Tag Archives: Boeing

American Airlines expands its partnership with the LATAM Airlines Group with new codeshare agreements with TAM and LAN Colombia

American Airlines (Dallas/Fort Worth), which offers more flights to more destinations in Latin America than any other U.S. airline, has signed agreements to codeshare with both TAM Airlines (TAM Linhas Aereas) (Sao Paulo) and LAN Colombia (Bogota), representing a solid stepping stone in building a stronger bilateral relationship between American and LATAM Airlines Group. Once approved, these new codeshare relationships will provide expanded opportunities for American to serve new markets in Brazil and Colombia and for TAM Airlines and LAN Colombia in the United States.

In addition, American plans to operate a new Dallas/Fort Worth (DFW) – Bogota (BOG) route beginning in late 2013. American will also add service to Curitiba (CWB) and Porto Alegre (POA), Brazil from Miami beginning in late 2013, demonstrating its mission to provide customers with expanded options through a growing network footprint in Latin America. With the addition of Curitiba and Porto Alegre, American will serve nine destinations in Brazil.

Once the codeshare agreements are approved, these new relationships will provide American’s customers seamless connecting service within Colombia and Brazil. At the same time, this partnership will allow TAM and LAN Colombia’s customers access to new destinations in the U.S. such as Boston, Chicago, Dallas/Fort Worth, Las Vegas and Seattle.

TAM operates nearly 5,600 weekly flights to 42 destinations throughout Brazil as well as 18 international destinations in the United States, Latin America and Europe. LAN Colombia operates more than 930 weekly flights to cities throughout Colombia as well as destinations in Brazil and the United States. From its Bogota hub, LAN Colombia offers 134 daily flights, including service to 20 Colombian cities.

American offers codeshare service, with fellow oneworld^® alliance member LAN Airlines, to cities throughout South America from LAN’s hubs in Chile, Argentina, Ecuador and Peru.

The new route between DFW and Bogota complements American’s existing service to Colombia through Miami (MIA), where it offers up to 35 nonstop flights per week to Bogota, Cali and Medellin. American’s MIA and DFW hubs allow it to serve 90 percent of U.S. – Latin America traffic more efficiently than any other airline’s combination of hubs. American offers more service to South America than any other U.S. airline.

American also offers the most service between North America and Brazil, American currently serves Brazil from Miami to Belo Horizonte, Brasilia, Manaus, Recife, Rio de Janeiro, Salvador and Sao Paulo; from New York JFK to Rio de Janeiro and Sao Paulo; and from Dallas/Fort Worth to Rio de Janeiro and Sao Paulo. In addition, early next year the Dallas/Fort Worth – Sao Paulo flight will be the first to feature the newest addition to American’s fleet, the Boeing 777-300 ER.

Top Copyright Photo: Bernardo Andrade. Boeing 767-323 ER N354AA (msn 24035) arrives at Rio de Janeiro ‘s Galeao Antonio Carlos Jobim International Airport.

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Bottom Copyright Photo: Keith Burton. Airbus A330-223 PT-MVC (msn 247) of TAM Linhas Aereas arrives at London (Heathrow).

Etihad Airways considers an investment in grounded Kingfisher Airlines

Etihad Airways (Abu Dhabi) is in talks with Kingfisher Airlines (Mumbai) about a possible minority investment in the grounded airline according to the Wall Street Journal.

Read the full article: CLICK HERE

Meanwhile the Deccan Herald of India believes Jet Airways (Mumbai) is a better investment for the Gulf carrier.

Read the full article: CLICK HERE

Top Copyright Photo: Jay Selman. Boeing 777-3FX ER A6-ETF (msn 39700) prepares to land at Bangkok.

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Bottom Copyright Photo: Antony J. Best. ATR 72-212A (ATR 72-500) with the test registration of F-WWEG (msn 788) arrives at Farnborough. Although painted, the turboprop was never delivered to Kingfisher Airlines as VT-KAT. Instead it went to Air Botswana as A2-ABS.

Qatar Airways is “interested” in the Czech Airlines privatization

Qatar Airways (Doha) is interested in the privatization of Czech Airlines-CSA (Prague) according to this report by Reuters. However the Gulf carrier has not yet made a decision on whether it will bid for the flag carrier.

Read the full report: CLICK HERE

Top Copyright Photo: Dave Glendinning. Brand-new Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner A7-BCL (msn 38330) made its first visit to London (Heathrow) on December 13 where it is pictured landing on the historic first flight.

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Czech Airlines-CSA:

Bottom Copyright Photo: Ole Simon. Airbus A319-112 OK-NEO (msn 3452) prepares to land at Stockholm (Arlanda).

LOT Polish Airlines puts its first Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner into revenue service, seeks state aid

LOT Polish Airlines (Warsaw) put its first Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner (SP-LRA, msn 35938) into revenue service today (December 14). The company issued the following statement:

At 8:00 a.m. today, LOT Polish Airlines Boeing 787 Dreamliner SP-LRA took off from the Chopin Airport in Warsaw on its first scheduled flight to Prague. It is the first commercial flight of the LOT Dreamliner (and the first by an European carrier).

Flight LO 523 from Warsaw to Prague lasted 57 minutes. On board there were 175 passengers for whom LOT had prepared special certificates commemorating this first extraordinary flight. For the return flight, 149 passengers have been booked. The plane is planned to take off from Prague airport at 10:05 a.m. and is scheduled to arrive in Warsaw at 11:10 a.m.

The Dreamliner will fly to Prague on selected dates from mid-December to mid-January, 2013. The upcoming flights are scheduled to operate on December 15, 16, 18, 19, 20 and 28. The four remaining dates are January 2, 11, 12 and 14, 2013.

The flight to Prague kicked off a series of promotional flights in Europe, at which time the Dreamliner will visit nine European cities in total: Prague, London, Vienna, Munich, Frankfurt, Hannover, Kiev, Budapest and Brussels.

LOT Polish 787-8 SP-LRA (11)(Cabin)(GST)(LRW)

We have decided to operate the first Dreamliner flight to Prague, as it is a one-hour flight only from Warsaw and it seems ideal for the first “neighborly” visit of LOT Dreamliner in Europe. Actually, it will not be the only flight to Prague – the Dreamliner will visit the Czech capital a number of times – says Zbigniew Mazur, acting LOT CEO. I am glad passengers from the Czech Republic will be the first to experience the comfort of travel on board the world’s most modern passenger plane belonging to the Polish carrier – adds Zbigniew Mazur.

As we have mentioned previously, the first trans-Atlantic flight of LOT Dreamliner will be operated to Chicago (O’Hare) on January 16, 2013. Its next destination will be Toronto (Pearson) on February 1, 2013. On February 3, passengers will fly aboard the Dreamliner to New York (JFK), and Beijing will welcome the LOT Boeing 787 one month later on March 3, 2013.

In other news on the financial side, LOT Polish has requested state financial aid. According to this report by the Wall Street Journal, LOT Polish Airlines has filed a request for state aid, the first installment of 400 million zlotys ($125 million) according to the Polish government. LOT, which was close to bankruptcy in 2009, lost money in 2011 and is expected to post another loss for 2012. The CEO of the company has resigned.

Read the full report: CLICK HERE

Copyright Photo: Nick Dean. Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner SP-LRA is seen at Paine Field near Everett prior to the official handover.

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Scandinavian Airlines’ yearly loss widens but hopes to be profitable for the current fiscal year

Scandinavian Airlines-SAS (Stockholm) reported a pretax loss of 1.25 billion kronor ($188 million) for the period ending on October 31, versus a profit of 381 million kronor in the previous fiscal year. SAS has suffered with a net yearly loss since 2007. The company with its reorganization program hopes to be profitable on a pretax basis for the current fiscal year that commenced on November 1.

Read the full company report: CLICK HERE

Read the analysis by Bloomberg: CLICK HERE

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Malaysia Airlines celebrates 40 years of flying with a new retrojet

Malaysia Airlines (Kuala Lumpur) yesterday (December 12) revealed one of its aircraft with the original livery it featured on October 1, 1972, to commemorate its 40 years of Malaysian Hospitality delivery to air travellers. The Malaysia Airlines’ Boeing 737-800 was re-painted in full colors of the first ever aircraft that took to the skies four decades ago.

The original livery has the logo featuring the Kelantan wau bulan or moon kite in a red circle, representing controlled flight and also a fine expression of the many mythologies associated with Malaysia. To complement the logo then, the national carrier sported the colors of the Jalur Gemilang on the aircraft, where red, the dominant color was used for the two stripes across the body as in the flag. Blue was used for the words of the airline’s name with white for the background. The stylized kite, the dominant theme, was fast recognized round the world for achieving the dual impression of movement and modernity and most importantly identifying the Malaysian flag carrier to travellers around the world.

Named the ‘Retro Livery’, the aircraft was revealed at a special function at KL International Airport (KLIA) today graced by Malaysia Airlines, Chairman, Tan Sri Md Nor Yusof and Malaysia Airlines, Group CEO Encik Ahmad Jauhari Yayha as well as some distinguished guests from the aviation industry and a good number of Malaysia Airlines’ staff.

The function was filled with a nostalgic atmosphere that brought out the feeling of inspiration amongst all that attended. Various staff recorded their MH stories which had elements of gratitude, hard work, satisfaction, friendship and most of all the lesson of hope against all odds. It was evident from the staff’ speeches that they valued their association with Malaysia Airlines throughout the years.

The retro livery aircraft is set to soar the skies starting on December 13, beginning with flights to Jakarta and Bangkok, two popular Malaysia Airlines’ destinations. To further enhance customer experience on-board, Malaysia Airlines has also introduced new in-flight meal presentations for flights operated by this exclusive aircraft. The menus are designed by Malaysia Airlines’ chef wearing their retro toques while looking back to identify the popular dishes of yester-years. This special menu consists of evergreen Malaysia Airlines’ dishes that will not fail to tantalise the tastebuds of customers.

There will also be a special surprise for passengers on MH711 and MH782 which will be operated using this retro livery aircraft to Jakarta and Bangkok respectively on December 13, 2012 from KLIA. Malaysia Airlines’ top management members will be present at the boarding gates to greet and hand-out surprise gifts to all passengers. All this and more are to reward and appreciate customers for their continuous support towards Malaysia Airlines.

Malaysia Airlines has played a significant role in the development of the nation, Malaysia and it was for this very reason, it was formed 40 years ago. While it has notched 65 years in aviation which is shared together with Singapore Airlines, 40 years marks an important milestone in the history of Malaysia and Malaysians. As this calls for a definite celebration. Malaysia Airlines ushers in the New Year of 2013 in conjunction with the 40th year of its flight code ‘MH’, with its staff making a conscious commitment and resolution in each of their work areas, to come together, to be united and to be a team for a much stronger, revitalized, re-energised and sustainably profitable Malaysia Airlines. A strong Malaysia Airlines also reflects on the strength that brings the staff together on a commitment to serve customers better and better each day.

Malaysian Airline System-MAS (today operating as Malaysia Airlines) commenced operations on April 3, 1971.

Copyright Photo: Michael B. Ing. Boeing 737-8H6 9M-MXA (msn 40128) arrives at Bangkok on the first day of operations in the retrojet colors.

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United to offer nonstop service from San Francisco to Fort Lauderdale/Hollywood starting on March 2

United Airlines (Chicago) has announced plans to launch nonstop service between its San Francisco hub and Ft. Lauderdale/Hollywood, with once-weekly flights beginning on March 2, 2013, and daily service beginning April 9, 2013. The new flights will operate with Boeing 737-800 aircraft.

“South Florida is the largest region in the country not currently served by United from San Francisco,” said Jim Ferea, United’s managing director of domestic planning. “We’re pleased to link these two areas that are important to both business and leisure travelers.”

The daily flights will depart from San Francisco at 8:30 a.m. and arrive in Fort Lauderdale at 5:05 p.m. The return flights will depart Fort Lauderdale at 5:55 p.m. and arrive in San Francisco at 9:15 p.m.

Between March 2, 2013, and April 7, 2013, the airline will offer weekly Saturday-only flights on the route. The schedule varies slightly for the weekly service.

Since February 2011, United has added nonstop service between Ft. Lauderdale/Hollywood and Chicago-O’Hare, Denver and Washington-Dulles. The airline also offers nonstop flights between Ft. Lauderdale/Hollywood and hubs in Cleveland, Houston and New York.

United will compete against JetBlue Airways and Virgin America on the route. United previously had a hub at Miami (the former Pan Am hub) and previously offered Miami-San Francisco service.

Copyright Photo: Brian McDonough. Boeing 737-824 N26210 (msn 28770) in the Star Alliance scheme arrives at the Washington (Dulles) hub.

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Ryanair to open a new base at Krakow, Poland

Ryanair (Dublin) has announced it would open its 53^rd base and second in Poland at Krakow in April 2013 with two-based aircraft and unveiled 4 new routes (31 in total), to/from Dortmund, Gothenburg, Manchester and Kos, as Ryanair invests over $140 million at Krakow Airport.

Ryanair will grow at Krakow as follows:

2 based aircraft
31 routes
4 new routes to/from Dortmund, Gothenburg, Manchester and Kos
Increased frequencies on 3 other routes
224 weekly flights (up 16%)
1.6 million pax p.a (up 14%)
1,600 “on site” jobs

Ryanair:

Southwest to add additional Florida service for winter-spring season

Southwest Airlines (Dallas) is adding new seasonal nonstops in several Florida markets.

Effective from February 15 to April 13, 2013 the airline will be bringing back daily roundtrip nonstops between Orlando and Oklahoma City (last flown since 2008!). WN is also adding new nonstop service between Orlando and Little Rock. Southwest will also be adding a third daily nonstop roundtrip between Tampa and both Columbus, Ohio and St. Louis.

From March 10 through April 13, 2013 WN will be adding a second flight between Louisville and Tampa and between Kansas City and Fort Lauderdale/Hollywood. The airline will also add a fourth daily roundtrip between St. Louis and Tampa.

Southwest Airlines:

British Airways unveils seating plans for its new Airbus A380s and Boeing 787-8 Dreamliners, will take delivery of more Boeing 777-300 ERs

British Airways (London) has announced the seating plans for its new Airbus A380 and Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft on order. The company issued this statement:

With the first of the airline’s new long-haul aircraft only six months away from delivery, British Airways has announced the cabin design and layout for its Boeing 787 and Airbus A380 aircraft.

Two hundred and fourteen customers will enjoy the comforts of the new British Airways 787 Dreamliner and the A380 will be the largest aircraft in the British Airways fleet, with 469 customers.

The 24 Dreamliners and 12 A380s will feature the elegant cabin designs fitted on British Airways’ new Boeing 777-300 ER aircraft, which have proved hugely popular with customers.

All eight 787-8s will feature a new Club World 2:3:2 layout, the latest generation World Traveller and World Traveller Plus seats. In addition, the new A380 will also have an enhanced version of First. The exact seating plans of another 16 787-9s on order have yet to be finalized, they could have three or four-cabin configurations.

British Airways is set to be the first European airline to operate both new aircraft types, with its first Dreamliner arriving in May 2013 and A380 deliveries starting in July 2013.

The British Airways Dreamliner will have 35 seats for customers in the new Club World triple configuration of 2:3:2; 25 seats in a World Traveller Plus layout of 2:3:2; and a further 154 seats for those travelling in World Traveller, with a 3:3:3 configuration.

On the British Airways A380 there will be 14 seats in First on the main deck, with extra personal and stowage space; the Club World cabin will feature 44 seats in a 2:4:2 configuration; and there will be 199 seats in World Traveller, with a 3:4:3 layout.

The A380 upper deck will feature 53 seats in the new Club World triple configuration of 2:3:2; 55 seats in a 2:3:2 World Traveller Plus layout; and World Traveller will have 104 seats in a 2:4:2 configuration.

Both new aircraft will also feature the airline’s latest Thales inflight entertainment system, which offers customers 50 percent more movies, 200 percent more TV shows and 200 percent more audio programs and music*.

Customers will also benefit from new larger screens in all cabins and an easier to use system with shortcut buttons. They will also be able to connect personal devices, such as laptops and use the in-seat power available for the first time in all cabins.

In 2013, British Airways will take delivery of nine new longhaul aircraft. The first British Airways Dreamliner will be delivered in May 2013. A further three will arrive by the end of the year. The first A380 will be delivered in July, with additional deliveries in August and October. Two additional 777-300 ERs will arrive in September and October 2013.

British Airways will announce the routes the new aircraft will operate in Spring 2013.

* Compared with the Rockwell Collins audio video on-demand system deployed on British Airways fleet of Boeing 747s, 767 longhaul aircraft and most Boeing 777-200s.

Copyright Photo: Ton Jochems. More stretched Boeing 777-300 ERs will be joining the fleet. Boeing 777-36N ER G-STBC (msn 38287) arrives at the London Heathrow hub.