Tag Archives: Airbus A320

JetBlue reports net income of $198 million for the 3Q

JetBlue Airways Corporation (New York) today reported its results for the third quarter 2015:

Operating income of $351 million in the third quarter. This compares to operating income of $164 million in the third quarter of 2014.

Pre-tax income of $322 million in the third quarter. This compares to pre-tax income of $132 million in the third quarter of 2014.

Net income of $198 million, or $0.58 per diluted share. This compares to JetBlue’s third quarter 2014 net income of $79 million, or $0.24 per diluted share.

Copyright Photo: Michael B. Ing/AirlinersGallery.com. Airbus A320-232 N516JB (msn 1302) named “Royal Blue” prepares to depart from Long Beach.

JetBlue Airways aircraft slide show:

United Airlines reports 3Q net income of $4.8 billion

United Airlines (UAL) (Chicago) today reported its third quarter 2015 financial results:

UAL reported third quarter net income of $1.7 billion, or $4.53 per diluted share, excluding special items.

Including special items, UAL reported third quarter net income of $4.8 billion. These results include a nonrecurring $3.2 billion non-cash gain associated with the reversal of the company’s income tax valuation allowance.

“I want to thank all of our employees for their hard work, professionalism and contributions to another successful quarter. The United family has had a challenging few weeks, but we have never felt more unified and are committed to making the right investments in our people and providing them the tools they need to deliver excellent service to our customers,” said Brett Hart, acting CEO of United. “With Oscar Munoz on medical leave, this leadership team and I are working to push forward the agenda we laid out over the past six weeks by focusing on our employees, improving our processes and investing in our systems to further improve our margins.”

Read the full report: CLICK HERE

United Airlines aircraft slide show (current livery):

Congo Airways to launch operations tomorrow

Congo Airways (Kinshasa) will finally launch scheduled passenger operations tomorrow (October 9) with two Airbus A320s. The start was delayed from last month. The first route will link Kinshasa with Lubumbashi. The company will also serve Goma, Kindu and Kisangani.

Top Copyright Photo: Greenwing/AirlinersGallery.com. Airbus A320-216 9Q-CKD (msn 3412) was delivered from Dublin.

Below Photo: Congo Airways.

JetBlue Airways to add Nashville on May 5, 2016

JetBlue Airways (New York) has announced service to Nashville International Airport (BNA) will begin on May 5, 2016. The airline will operate two daily nonstop roundtrips between Nashville and Boston Logan International Airport (BOS) and one daily roundtrip between Nashville and Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL).

JetBlue announced it was adding Nashville to its growing list of destinations in July as part of its commitment to growth in both Boston and Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood. In Boston JetBlue will operate more than 130 daily flights and nearly 100 daily flights in Fort Lauderdale this year.

All Nashville routes will be operated on Airbus A320 aircraft.

Copyright Photo: Michael B. Ing/AirlinersGallery.com. Airbus A320-232 N559JB (msn 1917) prepares to touch down at Long Beach.

JetBlue Airways aircraft slide show:

JetBlue launches flights to Mexico City

JetBlue Airways (New York) yesterday (October 1) launched two new routes with daily service to its newest destination, Mexico City International Airport (MEX) from Orlando International Airport (MCO) and Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL). As Mexico’s capital and one of the largest markets in the Americas, Mexico City marks JetBlue’s 91st destination in its global network and 35th destination in the Latin America and Caribbean region.

JetBlue continues to grow its footprint in Latin America and the Caribbean. The airline now offers up to 142 daily flights from the U.S. to Latin America and the Caribbean, of which up to 49 daily flights are nonstop from Ft. Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport and Orlando International Airport. On November 7, JetBlue will launch service to Antigua and in February 2016, the airline will launch services between Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood and Quito.

Copyright Photo: Tony Storck/AirlinersGallery.com. JetBlue Airways Airbus A320-232 N775JB (msn 3800) in the special “JetBlue Honors Our Veterans – Vets in Blue” livery arrives at Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport.

JetBlue Airways aircraft slide show:

Routes from Orlando:

Routes from Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood:

JetBlue to fly to Quito, Ecuador starting on February 25, 2016

JetBlue Airways (New York) today announced that it will begin service on its recently announced Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL) and Quito, Ecuador’s Mariscal Sucre International Airport (UIO) route on February 25, 2016.

JetBlue will serve the route with its 150-seat Airbus A320 aircraft.

JetBlue aircraft slide show:

Virgin America teams up with Netflix, introduces an Airbus A320 House of Cards logo jet

Virgin America (San Francisco) has announced a new partnership with Netflix and will offer free in-flight WiFi access that allows new and existing Netflix members to enjoy the entire Netflix catalog of films and award-winning shows. As a result, the carrier has also introduced a Netflix and House of Cards logo jet scheme on the pictured Airbus A320-214 N281VA (msn 6669).

The airline issued this statement and photos:

Netflix, the world’s leading Internet TV network, and Virgin America, the low-fare, upscale airline known for offering next generation entertainment and connectivity, announced they are joining forces to provide complimentary in-flight WiFi access that allows new and existing Netflix members to enjoy the entire Netflix catalog of films and award-winning shows.

Beginning yesterday, Netflix users onboard Virgin America’s new ViaSat WiFi-equipped aircraft will be able to stream the best programming available in the skies, including the hit series House of Cards and Orange Is The New Black, to their phones, tablets, and laptops at no cost through March 2, 2016*. The experience is made possible by Virgin America’s recent connectivity partnership with ViaSat, which brings significantly faster WiFi to the airline’s 10 new airbus A320 aircraft being delivered from fall 2015 to mid-2016. In addition to offering free streaming through its new ViaSat WiFi network, as of next month, Virgin America will also offer House of Cards seasons 1-3 for free on the airline’s recently upgraded Red® touch-screen seatback in-flight entertainment platform – so travelers can binge-watch through their own devices or their seatback.

Virgin America and Netflix kicked off their #NetflixOnboard partnership on September 29 with the surprise unveiling of a House of Cards and Netflix-branded aircraft (above) and an appearance by Michael Kelly, the Emmy-nominated star of the Netflix original series House of Cards. Kelly’s character Doug Stamper, who serves as President Frank Underwood’s loyal consultant and Machiavellian fixer, will drop in on Virgin America Flight 1 from San Francisco International Airport (SFO) to Washington Reagan National Airport (DCA). Guests onboard the flight will be able to binge-watch Netflix content in Virgin America’s mood-lit cabin and will be treated to a signature Whiskey Whistleblower cocktail, while Kelly – as Doug Stamper – dispenses some tongue-in-cheek, morally-ambiguous political advice over the aircraft’s intercom before take-off.

As the only airline based in Silicon Valley, Virgin America has long been known for its innovative in-flight experience – including being the first (and still only) U.S. airline to offer WiFi on every flight and power outlets at every seat. Virgin America has one of the youngest fleets in the industry, with custom-designed, mood-lit cabins, comfortable leather seating and a personal seatback entertainment platform that offers every guest their own seatback touch-screen with movies, live TV, interactive maps, videogames, a 3,000 song library and an on-demand menu, which allows flyers to order a cocktail or snack from their seatback any time during a flight.

Earlier this summer, Virgin America announced a new connectivity partnership with ViaSat to bring even faster WiFi to the airline’s 10 new Airbus A320 aircraft being delivered from fall 2015-mid-2016. The partnership leverages ViaSat’s satellite-based in-flight internet service to enable Virgin America’s guests to experience internet speeds similar to what they expect at home – offering WiFi connectivity that is 8 to 10 times faster than any other onboard WiFi system, with the freedom to watch and now stream online directly on any connected device when in-flight. This month the first aircraft with the new ViaSat WiFi service entered service, paving the way for guests to watch all of their favorite Netflix content from the comfort of their plush leather seats. The new ViaSat service* will be rolling out to about one aircraft a month through June 2016 – and the WiFi service will be complimentary for travelers until March 2, 2016. In addition to being the only U.S. airline to offer fleetwide WiFi as of 2009, Virgin America has made continuous investments in its in-flight connectivity system, including upgrading its full fleet to the latest generation ground-based WiFi system as of 2014 and now investing in the most advanced satellite-based WiFi system with ViaSat for its next 10 aircraft deliveries.

Virgin America also recently announced it was implementing a significant upgrade to its Red® in-flight entertainment system, which will allow guests to binge-watch entire seasons of certain Netflix originals, including House of Cards Season 1-3. The new Red Beta creates an even more immersive in-flight entertainment experience with higher resolution capacitive touch screens, Android-based software that allows for faster, real-time updates, and three times more content – including full seasons of favorite television shows, more interactive maps, videogames including classics like Pac Man and Asteroids – along with the first surround-sound listening experience to be offered by an airline.

*How #NetflixOnboard works:

Guests on aircraft equipped with the new ViaSat WiFi service will be notified by the Virgin America in-flight team that they can access high-speed WiFi. Guests can then open their browser and login for free by selecting the “VirginAmerica” ViaSat network and will then be prompted to either login to their existing Netflix account or to create a new, 30-day free trial account, after which they will then be connected to the Netflix service at 35,000 feet, just like they would on the ground. Existing account holders will be able to access Netflix through their mobile device, tablet or laptop onboard ViaSat equipped Virgin America aircraft at no additional cost through March 2, 2016, while new members can sign up to enjoy a free 30-day free Netflix trial – good for use both in the air, on Virgin America’s ViaSat-equipped aircraft, or on the ground.

Photos: Virgin America.

Virgin America aircraft slide show:

JetBlue and Cuba Travel Services expand Cuban charter flights from New York JFK

JetBlue Airways (New York-JFK) has announced new Cuban charter services from the New York JFK base:

After successfully launching the first Havana-bound flight on a major airline from New York since travel restrictions were eased this year, JetBlue (NASDAQ: JBLU) and Cuba Travel Services (CTS) today announced the addition of a second JetBlue charter flight connecting the two cities with nonstop service. The expansion of the JetBlue-CTS schedule comes shortly after the U.S. further eased restrictions by allowing approved travelers to Cuba to travel with close relatives.

