Air Wisconsin Airlines has unveiled a 1965 retro livery on its Bombardier CRJ200 N471ZW (msn 7457).
The aircraft is known as “El Guapo”.
Photo: Air Wisconsin.
Air Wisconsin unveils a retro livery on CRJ200 N471ZW
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Southwest Airlines lowers the hours needed for new pilots
Southwest Airlines is taking a step to enchorage the applications of new pilots.
The airline has lowered its requirements for new pilots. New pilots will now need only 500 ‘turbine’ hours rather than 1,000 hours according to the Wall Street Journal.
Top Copyright Photo: Southwest Airlines Boeing 737-76V WL N564WN (msn 30244) FLL (Bruce Drum). Image: 105892.
Southwest Airlines aircraft photo gallery:
British Airways announces a codeshare agreement with Airlink of South Africa
British Airways has announced a codeshare partnership with Airlink, improving connectivity between the UK, Europe, North America and more than 15 destinations in Southern Africa.
With bases in Johannesburg, Cape Town, and Durban in South Africa, Airlink is a premium regional airline with a wide-reaching network of cities in 14 countries, including South Africa, Zimbabwe, Zambia and Namibia.
The agreement means British Airways’ customers travelling from or transiting through London will be able to connect to their final destination via Cape Town or Johannesburg on a single ticket. This will offer more choice and flexibility for those travelling on to one of 18 towns and cities, such as Windhoek in Namibia and Durban in South Africa.
British Airways currently flies twice daily between London Heathrow and Johannesburg with A380 aircraft, twice daily between London Heathrow and Cape Town with B777 and A350 aircraft and three times per week between London Gatwick and Cape Town with B777 aircraft.
Airlink route map:
In total, 18 destinations are available as codeshare options when travelling from Heathrow via Johannesburg and Cape Town. Examples include:
- London Heathrow to Durban via Johannesburg
- London Heathrow to Port Elizabeth, South Africa, via Cape Town or Johannesburg
- London Heathrow to Skukuza, South Africa via Cape Town or Johannesburg
- London Heathrow to Windhoek, Namibia via Cape Town or Johannesburg
- London Heathrow to Walvis Bay, Namibia via Cape Town or Johannesburg
Airlink aircraft photo gallery:
airBaltic to connect Tampere with Nice and Milan
airBaltic has announced the addition to the list of direct flights from its base in Tampere (Finland) – to Nice (France) and Milan (Italy). Starting in May, the new destinations will be connected with two weekly flights.
airBaltic already flies nonstop flights from Tampere to Copenhagen (Denmark), Munich (Germany) and Amsterdam (Netherlands) as well as sunny leisure destinations of Malaga (Spain) and Rhodes (Greece), in addition to continuing flights to Riga (Latvia).Â
| Destination served | Flight frequency | Start date | Price *,GREEN | Price*,Business Light |
| Tampere – Nice | 2 flights weekly | May 2, 2023 | 99 EUR | 349 EUR |
| Tampere – Milan | 2 flights weekly | May 4, 2023 | 79 EUR | 299 EUR |
*Lowest fare (one way), including taxes, fees and service charges, on www.airBaltic.com subject to availability.
Flights between Tampere and Nice are scheduled to take 3 hours and 35 minutes, and between Tampere and Milan – 3 hours, 45 minutes.
Both of them will be operated by the Airbus A220-300 aircraft.
airBaltic provides flights to more than 70 destinations from Riga, Tallinn, Vilnius and Tampere.
Top Copyright Photo: airBaltic Airbus A220-300 (Bombardier CS300 – BD-500-1A11) YL-ABF (msn 55133) MUC (Gunter Mayer). Image: 959806.
airBaltic aircraft photo gallery:
Swiss to resume passenger services to Shanghai
Swiss International Air Lines will resume its passenger services between Zurich and Shanghai on March 3, 2023. One weekly flight is currently planned on the route for the month of March, which will then be expanded to three weekly frequencies from April onwards.Â
The flights will generally be operated using Boeing 777-300ER aircraft, or alternatively Airbus A340-300.Â
Swiss suspended its previous scheduled passenger services between Zurich and Shanghai in April 2022 in view of the travel restrictions imposed in response to the coronavirus pandemic, and its services on the route have since been limited to cargo-only flights.
In addition to resuming its Zurich-Shanghai passenger flights, Swiss will also be increasing its service to and from Hong Kong from five to six weekly frequencies in the 2023 summer schedules.
Top Copyright Photo: Swiss International Air Lines Boeing 777-300 ER HB-JNJ (msn 62755) PAE (Nick Dean). Image: 941193.
Swiss aircraft photo gallery:
ITA Airways’ special livery promoting Friuli Venezia Giulia
ITA Airways has introduced a special livery promoting Friuli Venezia Giulia.
Friuli Venezia Giulia is one of the 20 regions of Italy and one of five autonomous regions with special statute. The capital is Trieste on the Gulf of Trieste, a bay on the Adriatic Sea.
According to the region’s website, “A border region sandwiched between the Friulian Dolomites and the Upper Adriatic, blessed with an immense cultural heritage resulting from the influence of different cultures and peoples, cosmopolitan and modern, Friuli Venezia Giulia will also seduce you with its temptations of relaxation, sport and fun.”
Top Copyright Photo: ITA Airways Airbus A320-216 EI-DTG (msn 3921) (Friuli Venezia Giulia) LHR (Wingnut). Image: 960029.
ITA AIrways aircraft photo gallery:
Air New Zealand and Embraer to collaborate on Next Gen sustainable aircraft programs
Air New Zealand has signed an agreement with Embraer to join its Energia Advisory Group – a group of airlines, lessors, manufacturers and other aviation experts advising Embraer’s Energia project developing sustainable aircraft for the future.
Embraer also becomes a long term partner in Air New Zealand’s Mission Next Gen Aircraft initiative, working alongside Air New Zealand to accelerate the development and introduction of zero emissions aircraft technology for regional fleet in New Zealand.
The companies will work together on the design requirements for next-generation sustainable aircraft. Air New Zealand is a unique airline with complex mission and fleet requirements with significant domestic business, connecting customers and cargo to 20 different regions around New Zealand.
Porter Airlines launches Embraer E195-E2 service between Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ) and Vancouver International Airport (YVR)
Porter Airlines is celebrating its first flights with the new Embraer E195-E2 between Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ) and Vancouver International Airport (YVR). For the first time in its 16-year history, Porter is bringing its distinguished approach to service to Western Canada, while also debuting a remarkable new concept for economy air travel.
Hospitality and generous service are staples of Porter’s distinct offering. This signature service features complimentary beer and wine served in glassware, along with a selection of premium snacks on every flight. The introduction of longer routes to Porter’s network, starting with Toronto Pearson-Vancouver, now also include enhancements of these perks. Fresh, healthy meals, pre-mixed cocktails and additional snack options are included on the menu. These additional features are available as an all-inclusive fare with PorterReserve or may be purchased a la carte with PorterClassic fares. PorterReserve also includes dedicated airport check-in, early boarding, enhanced legroom, two checked bags and the ability to change flights without a fee.
Sustainability is at the heart of the new menu design, with a priority on reducing and eventually eliminating single-use plastics onboard, providing biodegradable cups and cutlery, and eco-friendly packaging. Catering partners also feature high-quality Canadian brands.
The E195-E2 is another important part of the overall product, with its 132-seat, all-economy, two-by-two configuration. This ensures that every passenger enjoys more personal space, thanks to Porter being the only airline with no middle seats on every flight. Up to 100 E195-E2s are on order, including 50 firm deliveries scheduled to arrive over the next two years.
The introduction of the E195-E2 also brings all passengers free, fast WiFi, with full access to web surfing or streaming favourite entertainment platforms.
Service on the Toronto Pearson-Vancouver route begins with one daily, non-stop return flight, increasing to three daily roundtrip flights by March 22.
Additional flights at Pearson begin this month connecting with Edmonton (Feb. 14), Calgary (Feb. 22) and Halifax (Feb. 23). More destinations will be announced throughout the year. The E195-E2 can reach every key market in North America, including the west coast, to Mexico and the Caribbean.
Top Copyright Photo: Porter Airlines Embraer ERJ 195-E2 (ERJ 190-400 STD) C-GKQO (msn 19020075) YYZ (TMK Photography). Image: 960018.
Porter Airlines aircraft photo gallery:
Star Air adds its first Embraer 175
Star Air of India signed a lease in December for two more Embraer E175 passenger jets with Nordic Aviation Capital (NAC).Â
These two aircraft are in addition to the two Embraer E175 jet orders signed at the Farnborough International Airshow, UK in August 2022. The first of these four aircraft orders has now arrived in January 2023.Â
Focussing on establishing a fleet of Embraer aircraft to improve regional connectivity, the E175 is powered by GE CF34-8E engines which continue to set the standard in terms of reliability and performance in the regional jet segment having surpassed 200 million hrs in operations, has no middle seats, and provides best-in-class legroom in a dual-class cabin configuration. With a flying range of 2,200 nautical miles, Star Air is set to fly longer, faster, and smoother. Currently flying over 19 destinations across India, the airline is geared to expand its regional presence.
Currently, the airline operates scheduled flights using its 5 Embraer E145 to connect 19 Indian destinations that include Ahmedabad, Ajmer (Kishangarh), Bengaluru, Belagavi, Delhi (Hindon), Hubballi, Indore, Jodhpur, Kalaburagi, Mumbai, Surat, Tirupati, Jamnagar, Hyderabad, Nagpur, Bhuj, Bidar, and Kolhapur.
United Airlines could be fined $1.1 million for operating its Boeing 777s without making required preflight fire system warning checks
According to Reuters, the FAA stated it is proposing to fine United Airlines $1.1 million for allegedly conducting Boeing 777-200 flights without making required preflight fire system warning checks.
United is believed to have flown more than 102,000 flights of its Boeing 777 aircraft between June 2018 and April 2021 that did not meet U.S. airworthiness requirements.
United allegedly “removed the fire system warning check from its Boeing 777 preflight check list. The inspection is required in the maintenance specifications manual. Removal of the check resulted in United’s failure to perform the required check.”
Top Copyright Photo: United Airlines Boeing 777-224 ER N77006 (msn 29476) LAX (Michael B. Ing). Image: 956055.
United Airlines aircraft photo gallery (Boeing):
TAP Air Portugal improves the Portugal Stopover program
TAP’s popular Portugal Stopover program has been improved with more benefits to provide customers even more opportunities to explore Portugal before heading to their final destination. With the expanded program customers can now choose to stopover on their return home.
TAP customers can add Portugal to their trip with a free stopover of up to 10 days, with exclusive offers and discounts with over 290 participating partners that will help make their visit unforgettable. Offers and specials include hotels, restaurants, shopping centers, museums and countless activities, that have been organized in partnership with Visit Portugal. From discounts on surfing in areas such as Peniche to wine cellar tours in Lisbon to offers to play at exclusive golf courses, TAP’s Stopover program truly offers something for everyone.
An additional benefit allows customers to visit a second destination in Portugal at a 25% discount on air fare, allowing visitors to dig even deeper into the country’s culture with visits to regions such as Porto and the North, the Algarve or Madeira and the Azores.
The Portugal Stopover program is available for all markets in which TAP operates, though was designed with TAP’s key long-haul markets of North America and Brazil in mind. With direct flights from Boston, Chicago, Miami, New York, San Francisco and Washington in the US and Toronto and Montreal from Canada, TAP customers can fly to more than 65 destinations in Europe, the Middle East and Africa, with a Lisbon or Porto, or additional Portugal destination experience along the way. You can find out about the new Portugal Stopover campaign here.
The Portugal Stopover program, launched in July 2016, allows customers whose final destination is not Lisbon or Porto, but who make a stopover in one of these cities, to enjoy, on the outward or return leg, a stopover in Portugal – which can now be up to ten nights – at no additional cost in the fare.Â
Video:
Top Copyright Photo: TAP Portugal – Air Portugal Airbus A330-343 CS-TOX (msn 1015) LIS (Ton Jochems). Image: 960028.
TAP Air Portugal aircraft photo gallery:
Spirit Airlines reports fourth quarter and full year 2022 results
Spirit Airlines, Inc. reported fourth quarter and full year 2022 financial results.
“I want to thank the entire Spirit Team for their contributions in overcoming the many challenges we faced during 2022. Thanks to their dedication and relentless pursuit to implement more efficient and effective strategies, we made excellent progress on the steps necessary to return Spirit to sustained profitability,” saidTed Christie, Spirit’s President and Chief Executive Officer.
Fourth Quarter 2022 Financial Results
For the fourth quarter 2022, Spirit reported a net loss of $270.7 million, or a net loss of $2.49 per diluted share. Excluding special items, adjusted net income for the fourth quarter 2022 was $12.6 million1, or an adjusted net income of $0.12 per diluted share1.
For the fourth quarter 2022, Spirit reported a pre-tax loss of $340.3 million and a pre-tax margin of negative 24.5 percent. Adjusted pre-tax income for the fourth quarter was $23.0 million1Â and adjusted pre-tax margin was 1.7 percent.
Operations
For the fourth quarter 2022, the Company’s load factor was 81.0 percent, DOT on-time performance2 was 73.2 percent and Completion Factor2 was 97.0 percent.
Revenue
Total operating revenues for the fourth quarter 2022 were $1.4 billion, an increase of 43.5 percent compared to the fourth quarter 2019 primarily due to increased flight volume and stronger operating yields. Total revenue per ASM (“TRASM”) was 10.81 cents, up 17.0 percent compared to fourth quarter 2019 on 22.7 percent more capacity.
On a per passenger flight segment basis, compared to the same period in 2019, total revenue per passenger flight segment (“segment”) for the fourth quarter 2022 increased 22.5 percent to $135.62. Compared to the fourth quarter 2019, fare revenue per segment increased 22.1 percent to $64.31 and non-ticket revenue per segment increased 22.9 percent to $71.313. Non-ticket revenue per segment increased sequentially from the third quarter 2022 by $4.24, driven by strong take rates for ancillaries combined with the benefit from revenue management initiatives.
Cost Performance
Total GAAP operating expenses for the fourth quarter 2022 increased 100.8 percent compared to the fourth quarter 2019 to $1,697.0 million. Adjusted operating expenses for the fourth quarter 2022 increased 58.0 percent compared to the fourth quarter 2019 to $1,333.7 million4. Compared to the fourth quarter 2019, these increases were primarily driven by increases in flight volume, additional aircraft, higher fuel prices and inflationary wage pressures.
Fleet
Spirit took delivery of 10 new A320neo aircraft during the fourth quarter 2022. The Company ended the quarter with 194 aircraft in its fleet, an increase of 33.8 percent since the end of fourth quarter 2019.
In January 2023, the Company signed an agreement to sell 29 unencumbered A319ceo aircraft powered with V2500 engines to Gryphon Trading Company, LLC (“Gryphon”), with anticipated deliveries to Gryphon beginning in the first quarter 2023 through the end of the third quarter 2024. The Company expects to remove 14 and 15 A319ceo aircraft from its operating fleet in 2023 and 2024, respectively. The other two A319ceo aircraft in our operating fleet are anticipated to be returned to the lessor upon lease expiration in 2025.
Liquidity and Capital Deployment
Spirit ended fourth quarter 2022 with unrestricted cash and cash equivalents, short-term investment securities and liquidity available under the Company’s revolving credit facility of $1.8 billion.
During the fourth quarter 2022, the Company completed a private offering of an additional $600 million in aggregate principal amount of 8.00% Senior Secured Notes due 2025 (the “Senior Secured Notes”) by Spirit IP Cayman Ltd., an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company, and Spirit Loyalty Cayman Ltd., an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company (together the “Issuers”). As of December 31, 2022, the Issuers had $1.1 billion of aggregate principal amount of Senior Secured Notes outstanding.
Spirit increased the commitment under its senior secured revolving credit facility by $60.0 million to $300.0 million during the fourth quarter 2022. As of December 31, 2022, the entire $300 million remained undrawn and available.
Total capital expenditures, including net pre-delivery purchase deposits, for the twelve months ended December 31, 2022, were $246.1 million, primarily related to the purchase of spare parts, including four spare engines, two flight simulators, and expenditures related to the building of Spirit’s new headquarters campus in Dania Beach, Florida.
Top Copyright Photo: Spirit Airlines Airbus A320-271N WL N967NK (msn 11128) LAX (Michael B. Ing). Image: 960027.
Spirit Airlines aircraft photo gallery:
Etihad Cargo signs MOU with Astral Aviation to expand African network
Etihad Cargo, the cargo and logistics arm of Etihad Airways, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Astral Aviation Ltd to expand the partnership between the two parties and enhance the cooperation between Abu Dhabi and Nairobi, further growing Etihad Cargo’s reach into the African market.
Through the comprehensive MoU, Etihad Cargo’s customers will benefit from additional cargo capacity out of Nairobi via the introduction of additional services from Nairobi to Etihad Cargo’s hub in Abu Dhabi from April 1, 2023.
The expansion of the partnership between Etihad Cargo and Astral Aviation will further enhance Etihad Cargo’s capabilities in the African market. In 2021, the carrier signed a Service Level Agreement (SLA) with Astral Aviation to provide reliable and cost-effective air freight solutions for the transport of pharmaceuticals across the continent. The SLA was Etihad Cargo’s first Pharma Interline agreement and ensured the carrier’s partners’ full compliance with latest IATA Pharma and GDP regulations and standards.
This latest agreement builds on Astral Aviation’s expanding partnership with Abu Dhabi, which will see Astral Aviation operating more flights to the UAE’s capital, supported by Etihad Cargo.
The agreement will see Astral Aviation and Etihad Cargo sharing up to 50 percent of all available capacity on the new Nairobi-Abu Dhabi-Nairobi flights, increasing the capacity Etihad Cargo offers air cargo and air mail customers. Via Etihad Cargo’s Abu Dhabi hub, the carrier’s global network will offer connectivity to destinations around the world. Etihad Cargo will utilise its expansive road feeder service network to transport cargo arriving in Abu Dhabi from Nairobi to destinations throughout the UAE and other offline stations.
Astral Aviation flies a reliable schedule network to 20 destinations and a charter network to 50 destinations from its Nairobi, Dubai, Johannesburg and Liege Hubs, Astral flies to more destinations then any African carrier.
Astral operates fleet of B747-400F, B767-200F, B757-200F, B727F, DC-9F and F50F,
Astral is the only African carrier with a diverse-fleet from 7 tons to 110 tons.
Top Copyright Photo: Astral Aviation (Air Atlanta Icelandic) Boeing 747-48EF TF-AMU (msn 27603) LGG (Rainer Bexten). Image: 951189.
Astral Aviation aircraft photo gallery:
Endeavor Air winds down its Bombardier CRJ200 operations
Endeavor Air is gradually removing its 50-seat Bombardier CRJ200 regional jets from the schedule as parent Delta Air Lines wants to remove the type from its system.
Endeavor has already ended CRJ200 operations at the Minneapolis/St. Paul hub.
From the Detroit hub, Endeavor Air is operating its remaining CRJ200s from DTW to the close-in destinations of Kalamazoo, Lansing, Marquette and Midland/Bay City/Saginaw (MBS), all in the state of Michigan.
Endeavor Air is currently planing to ending CRJ200s on March 8, 2023.
Endeavor Air is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Delta Air Lines. Flying as Delta Connection, Endeavor operates 151 regional jets on 700 daily flights to 100 destinations in the United States, Canada, and the Caribbean.
Headquartered in Minneapolis, Minn., Endeavor has hub operations in Atlanta, Cincinnati, Detroit, Minneapolis, and New York City.
Endeavor Air route map:
Top Copyright Photo: Delta Connection-Endeavor Air Bombardier CRJ200 (CL-600-2B19) N8412F (msn 7412) JFK (Fred Freketic). Image: 950020.
Delta Connection-Endeavor Air aircrafrt photo gallery:
Coulson Aviation is awarded Australian large air tanker contract facilitating continued support of bush fire season
Coulson Aviation has announced it has been awarded the contract for Australia’s National Large Air Tanker (LAT).
The converted Boeing 737, Tanker 139, is the newest addition to Coulson’s FireLiner™ fleet and will be based in Sydney, New South Wales but will support additional locations in-country as needed. As the National LAT, Tanker 139 will wear the name “Phoenix” as a result of a naming competition last year via local Australian schools and joint winners Bishop Druitt College Coffs Harbour, St Patrick’s College Campbelltown, and Christian College Geelong.
The 737 is in Australia funded by the Commonwealth Government through a partnership with the National Aerial Firefighting Centre (NAFC). The contract is for two years with the option to extend. Phoenix is equipped with Coulson Aviation’s Retardant Aerial Delivery System (RADS), the Company’s patented tanking and release system. With RADS onboard, the aircraft is capable of dropping up to 4,000 gallons of retardant or water at flow rates of up to 3,000 gallons per second.
The State and Territory agencies involved in firefighting and land management recognize that improved performance and other synergies may be obtained through cooperation and sharing of aircraft resources. The NAFC arrangements allow for the procurement and sharing of these resources nationally.
Coulson Aviation is the only company in the world to convert a Boeing 737 commercial airliner into a multi-mission FireLiner™ aircraft. The Company has operated in Australia for almost 20 years, providing aerial support across multiple Australian States. Coulson’s roots in aviation, combined with the company’s proprietary technology, a wide array of aircraft types, and well-trained attack crews, allow simultaneous aerial firefighting support across multiple regions.
Meanwhile Boeing 737-300 tanker (N619SW) has crashed in southern Australia:
Himalya Airlines restores the Beijing route
Himalya Airlines will add the Kathmandu – Beijing route on February 11. The airline made this announcement:
The Kathmandu – Beijing flight was previously suspended in 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic which has now recommenced after the withdrawal of travel restrictions by China on January 8, 2023.
Himalaya Airlines is planning to reconnect with Beijing Daxing International Airport with its weekly service starting from February 11, 2023 and scheduled to fly every Saturday.
Top Copyright Photo: Himalaya Airlines (Nepal) Airbus A320-214 WL 9N-ALM (msn 6626) DXB (Andi Hiltl). Image: 956019.
Route Map:
The assets of bankrupt Flybe are becoming very valuable
Air France/KLM and the Lufthansa Group, are reportedly interested in acquiring the assets of bankrupt Flybe, according to the newspaper The Telegraph.
Both groups are interested in the valuable airport slots at London Heathrow Airport and Amsterdam Schiphol Airport held by Flybe.
The second version of Flybe ceased all operations on January 28, 2023.
Top Copyright Photo: Flybe (2nd) Bombardier DHC-8-402 (Q400) G-JECY (msn 4157) SOU (Antony J. Best). Image: 957353.
Flybe (2nd) aircraft photo gallery:
Southwest, FedEx aircraft came within a thousand feet at Austin on Saturday
Southwest Boeing 737 was cleared to take off on a runway at Austin-Bergstrom International Airport on Saturday, Ferbruary 4, at the same time a FedEx Express Boeing 767-300F was cleared to land on the same runway. The FedEx overflew the Southwest aircraft still on the runway.
The aircraft came within a 1,000 feet of each other.
The FAA is investigating.
More from Flightradar24:
Aruba Airlines leases this Airbus A321 to GlobalX in SunAir livery!
Aruba Airlines painted and leased this former Turkish Airlines Airbus A321 to SunAir of Aruba on July 29, 2022.
Now Aruba Airlines is leasing the same A321 to Global Crossing Airlines (GlobalX) of Miami while retaining the SunAir titles and livery.
GlobalX is currently utilizing the airliner for charter flights between Miami and Tampa to Cuba.
Still confused?
Top Copyright Photo: SunAir (Aruba) (Aruba Airlines) (GlobalX) Airbus A321-231 P4-AAJ (msn 2916) MIA (L. Apso). Image: 960024.
Aruba Airlines aircraft photo gallery:
GlobalX aircraft photo gallery:
Korean Air reactivates the Airbus A380 for the Seoul – Taipei route
Korean Air has re-introduced for just few weeks its double-decker Airbus A380 on the Seoul (ICN) – Taipei (TPE) route, coming back on the post-COVID operation after more than three years.
HL7621 is welcomed back at Taoyuan Airport in Taipei with the traditional water canon salute!
Report and copyright photo by Manuel Negrerie, reporting from Taiwan.
EVA Air aircraft photo gallery:
