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Airlines cancelling flights into and out of Auckland Airport due to Cyclone Gabrielle

Auckland Airport issued this this statement:

As cyclone Gabrielle moves closer to Auckland, flight cancellations have started to ramp up to and from Auckland Airport. Anyone with travel over the next two days is encouraged to watch carefully for updates from their airline or travel agent. 

Air New Zealand has announced multiple long-haul international departures and arrivals into Auckland Airport on Monday have been cancelled, including Tasman and Pacific Island flights. All domestic jet services to and from main centres into Auckland Airport have also been cancelled, with the flight cancellations for turboprop aircraft extended from today through to midday Tuesday.  

Clyclone Gabrielle


Customers who are travelling today, tomorrow and Tuesday should be prepared for short notice disruptions to travel plans. Our advice is to please monitor your email for any messages from airlines and travel agents about delayed or disrupted flights, along with your airline app for flight updates. Airlines will always hold the most up-to-date information on how weather is affecting flight schedules.  

We also recommend travellers check on their flight status before coming to Auckland Airport. If your flight is cancelled or delayed, it’s always best to get in touch with airlines directly through online channels rather than visiting the airport to rebook travel. Airline representation outside check in time can be limited with airline employees unable to make changes to travel bookings. 

https://twitter.com/zoom_earth/status/1624713238314196993?s=20

Tropical Cyclone Bulletin

This TC Potential Bulletin describes any current cyclone activity, along with details of possible cyclone development over the next five days in the Coral Sea and South Pacific area between Australia and 120W. It is normally issued during the TC season from 1 Nov to 30 Apr, but also outside this period if required for a potential or active cyclone.

Current status of cyclone activity

Tropical Cyclone Gabrielle was reclassified as a deep subtropical low at 7am Sunday morning and will now be referred to as Cyclone Gabrielle. The system was located about 170 km to the east-southeast of Norfolk Island, or 610 km to the northwest of Cape Reinga this morning, while moving southeast at 25 km/h.

Forecast to 12:00 13 Feb 2023 UTC (1am Tue, 14 Feb NZT)

Tropical Cyclone Gabrielle was reclassified as a subtropical low at 7am Sunday morning and will now be referred to as Cyclone Gabrielle. The system remains as a deep low, with storm force winds close to the centre and gale force winds extending to about 400 miles. On Monday, Cyclone Gabrielle is expected to intensify as the low centre curves southwards, towards the Great Barrier Island and Coromandel Peninsula. 

Cyclone Gabrielle is likely to bring significant heavy rain, large waves and potentially damaging winds to North Island, upper South Island and the Chatham Island. All MetService warning information can be found at https://www.metservice.com/warnings/home

No other tropical cyclones are expected in the South Pacific or Coral Sea. 

https://twitter.com/WeatherWatchNZ/status/1624657260923478016?s=20

Outlook to 12:00 16 Feb 2023 UTC (1am Fri, 17 Feb NZT)

Cyclone Gabrielle is expected remain close to Coromandel Peninsula early Tuesday, then track east-southeast and pass just to the north of East Cape late Tuesday and towards the north of the Chatham Island late Wednesday.

Cyclone Gabrielle is likely to bring significant heavy rain, large waves and potentially damaging winds to North Island, upper South Island and the Chatham Island. All MetService warning information can be found at https://www.metservice.com/warnings/home

No other tropical cyclones are expected in the South Pacific or Coral Sea.

Advice for travellers:

  • Check airline websites and travel apps or your email for travel updates from your airlines or travel agent before leaving for the airport, and monitor Auckland Airport website and social media channels for updates about airport operations 
  • Stay up to date with the latest information on your route to the airport on the Waka Kotahi website or AT for updates to the public transport network 
  • We recommend you pack any essential medication and a change of clothes in your carry-on baggage just in case your travel is disrupted 
  • Shopping and dining in terminals will operate as normal 
  • Auckland Airport car parks and pick-up / drop-off areas remain operational. Make sure you park safely within dedicated spaces and ensure your vehicle is locked, windows closed and lights off. Use the free bus service from Car Parks D & E for easy transfer to the international terminal. More information on parking at the airport here
  • For international travellers with accessibility requirements, please use the mobility valet, the dedicated spaces public pick up/drop off, the designated spaces in the short-term car park alongside the Novotel, or the bus operating from Car Parks D & E that kneels on request. 
  • Stay up to date with storm warnings via the MetService Te Ratonga Tirorangi website or app
  • If you are a foreign visitor to New Zealand and need any specific support, please contact your country’s embassy, contact details for embassies are via this link https://www.mfat.govt.nz/en/embassies/ 
  • Updates to Auckland Airport’s operations will be shared on our website and social media channels Facebook: Auckland Airport, Twitter: @AKL_Airport, and Instagram: aucklandairport.

Airline News Headlines

American Airlines Pilots Refuse Recorded Interview With Safety Board (The New York Times)

U.S. safety board subpoenas American Airlines flight crew in NYC near miss

Plan to sell Flybe’s Heathrow slots hits turbulence (The Times of London)

U.S. airlines urge FAA to extend 5G upgrade deadline

Airline passengers face higher fares under new EU emissions rules (Financial Times)

Passengers & Crew Hospitalized Following Turbulence On United Airlines Boeing 757 (Simple Flying)

Still Not Canceled: United Airlines’ Airbus A350 Order (Simple Flying)

23 Years Of Growth: The JetBlue Story (Simple Flying)

Frontier Airlines to Fly From BWI to San Juan Starting in May (Eye on Annapolis)

A Brief History Of Las Vegas Harry Reid International Airport (Simple Flying)

Southwest Airlines Relaunches Baltimore To Oakland Flights (Simple Flying)

New York-Bound Delta Flight Makes Emergency Landing as Flames Shoot From Plane’s Wing

Photo: Lufthansa Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner D-ABPE (msn 62143) PAE (Nick Dean). Image: 960041.

Lufthansa Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner D-ABPE (msn 62143) PAE (Nick Dean). Image: 960041.

Lufthansa’s fifth Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner, named “Düsseldorf”, pending delivery from Boeing.

Top Copyright Photo: Lufthansa Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner D-ABPE (msn 62143) PAE (Nick Dean). Image: 960041.

Lufthansa aircraft photo gallery:

Flair Airlines to connect Kamloops and Edmonton

Flair Airlines Boeing 737-8 MAX 8 C-FLKI (msn 64944) LAX (Michael B. Ing). Image: 960039.

Flair Airlines has announced new service between Kamloops and Edmonton.

(CNW Group/Flair Airlines Ltd.)

Flights will begin on June 15, 2023, with thrice-weekly flights on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday. The new route reconnects the two cities, which have not had direct flights in six years, since early 2016.

Top Copyright Photo: Flair Airlines Boeing 737-8 MAX 8 C-FLKI (msn 64944) LAX (Michael B. Ing). Image: 960039.

Flair Airlines aircraft photo gallery:

Ethiopian Airlines adds Xiamen and Shenzhen to its cargo network

Ethiopian Cargo (Ethiopian Airlines) Boeing 777F ET-AVT (msn 65476) (Pharma Wing) IAD (Brian McDonough). Image: 960038.

Ethiopian Airlines (Ethiopian Cargo and Logistics Services), Africa’s largest network operator, has started two weekly freighter flights on February 10 connecting Xiamen with São Paulo and Santiago via Addis Ababa. Ethiopian also plans to commence two weekly freighter flights between Shenzhen and Liège as of February 17, 2023. Ethiopian will deploy Boeing 777F Freighter on the new cargo routes. 

Photo: Ethiopian Airlines

Ethiopian is launching these new flights as it marks the 50th anniversary of the start of its passenger service to China back in 1973. Xiamen and Shenzhen will join the vast Ethiopian network increasing its cargo destination in China to eight, including Guangzhou, Shanghai, Zhengzhou, Changsha, Wuhan and Chengdu. In addition to the cargo services, Ethiopian currently flies to four passenger destinations namely, Beijing, Chengdu, Guangzhou and Shanghai with its enhanced services and modern fleet. 

Top Copyright Photo: Ethiopian Cargo (Ethiopian Airlines) Boeing 777F ET-AVT (msn 65476) (Pharma Wing) IAD (Brian McDonough). Image: 960038.

Ethiopian Airlines aircraft photo gallery:

Airline News Headlines

lair Airlines

A Look inside American Airlines’ Skyway 6: A New Hotel for Crew in Training (Simple Flying)

5 Injured After American Airlines Airbus A321 Collides With Passenger Bus At LAX (Simple Flying)

Canada Jetlines becomes second Ontario airline to postpone service at Melbourne airport

Delta Air Lines Boeing 767-300ER Diverts To Glasgow After Engine Issue (Simple Flying)

Flair Airlines Boeing 737 MAX Diverts To Fort Lauderdale Following Pressurization Issue (Simple Flying)

Biden administration moving toward blocking JetBlue-Spirit merger (Reuters)

MIAT Mongolian Airlines Moving Closer To Launching US Passenger Flights (Simple Flying)

Southwest Airlines “held together with duct tape,” pilot says (CBS)

SriLankan Airlines Witnesses Rise In Demand Across Network (Simple Flying)

Missing bags, refunds, and other takeaways from the Senate hearing on Southwest’s service meltdown (CNN)

Southwest Airlines sends reimbursements to more than 270,000 passengers (Dallas Morning News)

Southwest Airlines Relaunches Baltimore To Oakland Flights (Simple Flying)

Virgin Atlantic CEO: Tech layoffs will impact airline industry

How the pandemic killed off 64 airlines (CNN)

Compass Cargo Airlines takes delivery of Aircastle’s first Boeing 737-800SF

Aircastle Limited announced today that it delivered its first Boeing 737-800 following its passenger-to-freighter conversion which was completed by Aeronautical Engineers, Inc. at the Kelowna Flightcraft LTD (dba KF Aerospace) facility in Canada.

The newly converted Boeing 737-800SF was delivered to Compass Cargo Airlines Limited in Goodyear, Arizona.

Compass Cargo Airlines (ICAO: ADZ, IATA: HQ) is an EASA-licensed airline which commenced operations in August 2021 with a fleet of Boeing 737-800 freighters.

Currently, the company operates three aircraft on a long-term wet-lease contract for DHL Express. Our fourth 737-800 joined the fleet at the end of 2022, followed by another two in February and May 2023, respectively.

Air New Zealand adds flexibility for Cyclone Gabrielle

Air New Zealand Airbus A320-271N WL ZK-NHE (msn 10569) LAX (Michael B. Ing). Image: 956304.

Air New Zealand is working closely with relevant authorities to understand the severity of the cyclone and will be working through any required amendments to its schedule over the next 48 hours.

Air New Zealand Chief Customer and Sales Officer Leanne Geraghty says the airline will do everything in its power to limit the impact of the cyclone on travel plans however customers should be prepared as there may be some delays or cancellations.

“Teams around the business have kicked into gear to start planning for any disruptions to our network due to Cyclone Gabrielle. We will do everything we can to limit the impact on our schedule, however, with severe winds forecast for the North Island, it’s likely we’ll need to make some changes.”

“We encourage those with non-urgent travel, travelling to, from or through Auckland, Whangarei, Kerikeri, Tauranga, Hamilton and New Plymouth between Sunday 12 February and Friday 17 February to consider use of our flexibility policy. Customers can either hold their fare in credit for 12 months or rebook in the same class of travel between Sunday 12 February 2023 and Wednesday 22 February 2023 without fare difference, penalty or service fees.”

Customers who may be impacted by changes to the airline’s schedule will be emailed directly. The airline advises customers to keep an eye on their Air NZ app and the travel alerts page of the Air New Zealand website for up-to-date information.

Air New Zealand’s contact centre is currently receiving thousands of calls. The airline advises customers to only call if your enquiry is urgent but to rest assured it’s working through the potential impact of this weather event as a priority.

Air New Zealand will continue to monitor the situation and advise any changes to the flexibility policy guidelines. Should there be an improvement in the weather the flexibility guidelines will cease and will revert to standard fares conditions.

Given that the airline is focused on managing these impacts for our customers, it will not be able to provide specific flight details or impacted customer numbers at this time.

Top Copyright Photo: Air New Zealand Airbus A320-271N WL ZK-NHE (msn 10569) LAX (Michael B. Ing). Image: 956304.

Air New Zealand aircraft photo gallery:

SAS inaugurates the Copenhagen – New York JFK route

Scandinavian Airlines-SAS Airbus A321-253NX WL SE-DMO (msn 9541) IAD (Brian McDonough). Image: 956922.

On February 9, 2023 SAS launched its new route between Copenhagen Airport and John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York.

The new route enables SAS customers to travel easily to and from both the West and East side of New York as SAS continues to offer departures from Scandinavia to Newark.

The inaugural flight takes place with SAS’s latest addition to their fleet – the Airbus A321 Long Range which offers a more comfortable and sustainable way of traveling.

JFK service begins with five weekly flights from Copenhagen, ramping up with daily flights for the summer schedule. SAS operates into terminal 7 at JFK.

US destinations continue to generate demand for more and frequent departures. SAS will offer about 130 departures per week on a total of 12 routes this winter.

Schedules to and from JFK:
Winter 2022
Monday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday
CPH-JFK: 18:25 – 21:30
JFK-CPH: 23:00 – 12:55

Summer 2023
Daily
CPH-JFK: 19:20 – 22:00
JFK-CPH: 23:55 – 13:45

Facts about Airbus A321 Long Range (A321LR)

The Airbus A321 Long Range is part of the latest generation of aircraft and is expected to reduce climate-impacting emissions by 15-18 percent compared to similar previous-generation aircraft. This latest addition to the fleet means travelers get access to more intercontinental routes with fewer stopovers, and shorter travel times to and from Scandinavia. 

The aircraft has 22 Business, 12 Plus and 123 Go seats, meaning a total of 157 seats in a single aisle aircraft. The seats are especially chosen for the A321LR to optimize the comfort in all three travel classes. Seats in SAS Business are fully flat seat beds and there are different mood light scenarios in the cabins, as well as hi-speed WiFi. Every seat is equipped with IFE screens, PC power and/or hi-power USB. The reduced noise level inside the cabin will further enhance the travel experience on board. The A321LR is part of SAS’ ongoing fleet renewal and will reduce climate-impacting emissions compared to previous generations of similar aircraft.

Top Copyright Photo: Scandinavian Airlines-SAS Airbus A321-253NX WL SE-DMO (msn 9541) IAD (Brian McDonough). Image: 956922.

SAS aircraft photo gallery:

Europe’s winter flights are exceeding pre-pandemic levels

According to Cirium, the latest data is showing how flights to winter destinations have exceeded pre-pandemic levels.

Cirium – Ski data

  • This February, scheduled departures from the UK are projected to hit 81% of February 2019 levels, with over 60,600 flights scheduled to depart during the month – equating to over 10.7 million seats
  • A number of routes from the UK to Europe’s most popular ski resorts are scheduled to exceed pre-pandemic levels this February, as winter leisure travel and ski holidays boom
  • In Austria, the popular ski gateway of Innsbruck is scheduled to see 8% more UK flights this February compared to 2019, while Salzburg will also see 11% more UK flights than pre-pandemic. The lesser-known city of Klagenfurt will see a huge 50% uplift in UK arrivals as tourists head for the slopes
  • In France, the popular winter airport of Chambery is scheduled to see 13% more UK arrivals than February 2019, however, Grenoble and Lyon remain 1% and 12% below pre-pandemic UK flight levels respectively
  • Northern Italy has also showed encouraging growth, with scheduled flights from the UK to Bergamo up 37% this month versus the same period in 2019.  Fellow Milan airport, Malpensa, is also projected to see a 6.7% increase in UK arrivals compared to February 2019. Flights to Turin and Verona are also scheduled to overtake pre-pandemic levels, with 11% and 7% more UK arrivals respectively.
  • Flights from the UK to Geneva, Switzerland’s main skiing gateway, remain 6% down in February 2023 compared to February 2019.

United Airlines plans 34 domestic widebody routes this summer

United Airlines Boeing 777-222 ER N210UA (msn 30216) LAX (Michael B. Ing). Image: 959479.

United Airlines plans to assign widebody aircraft on 34 domestic routes this summer.

More from our partner Simple Flying:

https://simpleflying.com/united-airlines-domestic-widebody-flights-summer-2023/

Top Copyright Photo: United Airlines Boeing 777-222 ER N210UA (msn 30216) LAX (Michael B. Ing). Image: 959479.

United Airlines aircraft photo gallery:

Asia Pacific Airlines is grounded by the FAA

Asia Pacific Airlines (Guam) Boeing 757-230 (F) WL N888LT (msn 25441) ONT (Michael B. Ing). Image: 952516.

The Federal Aviation Adminstration-FAA has announced it issued an Emergency Order of Suspension on February 1, 2023 of the operating authority of Aero Micronesia Inc., doing business as (dba) Asia Pacific Airlines (Guam).

The airline announced it is working with the FAA and intends to comply and rectify any issues.

Asia Pacific Airlines was formed in 1998 to serve Micronesia and the Western Pacific with much needed all-cargo jet service.

APA is an FAA part-121 Supplemental all-cargo carrier, headquartered in Guam, making the airline the westernmost US part-121 based carrier.

Route Map:

Top Copyright Photo: Asia Pacific Airlines (Guam) Boeing 757-230 (F) WL N888LT (msn 25441) ONT (Michael B. Ing). Image: 952516.

Asia Pacific Airlines aircraft photo gallery:

Etihad to add two new routes from its Abu Dhabi hub to Copenhagen and Düsseldorf

Etihad Airways Boeing 787-10 Dreamliner A6-BMB (msn 60756) MAN (Brian Worthington). Image: 960031.

Etihad Airways and Etihad Cargo, the cargo and logistics arm of Etihad Airways, will offer increased capacity to the European market via two new gateways with the introduction of two new routes from its Abu Dhabi hub to Copenhagen in Denmark and Düsseldorf in Germany. The carrier will also introduce additional services to Frankfurt.

The carrier currently operates seven passenger and four freighter flights per week to Frankfurt. From May 1, 2023, Etihad Cargo will increase weekly flights from eleven to 15 with the introduction of four new services.

From October 1, 2023, Etihad Cargo will provide cargo capacity out of Denmark with the introduction of four weekly flights. The reinstatement of three weekly flights to Düsseldorf, in combination with the airline’s widebody passenger and freighter flights to Frankfurt and Munich, will offer additional cargo capacity out of Germany. The flights will be operated via state-of-the-art Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft.

Frankfurt

The 11 new flights, in combination with the carrier’s existing European services and increased frequencies that will be launched in 2023, will bring the total number of flights to European destinations to 700 per month.

Etihad Cargo currently offers four dedicated freighter services from Abu Dhabi to Amsterdam and two weekly freighter flights to Frankfurt, which connect to Chicago’s O’Hare International Airport in the US. Additionally, Etihad Cargo’s customers benefit from cargo capacity across Etihad’s extensive passenger network. The carrier also provides seamless connectivity to offline destinations in Europe via its road feeder service network.

Top Copyright Photo: Etihad Airways Boeing 787-10 Dreamliner A6-BMB (msn 60756) MAN (Brian Worthington). Image: 960031.

Etihad Airways aircraft photo gallery:

KlasJet begins ACMI operations – adds 8 Boeing 737-800 aircraft

KlasJet, a well-known exclusive private and corporate jet charter company, and a family member of Avia Solutions Group, have begun their passenger ACMI operations. The company is adding 8 186-189 economy configuration Boeing 737-800 aircraft to its fleet before the peak summer season and are open for queries.

Some of the standout advantages of KlasJet’s ACMI services is the ability to provide for both bulk and single requests, offering more tailored solutions for a variety of capacity needs. This also includes individual attention in matching aircraft with tailored schedule parameters, criteria, and details. Another key moment is the expansive geographical coverage – KlasJet’s ACMI services can cater a variety of regions worldwide. Alongside that, the charter company’s ACMI team is on hand for AOG (Aircraft-On-Ground) situations.

Until the end of 2023, KlasJet plans to operate 15 of Boeing 737-800 type aircraft, and in a five-year perspective operate no less than 35 aircraft dedicated to passenger ACMI.

Virgin Atlantic to join the SkyTeam alliance on March 2

Virgin Atlantic Airways Airbus A350-1041 G-VTEA (msn 426) LHR (Wingnut). Image: 959703.

Virgin Atlantic Airways is set to become the first U.K. carrier in the SKyTeam alliance.

Virgin Atlantic to join the SkyTeam alliance

The carrier will join the alliance on March 2.

Top Copyright Photo: Virgin Atlantic Airways Airbus A350-1041 G-VTEA (msn 426) LHR (Wingnut). Image: 959703.

Virgin Atlantic Airways aircraft photo gallery:

Southwest adds more routes from Long Beach

Southwest Airlines Boeing 737-7H4 WL N230WN (msn 34592) (Colorado One) SNA (Michael B. Ing). Image: 957649.

Southwest Airlines has extended its flight schedule today through October 4, 2023, and continues adding more service and access to the airline’s network of 121 destinations across the United States, Caribbean, and Latin America.

More Flights Taking Off from Long Beach
Responding to growing demand from Customers, Southwest® is providing additional opportunities to take Long Beach travelers to more places nonstop.

Beginning DateTravel between 
Long Beach and		Frequency 
March 9, 2023Kansas City* Daily 
July 11, 2023Colorado SpringsEl Paso Daily Daily 
July 15, 2023Orlando*Saturdays 
Sept. 5, 2023Albuquerque Daily 
*Previously Announced

Southwest is able to grow its Long Beach service by being awarded additional airport slots, which will offer up to 45 daily departures from Long Beach to 22 destinations across the airline’s expansive network.

Seasonal Additions for Late Summer and Early Fall

Southwest is adding new seasonal routes for travelers booking late summer and early fall escapes. Beginning Sept. 9, 2023, Customers can book nonstop service on Saturdays between Austin and Jacksonville, Fla., and between El Paso and Orlando.

Top Copyright Photo: Southwest Airlines Boeing 737-7H4 WL N230WN (msn 34592) (Colorado One) SNA (Michael B. Ing). Image: 957649.

Southwest Airlines aircraft photo gallery:

Spirit Airlines expects DOJ decision on JetBlue Airways merger in about 30 days

Spirit Airlines Airbus A320-271N WL N916NK (msn 9175) FLL (Andy Cripps). Image: 955788.

Spirit Airlines, according to Reuters, expects the Department of Justice (DOJ) to rule on the proposed Spirit takeover by JetBlue in around 30 days.

Top Copyright Photo: Spirit Airlines Airbus A320-271N WL N916NK (msn 9175) FLL (Andy Cripps). Image: 955788.

Spirit Airlines aircraft photo gallery:

Comair sues Boeing for alleged fraud over the 737 MAX aircraft

British Airways-Comair (South Africa) Boeing 737-8 MAX 8 ZS-ZCA (msn 60432)

Comair Limited has filed a lawsuit in federal court against The Boeing Company for fraud and breach of contract concerning the purchase of eight 737 MAX aircraft. 

Comair is seeking damages in excess of $83 million, which it suffered as a result of Boeing’s wrongful conduct.

The lawsuit details Boeing’s wrongful conduct and alleges:

  • In 2010, Boeing was under pressure from its largest competitor, Airbus. This pressure led Boeing to take shortcuts, make misrepresentations and conceal information to bring the 737 MAX to market quickly.
  • One of the 737 MAX’s central flaws was its new engines. They were larger and could not easily fit under the 737 frame’s low wings. To obtain adequate ground clearance, Boeing moved the engines up and forward.
  • The new mount location caused the aircraft’s nose to abnormally pitch up.
  • Rather than make the necessary, but more costly, aerodynamic changes needed to prevent the pitch-up problem, Boeing tried to combat it with a new software called the Maneuvering Characteristics Augmentation System (“MCAS”), which automatically applied downward stabilizer trim.
  • MCAS did not work safely, and Boeing knew it. A Boeing test pilot reported it took more than 10 seconds to respond to an uncommanded MCAS activation, which he described as a “catastrophic” condition. Boeing also eliminated one of two sensors that told MCAS when to activate—leaving it more prone to failure. Boeing deleted reference to MCAS from the Flight Crew Operations Manual, but forgot to remove it from the abbreviations table.
  • Rather than rectify known problems, Boeing concealed them from customers (including Comair) and the FAA in a rush to market and to maximize profits. 
  • With the existence of the entire MCAS system concealed, Boeing avoided any requirement that pilots be trained on MCAS. Boeing represented that the pilot skill needed to fly the 737 MAX was “interchangeable” with the training and skill needed to pilot the existing 737 NG aircraft.
  • In reliance on Boeing’s misrepresentations and concealed facts, on September 19, 2013, Comair entered into a Purchase Agreement with Boeing for the sale of eight 737 MAX aircraft for a total aircraft base price of more than $98 million. Delivery of Comair’s first 737 MAX would take place in February 2019.
  • On October 28, 2018, a 737 MAX (Lion Air Flight 610) crashed 11 minutes after takeoff from Jakarta, Indonesia, killing all 189 passengers and crew on board. MCAS engaged to force the aircraft’s nose sharply down. The crew fought to counteract it, but were eventually overcome by MCAS and the aircraft dove into the sea.
  • On March 10, 2019, another 737 MAX (Ethiopian Air Flight 302) crashed six minutes after takeoff from Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, killing all 157 passengers and crew on board. Like Lion Air Flight 610, Ethiopian Air Flight 302 crashed when MCAS persistently engaged forcing the aircraft toward the ground.
  • Shortly thereafter, all of Boeing’s 737 MAX aircraft were grounded worldwide.
  • In September 2020, a U.S. House of Representatives committee investigated the 737 MAX and concluded there was a “disturbing pattern of technical miscalculations and troubling management misjudgments by Boeing” and a “culture of concealment” at Boeing, among other things.
  • Among “several unmistakable facts” uncovered, the House Committee found: “Boeing withheld crucial information from the FAA, [and] its customers . . . including ‘concealing the very existence of MCAS from 737 MAX pilots.'”
  • Comair relied on Boeing’s misrepresentations and concealment of material facts in deciding to purchase eight 737 MAX aircraft.
  • Comair paid Boeing more than $45 million in advanced payments on seven 737 MAX aircraft and full payment on the one 737 MAX aircraft it received. Boeing has refused to return the advanced deposits on the seven aircraft it never delivered to Comair. Comair suffered additional damages as a result of the grounding of its 737 MAX for a total loss of more than $83 million.

Comair Limited is based in South Africa. Comair Limited was an airline that operated scheduled services on domestic routes as a British Airways licensee. It also operated as a low-cost carrier under its own kulula.com brand.

Top Copyright Photo: British Airways-Comair (South Africa) Boeing 737-8 MAX 8 ZS-ZCA (msn 60432) JNB (Jonathan Druion). Image: 946067.

British Airways-Comair aircraft photo gallery:

Delta to launch New York JFK to Rio de Janeiro and Buenos Aires service

Delta Air Lines Boeing 767-332 ER WL N173DZ (msn 29692) SEA (Michael B. Ing). Image: 960030.

Delta Air Lines announced:

  • Delta will operate seasonal winter service between New York-JFK and Rio de Janeiro starting Dec. 16, the third new route announced with Joint Venture partner LATAM Group.
  • Route to Rio adds to Delta and LATAM’s position as the No. 1 Joint Venture partnership for service between NYC and South America.
  • New York’s No. 1 airline to add seasonal New York-JFK-Buenos Aires** service on Oct. 29.

New Yorkers will soon be able to jet nonstop to another city that never sleeps, Rio de Janeiro, when Delta launches seasonal service between New York-JFK and Rio Galeão Airport (GIG) in Brazil starting Dec. 16. The new route — the third that Delta and LATAM have announced since the Joint Venture was approved in September 2022 — will operate daily on Delta’s Boeing 767-300 aircraft featuring Delta One, Delta Premium Select, Delta Comfort+ and Main Cabin service.

SCHEDULE OF NEW SEASONAL SERVICE BETWEEN NEW YORK JFK AND RIO DE JANEIRO*

FlightDepartureArrival
DL245 JFK-GIG8:30 p.m.8:20 a.m. the next morning
DL244 GIG-JFK10:20 a.m.6:30 p.m.

*Seasonal service starts Dec. 16. Schedules subject to change.

JOINT VENTURE PARTNERSHIP WITH THE MOST FLIGHTS BETWEEN THE U.S. AND BRAZIL

Whether to enjoy Rio’s world-famous beaches, discover Brazil’s landscape and its samba soundtrack, visit friends and family or seal a business deal, Delta and LATAM offer the most ways to travel between the U.S. and Brazil. Delta offers daily service between JFK and São Paulo, twice daily service between its Atlanta hub and São Paulo, and seasonal service between Atlanta and Rio de Janeiro. LATAM offers service between São Paulo and five U.S. gateways, including New York-JFK, Boston, Orlando, Miami and, starting this summer: new Los Angeles service that will operate three-times weekly beginning in the third quarter.

THE MOST SERVICE BETWEEN NYC AND SOUTH AMERICA

Delta and LATAM together are New York City’s #1 Joint Venture partnership, offering the most service between the Big Apple and South America with flights between JFK and São Paulo, Brazil; Lima, Peru; Santiago, Chile; Bogota, Colombia and soon Rio de Janeiro.

The Joint Venture between LATAM and Delta is improving the travel experience for passengers and cargo customers. The partnership applies to select markets between North and South America, delivering customer benefits and faster connections to more than 300 destinations between the U.S./Canada and South America (Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Paraguay, Peru and Uruguay).

Top Copyright Photo: Delta Air Lines Boeing 767-332 ER WL N173DZ (msn 29692) SEA (Michael B. Ing). Image: 960030.

Delta Air Lines aircraft photo gallery (Boeing):

Delta Air Lines employees to get a 5% pay increase

Delta Air Lines made this announcement:

Eligible Delta employees have earned a 5% pay increase effective April 1, 2023 as the company continues to invest in the people who lead the industry in operational and customer care excellence. Delta CEO Ed Bastian announced the pay increase in a memo to employees Tuesday. This latest pay increase provides employees with a total 9% pay increase within the last year (4% in May 2022 and 5% in April 2023). 

“This well-earned increase is a direct result of your efforts,” said Delta CEO Ed Bastian in a memo to employees Tuesday. “Delta people are the best in the business, and thanks to your efforts, we’re well-positioned to take back the skies, and soar into the future together.” 

Employees across the board – from flight attendants to ground employees – anyone not otherwise covered by an industry, government, or collective bargaining agreement will receive the raise. 

The announcement of the pay increase comes just weeks after Delta employees learned they’d earned $563 million in profit sharing after their company reported strong earnings in 2022. On Feb. 14, also known as Employee Appreciation Day at Delta, employees will receive a profit-sharing payment that equates to 5.57% of their eligible 2022 earnings. 

This pay increase and Delta’s industry-leading profit-sharing program are just two of the many ways the airline acts on its commitment to sharing success with employees. 

  • Delta people earned a total of $61 million in our Shared Rewards program, tied to achieving internal operational goals. Delta kept that program intact throughout the pandemic while other airlines suspended theirs, allowing us to grant our employees an extra $2,250 between April 2020 and December 2022. 
  • Delta offers industry leading 401(k) contributions of up to 9%; fixed contributions of 3% plus matching contribution up to 6% (domestic mainline only; other programs apply internationally). 
  • Millions invested in enhanced health and wellbeing programs: 2023 kicks-off a year of the most significant enhancements to the airline’s wellbeing offerings in recent history. 
  • $1,000 contribution to an emergency savings plan offered to employees who complete a financial education and coaching program. 
  • Up to $2,500 in available incentives offered to employees and their families with Delta Health and Wellbeing Rewards, with more than $60 million paid out for 2022, a record amount. 

In the last 15 years, Delta delivered 12 base pay increases that add up to an average of 80% increase in base pay. Absent our COVID years, these increases have taken place about every year. In 2022, Delta employees received a 4% pay raise.