Tag Archives: Airbus A330-343

Virgin Atlantic to launch new service between London Heathrow and Tel Aviv

Virgin Atlantic Airways has announced it will be launching flights between London Heathrow and Tel Aviv, Israel with the first flight taking place on September 25, 2019.

Flying daily between London Heathrow and Tel Aviv Ben Gurion airport, the five hour flight will operate on an Airbus A330-300 aircraft.

In 2019, Virgin Atlantic will welcome the first four of 12 Airbus A350-1000 to its fleet which not only boasts a totally redesigned on board experience for customers but will help transform the fleet into one of the quietest and most fuel efficient in the sky.

The airline also looks forward to becoming the founding member of a new, $13 billion transatlantic joint venture with over 300 daily transatlantic flights and 96 nonstop destinations, alongside Delta, Air France and KLM as well as launching new services from London Heathrow to Las Vegas and Manchester to Los Angeles.

Top Copyright Photo: Virgin Atlantic Airways Airbus A330-343 G-VRAY (msn 1296) LHR (SPA). Image: 945652.

Virgin Atlantic aircraft slide show:

TAP Air Portugal to add San Francisco in June

TAP Air Portugal has announced its latest new destination: San Francisco. This new route reinforces and consolidates the Company’s bet in that market, now extending its reach to reach California, on the west coast of the USA.

TAP´s operation to San Francisco begins on June 10, 2019 and will have five flights per week on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays. Flights depart from Lisbon at 10:00 am and arrive in San Francisco at 14:40 pm, local time. On the opposite direction, the departure is at 16:10 pm, arriving in Lisbon at 11:25 am, on the following day.

San Francisco will be the TAP´s eighth destination in North America and the third new destination for TAP in the United States next year. Chicago and Washington are also available for sale, with operation starting on June 1 and June 16, 2019 respectively.

In the North American market, TAP had three destinations in 2015, and now has nine routes, increasing its weekly frequencies from 16 to 56.

TAP also reinforced the number of weekly flights from Porto to Newark (from 2 to 6 weekly flights).

In the North Atlantic, TAP flies to: San Francisco, Washington, Chicago, New York – JFK, New York – Newark, Boston and Miami, departing from Lisbon, and New York – Newark departing from Porto, as well as Toronto , In Canada.

The expansion and renovation of the TAP´s fleet has made these new routes possible. The company has already received seven Airbus aircraft this year, with more arriving over the next years, to a total of 71 new aircraft by 2025. The first new aircraft the company received was an Airbus A320neo, which has been in service since June. Two Airbus A321neo’s joined the TAP fleet in September. A new Airbus A330neo arrived in Lisbon, with TAP set to become the first airline in the world to put this aircraft into service. On Saturday, December 8, 2018 a new Airbus A321neo arrived, with another A321neo arriving in Lisbon from the Airbus factory on Tuesday December 11, 2018.

Top Copyright Photo (all others by the airline): TAP Portugal – Air Portugal Airbus A330-343 CS-TOU (msn 997) LIS (Marcelo F. De Biasi). Image: 940710.

TAP Air Portugal aircraft slide show:

RwandAir wants to fly to New York via Accra

https://airlinersgallery.smugmug.com/Airlines-Africa/Airlines-Rwanda/RwandAir/i-K5DvV6V/A

RwandAir is seeking authority to fly to New York (JFK) via Accra. The airline is seeking 5th Freedom Traffic Rights to use Accra as a stoping point from Kigali. If approved, the airline would use its Airbus A330s.

The airline on December 1, 2002 began operations as the new national carrier under the name Rwandair Express for Rwanda with a concession to carry out airport ground handling (ancillary activity) at Kigali International Airport.

In March 2009, the airline registered a new trademark “RwandAir” which is the current operating name.

Operating from Kigali as the hub at the heart of Africa, RwandAir is one of the fastest growing airlines and operates one of the youngest and state of the art fleet on the African continent which comprises of four Boeing 737-800s, two Boeing 737-700s, two Bombardier CRJ900s, two Bombardier Q400s all in dual class configuration and two new triple class Airbus A330s.

The airline reaches out to twenty-six cities in Western, Central, Eastern and Southern Africa, the Middle East, Asia and Europe.

Top Copyright Photo (all others by the airline): RwandAir Airbus A330-343 9XR-WP (msn 1759) BRU (Ton Jochems). Image: 941031.

RwandAir aircraft slide show:

Wow Air launches its first route to India

Wow Air (Keflavik), despite its financial concerns, today (December 7) launched its new route to Delhi, India.

The new route will operate three a week using its only 345-seat Airbus A330-300 (TF-GAY).

Top Copyright Photo (all others by the airline): Wow Air Airbus A330-343 TF-GAY (msn 1098) LAX (Michael B. Ing). Image: 935285.

Wow Air aircraft slide show:

Indigo Partners and Wow Air discussions progressing

Indigo Partners has issued this update:

Indigo Partners and Wow Air initiated diligence meetings this week in Reykjavik as the initial steps to a potential Indigo investment after the signing of a term sheet last week. A team from Indigo Partners spent the last two days with Wow Air management to review the business and opportunities of the airline going forward.

The overall process is progressing and both parties are working to finalize the investment.

Issues remaining include Wow’s planned network development, vendor contracts including aircraft leases and certain waivers from Wow’s bondholders.

“We are very pleased with the visit from Indigo Partners and it’s clear that we can learn a lot from Bill Franke and his team on how to build a successful low cost airline. I don’t think we can find a better and more experienced partner to bring WOW air to the next level,” said Skuli Mogensen, CEO and founder of WOW air.

Wow is advised in this transaction by Plane View Partners LLC, the U.S. air transportation advisory firm.

About Indigo Partners

Indigo Partners is a private equity firm established by W. A. Franke in 2003 to pursue acquisitions and strategic investments in the air transportation and related industries. The firm was a lead investor in Tiger Airways based in Singapore and Spirit Airlines based in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida, and maintains lead investments in Wizz Air Holdings, Plc, a ULCC with multiple bases in Central and Eastern Europe; Frontier Airlines, a ULCC based in Denver; Volaris Airlines, a ULCC based in Mexico City; and JetSMART, a ULCC based in Chile. Indigo is headquartered in Phoenix, Arizona.

Top Copyright Photo: Wow Air Airbus A330-343 TF-GAY (msn 1098) CDG (Jacques Guillem). Image: 944647.

Wow Air aircraft slide show:

Icelandair Group acquires Wow Air

Icelandair Group has made this announcement:

Icelandair Group has entered into a share purchase agreement to purchase all shares in the airline WOW air.

The acquisition is subject to, approval by Icelandair Group‘s shareholders, the approval of the Icelandic competition authorities and a due diligence. As consideration for the shares, the shareholders of WOW air will, subject to conditions, receive a total of 272.341.867 shares or the equivalent of 5.4% of Icelandair Group‘s shares after the transaction. Thereof, 178.066.520 shares or 3.5% of the shares as consideration for the sold shares. The consideration can increase to 4.8% or decrease to 0.0% in accordance with certain conditions set forth in the share purchase agreement. 94.275.347 shares or 1.8% of the shares will be paid due to conversion of a subordinated loan into equity. All of sellers’ shares in Icelandair Group will be subject to restrictive covenants for 6 months and half of the shares will be subject to restrictive covenants to further six months.

The companies will continue to operate under separate brands. Their combined market share on the transatlantic market is around 3.8%. The acquisition creates opportunity for both companies to become even better prepared to provide international carriers with strong competition in the international airline market.

Bogi Nils Bogason, Interim President & CEO, Icelandair Group: „WOW air has in recent years built a strong brand and enjoyed great success in the company‘s markets to and from Iceland and across the Atlantic.. There are many opportunities for synergies with the two companies but they will continue to operate under their own brands and operating approvals. The tourism industry is one of the cornerstones of the Icelandic economy and it is important that flights to and from Iceland will remain frequent.“

Skúli Mogensen, CEO and founder of WOW air: „I am very proud of the success and development that we at WOW Air have enjoyed in the past few years and I am thankful for the response we have received since our very first flight. We have created a strong team that has reached remarkable success and has been a pioneer in low cost flights across the North-Atlantic. A new chapter now starts where WOW air gets an opportunity to grow and prosper with a strong backer like Icelandair Group that will strengthen the foundations of the company and strengthen its international competitiveness even further.“

In the upcoming days, Icelandair Group‘s will convene a shareholders‘ meeting where Icelandair Group‘s shareholders will cast their vote on the acquisition. A shareholders’ meeting shall be convened with at least three weeks‘ notice.

Top Copyright Photo (all others by the airlines): Wow Air Airbus A330-343 EC-MIN (msn 1607) LAX (Ron Monroe). Image: 944276.

Wow Air aircraft slide show:

Icelandair route map:

Wow Air route map:

SAS introduces SAS Youth Go Light

Scandinavian Airlines-SAS issued this statement:

SAS launches SAS Youth Go Light, connecting Nordic countries and the US from October 31, 2018. In addition, even lower prices are currently available on all classes of youth tickets. SAS Youth Tickets are always CO2-compensated.

Now, young travelers can choose to fly with cabin baggage only and enjoy even lower prices with SAS Youth Tickets.

On October 31, 2018, SAS introduces ‘SAS Go Light’ for youth class tickets between the Nordic countries and the US.

SAS Youth Tickets, available to all travelers aged between 12 – 25, and including the new SAS Youth Go Light class, are always CO2-compensated, as part of SAS’ environmental and sustainability work.

SAS Youth Go Light is smart way to travel with SAS. Travelers can bring one cabin baggage and a small handbag or laptop bag on board.

SAS Youth Go Light is available on all SAS flights between Sweden, Denmark, Norway and Finland to New York, Chicago, Boston, Miami, Washington, Los Angeles and San Francisco. Flying to the US from Finland includes a connection in either Stockholm, Copenhagen or Oslo.

In addition, even lower prices are currently available on all classes of youth tickets. Young travelers can explore Scandinavia and Europe from only 399 SEK / 399 NOK / 299 DKK. This offer is valid on youth tickets booked by midnight on October 29, 2018, valid for travel between December 8, 2018 – March 31, 2019.

Top Copyright Photo (all others by SAS): Scandinavian Airlines-SAS Airbus A330-343 LN-RKT (msn 1697) LAX (Ron Monroe). Image: 994025.

SAS aircraft slide show:

AirAsia X is coming to Avalon Airport on December 5

AirAsia X On December 5, 2018 will launch new twice-daily Australian services to Avalon Airport (AVV) from Kuala Lumpur. The first departure from Avalon Airport will be on December 5.

AirAsia X will become the largest airline at Avalon Airport.

10631096_740949025952680_3107708928077140165_o

Previously on February 4, 2018 AirAsia and Avalon Airport announced that AirAsia will move its Melbourne operations to Avalon Airport from Melbourne Tullamarine Airport.

AirAsia X Malaysia will operate twice daily flights as the first international carrier at the airport, making long-haul flying affordable for Melbourne and the Victorian region, and improving access to more than 130 destinations in Asia and beyond.

Flight schedule between Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia (KUL) and Avalon, Melbourne, Australia (AVV) commencing December 5, 2018:

Note: All times listed are local unless otherwise stated, subject to government and regulatory approval.
Note: Fares to/from Avalon Airport are on sale subject to regulatory approvals at this time.

A total of 500,000 international passengers are projected to move through Avalon Airport in the first year of operations.

The move was announced at an industry event at Avalon Airport (above) with special guests including the Minister for Foreign Affairs, the Hon. Julie Bishop, AirAsia Group CEO and AirAsia X Co-Group CEO Tony Fernandes, Founder of Linfox, Lindsay Fox AC, Executive Chairman Linfox Airports, David Fox, AirAsia X Malaysia CEO Benyamin Ismail, Minister for Industry and Employment, the Hon. Ben Carroll, Avalon Airport CEO Justin Giddings, and local TV personality Catriona Rowntree as master of ceremonies.

AirAsia Group CEO and AirAsia X Co-Group CEO Tony Fernandes said, “This is an exciting milestone for AirAsia X. Since our inaugural flight in 2007, AirAsia X has flown over 30 million guests, including 6.1 million Australians – tourists wanting to experience amazing Australia, students from across the globe and Australians who wish to see the world. We are proud to renew our commitment to making air travel affordable for Australians with this move to Avalon, which will help us maintain our cost edge and allow us to continue offering low fares to Asean, Asia and beyond.”

He added: “Our crusade started with just two planes 16 years ago at a time when flying was only for the privileged few. We have since created jobs and careers, and turned millions of dreams into reality. I must say it hasn’t always been easy for us in Australia. The challenges thrown at us have been constant, but the joy we bring to Australians and Southeast Asians who yearn to travel has strengthened our resolve to make flying cheaper, easier and more enjoyable. We would like to thank Avalon for supporting AirAsia in helping all travellers through low fares.”

AirAsia X Malaysia CEO Benyamin Ismail said, “We are proud to be the first airline to operate international flights at Avalon Airport, connecting Melbourne and the Victorian region with Kuala Lumpur, Asia’s number one LCC hub. Melbourne and Victoria are important markets to us and this new service with 560,000 seats annually will provide a significant boost to business and tourism, including to such attractions as the Great Ocean Road. We wish to thank the relevant authorities for their tremendous support in making our move to Avalon Airport possible.”

Executive Chairman Linfox Airports, David Fox said, “This is a significant announcement and the formation of a new partnership. We anticipate around half a million international passengers will use Avalon Airport in the first year of operations. I am particularly excited about the large volumes of freight capacity that AirAsia X has on each flight. We have received great interest from exporters in the region and this now provides the perfect platform for fresh food access to Asia.”

Avalon Airport CEO, Justin Giddings said, “This is a 10-year agreement structured to accommodate AirAsia X’s significant growth. It is the first such deal in Australia, and provides a unique low-cost opportunity for people and businesses to access over 130 destinations throughout Asia. Avalon Airport is easily accessible from Melbourne, Geelong, Ballarat and surrounds. Low-cost flights combined with an easy airport experience makes for the perfect partnership. We’re extremely pleased to welcome AirAsia to Avalon Airport.”

Top Copyright Photo (all others by AirAsia): AirAsia X (AirAsia.com) Airbus A330-343 9M-XXI (msn 1411) DPS (Pascal Simon). Image: 943869.

AirAsia X aircraft slide show:

Sichuan Airlines to launch nonstop service to Copenhagen

Sichuan Airlines has announced it will open the Chengdu – Copenhagen route on December 10, 2018.

The new route will operate two days a week with Airbus A330-300 aircraft.

Copyright Photo (all others by Sichuan Airlines): Sichuan Airlines Airbus A330-343 B-5960 (msn 1579) ZRH (Andi Hiltl). Image: 943617.

Sichuan Airlines aircraft slide show:

Hainan Airlines and Aigle Azur start code-sharing flights

Hainan Airlines has issued this statement:

Flight HU8267/ZI887 took off from Paris Orly Airport at 1:45 pmon September 5 Paris time, and touched down at Beijing Capital International Airport at 6:35 am on September 6 local time, marking the launch of the code-shared Paris–Beijing service operated by Hainan Airlines and Aigle Azur.

The nonstop route will be serviced by an Airbus A330 wide-body aircraft six times a week (three times in each direction), including the Paris-Beijing flights on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, and the Beijing–Paris flights on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays.

The service is the second codeshare flight launched by Hainan Airlines and Aigle Azur following the roll-out of their shared Xi’an-Paris route.

In 2018, Hainan Airlines launched the Haikou-Sydney, Shenzhen-Brussels, Beijing-Tijuana-Mexico City, Changsha-London, Shenzhen-Madrid, Shenzhen-Tianjin-Vancouver, Beijing–Edinburgh–Dublin–Beijing, Beijing–Dublin–Edinburgh–Beijing, Guangzhou-Tel Aviv and Shenzhen-Zurich services, among other international offerings.

Currently, Hainan Airlines and its majority-owned subsidiaries have rolled out more than 1,700 domestic and international routes from and to nearly 220 cities across Asia, Europe, North America and Oceania.

Paris-Beijing Flight Timetable (All times are local):

Flight No.	Aircraft	Schedule	Departure City	Departure Time	Arrival Time	Arrival City
HU8267	A330	Monday	Paris	1:45 pm	6:30 am +1	Beijing
HU8267	A330	Wednesday/Friday	Paris	1:45 pm	6:35 am +1	Beijing
HU8268	A330	Tuesday/Thursday/Saturday	Beijing	9:10 am	3:20 pm	Paris