Tag Archives: A321-200

Qatar Airways launches Airbus A350-900 service to Singapore, will offer a Doha-Dubai shuttle

Qatar Airways (Doha), as the global launch customer for the Airbus A350-900 XWB, became the first airline to operate the world’s newest aircraft to Singapore and the Asia Pacific region today (May 11), with the inaugural A350-900 XWB service arriving in Singapore’s Changi Airport.

Upon touching down at Singapore Changi Airport, flight QR 944 was greeted by a traditional water cannon salute (above), a long-held tradition to welcome special flights or planes to an airport, and an exclusive welcome ceremony.

Qatar Airways currently operates a double-daily service to Singapore with the Boeing 787 Dreamliner (below) and the aircraft will be progressively replaced by the next-generation A350-900 XWB.

Photo Above: Qatar Airways. Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner A7-BCB (msn 38320).

In addition, from later this summer, Qatar Airways will add an additional daily flight to Singapore, as part of its global expansion drive and to cater to the increase in passenger demand. All three daily flights will be operated using the A350-900 XWB by mid-August.

In addition, Qatar Airways has announced an expansion to its UAE services with the launch of nonstop flights to Ras Al Khaimah, commencing on October 1, 2015.

Operating daily, flight QR 1120 will depart Doha’s Hamad International Airport at 20:15 hours and arrive at Ras Al Khaimah International Airport at 22.30 hours. The return flight QR 1121 will depart at 23:30 hours and arrive in Doha at 23:45 hours.

Additionally the carrier announced the introduction of Qatar Airways’ newest offering, the Doha-Dubai Shuttle. Having launched this week, the Doha-Dubai Shuttle will offer flights from Doha’s Hamad International Airport to Dubai International Airport, as well as Al Maktoum International Airport in Dubai.

The new service which is the first of its kind flying between the two cities brings with it a number of enhanced services that will reduce overall travel time and increase convenience for passengers. The shuttle service, along with its many perks, will be offered on each of the 18 daily flights between the two cities, with 14 flights to and from Dubai International Airport and four to and from Al Maktoum International Airport.

Copyright Photo Above: Bruce Drum/AirlinersGallery.com. Airbus A321-231 A7-ADX (msn 3397) departs from tropical Doha, Qatar.

According to the airline, “passengers on the Doha-Dubai Shuttle will also be able to enjoy the newly unveiled Qatar Airways inflight entertainment system with its brand new design and identity. The new brand “Oryx One – Explore. Play. Share.” embraces Qatar Airways’ corporate colours and will provide passengers with a comprehensive experience of entertainment, information and connectivity.

Video: Qatar Airways. The new Oryx One on Qatar Airways.

Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive, His Excellency Mr. Akbar Al Baker (below) announced the launch of the Doha-Dubai Shuttle and the unveiled new brand identity of the airline’s inflight entertainment during a press conference on the opening day of Arabian Travel Market (ATM) – the Middle East’s premier travel show – taking place in Dubai this week.

Photo Above: Qatar Airways. Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive, His Excellency Mr. Akbar Al Baker announces the carrier’s 2015 expansion plans and latest undertakings during a press conference at the Arabian Travel Market in Dubai.

Specially branded and dedicated check-in counters located at Row 5 at Hamad International Airport will be available for all passengers travelling from Doha to Dubai on the Doha-Dubai Shuttle. Passengers who plan on checking in baggage must check in no later than one hour before their scheduled departure time. Return flights from Dubai to Doha also require check in of a minimum of one hour before the scheduled departure time for all passengers, including those with only hand baggage.

Passengers flying on the Qatar Airways Doha-Dubai Shuttle will also be able to take advantage of fast-track immigration in Doha, allowing them to clear passport control in a minimum amount of time before proceeding to their boarding gates located in either Concourse A or B, which are no more than a seven to 10 minute walk, on average, from passport control.

Qatar Airways has so far announced an the addition of seven destinations to its international map this year – Amsterdam, Ras Al Khaimah, Zanzibar, Faisalabad, Sialkot, Multan and Durban – and is gearing up for more route expansion in 2016 with three new US cities, Los Angeles, Boston and Atlanta.

Finally, Qatar Airways and Royal Air Maroc (Casablanca) have announced the launch of a strategic joint business agreement on their services between the State of Qatar and the Kingdom of Morocco.

Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive, His Excellency Mr. Akbar Al Baker and Royal Air Maroc Chairman and CEO, Mr. Driss Benhima signed the joint business agreement today at the Arabian Travel Market in Dubai, in the presence of international press and travel trade partners.

The joint business will benefit passengers by providing enhanced links between Qatar and Morocco, greater choice of flights to more destinations and improved frequent flyer benefits. With this new agreement, passengers will be able to purchase a single itinerary combining flights on both carriers’ global networks, affording them the ease of one-stop ticketing and baggage check-in.

Royal Air Maroc will be operating three weekly flights with a Boeing 787 Dreamliner to Doha complimenting Qatar Airways’ existing seven times weekly flights to Casablanca, giving passengers the flexibility of using a combination of flights from both airlines between Qatar and Morocco, significantly increasing their options.

Video Below: Qatar Airways. Qatar Airways First Officer Robby and his wife talk about the wonderful life they have made for themselves in Doha since he joined the airline. Find out how they have rapidly adapted to the Middle Eastern way of life and why they plan to spend the foreseeable future in this fast-growing, dynamic city, which has so much to offer pilots and their families looking for an exciting new chapter in their lives.

Qatar Airways aircraft slide show:

Wow Air is welcomed at Baltimore-Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI)

Wow Air (Keflavik) as planned, started its low-fare service from Baltimore-Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI) to Keflavik (KEF) (near Reykjavik) yesterday (May 8). Initially the new route will operate four days a week with the new Airbus A321s. On June 11 this will expand to five days a week. The carrier also started service to Boston on March 27.

All Copyright Photos: Tony Storck/AirlinersGallery.com. The inaugural flight was assigned to “MOM”. Airbus A321-211 TF-MOM (msn 6210) was treated to the traditional water cannon salute on the inaugural flight arrival at BWI.

Wow Air aircraft slide show:

American Airlines to add streaming video service to an additional 200+ aircraft

American Airlines (Dallas/Fort Worth) today made this announcement about expanding its streaming video service:

American Airlines is putting entertainment options in the hands of more customers by launching its streaming video service on more than 200 additional aircraft in its domestic mainline fleet.

American has already equipped more than 500 aircraft with seat-back video and streaming with its American Spotlight entertainment service. In May, American will add streaming to its fleet of Airbus A319s, A320s and A321s, with plans for some international widebody aircraft, further expanding customers’ access to inflight entertainment options in all cabins.

To celebrate the hundreds of hours of entertainment available on American Spotlight, American is inviting customers to enjoy select movies free of charge through the streaming service. Through June 30, customers can view any of the following six movies.

Big Hero 6
Captain America
Frozen
Guardians of the Galaxy
Into The Woods
Maleficent

In addition, American always offers free, exclusive programming from NBC Universal through streaming, seat-back and overhead entertainment.

The programming is stored on aircraft hardware, ensuring that customers receive high quality streaming; it is offered in addition to air-to-ground Wi-Fi service already offered on all mainline narrow body aircraft.

First-time streaming viewers simply open their browser, look for the Entertainment option and accept Gogo’s invitation to install the Gogo Video Player plug-in, which can be downloaded quickly even during a flight.

They can then start the viewing process by browsing the free and paid content – approximately 200 movies and 200 TV shows.

American already offers complimentary entertainment on all international flights in all cabins and has announced plans for more international Wi-Fi and onboard power ports as part of its $2 billion investment in the customer experience. These investments include more fully lie-flat seats; upgraded aircraft interior, and an improved airport experience with faster, more reliable kiosks and refreshed gate and ticketing areas. This is all in addition to American’s historic fleet renewal, during which it expects to take delivery of 75 new mainline aircraft in 2015.

Copyright Photo: Michael B. Ing/AirlinersGallery.com. Airbus A321-231 N120EE (msn 6227) climbs away from Los Angeles International Airport (LAX).

American Airlines aircraft slide show (current livery only):

Volaris takes delivery of its first Airbus A321, reports a 1Q net profit of $19.8 million

Volaris (Mexico City) on April 22 took delivery of its first Airbus A321-200. The pictured A321-231 D-AZAN (msn 6558) at Hamburg (Finkenwerder) was leased as XA-VLH from ALC. The low-fare airline has another copy on order. Volaris is now an operator of the A319, A320 and the A321.

On the financial side, the company reported its first quarter results with this report:

First Quarter 2015 Highlights

Total operating revenues were Ps.3,768 million for the first quarter, an increase of 35.8% year over year.

Non-ticket revenues increased 64.6% for the first quarter year over year. Non-ticket revenue per passenger increased 41.6%, reaching Ps.337 (US$22) for the first quarter.

Total operating revenue per available seat mile (TRASM) increased to Ps.123.8 cents for the first quarter, an increase of 22.4% year over year.

Operating expenses per available seat mile (CASM) decreased 5.5% for the first quarter year over year to Ps.112.5 cents (US$7.4 cents). CASM expressed in US cents decreased 18.4% for the first quarter year over year.

Adjusted EBITDAR for the first quarter was Ps.1,204 million, a Ps.1 billion increase year over year with an Adjusted EBITDAR margin of 32.0%, a margin increase of 26.1 percentage points.
EBIT reached Ps.346 million with an operating margin of 9.2% for the first quarter, a margin improvement of 26.8 percentage points.

Net income was Ps.306 million ($19.8 million) (Ps.0.30 per share / US$0.20 per ADS) with a net margin of 8.1% for the first quarter, a net margin improvement of 21.4 percentage points.

During the first quarter the net increase of cash and cash equivalents was Ps.862 million mainly driven by the resources provided by operating activities of Ps.949 million. Unrestricted cash and cash equivalents was Ps.3,156 million (US$208 million), representing 21% of the last twelve month total revenues.

Volaris´ CEO Enrique Beltranena commented: “Volaris’ strong performance for the first three months of 2015 are evidence of the hard work and excellent execution to improve financial performance following a very challenging year. We continue to diversify our network and strengthen our unbundled product strategy, increasing our international presence and growing non-ticket revenues while maintaining cost discipline. We are committed to continue building solid foundations towards a strong and profitable 2015”.

Improving Macroeconomic Environment

The Mexican macroeconomic environment:
GDP growth for the full year 2014 was 2.1%.
Consumer confidence increased 7.8%, 6.8% and 4.8% year over year in January, February and March of 2015, respectively.
The Mexican General Economic Activity Indicator (IGAE) increased 2.0% year over year in January of 2015.

Exchange rate volatility: The Mexican peso depreciated 12.8% year over year against the US dollar, as the exchange rate devalued from an average of Ps.13.23 pesos per US dollar in the first quarter of 2014 to Ps.14.93 pesos per US dollar during the first quarter of 2015.

Lower fuel prices: The average economic fuel cost per gallon decreased 27.1% year over year in the first quarter of 2015, reaching Ps.29.7 (US$1.96) per gallon.

Focus on Network Diversification and Revenue Management Results in Unit Revenue Improvement

Unit revenue improvement and capacity management: TRASM and yield increased 22.4% and 17.5% for the first quarter year over year, respectively, as a result of a recuperating domestic fare environment and solid international fare environment. Domestic capacity increased 4.0%, reflecting capacity discipline and supporting yield recovery, while international capacity increased 31.4%.

Non-ticket revenues growth: Non-ticket revenues per passenger increased 41.6% year over year for the first quarter as Volaris continues to observe a customer acceptance of its ancillary revenue strategy. This growth is mainly driven by improved ancillary bundles and revenue management of bag and seat fees, as well as new product offerings.

Air traffic volume increase: The Mexican DGAC reported an overall passenger increase for Mexican carriers of 9.2% for January and February 2015. Volaris’ market share among Mexican carriers increased to 23.9% in both domestic and international markets, the second largest share among them.

New routes launch: In the first quarter, Volaris opened five routes (four domestic and one international), focusing on its VFR customer base, both in the domestic and the Mexico-US cross-border market.

First Quarter Operating Revenues: Managing Capacity for Profitability Results in Solid Traffic and Revenue Indicators

Volaris booked 2.5 million passengers in the first quarter 2015, a 16.2% year over year growth rate. Volaris traffic (measured in terms of revenue passenger miles, or RPMs) increased 10.0%.

Volaris’ total operating revenues were Ps.3,768 million in the first quarter, an increase of 35.8% year over year. Non-ticket revenues and non-ticket revenue per passenger reached Ps.846 million and Ps.337 (US$22), respectively. Non-ticket revenues per passenger increased 41.6%.

Maintaining Cost Discipline: Fuel Savings Combined With Other Efficiencies

CASM for the first quarter 2015 was Ps.112.5 cents (US$7.4 cents), a 5.5% decrease compared to the first quarter of 2014, mainly driven by a lower fuel price per gallon and efficiencies achieved in landing, take-off and navigation expenses, salaries and benefits. On a US dollar basis, CASM in the first quarter decreased 18.4% compared to the same period in 2014.

In the first quarter, Volaris experienced pressures in US-dollar denominated costs such as aircraft rents, international airport costs, and maintenance expenses due to the exchange rate depreciation of the Mexican peso.

Young and Fuel Efficient Fleet

As of March 31, 2015, the Company´s fleet was comprised of 51 aircraft (33 A320s and 18 A319s), with an average age of 4.5 years. Volaris expects to end 2015 with 55 aircraft, including our first two A321s which will be entering the fleet during the second quarter of the year.

Positive Cash Flow Generation, Strong Balance Sheet and Good Liquidity

During the first quarter the net increase of cash and cash equivalents was Ps.862 million mainly driven by the resources provided by operating activities of Ps.949 million.

As of March 31, 2015, Volaris had a record balance of Ps.3,156 million in unrestricted cash and cash equivalents, representing 21% of the last twelve month operating revenues. Volaris recorded negative net debt (or a positive net cash position) of Ps.1,900 million and total equity reached Ps.4,806 million.

During the first quarter of 2015, Volaris incurred capital expenditures of Ps.50 million, which included acquisitions of rotable spare parts, furniture and equipment of Ps.61 million, partially offset by reimbursements of net pre-delivery payments of Ps.11 million.

Active in Fuel Risk Management

Volaris has continued to remain active in its fuel risk management program with a combination of financial instruments including Jet Fuel swaps and purchase of call options. In the first quarter Volaris hedged 29% of fuel consumption at an average price of US$2.53 per gallon, which combined with the 71% unhedged consumption, resulted in a blended average economic fuel cost of US$1.96 per gallon for the quarter.

Copyright Photo: Gerd Beilfuss/AirlinersGallery.com. As of March 31, 2015, the Company´s fleet was comprised of 51 aircraft (33 A320s and 18 A319s), with an average age of 4.5 years. Volaris expects to end 2015 with 55 aircraft, including the first two A321s.

Volaris aircraft slide show:

UTair Russia cuts its fleet by 44 aircraft

UTair Aviation (Russia) (Moscow) is the third largest airline in Russia. On March 29, 2015 the carrier transitioned to its spring and summer flight schedule and also downsized its fleet. During this period, UTair plans to operate over 200 daily flights, connecting more than 70 cities in Russia and abroad.

However according to The Moscow Times, UTair is cutting its fleet by 40 percent (44 aircraft) from 115 aircraft to 71 aircraft.

The airline blamed the decline on the fall in air travel demand and the sharp increase in leasing rates due to the decline of the Russian ruble.

According to its website, the airline currently operates:

The airline currently operates:

Boeing 767-300 2
Boeing 767-200 3
Boeing 737-800 12
Boeing 737-400 6
Boeing 737-500 30
ATR 72-500 15
Bombardier CRJ200 1
Antonov An-2 6
Antonov An-74 – TK-100 5

+ helicopters

Read the full report: CLICK HERE

On the schedules side, the airline stated it will operate nonstop flights to Anapa, Sochi and Krasnodar from Moscow, Saint Petersburg, Tyumen, Surgut, Nizhnevartovsk, Noyabrsk and Syktyvkar.

UTair aircraft will also connect Gelendzhik with Moscow and Surgut; Sochi with Tambov and Kursk; Anapa with Khanty-Mansiysk and Kursk; Mineralnye Vody with Surgut, Tyumen and Samara and Krasnodar with Novy Urengoy.

Passengers living in other regions of Russia will be able to travel to Sochi, Krasnodar, Anapa, Gelendzhik and Mineralnye Vody via convenient connecting flights in Vnukovo International Airport in Moscow. Flight frequency on these routes will be increased to three or four flights daily. The airline will also increase the number of daily flights from Moscow to Kaliningrad, Rostov-on-Don, Makhachkala, Vladikavkaz, Belgorod and Kiev, providing passengers with even more convenient connection options.

UTair will continue performing flights from Saint Petersburg to Moscow, Noyabrsk, Khanty-Mansiysk and Vladikavkaz as well as add new destinations – Makhachkala, Grozny and Magas. From Surgut, UTair will continue flights to Belgorod, Makhachkala, Grozny, Rostov-on-Don and Samara.

Copyright Photo: Ton Jochems/AirlinersGallery.com. The new Airbus A321 fleet appears to be the main victim of the downsizing. Airbus A321-211 VP-BPC (msn 5919) is pictured at Antalya in Turkey.

UTair (Russia) aircraft slide show:

ANA firms up its order for seven additional Airbus A321s

ANA Holdings (ANA-All Nippon Airways) (Tokyo) has firmed up an order for seven more A321 aircraft (four A321ceo with Sharklets and three A321neo), following the previous announcement in January this year. This firm order brings ANA’s total order for the A320 Family to 37 aircraft (26 A321neo, four A321ceo with Sharklet, and seven A320neo).

ANA Group will be the first Japanese carrier to operate three variants of the A320 Family, the A321neo, the A321ceo and the A320neo. With an optimised use of cabin space called ‘Cabin-Flex’, the A321neo will typically seat up to 240 passengers while maintaining Airbus’ standard comfort standard of at least 18 inch wide seats. The A321ceo will seat up to 220, and the A320neo up to 180 people.

Image: Airbus.

ANA aircraft slide show:

SAS launches its summer schedule with 11 new routes

Scandinavian Airlines-SAS (Stockholm) has started it summer schedule with 11 new routes. The airline issued this report on the new routes and summer services:

SAS is launching its summer timetable for 2015 with a number of new destinations from Scandinavia. Eleven new routes are being launched and many popular summer destinations are also returning.

From March 29, SAS will gradually be introducing its summer timetable and launching a total of eleven brand new routes, both from its main Scandinavian hubs and regional airports such as Gothenburg and Bergen.

New Routes

From Sweden

– Stockholm–Budapest: Departures on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays, and Sundays. First departure March 29. No departures during the high season.
– Stockholm – Riga: Departures daily. First departure 29 March.
– Stockholm–Faro: Departures on Saturdays, plus Wednesdays in the high season. First departure April 4.
– Stockholm–Ankara: Departures on Thursdays. First departure July 2.
– Gothenburg–Alanya (Gazipasa): Departures on Wednesdays. First departure July 1.
– Gothenburg–Dublin: Departures on Saturdays, plus Wednesdays and Sundays in the high season. First departure April 11.

From Denmark

– Copenhagen–Edinburgh: Departures on Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays, and Sundays, and daily during the high season. First departure March 29.
– Copenhagen–Ankara: Departures on Saturdays, plus Mondays and Wednesdays in the high season. First departure June 6.

From Norway

– Oslo–Salzburg: Departures on Saturdays. First departure May 23.
– Bergen–Gothenburg: Departures on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. First departure March 30. No departures during the high season.

Summer routes re-opening

Sweden

From Stockholm to Chania, Cagliari, Olbia, Biarritz, Palermo, Pisa, Pristina, Bristol, and Bodø, Pula, Bologna, Milan, Alanya.
From Gothenburg to Pula, Nice, Athens, Pristina, Alicante, and Palma de Mallorca.

Denmark

From Copenhagen to Dubrovnik, Split, Pula, Montpellier, Biarritz, Chania, Thessaloniki, Palermo, Naples, Pisa, Gazipasa, and Alicante.
From Billund we are also re-opening the route to Gazipasa in Turkey.

Norway

From Trondheim to Malaga and Barcelona. From Bergen to Split, Dubrovnik, Nice, Malaga, Barcelona, and Alanya (Gazipasa).
From Stavanger to Split, Nice, Malaga, Barcelona, and Alanya (Gazipasa).
From Kristiansand to Split.
From Oslo to Dubrovnik, Pula, Olbia, Pisa, Palermo, and Pristina.

Copyright Photo: Paul Bannwarth/AirlinersGallery.com. Airbus A321-232 OY-KBF (msn 1807) prepares to touch down in Tenerife Sur.

SAS aircraft slide show:

Airbus celebrates the delivery of the 9,000th aircraft, the first A321 for VietJetAir

Airbus (Toulouse) has issued this statement and graph:

Airbus has celebrated the delivery of its 9000th aircraft at a ceremony in Hamburg, Germany on March 20, 2015. The aircraft is the first A321 to be delivered to Vietnamese carrier VietJetAir (Ho Chi Minh City) and will join the carrier’s all-Airbus A320 Family fleet flying on its fast-growing Asia-Pacific network.

VietJetAir first took to the skies at the end of 2011 and now operates a fleet of 22 A320 Family aircraft on a network covering Vietnam and a growing number of destinations across Asia. The A321 delivered today is the first of seven ordered by the airline as part of a major aircraft acquisition plan for up to 100 A320 Family aircraft announced in early 2014.

The 9000th delivery comes less than two years after Airbus reached its last milestone of 8000 aircraft-delivered in August 2013. Over the last 10 years, Airbus has doubled its deliveries to reach over 600 aircraft a year today – a figure that is set to rise further as the demand grows.

Top Copyright Photo: Gerd Beilfuss/AirlinersGallery.com. VietJetAir (VietJetAir.com) Airbus A321-211 D-AZAK (msn 5295) became VN-A651 on the handover.

Below Photo: Airbus. Airbus added special markings on the handover.

VietJetAir aircraft slide show:

American Airlines to combine the two loyalty programs in the next 30 days, will retain N578UW in US Airways colors

American Airlines (Dallas/Fort Worth) has started notifying its frequent flyer members that it intends to combine American’s AAdvantage program with US Airways’ Dividend Miles in the next 30 days. The combination is another step towards the goal of a single airline and a single operating certificate.

American has also selected the pictured US Airways Airbus A321-231 N578UW (msn 6035) to become the US Airways legacy aircraft in the future American fleet. In December, US Airways added American titles while retaining its 2005 livery. N578UW will keep this look after all of the US Airways aircraft are repainted or retired.

American Airlines aircraft slide show (current livery):

American Airlines-US Airways:

JetBlue to expand its Mint service to Aruba and Barbados

JetBlue Airways (New York) announced plans to offer its Mint experience from New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) to Barbados (BGI) and Aruba (AUA), two of its most popular Caribbean routes. The new seasonal service begins in November.

JetBlue launched its premium Mint service on transcontinental routes in June 2014.

JetBlue’s Mint experience to the islands will add a Caribbean twist to some customer favorites, including the tapas-style menu curated by New York City restaurant Saxon+Parole, organic desserts by Blue Marble Ice Cream, a sweet treat from Mah-ze-Dahr Bakery, and customized amenity kits from Birchbox.

Between November 7, 2015 and April 30, 2016, JetBlue will operate one roundtrip on Saturdays to each Caribbean location. And between December 19, 2015 and January 4, 2016 the airline will operate one roundtrip flight daily for the busy holiday travel season.

Saturdays between November 7, 2015 and April 30, 2016
Daily between December 19, 2015 and January 4, 2016

—————————————————————————-
JFK – BGI, BGI – JFK
9:20 a.m. – 3:02 p.m., 4:15 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.

JFK – AUA, AUA – JFK
7:59 a.m. – 1:28 p.m., 2:40 p.m. – 6:25 p.m.
—————————————————————————-

According to the airline, “JetBlue offers Mint on its new Airbus A321 aircraft. Features of the A321 core interior include 10-inch television screens offering free entertainment, comfortable seats with the most legroom in coach and power outlets accessible to all customers. JetBlue’s popular marketplace, a self-serve station full of snacks, sodas and water for customers to enjoy at their convenience, is also available throughout the flight.”

Copyright Photo: Fred Freketic/AirlinersGallery.com. Airbus A321-231 N935JB (msn 6185), named “Fly in Mint Condition”, prepares to depart from John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) in New York.

JetBlue Airways aircraft slide show: