Tag Archives: Mark Durbin

British Airways and others are bringing aircraft out of desert storage

British Airways (London) is bringing a Boeing 747-400 out of desert storage at Victorville, CA along with other carriers.

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Copyright Photo: Mark Durbin. A dramatic picture of BA’s Boeing 747-436 G-BNLO (msn 24057) with the promotional “Face to Face” markings rotating at San Francisco.

Alaska Airlines to launch San Jose-Los Cabos flights on November 20

Alaska Airlines will inaugurate thrice-weekly service between San Jose, Calif., and Los Cabos, Mexico, starting November 20, 2010, subject to government approval. The nonstop flight will operate on Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sundays.

The new flights will be operated with Boeing 737-700 aircraft, accommodating 12 passengers in first class and 112 in the main cabin.

Copyright Photo: Mark Durbin. Boeing 737-790 N644AS (msn 30795) with the special WiFi sticker and equipment departs from San Francisco.

Virgin America signs MOU for 40 new Airbus A320 aircraft

Virgin America (San Francisco) announced it plans to order 40 new Airbus A320 aircraft, with options for 20 additional aircraft. The new aircraft would be delivered from 2013 through 2016 – with 10 firm orders per year on average, and options for 20 additional aircraft in 2017-2018. With today’s order of 40 new aircraft and growth from other sources, Virgin America’s fleet is projected to grow from its current 28 aircraft to 90 aircraft by 2016 – a compounded annual growth rate of 21.5 percent.

Copyright Photo: Mark Durbin. This now rare view shows the special Entourage markings on Airbus A320-214 N628VA (msn 2993) at San Francisco.

Frontier Airlines to start Kansas City-Austin service on November 18

Frontier Airlines (2nd) (Denver) announced it will launch nonstop service from Kansas City International Airport (MCI) to Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS) beginning on November 18, 2010.

This new route will be flown by 76-seat Republic Airlines’ (2nd) Embraer ERJ 170 aircraft.

Copyright Photo: Mark Durbin. Embraer ERJ 170-100SE N872RW (msn 17000143) taxies at San Francisco.

Virgin America launches its first international route to Toronto

Copyright Photo: Mark Durbin.

Copyright Photo: Mark Durbin.

Virgin America (San Francisco) yesterday (June 29) marked the launch of its first international city by launching its new Toronto service with a celebrated flight from Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) through San Francisco International Airport (SFO) to Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ). Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger joined Virgin Group Founder Sir Richard Branson onboard the LAX to SFO leg, and via WiFi at 35,000 feet over the California coast, they announced the airline’s intention to serve a new destination: Mexico. The SFO to YYZ flight was hosted by Drake, the Toronto native and Grammy nominated recording artist, hosting a mile high party en route.

Read the press release:

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Copyright Photos: Mark Durbin. Airbus A320-214 N631VA (msn 3135), pictured at the SFO base, carried special “Air-Time with Drake” and “Thank Drake Me Later” stickers for the inaugural flight.

Frontier Airlines starts Kansas City-New Orleans service

Frontier Airlines (2nd) (Denver) yesterday (May 20) launched new nonstop service between Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (MSY) and Kansas City International Airport (MCI) with one daily roundtrip flight. Frontier’s Kansas City-New Orleans service is flown by the Embraer 170 (ERJ 170) aircraft operated by Republic Airlines (2nd) (Indianapolis).

Frontier will launch daily nonstop service between New Orleans and Denver beginning June 11, 2010.

In other news, Frontier Airlines announced that its flight attendants have voted to be represented by the Association of Flight Attendants. The union will represent Frontier’s approximately 945 flight attendants.

The National Mediation Board must now certify the AFA as the bargaining representative for the company’s flight attendants.

Copyright Photo: Mark Durbin. Republic Airlines’ ERJ 170-100SE N872RW (msn 17000143) taxies across the ramp at San Francisco in the past.

Frontier Airlines to expand Branson, MO service

Frontier Airlines (2nd) (Denver) announced it is expanding its presence at Branson Airport (BKG) with the addition of seasonal nonstop service to Milwaukee’s General Mitchell International Airport (MKE) beginning July 1, 2010, and an additional frequency to its nonstop service to Denver International Airport (DEN).

Frontier’s Branson service will be flown by the Embraer 170/190 aircraft operated by Republic Airlines (2nd). The Embraer fleet will also be outfitted with in-flight internet service by the end of 2010.

Copyright Photo: Mark Durbin. Embraer ERJ 170-100SE N873RW (msn 17000144) taxies past the camera at San Francisco. The Republic Embraer ERJ 170 fleet is being repainted back into the distinctive Frontier colors from the Midwest brand.

Frontier Airlines adds two new routes today from Denver

Frontier Airlines (2nd) today (May 3) launched new nonstop service between the carrier’s Denver hub and both Newport News/Williamsburg, VA (PHF) and Madison, WI (MSN). The carrier also launched nonstop service between Kansas City, MO (MCI) and Columbus, OH (CMH). The service is part of a significant period of growth for the Denver-based carrier, which is growing by 7 percent in seat miles this year, making it the fastest-growing major airline in the United States.

In the coming weeks, Frontier Airlines will launch service between Denver and Fairbanks, AK; Grand Rapids, MI.; Long Beach, CA.; New Orleans; and Santa Barbara, CA. The carrier will also launch service from Milwaukee to both Seattle/Tacoma and from Kansas City to New Orleans.

On April 13, Republic Airways Holdings, Inc. announced that Frontier Airlines would be the face of its branded operation, combining Frontier and Midwest Airlines into one carrier. Although all flights can now be purchased at FrontierAirlines.com, Frontier and Midwest will continue to integrate technology over the next six to nine months and during this time period customers are reminded to continue checking in with the operating airline for their flight.

Copyright Photo: Mark Durbin. The Embraer ERJ 170s of Republic Airlines will now be painted back in the colors of Frontier Airlines. Wearing a swan image on the tail, ERJ 170-100SE N872RW (msn 17000143) taxies at San Francisco when it was originally operating for Frontier.

Alaska Air Group posts a $5.3 million 1Q net profit

Alaska Air Group, Inc. (Seattle), the parent of Alaska Airlines and Horizon Air, today (April 22) reported first quarter 2010 net income of $5.3 million, or $0.15 per diluted share, compared to a net loss of $19.2 million, or $0.53 per diluted share, in the first quarter of 2009. Excluding mark-to-market fuel hedge losses of $12.5 million ($7.8 million after tax or $0.21 per diluted share), the company reported first quarter 2010 net income of $13.1 million, or $0.36 per diluted share, compared to a net loss excluding special items of $25.4 million, or $0.70 per diluted share, in the first quarter of 2009.

In other news, Alaska Airlines and Horizon Air announced expanded service to Hawaii and Mexico and new service between San Jose, CA., and Los Angeles.

Alaska Airlines will inaugurate daily service between San Diego and Kahului, Maui, beginning on October 1, and daily seasonal service between San Diego and Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, starting on November 12, 2010. It will also begin seasonal flying between Portland, OR, and Kona, on the Big Island of Hawaii, four times a week starting on November 12. Additionally, it will add a second flight between Seattle/Tacoma and Kona that will operate thrice weekly from November 11 to April 10, 2011.

These new flights are in addition to the new daily service between Portland and Honolulu the carrier announced last week.

Copyright Photo: Mark Durbin. Horizon Air is gradually phasing out its Bombardier CRJ700s. CRJ700 (CL-600-2C10) N602QX (msn 10010) beautifully departs from the runway at San Francisco on a clear day. The jetliner carries the special University of Washington Huskies motif.

Alaska Airlines to serve as the official airline sponsor of the Iditarod Sled Dog Race

Alaska Airlines (Seattle/Tacoma) will serve as the official airline sponsor of the Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race, marking the 32nd year the airline has supported the race.

As part of its sponsorship, Alaska Airlines also will provide air transportation and dog-care supplies for a team of 48 Iditarod veterinarians who care for the race dogs’ health and safety.

Copyright Photo: Mark Durbin. Boeing 737-490 N705AS (msn 29318) with the special and unique “We’re all pulling together” livery which celebrates the 50th Anniversary of statehood for the state of Alaska passes through San Francisco.