EgyptAir took delivery of its first Airbus A321 (the pictured SU-GFR) on February 27, 2023. The new airliner is now in revenue service.
Top Copyright Photo: EgyptAir Airbus A321-251NX WL SU-GFR (msn 11164) MAD (Javier Rodriguez). Image: 960317.
EgyptAir aircraft photo gallery:
Bhutan Airlines has joined Amadeus’ global distribution system (GDS) and launched its in-flight entertainment (IFE) system. The new wireless IFE system will be available on all flights, offering a selection of regional and international movies, documentaries, TV shows, music, podcast, magazines and games, and live flight tracking – passengers will be able to access the IFE system through their own personal devices.
The Amadeus GDS platform, which connects travel agents and online booking platforms to the airline’s inventory, will make it easier for travellers to book flights and access real-time information on flight schedules, availability, and pricing.
Bhutan Airlines (Tashi Air Private Limited), Bhutan’s first private airline came into existence after the Tashi Group of Companies, outbid other joint venture companies and won the license to operate the airline service for both domestic and international sectors.
Late Dasho Ugen Dorji founded Tashi Group of Companies in 1959 with the vision to bring out the Best Of Bhutan by following His Majesty’s guidelines for development and growth in the Kingdom.
On December 4, 2011, Bhutan Airlines welcomed its first aircraft, A Pilatus PC-12 with a capacity of 8 passengers for domestic operations. The airline launched its first international flight from Paro to Bangkok on October 10, 2013 followed by daily scheduled flights to Kolkata on December 16, 2013. An Airbus A320 aircraft operates both these sectors with a seating capacity of 150 passengers.
Today, Bhutan Airlines operates with two Airbus A319s with a seating capacity of 126 passengers which includes 12 Business Class seats and 114 Economy seats. We have daily flights from Bangkok to Paro via Kolkata, India and three flights a week to Delhi via Kathmandu.
Route Map:
Top Copyright Photo: Bhutan Airlines Airbus A319-112 A5-BAB (msn 1541) BKK (Michael B. Ing). Image: 925475.
Bhutan Airlines aircraftslide show:
Finnair is set to resume passenger flights to the Japanese city of Osaka this Sunday, March 26, 2023, after a one-year hiatus.
Flights from Helsinki to Kansai International Airport will initially operate three times per week, with flights departing Finland on Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday, and returning from Japan on Monday, Thursday, and Saturday.
Services will depart the Finnish capital at 17:45, arriving into Osaka at 12:35 the following afternoon. On the return, flights will leave Osaka at 22:25, arriving in Finnair’s Helsinki hub at 05:30 the following morning.
Top Copyright Photo: Finnair Airbus A350-941 OH-LWC (msn 020) MUC (Gunter Mayer). Image: 960315.
Finnair aircraft photo gallery:
WestJet Cargo today 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.
Seamlessly integrating into WestJet Cargo’s existing operations and operated by WestJet’s highly skilled 737 pilots, the dedicated freighters will initially focus service within North America, serving Calgary, Halifax, Toronto, Vancouver, Los Angeles and Miami.
Leveraging its quick to load and fly narrow body aircraft, the 737-800 equipped with CFM56-7Bengines will enable WestJet Cargo to offer greater fuel efficiency, flexibility and frequency for its customers, beginning April 22, 2023.
Kuwait Airways has launched its first inaugural flight to New York John F Kennedy Airport utilizing the Airbus A330neo and in setting the record for the longest flight flown by the A330-800neo in 13 hours.
The award-winning Airspace cabin is equipped with a two-class configuration comprising of 32 full flat business class seats and 203 economy class cabin seats on a 2-4-2 configuration. Thus, offering passengers state of the art flying experience with more personal space, quietest cabin in its market and the latest generation of in-flight entertainment system and connectivity.
From a sustainability and efficiency standpoint, the A330neo offers benefits to both the airline and the traveling public. With double-digit fuel savings and CO2 emissions compared to other aircraft in its category, the A330-800 allows significantly lower operational cost and therefore competitive ticket pricing.
Top Copyright Photo: Kuwait Airways Airbus A330-841 9K-APF (msn 1964) MUC (Gunter Mayer). Image: 956572.
Kuwait Airways aircraft photo gallery:
Jazeera Airways is gearing up for the 2023 summer season with three new European destinations – Munich, Germany, Belgrade, Serbia and Tirana, Albania.
In addition, the airline will also restart its flights to Prague, Czech Republic and Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Munich, the Bavarian capital is a very popular leisure and business destination in Germany and offers a variety of activities for different interests – both outdoors or indoors. One of Europe’s oldest cities, Belgrade is centrally located and one of the easiest places to reach in the Balkans. Tirana, the Albanian capital is also the country’s largest city. Known for its colorful architecture, Tirana extends at the Plain of Tirana in the center of Albania between a mountain in the east, hills in the south, and a valley to the north overlooking the Adriatic Sea. “The City of a Hundred Spires”, beautiful Prague lies at the heart of Europe and is full of great places to visit and delicious food to try. Sarajevo, a prominent center of culture in the Balkans, influences entertainment, media, fashion and the arts region-wide.
Flights to Sarajevo will restart on April 20, 2023 and to Prague will begin on June 8, 2023.
Jazeera Airways also offers good connections from these cities to other destinations in its network convenient transits through Kuwait.
Planned Flight Schedule
| Flight Number | Frequency | From | To | Departure (Local Time) | Arrival (Local Time) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| J9 32N | Wednesday, Saturday | Kuwait (KWI) | Munich (MUC) | 08:25 | 13:10 |
| J9 32N | Wednesday, Saturday | Munich (MUC) | Kuwait (KWI) | 13:55 | 20:15 |
| J9 32N | Monday, Wednesday, Saturday | Kuwait (KW) | Tirana (TIA) | 22:40 | 01:20 |
| J9 32N | Monday, Wednesday, Friday | Tirana (TIA) | Kuwait (KWI) | 02:05 | 08:30 |
| J9 363 | Tuesday, Friday | Kuwait (KWI) | Belgrade (BEG) | 21:15 | 01:00 |
| J9 364 | Wednesday, Saturday | Belgrade (BEG) | Kuwait (KWI) | 01:45 | 07:00 |
| J9 037 | Thursday, Sunday | Kuwait (KWI) | Prague (PRG) | 08:15 | 12:45 |
| J9 038 | Thursday, Sunday | Prague (PRG) | Kuwait (KWI) | 13:30 | 19:40 |
| J9 327* | Thursday, Saturday | Kuwait (KWI) | Sarajevo (SJJ) | 07:00 | 10:55 |
| J9 328* | Thursday, Saturday | Sarajevo (SJJ) | Kuwait (KWI) | 11:40 | 17:30 |
*Flight schedules for Sarajevo will change after June 13, 2023.
Other flight schedules are also subject to change.
Top Copyright Photo: Jazeera Airways Airbus A320-251N WL 9K-CBF (msn 10201) LHR (Wingnut). Image: 956680.
Jazeera Airways aircraft photo gallery:
Finnair is increasing the use of sustainable aviation fuel as part of its goal to reduce carbon emissions from flying. Finnair has purchased 750 tons of sustainable aviation fuel from its partner Neste for use on flights departing from Helsinki Airport. Finnair’s customers are also involved in reducing carbon dioxide emissions from flights: a small part of the price of each flight ticket is directed to the costs of using sustainable aviation fuel.
Finnair aims to achieve carbon neutrality by 2045, and sustainable aviation fuel is one of the most essential tools for reducing air travel emissions in the coming years. Using Neste MY Sustainable Aviation Fuel reduces greenhouse gas emissions by up to 80%* over the fuel’s life cycle compared to using fossil jet fuel. The fuel volume now purchased is Finnair’s largest single batch of sustainable aviation fuel purchased to date. The SAF will be delivered by Neste to Helsinki Airport in early 2023. The 750 tons of SAF corresponds to approximately 400 flights between Helsinki and Stockholm using unblended, 100% SAF.
Increasing the use of SAF will increase the airline’s costs, as SAF is clearly more expensive than fossil fuel. Finnair is preparing for this by allocating a small portion of each flight ticket sold, about 20 cents per ticket, to the cost of sustainable aviation fuel. This share may be higher in the future as the operating obligations imposed on airlines increase the use of SAF.
Finnair also encourages its customers to reduce the carbon emissions of their flights through their actions: since spring 2022, Finnair has offered its customers the opportunity to reduce the emissions of flying by combining sustainable aviation fuels and certified emission reduction projects. The service operates on the website of Finnair’s partner Chooose.
Sustainable aviation fuel
SAF is a renewable aviation fuel providing a more sustainable alternative to conventional, fossil-based jet fuel. Neste MY Sustainable Aviation Fuel is produced from sustainably sourced, 100% renewable waste and residue raw materials, including used cooking oil and animal fat waste. Finnair is committed to the oneworld alliance’s aspiration of using 10% sustainable aviation fuel by 2030 and will also participate in oneworld’s joint procurements in 2025-2032. The use of SAF will also be increased due to the upcoming EU obligation to use SAF.
*) When used in neat form (i.e. unblended) and calculated with established life cycle assessment (LCA) methodologies, such as CORSIA methodology
Top Copyright Photo: Finnair Airbus A330-302 OH-LTP (msn 1023) ARN (Stefan Sjogren). Image: 960312.
Finnair aircraft photo gallery:
RwandAir has expanded its fleet with the delivery of its third long-haul aircraft.
The Airbus A330-200, registered 9XR-WX, is based at the carrier’s Kigali hub, and offers customers a leading experience in the skies.
The aircraft will allow the Rwandan carrier to further expand its long-haul operation, with additional flights operating between Europe, Middle East and Africa.
Customers will be able to choose from 30 seats in Business Class and 222 seats in Economy Class, giving a greater choice of flexibility.
RwandAir will operate the new wide-body aircraft to its key destinations in Europe, Africa and the Middle East, including London, Brussels, Lagos and Dubai.
The addition of the new Airbus will bring the African airline’s fleet to 13, consisting of three long-haul, one freighter and nine short-haul aircraft.
Last November, the Rwandan airline received its first dedicated freighter aircraft, as the carrier highlighted the ever-increasing importance of cargo in Rwanda and the aviation industry as a whole.
RwandAir aircraft photo gallery:
Frontier Airlines is trimming back on its expanding route map. The fast-growing airline will cut 14 seasonal routes starting on April 18 according to The Points Guy:
Boston – Miami – ends on April 18
Philadelphia – Phoenix – ends on April 18
Hartford/Springfield – Denver – ends on April 20
Orlando – Pittsburgh – ends on May 6
Las Vegas – Memphis – ends on May 8
Las Vegas – New Orleans – ends on May 8
Orlando – Rochester, NY – ends on May 8
Minneapolis/St. Paul – Phoenix – ends on May 8
Baltimore/Washington – Las Vegas – ends on May 10
Fort Lauderdale/Hollywood – Las Vegas – ends on May 10
Fort Lauderdale/Hollywood – Chicago (Midway) – ends on May 10
Fort Lauderdale/Hollywood – Phoenix – ends on May 10
New York (LaGuardia) – Miami – ends on May 10
Houston (Hobby) – Las Vegas – ends on May 10
Top Copyright Photo: Frontier Airlines (2nd) Airbus A320-251N WL N349FR (msn 8766) (Hops, the Rabbit) ONT (Michael B. Ing). Image: 960311.
Frontier Airlines aircraft photo gallery:
Air France announced highlights of its 2023 summer schedule:
Air France is already getting set for the summer season. Strong travel demand combined with the lifting of the last remaining travel restrictions means the airline will be operating at 2019 levels. For the 2023 summer season (April – October), Air France will be flying up to 835 times a day, to 191 destinations in 89 countries.
Long-haul: Reopening of flights to China and more flights to North America and East Africa
The summer season of 2023 will mark a turning point in Air France’s long-haul flight schedule. The resumption of service to China will spark a return to more flights in Asia. Flying to Beijing, Shanghai and Hong Kong will gradually increase throughout spring to reach one daily flight per destination by July 1, or 21 flights a week (1).
Still in Asia, Air France will continue boosting capacity to Tokyo (Japan), where the airline serves both airports. Up to 11 weekly flights to Tokyo Haneda and 3 to Tokyo Narita.
More flights are also being added to North America in response to dynamic demand in the region. This summer, Air France will operate up to 180 flights a week from/to 14 US destinations (2) (including two airports in New York: John F. Kennedy and Newark Liberty), as well as 50 flights to 5 Canadian cities (3). The airline will introduce a new Paris-Charles-de-Gaulle-Ottawa flight on May 27. Five direct flights every week, on Airbus A330-200. Air France will be the only airline operating direct flights between Ottawa and Europe.
Very active in Africa throughout the pandemic, Air France will continue to maintain seat capacities there at above 2019 levels. As of June 12, 2023, the airline will begin flying to Dar Es Salaam (Tanzania). Three flights a week on Boeing 787-9 as a continuation of the service to Zanzibar, also a recent Tanzanian destination, inaugurated in 2021. On the same date, the Boeing 787-9 daily departure to Nairobi (Kenya) will become a direct flight.
Finally, in the Caribbean, Air France will inaugurate a new flight on May 5, 2023, linking Cayenne (French Guiana) and Belém (Brazil), once a week on Airbus A320.
These additions to the schedule will raise Air France’s number of long-haul destinations to 85.
France and Europe: 106 destinations and 66 seasonal routes across France and Europe
This summer, Air France will fly up to 650 times a day to 106 French and European destinations to further facilitate short- and medium-haul travel for its customers.
Over and above its regular schedule, the airline will operate 66 seasonal routes in France and Europe, taking off from Paris and regional French airports. These flights will make it possible to reach Corsica (from Paris, Bordeaux, Caen, Rennes, Lille, Lyon and Nantes), Greece (from Paris, Marseille, Nice and Toulouse), Algeria (from Paris, Marseille, Nice and Toulouse), Morocco (from Paris and Nice), and Tunisia as well (from Paris, Marseille and Nice).
Meanwhile, the Air France-KLM Group’s low-cost affiliate, Transavia France, will operate close to 200 short- and medium-haul routes to 120 destinations this summer, including 100 from/to Paris-Orly. This will make it the top low-cost airline operating out of Paris’ airports.
Johannesburg: Next on list of destinations for Air France’s new long-haul cabins
Air France is continuing its rollout of its latest long-haul cabins, gradually being installed on 12 Boeing 777 300 ERs. Already available from/to New York JFK, Dakar and Rio de Janeiro, they will be introduced on flights between Paris-Charles de Gaulle and Johannesburg (South Africa) as of March 27, 2023.
Part of Air France’s move upmarket, this new product, available in Business, Premium Economy and Economy models, forms the cornerstone of the airline’s new travel experience. The Business cabin features a new sliding door that allows for a totally private space, and the seat transforms into a real bed almost 2 metres long. For passengers travelling together, the seats located in the middle of the cabin are now equipped with a central panel that lowers easily, to make flying together even more enjoyable.
Top Copyright Photo: Air France Airbus A350-941 F-HTYS (msn 576) JFK (Fred Freketic). Image: 960301.
Air France aircraft photo gallery:
Air Belgium (2nd) is suspending its services to the Caribbean (Curacao, Dominican Republic, Guadeloupe and Martinique) for the slow summer season.
Instead the company will concentrate on other regions, cargo flights and ACMI sub-service flights for other carriers.
Top Copyright Photo: Pictured at Toronto operating for Condor: Air Belgium (2nd) Airbus A330-941 OO-ABG (msn 1861) YYZ (TMK Photography). Image: 960297.
Air Belgium (2nd) aircraft photo gallery:
Norwegian Air Shuttle has made this announcement:
144 routes to 65 destinations are on the schedule for the next winter season, and Norwegian continues to fly to Nordic citizens’ favourite cities and vacation spots in southern Europe.
Norwegian continues with direct departures to exciting destinations in Europe from all the major Nordic airports, such as Oslo, Stockholm, Copenhagen and Helsinki. In addition to direct routes from Bergen, Trondheim, Stavanger, Haugesund, Ålesund, Tromsø and Sandefjord in Norway and from Gothenburg in Sweden and Aalborg in Denmark.
Some routes to the most popular ski destinations in the Alps will be announced later.
Norwegian operates a summer and winter programme that changes twice a year, respectively at the end of October and the end of March. In a few weeks, the summer programme will start with 300 routes to 114 destinations. Among many popular and familiar destinations, the summer programme also contains some new destinations including Bari, Skopje, Porto, Bologna, Bucuresti, Sofia, Milano/Bergamo, Alanya/Gazipasa, and Thessaloniki.
Top Copyright Photo: Norwegian Air Shuttle (Norwegian.com) Boeing 737-86Q WL LN-NOO (msn 30289) (Gustav Vigeland) PMI (Ton Jochems). Image: 960289.
Norwegian aircraft photo gallery:
Virgin Orbit has suspended all operations for at least a week and furlough most of its staff in order to cut costs.
The company is looking for additional financing.
Previously on January 9, 2023 the company suffered an “anomaly” on its first orbital attempte from the United Kingdom:
On January 9, 2023, during the first attempted orbital launch from the United Kingdom, Virgin Orbit’s LauncherOne experienced an anomaly, leading to a premature shutdown of the rocket and failure to reach orbit.
Virgin Orbit began its investigation into the failure within hours of the conclusion of the mission, under the leadership of distinguished aerospace veteran Jim Sponnick and Virgin Orbit Chief Engineer Chad Foerster. The failure investigation team received immediate access to extensive telemetry data collected during the mission from the ground stations in the UK, Ireland, and Spain, as well as systems onboard its carrier aircraft, providing a robust dataset that the investigation team has thoroughly examined.
The investigation includes oversight by U.S. Federal Aviation Administration and the UK Air Accidents Investigation Branch (acting as the Space Accident Investigation Authority (SAIA) for the United Kingdom) and also participation by personnel from the Department of Defense, National Transportation Safety Board, and the National Reconnaissance Office. The U.K. Civil Aviation Authority will also be involved in investigation process.
The investigation has confirmed that the Virgin Orbit team successfully executed pre-flight preparations, carrier aircraft takeoff, captive carry flight, and rocket release. The ignition, first stage flight, stage separation, second stage ignition, and fairing deployment of the LauncherOne rocket were nominal. Each of these milestones constituted a first-of-its-kind achievement for any orbital launch attempt from western Europe. LauncherOne performed successfully on all four prior operational flights, accurately delivering 33 payloads to their required orbits.
The investigation team is utilizing a comprehensive fault tree, a very detailed timeline, and several other products to conduct the investigation in a rigorous manner. Key observations at this point in the investigation:
The investigation is employing a detailed action plan to develop key analyses and tests to replicate flight conditions and to aid in determining the root cause or causes of the failure. All potentially credible scenarios, including the one described above are being investigated. Numerous tests are underway to support the investigation and help lead to definitive conclusions. Ultimately, all credible causes of the failure will be addressed prior to the next LauncherOne mission.
Virgin Orbit’s next launch will occur from the Mojave Air and Space Port in California for a commercial customer. The company anticipates announcing more details about that mission in the coming weeks.
ABOUT VIRGIN ORBIT
Virgin Orbit Holdings, Inc operates one of the most flexible and responsive space launch systems ever built. Founded by Sir Richard Branson in 2017, the Company began commercial service in 2021, and has already delivered commercial, civil, national security, and international satellites into orbit. Virgin Orbit’s LauncherOne rockets are designed and manufactured in Long Beach, California, and are air-launched from a modified 747-400 carrier aircraft that allows Virgin Orbit Holdings, Inc to operate from locations all over the world in order to best serve each customer’s needs.
The company issued this statement on that issue:
Top Copyright Photo: Virgin Orbit Boeing 747-41R N744VG (msn 32745) (Virgin Atlantic colors) LGB (Michael B. Ing). Image: 944039.
Starlux Airlines, a Taiwan-based luxury carrier, has announced the launch of its inaugural Taipei-Los Angeles transpacific flight debuting on April 26.
Initially starting with five weekly flights, the service is expected to ramp to daily in June.
Starlux also announced the establishment of its first US office based in Los Angeles and its new designation as the “Official International Airline Partner of the LA Clippers” as part of a multi-year partnership with the NBA team.
Luxury Service and a Taste of Taiwan
While the last few years have seen a plethora of budget airlines come onto the scene, Starlux is bucking the trend — a luxury airline expanding in a world of no-frills carriers. With a philosophy that luxury should not be the exclusive experience of the elite but readily available to everyone, the company is experiencing impressive growth.
With eyes to the skies and “luxury” embedded in its brand, StarLux strives to achieve the highest standards in operations, service, safety, and management. The airline operates the TPE-LAX route with its new-generation Airbus A350 configured in a premium four-class layout, with four seats in First, 26 in Business, 36 in Premium Economy, and 240 in Economy. Travelers in First and Business will have a cozy private space with a sliding door and seats with full-flat and Zero G mode for full relaxation. The extra-legroom Premium Economy section features a 40-inch Recaro seat with a leg rest and footrest bar. Economy Class seats are also built for utmost comfort, equipped with leather headrest and wide seat pitch. In addition, the A350 offers nose-to-tail seatback entertainment featuring 4K personal large screens.
The new flights will provide exquisite dining including Taiwanese signature dishes and amenities prepared for all-class passengers to enjoy an at-home experience in the air. StarLux will be offering First and Business guests a selection of the best top chef’s creations and local Taiwanese delicacies. Premium and Economy passengers can also enjoy top-notch delicacies and on flights departing from Taipei to Los Angeles, the popular StarLux signature yakiniku donburi is served onboard. And to bring greater individuality to their air travel experience, all passengers can pre-order meals online so they can enjoy the meal they want.
International Partnership with the LA Clippers
The Clippers are an innovative global brand with an international fan base and reach, and Starlux is the latest international company to join Clipper Nation. In addition to in-arena activations and hospitality elements in Los Angeles, Sstarlux’s partnership with the Clippers includes international rights through the NBA’s international team marketing program. The airline will activate in-flight branding, international sweepstakes, and other digital and in-person activations featuring Clippers elements and personalities.
Starting June 1, Clippers-themed amenities will be provided on Starlux TPE-LAX flights, such as themed meal packaging including paper placemats, napkins, towelettes, inflight meal foil covers, mini food flags, burger wrapping paper, and kids meal boxes. Other niceties include playing cards, eye masks, paper cups, stirrers, rice cracker packages, luggage tags, boarding passes, and stickers will be distributed at check in.
American Airlines hired the first female graduates from the American Airlines Cadet Academy to join the mainline flight deck as first officers at the 2023 Women in Aviation International Conference. In addition to this special milestone, American extended 52 pilot job offers at the conference — the only mainline airline carrier to do so.
Video:
The American Airlines Cadet Academy, which celebrates its five-year anniversary in July, provides a structured platform to eliminate the financial barriers prospective pilots face. The Cadet Academy supports the growth of American’s pilot population while creating greater diversity amongst the future and current pilot ranks — with more than 30% of enrolled cadets being female. The Cadet Academy helps close the gap between dreams and an attainable future in aviation for those who didn’t know it was possible.
Avianca Airlines has announced the launch of two new direct routes from Boston and Orlando to San Salvador, capital of El Salvador, a country located in the Central American region.
The Boston – San Salvador route will begin operations on June 1 with four flights a week, while the Orlando – San Salvador route will begin operations on June 11 with four flights a week. The operation will be operated with Airbus A320 aircraft with capacity for 180 passengers, with Premium, Plus and Economy seats.
The itinerary for these routes is:
| Flight | Route | Departure | Arrival | Frequency | Start |
| AV445 | Boston – San Salvador | 17:25 | 20:50 | Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday | June 1, 2023 |
| AV444 | San Salvador – Boston | 9:00 | 16:05 | Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday | |
| AV0423 | Orlando – San Salvador | 15:50 | 16:40 | Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday | June 11, 2023 |
| AV0422 | San Salvador – Orlando | 9:25 | 14:25 | Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday |
*Local Time. Itinerary subject to government approval
Top Copyright Photo: Avianca (El Salvador) Airbus A320-251N WL N769AV (msn 8170) LAX (Michael B. Ing). Image: 960288.
Cirium Data
Flight analysis from Cirium, the aviation analytics firm, reviews the recovery of flights from each European country and shows how each nation has bounced back from the pandemic.
The study reveals the number of flights that departed last year compared to 2019 levels, with key findings being:
For individual country analysis, see the below table:
| Travel Year | 2019 | 2022 | |
| Origin Country | Departures | Departures | 2022 vs 2019 Difference |
| Albania | 14,921 | 17,671 | 18% |
| Bosnia and Herzegovina | 7,901 | 8,981 | 14% |
| Greece | 240,962 | 236,689 | -2% |
| Portugal | 217,196 | 208,028 | -4% |
| Iceland | 29,869 | 28,378 | -5% |
| Macedonia | 8,871 | 8,220 | -7% |
| Norway | 321,957 | 296,028 | -8% |
| Spain | 942,360 | 851,666 | -10% |
| Serbia | 37,990 | 34,199 | -10% |
| Turkiye | 609,417 | 544,935 | -11% |
| Luxembourg | 26,923 | 23,919 | -11% |
| Croatia | 50,498 | 44,660 | -12% |
| Ireland | 134,225 | 115,046 | -14% |
| Gibraltar | 1,808 | 1,526 | -16% |
| Italy | 700,290 | 590,420 | -16% |
| Cyprus | 45,662 | 38,447 | -16% |
| Netherlands | 267,505 | 221,008 | -17% |
| Romania | 89,419 | 73,503 | -18% |
| Russian Federation | 633,727 | 507,895 | -20% |
| Estonia | 17,563 | 13,796 | -21% |
| Lithuania | 24,767 | 19,413 | -22% |
| Montenegro | 10,657 | 8,315 | -22% |
| Poland | 189,765 | 147,412 | -22% |
| Bulgaria | 37,669 | 29,152 | -23% |
| Malta | 24,658 | 19,036 | -23% |
| France | 733,561 | 563,428 | -23% |
| Belgium | 129,311 | 98,565 | -24% |
| Denmark | 158,290 | 120,343 | -24% |
| United Kingdom | 1,086,883 | 816,854 | -25% |
| Switzerland | 221,177 | 165,467 | -25% |
| Hungary | 55,851 | 41,740 | -25% |
| Austria | 151,907 | 106,269 | -30% |
| Sweden | 217,450 | 145,441 | -33% |
| Germany | 966,681 | 631,160 | -35% |
| Finland | 117,050 | 74,606 | -36% |
| Slovakia | 9,299 | 5,836 | -37% |
| Latvia | 39,631 | 23,660 | -40% |
| Moldova | 12,701 | 7,307 | -42% |
| Czech Republic | 67,034 | 36,648 | -45% |
| Slovenia | 10,792 | 4,706 | -56% |
| Belarus | 23,723 | 9,961 | -58% |
| Ukraine | 92,800 | 14,178 | -85% |
flydubai on March 15 touched down in Milan Bergamo Airport (BGY) to a water cannon salute and warm welcome by the airport officials. This marks the start of flydubai’s five-times weekly operations to the city, growing its network in Italy to four points including Catania, Naples and Pisa.
Flights to Milan Bergamo Airport (BGY) started on March 10, 2023 with a five-times weekly service. The carrier will increase the frequency to a daily service from 18 April 2023. Emirates will codeshare on these routes and the flights will operate from Terminal 3 at Dubai International (DXB), offering travellers more seamless connections through Dubai’s international aviation hub.
Bergamo, a historic city in northern Italy, has been designated alongside Brescia as the Italian Capital of Culture for 2023. This prestigious title recognises the city’s vibrant cultural scene, with a year-long program of exhibitions, concerts, performances, and other events highlighting its artistic heritage and contemporary creativity. Milan Bergamo Airport offers passengers convenient access to the city with various transportation options including buses and private transfers.
Bergamo was clearly chosen by flyDubai because it is less than 50 kilometers from Milan, as well as being able to cover all that industrious part of Lombardy which also belongs to Monza, Brianza, Brescia, as well as the Orobic industrial district.
The flight is operated with Boeing 737-8 MAX 8 aircraft with 10 seats in lie-flat business class and 156 in economy class.
The carrier’s hospitality concept was extensively shown with a 5-minute video. All seats, even in economy, have a generously sized LED monitor.
Flight details
Flights from Terminal 3, Dubai International (DXB) to Milan Bergamo Airport (BGY) will operate five times a week. The frequency will increase to a daily service from 18 April 2023.
Return Business Class fares from DXB to BGY start from AED 12,015 and Economy Class Lite fares start from AED 2,015. Return Business Class fares from BGY to DXB start from EUR 3,000 and Economy Class Lite fares start from EUR 500.
Flydubai aircraft photo gallery:
TAP long-haul Business Class customers can now experience a new range of delicious regional Portuguese delicacies, courtesy of the carrier’s collaboration with The Art of Tasting Portugal.
The ‘Local Stars’ initiative will showcase the cuisine of top talented local chefs and highlight specialities from different Portuguese regions over the next two years.
Each chef has created a bespoke menu – with starters, main courses and desserts – designed to celebrate and promote the country’s distinctive regional seasonal ingredients, which will be served to long-haul Business Class customers every two months, from March 2023 to April 2025.
Starting from March through to April 2023, TAP’s new culinary journey begins in Lisbon with the menu specially curated by Henrique Sá Pessoa, a high-profile Portuguese chef behind the popular and celebrated Lisbon-based, two-Michelin Starred ‘Alma’ restaurant.
His menu will be putting Lisbon’s favourite fish in the spotlight; Grouper. Commonly caught off the Lisbon coast and known for its mild flavour, Grouper stew is one of Portugal’s best-loved dishes and a firm Lisbon favourite.
From May-June the talented Azorean chef, Cláudio Pontes, will take over and promote the island’s finest and rarest São Jorge Cheese.
And from July to August, chef Noélia Jerónimo will represent the Algarve with the region’s distinctive and delicious Octopus dish.
Waiting in the wings with new menus to feature later in the year are Chefs Júlio Pereira, Diogo Rocha, and Óscar Geadas, representing the best of culinary creations from the regions of Madeira, Viseu, and Bragança respectively.
Portuguese catering company CateringPor is overseeing the initiative, with support on sustainability methods, integrating produce from local suppliers and helping promote Portugal’s regional economies.
TAP aircraft photo gallery:
Allegiant Air unveiled a special addition to its fleet this week: a one-of-a-kind livery designed by – and for – the airline’s employees.
The new design, displayed on the tail and fuselage of an Airbus A320 (N197NV), is one of only six Allegiant aircraft featuring a special livery.
It is not often that Allegiant alters its famous sunburst livery, CEO John Redmond told a crowd of employees during a ceremony at Punta Gorda Airport in Florida Tuesday. But the company wanted to honor employees in a very public and permanent way.
“We wanted to find a way to show the world that our employees are the lifeblood of Allegiant,” Redmond said. “This new livery is more than just a coat of paint, it’s a symbol of the collective strength and resilience of being Allegiant Proud. We hope it serves as a reminder of the incredible things our employees can accomplish when we work together.”
The livery is not only dedicated to Allegiant employees; the design was inspired by them. Employees were asked to submit words describing what they loved about Allegiant. Dozens of their choices, including “bold,” “amazing,” “limitless” and more, adorn the aircraft’s fuselage, surrounding Allegiant’s motto of “Together we fly.”
The aircraft will be based in Punta Gorda, a community that endured the full force of Hurricane Ian when it hit Southwest Florida in September.
Charlotte County, where Punta Gorda is located, is an important region in Allegiant’s network. Millions of passengers have flown Allegiant since the airline started service at Punta Gorda in 2009. Last year, over 1.8 million passengers traveled to and from the area via the airline. Nearby, Allegiant is building Sunseeker Charlotte Harbor, its first resort hotel. It is scheduled to open later this year.
All photos by Allegiant.
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