Scott Kirby – President, United Airlines

Lufthansa Group to hire more than 4,000 new employees in 2016

Lufthansa Group (Lufthansa) (Frankfurt) has made this announcement about its hiring plans for 2016:

The Lufthansa Group is hiring more than 4,000 new employees in 2016, giving the organization a top position amongst the leading German companies. “We are proud that yet again this year the companies of the Lufthansa Group are able to offer many people an exciting new outlook and attractive working conditions in the aviation industry. For many applicants the Lufthansa Group is a dream employer. We are therefore even more pleased that we can fulfill this dream for 4,000 people,” says Carsten Spohr, Chairman of the Executive Board of Deutsche Lufthansa AG.

Flight Attendants

The main focus of the new recruiting will be the flight attendant training. In 2016 approximately 2,800 flight attendants will be hired in various locations and for different airlines of the Lufthansa Group:

Lufthansa 1,400 (800 in Frankfurt and 600 in Munich)
Swiss 800 (in Zurich)
Eurowings 360 (in Vienna, Düsseldorf and Hamburg)
Austrian Airlines 200 (in Vienna)
Lufthansa CityLine 30 (in Munich)

Interested parties can find more information at the following link:

https://www.be-lufthansa.com/en/jobs-and-apprenticeship/flight-attendant-mf/

Lufthansa Flight Attendants

Lufthansa flight attendants will start in the Frankfurt and Munich hubs on short, medium and long- haul destinations. Basically Lufthansa offers two kinds of entry-level contracts:

A permanent position with a part time factor of 83 percent in which flight attendants fly full time in summer and part time in winter.
A two year contract with a part time factor of 50 percent which can be extended once every two years. In this model flight attendants work full time in summer followed by six months free time. Entry to this type of contract is possible from November to January.

In both models salary and social insurance are paid over twelve months. New employees take training courses over twelve weeks in order to become flight attendants. Interested parties who are at least 18 years old and who have completed their secondary education may apply directly to www.be-lufthansa.com.

Flight Attendants for Eurowings Europe in Vienna

The newly founded Eurowings Europe starts off the year with modern A320 jets flying to attractive locations in Europe. Under the umbrella brand Eurowings the new airline with its headquarters in Vienna will in future offer an attractive flight program. Interested parties who are at least 18 years old and who have passed their secondary school examinations may apply to:

www.aircrew-service.de/eurowings_karrierecenter/

Pilots for Eurowings and Austrian Airlines

This year the Lufthansa Group is hiring 240 pilots, of which 140 will be for Eurowings in Austria and Germany and 100 for Austrian Airlines. Both first officers and captains are wanted. Further pilots are needed for SunExpress in Germany. The joint subsidiary of Lufthansa and Turkish Airlines operates long-haul flights on behalf of Eurowings. Interested parties will find information about requirements and may apply for a place in the cockpit at the following links:

www.career.aero/eurowings/

www.career.aero/sunexpress

Service Staff at Munich Airport

This year the Lufthansa Station in Munich is looking for 150 new employees for their passenger service at Munich Airport. The new colleagues will be deployed in taking care of passengers at the check-in or at the Lufthansa transfer and ticket counters in the multiple award winning Terminal 2. Lufthansa will hire station employees for one year on a full time basis. Interested parties with an intermediate school leaving certificate and a good knowledge of both spoken and written English may find further information here:

https://www.be-lufthansa.com/en/jobs-and-apprenticeship/customer-service/

Further Vacancies and Apprenticeships

Just as it does every year, in 2016 Lufthansa will be giving numerous apprentices a start in their professional career. The beginners will be trained in over 30 different careers at different locations. Moreover the organization is also looking for more employees in various areas of the company. Interested parties may find detailed information about possibilities to enter the Lufthansa organization and requirements under http://www.be-lufthansa.com. Applications may be sent exclusively via the career portal. Deutsche Lufthansa AG

Lufthansa aircraft slide show:

Air France announces the last Boeing 747 flight over France

Air France (Paris) has announced a special milestone event in January with the last revenue flight for its Boeing 747 after a long career with the Jumbo type:

On January 14, 2016, Air France is offering customers a unique experience on a special tribute flight over France, with views of the country’s legendary landmarks.

More than 45 years after the first Boeing 747 flight from Paris to New York on June 3, 1970 – on the aircraft that became widely known as the Jumbo Jet – Air France salutes the last flight of this legendary and distinct aircraft on flight AF747.

Flight AF747 will take off on January 14, 2016 at 11:30 a.m. from Paris-Charles de Gaulle. The experience will include a Business class lunch and champagne for all passengers, with special inflight commentary and tour of France’s history and legendary landmarks.

Upon arrival at Paris-Charles de Gaulle, the passengers will be invited to discover the airline’s aircraft maintenance workshops and share a tribute drink at the foot of the aircraft. One can also follow the event on Twitter with #AF747.

As of December 7, 2015, customers can book their tickets on flight AF747 by calling +33 1 56 93 70 28 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Paris time, Monday through Friday. The fare for the entire cabin is fixed at €220 plus tax.

Air France’s 747: a showcase of modern innovations

Since the early 70s, the Boeing 747 has been a showcase of modern innovations. It revolutionized air travel in an era of mass tourism and global transit. For cargo, the Boeing 747 had pressurized holds, which were ventilated and protected against fire. Four times larger than the previous generation of Boeing, the 707s, the Boeing 747 could carry 122 tons of cargo!

As one of the first airlines to operate this aircraft, Air France made it the flagship of its long-haul fleet. Most of the airline’s destinations – including New York, Montreal, the French West Indies, and Reunion – have been served by the Jumbo.

In the early 70s, Air France also began reinventing its service to better satisfy its customers. The role of chief purser was created to coordinate the service and attention paid to customers, as the new aircraft could carry up to 500 passengers. Inflight cuisine was a major element of the flight experience, with menus designed by great French chefs such as Paul Bocuse, Gaston Lenôtre and Pierre Troisgros, who forged exclusive partnerships with Air France. Finally, the cabin interior was designed by Pierre Gautier-Delaye, who paid particular attention to the comfort of the seat cushions and seatbacks.

Today, the duties behind the Air France flight experience are being handed over to the 65 Boeing 777, equipped with the airline’s new long-haul cabins: designer suites in the La Première cabin, a cocoon in the sky in the Business cabin, and new redesigned seats in Premium Economy and Economy for optimal travel comfort.

Air France La Saga: the benchmark historical website

To celebrate this event and this chapter of Air France’s history, the airline is unveiling its new-look benchmark historical website: http://airfrancelasaga.com

To give everyone a chance to explore Air France’s rich heritage, the airline’s website has had a complete makeover. With vintage videos and photos, Air France is reliving its history, with particular attention to its professionals, fleet, network, and the attention it has always paid to its customers.

Top Copyright Photo: Manuel Negrerie/AirlinersGallery.com.

Air France aircraft slide show:

Airline Airline Aircraft Endangered Species List:

Bottom Copyright Photo: Bruce Drum/AirlinersGallery.com. Air France introduced the Boeing 747-128 on June 3, 1970 on the Paris – New York route. Boeing 747-128 F-BPVD (msn 19752) taxies to the gate at John F. Kennedy International Airport.

Air France to release a new round of cuts after failing to reach an agreement with its pilots

Air France (Paris) plans to announce a new round of cuts after failing to reach a new agreement with its pilots according to the Wall Street Journal. The airline was seeking to find cost savings of $190 million annually for the next three years but the pilots refused to fly more hours for the same pay.

Read the full report:

Copyright Photo: Manuel Negrerie/AirlinersGallery.com. Air France is due to operate the last Boeing 747-400 revenue flight on January 11, 2016, ending a long historic run with the 747. However if the carrier follows through on further deeper cuts the type could be retired sooner. Boeing 747-428 F-GITF (msn 25602) departs from the Paris (CDG) hub.

Air France aircraft slide show: