airBaltic on October 28, 2018 launched two new nonstop services from Tallinn to Stockholm and Oslo. Since the expansion in Estonia, airBaltic now bases two aircraft at Tallinn Airport. The new flights offer convenient connections between Tallinn and the two cities.
Route
Flight frequency
Start date
Price*, Basic
Price*, Premium
Price*, Business
Tallinn โ Stockholm
12 flights weekly
October 28, 2018
22 EUR
69 EUR
379 EUR
Tallinn โ Oslo
2 flights weekly
October 28, 2018
29 EUR
69 EUR
379 EUR
*Lowest fare (one way), including taxes, fees and service charges, on www.airBaltic.com, subject to availability
airBalticย flies from Tallinn to Stockholm 12 times weekly. The scheduled flight time to Tallinn is one hour and 5 minutes. One-way ticket price to Stockholm starts at 22 EUR, including airport fees and transaction costs. The flights to Oslo are performed two times a week and the scheduled flight time is one hour and 45 minutes. One-way ticket price to Oslo starts at 29 EUR.
In addition, airBaltic continues to offer nonstop flights from Tallinn to London, Amsterdam, Berlin, Paris, Vienna and Vilnius as well as convenient connections via Riga.
During first nine months of 2018 airBaltic has transported over 330,000 passengers to and from Estonia. The airline has carried 12% more passengers in Estonia to its network spanning Europe, Scandinavia, Russia, CIS and the Middle East than during the same period last year.
airBaltic serves over 70 destinations from Riga, Tallinn and Vilnius, offering the largest variety of destinations and convenient connections via Riga to its network spanning Europe, Scandinavia, the CIS and the Middle East. For summer 2019, airBaltic has introduced three new destinations from Tallinn to Malaga, Brussels and Copenhagen. In addition, next summer airBaltic will launch a new direct route connecting Riga and Stuttgart.
SA Express (SAX) has announced that it will resume its operations on Thursday, August 23, 2018.
This follows the recent reinstatement of both the airlineโs Air Operatorโs Certificate (AOC) and Aircraft Maintenance Organisation (AMO) licences by the South African Civil Aviation Authority (SACAA).
SAX has also already received Certificates of Airworthiness for most of its 11 aircraft from SACAA, with the remaining fleet expected to be given the green light soon.
โWe are delighted that we have now satisfied the concerns that the regulator had leading to our temporary grounding at the end of May this year. This has paved the way for us to prudently and incrementally reintroduce our flights as from August 23, 2018,โ SAX Interim CEO, Siza Mzimela said.
โWe would like to thank all our valued customers and loyal staff for bearing with us while we were addressing the regulators operational requirements,โ she added.
โIndeed, our temporary grounding was an opportune time for the airline to interrogate all aspects of our operation, as well as our customer value proposition.
โItโs all systems go now and we are coming back stronger, more focused and energised. In this regard, we are determined going forward to set new industry standards for safety, product quality and customer service,โ the upbeat Mzimela said.
Top Copyright Photo (all others by SA Express):ย SA Express (South African Express Airways) Bombardier DHC-8-402 (Q400) ZS-YBT (msn 4146) JNB (Felix Gottwald). Image: 907457.
Alaska Airlines and Horizon Air issued this statement:
A STATEMENT FROM ALASKA AIR GROUP CEO BRAD TILDEN AND HORIZON AIR CEO GARY BECK
Brad Tilden: โThere was an incident late yesterday involving the unauthorized operation of one of our aircraft that took off from Sea-Tac around 8 p.m.
โWe are still gathering facts, but at this point we understand there was only one person aboard, an employee of Horizon Air, who was operating the aircraft. I want to share how incredibly sad all of us at Alaska are about this incident. Our heart is heavy for the family and friends of the person involved.
โWeโre working to find out everything we possibly can about what happened, working with the Federal Aviation Administration, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the National Transportation Safety Board. We are giving those investigators our full support and cooperation.
โWith these investigations underway, our focus will remain on supporting the family of the individual involved, the broader Alaska and Horizon family, and our communities and guests.
Brad Tilden
CEO, Alaska Air Group
Gary Beck: โI want to echo what Brad said about how incredibly sad all of us are about what happened last night.
โOur first priority is always the safety and care of our people and guests. Our hearts are with all of our employees at Horizon Air, and the larger Alaska Airlines community, and the family of the individual involved.
โThe Horizon Air Q400, which was taken from Sea-Tac International Airport, was not scheduled to fly at the time of the incident. While we have not yet confirmed the identity of the employee, we have confirmed that all crew and passengers are accounted for. Air Traffic Control was in contact with the individual during the brief flight before it crashed on Ketron Island about an hour after it left Sea-Tac. No ground structures were involved in the crash.
โWe are working closely with the authorities and our own safety teams to thoroughly understand this incident.
โI want to thank the employees of Horizon Air and our guests. Our primary objective is to do everything possible to support all of you.โ
Gary Beck, President and CEO, Horizon Air
Update: 1:15 p.m. on Aug. 11, 2018 View todayโs press conference with our CEO, Brad Tilden, Horizon Air CEO, Gary Beck, the FBI and the Port of Seattle.
All of us at Alaska Airlines and Horizon Air are saddened by last nightโs unauthorized flight of a Horizon Q400 aircraft that resulted in the loss of life of the individual involved.
Our top priority is the safety of our guests and employees. Simply put there is nothing more important to us.
We are working closely with the FBI, the NTSB and the FAA to better understand the circumstances of this unauthorized flight. The FBI is the lead investigator for this incident.
Yesterdayโs events will push us to learn what we can from this tragedy so that we can help prevent it from happening again at our airline or any other.
Update: 12:15 a.m. on Aug. 11, 2018
A toll-free hotline has been established for anyone who believes they may know the person involved in the Horizon Air incident. The number is 1-888-283-2153.
Update: 11:54 p.m. on Aug. 10, 2018 Alaska Airlines believes a ground service agent employed by Horizon Air was the individual responsible for flying the Horizon Q400 without clearance from Sea-Tac International Airport around 8 p.m. tonight.
The plane, which was taken from a maintenance position and was not scheduled for passenger flight, crashed about an hour later in a wooded area on Ketron Island in rural Pierce County. No ground structures were involved at the crash site.
Military jets were scrambled from Portland, but it does not appear that these jets were involved in the crash of the Horizon aircraft.
This individual who took the aircraft, who has not yet been positively identified until remains are examined, is believed to have been the only person on the plane when the plane was taken from a maintenance position at Sea-Tac.
First responders are at the crash site. Appropriate government agencies, including NTSB, FAA and FBI, have been notified.
Update: 10:55 p.m. on Aug. 10, 2018 A brief statement from Constance von Muehlen of Horizon Air regarding tonightโs incident:
โGood evening, Iโm Constance von Muehlen, Horizon Air chief operating officer. Iโm sorry to share with you this evening that at approximately 8 p.m., one of our Q400 airplanes made an unauthorized takeoff from Sea-Tac Airport. We believe it was taken by a single Horizon Air employee and that no other passengers or crew were onboard. Shortly thereafter, it crashed on Ketron Island by South Tacoma. Our hearts are with the families of the individual aboard as well as all of our Alaska Air and Horizon Air employees. We will provide more information as it becomes available.โ
Update: 10 p.m. on Aug. 10, 2018ย
Alaska Airlines has confirmed that a Horizon Airlines Q400 that had an unauthorized takeoff from Sea-Tac International Airport around 8 p.m. has gone down near Ketron Island in Pierce County.
Alaska is working to confirm who was on board, but it is believed that there were no passengers or crew on board other than the person operating the plane. NTSB has been notified.
Original post: 9:32 p.m. on Aug. 10, 2018
We are aware of an incident involving an unauthorized take-off of a Horizon Air Q400. We believe there are no passengers on board. More information as we learn more.
WestJet has announced new twice-weekly, nonstop service between Calgary and Terrace, B.C., effective September 4, 2018. This new route brings the number of nonstop destinations WestJet serves from Calgary to 63, more than any other airline.
Operated by WestJet Encore using Bombardier Q400 aircraft, the additional service will benefit the entire northwest region of the province which continues to be economically strong due to investment in forestry, mining, smelting, hydroelectricity, liquefied natural gas and infrastructure projects in the Kitimat–Terrace industrial corridor.
WestJet Encore also operates twice-daily service to Vancouver. Both routes provide the opportunity to conveniently connect to and from Honolulu, Maui, Kauai and Kona, Las Vegas, Phoenix, Cancun, Puerto Vallarta, Cabo and Mazatlan in addition to connecting to the remainder of WestJet’s extensive domestic, transborder and international network.
Details of WestJet Encore’s new twice-weekly, non-stop service between Calgary and Terrace, are:
Route
Frequency
Departing
Arriving
Effective
Calgary โ Terrace
Twice weekly
9:30 p.m.
10:50 p.m.
September 4, 2018
Terrace โ Calgary
Twice weekly
6:30 a.m.
9:35 a.m.
September 5, 2018
Top Copyright Photo (all others by WestJet):ย WestJet Encore Bombardier DHC-8-402 (Q400) C-FWEZ (msn 4483) YVR (Brandon Farris). Image: 931590.
Porter Airlines and Aimia Inc. are announcing a comprehensive partnership designating Porter as a preferred Canadian airline to issue Aeroplan Miles on Porter routes effective July 2020.
Porter will also become a redemption partner, as of the effective time of the agreement, offering up to 60% of seat inventory for the purchase of flights with Aeroplan Miles at fixed-rate prices. The arrangement includes an extensive cooperative marketing program targeting existing Aeroplan members, with an emphasis on members who travel on Porter routes.
Points from Porter’s existing VIPorter loyalty program will be converted into Aeroplan Miles when the agreement becomes effective in 2020. Porter passengers will then be able to earn and redeem Aeroplan Miles on all Porter flights, plus across the growing Aeroplan collection of more than 75 travel and retail partners. This includes international airlines covering much of the globe.
The VIPorter loyalty status program will be maintained beyond June 2020 to deliver benefits for frequent flyers, such as priority boarding, complimentary seat selection and checked baggage allowances. Other details will be communicated to members before that time.
Top Copyright Photo (all others by Porter):ย Porter Airlines Bombardier DHC-8-402 (Q400) C-GLQB (msn 4130) (Ottawa 2017) IAD (Brian McDonough). Image: 938919.
After a comprehensive review of regional aircraft options, Flybe Group plc (โFlybeโ), Europeโs largest regional airline, has concluded that the Bombardier Q400 is the best core aircraft for its current and future needs. It will therefore remain as the backbone of the Flybe fleet for the foreseeable future.
The Q400 is faster than the alternative turboprops, with a performance close to jet aircraft over the relatively short sectors that Flybe operates. In addition, with excellent operating economics including turboprop fuel efficiency, it is cheaper to operate than similar-sized jet aircraft, and has a much smaller noise footprint. Flybe will however continue to operate a number of Embraer E175 jets for longer or busier routes.
Flybeโs stated strategy is to reduce its overall fleet and to concentrate on profitable routes only. In the past twelve months, Flybe handed back six older end-of-lease Q400s. With a further planned handback of all nine Embraer 195 jets, the overall fleet is well on the way to reducing in size from 85 at its peak in May 2017, to a target of around 70 aircraft by early 2020.
Flybeโs Q400 fleet remains a relatively young one, with an average age of just over 10 years. The airline has accordingly concluded that it will retain its remaining Q400 aircraft and, where economic, extend their service lives. This will save considerable capital expenditure over the next few years, by avoiding the requirement to acquire new aircraft.
Flybe still has a heritage order for four Embraer E175s due in 2019. These will be delivered with new โwinglet technologyโ to help reduce fuel consumption. Apart from these, Flybe is not planning any additional new aircraft orders for the foreseeable future.
Flybe CEO, Christine Ourmiรจres- Widener said: โFlybeโs strategy is to reduce the fleet size to an optimum level and make the business demand-driven rather than capacity-led. Our fleet configuration is an important part of that strategy. We examined exhaustively all the options and concluded the Bombardier Q400 is the best core aircraft for us. Its superior economy, speed and quietness is ideal for a regional airline such as ourselves. Together with a number of Embraer E175s, our future fleet will be the optimum required for our specific regional route network.โ
Fred Cromer, President, Bombardier Commercial Aircraft added: โWe are delighted that Flybe, our long-term customer and largest Q400 operator, remains committed to the Q400 as its preferred turboprop. With its jet-like performance, industry-leading reliability and unbeatable economics, we are glad that the Q400 turboprop will continue to support Flybe as the airline further imposes itself as one of Europeโs leading regional providers.โ
John Slattery, President & CEO of Embraer Commercial Aviation commented: โFlybeโs commitment to the E175 as its regional jet of choice is a great endorsement of the type as a key part of its wider fleet. Now, introducing in its fleet the most updated version of the E175 with lower fuel burn, Flybe will enjoy even greater operating economics on their jet-service routes. We are looking forward to continuing to support and work with Flybe in the future.โ
Bombardier Commercial Aircraft has announced it has concluded a firm order for 10 new Q400 aircraft with Ethiopian Airlines. The order also includes purchase rights for five additional Q400 aircraft.
Based on the list price of the Q400 aircraft, the firm order is valued at approximately $332 million U.S.
Air Canada today announced it will begin new domestic regional nonstop flights on July 2, 2018.ย The only year-round service between Montreal–London, ON and Montreal–Windsor, ON will provide services that meets the needs of both local and connecting passengers. Flights are timed to offer convenient connections to/from Atlantic Canada including Saint John, Fredericton, Moncton Halifax and St. John’s; to Europe including Brussels, Rome, Geneva, Barcelona, Lisbon, Paris, Lyon, Frankfurt, as well as Casablanca, Morocco.
Daily Montreal–Windsor, Ontario flights will be operated by Air Canada Express Jazz 50-seat Bombardier CRJ jets. The schedule for the flights is:
Flight #
Depart
Time
Arrive
Time
AC8183
Montreal
08:50
Windsor, ON
10:39
AC8184
Windsor, ON
11:10
Montreal
12:55
Daily Montreal–London, Ontario flights will be operated by Air Canada Express Jazz 78-seat Bombardier Q400 aircraft. The schedule for the flights is:
Porter Airlines flights to Mont Tremblant, Quebec, are back in time to enjoy summer in the Laurentians region (below). Seasonal service begins on June 22, and runs until September 23, 2018.
Flights operate up to four times weekly starting July 26 through Labour Day, and two times weekly for the remainder of the season.
Passengers fly nonstop from Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport to Mont Tremblant International Airport in just 70 minutes.
Additionally the carrier also started seasonal service toย Stephenville with 11 round-trip flights on Saturdays through June 23, increasing to twice weekly from June 27 to September 1, 2018. Flights will continue into the fall and winter to the west coast on the island of Newfoundland (below).
In other news,ย Porter Airlines has announced it will establish a new maintenance base at Greater Sudbury Airport for its 29 Bombardier Q400 aircraft.
Photo Above: Porter Airlines.ย The Hon. Glenn Thibeault, Mayor Mayor Brian Bigger, Sudbury AirportCEO, Todd Tripp, and Porter COO, Paul Moreira announcing Porterโs investment in a Sudbury aircraft maintenance base with the support of The Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation. This investment demonstrates how the private sector can work with government to benefit local economies, ensuring our eight local maintenance team members have an excellent, new hangar facility at Sudbury Airport.
Top Copyright Photo (all others by Porter):ย Porter Airlines Bombardier DHC-8-402 (Q400) C-GLQQ (msn 4272) MYR (Jan Petzold). Image: 941689.
airBalticย on April 16, launched a new route from Riga International Airport to Khrabrovoย Airport in Kaliningrad, Russia. The new route will offer convenient connections between the two cities.ย
Route
Flight frequency
Start date
Price *,
Basic
Price *,
Premium
Price*,
Business
Riga โ Kaliningrad
6 flights weekly
April 16, 2018
29 EUR
89 EUR
349 EUR
*Lowest fare (one way), including taxes, fees and service charges, on www.airBaltic.com, subject to availability
Starting April 16, 2018, airBalticย flies between Riga and Kaliningrad six times a week on a Bombardier Q400 NextGen aircraft, and the flight is scheduled to last 55 minutes. One-way ticket price from Riga to Kaliningrad starts at 29 EUR, including airport fees and transaction costs.
airBaltic serves over 70 routes from Riga, Tallinn and Vilnius, offering the largest variety of destinations and convenient connections via Riga to its network spanning Europe, Scandinavia, the CIS and the Middle East. For summer 2018, airBaltic has introduced eight new destinations from Riga to Malaga, Lisbon, Split, Bordeaux, Gdansk, Almaty as well as Sochi and Kaliningrad. In addition, airBaltic launched a new direct route connecting Tallinn and London.
Top Copyright Photo (all others by airBaltic):ย airBaltic (airBaltic.com) Bombardier DHC-8-402 (Q400) YL-BAY (msn 4331) ZRH (Rolf Wallner). Image: 907348.
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