Tag Archives: A320232

JetBlue to introduce its first in-house converted Airbus A320 Sharklet aircraft on February 21

JetBlue Airways (New York) will later this month become the first airline in the world to install Airbus “Sharklets” winglets as a retrofit on “Blue Yorker” (N821JB). All new A320-family aircraft rolling off the production line – including the seven aircraft JetBlue is taking delivery of this year – will come with Sharklets already installed on the production line.

JetBlue plans to celebrate this milestone with an event at JFK’s Hangar 81 on Thursday, February 21.

According to the airline, “Sharklets produce better fuel efficiency for the aircraft – up to three percent less fuel burn on long-haul flights – providing fuel savings, range flexibility (reducing those winter-wind west bound fuel stops and arbitrary seat caps) while resulting in a smaller environmental footprint. Further, the Sharklets will allow JetBlue to compete against other airlines who are currently flying more efficient aircraft (notably the 737-800).”

JetBlue’s Tech Ops Crew at JFK will retrofit five of the latest A320 deliveries, which were delivered from Airbus with reinforced wings that support Sharklets. The airline anticipates the retrofit will take about four days to complete. Older A320s (which make up the majority of our fleet) will have to undergo a more extensive program, including strengthening the interior of the wing structures before the Sharklet can be installed. This retrofit will take up the better part of two weeks, and will be conducted by a Business Partner under the close supervision of Airbus and JetBlue.

Copyright Photo: JetBlue has been an advocate of the winglet installation on both the forward- and retro-fitted A320s since 2006 when the airline participated in a project with Airbus and tested two designs on a this future JetBlue aircraft. One of the designs is pictured on Airbus A320-232 F-WWDL (msn 2755) which became N636JB on delivery.

JetBlue Airways:

Spirit Airlines announces four new routes starting on April 25

Spirit Airlines (Fort Lauderdale/Hollywood) has announced it is starting ultra low fare service on four new routes starting April 25, 2013, including:

Daily nonstop service between Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI) and Las Vegas McCarran International Airport (LAS)
Daily nonstop service between Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) and Las Vegas McCarran International Airport (LAS)
Daily nonstop service between Houston George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) and Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)
Daily nonstop seasonal service between Minneapolis/St. Paul International Airport (MSP) and Denver International Airport (DEN) running through November 6, 2013

Schedules:

Copyright Photo: Brian McDonough. Airbus A320-232 N602NK (msn 4264) approaches in preparation for landing at Washington (Reagan National).

Spirit Airlines:

Route Map:

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

JetBlue reports net income of $1 million in the 4Q, $128 million for the full year

JetBlue Airways Corporation (JetBlue Airways) (New York) today reported its results for the fourth quarter and full year 2012:

Operating income of $44 million in the fourth quarter. This compares to operating income of $83 million in the year-ago period. For the full year 2012, JetBlue reported operating income of $376 million. This compares to operating income of $322 million for the full year 2011.
Pre-tax income of $1 million in the fourth quarter. This compares to pre-tax income of $40 million in the year-ago period. For the full year 2012, JetBlue reported pre-tax income of $209 million. This compares to a pre-tax income of $145 million for the full year 2011.
Net income for the fourth quarter was $1 million, or $0.00 per diluted share. This compares to JetBlue’s fourth quarter 2011 net income of $23 million, or $0.08 per diluted share. For the full year 2012, JetBlue reported net income of $128 million, or $0.40 per diluted share. This compares to net income of $86 million, or $0.28 per diluted share.

“Although Hurricane Sandy negatively impacted fourth quarter results, 2012 was a very good year for JetBlue,” said Dave Barger, JetBlue’s President and Chief Executive Officer. “We further solidified our position as New York’s Hometown Airline^™ while continuing to pursue profitable growth opportunities in Boston and the Caribbean & Latin America, resulting in record revenue performance. These results reflect the hard work and dedication of our 14,000 crewmembers who deliver exceptional service to our customers every day.”

Operational Performance

JetBlue reported record fourth quarter operating revenues of $1.2 billion despite Hurricane Sandy, which reduced revenue by an estimated $45 million. Revenue passenger miles for the fourth quarter increased 4.3% to 8.1 billion on a capacity increase of 4.8%, resulting in a fourth quarter load factor of 81.9%, a decrease of 0.3 points year over year.

Yield per passenger mile in the fourth quarter was 13.47 cents, up 0.2% compared to the fourth quarter of 2011. Passenger revenue per available seat mile (PRASM) for the fourth quarter 2012 decreased 0.2% year over year to 11.03 cents and operating revenue per available seat mile (RASM) decreased 0.5% year over year to 12.09 cents.

“While we saw a significant decline in demand for air travel following Hurricane Sandy, we are encouraged by more robust demand trends during the December holiday travel period,” said Robin Hayes, JetBlue’s Chief Commercial Officer. “We continue to be pleased with the strong performance of our Boston business-oriented markets – an area of significant focus for JetBlue.”

Operating expenses for the quarter increased 8.3%, or $87 million, over the prior year period. JetBlue’s operating expense per available seat mile (CASM) for the fourth quarter increased 3.3% year over year to 11.65 cents. Excluding fuel, CASM increased 4.8% to 7.17 cents.

Over the course of 2012, JetBlue improved its return on invested capital (ROIC) by approximately one percentage point to 4.8%. “We improved ROIC through a combination of margin expansion and prudent balance sheet management,” said Mark Powers, JetBlue’s Chief Financial Officer. “Nonetheless, we recognize there is still significant work to be done to continue improving shareholder returns. We remain committed to improving ROIC and believe we are on track to do so in 2013.”

Fuel Expense and Hedging

JetBlue continued to hedge fuel to manage price volatility. Specifically, during the fourth quarter JetBlue hedged approximately 27% of its fuel consumption and managed approximately 20% of its fuel consumption using fixed forward price agreements (FFPs), resulting in a realized fuel price of $3.20 per gallon, a 1% increase over fourth quarter 2011 realized fuel price of $3.15.

JetBlue has managed approximately 18% of its first quarter projected fuel requirements using a combination of FFPs and collars. Based on the fuel curve as of January 25th, JetBlue expects an average price per gallon of fuel, including the impact of hedges, FFPs and fuel taxes, of $3.23 in the first quarter.

Balance Sheet Update

JetBlue ended the fourth quarter with approximately $731 million in unrestricted cash and short term investments. During the quarter, JetBlue increased its line of credit with Morgan Stanley to $200 million. In addition, JetBlue maintains a $125 million corporate purchasing line with American Express for jet fuel purchases.

During the fourth quarter, JetBlue prepaid approximately $50 million of debt. JetBlue recorded a $3 million loss in non-operating income during the quarter in connection with this prepayment. In addition, JetBlue prepaid $200 million related to 2013 aircraft deliveries and pre-delivery deposits for future aircraft deliveries in exchange for favorable pricing terms.

Since December 31, 2011, JetBlue has increased the number of unencumbered Airbus A320 aircraft from one to 11 and decreased its total debt balance by approximately $285 million. “We continue to actively manage our total debt balance and seek to optimize the liquidity on our balance sheet, which we believe will help improve ROIC,” said Mr. Powers.

First Quarter and Full Year Outlook

For the first quarter of 2013, CASM is expected to increase between 1.0% and 3.0% over the year-ago period. Excluding fuel and profit sharing, CASM in the first quarter is expected to increase between 2.0% and 4.0% year over year.

CASM for the full year is expected to increase between 1.5% and 3.5% over full year 2012. Excluding fuel and profit sharing, CASM in 2013 is expected to increase between 1.0% and 3.0% year over year.

Capacity is expected to increase between 5.5% and 7.5% in the first quarter and for the full year.

Copyright Photo: Eddie Maloney. Airbus A320-232 N746JB (msn 3622) is dedicated to the hometown New York Jets of the National Football League. N746JB is pictured arriving at Las Vegas.

JetBlue Airways:

United Airlines to drop San Francisco-Toronto service on April 1

United Airlines (Chicago) is dropping the nonstop San Francisco-Toronto (Pearson) route on April 1 per Airline Route. Additionally the carrier is reintroducing the Cleveland-Seattle/Tacoma daily route for the summer season on June 13.

United Airlines:

Domestic Route Map:

United Domestic 1:2013 Route Map-1

Please click on the map for the full size view or click on the PDF link.

Qatar Airways continues its agressive expansion, starts the use of synthetic Parafinic Kerosene

Qatar Airways (Doha) on January 7 launched its first new route of 2013 with the introduction of scheduled services to Gassim in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The Doha – Gassim route is being operated by Airbus A320 aircraft featuring 144 seats in a two-class configuration of 12 seats in First Class and 132 in Economy.

Over the next few months, Qatar Airways will launch scheduled flights to a number of destinations including Najaf, Iraq (January 23); Phnom Penh, Cambodia (February 20); Chengdu, China (March 19); Chicago, USA (April 10); and Salalah, Oman (May 22).

Qatar Airways has also announced a capacity increase to daily scheduled services on the Doha – Warsaw route, effective February 1.

Capacity Upgrade On Doha – Warsaw Route From February 1

The current four-times-a-week service is scheduled to move to a daily operation less than two months after the launch of flights to Poland’s capital city.

One of the world’s fastest growing airlines, Qatar Airways has seen rapid growth in just 16 years of operations, currently flying a modern fleet of 116 aircraft to 123 key business and leisure destinations worldwide.

In other news, on January 9, Qatar Petroleum (QP), Qatar Airways and Shell celebrated the first commercial introduction of a new aviation jet fuel – the first to be approved globally in over two decades. The innovative GTL Jet Fuel blended with Synthetic Parafinic Kerosene from the world’s largest Gas to Liquids plant – Pearl GTL in Qatar – is now flowing into fuel tanks at Doha International Airport.

An Airbus A340-600, flight QR 001 will make history by being the first to fly outbound from Doha International Airport, en route to London Heathrow using GTL Jet Fuel.

This is a significant milestone for the giant onshore Pearl GTL complex, which is jointly developed by QP and Shell and is the largest energy project in Qatar. Fully approved for use as an aviation fuel, GTL Jet Fuel is a blend of up to 50% GTL Synthetic Parafinic Kerosene (SPK) meeting the stringent requirements of ASTM-D-7566 and conventional crude oil-derived standard jet fuel (Jet A-1).

This product launch also marks the attainment of the highest stage of the so-called Fuel Readiness Level scale in the rigorous certification and qualification process of Fischer-Tropsch Synthetic Parafinic Kerosene blends with conventional Jet A-1 and creates a true ‘Drop In’ alternative fuel meeting the latest DEF STAN and ASTM international aviation standards.

A Qatar Airways Airbus A340-600 is fuelled with Gas-to-Liquids jet fuel ahead of the departure of flight QR001 from Doha to London Heathrow.

As an alternative to conventional crude oil-derived jet fuel, GTL Jet Fuel can help diversify the aviation fuel supply chain and offers a number of attractive benefits for airlines and airports. The synthetic blend component – GTL kerosene – contains virtually zero Sulphur and has been shown to produce lower particulate emissions (very fine soot particles) than conventional crude oil-derived jet fuel. This means that once blended with conventional jet fuel to create GTL Jet Fuel, it can be attractive to airlines and airport authorities keen to improve local air quality at busy airports by reducing local emissions. GTL kerosene also has a higher energy density than conventional oil-based kerosene. This has the potential to reduce the engine maintenance requirements and the required fuel payload and aircraft may be able to better optimise the weight of fuel to cover the same distance.

GTL Jet Fuel from Pearl GTL plant is marketed by “Tasweeq” for use solely within Qatar. The first production cargo of GTL Jet Fuel left the Pearl GTL Plant on December 17, 2012 and will be first used in this inaugural flight departing Doha International Airport on January 9.

Shell is the largest foreign investor in Qatar investing up to $21 billion in the last 6 years. Qatar Petroleum and Shell delivered two of the largest energy projects in the world in Ras Laffan Industrial City. Pearl Gas to Liquids (GTL) is the world’s largest GTL plant and cements Qatar’s position as the GTL capital of the world. At an investment of $ 18 – 19 billion it is the largest single investment in the Shell Group’s global portfolio.

The Qatargas 4 Liquefied Natural Gas project (QP (70%) and Shell (30%)) combines Shell’s global leadership in LNG with Qatar’s position as the world’s largest LNG supplier.

Shell has established a world-class research and development facility and a learning centre, the Qatar Shell Research & Technology Centre, at the Qatar Science & Technology Park. Shell has a financial commitment to invest up to $100 million on programmes at the Centre over a 10-year period.

In 2010, Shell and PetroChina signed an agreement with QP to explore in the pre-Khuff interval in Block D. In December 2011 Shell and QP signed a HOA to jointly develop a world-class petrochemicals complex in Ras Laffan Industrial City.

In other news for the company, a Qatar Airways-flown A320 has made the carrier the world’s first to operate an aircraft into the Nepalese capital’s Tribhuvan International Airport within the Himalayan mountain range using a new navigation approach.

The milestone flight took place with the Doha-based airline’s A320 performing an RNP-AR (Required Navigation Performance – Authorisation Required) approach to landing. RNP-AR enables an aircraft to automatically fly accurate trajectories without relying on ground-based navigation aids, while also optimising airspace utilisation and reducing diversions in difficult weather conditions.

Located in Kathmandu, Tribhuvan International Airport has one of the world’s most complicated landing approaches due to surrounding challenging terrain at its location in the Himalayas. Flying an RNP-AR approach considerably reduces pilots’ workload and allows them to take full benefit of the advanced navigation equipment installed in the Airbus A320 to easily circumnavigate difficult terrain.

Qatar Airways partnered with Quovadis, the Airbus-owned flight operations services company, and the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal to design and implement the Kathmandu RNP-AR procedure.

Qatar’s New Doha International Airport will be renamed Hamad International Airport when the much delayed hub for Qatar Airways finally opens in the second half of 2013 according to article below. Qatar Airways will be the operator of the new airport which will allow the airline to expand operations.

Read the full report from ConstructionWeekOnline.com: CLICK HERE

Top Copyright Photo: Paul Denton. Airbus A320-232 A7-AHL (msn 4802) prepares to land at Dubai (other photos by Qatar Airways).

Qatar Airways:

Finally, Qatar Airways has grounded its Boeing 787s but remains confident that the problems can be overcome. Watch the video interview by The Telegraph on a 787 flight from Doha to London:

Donbassaero Airlines files for bankruptcy protection and ceases operations

Donbassaero Airlines (Donetsk) filed for bankruptcy and ceased operations on January 14, 2013.

Donbassaero Airlines was established in 1933 as Donetsk Aviation Enterprise.

Donbassaero is part of the Ukrainian Aviation Group that also includes Dniproavia and AeroSvit Ukrainian Airlines. All three carriers have either ceased operations or curtailed most of their operations.

Former route structure:

Donbassaero Airlines:

Spirit Airlines issues a statement for the ground collision with a parked US Airways Airbus A320 on December 31

Spirit Airlines (Fort Lauderdale/Hollywood) has conducted its own internal investigation and issued the following statement concerning the ground collision between a Spirit Airlines Airbus A320 and a parked US Airways Airbus A320 on December 31 at Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport:

Spirit Airlines said yesterday (January 2) that it has completed its preliminary internal investigation into the incident on the night of December 31, 2012 involving Spirit Airlines flight 403 traveling from Atlanta and landing at Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL). Following landing, air traffic control instructed the pilot to taxi to the gate using taxiway T. While taxiing, the Spirit Airbus A320 made contact with a parked US Airways A320 aircraft. Spirit was not advised by air traffic control of the presence of the other aircraft. As part of Spirit’s investigation, Spirit has been informed by officials that the control tower had also not been advised that the other A320 was parked in such close proximity to an active taxiway.

In addition, Spirit Airlines has advised the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) and they will not be investigating given the minor nature of the incident.

Customers deplaned at the gate as normal and there were no injuries. There were 167 customers on board. Spirit’s aircraft was returned to service within hours following minor repairs.

Copyright Photo: Dave Campbell. Airbus A320-232 N601NK (msn 4206) taxies to runway 9L at Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL).

Spirit Airlines:

Bangkok Air to restore nonstop Bangkok-Krabi service, welcomes two Airbus A320s

Bangkok Air (Bangkok Airways) (Bangkok) will resume nonstop service to the resort destination of Krabi, Thailand on March 31 when it restores nonstop Bangkok-Krabi flights according to Airline Route. The carrier dropped the route in June 2008 although service was maintained through Samui.

In other news, the airline welcomed its two latest Airbus A320s named “Maha Mongkol” and “Sawadee Umporn” at Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi Airport in November and December, its 20^th and 21^st aircraft. The A320 is configured with 162 economy class seats and will be assigned to both domestic and international routes such as Chiang Mai, Phuket, Yangon (Myanmar), Siem Reap (Cambodia), Mumbai (India), and Dhaka (Bangladesh).

Presently, Bangkok Air’s fleet consists of eight ATR 72s, five Airbus A320s and eight A319s.

Copyright Photo: Jay Selman. Painted to promote the island destination of Krabi, the blue and green tropical special livery adorns the fuselage of Airbus A320-232 HS-PGV (msn 2310) pictured on final approach to Bangkok (Suvarnabhumi).

Bangkok Air:

Current Route Map:

Please click on the map for the full size view.

JetBlue Airways to add a third Colombian destination: Medellin

JetBlue Airways (New York) has announced its intention to serve Medellin, Colombia with the addition of daily nonstop service between Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL) and Jose Maria Cordova International Airport (MDE) starting in June 2013 (subject to government approval).

Destinations in Latin America and the Caribbean now make up almost one-third of JetBlue’s route network. Medellin, Colombia’s second largest city and a vibrant commercial and cultural center, will be JetBlue’s 79^th destination and its third destination in the South American country. JetBlue also offers nonstop service between Bogota and both Fort Lauderdale and Orlando, Florida as well as nonstop service between Cartagena and New York’s John F. Kennedy International (JFK).

JetBlue’s schedule between Fort Lauderdale and Medellin:

Fort Lauderdale (FLL) to Medellin (MDE):	Medellin (MDE) to Fort Lauderdale (FLL):
Depart – Arrive	Depart – Arrive
4:45 p.m. – 7:05 p.m.	7:05 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
– Flights operate daily effective June 2013 (a) – – All times local –

With this new addition, JetBlue will serve 27 Latin American and Caribbean destinations in 2013, including: Aruba; The Bahamas (Nassau); Barbados; Bermuda; Cayman Islands (Grand Cayman); Colombia (Bogota, Medellin and Cartagena); Costa Rica (Liberia and San Jose); Dominican Republic (La Romana, Puerto Plata, Punta Cana, Samana, Santiago and Santo Domingo); Jamaica (Kingston and Montego Bay); Mexico (Cancun); Puerto Rico (Aguadilla, Ponce and San Juan); St. Croix; St. Lucia; St. Maarten; St. Thomas; and, Turks and Caicos (Providenciales).

JetBlue’s flights to Medellin will be operated with its Airbus A320 aircraft.

Copyright Photo: Michael B. Ing. Airbus A320-232 N633JB (msn 2671) prepares to land at Los Angeles International Airport.

JetBlue Airways:

JetBlue Airways is coming to Philadelphia

JetBlue Airways (New York) today announced the launch of nonstop service between Boston’s Logan International Airport (BOS) and Philadelphia International Airport (PHL). Five daily flights will begin on May 23, 2013. Philadelphia will become the company’s 78^th destination.

JetBlue’s schedule between Boston and Philadelphia:

BOS to PHL:	PHL to BOS:
Depart – Arrive	Depart – Arrive
6:40 a.m. – 8:09 a.m. 8:45 a.m. – 10:16 a.m. 11:24 a.m. – 12:50 p.m. 3:15 p.m. – 4:49 p.m. 6:10 p.m. – 7:49 p.m.	8:45 a.m. – 10:17 a.m. 10:55 a.m. – 12:27 p.m. 1:25 p.m. – 2:54 p.m. 5:25 p.m. – 7:06 p.m. 8:25 p.m. – 9:54 p.m.
– Flights operate daily effective May 23, 2013 –