American Airlinesย (Dallas/Fort Worth) is planning to end nonstop service on the Newark-Los Angeles route on March 6 according to Airline Route. American will continue to operate from New York (JFK) to Los Angeles.
Copyright Photo: Bruce Drum/AirlinersGallery.com. Boeing 737-823 N965AN (msn 29544) departs from the Miami hub.
American Airlines (current):ย 
Aviation Partners Boeing (APB) (Seattle) has announced it has received Supplemental Type Certification (STC) from the FAA for Split Scimitar Winglets to be installed on Boeing 737-800 aircraft. According to the company, “the Split Scimitar Winglet program is the culmination of a five-year design effort using the latest computational fluid dynamic technology to redefine the aerodynamics of the Blended Winglet into an all-new Split Scimitar Winglet. The unique feature of the Split Scimitar Winglet is that it uses the existing Blended Winglet structure, but adds new strengthened spars, aerodynamic scimitar tips, and a large ventral strake.”
APB will develop and certify the Split Scimitar Winglet modification for all of the Boeing 737-700, 800 and 900 series aircraft including Boeing Business Jets.ย APB expects to start certification flight testing on the 737-900ER in mid-February achieving certification by lateย July 2014.
APB’s Split Scimitar Winglet program is the most successful product launch in its history.ย Since launching the program early last year, APB has now taken orders and options for 1,461 Split Scimitar Winglet systems. Over the last 10 years, APB has sold more than 7,000 Blended Winglet Systems.ย 5,300 Blended Winglet Systems are now in service with over 200 airlines in more than 100 countries. APB estimates that Blended Winglets have saved airlines worldwide 4.1 billion gallons of jet fuel to-date thus eliminating over 43 million tons of carbon dioxide emissions.
Aviation Partners Boeing is aย Seattleย based joint venture of Aviation Partners, Inc. and The Boeing Company.
Copyright Photo: PR Newswire.ย United Airlines‘ Boeing 737-824 N37277 (msn 31595) is the test and certification airplane. United put the first aircraft with Split Scimitar Winglets into revenue service of February 18, 2014 between the Houston (Bush Intercontinental Airport) hub and Los Angeles as flight UA 1273.
United Airlines:ย
Norwegian Air Shuttle’s (Norwegian Long Haul) (Norwegian.com)ย (Oslo) traffic is exploding. The fast-growing carrier reported its traffic grew by 24 percent in January 2014 to over 1.5 million passengers. The company issued this statement:
Norwegian carried more than 1.5 million passengers in January 2014, an increase of 24 percent compared to January last year. The load factor increased despite major capacity growth.
In January, 1,530,441 passengers flew with Norwegian. This is an increase of 24 percent compared to January 2013. The total passenger traffic (RPK) increased by 50 percent and the total capacity (ASK) increased by 45 percent this month. The load factor was 74.8 percent in January, up 2.6 percentage points.
โIโm very pleased that we in a low season month like January increase the load factor, even with major capacity growth. The fact that 1.5 million passengers chose to fly with us prove that low fares and new, comfortable aircraft are important, โsaid CEO Bjรธrn Kjos.
Norwegian operated 99.6 percent of its scheduled flights in January, whereof 78.3 percent departed on time. The on-time performance is affected by challenging weather conditions in Scandinavia.
In January, Norwegian took delivery of two brand new Boeing 737-800 aircraft. A total of 15 such aircraft will be delivered in 2014 in addition to four 787 Dreamliners. Norwegianโs fleet is one of Europeโs newest and most environmentally friendly.
Copyright Photo: Paul Denton/AirlinersGallery.com. Boeing 737-8JP LN-NOT (msn 37816) with Piet Hein on the tail departs for Oslo at Geneva.
Norwegian:ย
Boeing (Chicago and Seattle) is starting assembly this week of the first Next-Generation 737 to be built at the increased rate of 42 airplanes per month. Since 2010, production of the 737 has increased about 33 percent, from 31.5 to 42 airplanes a month, its highest rate ever.
Early Wednesday morning, mechanics will load initial parts of the spars โ internal support structures in the wings โ into an automated spar-assembly machine. The spar is the first step in building the wings and marks the start of the assembly of the airplane at theย Renton, Washington factory.
The first Next-Generation 737 built at the new rate is scheduled to be delivered in the second quarter. As previously announced, the 737 production rate is scheduled to increase to 47 airplanes a month in 2017.
Read the analysis by Bloomberg Businessweek: CLICK HERE
Copyright Photo: Michael B. Ing/AirlinersGallery.com. Boeing 737-852 XA-AME (msn 36708) of AeroMexico approaches the runway at Los Angeles International Airport.
AeroMexico:ย
Ruili Airlines (Kunming, Yunnan, China) is a new airline located in the remote Yunnan province of China. The province is in the southwest portion of China. The airline is named after trading city of Ruili which is on the border with Myanmar.
The new airline is acquiring two Boeing 737-700s (B-5811 and B-5812) and the pictured former Airberlin Boeing 737-800.
According to CAPA, the airline received its Air Operators Certificate (AOC) on January 22, 2014.
Copyright Photo: Ton Jochems/AirlinersGallery.com. The pictured brand new Boeing 737-86J D-ABMX (msn 37786) was handed over to Airberlin on December 19, 2013. D-ABMXย was repainted by KLM at Amsterdam’s Schiphol Airport. It is pictured at AMS yesterdayย (February 3) departing for Berlin and its imminent delivery to China as B-1960.
WestJet (Calgary) today announced its fourth quarter and year-end results for 2013, with record net earnings ofย $268.7 million (all figures in Canadian dollars), orย $2.03ย per diluted share, up from the net earnings ofย $242.4 million, orย $1.78ย per diluted share reported for the full-year 2012. For the fourth quarter, the airline reported diluted earnings per share ofย $0.52, up fromย $0.46ย reported last year. This represents WestJet’s 35thย consecutive quarter of profitability, and based on the trailing twelve months, the airline achieved a return on invested capital of 13.9 per cent, compared with the 13.8 per cent reported in the previous quarter.
| Operating highlightsย (stated in Canadian dollars) |
| Q4 2013 | Q4 2012 | Change | Full-year 2013 |
Full-year 2012 |
Change | |
| Net earnings (millions) | $67.8 | $60.9 | 11.3% | $268.7 | $242.4 | 10.9% |
| Diluted earnings per share | $0.52 | $0.46 | 13.0% | $2.03 | $1.78 | 14.0% |
| Total revenues (millions) | $926.4 | $860.6 | 7.6% | $3,662.2 | $3,427.4 | 6.9% |
| Operating margin | 11.0% | 10.6% | 0.4 pts | 10.9% | 11.0% | (0.1 pts) |
| ASMs (available seat miles) (billions) | 5.942 | 5.487 | 8.3% | 23.971 | 22.064 | 8.6% |
| RPMs (revenue passenger miles) (billions) | 4.769 | 4.493 | 6.1% | 19.591 | 18.263 | 7.3% |
| Load factor | 80.3% | 81.9% | (1.6 pts) | 81.7% | 82.8% | (1.1 pts) |
| Segment guests | 4,557,606 | 4,314,024 | 5.6% | 18,485,144 | 17,423,352 | 6.1% |
| Yield (revenue per revenue passenger mile) (cents) | 19.43 | 19.16 | 1.4% | 18.69 | 18.77 | (0.4%) |
| RASM (revenue per available seat mile) (cents) | 15.59 | 15.68 | (0.6%) | 15.28 | 15.53 | (1.6%) |
| CASM (cost per available seat mile) (cents) | 13.88 | 14.01 | (0.9%) | 13.61 | 13.83 | (1.6%) |
| CASM, excluding fuel and employee profit share (cents)* | 9.29 | 9.32 | (0.3%) | 9.06 | 9.12 | (0.7%) |
| *Refer to reconciliations in the accompanying tables for further information regarding calculations. |
WestJet also declared a 20 per cent increase to its quarterly dividend fromย $0.10ย toย $0.12ย per common voting share and variable voting share.
WestJet expects continued strong traffic and revenue growth in the first quarter of 2014, and to achieve continued earnings growth for the full-year 2014.
Dividend declaration
Onย February 3, 2014, WestJet’s Board of Directors declared a cash dividend ofย $0.12ย per common voting share and variable voting share for the first quarter of 2014, to be paid onย March 31, 2014, to shareholders of record onย March 19, 2014. All dividends paid by WestJet are, pursuant to subsection 89(14) of the Income Tax Act, designated as eligible dividends, unless indicated otherwise. An eligible dividend paid to a Canadian resident is entitled to the enhanced dividend tax credit.
Copyright Photo: TMK Photography/AirlinersGallery.com. Another view of WestJet’s new Walt Disney World “Magic Plane” at Toronto (Pearson).
WestJet:ย
SilkAir (Singapore) and Boeing (Chicago and Seattle) celebrated the delivery of the carrier’s first Next-Generation 737-800 (737-8SA 9V-MGA, msn 44217). The delivery also marked the start of the airline’s transition to an all-Boeing fleet. Over the coming years, Boeing will deliver a total of 23 737-800s and 31 737 MAX 8s to SilkAir.
SilkAir’s new 737 will enter service later this month, flying to existing destinations including inย Malaysia,Thailandย andย Indonesia. With the follow-on 737 deliveries, SilkAir will fly the aircraft to more destinations in Cambodia,ย Vietnam, India andย the Philippinesย starting in March.
SilkAir is a full-service airline and the regional wing of Singapore Airlines. It currently flies more than 350 weekly flights to 45 destinations in 12 countries.
SilkAir is also celebrating its 25th Anniversary. The airline issued this statement in January:
With 25 years in the air under its wing, SilkAir, the regional wing of Singapore Airlines, will be celebrating its Silver anniversary this year. Marking its anniversary celebrations, the airline will be taking delivery of the first aircraft in its new fleet of 54 Boeing 737s in early February 2014. A total of eight planes are expected this year, with the remaining aircraft to be delivered by the end of this decade. This delivery will enable SilkAir to maintain a young and modern fleet, and cater for the airlineโs continued network expansion plans by significantly growing its existing fleet. With the new aircraft, several enhancements will be offered to improve the in-flight experience for travellers including upgraded cabin interiors with more spacious overhead luggage compartments and lighting systems.
In addition to the milestone aircraft delivery, SilkAir will roll out a host of surprises and celebrations for their avid Asian traveller target. For starters, to rally consumers and involve them in SilkAirโs historic Boeing delivery, the airline will bring fans and aviation lovers together to virtually deliver the new aircraft to Singapore. Tracking the actual delivery route, from the Boeing Renton factory in Seattle to Singaporeโs Changi Airport via Honolulu, Majuro and Guam, theย โBringing Boeing Home with SilkAirโย program is Asiaโs first 25-hour flight simulator event that will allow up to 150 selected members of the public to fly a simulator SilkAir Boeing 737-800 plane into Singapore. The event will take place overnight from February 7-8, 2014 at Flight Experience Singapore, located at the Singapore Flyer.
SilkAir travellers will also be rewarded through special promotional deals where 250,000 tickets will be made available at special rates for consumers in Singapore and across the region.
Commenting on the anniversary celebrations, SilkAir Chief Executive, Mr. Leslie Thng, said โIt is a tremendously exciting time for the airline, and I am honoured and humbled to be part of such a milestone celebration. I would like to pay a special tribute to our 1,500 employees who have been with us on our incredible 25 year journey. Without their unwavering support, dedication and heart, we would not be here today.โ
He added, โSilkAirโs success is also due to the on-going support from our passengers and the public. Helping travellers discover Asiaโs newest frontiers for the past 25 years, we are always looking at ways to enhance the journey for our customers. Our new Boeing fleet will enable us to put the passenger at the centre of our focus, with the objective to deliver a higher level of quality and experience. Despite aggressive competition, we have maintained a strong foothold in the market as a full service regional carrier and become known for offering access to unique destinations, with genuine and thoughtful service that exemplifies true Asian hospitality. Moving forward, we will continue to improve and adapt, catering to the evolving needs of travellers in Asia. For instance, to appeal to a more well-travelled audience looking for adventure, we will focus on expanding our network to unique destinations especially in key markets such as China, India and Indonesia. We will continue to build on the last 25 years, and soar to new heights of air travel excellence.โ
The demand for flight travel in Asia-Pacific continues to rise, presenting vast opportunities for growth. The Boeing 737-800 delivery allows SilkAir to tap into the growing demand and explore the opening of routes across Asia for our travellers. To meet the need for more crew and pilots with the right skills to operate and run the Boeing 737 fleet, SilkAir has invested in conversion training at Singaporeโs Boeing Flight Services Training Centre to equip existing staff with the skills needed for the transition.
The first aircraft is planned to enter service from February 20, 2014, flying to destinations including Kuala Lumpur, Penang, Phuket and Medan while the arrival of the second plane will allow the addition of other routes for the new aircraft including Siem Reap, Danang, Davao, Cebu and Kochi from March 17, 2014.
Since its inception, the airlineโs network has expanded to cover 45 exotic destinations in 12 countries across the region. A full-service carrier that offers services and features that ensure enjoyable and reliable travel experiences, SilkAir has maintained a strong position in the intra-Asian market and is already Asiaโs most awarded regional airline, with recent titles such as Regional Airline of the Year (Air Transport News 2013 Awards) as well as the TTG Asia Travel Awards Hall of Fame to its name.
Copyright Photo: Boeing.ย SilkAir and Boeing on Monday (February 3) celebrated the delivery of the carrierโs first Next-Generation 737-800. The delivery also marked the start of the Singapore-based airlineโs transition to an all-Boeing fleet. Pictured here is a celebration with company and airline employees at Boeing Field in Seattle on Monday.
SilkAir:ย
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Alaska Airlines (Seattle/Tacoma) and the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) have reached a tentative agreement on a new five-year contract for the carrier’s 2,500 clerical, office and passenger service employees.
The proposed contract includes pay raises and job security provisions, among other improvements.
The current three-year contract became amendable onย January 1. Results of a ratification vote on the new contract are expected in early April. Contracts in the airline industry do not expire. Once they become amendable, the current contract remains in effect until a new agreement is ratified.
Copyright Photo: James Helbock/AirlinersGallery.com. Boeing 737-890 N570AS (msn 35185) decorated in the “Follow Us to Disneyland Resort – Disney Cars” motif arrives in Los Angeles.
Alaska Airlines:ย
Norwegian Air Shuttle (Norwegian.com) on June 26 willย launch the Stockholm (Arlanda) – Heraklion with one weekly flight. Norwegian will now have two destinations in Crete, Chania and Heraklion. In addition to a new route to Crete increased number of flights to Tel Aviv, Larnaca and Riga.
Copyright Photo: Arnd Wolf/AirlinersGallery.com. Boeing 737-8JP LN-DYO (msn 40868) arrives in Salzburg.
Norwegian:ย
Alaska Airlines (Seattle/Tacoma), as we have previously reported, has been trading “I will match you” route additions with Delta Air Lines (Atlanta) at their respective hubs at Seattle/Tacoma (SEA) and Salt Lake City (SLC). These moves come even though Alaska Airlines has an extensive feeder and code-share relationship with Delta. Delta even named a new Boeing 737 after the city of Seattle! Simply put, each carrier feeds each other at both SEA and SLC. However that close relationship began to unravel when Delta started adding feeder routes of its own at SEA, basically inferring to Alaska the relationship could be on the rocks. The aggressive move at SEA by Delta may have spurred Alaska to look to the new American Airlines (Dallas/Fort Worth) (soon to become the largest airline in the world) for help and possibly a closer relationship. The two carriers already have a code-share relationship. A merger is probably out of the question since AA is becoming the largest carrier already and already had to overcome DOJ merger objections. The question will be in 2014 and beyond, will both carriers expand their relationship to fight off the advances of Delta at SEA?
Ted Reed of The Street (of Jim Cramer fame) looks at this intriguing question: CLICK HERE
Copyright Photo: Brian McDonough/AirlinersGallery.com. Boeing 737-890 N586AS (msn 35189), despite the Hawaiian Lei on the tail, arrives at a frigid Washington Reagan National Airport on January 18, 2014. The famous Eskimo tail emblem is expected to survive the next livery for Alaska Airlines that has been promised for this year.
Alaska Airlines:ย
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