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Finnair to discontinue two of its shortest domestic routes due to economic and environmental considerations

Finnair will cease flying two of its shortest domestic routes, replacing air service between its Helsinki hub and the cities of Turku and Tampere with a bus connection as of May 1, 2023. 

The flights are operated by Norra – Nordic Regional Airlines.

Finnair has already replaced its mid-day flights from these cities with bus connections to lower the CO2 footprint of the routes. Road and rail options are a more environmentally sustainable option for connecting these cities to Finnair’s Helsinki hub.

 

“The flights to Tampere and Turku are very short, and the relatively low passenger numbers – around 35 percent load factors – on these routes cause them to have a higher CO2 emission per passenger than many other short routes in our network, ” says Perttu Jolma, Vice President, Network. “Road, or rail, transportation is a more sustainable option for connections between Helsinki Airport and these cities.” 

The scheduled flight time to Turku and Tampere is 35 minutes, but the actual flight time is about 25 minutes. 

Most customers arriving at Helsinki Airport for Finnair flights, for example, from the Tampere region, already come by bus, train, or car. This was already the case before the COVID-19 pandemic: 70 percent of Finnair Plus members with home addresses in Tampere started their flights from Helsinki Airport rather than from Tampere, despite the several daily flights available. 

During the summer of 2023, Finnair will operate four bus services per day between Turku and Helsinki Airport and four bus services per day between Tampere and Helsinki Airport. As of May 8, these routes start from the central bus stations of Turku and Tampere. 

Bus connections can be purchased together with the connecting flight. With the bus connection included in the booking, Finnair also guarantees connections in case bus or flight schedules are delayed. In addition, customers arriving by bus to Helsinki Airport can use priority check-in, bag drop, and security for a smooth connection. The buses run on biodiesel and have internet connectivity and USB charging possibilities for convenience.

Video:

Noora aircraft photo gallery:

Finnair-Norra-Nordic Regional Airlines aircraft photo gallery

Sun Country Airlines to acquire five ex-Oman Air Boeing 737-900ERs

Sun Country Airlines has announced it will acquire five Boeing 737-900ERs that will expand its passenger fleet in late 2024 and 2025.

Under terms of the deal, Sun Country will acquire current leases for the five aircraft which will remain on lease to Oman Air until the leases begin to expire in late 2024 and through 2025.

Sun Country will take delivery of one aircraft in late 2024 and the other four throughout 2025.

Purchasing the aircraft under their existing leases is advantageous to Sun Country for several reasons:

  • This transaction demonstrates Sun Country’s ability to opportunistically acquire aircraft in a tight market at favorable economic terms while providing fleet growth certainty through 2025.
  • Acquiring five aircraft of the same variant guarantees sufficient scale to be efficient in Sun Country’s existing fleet of 737-800s.
  • The 737-900ER has more seat capacity than 737-800s and can fly a longer range.
  • Sun Country will deploy capital to acquire the aircraft today while receiving lease revenue though 2025.
  • Finally, used aircraft induction lead times have been challenged by supply chain constraints and engineering support. This transaction allows Sun Country to minimize the transition time of modifying the aircraft and induction into revenue service.

The acquisition will be financed through a credit facility with MUFG Union Bank.

Current route map:

Loganair now flies from London City Airport to the Orkney Islands via Dundee

Loganair has announced it is now connecting Dundee with the south and north of the UK like never before with the launch of its new London to Orkney route.

For the first time ever, passengers will be able to fly from Kirkwall to London City with a stop-off in Dundee thanks to a new, twice-weekly service taking off today (Tuesday, April 4, 2023).

Photo: Loganair

The new same-flight service operates via the City of Discovery, giving passengers the option to split up their journeys in Dundee or stay on board for a seamless, unrivalled connection from either end of the country.

The three-and-a-half-hour service is ideal for those looking to explore the famous archipelago of Orkney off the north-east coast of Scotland or visit Dundee, famed for jute, jam and journalism. The tourism-boosting connection also offers business commuters a seamless route into the heart of the UK’s capital.

MGA Airlines adds its first Boeing 777-300 ER

MGA Airlines (Mavi Gôk Aviation) – goturkiye.com Boeing 777-3ZG ER TC-MGG (msn 35302) MUC (Arnd Wolf). Image: 960382.

MGA Airlines – Mavi Gök Airlines (Antalya, Turkey) is expanding with new aircraft.

The Turkish airline recently added its first Boeing 777-300 ER.

Photo: MGA Airlines.

Mavi Gök Airlines (MGA) was established in Antalya in March 2007.

MGA obtained its own AOC (Air Operator Certificate) in July 2022 and made its first official flight to Budapest on July 19, 2022 with a Boeing 737-800.

MGA has also updated its logo.

Top Copyright Photo: MGA Airlines (Mavi Gôk Aviation) – goturkiye.com Boeing 777-3ZG ER TC-MGG (msn 35302) MUC (Arnd Wolf). Image: 960382.

MGA Airlines aircraft slide show:

MGA Airlines aircraft slide show

Frontier Airlines progressive jackpot hits 3 million FRONTIER Miles

Frontier Airlines’ “Lott-O Miles, Pick 5” has rolled over twice since March 31, creating a current jackpot of 3 million FRONTIER Miles. The carrier is the first airline to introduce a progressive mileage giveaway that will award 5 million miles in total.  

The first live drawing was held March 29 with eight entries matching all five animal picks, resulting in eight winners taking home 125,000 FRONTIER Miles each. A second drawing on March 31 did not result in a winning entry, prompting a rollover of 1 million FRONTIER Miles. A third drawing on April 3 resulted in a second rollover and the current 3 million FRONTIER Miles jackpot. Subsequent live drawings will be held April 5 and April 7. Viewers can watch live on Frontier’s social media channels including Twitter, YouTube, Facebook, and TikTok.  

To participate, visit www.FlyFrontier.com/LottoMiles and select five animal picks prior to each drawing. The contest period will close at 12 p.m. ET on the day of each drawing. A single entry matching the winning combination will result in the entrant winning the entire current jackpot. If multiple entries match the winning combination, winners will split the jackpot. In true progressive style, if there are no winners, the miles will roll over to the next drawing. One entry per person, per drawing, will be permitted.

To redeem miles, consumers must be a FRONTIER Miles member – which is free to join. Each drawing requires a new entry during the designated contest period. Entrants will receive an email recapping their picks prior to the drawing. If there are no winners on any of the remaining drawings, a randomly selected winner will be chosen from day five’s jackpot entries.  

Remaining Live Drawing Dates and Times: 

  • April 5 at 2 p.m. ET 
  • April 7 at 2 p.m. ET   

Alaska Airlines and the Surfrider Foundation partner to protect coastal habitats and reduce waste from single-use plastics

Alaska Airlines and the Surfrider Foundation announced today a national partnership focused on protecting coastal habitats through efforts such as reducing plastic waste and engaging employees and communities in beach cleanups across the West Coast and throughout the Hawaiian Islands. Alaska and Surfrider, both West Coast-based organizations with broad national reach, will collaborate to help protect our coastlines, expand education and awareness of the challenges that threaten our ocean, beaches and marine environments, and grow participation in beach cleanup and habitat restoration activities along the coasts.

Launching this Earth Month, Alaska and Surfrider will organize a series of events to invite Alaska employees and members of our West Coast communities, including California, Hawaii and the Pacific Northwest, to clean up beaches through Surfrider’s extensive network of grassroots leaders and volunteers. They will also work together on ongoing cleanup and restoration projects and collaborate on education and advocacy to support the reduction of single-use plastics.

WestJet Cargo, working with the GTA Group, will start operations on April 22

WestJet Cargo (WestJet Airlines) Boeing 737-804 (F) WL C-FTWJ (msn 32904) YYZ (TMK Photography). Image: 960375.

WestJet Cargo and the GTA Group announced a long-term partnership that will support the expansion and growth of domestic cargo opportunities for both businesses. Beginning in 2022, WestJet Cargo is partnering with the GTA Group to increase shipping capacity using four dedicated Boeing 737-800NG freighters operated by WestJet, to fulfill overnight express cargo service out of WestJet’s Toronto hub.

WestJet’s 737-800NG narrow body aircraft is perfectly suited to serve the overnight express freight community offering increased flexibility and frequency. Quick to fill and fly, with among the best fuel efficiency in the cargo category, these freighters will provide the partnership a competitive cost advantage. In addition to dedicated freighters, WestJet Cargo will further support the GTA Group’s service through WestJet’s existing cargo business in the bellies of its commercial fleet.

Founded in 2001 and based out of Toronto, Ontario, the GTA Group of companies offers a diverse array of aviation related services ranging from ground service equipment maintenance, rental and sales to ground and cargo handling, ecommerce and cargo sales.

WestJet Cargo on March 20, 2023 announced that it has received Transport Canada’s approval and official certification of its four 737-800 Boeing Converted Freighters (BCF). Following certification, WestJet Cargo and the GTA Group will expeditiously implement three freighters into service, as dedicated aircraft that will fulfill the large-scale needs of businesses, freight forwarders, shippers and individual customers across North America. The fourth of WestJet Cargo’s dedicated freighters is expected to join the accompanying fleet later this year, following the completion of its conversion.

Top Copyright Photo: WestJet Cargo (WestJet Airlines) Boeing 737-804 (F) WL C-FTWJ (msn 32904) YYZ (TMK Photography). Image: 960375.

WestJet aircraft photo gallery:

WestJet aircraft photo gallery

Lufthansa Cargo adds new destinations to its short- and medium-haul network

Lufthansa Cargo – Lufthansa CityLine Airbus A321-211 (P2F) D-AEUA (msn 1988) LHR (Antony J. Best). Image: 959311.

Starting in April, Lufthansa Cargo is adding new destinations to its European route network and thus successively expanding it further. The new freighter destinations include Larnaca (Cyprus), Athens and Milan.

In total, Lufthansa Cargo will serve twelve destinations in the intra-European short- and medium-haul network on more than 50 weekly flights with Airbus A321 freighters. 

As of April 12, Lufthansa Cargo’s summer flight schedule will be expanded to include two weekly connections to Larnaca on Cyprus in a combined routing with the Greek capital Athens, offering customers a fast connection for their cargo on a direct route to the hub in Frankfurt with onward transportation to destinations worldwide. In addition, a weekly connection to Milan complements the service and in this way links the economically strong region of Lombardy in northern Italy with Central Europe and the rest of the world. 

Photo: Lufthansa Cargo

For a year now, Lufthansa Cargo has been successfully offering customers fast and flexible transport solutions with its A321F connections, whether in scheduled or charter business. Lufthansa Cargo currently operates two A321F freighters. By late summer, the fleet will be expanded to a total of four aircraft. As a twin-engine, technically advanced narrow-body aircraft, the Airbus A321 freighter is very powerful and at the same time fuel-efficient. A total of 28 tons of payload is available on 14 pallet and container positions on the main deck and ten on the lower deck. The adjustments and extensions to the flight schedule on short- and medium-haul routes associated with the further expansion of the fleet are currently still in the planning stage. 

In addition to its expanded short- and medium-haul services, Lufthansa Cargo offers its customers 79 weekly connections with 16 Boeing 777 freighters to intercontinental destinations in this year’s summer flight schedule and markets the belly capacities of more than 7,000 flights operated by Lufthansa, Austrian Airlines, Brussels Airlines, Eurowings Discover and SunExpress.

Top Copyright Photo: Lufthansa Cargo – Lufthansa CityLine Airbus A321-211 (P2F) D-AEUA (msn 1988) LHR (Antony J. Best). Image: 959311.

Lufthansa Cargo aircraft photo gallery:

Lufthansa Cargo aircraft photo gallery
AirlinersGallery.com photo library

Statement from KLM regarding Schiphol announcement

Like Amsterdam Airport Schiphol, we believe that our operations should be in balance with our surroundings and the climate. We would prefer to work with the rest of the aviation industry on developing further measures to reduce CO2 emissions and noise pollution.

We are astonished that Schiphol is unilaterally putting forward proposals that will have far-reaching consequences for airlines, without involving the industry parties in this process. Only through a collaborative, sector-wide approach can the aviation industry achieve a balance between its surroundings and the climate. It should be noted that Amsterdam Airport Schiphol itself plays a vital role in this respect, for example in terms of ethical and sustainable employment practices and working conditions at the airport.

Together, we can arrive at an alternative that will have the support of all parties and will therefore be effective. In consultation with the other airlines based at Schiphol, our strategic partner Delta Air Lines, and aviation industry organizations, we will submit our views on this matter to the Ministry of Infrastructure and Water Management by 15 June at the latest. Schiphol remains welcome to join these consultations.

We will revisit Schiphol’s proposals at a later date in the course of the European Union’s Balanced Approach procedure.

Swiss to trial passenger count using artificial intelligence

Swiss International Air Lines (SWISS) plans a three-month trial together with an external partner of using artificial intelligence (AI) to conduct its passenger count during the flight boarding process. The digitalization of the passenger count procedure is intended to enhance security and simultaneously ease the workload of the airline’s cabin personnel. To these ends, on selected SWISS flights from Zurich between April and June, a camera will be temporarily installed in the cabin for the boarding process, to record passengers as they embark and determine their total numbers.

The recordings will be used solely to train the AI application in the boarding process. It must be able, for instance, to distinguish whether a passenger is carrying an infant in their arms, and must also function faultlessly even in challenging lighting conditions. Results will be constantly analyzed throughout the trial phase to steadily improve the AI’s reliability. In view of the new approach’s trial nature, the cabin crew will also conduct a parallel passenger count using the established manual procedure on the flights concerned.

Data security and data protection assured 

SWISS attaches the highest importance to data security and data protection. All the recordings made will be processed in full compliance with the strict European (GDPR) and Swiss (FADP) data protection provisions, and will then be deleted. The data recorded will be used solely for passenger count purposes. No persons will be identified from them. In addition, only visual images will be recorded, and only in the aircraft door area. No further recordings (such as audio) will be performed. 

Passengers on the flights concerned will be informed of the trial before they embark. After the trial is concluded, SWISS will analyze the results and then decide on the further course of action as well as on a possible introduction.

Virgin Orbit files for Chapter 11 reorganization, seeks a buyer

Virgin Orbit Boeing 747-41R N744VG (msn 32745) (Virgin Atlantic colors) LGB (Robbie Shaw). Image: 941580.

Virgin Orbit Holdings, Inc. and its U.S. subsidiaries, a responsive space launch provider, announced on April 3 that it commenced a voluntary proceeding under Chapter 11 of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code in the United States Bankruptcy Court in the District of Delaware in order to effectuate a sale of the business.

With the support of Virgin Investments Limited in the form of debtor-in-possession (“DIP”) financing, Virgin Orbit intends to use the Chapter 11 process to maximize value for its business and assets.

This announcement follows the Company’s previous statement about reducing its workforce due to an inability to raise sufficient out-of-court capital to continue operating its business at the current run-rate.

To help fund the process and protect its operations, the Company has received a commitment from Virgin Investments Limited for $31.6 million in new money DIP financing. Upon approval from the Bankruptcy Court, the DIP financing is expected to provide Virgin Orbit with the necessary liquidity to continue operating as it furthers the marketing process commenced pre-petition to sell the Company and seek a value-maximizing transaction for the business and its assets.

The Company is focused on a swift conclusion to its sale process in order to provide clarity on the future of the Company to its customers, vendors, and employees. In the interim, Virgin Orbit will continue operating in the ordinary course as a “debtor-in-possession” under the jurisdiction of the bankruptcy court and in accordance with the applicable provisions of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code. Virgin Orbit has filed customary motions requesting that the Court authorize the Company’s ability to its use cash on hand and access the DIP financing to support this process, including payment of remaining employee wages and benefits without interruption. The Company intends to pay suppliers and vendors to the fullest extent possible pursuant to normal terms for goods and services provided on or after the filing date. The Company is also committed to working with its customers as it tries to find a buyer that will be able to continue to fulfill their needs. 

Top Copyright Photo: Virgin Orbit Boeing 747-41R N744VG (msn 32745) (Virgin Atlantic colors) LGB (Robbie Shaw). Image: 941580.

British Airways to operate seasonal London Heathrow to Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen services this summer

British Airways Airbus A320-251N WL G-TTNH (msn 8489) ARN (Stefan Sjogren). Image: 960168.

British Airways will introduce a summer seasonal service from its London Heathrow hub to Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen starting on June 1.

The seasonal route will be operated four days a week.

Top Copyright Photo: British Airways Airbus A320-251N WL G-TTNH (msn 8489) ARN (Stefan Sjogren). Image: 960168.

British Airways aircvraft photo gallery:

British Airways aircraft photo gallery (Airbus)
Volume 1

Etihad Airways and China Southern Airlines move closer with a MOU

Etihad Airways, the national airline of the United Arab Emirates, and China Southern Airlines, Asia’s largest airline, are set to explore deeper and broader cooperation opportunities following the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to provide passengers with an enhanced travel experience.

Following Etihad’s move to Beijing Daxing International Airport (PKX), which is also China Southern Airlines’ hub, the MOU provides scope for expansion of the current codeshare co-operation and allows the partners to explore extending global flight networks beyond the two carriers’ hubs, providing passengers with a more valuable, convenient and high-quality travel experience. This is further enhanced by Etihad services to China Southern’s home hub at Guangzhou Baiyuan, introduced in October 2022.

The MOU also contains plans for mutual procurement opportunities across ground handling, cargo handling, bonded warehousing, catering, and maintenance, repair and overhaul in either Guangzhou, Beijing or Abu Dhabi, broadening cooperation opportunities in the airline supply chain.

Emirates lands in Tokyo-Haneda

Emirates Airline Boeing 777-300 ER A6-EQH (msn 42353) PAE (Nick Dean). Image: 939728.

Emirates has now restored its full Japanese network with the resumption of its passenger services to Tokyo-Haneda on 2 April 2023, further building on the airline’s continued expansion in the Southeast Asia region.

Operated by one of Emirates’ latest Boeing 777 “Game Changer” aircraft, flight EK312 departed from Dubai on April 2 at 7:50hrs, and arrived in Tokyo-Haneda at 22:35hrs. The return flight EK313 departed from Haneda on April 3 at 00:05hrs and arrived in Dubai at 06:20hrs. All times are local time.

Photo: Emirates

In addition to Tokyo-Haneda, Emirates also operates daily services to Tokyo-Narita and Osaka. From these points, the airline offers passengers access to 24 additional domestic cities in Japan through its codeshare partnership with Japan Airlines. Japanese travellers can also benefit seamless access to more than 130 destinations across 6 continents via Dubai, including popular destinations such as Italy, Spain, US, France and UK.

Top Copyright Photo: Emirates Airline Boeing 777-300 ER A6-EQH (msn 42353) PAE (Nick Dean). Image: 939728.

Emirates aircraft photo gallery:

Emirates aircraft photo gallery

Finnair to start flying to Ljubljana and Bodø

Finnair Airbus A321-231 WL OH-LZI (msn 5922) ZRH (Rolf Wallner). Image: 937005.

Finnair is adding new routes for the summer season.

Along with Milan Malpensa Airport, the airline is now also flying to Milan Linate Airport.

From April 10 onwards, Finnair will fly to Ljubljana and from May 27 onwards to Bodø in Norway.

Top Copyright Photo: Finnair Airbus A321-231 WL OH-LZI (msn 5922) ZRH (Rolf Wallner). Image: 937005.

Finnair aircraft photo gallery:

Finnair aircraft photo gallery

American Airlines flight attendants file for mediation; systemwide picketing continues

On Tuesday, April 4, 2023, American Airlines Flight Attendants, represented by the Association of Professional Flight Attendants (APFA), will continue systemwide informational picketing events at nine Flight Attendant bases across the United States. The Union has passed proposals on every section of our Contract and invoked the services of the National Mediation Board (NMB) by filing for federal mediation, the next step to reach an agreement, as outlined by Section 6 of the Railway Labor Act.



“Flight Attendants have not received a raise or any cost of living increase in over four years, while the cost of living in our crew bases is skyrocketing,” said Julie Hedrick, National President of the Association of Professional Flight Attendants. “We deserve significant increases in compensation and improvements to how we are scheduled. It is time for management to bring these negotiations to a close.

“What:
Systemwide Airport Informational Picketing

When:
Tuesday, April 4th, 2023
11:00 am- 1:00 pm (local time)

Where:
BOS:Boston/ Logan International Airport, Terminal B West Arrivals, Doors B103-B104.
CLT: Charlotte/ Douglas International Airport, NW corner of Wilkinson Blvd/Josh Birmingham Pkwy intersection.
DCA: Washington National Airport, Terminal 2, ticketing level, North Terrace.
DFW: Dallas/ Ft. Worth International Airport, Terminal A, upper level, door A8.
JFK: canceled.
LAX: Los Angeles International Airport, between T4 & Tom Bradley terminal, departures level.
MIA: Miami International Airport, Terminal D, upper level, Door 1.
ORD: Chicago/ O’Hare International Airport, Departures, between T2 and T3 sidewalk.
PHL: Philadelphia International Airport, Terminal A West.
PHX: Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport, Terminal 4, NW side, level 2.

SAS makes it easier to choose biofuel

On April 3, SAS launches two ticket types that include biofuel. These will be available on all SAS domestic, Scandinavian and European flights.   

SAS aims to use fossil-free aviation fuel equivalent of all our domestic flights by 2030, a journey we make together with our passengers. We are, therefore, making it even easier for our travelers to be part of the journey toward more sustainable air travel by launching tickets that include the maximum allowed amount of biofuel. 

Travelers buying Go Smart or Plus Pro tickets will be able to purchase these tickets with approximately 50%* of biofuel included to lower the CO₂ emission of their SAS flight. 

“Our journey toward a more sustainable aviation continues and by increasing the use of bio  fuel we are bridging the gap to zero emission flights. We know it is important for our customers, both leisure and corporate, to actively take part in these efforts and SAS Bio will fill this demand“, says Ann-Sofie Hörlin, Head of Sustainability at SAS. 

*Facts SAS Bio tickets:

Go Smart Bio and Plus Pro Bio includes the cost of approximately 50% biofuel, which is calculated on an average journey, corresponding to approximately 60 minutes on Swedish or Norwegian domestic, 60 minutes within Scandinavia, 35 minutes on Danish domestic or 1hour 30 minutes on European flights.

The amount of biofuel purchased will be used to replace the equivalent amount of fossil fuel in SAS’ operations. 

SAS guarantees that the purchase of biofuel takes place within 12 months.   

SAS makes no profit from the purchase.

Facts about Biofuel

Biofuel is a sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) emitting approximately 80% less climate-impacting CO₂ compared to fossil fuels during its life cycle. At present, according to regulations for commercial aviation, biofuel must be blended with conventional jet fuel with a maximum blend of 50% SAF.

Since 2019, SAS offers biofuel as a travel extra, available on all SK flights.

Jet2 to start a route linking London Stansted to Burgas

Jet2-Jet2.com Boeing 737-800 WL G-JZHR (msn 63148) (Friendly Low Fares) SZG (Gunter Mayer). Image: 960366.

Jet2 on July 21, 2023 will start a new route linking London (Stansted) to Burgas, Bulgaria.

The new route will operate two days a week.

The Burgas Airport principally serves Burgas and other seaside resorts of the Bulgarian south coast which attract many tourists during the summer season.

Top Copyright Photo: Jet2-Jet2.com Boeing 737-800 WL G-JZHR (msn 63148) (Friendly Low Fares) SZG (Gunter Mayer). Image: 960366.

Jet2 aircraft photo gallery:

Jet2 aircraft photo gallery
Jet2 aircraft photo gallery

SriLankan Airlines to be sold by the government

SriLankan Airlines Airbus A330-243 EI-EOK (msn 627) ZRH (Rolf Wallner). Image: 951570.

SriLankan Airlines will soon have new owners.

Ministry of Finance of Sri Lanka is working with the International Finance Corporation (IFC) regarding the sale and divestment of the state-owned flag carrier.

The government put out this statement on the sale of government assets including the airline:

The Government of Sri Lanka Seeks Transaction Advisors To Assist In Divesting Selected State Owned Enterprises:

The Government of Sri Lanka (GoSL) is in the process of implementing deep economic reforms including in the State-Owned Enterprise (SOE) sector. Such reforms are intended to enhance competition, productivity and efficiency across the economy.

To implement SOE reforms, GOSL has set up the State-Owned Enterprise Restructuring Unit (SRU) under the Ministry of Finance, Economic Stabilization and National Policies (MoF).

Top Copyright Photo: SriLankan Airlines Airbus A330-243 EI-EOK (msn 627) ZRH (Rolf Wallner). Image: 951570.

SriLankan Airlines aircraft photo gallery:

SriLankan Airlines aircraft photo gallery