Tag Archives: Airbus A320-214 WL

easyJet forecasts a series of technological milestones in 2018

easyJet (UK) has forecast reaching a number of key milestones in technological initiatives over the next 12 months.

Half of easyJet’s fleet is now Airbus A320 aircraft (above) following a program of up-gauging from 150-seat A319s to the larger aircraft, which have up to 186 seats, as well as a number of aircraft acquired which were previously operated by Air Berlin. By spring, the airline’s entire fleet will surpass 300 aircraft.

The airline will take delivery of its first A321neo in July, which will contribute towards easyJet’s initiative to decarbonise and quieten aviation. Further deliveries in 2018 will bring the number of neo aircraft in the fleet to 28 by the end of the year which provide 15% savings in CO2 emissions and a 50% reduction in noise compared to the aircraft they replace.

easyJet will continue to showcase the neo aircraft and its innovative environmental and cost efficient features at roadshows at the airline’s bases around the UK and Europe. Having already exhibited the aircraft in Amsterdam, the airline will also visit London Gatwick, Glasgow, Belfast, Newcastle, Bristol, Manchester and Liverpool; Barcelona, Geneva, Milan Malpensa and Paris Orly.

easyJet will also continue to work alongside US-based start-up and electric aircraft pioneer Wright Electric on their development of an all-electric commercial aircraft and expects to launch the first flight of a hybrid nine seat aircraft within the next 12 months.

A new video produced by Wright Electric shows the progress of this pioneering project, demonstrating contra-rotating propeller technology which is one of the innovations driving Wright Electric’s development of electric aviation. This concept was invented over a century ago and is a more efficient means of propulsion. Electric motors will be able to deliver this more easily than jet engines and it will be a crucial element of Wright Electric’s all-electric passenger aircraft.

Johan Lundgren, easyJet’s Chief Executive Officer commented:

“Our aim is for easyJet to go from strength to strength in 2018. I’m incredibly pleased that the hard work and energy of our people will enable easyJet to achieve a number of technological and environmental milestones in 2018.

“Our newest Airbus neo aircraft will continue to reduce our carbon and noise footprints, which have already been reduced by 38% and 50% respectively since 2000, compared to current aircraft.

“Our partnership with Wright Electric will reach a number of milestones in the development of an all-electric commercial passenger aircraft and towards a future which isn’t wholly reliant on jet fuel.”

Jeffrey Engler, CEO of Wright Electric commented:

“Working with easyJet to develop the next generation of air travel is a powerful validation of our technology approach. We’re incredibly excited to be reaching the first significant milestone in this pioneering project towards developing and commercialising our electric aircraft for the large and growing short-haul flight markets.

“easyJet’s impressive team continues to provide valuable insights to our engineers about the critical aspects required to run a successful airline, from maintenance to revenue management, and we look forward to reaching further milestones in the years ahead.”

Top Copyright Photo: easyJet (UK) Airbus A320-214 WL G-EZOT (msn 6680) BSL (Paul Bannwarth). Image: 930892.

Air Arabia adds Sheremetyevo Airport to Moscow network, boosts Russia flights to double-daily

Air Arabia (UAE) (Sharjah) has announced that it will begin flights to Sheremetyevo International Airport from February 1, 2018, the second airport Air Arabia serves in Moscow, boosting the flight to daily to serve Russian capital city with a double daily frequency.

The flight to Sheremetyevo International Airport complements the airline’s existing daily services to Moscow’s Domodedovo International Airport.

The flight will operate four times a week on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays and Sundays, departing Sharjah International Airport (SHJ) at 09:10 hours, and arriving at Sheremetyevo International Airport (SVO) at 13:35 hours local time. The return flight will depart Sheremetyevo at 14:35 hours, landing in Sharjah at 20:45 hours local time.

Air Arabia will upgrade to a daily Sheremetyevo flight from March 1, 2018, which will join the current daily flight to Domodedovo to serve the city of Moscow with a double daily frequency.

In other news, the carrier will also launch a new seasonal route to Bodrum in Turkey, commencing on June 13, 2018.

The flight will operate three times a week on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, departing Sharjah International Airport (SHJ) at 21:45 hours, and arriving the next day at Bodrum’s Milas Mugla International Airport (BJV) at 01:30 hours local time. The return flight will depart Bodrum at 02:10 hours, landing in Sharjah at 07:35 hours local time.

Copyright Photo: Air Arabia (airarabia.com) (UAE) Airbus A320-214 WL A6-ANZ (msn 6166) ALA (Rob Finlayson). Image: 934120.

Vietjet launches and celebrates three new routes between Vietnam and Thailand

Vietjet held several jubilant inaugural ceremonies to celebrate the debuts of the airline’s three new routes connecting Vietnam and Thailand, including the Da Lat – Bangkok, Ho Chi Minh City – Phuket and Ho Chi Minh City – Chiang Mai routes. Held in airports in Vietnam, passengers on the inaugural flights were treated to entertainment programs and presented with lovely gifts from Vietjet. The three new routes serve the transportation and travel demands of the local people and tourists while contributing to the promotion of trading and integration in the region.

The inaugural ceremony of the Da Lat – Bangkok route, with a hot flower bikini dance, was held at Lien Khuong International Airport in Da Lat on December 18, 2017. The event was warmly received by the public, leaders of Ministry of Culture, Sport and Tourism, Ministry of Transport, Aviation Administration and related departments of Vietnam and Thailand.

The inaugural ceremony of the Ho Chi Minh City – Phuket route was held at Tan Son Nhat Airport in Ho Chi Minh City on December 15, 2017. It was witnessed by Mr. Manopchai Vongphakdi – Thailand Ambassador to Vietnam, leader of the Aviation Administration of Vietnam, Culture, Sport and Tourism Department of Ho Chi Minh City and leaders of travel industries of Vietnam and Thailand. Earlier, Vietjet also welcomed the first flight of the Ho Chi Minh City – Chiang Mai route, which arrived to the great excitement of both passengers and the public on December 12, 2017.

The Da Lat – Bangkok route operates a return flight every Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday with a flight time of approximately one hour and 45 minutes per leg. Flights depart from Dalat at 12:55 and land in Bangkok at 14:40 (local time). Return flights take off from Bangkok at 10:30 and arrive in Dalat at 12:15 (local time).

The Ho Chi Minh City – Phuket route opearates a return flight every Monday, Wednesday, Friday, Sunday at around two hours per leg. Flights depart at Ho Chi Minh City at 10:15 in the morning and arrive in Phuket at 12:10 (local time). Return flights take off at 13:05 in Phuket and lands in Ho Chi Minh City at 15:10 (local time).

The Ho Chi Minh City – Chiang Mai route operates a return flight every Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, and Sunday with a flight time of just under two hours per leg. Flights depart at Ho Chi Minh City at 11:35 in the morning and arrive in Chiang Mai at 13:30 (local time). Return flights take off at 14:20 in Chiang Mai and land in Ho Chi Minh City at 16:25 (local time).

With the opening of these new routes, Vietjet now operates six flights to “the Land of Smiles – Thailand” from Vietnam. Aiming to become a leading consumer airline, Vietjet has continually opened new routes while adding brand-new aircraft to its fleet, investing in modern technology and offering more added-on services and products to serve all customer’s demands. Since its establishment just a few years ago, Vietjet has continuously contributed to the community and created flying opportunities for tens of millions of domestic and international passengers.

Bottom Copyright Photo (all others by Vietjet): Vietjet Air (VietJetAir.com) Airbus A320-214 WL VN-A695 (msn 3646) SIN (Michael B. Ing). Image: 939266.

Alaska Airlines launches new service from San Francisco to Kona

Alaska Airlines on December 14, 2017 begins nonstop service between San Francisco International Airport and Kailua-Kona International Airport, the 31st new route launched by the carrier from Californiathis year. The new service is part of the largest network expansion in Alaska Airlines’ 85-year history and solidifies Alaska Air Group as the leading airline of nonstop flights from the West Coast to Hawaii.

Virgin America’s A320 family of aircraft will operate the new route, with three classes of service, power outlets throughout the cabin, custom leather seats with adjustable headrests and a selection of food and beverage inspired by local chefs.

Summary of new service:

Start date	City pair	Departs	Arrives	Aircraft	Frequency
Dec 14	San Francisco-Kona	11:30 a.m.	3:15 p.m.	A320 family	Daily
Dec 14	Kona-San Francisco	4:15 p.m.	11:17 p.m.	A320 family	Daily

*Flight times based on local time zones.

Alaska Airlines, together with Virgin America and its regional partners, flies 40 million guests a year to more than 115 destinations with an average of 1,200 daily flights across the United States and to Mexico, Canada and Costa Rica.

Lufthansa celebrates its new Skytrax 5 Star rating with two new logo jets

Lufthansa in December 2017 unveiled this Airbus A320 in a new special “5 Starhansa” livery and “Skytrax 5 Star Airline” sub-titles.

Lufthansa issued this statement on December 4, 2017:

On December 4, 2017, as the first airline outside Asia, Lufthansa has received five-star certification from British aviation consulting specialist Skytrax. This puts Lufthansa in the select group of now ten airlines that have been given this coveted rating. The Skytrax jury has already been awarding five stars to Lufthansa First Class for years – now the entire airline has received the same certification.

“The award is a well-deserved recognition of our major efforts to make Lufthansa one of the world’s leading premium airlines again,” says Carsten Spohr, Chairman of the Board of Deutsche Lufthansa AG. “We have caught up because we made huge investments in our fleet, updated all our cabins, introduced digital services, opened new lounges and improved service on board and on the ground. The combination of premium offerings with the quality and professionalism of our employees has earned Lufthansa the status of a five-star airline,” Spohr adds. “Everyone at Lufthansa can be proud of this certification, especially our colleagues in the cabins and cockpits and on the ground who fulfil our premium promise every day in their interactions with our passengers. I am convinced that the most important factor in getting the fifth star was that we have the best airline employees.”

Edward Plaisted, the CEO of Skytrax, confirms: “The achievement of 5-Star Airline status by Lufthansa is not only a great accolade as the first European airline to reach this target, but is a clear recognition of the improvements they have made in recent years, particularly in all areas of the front line service delivery.”

The testers at Skytrax travel with the perspective of a passenger. For their ratings, they evaluate the service quality of the respective airline with comprehensive assessments on the ground and in the air in up to 800 categories. These include the service on board, seat comfort, catering, security measures, in-flight entertainment, duty-free offers and many other services. For Skytrax, the consistency and constancy with which Lufthansa has forged ahead with the modernisation of its product was a key consideration in the decision to award the fifth star. For instance, the cabins in First, Business, Premium Economy and Economy have been comprehensively upgraded over the last few years. The airline has also expanded its restaurant service from First Class to Business Class, improving its personalized appeal to passengers in the process. And it is also important to look ahead: to the new Business Class that will be rolling out in 2020 with the Boeing 777-9, and to a new and even better Premium Economy and Economy Class. Lufthansa also scored points with the new Lufthansa app and a wide variety of digital services on the ground and on board. The aim is to increasingly use digital opportunities to develop customized offers and services for Lufthansa’s passengers.

In addition to its airline ratings, Skytrax, a rating agency that specializes in aviation, also issues an annual ranking of the most popular airlines. At the 2017 World Airline Awards, based on the survey responses of 19.8 million passengers from 105 different countries, Lufthansa won the award for the best airline in Europe – and seventh worldwide. Since the 1990s, Skytrax has been conducting passenger surveys regarding the quality of airlines and airports. In 1999, the company first awarded certifications, of up to five stars. So far, only ten airlines worldwide have succeeded in obtaining the highest rating.

The airline has also added the special livery to this Boeing 747-830 (D-ABYM):

Lufthansa issued this statement on the special livery:

Only for very special occasions, like the German World Cup victory in 2014 with the “Siegerflieger”, Lufthansa changes the livery of their aircrafts. Since Monday a new rare opportunity has arisen in the form of the five-star-seal by Skytrax. A Boeing 747-8 long-haul aircraft and an Airbus A320 are now underway in a sparkling five-star look. Aircraft spotters in particular are therefore competing to include the aircrafts in their photo collections. For those interested here are some hints:

**Boeing 747-8 – „Bayern“ registration D-ABYM**
Wednesday, 6 December:	LH 498 13:20 – 18:45 hrs – Frankfurt – Mexico City
Thursday, 7 December:	LH 499 20:55 – 14:40 hrs – Mexico City – Frankfurt LH 510 22:15 – 8 hrs – Frankfurt – Buenos Aires

**Airbus A320 – registration D-AIZX**
Wednesday, 6 December:	LH 921 6:30 – 9:05 hrs London Heathrow – Frankfurt LH 010 10 – 11:05 hrs Frankfurt – Hamburg LH 017 12 – 13:10 hrs Hamburg – Frankfurt LH 018 14 – 15:05 hrs Frankfurt – Hamburg LH 025 16 – 17:10 hrs Hamburg – Frankfurt LH 116 18:15 – 19:10 hrs Frankfurt – Munich

All times are local; changes might occur due to operational reasons.

Top Copyright Photo: Lufthansa – 5 Starhansa Airbus A320-214 WL D-AIZX (msn 5741) (Skytrax 5 Star Airline) FRA (Bernhard Ross). Image: 940226.

flyadeal celebrates its 100,000th customer after two months of flying

flyadeal issued this statement:

Since its launch, flyadeal, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s new low fares airline, has been growing its flights and network rapidly. It achieved a major milestone flying its 100,000th Customer on November 30, 2017 barely two months after starting operations on September 23, 2017 Saudi Arabia’s National Day.

The 100,000th Customer took advantage of flyadeal’s attractive low fares and travelled with his family from Riyadh to Jeddah to perform Umrah. In recognition of this special moment, members of the flyadeal team surprised Bader Alnofaie and his family with a voucher for the value of his tickets and an aircraft model as a gesture of gratitude and appreciation.

“Today, with the support of our Customers, we continue to add more flights on high-demand routes, and we look forward to announcing new routes in the coming months – in addition to the arrival of more new aircraft to serve these operations.”

Bader Alnofaie, a military employee, shared his enthusiasm at being the 100,000th Customer and said: “I feel blessed to be standing here and celebrating this milestone in flyadeal’s history with my family. We chose flyadeal because my family has flown with your airline previously and recommended it. Currently, we feel flyadeal is the most attractive airline on the market. Not only are the prices very low, the service offers greater value than the price. We recommend flyadeal to anyone wishing to fly for less, and I look forward to being the 200,000th Customer as well.”

Top Copyright Photo (all others by flyadeal): Flyadeal (Saudia) Airbus A320-214 WL D-AXAC (HZ-FAA) (msn 7829) XFW (Gerd Beilfuss). Image: 939003.

Video:

Air Arabia Jordan reverts to being a charter airline

Air Arabia Jordan (Amman) (formerly Petra Airlines) has reverted to being a charter airline after suspending scheduled flights. The carrier was unable to obtain traffic rights from Amman according to Reuters.

In January 2015, Air Arabia (above) announced the acquisition of a 49% share in Petra Airlines. The RUM Group retained its 51% share of the airline. Petra Airlines was rebranded as Air Arabia Jordan on May 18, 2015. The company was planning to develop a low-cost hub in Amman.

In other news, Air Arabia previously announced that it has signed a lease agreement for six Airbus A321neo Long Range aircraft with the Los Angeles based Air Lease Corporation (ALC). These additional aircraft will join Air Arabia’s fleet starting in 2019 and will help the airline better serve its existing network as well as enter longer range routes in the near future.

Copyright Photo: Air Arabia (airarabia.com) (UAE) Airbus A320-214 WL A6-ANW (msn 6000) (Flying the 6000th Airbus A320 Family) DME (OSDU). Image: 934119.

easyJet adds over 3,000 more seats on flights between the UK and Gibraltar

easyJet (UK) (London-Luton) has announced that a further 3,272 seats on routes between the UK and Gibraltar are now on sale until March 2018. The extra seats mean that passengers now have more opportunity to fly between the UK and Gibraltar throughout the winter.

2772 seats have been added on flights from London Gatwick to Gibraltar, an increase of 7%, and 500 seats have been added on flights between Bristol and Gibraltar, an increase of 3%. The extra capacity is thanks to upgrades at both UK bases from a 156-seat A319 to A320 aircraft, which flies up to 186 passengers.

easyJet flies from the UK to Gibraltar up to 38 times a weeks in peak summer, with flights available from London Gatwick, Bristol and Manchester.

Eurowings to start the Berlin (Tegel) – Frankfurt route

Eurowings, in the wake of the Airberlin collapse, will start flying the Berlin (Tegel) – Frankfurt route on March 25, 2018 according to Airline Route.

Parent, Lufthansa, also flies the route.

Allegiant announces a tentative Flight Attendant contract agreement with the TWU

Allegiant Air has announced that the company and the Transport Workers Union (TWU), representing Allegiant flight attendants, have reached a tentative agreement on the first collective bargaining agreement between the parties. The tentative agreement is subject to ratification by the Allegiant flight attendants, and results of the vote are expected before the end of December. Allegiant currently employs 1,150 flight attendants.

The process of negotiating a first collective bargaining agreement for Allegiant flight attendants began in 2011. The Transport Workers Union was most recently certified as the group’s exclusive representative on February 26, 2016. An initial tentative agreement reached between the parties failed to ratify in September 2016, and negotiations continued under the supervision of the National Mediation Board to reach the current tentative agreement.