Tag Archives: SFO

Copa Airlines is coming to San Francisco

Copa Airlines (Panama City) will add a new daily nonstop route to San Francisco starting on September 17, 2015 from Tocumen International Airport in Panama City according to San Francisco International Airport (SFO).

The airport issued this statement:

San Francisco International Airport (SFO) announced Copa Airlines will begin nonstop service between San Francisco International Airport (SFO) and Panama City, Panama this fall.

Copa Airlines officials said the airline plans to launch service at SFO on September 17, 2015, with flights operating seven days per week to the airline’s Hub of the Americas at Tocumen International Airport in Panama City. Copa offers connecting flights to more than 55 cities across Latin America through the airport, the largest and busiest in Central America.

Copa flight 209 will depart San Francisco daily at 11:19 p.m., arriving at Copa’s Hub of the Americas at Tocumen International Airport in Panama at 8:32 a.m. the following day. The return flight 208, will depart Panama at 9:41 a.m., arriving in San Francisco at 2:54 p.m. Copa will operate a Boeing 737-800 Next Generation aircraft on the approximately 6-hour, 45-minute flight, with premium configuration and seating capacity for 16 passengers in Business Class and 138 in the main cabin.

Copyright Photo: Jay Selman/AirlinersGallery.com. Boeing 737-8V3 HP-1723CMP (msn 37959) with APB Split Scimitar Winglets departs from Miami International Airport (MIA).

Copa Airlines aircraft slide show:

SkyWest reports first quarter net income of $9.6 million, downsizes the fleet by 24 aircraft

SkyWest, Inc. (SkyWest Airlines and ExpressJet Airlines) (St. George, Utah) reported net income of $9.6 million, reversing a previous net off of $22.9 million in the same quarter a year ago.

The company removed 15 Embraer EMB-120 Brasilias from service along with 29 50-seat aircraft previously operated for United Express. The represents a net reduction in the combined fleet of 24 aircraft. SkyWest will further reduced the fleet by another 60 aircraft by the end of this year. The company is eliminating unprofitable aircraft and contract routes.

Here is the full financial report:

SkyWest, Inc. reported financial and operating results for the quarter ended March 31, 2015.

SkyWest generated $9.6 million of net income, or $0.18 per diluted share, for Q1 2015. This represents an after-tax improvement of $32.5 million from Q1 2014, which had a net loss of $(22.9) million, or $(0.44) per diluted share.

Q1 2015 Financial Highlights

 Pre-tax income increased $59 million from Q1 2014 primarily due to improved operating performance, additional flying contracts and improved recovery from weather disruptions.
 SkyWest generated $100 million in EBITDA in Q1 2015, compared to $35 million in Q1 2014.
 Revenue included improvements of $21 million from higher flight completion rates and $33 million from the additional E175 operations, improved contract rates from renewals and extensions and improved contract performance incentives. These improvements provided a significant offset to the anticipated revenue decrease from a reduced fleet size and production.
 Operating expenses were down by $74 million compared to Q1 2014, primarily driven by improved operating efficiencies and a net decrease in production.

Q1 2015 Operational Update

 ExpressJet’s adjusted completion rate significantly improved to 99.6% in Q1 2015 from 98.0% in Q1 2014. SkyWest Airlines adjusted completion rate also improved to 99.3% in Q1 2015 from 99.0% in Q1 2014.
 ExpressJet reduced its number of total cancelled flights, including weather cancellations, to 7,300 flights, or 4.5% of scheduled flights, in Q1 2015, from approximately 20,400, or 10.6% of scheduled flights, in Q1 2014. Additionally, SkyWest Airlines reduced its number of total cancelled flights, including weather cancellations, to 3,500 flights, or 2.3% of scheduled flights, in Q1 2015, from 6,400 flights, or 4.1% of scheduled flights, in Q1 2014.

April 30, 2015

 SkyWest was named one of “America’s Best Employers 2015” by Forbes ®. SkyWest is the only regional airline company included on the 2015 list.
 The reduction in ExpressJet’s ERJ145 operations was the primary driver in SkyWest’s 6.4% reduction in departures and a 5.5% reduction in block hours compared to Q1 2014.
 Total aircraft in service went to 693 at March 31, 2015 from 717 December 31, 2014, summarized as follows:

o Added nine new E175 aircraft with United

o Added five used 50-seat aircraft with Delta and six used 50-seat aircraft with American

o Removed 15 EMB120 aircraft from service

o Removed 29 50-seat aircraft from service previously operated with United

 Under a previously announced agreement with Alaska Airlines, SkyWest Airlines is scheduled to take delivery of seven new E175 aircraft between Q2 2015 and the Q1 2016.

Commenting on the results, Chip Childs, SkyWest, Inc. President said, “Our first quarter results reflect strong progress on our long-term objectives to improve operating performance and reduce the number of aircraft operating in unprofitable flying contracts. During the quarter we continued execution of our fleet transition plan and we expect this transition to continue through 2016. First quarter’s positive results demonstrate solid execution of these long-term strategic objectives to improve profitability.”

Q1 2015 Capital and liquidity update

 SkyWest had $480 million in cash and marketable securities at March 31, 2015. Cash and marketable securities decreased $79 million during Q1 2015, primarily due to $46 million in scheduled semi-annual aircraft lease pre-payments and SkyWest’s investment of $36 million to acquire E175 aircraft and $10 million to acquire E175 spare parts and engines.
 Long-term debt increased $164 million from December 31, 2014 to March 31, 2015. The increase was primarily due to the issuance of $203 million of long-term debt for nine E175 aircraft delivered during Q1 2015, partially offset by principal payments made on total outstanding debt.

Copyright Photo: Mark Durbin/AirlinersGallery.com. SkyWest removed 15 Embraer EMB-120ER Brasilias from service during the quarter. Embaer EMB-120ER Brasilia N560SW (msn 120334) prepares to taxi from the gate at San Francisco International Airport (SFO).

SkyWest Airlines aircraft slide show (in-house liveries):

Air China brings its new Boeing 747-800 to San Francisco

Air China’s (Beijing) Boeing 747-800 Intercontinental makes its U.S. West Coast debut in San Francisco today (May 1), replacing the new-generation Boeing 777-300 ER used for the daily nonstop service between the City by the Bay and China’s capital, Beijing. A reception at the airport museum to celebrate the arrival of the inaugural flight of Air China’s Boeing 747-800 into San Francisco International Airport at 12:20 PM PDT today is hosted by the airline’s San Francisco team led by Ms. Litao Zhao, General Manager.

The Boeing 747-800 is the first and only aircraft in Air China’s fleet with a four-cabin configuration. It features 12 luxury suites in the Forbidden Pavilion (first class cabin), 54 fully-flat bed seats in the Capital Pavilion (business class), 66 premium economy seats and 233 in the economy cabin for a total of 365 seats.

The 180-degree fully-flat sleepers in the Capital Pavilion 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 bed seats are arranged in a staggered 2-2 configuration.

According to the airline, 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 app icons and a sliding touch control.

Premium economy seats offer eight inches more legroom (40 inches) than economy seats. In addition to priority boarding, premium economy passengers are offered a welcome drink, hot towels, slippers and many other inflight amenities for more convenience.

Air China’s Boeing 747-800 is also the first to sport the company’s new cabin interior which depicts three traditional Chinese cultural elements that represent the harmonious unity of heaven, earth and sky.

Flight CA 986 arrives in SFO at 12:20 PM. The return flight, flight CA 986 departs SFO at 2:50 PM (1450).

Video:

Copyright Photo: Eric Dunetz/AirlinersGallery.com. Air China Boeing 747-89L B-2485 (msn 41191) departs from New York (JFK).

Air China aircraft slide show:

American Airlines to expand Embraer 175 operations and routes

American Airlines (Dallas/Fort Worth) is further expanding its American Eagle Embraer 175 operations, routes and schedules from its Los Angeles, Chicago (O’Hare), Miami and New York (JFK) hubs per Airline Route. The new routes will be operated by its various partner airlines.

From Los Angeles, effective September 9, E175 service will be started to El Paso, Fayetteville (Northwest Arkansas), Oklahoma City, Salt Lake City and San Jose, California. Service to Phoenix starts the following day.

From Chicago (O’Hare), starting on March 29, E175 service will be initiated to Madison and Richmond. This will be expanded on May 7 with new E175 service to Austin and on June 4 to Memphis.

From Miami, starting on May 7, E175 service will be offered from the MIA hub to various domestic and Caribbean routes by Republic Airlines (2nd) (Indianapolis), replacing Embraer ERJ 145 flights operated by Envoy Air (Dallas/Fort Worth). On May 7, the new type will be operated to Charleston, South Carolina, Norfolk and North Eleuthera. Starting on June 4, the E175 will be assigned to the Fort-de-France, Greensboro, La Romana, Marsh Harbour, Memphis and Port-au-Prince routes. Finally on August 19, the E175 will be operated to Providenciales (Provo) in the Turks and Caicos Islands.

From New York (JFK), new Embraer E175 aircraft will be assigned to the Norfolk route starting on May 7 followed by Indianapolis route on June 4.

Copyright Photo: Mark Durbin/AirlinersGallery.com. As planned, Compass Airlines (Minneapolis/St. Paul) started the Los Angeles – San Francisco E175 Shuttle on April 13. Officially certified as the Embraer ERJ 170-200LR (ERJ 175), N201NN (msn 17000461) taxies at San Francisco International Airport (SFO).

American Airlines aircraft slide show (current livery only):

American Eagle-Republic aircraft slide show:

Martinair to further reduce its freighter fleet by June 2016, the MD-11Fs to be retired

Martinair Cargo (Amsterdam) will scale back its freighter fleet by June 2016 and will continue as a freighter operator for the Air France-KLM-Martinair Cargo group using three Boeing 747-400 ERFs and a Boeing 747-400 BCF. This means the remaining McDonnell Douglas MD-11F freighters will be phased out.

KLM has issued this statement:

The company has reached this decision after a thorough deliberation with all the parties involved.

In September 2014, Air France-KLM-Martinair Cargo announced it would be reducing the amount of freighter capacity it needs in its network. Both KLM and Martinair Cargo have discussed the consequences of this decision with the works councils. The decision to scale back the full-freighter fleet has been taken to restore the division’s financial health. The decision will affect more than 330 employees.

Air France-KLM-Martinair Cargo group has decided on a business model which requires less freighter capacity, rather than a model with no freighters at all. Consequently, as an operating carrier within the KLM Group, Martinair Cargo will scale back its fleet and use just one type of aircraft (Boeing 747). This decision affects around 170 ground staff FTEs in the Netherlands, 50 FTEs abroad and 110 cockpit FTEs.

The company will do its utmost to reassign ground staff within the KLM Group using existing instruments, the scope of which may be extended to include voluntary redundancy. This will take place in close consultation with the unions and will only apply to employees working in areas where a staff surplus arises.

A number of voluntary measures have recently been rolled out for pilots at Martinair Cargo. Reassignment options within the group have been explored over the last few months and a number of pilots have taken the step to join Transavia. Recent changes in the financial conditions mean KLM is unable to offer pilots the same salaries they were receiving at Martinair. With KLM’s help, Martinair will continue to make every effort to find solutions for the pilots outside the KLM group. Negotiations between Martinair Cargo and the unions are ongoing and are based on the existing collective labour agreement (CLA). However, the possibility of compulsory redundancies cannot be excluded. Air France-KLM-Martinair Cargo deeply regrets the social consequences of these changes, but the reduction is unavoidable if the cargo business is to be restored to good health.

From 2016, Air France-KLM-Martinair Cargo will continue to operate with a main frame fleet of six Full Freighters (two Boeing 777Fs at Paris Charles De Gaulle and four Boeing 747-400s at Amsterdam Schiphol), supplemented by 15 Boeing 747 Combi’s.

Air France-KLM-Martinair Cargo is convinced that the remaining flexible freighters will continue to provide its clients with a full range of solutions to meet their needs. The freighter network at Schiphol will concentrate on Africa and North, Central and South America and will, of course, continue to serve important markets, such as the flower sector. The company will also continue to invest in Cargo (Express, Pharma, e-commerce).

Cargo remains a core business for the Air France-KLM Group. It generates income of EUR 2.5 billion per year and contributes around EUR 1 billion a year to the passenger network. It goes without saying that pulling out of the cargo business is out of the question.

Copyright Photo: Mark Durbin/AirlinersGallery.com. McDonnell Douglas MD-11 (F) PH-MCR (msn 48617) is pictured at San Francisco International Airport (SFO).

Martinair aircraft slide show:

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

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.

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.com (all others by Virgin America). Airbus A320-214 N849VA (msn 4991) has received this updated “World Champions 2014” logo for 2015.

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 – the 2014 World Championship mark – 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 – 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 Red® 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 – The Loft – 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

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

Southwest Airlines (Dallas) 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. 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 – For Strong Against Cancer,” a four-day sweepstakes on Alaska Airlines’ Facebook page.

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 ‘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.”

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 – 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:

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 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) 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 Emirates’ 16 daily flights to the UK will be operated by an A380 from February.

The second daily A380 will increase Emirates’ 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: