Tag Archives: Boeing 737-700

Europe Airpost to operate from Dublin to Halifax, Nova Scotia this summer

Europe Airpost (Paris-CDG) is joining the list of airlines operating Boeing 737 aircraft across the Atlantic Ocean. According to Dublin Airport, Europe Airpost will operate a new nonstop scheduled summer service between Dublin and Halifax, Novia Scotia this summer. The new route will operate from the beginning of July until mid September.

Europe Airpost, which is the French subsidiary of Dublin-based ASL Aviation Group, has an existing charter operation at Dublin Airport, but the new weekly Halifax service will be its first scheduled service from Dublin. The company has been operating at Dublin Airport since 2010 and is the only charter airline that has an aircraft based year-round in Ireland. Europe Airpost’s new route will operate weekly from Paris Charles de Gaulle to Dublin and then continue to Halifax, Novia Scotia with a Boeing 737-700 aircraft.

The new service will operate weekly from July 9 until September 11 with flights departing Dublin on Thursdays and from Halifax on Fridays. The schedule for the new routes is as follows: Dublin/Halifax Thursday: Departs from Dublin 2:25 p.m. – Arrives in Halifax 4:45 p.m. Friday: Departs from Halifax 10:15 a.m. – Arrives in Dublin 8:05 p.m. All times specified are local and subject to government approval. The flights will be operated by a Boeing 737-700, configured in a two-class lay-out, with a capacity of 130 seats: 16 in Premium class and 114 in Economy class.

Europe Airpost aircraft slide show:

http://airlinersgallery.smugmug.com/Airlines-Europe-1/Airlines-Europe-1/Europe-Airpost

Southwest Airlines reports a record 4Q net profit of $190 million and $1.1 billion for 2014, its 42nd consecutive year of profitability

Southwest Airlines Company (Dallas) today reported its fourth quarter and annual 2014 results:

Record fourth quarter net income, excluding special items1, of $404 million, or $.59 per diluted share, compared with fourth quarter 2013 net income, excluding special items, of $236 million, or $.33 per diluted share. This exceeded the First Call consensus estimate of $.55 per diluted share.

Fourth quarter net income of $190 million, or $.28 per diluted share, which included $214 million (net) of unfavorable special items, compared with net income of $212 million, or $.30 per diluted share, in fourth quarter 2013, which included $24 million (net) of unfavorable special items.

Record annual net income, excluding special items, of $1.4 billion, or $2.01 per diluted share, compared with 2013 net income, excluding special items, of $805 million, or $1.12 per diluted share.

Record annual net income of $1.1 billion, or $1.64 per diluted share, which included $261 million (net) of unfavorable special items, compared with net income of $754 million, or $1.05 per diluted share, in 2013, which included $51 million (net) of unfavorable special items.

Return on invested capital, before taxes and excluding special items (ROIC)1, of 21.2 percent for 2014, as compared with 13.1 percent for 2013.

Gary C. Kelly, Chairman of the Board, President, and Chief Executive Officer, stated, “We are extremely proud to report record annual 2014 net income, excluding special items, of $1.4 billion, or $2.01 per diluted share. Our 2014 total operating revenues were strong, increasing 5.1 percent to a record $18.6 billion. Our 2014 operating cost performance was also solid, with costs declining, year-over-year. Our ROIC for 2014 was 21.2 percent. This remarkable achievement would not have been possible without the hard work, perseverance, and determination of our Southwest People, and I commend them for these exceptional results, which earned them a record $355 million in profitsharing for 2014, up 56 percent from the previous record in 2013. Our strategic plan has come together successfully, and we have realized significant contributions from the AirTran integration, fleet modernization efforts, and the continued growth of our Rapid Rewards program.

“Our balance sheet and liquidity remain strong, with cash and short-term investments of $3.0 billion at the end of 2014. We generated strong free cash flow1 of $1.1 billion in 2014, allowing us to repurchase $955 million of Southwest common stock, pay $139 million to Shareholders in dividends, and reduce debt and capital lease obligations by $261 million, net, during the year.

“We concluded 2014 with record fourth quarter profits, excluding special items, of $404 million, or $.59 per diluted share. Total operating revenues were a fourth quarter record $4.6 billion. On a year-over-year basis, our fourth quarter 2014 revenue per available seat mile increased 2.0 percent, which is outstanding considering the 2.4 percent increase in available seat miles (ASMs); the 2.6 percent increase in stage length; the 2.4 percent increase in seats per trip2 (gauge); and the large percentage of our capacity under development. Customer demand remained strong, resulting in a record fourth quarter 2014 load factor of 82.0 percent, up 1.6 points from fourth quarter 2013. We are pleased with our passenger unit revenue and booking trends thus far in January, considering the continuing impact of increasing ASMs, stage length, and gauge, and the large percentage of our capacity under development. Based on these trends, we currently expect our first quarter 2015 passenger revenues to grow in line with the expected six percent increase in first quarter 2015 ASMs, both on a year-over-year basis.

“Our fourth quarter 2014 unit costs, excluding special items, were down 3.8 percent year-over-year, primarily as a result of significantly lower fuel prices. Our first quarter 2015 cost outlook is also favorable. With the collapse in fuel prices since September 2014, fuel prices have declined nearly 50 percent. Based on our existing fuel derivative contracts and market prices as of January 16, 2015, we estimate our first quarter 2015 economic fuel costs to be approximately $1.90 per gallon, which would result in approximately half a billion dollars in year-over-year fuel cost savings for first quarter alone. Excluding fuel and oil expense, special items, and profitsharing, we currently expect first quarter and full year 2015’s unit costs to decline in the one to two percent range, compared with the same year-ago periods, driven largely by our capacity growth and ongoing fleet modernization initiatives.

“December 28, 2014, marked the sunset of the AirTran brand. Overall, the AirTran acquisition resulted in net pre-tax synergies (excluding acquisition and integration expenses) of approximately $500 million in 2014, exceeding our $400 million target.

“We launched international service on Southwest Airlines to seven destinations in five countries in 2014, which will grow to seven countries with our plans to begin service to San Jose, Costa Rica; Puerto Vallarta, Mexico; and Belize City, Belize, in 2015, pending government approvals. We have been very pleased with the overall performance of our markets under development, most notably Dallas Love Field, New York LaGuardia, and Reagan National.

“Without question, 2014 was a monumental year for Southwest Airlines with many notable achievements. My gratitude goes out to our outstanding Employees for their tremendous efforts and the successful execution of our strategic initiatives, which allowed us to achieve our financial goals and expand our service internationally. As we enter 2015, we are well positioned financially and excited about our growth opportunities ahead. We remain steadfast in our unwavering commitment to preserve our financial strength, provide job security for our Employees, protect our low fare brand, and deliver adequate returns to our Shareholders. We live up to that commitment by offering friendly, reliable, and low cost air travel, and by expanding our network in a sensible manner.”

Read the full report: CLICK HERE

Listen to the conference call at 12:30 EST today to discuss the results: CLICK HERE

Copyright Photo: Raul Sepulveda/AirlinersGallery.com. Boeing 737-7H4 N909WN (msn 32458) taxies at San Juan in the new Beats Music – Don’t miss a beat special livery.

Southwest Airlines aircraft slide show (current livery):

http://airlinersgallery.smugmug.com/Airlines-UnitedStates-3/Airlines-United-States3-QZ/Southwest-Airlines-Current

Transaero Airlines gets a government credit guarantee, freezes fares

Transaero Airlines (Moscow) denied media reports before Christmas that it might have been forced to suspend operations due to the decline in the Russian ruble. Instead the second largest Russian carrier asked the government and state banks for financial help. The airline will now receive a 9 billion ruble ($164 million) credit guarantee according to Travel Weekly. The airline, as part of the deal, promised to freeze ticket prices and will increase operations.

The airline issued this statement:

Transaero Airlines expresses its utmost gratitude to the Government of the Russian Federation, the Ministry of Finance of the Russian Federation, Transport Ministry of the Russian Federation, the Federal Air Transport Agency and State Corporation “Bank for Development and Foreign Economic Affairs (Vnesheconombank)” for the provided support.

Transaero Airlines expresses its special gratitude to JSC VTB Bank.

The Government has made a decision to support the backbone company providing transport services in the dramatically changing macroeconomic conditions, while the Bank assigns the necessary credit funds.

Transaero, for its part, entirely supports the price freeze principle, and it will not increase airfares on its domestic services in 2015. In addition to this, it will reduce airfares by 5-7% on the domestic routes, which are exclusively served by Transaero Airlines.

In November 2014, taking into consideration the recommendations developed for the airline by the multinational management consulting firm McKinsey & Company, Transaero started to implement a comprehensive set of measures aimed at enhancing its operational efficiency in the changing business environment. It is expected that the key measures will be implemented within three-six months.

In 2015, Transaero Airlines will continue to focus on enhancing the reliability and accessibility of air transport for the Russian residents. The particular attention will be given to the flights to the Southern resorts of the Russian Federation (Transaero will increase its passenger capacity on those routes), as well as to air services to the Russia’s Far East from Moscow and St Petersburg. The airline will continue to strengthen its cooperation with its long-term partners – the largest Russian travel operators, first of all, on the tourism programmes to the destinations in the South of Russia.

Transaero Airlines expresses its sincere gratitude to all its passengers, as well as partners, banks, leasing companies, airports, fuel companies and suppliers.

Transaero Airlines has been developing, operating and, inter alia, overcoming the challenging times along with its country for 23 years. This term provides the grounds to be certain that Transaero will successfully overcome the difficulties of this stage caused by external factors.

Transaero aircraft slide show:

http://airlinersgallery.smugmug.com/Airlines-Europe-3/Airlines-Europe3-QZ/Transaero-Airlines

Germania announces details for its three new routes to Iran

Germania Fluggesellschaft (Berlin) will start the twice-weekly Dusseldorf – Tehran route on February 20, 2015. In addition, the carrier will launch the twice-weekly Berlin (Schoenefeld) – Tehran route on February 22, 2015. Finally the German airline will commence the weekly Hamburg – Mashad route on February 25, 2015.

Germania aircraft slide show:

http://airlinersgallery.smugmug.com/Airlines-Europe-2/Airlines-Europe-2/Germania-Fluggesellschaft

SAS Group to phase out the remaining five Blue1 Boeing 717s in 2015, reports a full-year net loss of $92.4 million

Scandinavian Airlines-SAS (Stockholm) issued its year-end financial report for the period ending on October 30, 2014. The company continues to reduce its losses. The Group report a SEK (Swedish Krona) 719 million ($92.4 million) full-year net loss.

The comments by the CEO:

“SAS has delivered the promised efficiency measures, with declining unit costs as a consequence. In parallel, passenger growth was strong and the load factor posted a year-on-year improvement for the eighth successive month. However, earnings were impacted by intense com- petition and strong price pressure. This trend is expected to continue. External production models, proprietary low cost carriers and the use of staffing agencies are increasingly becoming the established indus- try norm and are changing competitive conditions for European avia- tion from the ground up.

To meet these challenges and strengthen competitiveness, we are implementing additional long-term cost-saving measures that spans the entire business and together generates an earnings impact of SEK 2.1 billion with full effect in 2017. Measures include our continued opti- mization of production and streamlining the aircraft fleet. On December 8, 2014, the Danish airline Cimber was acquired as part of this strategy and SAS intends to transfer regional CRJ900 production to Cimber in 2015. We are also enhancing our offering to our frequent travelers. For example, in 2015, the first of the new Airbus A330 Enhanced long-haul aircraft will be delivered to SAS and, in Septem- ber, a new direct route from Stockholm to Asia will be opened.”

Rickard Gustafson, SAS President and CEO.

As part of its cost reduction plan, SAS stated the following in its financial report about Blue1 (Helsinki):

“During the year, SAS has reduced capacity at Blue1 by about 40% as a result of the decision to divest four Boeing 717s. The five remaining Boeing 717s will be phased out in 2015. As a consequence, the SAS aircraft fleet will only comprise four aircraft types compared with nine types in 2012. SAS has also transformed Blue1 into a competitive production company and future production is currently being evaluated.”

Read the full report: CLICK HERE

Top Copyright Photo: SPA/AirlinersGallery.com. SAS’ Boeing 737-7BX SE-RER (msn 30736) arrives in London (Heathrow).

SAS aircraft slide show:

Bottom Copyright Photo: Ton Jochems/AirlinersGallery.com. Boeing 717-2K9 OH-BLO (msn 55056) taxies from the gate at Amsterdam.

Blue1 aircraft slide show:

http://airlinersgallery.smugmug.com/Airlines-Europe-1/Airlines-Europe-1/Blue1

WestJet selects Global Eagle Entertainment for its inflight entertainment content

WestJet (Calgary) like other airlines, is overhauling its inflight entertainment system. The carrier has selected Global Eagle Entertainment to provide the inflight content. GEE issued this statement:

Global Eagle Entertainment Inc., a worldwide leading provider of content, connectivity and digital media solutions to airlines, today announced that it has been selected by WestJet to manage its inflight content services.

WestJet is currently overhauling its existing inflight entertainment (IFE) system and replacing it with a wireless IFE solution. Global Eagle Entertainment (GEE) will provide a broad array of content that can be accessed by passengers using their personal electronic devices or tablets rented from the airline. Through this long-term agreement, GEE will provide a selection of current movies and television, including a wide catalog of engaging and entertaining programs, beginning in the first quarter of 2015.

WestJet aircraft slide show:

AeroMexico to launch Mexico City-Toronto flights

AeroMexico (Mexico City) has announced that it will offer a new daily flight between Toronto (Pearson) and Mexico City as of May 4, 2015, becoming the second destination it serves in Canada.

The new route will be operated with Boeing 737-700 aircraft configured with 124 passenger seats, including 12 seats in Clase Premier —the Aeromexico Business Class cabin.

Copyright Photo: Michael B. Ing/AirlinersGallery.com. Boeing 737-752 XA-GMV (msn 35118) promoting Los Cabos as a destination, arrives in Los Angeles.

AeroMexico aircraft slide show:

http://airlinersgallery.smugmug.com/Airlines-Mexico/Airlines-Mexico-AZ/AeroMexico

AeroMexico is coming to Boston

AeroMexico (Mexico City) will add the Mexico City-Boston route on June 1, 2015. The new route will be operated six days a week with Boeing 737-700 aircraft per Airline Route.

Copyright Photo: Jay Selman/AirlinersGallery.com. Boeing 737-752 XA-GOL (msn 35785) with the special Fight Against Breast Cancer markings arrives in Miami.

AeroMexico aircraft slide show:

http://airlinersgallery.smugmug.com/Airlines-Mexico/Airlines-Mexico-AZ/AeroMexico

AeroMexico to add a new route to Panama City on May 14, 2015

AeroMexico (Mexico) on May 14, 2015 will add a new route between Mexico City and Panama City, making Panama City its 16th destination in Latin America.

This new route will be serviced by Boeing 737-700 aircraft with seating capacity for 124 passengers -12 in Clase Premier (Aeromexico’s First Class).

Copyright Photo: James Helbock/AirlinersGallery.com. Boeing 737-752 XA-MAH (msn 35122) with the special “Disney Planes” logo arrives in Los Angeles.

AeroMexico aircraft slide show:

SAS and Etihad Airways announce a codeshare agreement

Scandinavian Airlines-SAS (Stockholm) has announce a new codeshare agreement with Etihad Airways (Abu Dhabi). Etihad Airways is building an alliance of carriers.

Here is the official announcement:

SAS and Etihad Airways, the national airline of the United Arab Emirates, are set to begin codeshare operations and provide customers with enhanced travel options between Scandinavia and the UAE.

The agreement, which is subject to regulatory approval, will strengthen both carriers by enabling them to offer greater connectivity to and from a number of key European cities. SAS is Etihad Airways’ 47th airline partnership globally and its 22nd in Europe. For SAS, Etihad is the 23rd codeshare partner and the third with strong presence in the Middle East.

Both airlines will also develop and sign a Frequent Flyer agreement, which will benefit the members of Etihad Airways’ Etihad Guest and SAS’ EuroBonus loyalty programs.

The deal will see SAS place its SK code on Etihad Airways’ flights between Abu Dhabi and Brussels, Düsseldorf, Frankfurt, Rome, Milan, Zurich, Geneva and London Heathrow.

In turn, Etihad Airways will place its EY code on SAS-operated flights from these European destinations, excluding Brussels, onto SAS’ hubs in Copenhagen, Oslo, and Stockholm.

The EY code will also be placed on flights beyond Copenhagen to Billund and Ålesund; beyond Oslo to Ålesund, Kristiansand, Trondheim, and Stavanger; and beyond Stockholm to Umeå, Sundsvall, and Östersund.

Top Copyright Photo: SPA/AirlinersGallery.com. SAS’ Boeing 737-705 LN-TUF (msn 28222) arrives in London (Heathrow).

Scandinavian Airlines aircraft slide show:

Etihad Airways aircraft slide show:

Bottom Copyright Photo: Gerd Beilfuss/AirlinersGallery.com. Another view of Etihad Airways’ first Airbus A380 at Hamburg (Finkenwerder). The pictured A380-861 F-WWSS (msn 166) will become A6-APA on delivery.