The roundtrip charter flight between New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) and Havana’s José Martí International Airport (HAV) will operate every Tuesday beginning December 1, 2015. The existing JetBlue-CTS flight operates every Friday, giving New York customers more flexibility in their travel plans.

JetBlue has doubled its number of charter flights to Cuba since travel restrictions have eased, and is the only major airline operating charter flights from New York.

Through its charter partners, JetBlue flies to Havana and Santa Clara from New York, Ft. Lauderdale/Hollywood, and Tampa. All flights are operated on 150-seat Airbus A320 aircraft with JetBlue crewmembers and the same JetBlue experience as scheduled service, including free Fly-Fi broadband internet, the most inflight entertainment, free snacks and soft drinks, and the most legroom in coach (a).

When scheduled service is allowed, Cuba will play an important role in JetBlue’s network in the Latin America and the Caribbean, where it has quickly become a leading airline with its friendly service and competitive fares. The airline has built valuable experience operating in Cuba since 2011 with its charter program, and has plans for service from multiple cities ready to go.

Copyright Photo: Stephen Tornblom/AirlinersGallery.com. Airbus A320-232 N663JB (msn 3287) in the Tartan design departs from the New York (JFK) hub.

JetBlue Airways aircraft slide show:

Allegiant to add three new routes from Mesa, Arizona

Allegiant Air (Las Vegas) is adding nonstop service to Mesa, Arizona (near Phoenix) from Des Moines, Fresno and Memphis beginning on December 17, 2015.

New year-round routes announced to Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport (AZA) include:

1. Fresno, California – starts December 17, 2015
2. Memphis, Tennessee – starts December 17, 2015
3. Des Moines, Iowa – starts December 18, 2015

The new flights will operate twice weekly and expand on the service Allegiant currently operates to Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport (AZA).

Allegiant Air aircraft slide show:

Small Planet Airlines to upgrade its Airbus A320 fleet after record profits

Small Planet Airlines (Vilnius) is reporting record profits. The carrier will plow the profits into upgrading its Airbus A320 fleet. The company issued this statement:

During the first half of the year the charter flight carrier Small Planet Airlines earned EUR 64.3 million and improved its financial performance by a whopping 25.3%. Meanwhile, the company’s profits doubled from EUR 2 to EUR 4 million. First and foremost, such positive results should delight the carrier’s passengers, as Small Planet Airlines has announced its plans to invest added profits into increasing its passengers’ comfort on-board. As soon as next year the carrier intends to spend EUR 6 million on renewing all of its aircraft, marking the largest investment into the fleet renewal in the entire company’s history.

Based on the new concept of the salon, Small Planet Airlines plans to renew all of its Airbus A320 aircraft until the launch of the new summer holiday season next year. Amongst the anticipated modifications – brand new Recaro seats, special LED lighting and an internal wireless network which will enable all airline passengers to use their mobile devices for extra entertainment on-board. The company is also set to introduce its new Economy Premium product line for those seeking added comfort. According to the CEO of Small Planet Airlines, Vytautas Kaikaris, the newly introduced improvements and aircraft modifications will surely bring extra comfort to the carrier’s passengers, help the company stand out from its competition and positively affect the future development of the airline.

“2015 is the year of massive growth for our company. During the first half [of the year] alone we have supplemented our fleet by 7 aircraft, increased the number of flights by 30% and welcomed 300 new employees to our highly qualified and experienced team,” comments V. Kaikaris. “And what is truly praiseworthy is the fact that our employees have managed to handle such an impressive growth and delivered an increased profit. In the first half of the year our profit margin grew from 3.9 to 6.2%,” added the executive.

According to V. Kaikaris, the upcoming investment will go directly towards improving the passenger comfort. In fact, the company has already signed a contract with the German manufacturer Recaro and placed an order for as many as 3000 brand new seats. “A multiple award winner for its seat quality and design, Recaro is undoubtedly in the top 3 of the best aircraft seat manufacturers in the world. Therefore, we rest assured that the ergonomic properties of our new leather seats will be highly appreciated by our passengers. An added benefit is the increased private space, courtesy of the significantly slimmer seatbacks. These seats are extremely durable and almost twice as light as the existing ones – a lesser weight of seats translates into a lighter aircraft which, in turn, translates into reduced fuel consumption and CO2 emissions,” shares V.Kaikaris.

Another noteworthy improvement to be introduced on Small Planet Airlines aircraft is the new LED lighting, which can be specifically adapted for distinct phases of a flight. Uniform light will produce no blinding effect, so passengers on-board should not experience eye tiredness for significantly longer periods of time.

Those looking for even more comfort will soon be able to opt for the Economy Premium product line. “We have observed that more and more passengers wish to receive that little bit more added attention and convenience. An increasing number of air travellers decide to pay a little bit more for extra legroom, smoother transition through the checkpoints or a pre-ordered hot lunch on-board. We are here to satisfy those demands and create that feeling of a holiday even prior to reaching its destination,” says the CEO.

Small Planet Airlines aircraft slide show: