Tag Archives: Airbus

Newcomer Qingdao Airlines takes delivery of its first Airbus A320

Qingdao Airlines (Qingdao, Shandong Province), a Chinese start-up airline, has taken delivery of the company’s first ever aircraft, an Airbus A320 aircraft equipped with Sharklets, on lease from Hong Kong-based China Aircraft Leasing Company (CALC). The airline will become a new operator and make its first commercial flight from its home base of Qingdao in Eastern China to Chengdu, capital city of Sichuan Province in Southwestern China, later in April.

The A320, powered by CFM56 engines, features a comfort two-class cabin with eight business and 144 economy class seats.

Sharklets are made from light-weight composites and are 2.4 meters tall. They are an option on new-build A320 Family aircraft and standard on all members of the new A320neo family. They offer operators up to four per cent fuel burn reduction on longer range sectors and provide the flexibility of either adding an additional 100 nautical miles range or increased payload capability of up to 450 kilograms.

Qingdao Airlines placed an order for 23 A320 Family aircraft in 2013 (see photo below).

Top Copyright Photo: Gerd Beilfuss/AirlinersGallery.com. The pictured A320-214 D-AXAJ at Hamburg (Finkenwerder) became B-9955 (msn 6061) on the hand over yesterday (April 10).

Qingdao Airlines:

American Airlines changes its policies concerning mileage redemptions and checked bag policies

American Airlines (Dallas/Fort Worth) today announced new mileage redemption options for American Airlines AAdvantage and US Airways Dividend Miles members, as well as new checked bag policies for customers traveling across the combined network of more than 356 destinations in 56 countries. The changes, along with enhancements in First and Business Class on flights operated by US Airways, part of American Airlines Group, will provide customers a more consistent experience and an onboard product in line with or better than that of American’s competitors.

Mileage Redemption Structure

Effective today for travel starting June 1, Dividend Miles members now will be able to book last seat availability awards for flights year-round without any blackout dates. For AAdvantage members, AAnytime award travel will now be available more for than half of the year at an even lower redemption level. Previous redemption rates called for 25,000 miles one way, and the new redemptions will start at 20,000 miles one way. Redemption mileage during the remainder of the year will begin at 30,000 miles one way for last seat availability. The exceptions will fall on the busiest travel days of the year. On those days, American will offer a higher award redemption option, which will be available starting at 50,000 miles one way. Since January, when American and US Airways launched the first phase of reciprocal frequent flyer benefits, AAdvantage and Dividend Miles members have earned more than 587 million miles through travel across the new American’s combined global network. For details on award travel levels, visit aa.com/aadvantage or usairways.com/dividendmiles.

Checked Bag Policies

American has also updated its checked bag policies. For flights operated by American, these changes take place for tickets issued starting today. For flights operated by US Airways, these changes take place for tickets issued starting April 23. The changes include removing the second bag charge on flights to and from South America. Also, AAdvantage Gold members and Dividend Miles Platinum and Gold members will receive one fewer free checked bag than they do today. Customers traveling on an AAnytime award or a full-fare economy ticket (on legacy American) will no longer receive free checked bags. Lastly, Citi cardholders will continue to receive one free checked bag, and starting April 30, that same benefit will also apply to customers who have the US Airways MasterCard® with an annual fee of at least $79.

Importantly, American leads the industry in baggage exemptions for our nation’s military as the only airline to offer five free checked bags to military servicemen and women traveling on orders, and three bags to military servicemen and women on personal travel.

Inflight Enhancements

Customers in First Class on flights operated by US Airways will now enjoy an updated selection of fresh meals on most flights longer than 1,000 nautical miles, or about 2 hours 45 minutes in duration. Customers in international Business Class on flights operated by US Airways will be able to tune out or tune in to new entertainment options with new Bose® Quiet Comfort® 15 Acoustic Noise Cancelling headphones. Another feature includes Business Class on Boeing 757 and 767 aircraft which will now offer 60 movies and a greater variety of television programs, as well as audio selections on the new Samsung Galaxy Tab. Business Class on Airbus A330 aircraft now offers double the previous entertainment options, with more than 250 movies and 350 audio choices.

American Airlines (current):

US Airways:

Iberia Group is adding new destinations

Iberia Group (Iberia and Iberia Express) (Madrid) has announced new routes from its Madrid hub.

Iberia Express has already added a new route to Stockholm (Arlanda) with two weekly flights. It will also add a new route to Amsterdam with twice-daily service starting on July 1.

Iberia Express is also increasing the number of flights to Berlin, Copenhagen, Dusseldorf and Frankfurt.

Iberia will add daily service to Istanbul starting on June 20. Santo Domingo will be added on September 1 with five weekly nonstop flights. Athens, which has been a summer route, will become a new year-round route.

Iberia is adding three weekly frequencies to Chicago (O’Hare) for the summer, two more to Panama City starting in July and additional frequencies to Brussels, Geneva, Munich, Rome, Tel Aviv, Venice and Zurich. Iberia has also resumed nonstop flights to Boston and Los Angeles and will also operate summer routes to Dubrovnik, St. Petersburg (Russia) and Zagreb.

Copyright Photo: Ariel Shocron/AirlinersGallery.com. Iberia Express’ Airbus A320-216 EC-LVQ (msn 5590) climbs away from the Madrid hub.

Iberia:

Iberia Express:

Virgin America doubles down on the San Francisco-Austin route as it celebrates being rated number one

Virgin America (San Francisco) today announced that it will expand its schedule to two daily nonstop roundtrips between Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS) and its home base at San Francisco International Airport (SFO) as of July 8, 2014.

Earlier today, Virgin America was named the best airline in 2013 in the Airline Quality Rating, a joint research project conducted annually by faculty at Wichita State University and Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University that looks at airlines’ on-time performance and baggage handling, involuntary denied boarding and the customer complaint rates as reported by the U.S. Department of Transportation.

Copyright Photo: Michael B. Ing/AirlinersGallery.com. Virgin America Airbus A319-112 N530VA (msn 3686) “Gogo Dancer” arrives in Los Angeles.

Virgin America:

Route Map: Current routes from San Francisco:

Airbus tests and unveils A350 cabin concepts

Airbus (Toulouse) has unveiled the A350 XWB’s development cabin interior installed on board flight-test aircraft msn 002 at the Airbus site in Hamburg. Airbus A350-941 F-WWCF (msn 002), which made its first flight on February 26, 2014, is the first of two test aircraft fitted with a passenger interior and is part of the growing A350 XWB development fleet. Intensive cabin flight and ground tests have already been performed during a two-week stay of the aircraft in Hamburg in mid-March 2014. The cabins of all Airbus aircraft are developed by the engineering and research teams based there. The new interior demonstrates how the aircraft’s “eXtra-wide” fuselage will soon offer passengers even more personal space, flexibility and comfort in business and economy classes, and especially, a wide 18” seat in 9-abreast economy.

A350 XWB msn 002 will be tasked with conducting a series of “Early Long Flights” with its cabin accommodating real passengers. ‘Hot and cold’ cabin trials will also feature in its busy test programme, which also includes validation of the advanced fourth-generation in-flight-entertainment (IFE). F-WWCF (msn 002) will soon be joined by the second cabin-equipped A350 msn 005, which will be tasked with route-proving flights around the world to the major destinations it will serve.

Together with the unveiling of the first A350 XWB test cabin, Airbus also inaugurated its dedicated A350 XWB Customer Definition Centre (CDC) where airline customers and operators will follow an efficient cabin design and definition process allowing shorter lead times. The CDC, which features individually tailored zones, enables the customers to see, feel and test the real catalogue solutions presented in a showroom environment, and in close cooperation with the risk-sharing partners. The centre also incorporates the innovative electronic “A350 XWB Configurator” – a virtual environment and modelling tool for accelerated cabin specification and visualisation. In short, the CDC is a “one-stop-shop” for airlines to establish their own A350 XWB cabin definition efficiently in one place.

Notable passenger-pleasing features of the A350 XWB cabin which customers can evaluate for real in the CDC include the full cabin LED lighting with 16.7 million possible colors for customized ambiances and scenarios, or the various galley options. They will also be able to experience the wide array of fourth-generation IFE consoles and high-definition display options – for which the associated electronics boxes and connections are smartly integrated and combined with the aircraft’s unique flat floor architecture, thus freeing-up even more personal space, under the seat.

Visitors to the CDC’s full-scale mock-ups will also appreciate the aircraft’s near-vertical sidewalls, adding eXtra spaciousness to the cabin and the large overhead stowage bins to match growing hand-luggage volume requirements.

The A350 XWB is Airbus’ all-new mid-size long range product line comprising three versions covering a wide range of capacities from 276 to 369 seats. This family, whose 221-inch wide internal cabin cross-section is optimized for full long-range passenger comfort in all classes, brings a 25 percent step change in efficiency compared with existing aircraft in this size category. At the end of March 2014, the A350 XWB had won 812 orders from 39 customers worldwide.

Top Copyright Photo: Olivier Gregoire/AirlinersGallery.com. Test aircraft Airbus A350-941 F-WWCF (msn 002) in the “Carbon Fiber” livery arrives back at Toulouse.

JetBlue Airways announces its “One Thing That’s Green” campaign (besides the Jets logo jet)

JetBlue Airways (New York) today (April 7) announced its seventh annual “One Thing That’s Green” (OTTG) campaign.

The airline issued this statement:

This year’s initiative will bring a little greenery to the scenery of several BlueCities. Customers and crewmembers throughout JetBlue’s network are encouraged to vote to spruce up their local communities with green spaces. JetBlue is continuing its long-standing partnership with New York Restoration Project (NYRP) and the MillionTreesNYC initiative for a tree-planting event in New York. The airline will also align with Charles River Watershed Association, Seventh Generation and Bobble to clean up Boston’s Charles River.

Throughout the month of April, customers and community members can visit Facebook.com/JetBlue to vote for JetBlue’s next green space. Customers can vote by selecting their favorite BlueCity from the route map on the One Thing That’s Green Facebook tab. Customers will be able to vote multiple times for the BlueCity they hope will receive the next green space after liking JetBlue’s Facebook page. JetBlue will announce the community it has selected on May 1 and the green space builds will take place in the fall.

“Our annual One Thing That’s Green campaign literally breathes new life into local communities. This year we are asking our customers where they would like to see more greenery and vibrant green spaces in their local neighborhoods,” said Icema Gibbs, JetBlue’s director corporate social responsibility. “Over the past seven years, we’ve played a small part in creating a healthier planet by planting more than 3,000 trees and cleaning 35,000 tons of trash in New York City. Our goal is to improve air quality and enhance the local communities where we live and serve. This year, we will add Boston to our efforts and provide a day of fun and festivities as our crewmembers and neighbors help clean the beloved Charles River.”

To celebrate Earth Day, the airline will plant trees and participate in community clean-ups in New York and Boston. On April 19, crewmembers and customers will work together to plant trees right in JetBlue’s backyard in Queens, New York. More than 250 volunteers will work side-by-side to plant 100 trees, clean up public spaces and beautify a garden in New York City Housing Authority’s (NYCHA) Woodside Houses in Woodside, Queens. This tree-planting event is an important step in the continued rebuilding of New York City’s tree canopy.

“Over the years, our annual plantings with JetBlue gave root to more than 3,500 trees throughout the city, and brought over 3,000 New Yorkers together for a great, common cause,” said Deborah Marton, NYRP’s executive director. “We’re looking forward to continuing this wonderful tradition and demonstrating how great partnerships can make our city stronger, healthier, and more beautiful.”

On April 26, 1,200 crewmembers, customers and community members will also volunteer to help clean up the Charles River in Boston. JetBlue will also host a celebration festival at the Hatch Shell on the River and will raffle tickets to attendees. Community members can register at http://www.charlesriver.org to participate from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Charles River Watershed Association was formed in 1965 in response to public concern about the declining condition of the Charles River. Initiatives over the last four decades have dramatically improved the quality of water in the watershed.

“We are thrilled the 15thAnnual Earth Day Charles River is part of JetBlue’s One Thing That’s Green campaign this year. This collective effort further exemplifies how citizens and businesses can come together and make a positive impact in our communities through environmental stewardship,” said Charles River Watershed Association Executive Director, Robert Zimmerman, Jr.

This year’s One Thing That’s Green campaign solidifies JetBlue’s rooted in humanity environmental responsibility stance. Environmental responsibility and its connection to sustainability are key pillars of JetBlue’s corporate responsibility platform. Since 2008, more than 3,000 JetBlue crewmembers and customers have planted more than 3,500 trees and cleaned nearly three tons of trash in areas including in East Harlem, Manhattan; Forest Hills, Queens; Jamaica, Queens; Highland Park, Brooklyn/Queens and Long Island City, Queens in an effort to rebuilding New York and its communities.

Created by JetBlue to encourage healthier communities through a healthy planet, the One Thing That’s Green annual campaign highlights the airline’s commitment to environmentalism and giving back in the communities it serves. The day-long tree planting events in New York and Boston will take place rain or shine and will include giveaways, complimentary breakfast and lunch, and family-fun activities.

Top Copyright Photo: Michael B. Ing/AirlinersGallery.com. The New York Jets-adorned Airbus A320-232 N746JB (msn 3622) arrives in Los Angeles.

JetBlue Airways:

Jetstar Airways announces new Brisbane-Honolulu flights starting on December 15

Jetstar Airways (Australia) (Melbourne) has announced new nonstop service between Brisbane and Honolulu starting on December 15, 2014.

The route will be operated by Airbus A330 aircraft up to three times a week during the peak season with two weekly services in the off peak.

The new Honolulu route will be the second wide body service from Brisbane following the start of nonstop services to Bali later this month to be operated by the Boeing 787 Dreamliner.

Flights will depart from Brisbane on Tuesdays and Fridays with services operating from Honolulu on Mondays and Thursdays.

The third service for peak season will operate on a Sunday. The route will eventually be operated by the Boeing 787 Dreamliner as Jetstar continues to take delivery of more aircraft.

Jetstar Airways:

Finnair to operate scheduled flights to Krabi and Phuket in Thailand this coming winter

Finnair (Helsinki) will introduce scheduled services to Krabi and Phuket in Thailand. Both of these destinations were previously served only on a charter basis. Flights to Phuket (HKT) will be operated three times a week from November 14, and to Krabi (KBV) twice a week from December 10. Both routes will be operated with Airbus A340 aircraft.

The number of weekly flights to Nagoya, Japan (NGO) will also increase from four to five per week. The additional frequency is scheduled to depart on Tuesdays in November–December and Wednesdays from January to March. All Finnair flights to Nagoya are operated with Airbus A330 aircraft with full-flat seats in Business Class.

Additionally, Finnair will reopen its service to Tromsø (TOS). The Arctic city in the far north of Norway will be served from Helsinki three times a week from January 1 until March 28, 2015 for the Northern Lights season. The route will be operated by Flybe Finland with Embraer 190 aircraft.

Copyright Photo: Kok Chwee K.C. Sim/AirlinersGallery.com. Airbus A340-313X OH-LQD (msn 921) in the special Unikko floral print 1964 color scheme departs from Singapore.

Finnair:

Oman Air posts a loss of nearly $295 million for 2013

Oman Air (Muscat) reported a financial loss of nearly $295 million for 2013. This loss deepened from the previous year.

Oman Air reported strong increases in revenues and passenger numbers, supported by growth in seat capacity, cargo operations and the number of passengers carried in 2013. Oman Air blamed the loss on its investment in new aircraft.

Read the full report: CLICK HERE

Read the analysis by Muscat Daily: CLICK HERE

Oman Air:

Current Route Map:

Emirates to upgrade the Dallas/Fort Worth route to the Airbus A380 on October 1

Emirates (Dubai) has announced it will bring its Airbus A380 to Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW), launching the first scheduled A380 service at the airport.

On October 1, 2014, the world’s largest passenger aircraft will touch down at DFW with a daily service between Dallas/Fort Worth, the world’s fourth busiest airport, and the city of Dubai in the United Arab Emirates. Dallas/Fort Worth will become the 28th international destination to which Emirates operates the aircraft, joining New York (JFK) and Los Angeles which are already served by the A380.

Emirates started flying to Dallas/Fort Worth in 2012 with a Boeing 777-200 LR, the first passenger carrier to fly nonstop to the Middle East from DFW. The introduction of the 489-seat A380, powered by U.S.-made GE GP7200 engines, is a direct response to demand with over 370,000 Emirates’ passengers travelling between Dallas and Dubai to date.

DFW Airport is making its final preparations for the arrival of the Emirates A380 with the construction of a second level jet bridge in Terminal D and modifications to the airfield, ramps and taxiways. Terminal D opened in 2005 with A380 capabilities already built into its design, so the final additions to make DFW ready for the A380 are relatively minor.

Emirates’ A380 is a wide-bodied double decker aircraft with a capacity of 489 passengers including 14 First Class Private Suites, 76 lie-flat beds in Business Class and 399 spacious seats in Economy Class.

Powered by GP7200 engines which burn up to twenty percent less fuel per seat than its nearest competitor, Emirates’ A380s have lower carbon dioxide emissions and thirty percent better fuel efficiency than the ICAO global fleet average. This is the most significant advancement in reducing fuel consumption and emissions in four decades. Emirates also stands apart from the rest as the average age of the fleet is less than half that of many European airlines. Emirates is the largest operator of the A380 and continues to work closely with Airbus to further reduce weight of future A380s by using a range of lightweight materials that account for twenty five percent of its structure.

The Emirates A380 service will operate daily as EK 222, departing Dallas/Fort Worth at 12:35 and arriving in Dubai at 12:20 the following day. EK 221 departs Dubai at 02:45 and arrives at Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport at 09:45 the same day.

Emirates: