Crystal Luxury Air (subsidiary of Crystal Cruises) (Los Angeles) has taken delivery of its first Boeing 777. The company will begin offering exclusive 14-day and 28-day itineraries to remote destinations around the world. The pictured ex-Air Austral Boeing 777-29M LR has been painted at Victorville, CA and is now registered as P4-XTL.
As we reported last month:ย Crystal Cruises for Crystal Luxury Air (Los Angeles) made this announcement:
Crystal Cruises, the worldโs most awarded luxury cruise line, is once again pioneering new fronts in the luxury travel industry with the purchase of a Boeing 777-200 LR, offering an array of global itineraries for its expanded brand extension Crystal Luxury Air. The announcement comes on the heels of Crystalโs groundbreaking news in July of an extensive brand expansion, which will include extravagant air vacations around the world aboard a luxurious Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner.
In addition to doubling the initial air projections with the expanded aircraft fleet, Crystal will work with the Registry of Aruba in developing and securing an Air Operatorโs Certificate (AOC). This will pave the way for Crystal Luxury Air to launch international operations. The twin-aisle Boeing 777-200 LR will be redesigned to accommodate just 88 guests with flat-bed first class seats; a beautifully appointed lounge and bar; and offer 14- and 28-day around-the-world and international itineraries, beginning in 2017.
The twin-aisle Boeing 777-200 LR, and the Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, which typically seats up to 300 passengers and will be redesigned to accommodate just 52 guests, will boast the premium luxury that discerning global travelers have come to expect from Crystal, including copious amounts of guest space, plush amenities and Crystalโs world-class service and crew. Trips will include accommodations at the worldโs most luxurious hotels, the finest Michelin star-level cuisine prepared by celebrated chefs and fabulous local cultural entertainment. Additionally, the aircrafts can be arranged for special charters.
Air France (Paris) will be enhancing its flight schedule for summer 2016 with two additional routes. Starting in June 2016, Air France will begin service from New York (JFK) to Paris-Orly, in addition to the four daily frequencies to Paris Charles de Gaulle.
Beginning in April 2016, Air France will operate three weekly flights from Paris Charles de Gaulle to Tehran Imam Khomeini International Airport.
The daily New York-JFK to Paris-Orly service will be operated by Boeing 777-200 aircraft, equipped with 309 seats โ 35 in Business, 24 in Premium Economy and 250 in Economy.
This route is part of the transatlantic joint venture with Delta Air Lines (Atlanta) and offers customers the possibility of arriving at Parisโ second busiest airport. It also enables passengers to easily connect with Air Franceโs domestic network on arrival at Paris-Orly.
Flight schedule (in local time)
AF37: Leaves New York-JFK at 18:05, arrives at Paris-Orly at 7:05 the following day;
AF32: Leaves Paris-Orly at 11:00, arrives at New York-JFK at 13:10.
Air France is supporting the resumption of commercial exchange with Iran and will serve Tehran from Paris-Charles de Gaulle three times a week (on Wednesday, Friday and Sunday) starting in April 2016.
Flight schedule (in local time)
AF738: Leaves Paris-Charles de Gaulle at 10:30, arrives in Tehran at 18:40;
AF755: Leaves Tehran at 7:15, arrives at Paris-Charles de Gaulle at 10:55.
Background of the New York โ Paris Route
The route was launched on July 1, 1946, by Douglas DC-4. The flight lasted 23 hours 45 minutes and carried 33 passengers on board.
In 1960, Air France served New York from Paris-Orly by Boeing 707 in 8 hours 15 minutes.
In 1970, JFK airport welcomed Air Franceโs Boeing 747-100, then the Concorde (1977), a romance that lasted more than 25 years. In 2009, New York was the first to welcome the Airbus A380.
Background of the Paris โ Tehran Route
On April 29, 1946, Air France launched a scheduled route Paris โ Marseille โ Tunis โ Benghazi – Cairo โ Beirut โ Baghdad – Tehran, with a flight every two weeks.
The nonstop Paris-Tehran route was suspended in October 2008.
Copyright Photo: Michael B. Ing/AirlinersGallery.com. The restored Paris (Orly) – New York (JFK) route will be operated with Boeing 777-200 ER aircraft including the pictured 777-228 ER F-GSPY (msn 32305) arriving at Los Angeles International Airport.
Emirates (Dubai) has announced its fleet plans for 2016. In total, the airline will aggressively retire 26 aircraft, including 12 Airbus A330-300s, 4 A340-300s, 1 A340-500, 6 Boeing 777-200 ERs, 2 Boeing 777-300s and 1 Boeing 777-300 ER. The average age of the Emirates aircraft slated for retirement in 2016 will be 15.7 years, well-below the average industry retirement age of 25. In addition, 13 more aircraft will be retired in 2017 and another 13 will be retired in 2018.
Top Copyright Photo: Paul Denton/AirlinersGallery.com. The four Airbus A340-300s will be retired next year. Airbus A340-313 A6-ERS (msn 139) arrives at the Dubai hub.
This means the Airbus A340-300, the last A340-500 (A6-ERE) and Boeing 777-200 ER fleets will now be retired in 2016.
The remaining Airbus A330-200s will likely be retired now in 2017.
Below Copyright Photo: Paul Denton/AirlinersGallery.com. The last remaining Airbus A340-500 will also be retired in 2016. Now retired, A340-541 A6-ERH (msn 611) is pictured arriving at the Dubai hub.
Balancing its aircraft retirement program, Emirates will take delivery of 36 new aircraft in 2016, including 20 Airbus A380s and 16 Boeing 777-300 ERs. These two aircraft types are recognized as some of the most efficient and quiet commercial airplanes available, emitting on average 12% less carbon dioxide than the aircraft being retired. At the end of 2016, the aircraft retirements and new deliveries will put Emiratesโ average fleet age at 5.6 years, dramatically younger than the global average. A recent analysis shows the average fleet age for the top five airlines in North America is 13.6 years, while the average fleet age for the top five airlines in Europe is 10.7 years.
Currently, the total number of aircraft in the Emirates fleet stands at 243. In 2015, the airline received 26 new aircraft, including 15 A380s, 10 Boeing 777-300ERs and 1 Boeing 777 Freighter. The airline has 263 additional aircraft on order, worth over US$120 billion at list prices. Its order book includes 71 Airbus A380s, 42 Boeing 777-300ERs, 115 Boeing 777-9Xs and 35 Boeing 777-8Xs.
Above Copyright Photo: Antony J. Best/AirlinersGallery.com. The six smaller Boeing 777-200 ERs will now be retired in 2016. Boeing 777-21H ER A6-EMI (msn 27250) arrives in London (Heathrow).
When delivered beginning in 2020, the new Boeing 777Xs will come with a variety of fuel efficient design additions making it almost 20% more fuel efficient than previous models. It will also include a range of passenger-focused amenities including larger windows, increased cabin pressure, more humidity, higher ceilings and a wider cabin than previous models.
In addition to reducing the age of its fleet, Emirates also implements a variety of other environmental practices that reduces CO2 emissions. These include FlexTracks, a program that plans efficient flight route patterns based on weather conditions; single-engine taxi on the ground; idle reverse thrust upon landing; and fuel-efficient ground handling and transportation equipment. Emirates publishes its environmental initiatives and emissions performance data annually as part of the Emirates Group environmental report available on http://www.emirates.com/environment.
Air China (Beijing) will start Beijing – Montreal – Havana service on December 27, 2015 , a southward extension to Havana of the carrier’s Beijing – Montreal service already started on September 29. With the extension, passengers make a short stopover in Montreal and then continue their journey to the “Jewel of the Caribbean ” for its romantic Latin American charms.
The new service will bring the number of destinations in the Americas that Air China serves up to 10, including New York (JFK, Newark ), Washington, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Houston (Bush Intercontinental), Vancouver, Montreal (Trudeau), Honolulu, Sao Paulo and Havana.
The flights CA879/CA880 Beijing – Montreal are operated three times a week on Tuesday, Friday and Sunday. The outbound flight departs from Beijing at 14:00 and arrives in Montreal at 13:40 and Havana at 20:15. The return flight departs from Havana at 09:00, arrives in Montreal at 12:30 and in Beijing at 17:30 the following day. The flights are to be operated with Boeing 777-300 ER aircraft.
Copyright Photo: SPA/AirlinersGallery.com.ย Boeing 777-39L ER B-2086 (msn 38667) lands at London’s Heathrow Airport.
Boeing (Chicago, Seattle and Charleston) and EVA Airways (EVA Air) (Taipei) today finalized a historic order for up to 24 787 Dreamliners (18 787-10s and 6 787-9s) and two 777-300 ER (Extended Range) jetliners (below). The order, valued at more than $8 billion at current list prices, marks the largest single commercial airplane purchase in Taiwan aviation.
Top Photo: Boeing.ย EVA President Austin Cheng andย Boeing Commercial Airplanes President and CEO Ray Conner show off a model of the 787-10 in the new livery just announced.
EVA Airways becomes the newest Dreamliner customer and will join the 787-10 launch customer team as one of the first airlines in the world to introduce the newest member of the 787 Dreamliner family.
EVA Airways continues to modernize its long-haul fleet to replace aging aircraft and plans to grow its fleet to more than 100 units by 2020. These new 787-10 Dreamliners will allow the airline to expand into new markets. They will be deployed on medium-range and long-haul flights and will be operated in tandem with the 777-300 ERs to form the backbone of EVA Airways’ fleet.
EVA Airways currently operates more than 40 Boeing airplanes and with today’s order, the airline’s backlog will increase to 37 airplanes, which includes fourteen 777-300ERs, five 777 Freighters and eighteen 787-10s.
EVA Airways’ 777-300 ER fleet continues to grow and the carrier is the world’s eighth largest 777-300 ER operator in the world and fourth largest in Asia.
The 787-10 will be the third and longest member of the super-efficient 787 family. With its greater passenger and cargo capacity, robust range and passenger-pleasing features, the 787-10 will complement EVA’s Boeing widebody fleet while setting a new benchmark for fuel efficiency and operating economics.
The 787-10 will be 25 percent better in fuel and emissions than the airplanes it replaces and more than 10 percent better than anything offered by the competition for the future.
EVA Air aircraft slide show:ย
Bottom Copyright Photo: Royal S. King/AirlinersGallery.com. Brand-new Boeing 777-35E ER B-16725 (msn 44554) displays the new 2015 livery for the expanding carrier.
El Al Israel Airlines (Tel Aviv) reported a record third quarter net profit of $936 million, up from a net profit of only $10.1 million in the same quarter a year ago. The change was a direct result of lower fuel costs.
Crystal Cruises for Crystal Luxury Air (Los Angeles) has made this announcement:
Crystal Cruises, the world’s most awarded luxury cruise line, is once again pioneering new fronts in the luxury travel industry with the purchase of a Boeing 777-200 LR, offering an array of global itineraries for its expanded brand extension Crystal Luxury Air. The announcement comes on the heels of Crystal’s groundbreaking news in July of an extensive brand expansion, which will include extravagant air vacations around the world aboard a luxurious Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner.
In addition to doubling the initial air projections with the expanded aircraft fleet, Crystal will work with the Registry of Aruba in developing and securing an Air Operator’s Certificate (AOC). This will pave the way for Crystal Luxury Air to launch international operations. The twin-aisle Boeing 777-200 LR will be redesigned to accommodate just 88 guests with flat-bed first class seats; a beautifully appointed lounge and bar; and offer 14- and 28-day around-the-world and international itineraries, beginning in 2017.
The twin-aisle Boeing 777-200 LR, and the Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, which typically seats up to 300 passengers and will be redesigned to accommodate just 52 guests, will boast the premium luxury that discerning global travelers have come to expect from Crystal, including copious amounts of guest space, plush amenities and Crystal’s world-class service and crew. Trips will include accommodations at the world’s most luxurious hotels, the finest Michelin star-level cuisine prepared by celebrated chefs and fabulous local cultural entertainment. Additionally, the aircrafts can be arranged for special charters.
EVA Air Boeing 777-300ER photographed on October 31, 2015 from Clay Lacy Astrovision Learjet.
Boeing (Chicago, Seattle and Charleston) and EVA Air (Taipei) yesterday (November 15) celebrated the unveiling of the airline’s new livery during a delivery ceremony for the carrier’s 22nd 777-300 ER (Extended Range).
“Today, we unveiled a new livery design to herald our continuing commitment to service innovation,” said EVA Chairman K.W. Chang. “EVA was a launch customer for the 777-300ER in 2005 and the aircraft has become the backbone of our long-haul fleet. By the end of 2017, we will be operating more than 30 Boeing 777-300ERs. These new generation Boeing 777-300ERs have significantly upgraded our in-flight service and cabin environment.”
EVA’s new corporate identity retains its original compass design, borrowed from the logo of its parent company, Evergreen Group, which symbolizes the airline’s seamless network and services. In the livery, the simplified tail design establishes the compass as the focal point for the EVA Air brand and represents the carrier’s commitment to quality service and flight safety.
EVA Air currently operates more than 36 Boeing airplanes, including 21 777-300 ERs. The airline plans to introduce seven more 777-300 ERs to its fleet by the end of 2016 and deploy them on North American routes.
The 777-300 ER is one of the most fuel and cost-efficient airplanes in its class as well as the most reliable twin-aisle aircraft in the world. It also has the highest cargo capability of any passenger airplane in service. The 777-300 ER will receive further improvements in 2016 designed to reduce fuel use by 2 percent.
Photo: Boeing.ย Boeing 777-300 ER photographed on October 31, 2015 from Clay Lacy Astrovision Learjet.
Air Canada (Montreal) today reported record third quarter adjusted net income of $734 million (all amounts are in Canadian dollars) or $2.50 per diluted share compared to adjusted net income of $457 million or $1.55 per diluted share in the third quarter of 2014, an improvement of $277 million or approximately 61 per cent. EBITDAR (earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, amortization and aircraft rent) amounted to $1,076 million compared to EBITDAR of $749 million in the same quarter in 2014, an increase of $327 million or approximately 44 per cent year-over-year.
On a GAAP basis, Air Canada reported record third quarter operating income of $815 million compared to operating income of $526 million, an improvement of $289 million or approximately 55 per cent from the third quarter of 2014. An operating margin of 20.3 per cent in the third quarter of 2015 reflected an improvement of 6.5 percentage points from the same quarter in 2014.
Cathay Pacific Airways (Hong Kong) on November 1 introduced a new revised livery and also a new video of a revised livery. The first aircraft to received the new look is Boeing 777-367 ER B-KPM (msn 36159).
Cathay Pacific Airways On November 1 marked another important milestone for the airline as it unveiled a new livery that will be progressively introduced onto all the aircraft in its fleet. The livery was showcased on one of the airline’s Boeing 777-300vER aircraft at a special event held at Hong Kong International Airport.
Addressing guests at the event, Cathay Pacific Chief Executive Ivan Chu said: “Today represents the beginning of a new era for Cathay Pacific. We are very happy and proud to unveil our new aircraft livery which represents our journey into the future and also celebrates the many great things we have achieved over the past seven decades as the home carrier of Hong Kong.”
Mr Chu said that the new livery is a continuation of the work that began last year to refresh Cathay Pacific’s brand identity. “The livery is a vital part of our brand image – a symbol of the company’s values displayed on our most important physical asset. The livery represents Cathay Pacific in and out of Hong Kong and every time our aircraft take off or touch down in our network of destinations around the world,” he said.
“Creating a new livery is much more than a cosmetic exercise. This new look is the latest – and most significant – development in our ongoing efforts to improve the overall customer experience at Cathay Pacific. It is also a highly visible representation of the huge investments we are making in new aircraft and products as part of our ongoing commitment to build Hong Kong’s position as an international aviation hub.”
Guest of Honor at the event was Professor Anthony Cheung, Secretary for Transport and Housing, who officiated at the livery unveiling ceremony together with Ivan Chu. More than 300 guests were in attendance at the event, held in the hangars of Hong Kong Aircraft Engineering Company (HAECO), including aviation and trade officials, members of the Marco Polo Club loyalty programme, guests from the Hong Kong public, and Cathay Pacific staff. In addition to seeing the new livery unveiled, all guests enjoyed a unique behind-the-scenes experience where they could explore the aircraft inside and out and chat with the airline’s operations teams.
In recent years, Cathay Pacific has made huge investments in new aircraft and new products to provide a rewarding experience for its customers. The airline has also worked hard to build Hong Kong’s position as one of the world’s great aviation hubs, growing its network and building connectivity to oil the wheels of commerce, tourism and trade.
Cathay Pacific sees the livery as a symbol of its commitment to its home city as well as a visible representation of its promise to offer a Life Well Travelled to customers. As part of its ongoing efforts to provide a richer travel experience, the airline promises a number of important upcoming developments including the introduction of the new Airbus A350 fleet, further enhancements to its products and services, and the continued expansion of its network.
The update to the livery is part of a series of ongoing improvements to Cathay Pacific’s customer experience. These include not only the new livery, but also the website and mobile app, as well as major enhancements to the airline’s airport lounges in Hong Kong, Tokyo, Manila, Bangkok and beyond.
The new Airbus A350 series will be the first fleet to launch with the new livery.
However, the airline’s existing fleet will be repainted with the new livery as aircraft go through their normal maintenance schedule over the next five years, with some 150 aircraft getting the new look in total.
The new livery comprises three key design elements: the incorporation of the updated and streamlined brushwing, which was launched in October 2014; a simplification of the colour palette to Cathay Pacific green, grey and white; and a more prominent display of the Cathay Pacific name and brushwing. These updates are most evident on three areas of the aircraft: the nose, the fuselage and the tail.
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