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Lufthansa Airbus A350-900 D-AIXJ becomes a climate research aircraft

Lufthansa Airbus A350-941 D-AIXJ (msn 209) LAX (Michael B. Ing). Image: 957622.

In a globally unique project, the Lufthansa Group and the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT) are currently converting the Lufthansa Airbus A350-900 “Erfurt” (registration D-AIXJ) into a flying research laboratory. Now, an essential project milestone could be reached: For the first time, experts from the Lufthansa Group have attached the measuring probe system developed especially for the project to the lower fuselage of the A350 and successfully tested it in flight. Lufthansa pilots completed a flight program coordinated with the certification authorities in the airspace over southern Germany. The measuring system now being tested on the aircraft is the most complex of its kind and, in addition to the air inlet function, has sensors for high-frequency and -precision measurement of pressure and temperature. From 2024, the Airbus will collect comprehensive climate data during regular passenger flights for the European research infrastructure IAGOS-CARIBIC.

“We want to make flying more sustainable. That is why we have been supporting climate research for decades. The conversion of our Lufthansa Airbus A350 into a climate research aircraft is a globally unique project in which colleagues from a wide variety of areas at Lufthansa have been working together with partners in science for years. Our aim is to make a valuable contribution to climate research. The data that our aircraft will collect worldwide in the future will help to improve today’s atmospheric and climate models and thus their informative value for the future climate on earth,” says Jens Ritter, CEO Lufthansa Airlines.

Over the next few months, a measurement laboratory weighing around two tons and specially developed for the project will be set up. Some 20 measuring instruments will be installed in the laboratory, which will later be loaded into the cargo hold as a cargo container and connected to the measuring system on the outer fuselage of the aircraft. Next year, this high-tech laboratory will take off for the first time and collect climate data on selected flights in Lufthansa’s worldwide scheduled operations. The laboratory continuously records more than 100 different trace gases, aerosol, and cloud parameters from the ground to the tropopause region at an altitude of nine to thirteen kilometers. What makes it special: Climate-relevant parameters can be recorded at this altitude with significantly higher accuracy and temporal resolution on board the aircraft than would be possible with satellite- or ground-based measurement systems.

“IAGOS-CARIBC helps to close an essential gap in our understanding of the climate system. With the high-precision measurements of many parameters, we can understand which atmospheric processes are changing and how in climate change, in an altitude region where most of the atmospheric radiation budget, i.e., the greenhouse effect, is generated and changed. We can thus identify process-specific errors and their causes in climate models and subsequently improve their predictive capabilities,” says Dr Andreas Zahn of KIT and coordinator of IAGOS-CARIBIC. “We are extremely grateful for Lufthansa’s great commitment and support.”

The conversion of the A350 “Erfurt” into a research laboratory was preceded by a planning and development phase lasting several years. In addition to the Lufthansa Group and KIT, six other companies (Lufthansa Technik, Airbus, Safran, enviscope, Dynatec, and ACC COLUMBIA Jet Service) are involved in the IAGOS-CARIBIC project. The KIT also acts as coordinator of a scientific consortium of currently twelve research institutions in Europe and the USA, whose complex measuring instruments will explore the atmosphere in the flying research laboratory. The abbreviation IAGOS stands for “In-service Aircraft for a Global Observing System” and CARIBIC for “Civil Aircraft for the Regular Investigation of the atmosphere Based on an Instrument Container”.

The Lufthansa Group has been committed to climate and weather research for almost 30 years now and has equipped several aircraft with measuring instruments since then. From December 2004 to 2020, a Lufthansa Airbus A340-600 (registration D-AIHE) has already completed around 500 measurement flights in the service of climate and atmospheric research as part of the CARIBIC project.

Top Copyright Photo: Lufthansa Airbus A350-941 D-AIXJ (msn 209) LAX (Michael B. Ing). Image: 957622.

Lufthansa aircraft photo gallery:

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Hawaiian reports a GAAP net loss of $98.3 million in the first quarter due Airbus A321 engine delays

Hawaiian Airlines Airbus A321-271N WL N204HA (msn 7959) LGB (Michael B. Ing). Image: 942740.

Hawaiian Holdings, Inc., parent company of Hawaiian Airlines, Inc. reported its financial results for the first quarter of 2023.

“A big mahalo to our team who continue to make us a stronger, better airline. The demand for leisure travel remains strong in the domestic markets we serve, and we see similar conditions in most of our international markets,” said Hawaiian Airlines President and CEO Peter Ingram. “In recent days, our team completed a significant technology initiative, one of many projects underway in 2023 that position us for a bright future. We look forward to sustaining momentum on these initiatives and returning Hawaiian to profitability.”

First Quarter 2023- Key Financial Metrics and Results
GAAPYoY ChangeAdjusted (a)YoY Change
Net Loss($98.3M)+$35.0M($111.8M)+$18.5M
Diluted EPS($1.91)+$0.69($2.17)+$0.37
Pre-tax Margin(20.5) %+14.3 pts.(23.0) %+11.4 pts.
EBITDA($70.3M)+$37.2M($85.4M)+$20.1M
Operating Cost per ASM14.85¢0.19¢11.04¢(0.03)¢
Operating Revenue per ASM12.46¢1.27¢N/AN/A
(a) See Table 4 for a reconciliation of adjusted net loss, adjusted diluted EPS, adjusted pre-tax margin, adjusted EBITDA, and adjusted operating cost per ASM (CASM excluding fuel and non-recurring items) to each of their respective most directly comparable GAAP financial measure.

Statistical data, as well as a reconciliation of the reported non-GAAP financial measures, can be found in the accompanying tables.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

As of March 31, 2023, the Company had:

  • Unrestricted cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments of $1.4 billion
  • $1.6 billion in liquidity, including its undrawn $235 million revolving credit facility
  • Outstanding debt and finance lease obligations of $1.7 billion

Revenue Environment

Hawaiian benefited from continued robust leisure demand from North America to Hawaiʻi and the restoration of its international network excluding Japan. International traffic was buoyed by strong U.S. point of sale activity. Demand remained strong for premium products both domestically and internationally. The Company’s overall operating revenue for the first quarter 2023 was up 28.4% from the first quarter 2022 on 15.4% higher capacity as Hawaiian recovered from the effects of the Omicron variant of COVID-19, which impacted results in the first quarter 2022.  

Other revenue was down 12.4% compared to the first quarter of 2022 driven by a decrease in cargo revenue.

Operational Environment 

Several challenges continued to negatively affect the environment in which the Company operates.  Constraints on the availability of A321 aircraft due to Pratt & Whitney engine delays, ongoing runway construction at Daniel K. Inouye International Airport in Honolulu (HNL), and delays related to air traffic control protocols disrupted Hawaiian’s on-time performance, impaired its scheduling, and adversely affected its financial results.

Limitations on Hawaiian’s A321 fleet availability necessitated the substitution of A330 aircraft, which are less fuel efficient, on some A321 routes.  Fuel consumption for the first quarter 2023 was up 21.4% as compared to the first quarter of 2022 due to higher capacity and inefficiencies resulting from these challenges.

First Quarter 2023 Highlights

Technology Advancement 

  • Transitioned its Passenger Service System to Amadeus’ Altea platform marking a significant information technology (“IT”) accomplishment for the Company in April; this new platform will enable the Company to be more commercially and operationally nimble

Routes and Network 

  • Operated at 115% of its 2022 first quarter capacity, comprised of 98%, 119%, and 275% capacity on its North America, Neighbor Island and International routes, respectively
  • Announced an increase in summer weekly frequencies between Honolulu and Austin, Boston, Las Vegas, and Pago Pago in preparation for strong summer demand to Hawai’i as well as a fourth daily flight between Honoluluand Los Angeles twice per week
  • Announced resumption of service between Honolulu and Fukuoka beginning April 28 with thrice-weekly service

Guest Experience

  • Streamlined the Honolulu travel experience with the opening of a new TSA security checkpoint at HNL, which added 1,000 square feet for passenger queuing and 3,000 square feet of screening area; expanded screening capacity alleviates congestion and benefits all guests whether they are flying to a neighbor island or boarding a transpacific flight

People

  • Received ratification by Hawaiian’s pilots represented by the Air Line Pilots Association of a four-year contract that provides for pay scale increases across all fleet types, improved health benefits, a signing bonus, and cost sharing, and enhancements to the postretirement and disability plans for more than 1,000 employees
  • Formed a partnership with Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University’s Aviation Maintenance Technology SkillBridge program which provides an opportunity for veterans to bridge the transition into the civilian aviation and aerospace sector
  • Established a $100,000 scholarship fund in partnership with Arizona State University’s W.P. Carey School of Business to encourage Hawai’i students to pursue careers in IT with the potential to build a career at Hawaiian

Environmental, Social and Corporate Governance

  • Committed to new milestones on the path to net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050; the Company’s decarbonization roadmap relies on several key drivers, including the use of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), fleet modernization and new aircraft technologies, operational best practices to improve fuel efficiency, and advocacy for air traffic control system improvements
  • Announced an agreement with biofuel company Gevo, Inc. to purchase 50 million gallons of SAF over five years with deliveries to Hawaiian’s gateway cities in California anticipated starting in 2029
  • Published the No Kākou a Pau (“interconnectedness”) economic impact report which underscores the ways Hawaiian is connected to the economy of its home state including stimulating $10.2 billion in economic activity in Hawai’i and providing, directly or indirectly, for 53,500 jobs statewide in 2022

Second Quarter 2023 Outlook

The table below summarizes the Company’s expectations for the quarter ending June 30, 2023 expressed as an expected percentage change compared to the results for the quarter ended June 30, 2022.

ItemSecond Quarter 2023 GuidanceGAAP EquivalentGAAP Second Quarter 2023 Guidance
Available Seat Miles (ASMs)Up 10.5% to up 13.5% 
Operating Revenue per ASM (RASM) Down 8.5% to down 11.5% 
CASM excluding fuel and non-recurring items (a)Flat to up 3% Costs per ASMDown 8.2% to down 10.2%
Gallons of Jet Fuel ConsumedUp 16.5% to up 19.5%
Economic Fuel Price per Gallon (a)(b)$2.62Average fuel price per gallon, including taxes and delivery
Effective Tax Rate21.0 %

Full Year 2023 Outlook 

The table below summarizes the Company’s updated expectations for the full year ending December 31, 2023expressed as an expected percentage change compared to the results for the year ended December 31, 2022.

ItemPrior Full Year 2023 GuidanceFull Year 2023 Guidance
Gallons of Jet Fuel ConsumedUp 10.5% to up 13.5%Up 12.5% to up 15.5%
Economic Fuel Price per Gallon (a)(b)$2.92$2.70
(a) See Table 3 and Table 4 for a reconciliation of CASM excluding fuel and non-recurring items and economic fuel price per gallon to each of their respective most directly comparable GAAP financial measures.
(b) Fuel Price per Gallon estimates are based on the April 11, 2023 fuel forward curve.

Statistical information, as well as a reconciliation of certain non-GAAP financial measures, can be found in the accompanying tables.

Top Copyright Photo: Hawaiian Airlines Airbus A321-271N WL N204HA (msn 7959) LGB (Michael B. Ing). Image: 942740.

Hawaiian Airlines aircraft photo gallery:

Hawaiian Airlines aircraft photo gallery
Volume 1

Avelo Airlines’ CEO vows changes after ‘a very painful three days’

Avelo Airlines flights failed to land at Tweed Airport in New Haven, CT due to fog four times on Saturday, April 15; three times on April 16; and twice on April 17.  It was three painful days for the growing airline.

Two of those diverted Boeing 737 aircraft on Sunday landed at Bradley International Airport in Hartford, CT. The other seven flights diverted to Avelo’s base at Wilmington, DE.

CEO Andrew Levy in an interview, vowed to learn from the experience and to make changes.

Read the full story in CT Insider:

https://www.ctinsider.com/business/article/avelo-ceo-levy-fog-diversions-17914224.php

In other news, the company will add a new route from Greenville/Spartanburg, SC to wilmington, DE starting on June 22.

Spirit Airlines to add more routes this summer from Boston

Spirit Airlines is bringing a batch of new, affordable and convenient nonstop flights to Boston Logan International Airport (BOS) this summer, nearly doubling its number of year-round routes at BOS. Soon, Boston-area travelers will have More Go to Charlotte, Dallas-Fort Worth, Los Angeles, Phoenix and Houston.

Spirit Airlines Routes at Boston (BOS):   
Destination:Flights Available:Launch Date:
Atlanta (ATL)DailyExisting
Charlotte (CLT)NEWDailyJune 7, 2023
Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW)NEWDaily June 7, 2023
Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood (FLL)DailyExisting
Fort Myers (RSW)Daily, Seasonal*Existing
Houston (IAH) NEWDailyAug. 9, 2023
Las Vegas (LAS)DailyExisting
Los Angeles (LAX) NEWDailyJuly 5, 2023
Miami (MIA)DailyExisting
Myrtle Beach (MYR)DailyExisting
Orlando (MCO)DailyExisting
Phoenix (PHX) NEWDailyAug. 9, 2023
San Juan (SJU)DailyExisting
Tampa (TPA)Daily, Seasonal*Existing
*Seasonal route not flown in summer months

JetBlue to launch flights to Amsterdam from New York JFK on August 29, from Boston on September 20

JetBlue Airways today announced plans to continue expanding in Europe with nonstop service from New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) and Boston Logan International Airport (BOS) to Amsterdam Airport Schiphol (AMS) available for sale starting today.

Service from New York JFK will begin August 29 and from Boston on September 20.

This marks JetBlue’s third transatlantic market debut, following the airline’s successful launch of London service in August 2021 and its highly anticipated service to Paris coming this June.

Schedule between New York (JFK) and Amsterdam (AMS)

Daily service starting August 29 (Eastbound) & August 30 (Westbound)*all times local
JFK – AMS Flight #2288AMS – JFK Flight #2289
10:00 p.m. – 11:35 a.m. (+1)1:35 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Schedule between Boston (BOS) and Amsterdam (AMS)

Daily service starting September 20 (Eastbound) & September 21 (Westbound)*all times local
BOS- AMS Flight #31AMS – BOS Flight #32
8:00 p.m. – 9:35 a.m. (+1)11:35 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.

Flights will operate daily on JetBlue’s Airbus A321 Long Range (LR) aircraft with 24 redesigned Mint Suite® seats, 114 core seats and the sleek and spacious Airspace cabin interior. The A321 platform – offering the range of a wide-body but with the economics of a single-aisle aircraft — will allow JetBlue to effectively disrupt the market with the airline’s award-winning service and low fares on flights between the U.S. and Amsterdam.

JetBlue reports a first quarter GAAP loss of $192 million

JetBlue Airways Airbus A321-231 WL N905JB (msn 5854) (Prism) JFK (Fred Freketic). Image: 960435.

JetBlue Airways Corporation today reported its results for the first quarter of 2023.

“Thanks to our team’s collective hard work, our first quarter financial results came in better than expectations, and we are forecasting strong sequential pre-tax margin improvement into the second quarter. We remain well on track in executing our comprehensive plan to enhance our long-term profitability and restore our historical earnings power,” said Robin Hayes, JetBlue’s Chief Executive Officer.

“For the second quarter, we expect strong revenue growth to continue as demand remains robust and as we see continued momentum from our commercial initiatives. We are forecasting a solidly profitable quarter, and we remain confident in our full-year earnings outlook.”

First Quarter 2023 Financial Results

  • Net loss for the first quarter of 2023 under Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) of $(192) million or $(0.58) per share. Excluding one-time items, adjusted net loss for the first quarter of $(111) million(1) or $(0.34) per share.
  • First quarter of 2023 capacity increased by 9.0% year-over-year.
  • Generated highest first quarter revenue in history. Operating revenue of $2.3 billion for the first quarter of 2023, up 34.1% year-over-year.
  • Operating expenses per available seat mile (CASM) for the first quarter of 2023 increased 12.1% year-over-year.
  • Operating expense per available seat mile, excluding fuel and related taxes, other non-airline operating expenses, and special items (CASM ex-Fuel)(1) for the first quarter of 2023 increased 1.2%(1) year-over-year.
  • Average fuel price in the first quarter of 2023 of $3.50 per gallon, including hedges.

Balance Sheet and Liquidity

  • $1.7 billion in unrestricted cash, cash equivalents, short-term investments, and long-term marketable securities at quarter-end (excluding our $600 million undrawn revolving credit facility).
  • Adjusted debt to capital ratio of 53%(1) as of March 31, 2023.
  • Paid approximately $109 million in debt and finance lease obligations during the first quarter of 2023.

First Quarter 2023 Key Highlights

  • Reported adjusted EPS for the first quarter of 2023 which exceeded guidance, with strong operational and financial execution. First quarter revenue was approximately 4% points better than the midpoint of initial outlook, and CASM ex-Fuel was 1.8% points better than the midpoint of initial outlook.
  • Announced the planned launch of new service later this summer from New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport and Boston Logan International Airport to Amsterdam Airport Schiphol, JetBlue’s third transatlantic market debut.
  • Announced our plan to further expand in Florida, following our planned combination with Spirit, to reach more than 250 daily flights at Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL) and 200 daily flights at Orlando International Airport, supporting significant job creation in Florida.
  • Opened Paisly hotel and car rental booking tool to any travelers independent of a JetBlue itinerary.
  • Announced a leading Shell Aviation agreement for the delivery of 10 million gallons of blended sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) – at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) over the next two years beginning in the first half of 2023, with an option to purchase more.
  • Acted as the only airline to help execute the first-ever collective purchase of SAF certificates alongside Bank of America, Boom Supersonic, Boston Consulting Group, JPMorgan Chase & Co., Meta and clean energy nonprofit, RMI.
  • Rated by leading shareholder advisory firm ISS in its Tier 1 category for high performance against industry peers with respect to our management of “Carbon and Climate,” as a result of our recent Science Based Target to reduce GHG emissions (by 50% per revenue ton kilometer by 2035, as compared to 2019).
  • Recognized by Newsweek as one of America’s greatest workplaces for women and for diversity, earning 4.5 and 5 stars, respectively.
  • Brought our signature Fly Like a Girl Campaign to Fort Lauderdale for the first time to support Women’s History Month, which brought ~100 young children together to learn about career opportunities in aviation.

Outlook

“Demand trends remain robust into the second quarter, with strong demand for leisure and visiting-friends-and-relatives (VFR) travel particularly during peak periods. We’re also pleased with the continued improvement in revenue and financial performance at our largest focus city, New York,” said Joanna Geraghty, JetBlue’s President and Chief Operating Officer.

“Our TrueBlue Loyalty program continues to show encouraging trends with strong growth in co-brand card spend. In addition, the Northeast Alliance (NEA), which is already a significant revenue generator, is driving meaningful margin improvement as our service matures.”

Second Quarter and Full-Year 2023 OutlookEstimated 2Q 2023 Estimated FY 2023
Available Seat Miles (ASMs) Year-Over-Year4.5% – 7.5% 5.5% – 8.5%
Revenue Year-Over-Year4.5% – 8.5% High Single Digits to Low Double Digits
CASM Ex-Fuel(2) (Non-GAAP) Year-Over-Year1.5% – 3.5%(3) 1.5% – 4.5%(3)
Estimated Fuel Price per Gallon(4)$2.75– $2.90(5) $2.95 – $3.15
Interest Expense$40 – $50 million $200 – $210 million
Adjusted Earnings per Share$0.35 – $0.45 $0.70 – $1.00

Notes
 
(1)Non-GAAP financial measure; Note A provides a reconciliation of non-GAAP financial measures used in this release and explains the reasons management believes that presentation of these non-GAAP financial measures provide useful information to investors regarding JetBlue’s financial condition and results of operations.
(2)With respect to JetBlue’s CASM ex-fuel guidance, JetBlue is unable to provide a reconciliation of the non-GAAP financial measure to GAAP because the excluded items have not yet occurred and cannot be reasonably predicted. The reconciling information that is unavailable would include a forward-looking range of financial performance measures beyond our control, such as fuel costs, which are subject to many economic and political factors. Accordingly, a reconciliation to CASM is not available without unreasonable effort.
(3)Includes the impact from the new Pilot Union agreement of approximately 3% points for the second quarter and full year 2023.
(4)Includes fuel taxes and hedges.
(5)JetBlue utilizes the forward Brent crude curve and the forward Brent crude to jet crack spread to calculate the unhedged portion of its prompt quarter. As of April 14, 2023, the forward Brent crude per barrel price was $86 and the crack spread averaged $16 per barrel for the second quarter of 2023.

Top Copyright Photo Photo: JetBlue Airways Airbus A321-231 WL N905JB (msn 5854) (Prism) JFK (Fred Freketic). Image: 960435.

JetBlue aircraft photo gallery:

JetBlue Airways aircraft photo gallery
AirlinersGallery.com aircraft photo gallery

Jet2 adds new services to Vienna from Birmingham and Manchester

Jet2.com and Jet2CityBreaks have expanded their City Breaks program for Winter 23/24, by announcing it will operate services to Vienna from Birmingham (exclusive route) and Manchester Airports for the full Winter 23/24 season, increasing the number of city break destinations on sale this winter to 12. In addition, the companies have introduced new services to Prague (exclusive route) and Krakow from East Midlands Airport, seeing these two routes extended across the whole of winter. 

In addition, Jet2.com and Jet2CityBreaks have launched a spectacular new Christmas Markets destination for Winter 23/24 from Edinburgh Airport, with customers and independent travel agents in Scotland now able to book festive flights and trips to Prague.

Jet2.com and Jet2CityBreaks will operate two weekly dedicated services (Thursday and Sunday) to this magical Christmas destination from 30th November to 17th December 2023. 

As a result of these new services, a choice of 12 leisure city break destinations are now on sale with Jet2.com and Jet2CityBreaks for Winter 23/24 – Athens, Barcelona, Berlin (Christmas Market destination only), Budapest, Cologne (Christmas Market destination only), Copenhagen (Christmas Market destination only), Krakow, Paris, Prague, Rome, Venice, and Vienna. The unrivalled program is on sale from all ten UK bases – Belfast International, Birmingham, Bristol, East Midlands, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Leeds Bradford, Manchester, Newcastle International, and London Stansted Airports, meaning it is truly jam-packed with choice when it comes to booking or visiting world-famous capitals, cultural centres, and historical gems.

The new flights and city breaks added are as follows: 

Birmingham Airport

  • Up to two new weekly services (Monday and Friday) to Vienna between 10th November 2023 and 29th April 2024.

East Midlands Airport

  • Up to two new weekly services (Thursday and Sunday) to Krakow from 9th November 2023 to 19th May 2024.
  • Addition of up to two weekly services (Thursday and Sunday) to Prague from 10th November 2023 to 20th May 2024.

Edinburgh Airport

  • Launch of new Christmas Market destination to Prague, means two weekly dedicated services (Thursday and Sunday) to this magical Christmas destination from 30th November to 17th December 2023. 

Manchester Airport 

  • Introduction of up to two weekly services (Monday and Friday) to Vienna from 29th September 2023 to 20th May 2024.

One Air is a new UK cargo airline, receives its AOC

One Air is a new airline in the United Kingdom.

The new cargo airline describes itself:

One Air is a new British all-cargo airline offering full charter services to clients in the international freight forwarding, logistics and air charter markets.

Our launch aircraft is the iconic Boeing 747-400 Special Freighter (SF) and we will continue to grow our fleet to meet client demand.

The company also issued this statement:

Paul Bennett, CEO of One Air (third left) and members of the airline’s executive team: David Tattersall, Chief Technical Officer, Chris Hope, Chief Operating Officer, and Jon Hartley, Chief Financial Officer.

The new airline has been awarded its Air Operators’ Certificate by the UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA). After successfully completing its proving flight in July 2022 and following a rigorous application process for an Operating Licence, the new airline is now fully approved to commence operations. One Air expects initial demand for flights from the UK to Europe, the Middle East and Asia regions. It will also ultimately offer freighter services to China and the US.

One Air has dry leased its first B747 freighter and is now the only UK operator of the B747. Its business model calls for the addition of a second B747-400 during 2023. Headquartered in Kingston, close to London Heathrow, One Air has recruited a team of 90 air cargo and aviation professionals for its launch, including ground operations, engineering and maintenance, crew training, crew management, finance and HR specialists, and a 40-strong air crew with pilots recruited from Cathay Pacific, Emirates Airline, Norwegian Airlines, and other major carriers.

One Air is majority-owned by CEO, Paul Bennett, who stated: “The important role freighter services played in supporting the UK economy and the public throughout the pandemic demonstrated the level of demand which exists for a British cargo airline. We are proud to be meeting this need and to have the opportunity to leverage longstanding business relationships with freight forwarders, logistics providers, and charter brokers serving the UK market. We expect to add our second 747F later this year and have the financial resources to grow in line with the level of demand we see.”

The airline will review its fleet plans, including the potential for other aircraft types, later in the year.

Chris Hope has joined the Board of One Air as Chief Operating Officer and Accountable Manager, bringing 35 years’ previous experience with the forerunners to TUI as well as easyJet and Flybe.During his time with easyJet, Chris had executive responsibility for the entire easyJet operation at Gatwick and was business lead preparing for the UK’s exit from the EU, which involved establishing new AOCs in the UK and EU. He also served as a non-executive director of National Air Traffic Services (NATS) during this period. Prior to joining One Air, Chris spent two years as Chief Operating Officer for Flybe.

“I am delighted to have been given this opportunity to join the leadership team behind this exciting new venture. One Air has a forward-thinking and customer-centric approach and we will use our entrepreneurial spirit and resources to grow sustainably. We will be supporting British businesses and the UK economy, starting with the 90 direct jobs in our own organisation and the countless secondary jobs we are creating with our partners and suppliers. Over the past two years, the cargo market in the UK has clearly shown resilience in the face of unprecedented disruption to the aviation industry. Now the industry is entering a new phase of recovery and growth and we look forward to being at the heart of this,” Hope said.

Jon Hartley and David Tattersall have also been recruited as Chief Financial Officer and Chief Technical Officer respectively. Jon has over 25 years’ experience in financial management roles and extensive experience across several business sectors, including previous aviation experience with TAG Maintenance Services and FR Aviation. David Tattersall has over 40 years’ experience in aviation engineering, maintenance, overhaul, and repair. During his career, David has held senior executive roles at director level at major airlines including British Airways, Brymon Airways, and Flybe.  

One Air has appointed Air One Aviation as its first Global Sales Agency, while Dnata will act as the airline’s handling agent in London Heathrow. One Air has also partnered with ESP to provide software and helpdesk support, Leon for its crew training and rostering, CHAMP for its weight and balance system, and PPS for flight planning. Aero People and Altitude Global will provide line maintenance at London Heathrow, with Hangar 901 acting at One Air’s partner for hangar maintenance.

DHL Express expands fleet with an order for 9 Mammoth-converted Boeing 777-200LR freighters

DHL Express has ordered nine Mammoth-converted Boeing 777-200LR freighters from Jetran. The first cargo aircraft will be delivered in 2024, with the remaining aircraft to be supplied until early 2027.

This agreement is part of the overall sustainability priority to modernize DHL Express’ long-haul intercontinental fleet, including the replacement of older planes. Ordering converted freighters with a shorter useful life provides an efficient bridge between current and new airframe technologies, such as new generation wide-body freighters Boeing 777-8F and Airbus A350F.

Between 2018 and 2022, DHL bought 28 new Boeing 777-200F freighters from Boeing – 18 of those aircraft are currently in service. The remaining aircraft will be delivered from 2023 to 2025. The aircraft forms the backbone of DHL’s intercontinental air network, in which DHL Express operates more than 300 dedicated aircraft with 18 partner airlines on over 2,400 daily flights, across 220 countries and territories.

Emirates to expand global network with launch of services to Montréal in July

Emirates has announced it will launch a new daily service from Dubai to Montréal, starting on July 5, 2023. Montréal becomes Emirates’ second gateway in Canada, complementing its passenger services to Toronto, which have been operating to Ontario’s capital city since 2007.

The flights will operate with timings as follows (all times are local):

DatesFlightDeparture Arrival
From 5 July 2023EK243 (DXB/YUL)02:3008:00
EK244 (YUL/DXB)10:2006:30 (next day)
From 5 November 2023EK243 (DXB/YUL)02:3007:15
EK244 (YUL/DXB)09:3006:40 (next day)
From 10 March 2024EK243 (DXB/YUL)02:3008:00
EK244 (YUL/DXB)10:2006:30 (next day)

Emirates has been operating to Toronto since 2007 and its flagship A380 service on the Dubai-Toronto route since 2009. From 20 April, Emirates will be serving Toronto with a daily A380 service. With the addition of Montréal to its expansive network, the airline will provide a choice of two points for travellers planning trips to and from Canada. This will also grow Emirates’ network across the Americas to two points in Canada, 12 U.S. cities, and four destinations across Mexico, Brazil and Argentina.

To support the movement of commodities and goods around the world, Emirates provides cargo services to Canada with a capacity to carry 20 tonnes in the bellyhold of its Boeing 777 passenger aircraft and up to 15 tonnes aboard its A380 aircraft.

Allegiant announces the launch of its Accelerate Pilot Pathway

Allegiant Travel Company has announced the launch of its Accelerate Pilot Pathway, a new program for university students who want to become pilots at a major airline. 

Allegiant is partnering with universities that have a Part 141 flight training program – including Purdue University, Kent State University, and Western Michigan University – to offer the Accelerate Pilot Pathway to students who are sophomores, juniors and seniors. Cadets who enroll in the program will be assigned an Allegiant mentor to guide them through their educational journey.  

Photo: Allegiant Air.

The aviation industry is experiencing a flight crew staffing shortage at a time when demand for air travel is at a historic high. By providing mentorship, conditional employment as a first officer for Allegiant, and assistance with regulatory credentials, Allegiant hopes the Accelerate Pilot Pathway will streamline the process new pilots face when transitioning from flight school to a major commercial carrier.

“We are thrilled to launch the Accelerate Pilot Pathway program and partner with universities across the country,” said Tyler Hollingsworth, Allegiant’s vice president of flight crew services. “This program provides an excellent opportunity for talented and motivated students to pursue their dream of becoming a first officer with a major airline without the need to fly for a regional carrier. We look forward to welcoming our future first officers and supporting them through their training and career with Allegiant.”

Upon entering their senior year, students may be hired on as a cadet and provided a conditional job offer as an Allegiant first officer. Cadets will enjoy Allegiant employee benefits such as pass travel on Allegiant flights, participation in visits to Allegiant’s headquarters in Las Vegas and access to Allegiant’s training centers. Once a cadet reaches their required hours of flight training, Allegiant will sponsor their attendance in an Airline Transport Pilot Certification course, and upon completion, will join Allegiant as a first officer.

The program kicked off at Purdue University earlier this month, and Allegiant has already begun recruiting future first officers from the university’s aviation program. Partnerships with other universities with established flight training programs are being currently being forged, and will grow through the summer.

Spirit Airlines welcomes its 200th new aircraft delivery from Airbus

Spirit Airlines has welcomed a landmark delivery for the airline’s growing Fit Fleet with its 200th new aircraft delivery from Airbus.

The Airbus A320neo (N973NK) was assembled at the Airbus U.S. Manufacturing Facility in Mobile, Alabama, and prepared for service at Spirit’s aircraft maintenance facility in Detroit.

The new delivery is part of continued growth at Spirit. The airline introduced 14 new planes in 2022, with plans to add 26 new aircraft in 2023. Additionally, Spirit has a major first with the upcoming delivery of its first A321neo aircraft.

ANA announces updates to its FY2023 flight schedule

ANA (All Nippon Airways) – Air Japan Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner JA891A (msn 40751) (Inspiration of Japan) LAX (Michael B. Ing). Image: 960431.
  • ANA on May 1, 2023 will increase the flight frequency on the Narita = Shanghai (Pudong) route to 7 roundtrips per week, and together with flights to/from Haneda, the flights on the Shanghai route (Pudong and Hongqiao) will be raised to 3 roundtrips per day from the Tokyo metropolitan area.
  • The Kansai = Shanghai (Pudong) route will resume service on June 5 with 3 roundtrips per week, which had been suspended for approximately 3 years since March 2020.
  • For the Narita = Guangzhou route, the flight frequency will be increased with daily roundtrip service from May 1, and the Haneda = Shenzhen route will enter service with daily roundtrips from May 20.

All Nippon Airways (ANA) has announced updates to its flight schedule for fiscal year 2023 (FY2023). The summary of the announcement regarding our international flights is given below.

Schedule for May 1～Oct. 28, 2023:

  • *Subject to governmental approval
  • *1 Sales scheduled to begin on May 9, 2023
  • *2 Sales scheduled to begin on April 26, 2023. We will announce the schedule after June 26 as soon as it is decided.

Top Copyright Photo: ANA (All Nippon Airways) – Air Japan Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner JA891A (msn 40751) (Inspiration of Japan) LAX (Michael B. Ing). Image: 960431.

ANA aircraft photo gallery:

ANA aircraft photo gallery

Finnair to bring its renewed Business Class, brand-new Premium Economy, and refreshed Economy Class on flights to Seattle

Finnair has announced it will bring its renewed Business Class, brand-new Premium Economy, and refreshed Economy Class on flights to Seattle/Tacoma.

From May 15, 2023, customers travelling between Helsinki and the Emerald City will be able to relax in style on the Nordic carrier’s three times a week Airbus A330 flights.

Finnair was the launch customer for the brand-new concept in Business Class seats, developed in close collaboration with Collins Aerospace, maximising customer space and the freedom to move.

The unique fixed shell lounge space enables a wide variety of sitting and sleeping positions, allowing customers to make the space their own during a relaxing long-haul flight.  

The airline’s €200 million investment has seen its long-haul experience be named ‘Cabin Concept of the Year’ winner by Onboard Hospitality, ‘Best Cabin Innovation’ winner by APEX, and ‘Best Cabin (First & Business Class)’ at the Yacht and Aviation Awards. 

Currently, Finnair offers six direct routes from the US to Helsinki, with year-round services to New York JFK, Los Angeles and Dallas, and seasonal services to Chicago, Miami and Seattle.

Following this announcement, Finnair’s renewed long-haul experience can be found on US flights from Chicago, Dallas, New York and Seattle.

American Airlines Boeing 737-800 hits flock of geese after takeoff, causes an engine fire, returns safely to Columbus, OH

American Airlines flight AA1958 from Columbus, OH (CMH) to the Phoenix (PHX) on Sunday, April 23, 2023 with Boeing 737-800 N972NN departed as usual at 8:22 am.

Shortly after takeoff the airliner reportedly collided with a flock of geese causing the right engine to catch on fire. Flames and smoke were noted coming from the engine.

The aircvraft landed safely 25 minutes after takeoff.

Air Moldova is struggling to maintain operations due to “financial resources”

Air Moldova Airbus A320-211 ER-AXV (msn 622) AYT (Ton Jochems). Image: 960430.

Air Moldova initially announced it was forced to suspend all operations in the April 21-25 period due to a “lack of financial resources”.

Later the flag carrier announced it is planning some partial operations for April 24-25.

All flights remain cancelled for today.

Top Copyright Photo: Air Moldova Airbus A320-211 ER-AXV (msn 622) AYT (Ton Jochems). Image: 960430.

Air Moldova aircraft photo gallery:

Air Moldova aircraft photo gallery
AirlinersGallery.com aircraft photo library

Madagascar Airlines gradually replaces Air Madagascar

Madagascar Airlines is proceeding in its progression to become the national flag carrier of the island nation.

The airline has already taken over the operations of Air Madagascar and Tsaradia, the subsidiary of Air Madagasgar.

The new entity has received its AOC and already serves the 8 domestic routes in the country.

Air Belgium currently flies for the carrier between the Antananarivo and Paris (CDG).

Air Madagasgar airfcraft photo library:

Fallen Angel: Air Madagascar aircraft photo gallery
Volume 1 and soon Volume 2.

Delta opens its third Sky Club at Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport (MSP) with a nature-inspired look

Beginning April 19, Delta Sky Club customers traveling through Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport (MSP) can relax and recharge in a stunning new nature-inspired oasis on the upper level of the recently expanded G concourse.  

The airport’s third Club adds more than 21,000 square feet of premium space to Delta’s lounge portfolio, making it by far the largest at Delta’s Minneapolis hub. The MSP-G Club is the second lounge opened this year, and the third successive new location in the Midwest (following Chicago and Kansas City).  

With seating for more than 450, customers visiting MSP-G Club will have ample space whether they’re looking to work, socialize or simply take in the views of the airfield. Eco-conscious guests can feel good about the Club’s environmental impact: the Club is moving to over 90% waste diversion, meaning a large majority of Club waste is diverted from landfills via recycling or composting. 

Inspired by Minnesota’s designation as the “land of 10,000 lakes,” the MSP-G Club’s design concept features a rich color palette evoking summer sunsets at the lake – earth tones like sage greens paired with warm copper and amber hues. The Club includes a year-round, all-weather Sky Deck® with seating for 110 guests. This first-of-its kind Sky Deck is bookended by two completely open-air elements — one of which features a living plant wall, with seasonal foliage refreshed three times annually—and is suffused with natural light streaming from the overhead skylight. Guests unwinding in this unique space can also enjoy a drink from one of the Club’s premium bars, located on the deck. 

Delta's MSP G-Club includes a year-round, all-weather Sky Deck® with seating for 110 guests.

Guests unwinding in the year-round, all-weather Sky Deck® at Delta's MSP G-Club can enjoy a drink from one of the Club’s premium bars, located on the deck.

“We continue to raise the bar with every location we open, and the new MSP Club is no exception,” said Claude Roussel, Delta Sky Club – Managing Director. “Our goal was to create a space that reflects the natural beauty of the Great Lakes region, transporting and inspiring customers through the Club’s design, all while delivering a full suite of amenities and our signature hospitality.”  

Additional amenities of the Club include: 

  • Three kiosks for quick and easy self-check-in 
  • A full buffet 
  • Two premium bars  
  • Three soundproof booths for quiet work. 

LOCAL FLAVOR SERVED UP BY A TOP CHEF 

In addition to the regular menu rotation featuring fresh, locally sourced ingredients and a wide variety of cuisines, the MSP-G Club will highlight recipes from Bravo’s Top Chef alum Justin Sutherland as part of Delta Sky Club’s Local Flavor program. Local Flavor showcases hometown chefs on a quarterly rotating basis, highlighting some of their most popular recipes for visitors passing through.  

A Twin Cities native, Justin specializes in contemporary Southern cuisine. Delta is the official airline sponsor for the milestone 20th season of Bravo’s “Top Chef World All-Stars”; thanks to this partnership, guests of the MSP-G Club will be able to enjoy Justin’s take on classics like chicken and andouille gumbo, shrimp and grits, pimento cheeseburger sliders and banana pudding through mid-July. 

FURTHER UPGRADES COMING TO MSP AS DELTA CONTINUES ITS AIRPORT INFRASTRUCTURE INVESTMENTS 

Recent renovations to Gates G18-G22, including relocated and enlarged restrooms, expanded gate seating areas and new concessions, laid the groundwork for this new Club. These upgrades were precursors to larger airside renovations happening throughout the airport.   

Slated for completion by the end of 2025, future renovations will update the terminal with new terrazzo flooring; refreshed ceilings and lighting fixtures; upgraded digital signage; and more. Refurbished, spacious gate areas will mirror gate improvements at other Delta terminals in LAX, LGA, ORD and SLC.  

Delta is partnering with the Metropolitan Airports Commission (MAC), providing a $47 million investment to complete the project. This MSP modernization effort joins other recent airport investments, including a $50 million terminal upgrade at Chicago-O’Hare and major, multi-billion-dollar terminal overhauls at Los Angeles International Airport and New York-LaGuardia Airport. Across the country, Delta continues to invest in modern, beautiful and intuitive airport spaces, aiming to elevate customer journeys both on the ground and in the air.