Tag Archives: Lion Air

Lion Air reopens a route connecting Padang to Saudi Arabia

Lion Air announced the reopening of Umrah flight services effective January 3, 2023, from West Sumatra through Minangkabau International Airport in Padang Pariaman (PDG) to: 

Medina – King Mohammad bin Abdul Aziz International Airport, Saudi Arabia (MED)  Jeddah – King Abdul Aziz International Airport, Saudi Arabia (JED).

Padang is the 6th route after:

1. Jakarta – Soekarno-Hatta International Airport, Tangerang (CGK)

2. Surabaya – Juanda International Airport, East Java (SUB)

3. Kualanamu – Kualanamu International Airport in Deli Serdang, North Sumatra (KNO)

4. Makassar – Sultan Hasanuddin International Airport, South Sulawesi (UPG)

5. Majalengka – BIJB Kertajati International Airport, West Java (KJT).

The inaugural flight in early 2023 has marked by flying 328 pilgrims. For the convenience of guests from each region of origin, Lion Air has prepared cabin crew to help facilitate communication from the language aspect.

Lion Air flight number JT-082 took off from Minangkabau International Airport at 08.10 WIB (GMT+07) and has scheduled to arrive at King Mohammad bin Abdul Aziz International Airport at 13:22 local time (GMT+03).

The type of aircraft operated is the wide-body Airbus A330-900neo (with a capacity of 436 economy class seats), which can serve non-stop with a travel time of up to 12 hours, so it is very appropriate to support Umrah flights from West Sumatra.

Top Copyright Photo: Lion Air (PT Lion Mentari Airlines) Airbus A330-941 F-WWYA (PK-LEI) (msn 1926) TLS (Eurospot). Image: 959837.

Lion Air aircraft photo gallery:

Photo: 22 Lion Air Group Boeing 737s parked at San Bernardino, CA mostly going to Delta

No, this not Jakarta, Indonesia. It is at San Bernardino, CA in the LA area. At least 22 Boeing 737s from the Group (Lion Air, Malindo and Batik Air) have been retired from service and are in storage at SBD.

From atcpilot_photography on Instagram

In July 2021 Delta made this announcement:

Delta has entered into agreements to add 29 used Boeing 737-900ERs and lease seven used Airbus A350-900s as it continues to streamline and modernize its fleet. The 36 additional aircraft will improve fuel efficiency and enhance the customer experience, while supporting Delta’s fleet renewal strategy focused on simplification, scale, size and sustainability.

“These aircraft are an investment in Delta’s future,” said Delta CEO Ed Bastian. “As we look past the pandemic, Delta’s disciplined, innovative approach to fleet renewal positions us for growth as travel demand returns, while enhancing the customer experience and supporting our sustainability commitments.”

The COVID-19 pandemic provided an opportunity to simplify Delta’s fleet and accelerate retirements of 18 widebody 777s, and the MD-88 and MD-90 narrowbody fleets, all of them older and less efficient. The pandemic also provided unique business opportunities to add newer generation aircraft at attractive prices.

Widebody fleet renewal is instrumental to Delta’s recovery, and will help position Delta for sustained profitability and future growth. As Delta’s flagship aircraft, the A350 provides a world-class customer experience, enhances cargo capacity, reduces unit costs and contributes to a more sustainable future.

The next-generation A350s burn 21 percent less fuel per seat than the 777s they replace. Improved fuel efficiency is paramount to Delta’s ongoing efforts to reduce its carbon emissions and its Flight to Net Zero. The acquisition of 29 narrowbody 737-900ERs also complement Delta’s existing fleet.

Delta will lease the A350s through AerCap and purchase 27 of the 737-900ERs from funds managed by Castlelake, L.P., while the remaining two 737-900ERs will be financed from funds also managed by Castlelake, L.P. Both transactions are subject to closing conditions. Deliveries of the aircraft will be completed by the first quarter of 2022, and they will enter service after modifications are completed.

In addition to the seven A350s that are part of this announcement, Delta currently has 15 A359s in service and 20 on order. The addition of the 29 737-900ERs will bring the total to 159 in its fleet.

The agreement follows Delta’s decision in April to exercise options on 25 additional A321neo jets, which will start to deliver next year. Those aircraft offer the lowest seat costs in Delta’s fleet.

Lion Air Group to lay off 2,600 employees

Lion Air Group has decided to lay off 2,600 employees, including pilots, commercial staff and ground staff.

Meanwhile the group issued this statement concerning services:

Lion Air has announced that it will increase flight capacity compared to the previous month starting from July 2020 and continued to the following months.

Lion Air Group will continue to operate the aircraft to serve domestic routes which are currently run into an increasing demand (so it is not true if there is a piece of information that says Lion Air Group has stopped operating, related information currently being traced).

Scheduled flight services to and from major cities to the district or regency, including Jakarta (Soekarno-Hatta International Airport and Halim Perdanakusuma International Airport), Banda Aceh, Medan, Padang, Pekanbaru, Batam, Palembang, Jambi, Bengkulu, Lampung, Bangka Belitung, Bandung, Semarang, Yogyakarta, Surabaya, Lombok, Bali, Kupang, Pontianak, Palangkaraya, Balikpapan, Banjarmasin, Tarakan, Makassar, Kendari, Palu, Gorontalo, Manado, Ternate, Ambon, Sorong, Manokwari, Timika , Jayapura, Merauke, Berau, Sampit, Lubuk Linggau, Labuan Bajo, Luwuk, Tambolaka, Waingapu, Bima, Sumbawa, Ende, Gunung Sitoli and other areas.

Lion Air Group will continue to serve and develop other routes as demand for air transportation services. Lion Air Group is optimistic, that air travel trends will continue to improve and increase in line with the ease of traveling by aircraft for passengers.

Lion Air Group complies with the health protocols, with the expectation that every flight operation fulfills the elements of safety and security (safety first), and in an effort not to cause the COVID-19 spreading.

Under conditions of COVID-19 pandemic alert, Lion Air Group has consistently run a sterilization process, cleanliness, and all aircraft maintenance in accordance with scheduled and unscheduled maintenance programs. It is the sincerity in every execution of aviation operations, ensuring that the aircraft is safe and airworthy for flight as well as to prepare the proper flight.

Lion Air aircraft photo gallery:

Lion Air aircraft slide show:

https://airlinersgallery.smugmug.com/frame/slideshow?key=fTWkxM&speed=3&transition=fade&autoStart=1&captions=0&navigation=0&playButton=0&randomize=0&transitionSpeed=2

Lion Air suspends operations again because passengers did not comply with COVID-19 regulations!

Lion Air (Indonesia) has made this announcement:

Lion Air, member of Lion Air Group will provide the latest information on the operation of the scheduled passenger of domestic and international flights that will be temporarily suspended, from June 5, 2020 until further notice/UFN.

Lion Air Group’s decision was based on considerations from an evaluation of previous flight operations, that many prospective passengers were unable to carry out air travel because they did not complete the required documents and conditions during the Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic alert period.

Lion Air Group protect and make sure for physical and mental health conditions of all employees are in good condition, after the previous flight operational.

Lion Air Group continuously monitors the progress of the situation, collects data and information and implements the various anticipating steps needed to prepare for the upcoming flight service, in order to keep Lion Air Group’s flight operations under applicable provisions of safety and security aspects, continue to implement health protocols according to the provisions and does not lead to the spread of COVID-19.

Lion Air Group supports government related to the prevention efforts of COVID-19 spread, through active participation in implementing the health protocols that have been established by the Ministry of Transportation, Ministry of Health and Task Force acceleration handling COVID-19 in each environment and activities of the company and socialize in the environment around the company.

Route Map:

Lion Air aircraft photo gallery:

Indonesian investigators blame a series of mistakes for the crash of Lion Air 610

Delivered August 13, 2018, crashed into the Java Sea on October 29, 2018

National Transportation Safety Committee (NTSC) of Indonesia has issued their final report on the crash of Lion Air flight 610.

The investigators faulted Boeing, Lion Air and the pilots for the tragic crash.

The report criticized the purchase of the critical sensor from a Florida repair shop that had not been properly tested and calibrated.

The report spotlighted 9 things that contributed to the accident.

Reliance on the single angle-of-attack sensor made MCAS more vulnerable to failure.

Read more from the BBC.

Boeing issued this response to the report:

Boeing Statement On Lion Air Flight 610 Investigation Final Report.

Boeing issued the following statement regarding the release of the final investigation report of Lion Air Flight 610 by Indonesia’s National Transportation Safety Committee (KNKT):

“On behalf of everyone at Boeing, I want to convey our heartfelt condolences to the families and loved ones of those who lost their lives in these accidents. We mourn with Lion Air, and we would like to express our deepest sympathies to the Lion Air family,” said Boeing President & CEO Dennis Muilenburg. “These tragic events have deeply affected us all and we will always remember what happened.”

“We commend Indonesia’s National Transportation Safety Committee for its extensive efforts to determine the facts of this accident, the contributing factors to its cause and recommendations aimed toward our common goal that this never happens again.”

“We are addressing the KNKT’s safety recommendations, and taking actions to enhance the safety of the 737 MAX to prevent the flight control conditions that occurred in this accident from ever happening again. Safety is an enduring value for everyone at Boeing and the safety of the flying public, our customers, and the crews aboard our airplanes is always our top priority. We value our long-standing partnership with Lion Air and we look forward to continuing to work together in the future.”

Boeing experts, working as technical advisors to the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board, have supported the KNKT over the course of the investigation. The company’s engineers have been working with the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and other global regulators to make software updates and other changes, taking into account the information from the KNKT’s investigation.

Since this accident, the 737 MAX and its software are undergoing an unprecedented level of global regulatory oversight, testing and analysis. This includes hundreds of simulator sessions and test flights, regulatory analysis of thousands of documents, reviews by regulators and independent experts and extensive certification requirements.

Over the past several months Boeing has been making changes to the 737 MAX. Most significantly, Boeing has redesigned the way Angle of Attack (AoA) sensors work with a feature of the flight control software known as Maneuvering Characteristics Augmentation System (MCAS). Going forward, MCAS will compare information from both AoA sensors before activating, adding a new layer of protection.

In addition, MCAS will now only turn on if both AoA sensors agree, will only activate once in response to erroneous AOA, and will always be subject to a maximum limit that can be overridden with the control column.

These software changes will prevent the flight control conditions that occurred in this accident from ever happening again.

In addition, Boeing is updating crew manuals and pilot training, designed to ensure every pilot has all of the information they need to fly the 737 MAX safely.

Boeing continues to work with the FAA and other regulatory agencies worldwide on the certification of the software update and training program to safely return the 737 MAX to service.

Top Copyright Photo: Lion Air (PT Lion Mentari Airlines) Boeing 737-8 MAX 8 PK-LQP (msn 43000) BFI (James Helbock). Image: 944189.

 

 

Lion Air becomes first A330neo operator in the Asia-Pacific region

Airbus has made this announcement:

Lion Air has received its first Airbus A330-900, becoming the first airline from the Asia-Pacific region to fly the A330neo. The aircraft is on lease from BOC Aviation and is the first of 10 A330neos set to join the airline’s fleet.

The A330neo will be used by Lion Air for nonstop long-haul services from Indonesia. These include pilgrimage flights from cities such as Makassar, Balikpapan and Surabaya to Jeddah and Medina in Saudi Arabia. The flight time for such routes can be up to 12 hours.

Lion Air’s A330-900 is configured for 436 passengers in a single-class configuration.

Photo: Airbus.

Boeing makes a financial offer to the families and communities affected by the Lion Air flight 610 and Ethiopian Airlines flight 302 accidents

Boeing has made this announcement:

Boeing has announced $100 million in funds to address family and community needs of those affected by the tragic accidents of Lion Air flight 610 and Ethiopian Airlines flight 302. These funds will support education, hardship and living expenses for impacted families, community programs, and economic development in impacted communities. Boeing will partner with local governments and non-profit organizations to address these needs. This initial investment will be made over multiple years.

“We at Boeing are sorry for the tragic loss of lives in both of these accidents and these lives lost will continue to weigh heavily on our hearts and on our minds for years to come. The families and loved ones of those on board have our deepest sympathies, and we hope this initial outreach can help bring them comfort,” said Dennis Muilenburg, Boeing chairman, president and CEO.

“We know every person who steps aboard one of our airplanes places their trust in us. We are focused on re-earning that trust and confidence from our customers and the flying public in the months ahead.”

Boeing will release additional information in the near future.

Consistent with Boeing’s regular process for employee charitable donations, company employees will also have the opportunity to make donations in support of the families and communities impacted by the accidents. Boeing will match these employee donations through December 31, 2019.

Video: Rogue Boeing 737 Max planes ‘with minds of their own’

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QytfYyHmxtc&w=560&h=315%5D

New video from 60 Minutes Australia:

Liz Hayes investigates the disaster of Boeing’s 737 MAX jetliner. Why two supposedly state-of-the-art and safe planes crashed killing 346 people; why pilots now fear flying the 737 MAX; and whether Boeing could have averted the catastrophes.

First Lion Air A330neo rolls-out of the Airbus paint shop

Airbus has made this announcement:

The first A330neo for Lion Air Group has rolled out of the Airbus paint shop in Toulouse, France, featuring the airline’s distinctive livery. The aircraft will be operated on lease from BOC Aviation.

Altogether, Lion Air Group will acquire 10 A330neo aircraft, eight of which will be leased from BOC Aviation. The aircraft will have a single-class layout seating 440 passengers and will be operated by Lion Air on selected domestic routes, as well as charter and pilgrimage service to Saudi Arabia. Some of the aircraft will be operated by Thai Lion on long-haul services from Thailand.

The first aircraft will now continue its industrial process and proceed soon to ground and flight tests, before the delivery to the airline in the coming weeks.

The A330neo is the true new-generation aircraft building on the best-selling widebody A330’s features and leveraging on A350 XWB technology. Powered by the latest Rolls-Royce Trent 7000 engines, the A330neo provides an unprecedented level of efficiency – with 25% lower fuel burn per seat than previous generation competitors. Equipped with the Airspace by Airbus cabin, the A330neo offers a unique passenger experience with more personal space and the latest generation in-flight entertainment system and connectivity.

Photo: Airbus.

Lion Air honors its last Boeing 747-400 as one era ends and a new Airbus A330neo era begins

Lion Air made this announcement:

Lion Air, member of Lion Air Group, honored the milestone of 19 years of flight operations and recognized the end of Boeing 747-400 operations with the registration of PK-LHG.

First operated on April 23, 2009 by Lion Air, the last Boeing 747-400 had a capacity of 12 business class seats and 492 economy classes.

Lion Air is very proud to have operated the “Queen of the Skies” for 10 years to serve its domestic (Indonesia) market such as Soekarno-Hatta Tangerang, Medan Kualanamu, Batam, Surabaya, Denpasar and Makassar, as well as international destinations to Jeddah and Madinah, in Saudi Arabia.

Therefore, Lion Air gives the highest appreciation for the end of the Boeing 747-400 operations through a special event that raised the theme of the last moment and prepared to welcome the new aircraft “Last Moment of Boeing 747-400 and Welcoming Airbus A330-900neo”.

The Airbus A330-900neo wide-body aircraft will be delivered in stages according to schedule and the first is planned to arrive in Indonesia in May 2019. This year, Lion Air will receive two aircraft.

Lion Air in 2018 has ordered ten (10) Airbus A330-900neo aircraft and has the option of obtaining four similar aircraft. The ten planes are scheduled for delivery to Lion Air Group in 2019 and 2020.

The operation of Airbus A330neo will provide added value to customers with the presence of direct flying, including nonstop Umrah flights (Middle East) from Makassar; South Sulawesi to Medina; Balikpapan, East Borneo Kalimantan to Jeddah; Surabaya, East Java to Madinah; Solo; Central Java to Jeddah.

Moreover, Lion Air is preparing to expand its tourism market to South Asia, including India.

Editor’s Note: The pictured Boeing 747-412 PK-LHG last flew on December 2, 2018 as flight LNI 111 between Jeddah and Jakarta (CGK). It has been in storage since them.

Top Photos: Lion Air.

Lion Air aircraft slide show:

Bottom Copyright Photo: Sister ship Boeing 747-412 PK-LHF was previously retired in January 2016. Lion Air (PT Lion Mentari Airlines) Boeing 747-412 PK-LHF (msn 24063) CGK (Michael B. Ing). Image: 946064.

Type Retired: December 2, 2018 (LNI 111 Jeddah-Jakarta with PK-LHG)