airBaltic presented its 40th Airbus A220-300 aircraft (registration No. YL-ABN), which is already the second aircraft in the fleet painted in the colors of the Latvian national flag.
A special highlight of the event was the launch of airBaltic’s cooperation with the XXVII Nationwide Latvian Song and XVII Dance Festival, as airBaltic becomes the festival’s official airline and carrier. The event was attended by around 500 people, including employees of the company and the airport, partners, friends as well as Latvian and foreign officials.
This summer, the Song and Dance Festival will take place from June 30 to July 9, 2023 in Riga, highlighting the 150th anniversary of the tradition. The program of the festival includes more than 60 events and concerts in many locations and venues in Riga. Preparing for the major event are around 1 700 groups of participants in Latvia and abroad, including airBaltic employees as singers, dancers, and musicians, representing nearly 50 groups of participants. To learn more about the festival, please visit https://www.dziesmusvetki.lv.
YL-ABN is the first A220-300 aircraft delivered to airBaltic in 2023. This year, it is expected to receive seven more new aircraft, but the airline has ordered 50 aircraft of this type in total. Since May 2020, airBaltic has only been using A220-300 aircraft. This decision simplifies fleet maintenance as well as brings additional benefits to the efficiency of the aircraft.
Thus far, airBaltic has carried nearly 11 260 000 passengers on the Airbus A220-300 aircraft. Airbus A220-300s of the airline have completed more than 130 000 flights and flown over 280 000 block hours
RwandAir is scheduled to launch new direct flights to the dazzling French capital of Paris for the first time on June 27, 2023.
The new flights to the ‘City of Light’, will operate three times a week, giving customers easy access to one of Europe’s most stylish and exciting cities, as well connecting France with Kigali, in the heart of Africa.
Flight WB700 departs Kigali each Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday at 12:30 am, arriving at Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport at 9:30 am the same morning.
The returning flight WB701 leaves Paris at 9:30 pm each Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday, arriving at RwandAir’s home hub at 6:00 am the following morning.
“There is a light for attracting attention, and who doesn’t love attention?”
British Airways has launched its new onboard safety video, featuring many incredible colleagues from across the airline
The safety video encompasses British wit; playing on the British obsession with the weather to a love for fish and chips, and celebrating things that make Britain original
In addition to the airline’s people, the video features members of the public and some well-known faces
The safety video will feature on board British Airways’ long-haul aircraft from 1 May 2023*
British Airways has today premiered its new onboard safety video, which stars the airline’s colleagues, Britons going about their daily activities and some familiar faces, showcasing everything that makes Britain unique and truly original.
The safety video plays on things synonymous with the UK, from discussing the weather to enjoying fish and chips by the sea, it celebrates the timeless quirks and its unique people that put the nation on the map.
The five-minute film will be shown on the airline’s long-haul aircraft from 1 May 2023, and showcases British Airways colleagues from across the airline in their roles on the ground and in the air. One of the stars, British Airways engineer Carl Carpenter, drives across an engineering hangar while asking customers to unplug their devices, before his own vehicle comes to an abrupt stop. Cabin crew member Sima Patel-Pryke asks customers for their attention as the safety instructions may differ from other aircraft they’ve travelled on previously. In response, British rapper, Little Simz takes off her headphones, and remarks ‘What?!’
As well as shining a light on the airline’s incredible colleagues, the video also features some of the Great British public. When cabin crew member Emily Mae Jackson reminds customers that life jackets should not be inflated inside the aircraft, viewers see the instruction playfully taken out of situ with a real-life farmer near Dover and two fishermen on Deal beach in Kent all inflating their life jackets.
Calum Laming, British Airways’ Chief Customer Officer, said: “We have all sat through safety demonstrations before, so we knew we needed to create something different that would capture attention and was totally in line with our British Original positioning. We wanted this to be a real celebration of originality and for us, it is our people who – together with where we’re from – make us unique. That’s why it was important for us to hero so many of our amazing colleagues doing what they do each and every day for our customers and for each other. We also wanted to inject some wit and showcase Britishness, and all the quirks that put us on the map by shining a light on real life people – from fishermen and chip shop workers to friends hanging out, as well as some well known faces who help put Britain on a stage. So, seats in the take-off position and we hope you really enjoy our new safety video.”
British Airways engineer, Carl Carpenter, said: “My day-to-day role involves making sure our aircraft are safe for our customers, so to feature in the safety video itself is quite surreal. We had so much fun filming the video and I can’t wait to finally see it on board when I next go on holiday.”
Tennis player, Emma Raducanu, said “As a British Airways Brand Ambassador, it was a privilege to be a part of the new safety video and film alongside so many British Airways colleagues and household names from across the country. It’s fresh, engaging and I know customers will be in for a treat when video is rolled out for the first time on board.”
The airline’s colleagues star alongside celebrities including Ncuti Gatwa, Little Simz, Robert Peston, Kaya Scodelario, Steven Bartlett, Emma Raducanu, chef Tom Kerridge and British Airways’ new uniform designer Ozwald Boateng.
The airline is championing and showcasing British Originality across its customer experience, from its menus featuring the best of British cuisine, to its dedicated British Original in-flight entertainment channel, and is proud to show off the best of Britain.
Later this year, a second version of the safety video will be released, featuring the airline’s colleagues in its new uniform.
Go First (formerly Go Air) continues to lose money, with the biggest financial loss in fiscal years 2022.
The Wadia Group, which owns the airline, has begun talks with strategic partners to sell a significant share of the airline or get out of the airline business according the Financial Times.
The airline is struggling with aircraft that are grounded due to supply chain issues.
Go First is the aviation foray of India’s Wadia Group, which is a part of one of the oldest conglomerates in India with presence in diversified industries. The Wadia group comprises leading brands including 150-year-old The Bombay Burmah Trading Corporation Limited, 140-year-old Bombay Dyeing and Manufacturing Company Limited, 102-year-old Britannia Limited, 66-year-old National Peroxide Limited, the decade old Wadia Reality Private Limited and many others.
Go First is a low-cost carrier (LCC) that aims to make air travel affordable and accessible to the masses. Go First was incorporated on April 29, 2004, and commenced flight operations in November 2005 with its inaugural flight from Mumbai to Ahmedabad.
Go First fleet comprises 59 aircraft, of which 54 aircraft are A320neo aircraft, and 5 are A320ceo models.
The new partnership between Etihad Cargo and SF Airlines will provide Etihad Cargo’s customers with greater connectivity to 25 domestic destinations in China via SF Airlines’ road feeder service trucking network, further enhancing Etihad Cargo’s capabilities in the region. In February 2023, the carrier launched an additional direct freighter service to Shanghai, increasing the total number of freighter flights per week to eight. This MoU is the latest step by Etihad Cargo in expanding its operations in China and will see the carrier utilising SF Airlines’ Chinese network to transport cargo to other destinations in China via the Chinese carrier’s Hubei Province mega hub. Etihad Cargo will operate the flights on a Boeing 777 freighter, with services commencing on 28 April 2023 in line with this partnership.
SF Airlines, the cargo arm of SF Holding, operates the largest cargo air fleets in China. Via the capacity-sharing agreement with SF Airlines, Etihad Cargo will provide greater market access to key destinations in mainland China, Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan.
Australia’s Capital, Canberra is the latest city to be added to Fiji Airways ever-growing list of international destinations.
The National Airline flew a promotional flight into Canberra Airport to announce the new service from July 2023.
Fiji Airways has also confirmed its sponsorship of the Brumbies for Super Rugby Pacific.
The National Airline will provide services between Nadi and Canberra twice weekly on Tuesdays and Fridays from July to the end of September, and three times a week from October onwards.
Turkish Airlines, the first airline to become the official sponsor of the UEFA Champions League, released an exclusive UEFA Champions League film “Chase the Ball” before the finals which features Brazilian freestyler Adonias Fonseca’s adventures in the cities that hosted quarter finals and unites three iconic football legends, Ronaldinho, Steven Gerrard and Cafu for the first time.
In the opening scene, the legends fly to Istanbul onboard Turkish Airlines’ Business Class, and watch Adonias’ journey on the inflight entertainment system. After the players land in İstanbul, film continues with the legends’ encounter with Adonias and it is concluded in Istanbul’s Atatürk Olympic Stadium which will host the UEFA Champions League Final. Shooting of the movie took approximately a month in eight cities spanning six countries which included İstanbul where the finals will take place, along with London, Manchester, Madrid, Milan, Naples, Munich and Lisbon.
Produced with Beautiful Destinations, one of the biggest social media platforms focusing on destinations, film features some of the most beautiful locations of İstanbul such as Galata Tower, Balat, Süleymaniye Mosque, Çamlıca Mosque, Sultanahmet Square, Eminönü, Galataport, Ayasofya Mosque, Galata Bridge, Karaköy, Bosphorus and İstiklal Street.
Turkish Airlines’ another new UEFA Champions League themed commercial will also be released in April. In addition, many videos featuring these legends will be posted on Turkish Airlines’ social media accounts in the coming days.
At least two airliners were badly damaged or completely destroyed while parked at Khartoum International Airport (KRT) on Saturday, April 15.
A Saudia Airbus A330-300 (HZ-AQ30) was preparing for departure to Riyadh when it was attacked in the civil war and the other was a Boeing 737-800 (believed to be UR-SQH) operated by SkyUp Airlines of Ukraine (it escaped the war in Ukraine to be attacked in Sudan!).
Saudia escorted the crew (above) and passengers to the Saudi Arabian embassy in Khartoum.
Saudia confirmed the attack:
“SAUDIA clarifies that its A330 aircraft, flight number SV458 was involved in an accident at Khartoum International Airport before taking off to Riyadh at 0730hrs UTC this morning, Saturday, April 15”.
The following airlines had aircraft at Khartoum Airport when it was attacked by rebel forces:
Asia Cargo Airlines
Badr Airlines
MyWay Airlines
Tarco Air
The fate of those aircraft is unknown.
The fighting continues.
Breaking News: Planes on fire at Khartoum airport after coup attempt in Sudan pic.twitter.com/MwZIJmVGHs
In the course of the military clashes among Sudanese military factions at Khartoum Airport, a parked UNHAS Embraer E135 was destroyed by fire. pic.twitter.com/gau6Irmwhm
Etihad Airways launches new Wi-Fly ‘Chat’ and ‘Surf’ packages making it easier than ever to stay connected, chat with family and friends, and browse the web while flying on Etihad’s wide-body fleet.
Everyone flying on Etihad will benefit from complimentary ‘Chat’ messaging throughout their entire flight by signing in with Etihad Guest membership or simply enrolling online before flying to benefit immediately. The free chat feature includes access to popular messaging apps like WhatsApp, Messenger, and WeChat to name a few.
Guests wishing to surf, catch up on social media and work while they fly, can also choose to purchase ‘Surf’ Wi-Fly plans available for a flat fee with unlimited data for the duration of the flight. For flights under 7 hours, the Chat package is $2.99 or free for Etihad Guest members, and the Surf package is $9.99. For flights over 7 hours, the Chat package is $4.99 or also free for Etihad Guest members, and the Surf package is $19.99.
Etihad Guest Platinum and Exclusive tier members as well as guests travelling in Etihad’s First Class cabins will benefit from complimentary Surf Wi-Fly access throughout their flight. Etihad Guest Gold members will receive a 25% discount on the Surf package.
Etihad’s narrow-body fleet continues to offer the current mobile connectivity service allowing guests to make and receive phone calls, send and receive text messages and use their data roaming packages as they would on the ground.
Keeping you entertained while you fly
As well as connecting to the world through mobile and internet connectivity, guests flying on Etihad can enjoy its award-winning inflight entertainment service, E-BOX, which caters to a broad range of travellers from the youngest ‘Little VIPs’ to the young at heart. E-BOX is available on-demand through the seat-back screens on the wide-body fleet or by streaming E-BOX wirelessly to guests’ own devices on the narrow-body fleet
In addition to hundreds of blockbuster movies from Hollywood to Bollywood, as well as Arabic, Asian and European content, guests can enjoy TV shows, music, podcasts and games. There are also seven live broadcast sports and news TV channels to keep up to date with current affairs or catch a live match while on board.
On any aircraft, guests wishing to switch off and relax will be treated to Etihad’s award-winning comfortable cabins, delicious food and renowned Arabian hospitality from the Cabin Crew.
Flights (on wide-body aircraft) less than 7 hours
Flights (on wide-body aircraft) longer than 7 hours
Chat Package
$2.99
$4.99
Free for Etihad Guest Members
Surf Package
$9.99 or 1200 Etihad Guest Miles
$19.99 or 2400 Etihad Guest Miles
Free for guests travelling in First Class, as well as Etihad Guest Platinum and Exclusive Members.Etihad Guest Gold Members will receive a 25% discount.
Southwest Airlines celebrated 25 years of its bridge-building Adopt-A-Pilot® Program by unveiling an aircraft (737-7H4 N400WN, msn 27891) adorned with a nose decal and fuselage artwork dedicated to nearly 14,000 Pilots and half-million students that participated in the award-winning Program.
In a quarter century, Adopt-A-Pilot has impacted the lives of more than 556,000 fifth-grade students in classrooms across the country.
The aircraft (N400WN), unveiled at a celebration at the Southwest Airlines® Maintenance Hangar in Dallas, brought together fifth-grade students enrolled at a local elementary school who have “adopted” a Pilot, along with current and past participants of the Adopt-A-Pilot Program.
Southwest Airlines Pilots attend Adopt-A-Pilot 25th Anniversary celebration in Dallas.
Adopt-A-Pilot, which began in 1997, brings Southwest® Pilots into classrooms to engage students in interactive, aviation-related lessons that help define future successes, and sparks interest in aviation careers. Each school year, students in more than 1,500 classrooms across the country “adopt” Southwest Pilots who mentor students in the fifth-grade. As part of the award-winning Adopt-A-Pilot Program, students research careers and develop life skills, while Pilots underscore the importance of staying in school. The Adopt-A-Pilot curriculum is a supplementary way to educate students through aviation-themed activities related to science, geography, math, writing, and other core subjects.
N400WN
Southwest is committed to bringing America’s future leaders unique learning opportunities by committing resources and time to inspire students and help them define, articulate, and plan for future success. Students who were in classrooms which adopted Southwest Pilots have gone on to pursue careers in aviation, including:
Southwest First Officer Joe, who joined the Southwest Family in 2022. His fifth-grade classroom adopted a Southwest Pilot and completed the Adopt-A-Pilot curriculum in 2009.
Southwest Destination 225° Program Cadet Jett. His longtime Adopt-A-Pilot mentor of more than ten years, Captain Nancy, inspired him to pursue aviation.
High school students, Josh and Philip. They are continuing their mentorship with Southwest Pilots Wendy and Nancy to pursue pathways into professional pilot careers.
Fifth-grade students attend Adopt-A-Pilot 25th Anniversary celebration in Dallas.
Continuing its commitment to bring resources to support education and student development, Southwest announced a $10,000 donation to Ethridge Elementary School in The Colony, Texas. The school intends to use the funds to procure necessary supplies and equipment for science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education. Fifth-grade students at Ethridge Elementary School adopted a Southwest Pilot for the 2022-2023 school year and attended the unveiling event.
Copa Airlines, a subsidiary of Copa Holdings, S.A., and a member of the global Star Alliance airline network, announced their expansion plans for 2023.
The airline announced their plans for expansion in 2023 and its contributions to Panama’s growth at a special event in Panama City, Panama hosted by Pedro Heilbron, CEO of Copa Airlines.
This year’s planned initiatives focus on strengthening the Hub of the Americas®, it’s primary connection center in the region, by increasing its network of destinations and flight frequencies, as well as growing and improving its fleet of aircraft.
“Copa Airlines has been investing in Panama for more than 75 years, which has helped us become the leading airline in the region, turning the Hub of the Americas® into Latin America’s preferred connection by facilitating connectivity and contributing in boosting the economic, social, and tourism sectors of both Panama and Latin America. To remain sustainable and thrive in the current complex and competitive environment, the airline seeks to boost its growth, generate jobs, and increase our direct contributions to the country’s economy,” said Pedro Heilbron, Chief Executive Officer at Copa Airlines.
As part of their 2023 plans, Copa Airlines confirmed the recent addition of 15 new Boeing 737 MAX aircraft, an investment of $2.1 billion, to their latest order. These aircraft are additions to the existing 2015 order and are expected to be delivered within the next 5 years.
In 2023, the airline expects to receive six additional Boeing 737 MAX 9s, bringing its current fleet to a total of 99 airplanes, comprising 32 Boeing 737 MAX 9s, 58 Boeing 737 800 NGs, and 9 Boeing 737-700 NGs.
Copa Airlines is also planning to refurbish the training fleet of the Latin American Aviation Academy (ALAS) by acquiring 8 new Diamond DA40/42 airplanes. The aircraft will be equipped with cutting-edge technology, which will facilitate the learning process while adhering to the highest safety standards. In addition, these airplanes are eco-friendly, consuming up to 50% less fuel than the ones being replaced, ensuring a greener and more sustainable future for the airline industry.
Copa Airlines also announced the acquisition of a fifth flight simulator Boeing 737 MAX to enhance the training of its pilots. This new addition will increase the airline’s training capacity needed to help meet the growing demands of Copa Airlines.
Strengthen and increase Panama’s connectivity
During the first quarter of 2023, Copa Airlines will introduce three new destinations including Baltimore and Austin in the United States, and Manta in Ecuador, for a total of 80 destinations in 33 countries throughout the Americas. The airline’s international connectivity surpasses that of other hubs in the region, making it a competitive advantage for Panama. The Hub of the Americas® plays a strategic role in the country’s economy, and its unique connectivity has attracted airlines from around the world to complement their flights to the Central American country.
By incorporating three new routes and increasing flight frequencies to a variety of destinations, Copa Airlines estimates an 11% growth in the number of passengers in 2023 compared to 2022. At the end of 2023, it expects to transport 16.1 million passengers while operating 328 daily flights, exceeding pre-pandemic levels.
Increase tourism in Panama and contribute to the economic and social growth of the country
Copa Airlines will continue to implement successful initiatives that promote tourism and economic growth in Panama, such as the “Panama Stopover” program, which encourages in-transit passengers to spend a few days in the country. Since 2019, the program has attracted more than 260,000 visitors, and it is estimated that over 115,000 tourists will take advantage of the Panama Stopover in 2023.
In addition, Copa continues to market promotional fares to Panama through the “Irresistible Panama” initiative, which accomplished a visitor increase of 27% onboard the airline’s flights. It also contributed to the promotion and publicity of the country through its social media channels, copa.com, and other advertising spaces owned by the brand such as Panorama, Copa’s onboard magazine.
At the same time, the airline’s growth will continue to positively benefit the production and progress of local businesses since 100% of the products used onboard Copa flights are 100% Panamanian for the enjoyment of millions of passengers that travel with the airline throughout the continent. Currently, small Panamanian businesses such as Café Rogusta, Comercializadora Nico and F&F Foods, are the primary providers of products available onboard Copa flights.
airBaltic on April 15 launched direct flights between Riga and Hannover (Germany). airBaltic now connects both cities with two weekly flights.
Hannover
Hannover is a vibrant and dynamic city in northern Germany, known for its rich history, beautiful gardens, and impressive architecture. Located on the banks of the Leine River, Hannover is the capital of the Lower Saxony region and boasts a thriving cultural scene with lots of museums and historic sites, as well as excellent shopping and dining options.
Destination served
Flight frequency
Start date
Price *,GREEN
Price*,Business Light
Riga – Hannover
2 flights weekly
April 15, 2023
69 EUR
259 EUR
*Lowest fare (one way), including taxes, fees and service charges
Flights between Riga and Hannover are scheduled to take 1 hour and 55 minutes.
A domestic war has erupted in Sudan between the military of Sudan and the paramilitary resistance (RSF). A Saudia Airbus A330 appears to have been severely damaged if not destroyed in the fighting. Passengers are sheltering in the terminal and other aircraft are avoiding Sudanese airspace due to the fighting.
Saudia issued this statement:
From the BBC:
“At least three have died as Sudan’s army and a notorious paramilitary force battle with heavy weapons in the capital Khartoum amid tensions over a proposed transition to civilian rule.
Video showed a civilian plane ablaze at Khartoum airport. Saudi airline Saudia said its airbus “had an accident”.
The paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) says it controls airports and other key sites. The army denies this and says jets are hitting RSF bases.”
Multiple Commercial Aircraft at Khartoum International Airport in the Sudanese Capital have suffered “Severe Damage” most likely as a result of recent Airstrikes on the Airport by the Sudanese Air Force. pic.twitter.com/hKKmCGYpgf
Several aircraft damaged including a Saudia A330 at Khartoum Airport as Sudan’s paramilitary Rapid Support Forces takes control of the airport after days of tension in the country. pic.twitter.com/sVG3nT8VPp
— Breaking Aviation News & Videos (@aviationbrk) April 15, 2023
Boeing has been forced to delay some MAX deliveries due to a problem with a sub-contractor.
According to Reuters, the installation of two fittings that join the aft fuselage made by Spirit AeroSystems to vertical fin must now be inspected before the aircraft can be handed over to the customer.
Boeing and Spirit will have to perform inspections of the affected MAX 7, MAX 8 and MAX 8200 aircraft.
Delta Air Lines starts daily nonstop flights to New York-JFK. Delta is returning to London Gatwick after 15 years absence and the return of the airline’s service coincides with its 45thanniversary of serving the UK-US market.
“Delta started flying to the UK 45 years ago this month at Gatwick and so it is fitting that we are restarting our operations from Gatwick to the United States,” said Nicolas Ferri, Delta’s vice president Europe, Middle East, Africa, and India. “On board, customers will discover an elevated service and special touches to make their journey memorable.”
Delta people commemorate their airline’s return to London’s Gatwick Airport (LGW).
With daily flights, customers will enjoy convenient connections to destinations across North America via Delta’s New York-JFK hub. Exciting cities including New Orleans, Nashville and Miami are waiting to be discovered, while customers can connect to California’s breath-taking beaches in Los Angeles and San Diego and world-class wine region near San Francisco. Outdoor enthusiasts enjoy one-stop service to Salt Lake City and Seattle, from where some of America’s most famous national parks are within easy reach for hiking, biking, and rafting.
STEWART WINGATE, CEO, GATWICK AIRPORT SAID:
“We are thrilled to welcome Delta Air Lines back to Gatwick. It means that we will expand furthermore our connectivity to the US. This trust from such a network carrier as Delta underlines the competitiveness and the operational capabilities of Gatwick.
“Delta is a huge name in the transatlantic market and being able to offer passengers across London and the South East the opportunity to travel with them between Gatwick and New York City is fantastic, providing not only wider choice, but further competition. It also demonstrates the strong pull of Gatwick as an airport for big name, long-haul airlines.”
And it’s not only travellers flying from London Gatwick who will benefit from more nonstop flights to the United States. Delta’s schedule is good news for the British economy, offering more opportunities for American tourists to visit popular destinations such as London, Brighton, Cambridge – all within easy, direct, and quick reach of Gatwick by train – and beyond in what is an exciting year ahead given the King’s upcoming coronation.
A SEAT FOR EVERY TRAVEL STYLE
A Delta Boeing 767 lands at London’s Gatwick Airport (LGW).
There’s an upgraded travel experience waiting for Delta customers when flying from London, with recently refurbished Boeing 767-300 aircraft featuring Delta cabin experiences to suit our customers’ needs. From the luxury of a fully flat-bed seat in Delta One to Delta Comfort+ and Main Cabin, customers will find an elevated onboard experience on board.
Customers in every cabin enjoy seat-back screens featuring hours of complimentary premium entertainment via Delta Studio, in-seat power, high-speed Wi-Fi (for purchase, with free Wi-Fi coming by the end of 2024) and free mobile messaging via iMessage, WhatsApp and Facebook Messenger. All flights between UK and the US will be operated in cooperation with Delta’s joint venture partners Virgin Atlantic, Air France, and KLM.
Initial winter 2023 flights out for sale – New York to London and Paris, and London to Orlando, Los Angeles, Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood, Washington Dulles, and Boston are now available to book until March 2024
Inaugural flights between Paris and New York JFK took off on March 26, 2023 with daily flights between the two popular destinations now available through to March 2024.
First UK AOC flight operated on March 26, 2023 between London and New York JFK – paving the way for Norse Atlantic to become the largest operator from London Gatwick to the US this summer with seven destinations on sale now.
Norse Atlantic Airways has released the initial wave of winter 2023 flights available for sale including services between London to New York JFK, Orlando, Los Angeles, Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood, Washington Dulles and Boston, and Paris to New York JFK.
The airline additionally marked a double celebration on March 26, 2023 with the inaugural flights between Paris and New York JFK and the first London to New York JFK flight operated by the UK AOC. As a consequence of the operational launch of the UK AOC the company took the decision to discontinue the London to Oslo route following low overall demand and poor load factor performance.
“We are very pleased with the continued momentum of forward bookings across our network following the launch of our full summer schedule in February which saw multiple sales records broken on consecutive days. With a sustained focus on ancillary choice throughout the customer journey and by offering a consistent approach combined with greater passenger numbers we are looking forward to a successful summer ahead,” said Bjorn Tore Larsen, CEO Norse Atlantic Airways.
During March, Norse Atlantic Airways recorded an aggregate load factor for the month of 60 percent, including charter operations, up from 50 percent the previous month.
Norse Atlantic Airways operated a total 223 flights. 73 percent of operated flights arrived within 15 minutes of the scheduled arrival time, compared to 80 per cent the prior month. Norse Atlantic carried 42,143 passengers in March.
Airbus A320 bearing the registration code YU-APS, the latest addition to Air Serbia’s turbojet fleet, arrived in Belgrade on April 12. The new aircraft has 180 Recaro Slim seats, designed to take up less space and provide passengers with more comfort. The aircraft is 37.57 meters long and has a wingspan of 34.1 meters. It has two IAE V2527-A5 engines and it can reach a top cruising speed of 950 km/h, with a maximum range of approximately 6,100 km at full capacity. The aircraft received the Serbian national airline’s visual identity in the Netherlands.
Photo: Air Serbia
“With the arrival of the new Airbus A320 YU-APS, our company will have three planes of this type in its fleet. Continued modernization of our fleet, management system, technical support, and crew training are the Serbian national airline’s strategic goals. In the past year, we expanded our fleet by adding eight new aircraft. Our turbojet fleet saw an addition of one Airbus A319 and A320, our regional fleet was rejuvenated with the addition of five ATR 72-600s, and as of December, our second Airbus A330-200 has taken flight, bearing the image of the famous Serbian scientist and inventor Mihajlo Pupin. This is the second addition to our fleet since the start of 2023 and we are very proud of it”, said Marijan Kocić, Chief Operations Officer, Air Serbia.
Photo: Air Serbia
The second Airbus A320, and the first one with sharklets, joined the Serbian national airline’s fleet on October 13, 2022. The aircraft bears the registration code YU-APO.
Alert (Update No. 9): Airline operations at FLL began at 9AM, Friday, April 14, 2023.
Travelers are advised to check with their airlines for updated flight times BEFORE coming to the airport. Thanks for your patience as we work to restore normal operations.
During March 2023, the Latvian airline airBalticcarried 289,600 passengers or by 80% more than during the same period last year. In the previous month, airBalticperformed 3,100 flights, marking a 30% increase from March 2022.
Martin Gauss, President and CEO ofairBaltic: “We are pleased to see a significant increase in passenger numbers during March and we are delighted that more and more people are choosing airBaltic as their preferred airline. As airBaltic has opened 20 new routes from all its four bases, we anticipate even higher passenger increase during the summer season.”
