Qatar Airways will soon take delivery of its first Boeing 737-8 MAX 8.
Over the weekend, Boeing 737-8 MAX 8 A7-BSC (msn/ln 43329/8134) was painted in Portland and arrived and Paine Field in Everett, WA.
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After four tough years, can Boeing break through under CEO David Calhoun?
Boeing suffered through four tough years. The company is now picking up deliveries for its 737 MAX airliners and 787 Dreamliners.
Boeing is now hiring again to pick up the pace. However its is now behind Airbus in ordfers and deliveries.
CEO David L. Calhoun stated in the 2022 annual report:
“Every day we work to transform our company to service big defense and commercial needs. There is substantial and growing demand for the products and services we create, with more than $400 billion in open orders. In response to these demands and in light of post-COVID supply chain challenges, a priority is making our aircraft production capabilities more predictable and scalable. We do this work while meeting exacting safety and quality standards that are set by our regulators and customers and reflect our values, and I am incredibly proud of the progress we have made in our journey together.
Our mission—to protect, connect and explore our world and beyond—is supported by our unwavering commitment to strengthening safety through continuous improvement, learning and innovation. We will never forget the lives lost in the 737 MAX accidents. Their memory drives us every day to uphold our responsibility to all who depend on the safety of our products
and services.
Despite facing existential challenges in our company’s recent history, there has not been a single year in the last decade when we did not invest substantial time
and capital to enhance our capabilities and deliver innovation. We established research and technology centers in Australia, Brazil, China, Europe, the Middle East, India, South Korea and most recently in Japan. We believe the unique local perspectives our teammates bring to the table allow us to collaborate globally to find technology solutions that drive future growth.
Boeing is one of the most sophisticated engineering and technology companies in the world. We specialize in creating the world’s leading aerospace and defense products and solutions. Prioritizing and expanding large-scale capability investments will help us secure our future.
Additionally, distinctive new capabilities will deliver breakthrough benefits to our customers and reshape our industry in our favor, while uncovering new opportunities for growth. As part of our capability-building journey, we grew our workforce by about 23,000 teammates in 2022, primarily in engineering and manufacturing.
Our team works around the clock to create pioneering physical materials, sophisticated digital platforms and advanced production systems. Digital threads increasingly knit together our capabilities from design to production to support. Big data linked to intelligent analytics powers technologies embedded into our products and services while creating more efficient operations.”
More from Seattle Times:
Virgin Atlantic unveils “Taxi for Takeoff” in The Big Apple
Virgin Atlantic is connecting New Yorkers like never before. To celebrate the arrival of its state of the art and most fuel-efficient aircraft – the A330neo – on its popular New York City to London route, for 24 hours only the airline will be launching a bright red hackney carriage. The taxi will bring to life touches of the airline’s renowned premium service, leading innovation and customer experience design and connected features. Here for a limited time, Virgin Atlantic’s “Taxi for Takeoff” will roam the streets of NYC delivering passengers to their destinations within Manhattan.
The Virgin Atlantic “Taxi for Takeoff” features elements of the personalized service New Yorkers seek out from the airline. Its iconic cabin crew and a surprise guest or two, will greet passengers with a Ruby Slipper mocktail and afternoon tea, served on board in every cabin on daytime flights from London to the US. The Virgin Atlantic “Taxi for Takeoff” will feature wireless charging pads and a large seatback screen to enjoy “in flight” entertainment, in a nod to the amazing experience on board the A330neo.
Two round trip tickets from New York City to London will be up for grabs, along with an exclusive invitation to Virgin Atlantic’s ruby 40th birthday celebrations in 2024, for those who spot Virgin Atlantic’s “Taxi for Takeoff.” Just snap a photo or video of the cab and tag @virginatlantic #TaxiForTakeoff on Instagram to enter.
| When: | Beginning Monday April 3, 2023 at 9:00 am EDT Closes 11:59 pm EDT on Tuesday, April 4, 2023 |
| How to Enter: | Snap a photo or video of Virgin Atlantic’s “Taxi for Takeoff” and tag @virginatlantic #TaxiForTakeoff on Instagram to enter.Winners will be selected on April 6, 2023. They will be contacted directly via Instagram. |
| Disclaimer: | This contest/giveaway is in no way sponsored, endorsed or administered, or associated with Instagram. This giveaway is sponsored by @virginatlantic. The giveaway will run from 9:00 am EDT 04/03/23 until 11:59 pm EDT 04/04/23. Giveaway is open only to residents 18 years of age, or older where required, of the 50 United States and District of Columbia. The winner will be contacted via DM and must respond within 24 hours or prize will be re-allocated at random. |
Virgin Atlantic offers six daily flights from JFK to London Heathrow, including one daytime flight. In partnership with Delta Air Lines, the joint venture partners operate nine flights daily from NYC to London.
More on the Virgin Atlantic Airbus A330neo:
In 2019, Virgin Atlantic became the first UK airline to announce a firm order for up to 16 Airbus A330-900neos, reaffirming our commitment to flying the cleanest, greenest fleet in the sky.
From wingtip to tailfin, we’ve used inspiration and innovation to make this aircraft brilliant on every level. From a brand new social space and wireless charging, even more storage and stylish design touches, through to a huge 11% less fuel burn andcarbon emissions, it’s a game changer. Virgin Atlantic style.
A crucial step in our fleet transformation programme, the A330neo’s are designed to deliver a 50 per cent reduction in airport noise contour. We have one of the youngest fleets in the skies with an average age of just under seven years.
Introducing the A330neo
Our A330neo’s are exclusively powered by the Rolls Royce Trent 7000 engine, drawing on more than 50 million flying hours of experience from the Trent 700, which powers the original version of the A330.
Customers will be able to enjoy all Virgin Atlantic cabins onboard; Upper Class, Premium and our three tiers of Economy; Delight, Classic and Light. Continuing the evolution of our award-winning customer proposition, we’re introducing a beautiful new addition to our Upper Class cabin, known as The Retreat Suite, alongside brand- new suites for the entire cabin and an enhanced social space in the form of The Loft.
Social space – The Loft
Our award-winning social space, the Loft, is an exclusive spot for our Upper Class customers to come together. With space for eight people, and four comfy seats, customers can sit and chat, grab a drink or snack from the self-service fridge-freezer, connect Bluetooth headphones to the touchscreens – or just enjoy a change of scene mid-flight. There’s a brand-new self-service fridge and we’ve raised the height of the seats, so it’s easier for customers to interact with our award-winning cabin crew.
- ▪ The space features dual 27” touchscreens and eight Bluetooth audio jacks to enable our customers to view content together.
- ▪ Customers will have access to a self-service fridge-freezer and snack dispenser for all their grazing needs
- ▪ Seating features seatbelts so that customers can safely occupy the Loft even during turbulence.
- ▪ Wireless charging and AC, USB-A and USB-C ports are available.
Introducing the A330neo The Retreat Suite – our most spacious suite yet
A brand new addition to our Upper Class cabin, The Retreat Suite consists of two exclusive suites at the front of the cabin, with lots of extra space, huge storage, bigger screens, and the ability for customers to create their own private onboard social space.
With ottomans that double up as extra seats, up to four people can comfortably dine, chat, play games and more. Customers can have an intimate dinner or settle into a movie for some private time, the possibilities are endless. It’s a unique space for ourcustomers to travel the way they choose.
Comfort
▪ Kitted out with a 6ft 7” fully flat bed, customers can recline into the increased suite space for maximum comfort throughout their journey.
Privacy
▪ Customers will experience optimum privacy in The Retreat, with electronic privacy dividers and fully closing aisle privacy doors. There’s also a ‘do not disturb’ light, so customers can get that all important beauty sleep without being interrupted.
Entertainment
▪ With a 27” touchscreen monitor with Bluetooth audio; customers will have access to hours’ worth of inflight entertainment at their fingertips. We’re also keeping customers fully connected with brand new wireless charging and Bluetooth. Bluetooth is a feature we have added to every seat in every cabin on this beautiful aircraft.
A330neo Upper Class – an evolution of luxe space and style
We’ve added more space, some enhanced storage, and even more style to our incredible Upper Class suite. The flexible space allows customers the opportunity to personalise their journeys to how they choose, whether that’s to work, rest or socialise. Customers can relax on the 6.4” seat to fully flat bed or watch one of hundreds of films
on the 17.3” screen. There’s a place for everything – even shoes – and even a mirror. Not to mention a fully closing privacy door, wireless charging and personal in-suite mood lighting.
Features:
▪ 17.3” touchscreen with Bluetooth audio
▪ Up to 22” seat width
▪ 6ft4” std/ 6ft7.5” front row fully flat bed
▪ Fully reclinable seat, from upright to bed
▪ Enhanced storage, including shoe stowage and lockable in-seat stowage ▪ Fully closing privacy door
▪ AC, USB-A and USB-C ports
▪ Wireless charging
▪ Do not disturb light
▪ Customer-controlled mood lighting
A330neo Premium – bigger seats and premium treats
Our already award-winning Premium cabin has been designed to be even more… well, Premium. Small stylish touches meet big differences – like calf rests on every seat. There’s intuitive touchscreen entertainment, Bluetooth audio, and lots of storage. Oh, and did we mention we have an in-seat wireless charger?
Features:
▪ In-seat wireless charging
▪ 13.3” touchscreen with Bluetooth audio
▪ 38” seat pitch
▪ 18.5” seat width
▪ AC and USB-A ports
▪ There are calf rests in every seat and increased storage too
A330neo Economy – connection and comfort for everyone
Settle into beautifully designed seats with stylish new fabric. The 13.3” seatback screen is our biggest yet, with an intuitive touchscreen and Bluetooth audio to connect headphones and customers can use their phone as a controller. There’s plenty ofstorage, plus AC power and USB ports to keep gadgets going.
Features:
▪ Our economy cabin offers connections and comfort for everyone
- ▪ The 13.3” Bluetooth seatback screen is our biggest yet – connect your ownheadphones and use your phone as a controller
- ▪ AC or USB ports to keep your gadgets going
- ▪ 34” seat pitch Economy Delight (31” Economy Classic and Light)
- ▪ 17.9” seat width
Cabins at a glance
Economy Economy Economy Premium Upper Class The Retreat light classic Delight Suite
| Seat dimensions | Seat width 17.9” Seat pitch 31” | Seat width 17.9” Seat pitch 31” | Seat width 17.9” Seat pitch 34” | Seat width 18.5” Seat pitch 38” | Seat width 19.2” Seat pitch 44”Bed length 6ft4” | Seat width 19.2” Bed length 6ft6” |
| Seat manufacturer | Recaro CL3710 | Recaro CL3710 | Recaro CL3710 | Collins MIQ | Thompson Aero Seating Vantage XL | Thompson Aero Seating V antage First |
| Power | AC and USB- A port | AC and USB- A port | AC and USB- A port | AC and USB-A port | AC, USB-A and USB-C ports | AC, USB-A and USB-C ports |
| Inflight entertain- ment (SPI Rave OS) | 13.3”touchscreens with Bluetooth audio | 13.3”touchscreens with Bluetooth audio | 13.3”touchscreens with Bluetooth audio | 13.3”touchscreen with Bluetooth audio | 17.3”touchscreen with Bluetooth audio | 27” touchscreen with Bluetooth audio |
| Wi-Fi | Supplier: Viasat Speed/service – high quality, full video streaming, browsing and messaging speeds to every connected device on the aircraft Price points: £5.99 for 1-hour or £18.99 for full flight | |||||
| Additional features | Calf rest in all seats and wireless charging | Fully reclinable seat, enhanced storage including shoe stowage and lockable inseat stowage, fully closing privacy door, customer- controlled mood lighting and wireless charging. | Increased suite space, ottoman seating for quad dining/ socialising, electronic privacy divider and fully closing aisle privacy door, wireless charging, multiple oversized storage and a ‘do not disturb’ light | |||
‘Do not disturb’ light.
Wi-Fi
- High speed, high quality, full video streaming, browsing and messaging speeds to every connected device on the aircraft
- 1-hour pass £5.99 // full flight pass £18.99
- PED pairing – connect personal devices to the inflight entertainment screen inevery seat. Enables you to browse the entertainment library, control your screen and activate the call bell and reading light from your own deviceBluetooth
• Bluetooth to connect your own headphones to the inflight entertainment in every seat
Additional customer benefits
- ▪ The Loft allows customers to meet away from their seat, self-serve drinks and snacks, and have a change of scene.
- ▪ The Retreat Suite converts into a private social space for up to four people.
- ▪ The world’s first in-seat wireless charging in both Premium and Upper Class, more USB connections throughout the aircraft, inflight Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth- enabled entertainment systems in all cabins so customers can use their ownheadphones.
- ▪ As well as the social space, the Upper Class suites have a few extra touches,from a spot for shoes to a mirror cabinet.Overall cabin design
- ▪ The design of every cabin has been considered down to the very finest detail.
- ▪ Throughout, there are rich, tactile fabrics in warm, inviting Virgin Atlanticsignature colours.
- ▪ Wehavemovedawayfromnaturalleatherthroughoutonthisaircraft,infavourof a material which is up to 50% lighter, uses no animal products in itsmanufacture, but still creates that Virgin Atlantic, premium look and feel.
- ▪ Inspiredbythehorizonlineseenthroughthewindow,theseatshaveabespoke aesthetic known as New Horizon, with beautifully stitched lines and contours. This aesthetic flows through all cabin classes, to tie everything together fromnose to tail, offering a premium experience throughout.
- ▪ In every cabin, mood lighting changes with each stage of the journey,customised to layer perfectly with the cabin colours to create a refreshing,relaxing overall onboard experience for everyone.
- ▪ Customers can connect their personal devices to the inflight entertainment screen in every seat onboard the aircraft. This feature allows you to browse the entertainment library, control your screen and use the call bell and reading light from your own device.
A330neo essential information
The order
- ▪ Virgin Atlantic has ordered up to 16 Airbus A330-900neo aircraft
- ▪ We are taking delivery of the first aircraft in Q3 2022 and expect to receive allaircraft by the end of 2026
- ▪ The order is worth $4.7billion list priceThe configuration▪ 2 seats in The Retreat Suite
▪ 30 seats in Upper Class (32 Upper Class in total) ▪ 46 seats in Premium
▪ 184 seats in Economy
▪ 262 total seat countRoutes▪ The aircraft will fly from our base at London Heathrow ▪ Operating on business and leisure routes worldwideDelivery Schedule first 4 aircraftArrival Date Reg Icon
| September 2022 | G-VJAZ | |
| October 2022 | G-VTOM |
| November 2022 | G-VLDY | |
| February 2023 | G-VMER |
Typical operating characteristics
- ▪ The A330neo has a typical range of 13,334km (7200 nautical miles)
- ▪ Overall length 63.66m (208ft 10in)
- ▪ Tail height 16.79m (55ft)
- ▪ Maximum cargo payload of 44,000kgs with the maximum volume of 126cbm(subject to pax/baggage volumes)
- ▪ Maximum take-off weight of 251ts
- ▪ Typical cruising speed of M0.82Latest generation propulsion▪ Latest Rolls Royce Trent 7000 engines▪ Patented nacelle & pylon design to reduce drag and noise ▪ 68-72klbf – Take-off thrust (VAA option is 72k)
▪ 11% lower fuel burn than the A330ceo
▪ Incorporating the latest Trent XWB technologyHigh-span wing
- ▪ Innovative ‘sharklet’ wingtip design
- ▪ Span expansion to 64m (+4m vs 787)
- ▪ New shape – Faster, re-twisted high-aspect ratio wing shape
- ▪ The neo wing has overall greater aerodynamic efficiency with lower induceddrag and higher lift at all speedsAdvanced materials▪ Extensive use of composite & titanium Other airlines operating the A330neo
- ▪ Virgin Atlantic is the only UK airline to operate the neo.
- ▪ Other notable customers include Delta, Lion Air, TAP and Condor.
- ▪ 19 operators of the A330neo currently, with 77 aircraft delivered to-date,operating 155 routes on 44,000+ revenue flights.
- ▪ 273 orders globally to date flying across all six continents.
Sustainability
- ▪ Following a multi-billion-dollar investment in fleet transformation over the last decade, we operate the youngest, cleanest fleet in the sky, with an average aircraft age of just under seven years and 68% next generation. This increases to 100% next generation by the beginning of 2027.
- ▪ This means our aircraft are equipped with the most efficient engines and state- of-the-art technology designed to save fuel and reduce emissions. This has so far delivered a 20% reduction in fleet carbon emissions.
- ▪ The new planes are designed to be 11 per cent more fuel and carbon efficient than the A330-300 they replace and will deliver a 50 per cent reduction in airport noise contour.
- ▪ Leather free. It features durable and stylish faux-leather seating in our Upper and Premium cabins as well as within our social space and economy headrests. Replacing our traditional leather offering, the material is lighter weight in comparison saving on average 1.5kgs per double seat.
- ▪ We’re using a faux leather from a company called Douglass called Luxaire. Delta use this across some of its newer Delta One seats. Weighs less and saves ~3000 cows across the entire neo fleet.
- ▪ We’llcontinuetorolloutthisalternativematerialacrossnewandexistingaircraft where feasible.
- ▪ Pre-order and pre-select meals are available in Upper Class cabins, allowing customers to select their meals in advance, helping to reduce waste onboard.
airBaltic launches summer season with 20 new destinations
airBaltic has announced the launch of the summer season 2023, offering 20 new destinations in total from Riga, Tallinn, Vilnius and Tampere.
This is the historically largest number of new routes the airline has ever announced in a single season. The first flight of it departed from Riga to Istanbul today, on April 2, 2023.
| Destination served | Flight frequency | Start date | Price *,GREEN |
| Riga – Istanbul (Turkey) | 4 flights weekly | April 2, 2023 | 179 EUR |
| Riga – Hannover (Germany) | 2 flights weekly | April 15, 2023 | 69 EUR |
| Riga – Bucharest (Romania) | 3 flights weekly | May 1, 2023 | 79 EUR |
| Riga – Porto (Portugal) | 2 flights weekly | May 1, 2023 | 149 EUR |
| Riga – Burgas (Bulgaria) | 2 flights weekly | May 2, 2023 | 99 EUR |
| Riga – Bilbao (Spain) | 2 flights weekly | May 4, 2023 | 149 EUR |
| Riga – Tivat (Montenegro) | 2 flights weekly | May 4, 2023 | 89 EUR |
| Riga – Yerevan (Armenia) | 2 flights weekly | May 16, 2023 | 129 EUR |
| Riga – Belgrade (Serbia) | 2 flights weekly | May 16, 2023 | 79 EUR |
| Riga – Baku (Azerbaijan) | 2 flights weekly | May 17, 2023 | 149 EUR |
| Tallinn – Split (Croatia) | 2 flights weekly | May 1, 2023 | 109 EUR |
| Tallinn – Rhodes (Greece) | 2 flights weekly | May 1, 2023 | 119 EUR |
| Tallinn – Dubrovnik (Croatia) | 2 flights weekly | May 2, 2023 | 109 EUR |
| Tallinn – Heraklion (Greece) | 2 flights weekly | May 3, 2023 | 119 EUR |
| Vilnius – Malaga (Spain) | 2 flights weekly | May 2, 2023 | 109 EUR |
| Vilnius – Palma de Mallorca (Spain) | 2 flights weekly | May 2, 2023 | 109 EUR |
| Vilnius – Nice (France) | 2 flights weekly | May 3, 2023 | 79 EUR |
| Vilnius – Heraklion (Greece) | 2 flights weekly | May 4, 2023 | 99 EUR |
| Tampere – Nice (France) | 2 flights weekly | May 2, 2023 | 99 EUR |
| Tampere – Milan (Italy) | 2 flights weekly | May 4, 2023 | 79 EUR |
*Lowest fare (one-way), including taxes, fees and service charges, on www.airBaltic.com, subject to availability
airBaltic provides flights to more than 70 destinations from Riga, Tallinn, Vilnius and Tampere.
Route Map:
Top Copyright Photo: airBaltic Airbus A220-300 (Bombardier CS300 – BD-500-1A11) YL-ABH (msn 55162) ZRH (Rolf Wallner). Image: 960288.
airBaltic aircraft photo gallery:
Ghana Airlines to be launched in the third quarter
Ghana Airlines Limited (Accra), the new national flag carrier of Ghana, will be launched in the third quarter.
Ashanti Airlines, in cooperation with the government of Ghana, will operate the flights.
The Ghanaian government awarded Ashanti Airlines and its operational and financial partner Zotus Group a tender to operate Ghana Airlines for the government.
Ghana is a graveyard of failed airlines. Ghana Airways ceased operations in 2004 and Ghana International Airlines in 2010.
Virgin Australia relaunches flights to Vanuatu
Virgin Australia Airlines on March 31 resumed services between Australia and Vanuatu, further expanding the airline’s connectivity to the Pacific Islands.
Virgin Australia’s highly anticipated return to the Pacific Island nation is the latest step in rebuilding its short-haul international network and comes after services to Samoa and a brand-new Gold Coast-Bali route took off this month. New short haul international services will see Virgin Australia grow its international capacity by 50 per cent from FY23 to FY24.
Direct services from Brisbane to Port Vila operate on the airline’s Boeing 737-800 aircraft up to five times a week in peak periods, and up to three times weekly in off peaks.
Top Copyright Photo: Virgin Australia Airlines Boeing 737-8FE WL VH-BZG (msn 37822) BNE (Ton Jochems). Image: 945036.
Virgin Australia aircraft photo gallery:
Air India launches Premium Economy Class on select flights
Air India has introduced an all-new Premium Economy experience for travellers, offering a superior cabin product, world-class inflight services, and added on-ground convenience. The airline has opened sale for the new cabin, for travel starting May 15, 2023, becoming the first and only Indian carrier to offer the choice of four cabin classes – First, Business, Premium Economy, and Economy.
Air India’s Premium Economy class will be initially available to customers travelling on select routes operated by its fleet of Boeing 777-200LR aircraft: Bengaluru-San Francisco, Mumbai-San Francisco, and Mumbai-New York.
Air India’s Premium Economy offers an exclusive travel experience designed for customers who do not mind paying a reasonable premium over Economy Class fares to fly in style and enjoy a lot more space, comfort, and convenience.
Fast-track airport experience: Premium Economy customers will be able to check-in at dedicated counters and have priority tags affixed to their check-in baggage, and also be amongst the first to be invited to board the aircraft.
Separate, spacious cabin with wider seats: Premium Economy class on Air India’s Boeing 777-200LR aircraft features 48 leather-upholstered, memory foam seats that have 19 inches of width, 38 inches of pitch, and 5 inches of recline with adjustable leg rest and footrest, and winged headrests. The seats provide extra legroom for customers to stretch out during flight, enabling customers to rest or work in comfort.
Amenities: Premium Economy customers receive a complimentary, elegant TUMI amenity kit (specially designed for Air India) consisting of a pair of flight socks, an eye mask, MALIN+GOETZ lip moisturizer, and a pen, in addition to carpet slippers. Customers also receive noise-cancelling headphones for use during flight to complement the experience of Air India’s In-flight Entertainment (IFE) system.
Onboard dining: Customers will be welcomed on board Air India’s Premium Economy class with a welcome drink served on an elegant silver tray and a menu card reflecting a glimpse of a delectable culinary experience during the flight. On board, customers will be able to choose from a delicious selection of three meal choices for the main course, served on fine chinaware casserole, accompanied by an appetizer and dessert. The drinks menu includes a fine selection of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages.
Top Copyright Photo: Air India Boeing 777-237 LR VT-ALH (msn 36307) PAE (Nick Dean). Image: 905949.
Air India aircraft photo gallery:
Aegean Airlines and CAE partner to create Greece’s first advanced flight training center
Aegean Airlines and CAE, the global leader in civil aviation training, have announced a joint venture to establish the first advanced flight training center in Greece. With a capacity for up to seven full-flight simulators, the AEGEAN CAE Flight Training Centre will be part of Aegean’s new 85,000 m2technical base at Athens International Airport. The new centre is expected to begin pilot and cabin crew training by the end of 2023 and will be the most advanced flight training hub in Southeastern Europe powered by green energy.
The joint venture will initially operate four (4) full-flight simulators, including two Airbus A320neo, one Boeing 737NG, and one ATR 72-600, as well as cabin crew training equipment, and will have space for three (3) additional full-flight simulators. At full capacity, the centre will be able to train up to 3,500 pilots (42,000 pilot training hours) and many more cabin crew annually.
The new Flight Training Centre expands CAE’s global training network and is integral to the creation of AEGEAN’s aviation ecosystem in Greece. This is part of AEGEAN’s €140 million investment to bolster the local aviation industry and position the airline and Greece as an aviation hub in Southeastern Europe.
The Flight Training Center will be powered by solar energy produced by the 35,000 m2 of photovoltaic panels embedded in Aegean’s new “green” hangar, generating 3 MW or 4.4 Gwh of electricity annually, and located at one of Europe’s most sustainable airports.
Top Copyright Photo: Aegean Airlines Airbus A320-232 WL SX-DND (msn 6989) ZRH (Rolf Wallner). Image: 958791.
Aegean Airlines aircraft photo gallery:
Porter adds flights to its new Ottawa-Charlottetown route
Porter Airlines is adding flight frequency on its new Ottawa-Charlottetown route in response to high demand for its service and to provide more opportunity for passengers to travel across Porter’s expanding network.
Service begins on May 17, as announced earlier this year. The increased schedule moves the initial seven weekly round trip flights to 11 times weekly during the spring and fall. This further improves to 14 flights per week during the peak summer travel season.
The nonstop flights between Ottawa and Charlottetown are to be served by 78-seat De Havilland Dash 8-400 aircraft. All passengers will experience Porter’s genuine hospitality and elevated onboard service, including premium snacks, and free beer and wine served in glassware
Cirium reveals scale of Easter travel as UK school holidays begin
Cirium Data
Easter school holidays:
- During the Easter school holidays (31 March – 16 April), 44,074 flights are scheduled to depart UK airports – equating to nearly 7.8 million seats
- 14 April is scheduled to be the busiest day across the holiday period, with 2,776 flights departing UK airports
- The most popular international destinations for UK departures will be Dublin, followed by Amsterdam, Malaga, Palma and Alicante
- easyJet is projected to be the busiest airline during the holidays, with over 9,000 departures from the UK, followed by British Airways, Ryanair Loganair, and Jet2
- Heathrow Airport will see the largest number of departures, 10,696, followed by Gatwick, Stansted, Manchester and Edinburgh.
Easter weekend:
- During the Easter weekend 2023 (7 – 10 April), 10,286 flights are scheduled to depart UK airports – equating to over 1.8 million seats
- Easter departures from UK airports remain 12% down compared to the Easter weekend in 2019 when there were 11,743 departing flights
- Departures are up 12% compared to Easter 2022, and 655% up compared to 2021, showing the continued recovery of the industry
- The most popular international destinations for UK departures will be Dublin, followed by Amsterdam, Palma, Malaga and Alicante
- easyJet is projected to be the busiest airline throughout the weekend, with 2,151 departures from the UK, followed by British Airways, Ryanair and Jet2
- Heathrow Airport will see the largest number of departures, 2,493, followed by Gatwick, Stansted, Manchester and Edinburgh.
*Easter weekend dates:
- 19-22 April 2019 / 2-5 April 2021 / 15-18 April 2022 / 7-10 April 2023
Heathrow Terminal 5 security strike:
- During the strike period (31 March – 9 April inclusive), Heathrow is scheduled to see 6,253 departures – equating to over 1.3 million seats
- British Airways had been scheduled to operate 3,185 departures from Heathrow Airport* during the strike period (51% of LHR services) – equating to nearly 650,00 seats
- However, in the last week, this figure has dropped to 3,106 departures (excluding last minute cancellations) – equating to a loss of over 12,700 seats
- Edinburgh is projected to see the highest number of BA flights during the strike period (103 departures), followed by Glasgow (78), Barcelona (75), Amsterdam (72), and New York JFK (70).
*Including Terminal 3 and Terminal 5
Delta launches Propel Flight Academy to train next generation of airline pilots
- Delta Air Lines, through its Propel Pilot Career Path Program, is launching its fourth pathway for aspiring pilots since its inception in 2018: a dedicated pilot training academy in partnership with Skyborne Airline Academy.
- Students can apply to begin training when the Propel Flight Academy opens in June at its campus in Vero Beach, Florida, with Delta providing eligible students with up to $20,000 in financial support.
Delta, through its Propel Pilot Career Path Program, is launching a pilot academy dedicated to training the airline’s next generation of aviators. The Delta Propel Flight Academy, operated in partnership with training provider Skyborne Airline Academy, will open its doors to the first class of students in June and is now accepting applications from interested candidates.
The academy is the fourth pathway type created for aspiring pilots by the Propel Pilot Career Path Program since its inception in 2018. To date, nearly 100 participants have completed Propel’s existing Company, College and Community pathway programs and are now flying for Delta, while another 700 pilots are currently enrolled in the program and working toward that same goal.
Student pilots will be eligible to receive up to $20,000 from Delta in financial support. Delta will also cover the cost of interest on student loans from select lenders.
The Propel Pilot Academy will be based in a newly refurbished 12,000-square-foot facility situated within Skyborne’s Vero Beach, Florida, campus.
“At Skyborne, every aspect of our training is designed to prepare students for airline operations in terms of core knowledge and decision making, flight deck procedures and professionalism,” said Lee Woodward, CEO of Skyborne Airline Academy. “Our team is looking forward to taking Delta Propel Flight Academy students through their pilot training journey and into their chosen career with a global airline leader who shares the same values as us in training and customer experience.”
Student pilots will complete private, instrument, commercial and certified flight instructor training, delivered in an airline-focused way. Once students have completed their first certificate or rating at the Propel Flight Academy, they will be eligible to apply to the Propel Pilot Career Path Program. Those who are selected will be required to meet certain performance milestones throughout training.
Once students have successfully completed certified flight instructor training, they will be offered employment with Skyborne as a certified flight instructor. In that role, they will receive full sponsorship from Skyborne for Certified Flight Instructor Instrument and Multi Engine Instructor Rating, as well as a generous salary and private health benefits, until they reach 1,500 hours. Upon completion, employment will begin at one of Delta’s Connection Carriers as a first officer.
14 million miles and counting: Delta celebrates most-traveled customer
Among Delta’s most frequent travelers there are the Silver, Gold, Platinum and Diamond Medallion Members. There are people who have traveled 1, 2 and even up to 13 million miles on Delta jets. But there is one customer who holds the travel bragging rights trump card: Todd O., Delta’s first and only 14 Million Miler.
Read that again: 14. Fourteen. FOURTEEN million miles, flying with Delta. Even more astounding: Todd leaped from 13 to 14 million miles in only 18 months. “Let’s not call it an ‘accomplishment,’” Todd laughed when congratulated and thanked for his loyalty to Delta, agreeing that the word “milestone” might be a more apt word for his achievement. “The only thing I do is sit in a seat!”
Todd’s humility is rooted in a deep appreciation of Delta’s operational excellence, reliability and the close bonds he’s forged with Delta people. “The people at Delta are special,” he said. “I admire the frontline teams.”
“Everyone who works at the Delta Sky Club knows him,” said John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) Operations Service Manager Ikrame Elaouane.
It’s not unusual for Todd to go out of his way to spend time with Delta people at the JFK Delta Sky Club, even going so far as to help those ambassadors and his fellow customers when he sees people in need, Elaouane said. “He’s very humble and very sweet.”
“He always goes to the chocolate shops and gets goodies for the employees,” said Switzerland Station Manager Noeli Morf.
“It’s lovely to have him as a customer and a friend,” Morf added, sharing stories of a 20-year friendship with Todd that has extended to dinners in Dubrovnik, Croatia, and coffees at the Zurich airport.
Todd reached 14 million miles March 6 on a flight from Zurich to New York, a trip that happened to coincide with his birthday. And did Delta ever celebrate in style.
Todd was surprised with a custom birthday cake from the flight attendants, who wished him both a happy birthday and a congratulations on becoming Delta’s first 14 Million Miler.
The flight crew was even sent an ACARS (Aircraft Communication Addressing and Reporting System) message, which are normally reserved for operational updates, from Delta’s Operations and Customer Center with a message for a personalized announcement to celebrate Todd’s 14 Million Miler milestone. “Please take a moment to have the crew acknowledge his achievement and wish him a happy birthday… On behalf of the Delta OCC it’s been an honor to help [Todd] achieve this milestone,” it said. That message inspired the pilots to make a special congratulatory announcement on the plane.
When his plane landed at JFK, Delta people were ready to celebrate there, too. He was whisked through customs by Delta’s Elite Services, then brought to the Delta Sky Club where he was greeted with more birthday wishes, congratulations and appreciation.
While at the Club, Todd toasted with a bottle of champagne, dined on a specially prepared menu and enjoyed another slice of birthday cake. “Everyone wanted to celebrate him,” Elaouane said. “Everyone took it as a celebration of one of our own.”
Over the course of Todd’s milestone week, Delta people would continue to celebrate their friend and his achievement in Zurich, New York and San Diego.
“All of our on-duty staff were at the gate when he arrived,” said San Diego Station Manager Jason Kempster. “We told him that it was an honor to welcome him home and thanked him for all the years he has traveled with us.”
“It’s special to celebrate with the Delta staff because they’re the ones who understand,” Todd said. “[They] share the same interest in flying and Delta.”
A lifelong, self-described “av geek,” the seed of Todd’s passion for travel and flying was planted on his first flight on Pan Am at age 8. His dad took the family to a new destination every summer, and Todd then began traveling in earnest as an adult in the 1990s.
“I think one of the most amazing things about flying is that in the span of three, seven or 10 hours, you can be transported to an environment or a culture that’s completely different or be reconnecting with family and friends thousands of miles away,” he said.
Todd’s favorite plane? The now-retired fan favorite Boeing 747. The Airbus A350-900 and A330-900neo are his favorite jets in Delta’s current fleet.
Window or aisle? Window, always. “I love seeing the world from above,” he noted.
Todd calls San Diego home. One would think after a long flight from Zurich to New York and a day’s worth of 14 Million Mile festivities, he’d be ready to board the next flight to Southern California. Nope. Though he would make it home later in the week, a 14 Million Miler is going to do what a 14 Million Miler is going to do. He grabbed his bag. Made his way through the terminal. Found his gate. And boarded a flight right back to Zurich. Fifteen million miles is on the horizon.
AerCap signs lease agreements with PT Rusky Aero Indonesia for two 737-800BCFs
AerCap Holdings N.V. has announced it has signed lease agreements for two 737-800BCF (Boeing Converted Freighters) with newly launched cargo airline, PT Rusky Aero Indonesia, operating as Raindo United Services.
The first passenger-to-freighter conversion will be completed by Boeing Shanghai Aviation Services Co. Ltd. (BSAS), and the second by Taikoo (Shandong) Aircraft Engineering Co. Ltd. (STAECO).
PT Rusky Aero Indonesia, operating as Raindo United Services, is a scheduled air cargo transportation company that was established on June 4, 2022. The company obtained a Standard Certificate of Domestic and Foreign Cargo Scheduled Commercial Air Transport on December 13, 2022. Supported by two Boeing 737-800BCF aircraft, Raindo United Services will provide a one-stop solution for cargo services with real-time tracking from first to last mile. The features of real-time tracking can be easily accessed via the Raindo App which is available on the App Store and Google Play Store. Raindo United Services will serve domestic (Jakarta, Medan, Balikpapan, Makassar and Surabaya) and international (Singapore, Hong Kong and Guangzhou) routes from July 2023.
Southwest Airlines’ plan to prevent another meltdown
Southwest Airlines has announced it will add additional staffing to monitor winter weather and has also made major software changes.
The airline issued this statement:
Dear Valued Rapid Rewards® Members,
For many travelers in the final weeks of 2022, holiday plans were disrupted by an epic winter storm that impacted airline travel across the nation. A weather event that affected all carriers became a winter preparedness and Crew network event unique to Southwest Airlines®. Not only did we let you down, we also let down our People who heroically serve you.
Following these events, we conducted a thorough internal review, working with our Board of Directors, and engaged respected aviation consultancy Oliver Wyman for a third-party assessment. From that work, we have identified key root causes of the event and developed a conclusive action plan to address them.
Key root causes:
- Winter operations: Insufficient winter infrastructure and equipment in key airport locations, in addition to staffing challenges from the need to rotate Employees outside in bitter winter weather conditions, hindered our ability to keep our Crew networks flowing in the face of Winter Storm Elliott’s scale, velocity, and duration.
- Cancellation waves: The pace and volume of close-in cancellations forced our aircraft and Crew Scheduling Teams to rely on time-consuming manual processes that could not keep pace with the volume of individual scheduling issues.
- Cross-Team collaboration: Compartmentalized communications and gaps in our process between important operational workgroups resulted in bottlenecks.
Our action plan:
- Improving winter operations: We are reinforcing airport infrastructure, increasing the availability of winter equipment, and bolstering our overall preparedness for extreme winter conditions.
- Accelerating operational investments: We are investing in technology and tools that will improve our recovery during irregular operations.
- Enhancing cross-Team collaboration: We are enhancing the way our Teams work and communicate together to streamline decision-making.
Click here to read the specific actions we are taking in each category.
With this plan in motion, we can move forward and focus on continuing to deliver the reliable operation, high-quality Customer Service, and legendary Hospitality that Southwest is famously known for. We are already off to a great start in 2023, holding the number two spot in on-time performance year-to-date through March, and remain thankful for your continued support of Southwest.
We look forward to seeing you onboard again soon.
Sincerely,
Bob Jordan
President & Chief Executive Officer
More from the Washington Post:
Air Peace launches the Lagos – Mumbai route
Air Peace (Lagos) today (March 31) launches a new route from Lagos to Mumbai, India.
The new route will be operated two days a week.
The route will be operated with its Boeing 777 aircraft.
Top Copyright Photo: Air Peace Boeing 777-21H ER 5N-BVE (msn 29324) JNB (Jonathan Druion). Image: 945972.
Other photos by the airline:
Kamaka Air adds its first Cessna 408 SkyCourier
Kamaka Air has added its first Cessna 402 SkyCourier, the pictured N408KA.
The first Cessna C408 SkyCourier for Kamaka Air, an inter-island cargo airline based at HNL (Daniel K Inouye International Airport, Honolulu, Hawai‘i).
The aircraft made its delivery flight to HNL on March 22, 2023 from BEC (Wichita, Kansas) . It made a stop at VGT (North Las Vegas, Nevada) to have ferry tanks installed, then stopped at MRY (Monterrey, California) to top-off fuel, before crossing the Pacific Ocean.
This is also the first SkyCourier to be delivered to an airline other than the 50 ordered by Federal Express.
Route Map:
Ivan K. Nishimura reporting from Hawaii.
Top Copyright Photo: Kamaka Air Cessna 408 SkyCourier N408KA (msn 408-0009) HNL (Ivan K. Nishimura). Image: 960350.
Bonza opens a second base at Melbourne Tullamarine
Bonza on March 30 launched operations from its second base at Melbourne Tullamarine (MEL) with the first flight to Sunshine Coast Airport (MCY).
Bonza will base two Boeing 737-8s at MEL to operate nine routes.
Then airline has made this announcement:
- Bonza’s second base at Melbourne Tullamarine launches today with first flight to the Sunshine Coast
- The base is home to multiple Bonza legends with more roles being recruited
- Two aircraft will operate from Melbourne taking customers to 11 destinations on 12 routes
- Melburnians can now take advantage of nine Bonza routes – seven of which are not being offered by any other airline
- The launch comes as Bonza has sold over 100,000 seats via the Fly Bonza app
Travel-hungry Victorians have packed onto the first ever Bonza flight from the Victorian capital to the Sunshine Coast marking the launch of the airline’s Melbourne (Tullamarine) base just in time for Easter and school holidays.
“Our team of legends have been working hard to set up and launch our second base at Melbourne Tullamarine. The Victorian capital is our second home and based here are a number of cabin crew, pilots and first officers who get to come home after a day travelling to regional destinations on our route map,” said Tim Jordan, CEO of Bonza.
From the Tullamarine base, Bonza will operate two aircraft from their fleet of brand new Boeing 737-MAX who are affectionately named Shazza, Bazza, Sheila and Malc.
Twelve routes from the Melbourne base went on sale last month via the Fly Bonza app to 11 destinations including the low-cost carrier’s home base Sunshine Coast Airport and regional locations like Toowoomba Wellcamp, Tamworth and Bundaberg. Melburnians can now take advantage of nine Bonza routes – seven of which are not being offered by any other airline. Bonza will also launch a much anticipated Melbourne (Tullamarine) to Mildura service from its new base on 8 May, turning a six-seven-hour drive within the same state to little more than an hours flight.
With Melbourne poised to overtake Sydney to become the largest city in Australia, and regional populations booming, Jordan says there has never been a better time for Bonza to enter the market as an airline for the many, not the few.
Routes from Bonza’s Melbourne (Tullamarine) base:
- Bundaberg: Fares from $89 per person one way, 2 flights per week from 10 May 2023
- Gladstone: Fares from $89 per person one way, 2 flights per week from 11 May 2023
- Mackay: Fares from $89 per person one way, 2 flights per week from 23 May 2023
- Mildura: Fares from $49 per person one way, 3 flights per week from 8 May 2023
- Port Macquarie: Fares from $69 per person one way, 2 flights per week from 4 May 2023
- Rockhampton: Fares from $89 per person one way, 3 flights per week from 11 April 2023
- Sunshine Coast: Fares from $79 per person one way, 4 flights per week from 30 March 2023
- Tamworth: Fares from $59 per person one way, 2 flights per week from 2 May 2023
- Toowoomba Wellcamp: Fares from $79 per person one way, 4 flights per week from 17 April 2023
In addition to:
- Toowoomba Wellcamp <> Townsville: Fares from $69 per person one way, 2 flights per week from 19 April 2023
- Toowoomba Wellcamp <> Whitsunday Coast: Fares from $59 per person one way, 2 flights per week from 21 April 2023
- Tamworth <> Sunshine Coast: Fares from $49 per person one way, 2 flights per week from 6 May 2023
In other news, Bonza has launched its twice weekly service from Newcastle to the Whitsunday Coast on March 30.
The new route is part of Bonza’s ongoing launch with this week seeing the introduction of flights between the Sunshine Coast and Cairns, Newcastle and Melbourne Tullamarine. Yesterday, Bonza launched Cairns to Mackay and on Friday it will introduce a Cairns to Rockhampton service. The ramp up comes as Bonza looks to enjoy its first ever peak holiday period with Easter and school holidays kicking off this week in Queensland.
Pictured: Aerial view of people looking out over the blue waters, from Hill Inlet Lookout, Image: Tourism and Events Queensland
Top Copyright Photo: Bonza Boeing 737-8 MAX 8 N5515X (VH-UJT) (msn 62533) BFI (Joe G. Walker). Image: 958109.
Bonza aircraft photo gallery:
Spirit Airlines to add over 4,000 new employees
Spirit Airlines has announced plans to hire more than 4,000 new Team Members in 2023 as the airline adds new planes and destinations to its growing network. The new hires will include Pilots, Flight Attendants, Aviation Maintenance Technicians and other support center roles.
Plus, Spirit is growing in new and existing cities, with positions available with Spirit and business partners at airport stations across the network. These job opportunities allow job seekers across the nation to soar with attractive travel benefits and the advancement opportunities associated with working for a dynamic and fast-growing airline.
The airline continued:
These exciting job opportunities follow the airline’s soaring 2022 hiring trend as thousands of new Spirit Team Members joined the growing company last year. Some recent hiring milestones include:
- In 2022, we received 21 brand new Airbus A320 Family aircraft. And in 2023, Spirit plans to receive another 26 new aircraft, with more on the way. We bring on new Team Members with each additional plane.
- Spirit recently opened a state-of-the-art aircraft maintenance facility at George Bush International Airport (IAH) in Houston, Texas.
- In 2022, Spirit added new crew bases for Pilots and Flight Attendants in Atlanta, Houston and Miami, growing our total number to 10 home bases across the country where our flight crews can choose to begin and end their duty.
- Also in 2022, Spirit added nine new cities to its growing route map of nearly 100 destinations across the U.S., Latin America, and the Caribbean, with more new cities coming in 2023.
Top Copyright Photo: Spirit Airlines Airbus A320-271N WL N931NK (msn 9548) SEA (Brian Worthington). Image: 960323.
Spirit Airlines aircraft photo gallery:
Vistara to start the Mumbai – London Heathrow route
Vistara will commence services on the Mumbai – London (Heathrow) route on June 1, 2023.
The new route will operate five days a week.
Top Copyright Photo: Vistara Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner VT-TSE (msn 66527) MUC (Gunter Mayer). Image: 960094.
Vistara aircraft photo gallery:
Avelo Airlines to add two new Florida routes from Wilmington, NC (ILM)
Avelo Airlines is planning to add two more routes from Wilmington, NC to Florida.
Flights from ILM to both West Palm Beach (PBI) and Tampa (TPA) will begin on June 22, 2023.
Top Copyright Photo: Avelo Airlines Boeing 737-8EH WL N808VL (msn 37597) PBI (Jay Selman). Image: 404289.
Avelo Airlines aircraft photo gallery:
