Tag Archives: San Francisco

American Airlines to introduce Embraer ERJ 175 service between Los Angeles and San Francisco

American Airlines (Dallas/Fort Worth) will introduce Embraer ERJ 175 American Eagle service between Los Angeles and San Francisco starting on April 14. Compass Airlines (Minneapolis/St. Paul) will operate the twice-daily service per Airline Route.

Compass Airlines will operate 20 ERJ 175s as a new American Eagle carrier. The first delivery is due in March.

Currently Envoy Air (CRJ700s), Mesa Airlines (CRJ900s) and SkyWest Airlines (CRJ200s) operate American Eagle regional routes from Los Angeles International Airport (LAX).

Copyright Photo: Jay Selman/AirlinersGallery.com. Republic Airlines (2nd) (call sign “Brickyard”) currently operates the type as an American Eagle carrier. Embraer ERJ 170-200LR (ERJ 175) N136HQ (msn 17000226) approaches the runway at Charlotte Douglas International Airport.

American Eagle-Republic aircraft slide show:

http://airlinersgallery.smugmug.com/Airlines-UnitedStates-1/Airlines-UnitedStates-1/American-Eagle-2nd-Republic-Ai

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Virgin America extends its partnership with the San Francisco Giants, adds a new logo to Airbus A320 N849VA

Virgin America Giants trophy

Virgin America (San Francisco) and the San Francisco Giants of Major League Baseball yesterday (January 21) announced a multi-year partnership extension, which maintains the Bay Area-based airline’s position as the “Official Airline of the San Francisco Giants” through the end of 2018. This announcement came during an “orange carpet” send-off for the 2014 World Championship Trophy as it heads to New York City for the East Coast leg of a three-month World Championship Trophy Tour presented by Bank of America.

Virgin American MLB Trophy in a seat (Virgin America)(LR)
The trophy will fly in style (above), riding in Virgin America’s exclusive eight-seat First Class cabin from San Francisco International Airport (SFO) to John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) onboard the Virgin America Airbus A320 aircraft “Fly Bye Baby,” (below) named in honor of the hometown team. Onboard the flight, Giants President and CEO Larry Baer will invite fellow Virgin America guests to grab photos with the trophy and will host a live Twitter chat at 35,000 feet using the airline’s inflight WiFi. Guests and fans alike are encouraged to follow along and submit questions using the hashtags #sfgtrophy and #flytogether.

Copyright Photo: Mark Durbin/AirlinersGallery.comย (all others by Virgin America). Airbus A320-214 N849VA (msn 4991) has received this updated “World Champions 2014” logo for 2015.

Virgin American A320-200 N849VA World Champions logo (close-up)(Virgin America)(LR)

The extended partnership includes unique co-branding elements at AT&T Park, including the “Virgin America Loft,” a premium customized suite located in right field above McCovey Cove, and the “Virgin America Club Level” that features the airline’s signature cabin mood-lighting. In 2012, the airline first unveiled its Giants themed “Fly Bye Baby” aircraft that was updated in 2014 with a crowdsourced #FlyTogether design populated with the photos of hundreds of Giants fan who submitted photos on Instagram and Twitter. Today at SFO, Virgin America unveiled the aircraft’s newest design โ€“ the 2014 World Championship mark โ€“ in celebration of the San Francisco Giant’s latest World Series Victory.

Once in the Big Apple, the trophy will be available to Giants fans that have followed the team for generations โ€“ a history that dates back to when the team was based in New York before moving to San Francisco in 1958. A public viewing of the trophy will be held on Saturday, January 24 from 2:00 to 6:00 p.m. at Finnerty’s Bar in Manhattan.

In addition to a Main Cabin that offers custom-designed leather seating with a deeper, more comfortable pitch, the airline’s First Class cabin offers plush white leather seating with 55 inches of pitch, 165 degrees of recline and lumbar massagers. The carrier’s Main Cabin Select service offers 38-inches of pitch, free food and cocktails, an all-access pass to media content, dedicated overhead bins and priority check-in/boarding. The Redยฎ in-flight entertainment platform offers guests their own seatback touch-screen TV, with more than 20 films, live TV, Google Maps, videogames, a 3,000 song library and an on-demand menu, which allows flyers to order a cocktail or snack from their seatback any time during a flight. Virgin America’s airport lounge โ€“ The Loft โ€“ is located at LAX and its Elevate frequent flyer program offers no black-outs or restrictions on rewards seats with three levels of status including Elevate Gold and Elevate Silver.

Virgin America aircraft slide show:

http://airlinersgallery.smugmug.com/Airlines-UnitedStates-3/Airlines-United-States3-QZ/Virgin-America

 

United Airlines adds 55 flights on 8 routes for the Super Bowl

United Airlines (Chicago) added more flights for football fans on top of regularly scheduled service to Phoenix from its hubs in Chicago (O’Hare), Denver, Houston (Bush Intercontinental), Los Angeles, Newark and San Francisco. The airline also added special new nonstop service, operating from January 29 to February 2, from Boston and Seattle/Tacoma to Phoenix for the Super Bowl. Several of the flights will be operated with Boeing 767 aircraft to accommodate the extra demand.

Copyright Photo: Michael B. Ing/AirlinersGallery.com.ย United Airlines Boeing 767-322 ER N675UA (msn 29243) completes its final approach at Los Angeles International Airport.

United Airlines aircraft slide show (current livery only):ย AG Slide Show

Southwest Airlines is adding more flights to Phoenix for the Super Bowl

Southwest Airlines (Dallas)ย is adding more nonstop flights and connections between Seattle/Tacoma and Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport and Boston and Manchester and Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport for the Super Bowl. The additional flights will only be offered between January 29 and February 2 to handle the anticipated increase in travelers.

Copyright Photo: Mark Durbin/AirlinersGallery.com.ย Southwest Airlines’ Boeing 737-3H4 N654SW (msn 28399) taxies to the runway at San Francisco International Airport.

Southwest Airlines aircraft slide show (new livery only):

http://airlinersgallery.smugmug.com/Airlines-UnitedStates-3/Airlines-United-States3-QZ/Southwest-Airlines-Current

 

Alaska Airlines launches a special ‘Russell Wilson’s Fan Flight II’ to Phoenix Sweepstakes, adds extra flights for the Super Bowl

Alaska Airlines (Seattle/Tacoma) has issued this statement:

Alaska Airlines is giving its Mileage Plan members a chance to fly from Seattle/Tacoma to Phoenix on a special charter to cheer on its Chief Football Officer, Russell Wilson, when his team plays in the big game on February 1. Alaska is launching “Russell Wilson’s Fan Flight II โ€“ For Strong Against Cancer,” a four-day sweepstakes on Alaska Airlines’ Facebook page.

Alaska 737 Seahawk colors

Above Photo: Alaska Airlines. Alaska has also changed the on-board mood lighting to the team colors.

Fifty-six prize winners will receive two roundtrip tickets for an โ€˜inflight tailgate party’ from Seattle to Phoenix on its “Go Russell 737-900ER” aircraft (above and below). Winners will also receive two nights of hotel accommodations, admission to an exclusive game day party and transportation to and from Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport and their hotel.

The sweepstakes is open to Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan members who are residents of Washington, Oregon and Alaska.

Sweepstakes winners will be notified by phone and email beginning on Friday, January 23. To enter and review complete sweepstakes rules, visit www.facebook.com/AlaskaAirlines at 8 a.m. PT.

“We’re thrilled to have a second opportunity to fly Russell’s fans to the big game. We invite our loyal Mileage Plan members to join us in cheering on Russell and his team as they pursue their second championship win,” said Joe Sprague, senior vice president of communications and external relations for Alaska Airlines. “By entering this sweepstakes, Mileage Plan members are also helping to raise funds to help defeat childhood cancer, a cause that’s a priority for both Alaska and our Chief Football Officer.”

Alaska Russell Wilson

Above Photo: Alaska Airlines.

Russell Wilson’s Fan Flight for Strong Against Cancer

For every sweepstakes entry, Alaska Airlines will make a $1 donation to Strong Against Cancer, up to $50,000. Strong Against Cancer is a multi-year initiative dedicated to ending childhood cancer. Funds raised go directly to breakthrough pediatric cancer immunotherapy research underway at the Ben Towne Center for Childhood Cancer Research. In just one of the Center’s clinical trials for patients who have relapsed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), this breakthrough treatment has had a stunning 85 percent success rate โ€“ 11 of 13 patients’ cancer went into remission. Alaska joined Wilson in supporting Strong Against Cancer initially pledging $100,000 and is donating an additional $3,000 for every touchdown scored by Wilson and his offense in the playoff games and the championship game.

Alaska Adds Extra Flights Between Seattle and Phoenix

To help football fans trying to attend the February 1 championship game, Alaska has added two roundtrip flights between Seattle/Tacoma and Phoenix.

Summary of extra flights:

Alaska SEA-PHX flights

Top Copyright Photo: Mark Durbin/AirlinersGallery.com. Alaska Airlines has embraced its relationship with the Seattle Seahawks quarterback with special appearances and this special logo jet. Boeing 737-990 ER N453AS (msn 36354) carries unique “Go Russell!” markings. The markings have now been modified (below). The wingtip also includes Russell’s jersey number. (Alaska Airlines):

Alaska 737-900ER WL N453AS (15-Go Russell! - Nonstop Dedication)(Titles)(Alaska)(LR)

Alaska Airlines aircraft slide show:

http://airlinersgallery.smugmug.com/Airlines-UnitedStates-1/Airlines-UnitedStates-1/Alaska-Airlines

JetBlue Airways to connect Reno, Nevada with New York JFK

JetBlue Airways (New York) has announced it will be the only airline to offer nonstop service between Nevada’s Reno-Tahoe International Airport (RNO) and the U.S. East Coast as it launches service from New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) on May 28, 2015. Reno-Tahoe will be the airline’s 89th destination and is among a number of new JetBlue routes in the West.

JetBlue has continuously expanded its presence in the West, with new services recently launched between Salt Lake City (SLC) and Orlando, Florida (MCO) on November 12, 2014; San Francisco (SFO) to Las Vegas (LAS) on January 5, 2015; and the upcoming Portland, Oregon (PDX) to Anchorage, Alaska (ANC) on June 18, 2015.

Copyright Photo: Mark Durbin/AirlinersGallery.com. Airbus A320-232 N640JB (msn 2832) taxies to the gate at San Francisco International Airport.

JetBlue Airways aircraft slide show:

http://airlinersgallery.smugmug.com/Airlines-UnitedStates-2/Airlines-UnitedStates-2/JetBlue-Airways

Emirates to add a second daily Airbus A380 flight to Manchester

Emirates (Dubai)ย has announced that as of February 1, 2015, its EK019/020 service between Dubai International Airport and Manchester Airport, currently operated by a Boeing 777, will be replaced with an Airbus A380. The introduction of the second daily A380 means that half of Emiratesโ€™ 16 daily flights to the UK will be operated by an A380 from February.

The second daily A380 will increase Emiratesโ€™ capacity from Manchester by 13 per cent, with over 20 per cent of this increase in the premium cabins.

Emirates flight EK019 will depart Dubai International Airport at 1435 and arrive in Manchester at 1835. The outbound flight, EK020, will depart Manchester Airport at 2025 and arrive in Dubai at 0740 the next day.

Copyright Photo: Mark Durbin/AirlinersGallery.com. A dramatic up-close photo of Airbus A380-861 A6-EEM (msn 134) lifts off the runway at San Francisco International Airport (SFO).

Video: Review of Emirates A380 business class:

Emirates aircraft slide show:

http://airlinersgallery.smugmug.com/Airlines-Asia-1/Airlines-Asia1-AE/Emirates-Airline

Air China introduces the new Boeing 747-800 to New York, will also operate on the Beijing – San Francisco route

Air China (Beijing) will introduce the new Boeing 747-800 on the Beijing – San Francisco route on May 1 per Airline Route. The carrier introduced the new type on the Beijing – New York (JFK) route yesterday (January 7). The new type will also be assigned to theย Beijing – Chongqing route starting on May 1.

Air China today issued this statement:

Air China’s Boeing 747-8 Intercontinental debuted internationally on the Beijing-New York route on Wednesday, January 7, 2015. Expected arrival at JFK International is at 1:30 p.m. EST local time. A New York welcome awaits the Boeing 747-8i’s first international flight from Beijing, starting with a traditional water cannon salute shortly after landing, followed by a reception inside the cabin hosted by Air China’s New York offices led by Mr. Yuelong Zhou, General Manager.

Air China’s Flights 981 and 982 will be operated by the new-generation Boeing 747-8i on a daily basis while Flights 988 and 989 continue to be operated by Boeing 777-300 ER.

Air China is the launch carrier in Asia for Boeing’s newest wide body passenger aircraft. It is also the first inChina to operate the Boeing 747-8i and the only airline with nonstop services between New York and Beijing.

Air China’s Boeing 747-800i features 12 luxury suites in the Forbidden Pavilion first class cabin, 54 fully-flat sleepers Capital Pavilion business class, 66 premium economy seats and 233 in the economy cabin for a total of 365 seats.

The business class 180-degree flat-bed seats are split between the main deck and the entire upper deck, giving Air China’s guests an exclusive private space. Majority of the lie-flat sleepers are arranged in a staggered 2-2 configuration.

Seats in premium economy and economy cabins offer more legroom for maximum comfort. An enhanced entertainment system offers a wide array of user-friendly features, including mobile phone apps and a sliding touch control.

Air China’s Boeing 747-8i is also the first to sport the company’s new cabin interior (below) which depicts three traditional Chinese cultural elements that represent the harmonious unity of heaven, earth and sky.

Copyright Photo: Bernie Leighton/AirlinersGallery.com. Air China took delivery of the pictured Boeing 747-89L B-2485 (msn 41191) on September 30, 2014.

Air China aircraft slide show:ย AG Slide Show

Photo Below: Air China. Air China’s new Boeing 747-800 cabin:

Air China 747-800 cabin (Air China)(LR)

 

Air China 747-800 head on (Air China)(LR)

Video: Building the Air China Boeing 747-800:

JetBlue Airways starts San Francisco-Las Vegas flights

JetBlue Airways (New York) yesterday (January 5) launched new service from San Francisco International Airport (SFO) to Las Vegas’ McCarran International Airport (LAS). The airline will offer twice daily nonstop flights on this route.

JetBlue will serve the route with its 150-seat Airbus A320 aircraft.

In other news, JetBlue has outlined its growth plans to its employees:

Fort Lauderdale/Hollywood (FLL), where we are also the largest carrier, will receive both southbound Caribbean/Latin additions and new northbound domestic service.

Boston (BOS), where we are the largest carrier, will see a mix of new business markets and leisure destinations.

New York (JFK and LGA), which is largely slot constrained, will gain a handful of additional flights to new leisure-oriented BlueCities as well as the full rollout of Mint and the continued deployment of the high density A321s. In fact, in 2015 we plan to get more out of our NYC slot portfolio by increasing metro-area ASMs (available seat miles) by 8% while only increasing departures by 3%.

Orlando (MCO) will continue to grow organically due to its very strong profitability and will likely see a couple new destinations.

San Juan (SJU) will see another new destination, likely on the U.S. mainland.

Los Angeles (LAX and LGB) will see the full rollout of Mint (as will SFO) while in LGB we continue to work toward our goal of a customs facility at the airport to allow international flights.

Copyright Photo: Mark Durbin/AirlinersGallery.com. Airbus A320-232 N779JB (msn 3811) named “Blue Ribbon” in the Mosaic tail design taxies to the gate at San Francisco International Airport.

JetBlue Airways aircraft slide show:ย AG Slide Show

United Airlines to end Crescent City service

United Airlines (Chicago) will end all United Express service to Crescent City, California and the San Francisco-Crescent City route on April 7, 2015 per Airline Route. SkyWest Airlines is phasing out its unprofitable Embraer EMB-120 Brasilia fleet.

Copyright Photo: Michael B. Ing/AirlinersGallery.com. Embraer EMB-120ER Brasilia N295SW (msn 120322) arrives in Los Angeles.

United Airlines aircraft slide show (current livery):ย AG Slide Show

United Express-SkyWest Airlines aircraft slide show:

http://airlinersgallery.smugmug.com/Airlines-UnitedStates-3/Airlines-United-States3-QZ/United-Express-SkyWest