Flair Airlines Boeing 737-8 MAX 8 C-FFEL (msn 64942) YYZ (TMK Photography). Image: 960479.
Flair Airlines has announced that 74.1% of its flights were on time in April. Flights that arrive within 15 minutes of their scheduled arrival time are considered to be on-time, and this key performance indicator is a closely watched metric in the airline industry, globally.
In addition, Flair Airlines announced that its April 2023 load factors — the percentage of seats occupied by paying customers on its flights — was 90.3% in April 2023, with 394,431 passengers booked.
Top Copyright Photo: Flair Airlines Boeing 737-8 MAX 8 C-FFEL (msn 64942) YYZ (TMK Photography). Image: 960479.
Alaska Airlines Boeing 737-9 MAX 9 N973AK (msn 43346) BUR (Michael B. Ing). Image: 960473.
Alaska Airlines issued this statement:
Alaska Airlines applauds Washington state Governor Jay Inslee, and bill sponsor, State Senator Andy Billig, for the signing of new legislation to help drive growth in the market for Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) in Washington state.
Investing in SAF has multilayered benefits, including the creation of family wage manufacturing jobs. Using SAF is also the most significant way we can reduce the greenhouse gas emissions of aviation over the next several decades. This legislation will help ensure that SAF is more available at a cost and scale that enables its use and continues to position Washington State as a leader on climate action.
This is a step in the right direction, and we look forward to working with public and private partners to realize its full potential.
Top Copyright Photo: Alaska Airlines Boeing 737-9 MAX 9 N973AK (msn 43346) BUR (Michael B. Ing). Image: 960473.
Virgin Atlantic is restarting its much-anticipated flights to Shanghai, re-establishing essential business and leisure connections between the United Kingdom and China. The daily service resumed on May 1, 2023.
The move comes following a relaxation in travel restrictions between the two countries, which sees the borders reopening to foreign nationals for the first time since December 23, 2020. Shanghai is Virgin Atlantic’s final route to be re-instated following the global pandemic, having been impacted by suspensions and closures since February 1, 2020.
Virgin Atlantic’s Shanghai flights will continue to operate on a Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner. The return to China will complement the rest of Virgin Atlantic’s global route network which includes the USA & Caribbean, South Africa, Nigeria and India. The airline’s Tel Aviv service has doubled capacity this summer, operating a double daily service. New routes to the Maldives and Turks and Caicos will also commence later this year.
Top Copyright Photo: Virgin Atlantic Airways Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner G-VNYL (msn 37981) SEA (Bruce Drum). Image: 104713.
Norse Atlantic Airways is adding four new routes this winter, three from London Gatwick to Barbados, Kingston and Montego Bay and from Oslo to Bangkok.
Norse Atlantic Airways made this announcement:
New winter sun routes to Barbados, Kingston and Montego Bay will provide customers with lower fares while increasing competition to these traditionally expensive holiday destinations.
The three new routes from London Gatwick join, New York, Washington, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Boston, Orlando, Fort Lauderdale/Hollywood which are already on sale for the winter.
In total Norse Atlantic will serve 10 destinations from London Gatwick in winter 2023 and become the second largest long haul operator by seat capacity.
From today customers can book direct Norse Atlantic Airways flights between London Gatwick to Barbados, Kingston and Montego Bay from only £449 return including taxes.
Flights to Barbados will operate daily from October 29, 2023 with fares starting from £449 return including all taxes.
Flights to Kingston will operate three times a week from October 31, 2023 with fares starting from £579 return including all taxes.
Flights to Montego Bay will operate four times a week from October 29, 2023 with fares starting from £559 return including all taxes.
Norse Atlantic exclusively operates Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft. The cabin offers passengers a relaxed and comfortable travel experience with each seat including a personal state of the art entertainment experience. Our Premium cabin offers an industry leading 43” seat pitch and 12” recline allowing passengers to arrive at their destination feeling refreshed and ready to explore their destination.
As part of the airline’s winter program Norse Atlantic will also launch flights between Oslo and Bangkok twice weekly from November 2, 2023.
Top Copyright Photo: Norse Atlantic Airways Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner LN-FND (msn 38788) LGW (Robbie Shaw). Image: 959452.
Turkish Airlines has launched flights to Krakow, one of Poland’s historic cities, as its second destination in the country after Warsaw. The new city destination will offer GCC travellers more choice when travelling to Poland as well as give them an option of exploring Istanbul as well.
The flag carrier brand will operate Krakow flights with narrow-body aircraft three times a week, on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, on a reciprocal basis.
As the airline flying to the more countries than any other in the world, Turkish Airlines increases the number of its destinations to 343 with Krakow, offering its guests unlimited connection possibilities while continuing to carry its quality and service to all corners of the world.
Flight Schedule:
Flight No
Day
Departure
Arrival
TK1271
Wednesday – Friday
İSTANBUL
07.20
08.30
KRAKOW
TK1272
Wednesday – Friday
KRAKOW
09.20
12.35
İSTANBUL
TK1273
Monday
KRAKOW
18.20
19.30
KRAKOW
TK1274
Monday
KRAKOW
20.20
23.35
İSTANBUL
Top Copyright Photo: Turkish Airlines Boeing 737-8F2 WL TC-JHM (msn 40980) ZRH (Rolf Wallner). Image: 958104.
The airline currently offers five passenger flights to Shanghai, Beijing Daxing and Guangzhou each week. With the commencement of two weekly freighter services between Abu Dhabi and Wuhan, Etihad Cargo will operate a total of ten freighter services to China, offering an additional 100 tonnes of cargo capacity into the Hubei Province each week. This brings the carrier’s total cargo capacity for China to 1,000 tonnes per week, including 850 tonnes of cargo capacity for Shanghai offered via eight weekly freighter services and two passenger flights.
The new flights between Abu Dhabi and Wuhan will give Etihad Cargo’s partners and customers greater accessibility to 25 domestic Chinese destinations, including Shenzhen, Dongguan, Hangzhou, Chengdu and Nanjing, via SF Airlines’ road feeder service trucking network, further enhancing Etihad Cargo’s connectivity and capabilities in the region.
Wuhan is the fourth Mainland Chinese destination to be added to Etihad Cargo’s network. The carrier will be increasing frequencies to China in the coming months to add further depth to its network and meet increasing capacity demands from customers in the UAE and China.
Flight schedule for Abu Dhabi – Wuhan services, effective 28 April 2023:
Flight
Departing
Time*
Arriving
Time*
Aircraft
Days
EY 9651
Wuhan
06:30
Abu Dhabi
10:55
77X
Saturday
03 7511
Wuhan
02:10
Abu Dhabi
06:25
B747F
Wednesday
EY 9650
Abu Dhabi
16:30
Wuhan
04:00 (+1)
77X
Friday
03 7512
Abu Dhabi
19:25
Wuhan
06:30
B747F
Wednesday
*All times local
Top Copyright Photo: Etihad Airways Cargo (Etihad Airways) Boeing 777-FFX A6-DDE (msn 62745) HKG (Javier Rodriguez). Image: 936052.
WestJet on April 30 celebrated the departure of flight WS80 from YYC Calgary International Airport to Tokyo’s NaritaInternational Airport.
Tokyo service will operate on the airline’s 787 Dreamliner three times per week through October 28, and will return in Spring 2024. Guests travelling between Calgary and Tokyo can expect an elevated experience onboard including Western and Japanese inflight meals, Japanese entertainment options and the comfort of Japanese announcements and menus.
Route
Frequency
Departure
Arrival
Calgary – Tokyo (Narita)
3x weekly
15:10
16:15 (next day)
Tokyo (Narita) – Calgary
3x weekly
18:15
12:15
Top Copyright Photo: WestJet Airlines Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner C-FAJA (msn 64982) AMS (Ton Jochems). Image: 960153.
Ryanair has confirmed that over 600,000 passengers have signed its “Protect Passengers: Keep EU Skies Open” petition calling on the EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen to take immediate action to protect European citizen’s Freedom of Movement and overflights during French ATC strikes.
When Ryanair’s petition reaches 1 million signatures, the airline will submit it to the EU Commission and demand that President Ursula von der Leyen finally takes action to protect EU citizen’s Freedom of Movement when French ATC repeatedly strike.
Despite only launching just 5 weeks ago, Ryanair has already collected over 600,000 signatures from passengers who are sick and tired of having their travel plans cancelled at short notice due to French ATC strikes, and all because the EU Commission has failed to protect their right to the Freedom of Movement. EU citizens now understand that their travel plans are being disrupted unnecessarily by French ATC unions and are demanding action from the EU Commission.
In the first 4 months of 2023, there have been over 50 days of French ATC strikes (10 times more than all of 2022) which have forced Ryanair to cancel over 3,700 flights, cancelling over 666,000 passengers’ flights at short notice. France uses Minimum Service Legislation to protect French domestic flights, while EU overflights from Germany, Spain, Italy, the UK and Ireland are disproportionately cancelled. This is unfair and must change. Italy and Greece already protect overflights during ATC strikes and the EU Commission must now insist that France does likewise.
A Ryanair spokesperson said:
“We are overwhelmed by the support for our Protect Passengers: Keep EU Skies Openpetition withover 600,000 signatures already from passengers calling on EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen to take immediate action to protect their Freedom of Movement and overflights by keeping EU skies open during repeated French ATC strikes. We are rapidly approaching the 1 million signatures we need to force the EU Commission to take action to protect overflights and EU citizens’ Freedom of Movement.
French ATC strikes are the No.1 risk to EU citizens’ travel plans this Summer and passengers are really starting to understand that the EU Commission is doing nothing to mitigate that risk and protect their Freedom of Movement. EU citizens are now signing our petition to demand action from the EU Commission to protect them and their family’s travel plans this Summer. The EU’s Single Market for air travel should not be repeatedly disrupted by tiny French ATC unions because the EU Commission fails to take action. It’s time to protect overflights during French ATC strikes as Italy and Greece already do. If French ATC unions insist to strike (as is their right) then cancel French flights and protect overflights.”
Top Copyright Photo: Ryanair Boeing 737-8AS WL EI-DWB (msn 36075) PMI (Ton Jochems). Image: 960450.
Boeing is expanding its ecoDemonstrator flight-test program to further accelerate innovation for sustainability and safety. The company today announced its 2023 plan to assess 19 technologies on the Boeing 777 ecoDemonstrator, while also adding “Explorer” airplanes that will focus tests on specific technologies.
The first ecoDemonstrator Explorer, a 787-10 Dreamliner, will conduct flight tests in June from Seattle to Tokyo, Singapore and Bangkok to demonstrate how coordinating navigation across global airspace jurisdictions can improve operational efficiency, which can reduce an airplane’s fuel use and emissions by up to 10%. Utilizing today’s onboard capabilities, Boeing and air navigation service providers (ANSPs) in the U.S., Japan, Singapore and Thailand will collectively sequence the airplane’s routes to achieve the optimal flight path across multiple regions, factoring in conditions such as weather, air traffic and airspace closures. The airplane will fly on the highest available blend of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) at each location.
In 2023, Boeing also will use its current flagship ecoDemonstrator airplane, a 777-200ER (Extended Range), to test 19 technologies including:
Sustainable wall panels in the cargo hold that are made of 40% recycled carbon fiber and 60% resin made from a bio-based feedstock
A fiber optic fuel quantity sensor compatible with 100% SAF
An Electronic Flight Bag application featuring Smart Airport Maps, a component of Jeppesen FliteDeck Pro, which reduces operational costs and supports safe taxi operations with the depiction of contextual airport data
For all flight tests, the airplane will fly on the highest available blend of SAF locally
Since its initial flights in 2012, the Boeing ecoDemonstrator program has accelerated innovation by taking new technologies out of the lab and testing them in an operational environment. Including the 2023 plan, the program will have tested about 250 technologies to help decarbonize aviation, improve operational efficiency and enhance safety and the passenger experience. Approximately a third of tested technologies have progressed onto Boeing’s products and services.
Azerbaijan Airlines and Boeing today announced the national flag carrier has ordered eight 787-8 Dreamliners to support the growth of its long-haul fleet.
Photo: Boeing
Azerbaijan Airlines is one of the largest carriers in Central Asia, serving 40 destinations across 25 countries, with a fleet that includes Boeing 757, 767 and 787 jets.
Top Copyright Photo: Azerbaijan Airlines Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner VP-BBR (msn 37920) JFK (Fred Freketic). Image: 934847.
Avolon, the international aircraft leasing company, has announced a commitment to order 40 Boeing 737 MAX aircraft. The aircraft are scheduled for delivery between 2027 and 2030; and are valued at over $4 billion at current list price.
Avolon delivered the first 737 MAX in 2017, along with the one thousandth 737 MAX earlier this year. This commitment builds on our strong relationship with Boeing and demonstrates our confidence in the long-term demand for this aircraft type. It will increase the overall size of Avolon’s owned, managed and committed fleet to 870 aircraft.
The 737 MAX provides Avolon’s customers with greater flexibility across their networks, while reducing fuel use and emissions by up to 20% compared to the aircraft they will replace. This commitment reinforces Avolon’s efforts to increase the proportion of new technology fuel-efficient aircraft in its fleet, supported by the 737 MAX’s use of the latest CFM International LEAP-1B engines and advanced technology winglets.
Still expect to deliver 400-450 737 airplanes in 2023; plan to increase production to 38 per month later this year
Revenue increased to $17.9 billion primarily reflecting 130 commercial deliveries
Operating cash flow of ($0.3) billion and free cash flow of ($0.8) billion (non-GAAP); cash and marketable securities of $14.8 billion
Total company backlog of $411 billion, including over 4,500 commercial airplanes
Reaffirm guidance: $4.5-$6.5 billion of operating cash flow and $3.0-$5.0 billion of free cash flow (non-GAAP)
Table 1. Summary Financial Results
First Quarter
(Dollars in Millions, except per share data)
2023
2022
Change
Revenues
$17,921
$13,991
28 %
GAAP
Loss From Operations
($149)
($1,162)
NM
Operating Margin
(0.8)
%
(8.3)
%
NM
Net Loss
($425)
($1,242)
NM
Loss Per Share
($0.69)
($2.06)
NM
Operating Cash Flow
($318)
($3,216)
NM
Non-GAAP*
Core Operating Loss
($440)
($1,445)
NM
Core Operating Margin
(2.5)
%
(10.3)
%
NM
Core Loss Per Share
($1.27)
($2.75)
NM
*Non-GAAP measure; complete definitions of Boeing’s non-GAAP measures are on page 5, “Non-GAAP Measures Disclosures.”
The Boeing Company [NYSE: BA] recorded first-quarter revenue of $17.9 billion, GAAP loss per share of ($0.69), and core loss per share (non-GAAP)* of ($1.27)(Table 1). Boeing reported operating cash flow of ($0.3) billion and free cash flow of ($0.8) billion (non-GAAP). Results improved on commercial volume and performance.
“We delivered a solid first quarter and are focused on driving stability for our customers,” said Dave Calhoun, Boeing president and chief executive officer. “We are progressing through recent supply chain disruptions but remain confident in the goals we set for this year, as well as for the longer term. Demand is strong across our key markets and we are growing investments to advance our development programs and innovate strategic capabilities for our customers and for our future.”
Table 2. Cash Flow
First Quarter
(Millions)
2023
2022
Operating Cash Flow
($318)
($3,216)
Less Additions to Property, Plant & Equipment
($468)
($349)
Free Cash Flow*
($786)
($3,565)
*Non-GAAP measure; complete definitions of Boeing’s non-GAAP measures are on page 5, “Non-GAAP Measures Disclosures.”
Operating cash flow was ($0.3) billion in the quarter reflecting higher commercial deliveries and favorable receipt timing (Table 2).
Table 3. Cash, Marketable Securities and Debt Balances
Quarter-End
(Billions)
Q1 23
Q4 22
Cash
$10.8
$14.6
Marketable Securities1
$4.0
$2.6
Total
$14.8
$17.2
Consolidated Debt
$55.4
$57.0
1Marketable securities consist primarily of time deposits due within one year classified as “short-term investments.”
Cash and investments in marketable securities totaled $14.8 billion, compared to $17.2 billion at the beginning of the quarter (Table 3). Debt was $55.4 billion, down from $57.0 billion at the beginning of the quarter due to the pay down of debt maturities. The company has access to credit facilities of $12.0 billion, which remain undrawn.
Total company backlog at quarter-end was $411 billion.
Segment Results
Commercial Airplanes
Table 4. Commercial Airplanes
First Quarter
(Dollars in Millions)
2023
2022
Change
Commercial Airplanes Deliveries
130
95
37 %
Revenues
$6,704
$4,194
60 %
Loss from Operations
($615)
($897)
NM
Operating Margin
(9.2)
%
(21.4)
%
NM
Commercial Airplanes first-quarter revenue increased to $6.7 billion driven by higher 737 and 787 deliveries, partially offset by 787 customer considerations (Table 4). Operating margin of (9.2) percent also reflects abnormal costs and period expenses, including research and development.
On the 737 program, earlier this month the program’s fuselage supplier notified Boeing that a non-standard manufacturing process was used on two fittings in the aft fuselage section of certain 737 airplanes. This is not an immediate safety of flight issue and the in-service fleet can continue operating safely. While near-term deliveries and production will be impacted as the program performs necessary inspections and rework, the program still expects to deliver 400-450 airplanes this year. On production, the supplier master schedule remains unchanged including anticipated production rate increases, which will result in higher inventory levels. The company expects final assembly production to recover in the coming months with plans to increase to 38 per month later this year and 50 per month in the 2025/2026 timeframe.
The 787 program is producing at three per month with plans to ramp production to five per month in late 2023 and to 10 per month in the 2025/2026 timeframe.
During the quarter, Commercial Airplanes secured net orders of 107. Also during the quarter the company secured commitments from Air India for 190 737 MAX, 20 787, and 10 777X airplanes and from Riyadh Air and Saudi Arabian Airlines for up to 121 787 airplanes. Commercial Airplanes delivered 130 airplanes during the quarter and backlog included over 4,500 airplanes valued at $334 billion.
Defense, Space & Security
Table 5. Defense, Space & Security
First Quarter
(Dollars in Millions)
2023
2022
Change
Revenues
$6,539
$5,483
19 %
Loss from Operations
($212)
($929)
NM
Operating Margin
(3.2)
%
(16.9)
%
NM
Defense, Space & Security first-quarter revenue was $6.5 billion. First-quarter operating margin of (3.2) percent primarily reflects a $245 million pre-tax charge on the KC-46A Tanker program largely driven by the previously shared supplier quality issue resulting in factory disruption and rework. Results also include the continued operational impact of labor instability and supply chain disruption on other programs.
During the quarter, Defense, Space & Security captured awards from the U.S. Army for 184 Apaches and from the U.S. Air Force for 15 KC-46A Tankers and the initial E-7 development contract. Backlog at Defense, Space & Security was $58 billion, of which 30 percent represents orders from customers outside the U.S.
Global Services
Table 6. Global Services
First Quarter
(Dollars in Millions)
2023
2022
Change
Revenues
$4,720
$4,314
9 %
Earnings from Operations
$847
$632
34 %
Operating Margin
17.9
%
14.6
%
3.3 pts
Global Services first-quarter revenue of $4.7 billion and operating margin of 17.9 percent reflect higher commercial volume and favorable mix.
During the quarter, Global Services committed to set up the first Boeing Converted Freighter line in India in collaboration with GMR Aero Technic, delivered AerCap’s 50th 737-800 Boeing Converted Freighter and broke ground on a new component operations facility in Jacksonville, Florida.
Additional Financial Information
Table 7. Additional Financial Information
First Quarter
(Dollars in Millions)
2023
2022
Revenues
Unallocated items, eliminations and other
($42)
$—
Earnings/(loss) from Operations
FAS/CAS service cost adjustment
$291
$283
Other unallocated items and eliminations
($460)
($251)
Other income, net
$302
$181
Interest and debt expense
($649)
($637)
Effective tax rate
14.3
%
23.2
%
The increase in loss from Other unallocated items and eliminations was driven by timing of allocations and deferred compensation expense. Other income primarily reflects an increase in investment income due to higher interest rates. The first-quarter effective tax rate primarily reflects the tax benefit of pretax losses.
Segment results reflect the realignment of Boeing Capital into the Commercial Airplanes segment during the first quarter of 2023. Prior period amounts have also been reclassified to conform to the 2023 presentation.
DHL Express has ordered nine Mammoth-converted Boeing 777-200LR freighters from Jetran. The first cargo aircraft will be delivered in 2024, with the remaining aircraft to be supplied until early 2027.
This agreement is part of the overall sustainability priority to modernize DHL Express’ long-haul intercontinental fleet, including the replacement of older planes. Ordering converted freighters with a shorter useful life provides an efficient bridge between current and new airframe technologies, such as new generation wide-body freighters Boeing 777-8F and Airbus A350F.
Between 2018 and 2022, DHL bought 28 new Boeing 777-200F freighters from Boeing – 18 of those aircraft are currently in service. The remaining aircraft will be delivered from 2023 to 2025. The aircraft forms the backbone of DHL’s intercontinental air network, in which DHL Express operates more than 300 dedicated aircraft with 18 partner airlines on over 2,400 daily flights, across 220 countries and territories.
ANA (All Nippon Airways) – Air Japan Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner JA891A (msn 40751) (Inspiration of Japan) LAX (Michael B. Ing). Image: 960431.
ANA on May 1, 2023 will increase the flight frequency on the Narita = Shanghai (Pudong) route to 7 roundtrips per week, and together with flights to/from Haneda, the flights on the Shanghai route (Pudong and Hongqiao) will be raised to 3 roundtrips per day from the Tokyo metropolitan area.
The Kansai = Shanghai (Pudong) route will resume service on June 5 with 3 roundtrips per week, which had been suspended for approximately 3 years since March 2020.
For the Narita = Guangzhou route, the flight frequency will be increased with daily roundtrip service from May 1, and the Haneda = Shenzhen route will enter service with daily roundtrips from May 20.
All Nippon Airways (ANA) has announced updates to its flight schedule for fiscal year 2023 (FY2023). The summary of the announcement regarding our international flights is given below.
Schedule for May 1～Oct. 28, 2023:
*Subject to governmental approval
*1 Sales scheduled to begin on May 9, 2023
*2 Sales scheduled to begin on April 26, 2023. We will announce the schedule after June 26 as soon as it is decided.
Top Copyright Photo: ANA (All Nippon Airways) – Air Japan Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner JA891A (msn 40751) (Inspiration of Japan) LAX (Michael B. Ing). Image: 960431.
United Airlines Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner N29978 (msn 66137) LAX (Michael B. Ing). Image: 960423.
United Airlines today announced the largest South Pacific network expansion ever to and from the continental U.S., including the first nonstop flight between San Francisco and Christchurch set to commence on December 1. United will be the only carrier to directly connect the U.S. and the South Island of New Zealand. With 66 flights between the US and Australia/New Zealand every week, United will operate nearly 40% more flights from the U.S. to Australia and New Zealand next northern winter versus last year.
The carrier is adding new direct flights from Los Angeles to Brisbane and Auckland and increasing service to the region from its San Francisco hub with daily flights to Brisbane, twice daily flights to Sydney and flying larger aircraft to Melbourne. And thanks to United’s relationships with Air New Zealand and Virgin Australia, travelers can enjoy easy one-stop connections from these cities to more than 50 destinations in the region.
United already flies to more destinations in Australia and New Zealand than all other U.S. carriers combined, and now will have more flights and serve more destinations in the region from the U.S. than any other carrier in the world. Tickets are now on sale on the airline’s mobile app and on United.com – just in time for customers to plan their trips for the region’s peak winter season.
San Francisco – Christchurch, NZ*
Starting December 1, United will be the only airline to offer direct flights between the U.S. and New Zealand’s South Island, with the first direct San Francisco-Christchurch service. United will fly this route three times weekly on a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner. United’s new flight to Christchurch is part of the airline’s broader expansion efforts in New Zealand and next winter, the airline will be nearly 70% larger in New Zealand than in 2019.
Los Angeles – Auckland*
Next winter, United will build on its position as the largest U.S. airline to Auckland, adding four weekly flights from Los Angeles. United is the only U.S. carrier to serve Auckland year-round with its existing service from San Francisco. United will fly its Los Angeles-Auckland route on a Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner, starting October 28.
Los Angeles – Brisbane*
In winter 2022, United became the only airline to offer direct flights between Brisbane and San Francisco. On November 29, United will add to this service by adding three weekly Los Angles-Brisbane flights on a Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner – becoming the largest carrier between the U.S. and Brisbane.
More Flights to Sydney and Brisbane
In addition to adding new flights to its schedule, United will also increase its flying from San Francisco to Brisbane and Sydney. Starting October 28, United will offer daily flights between San Francisco and Brisbane on a Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner and will be able to fly nearly triple the number of customers to Brisbane from the US next winter than it did in 2022. The airline will also fly twice daily between San Francisco and Sydney on Boeing 777-300ERs starting October 28, offering more flights to Sydney from the U.S. than any other carrier.
More Seats to Melbourne
This past winter, United became the largest airline from the U.S. to Melbourne, increasing from ten to fourteen weekly roundtrip flights, with one daily flight from both San Francisco and Los Angeles. Starting October 28, United will deploy its largest airplane on flights between San Francisco-Melbourne. The 777-300ER will add nearly 100 daily seats to each departure. Compared to winter 2019, United will offer 65% more seats to Melbourne.
Alaska Airlines Boeing 737-890 SSWL N559AS (msn 35178) “Salmon-Thirty-Salmon” (Wild Alaska Seafood) SNA (Michael B. Ing). Image: 960422.
Alaska Airlines is retiring its special “SalmonThirtySalmon II” livery on the pictured Boeing 737-890 N559AS. The special livery is in support of Wild Alaska Seafood.
N559AS was the second AS aircraft to wear this iconic livery. Boeing 737-490 N792AS was the first. N559AS replaced N792AS when it was retired.
Sporting an image of a wild 129 foot long Alaska king salmon, the aircraft’s livery also features fish scales on the winglets and a salmon-pink colored “Alaska” script across the fuselage. The 2012 design is among the world’s most intricately painted commercial airplanes and was produced in partnership with Alaska Seafood Marketing Institute, which promotes wild, natural and sustainable Alaska seafood.
Top Copyright Photo: Alaska Airlines Boeing 737-890 SSWL N559AS (msn 35178) “Salmon-Thirty-Salmon” (Wild Alaska Seafood) SNA (Michael B. Ing). Image: 960422.
Southwest Airlines celebrated 25 years of its bridge-building Adopt-A-Pilot® Program by unveiling an aircraft (737-7H4 N400WN, msn 27891) adorned with a nose decal and fuselage artwork dedicated to nearly 14,000 Pilots and half-million students that participated in the award-winning Program.
In a quarter century, Adopt-A-Pilot has impacted the lives of more than 556,000 fifth-grade students in classrooms across the country.
The aircraft (N400WN), unveiled at a celebration at the Southwest Airlines® Maintenance Hangar in Dallas, brought together fifth-grade students enrolled at a local elementary school who have “adopted” a Pilot, along with current and past participants of the Adopt-A-Pilot Program.
Southwest Airlines Pilots attend Adopt-A-Pilot 25th Anniversary celebration in Dallas.
Adopt-A-Pilot, which began in 1997, brings Southwest® Pilots into classrooms to engage students in interactive, aviation-related lessons that help define future successes, and sparks interest in aviation careers. Each school year, students in more than 1,500 classrooms across the country “adopt” Southwest Pilots who mentor students in the fifth-grade. As part of the award-winning Adopt-A-Pilot Program, students research careers and develop life skills, while Pilots underscore the importance of staying in school. The Adopt-A-Pilot curriculum is a supplementary way to educate students through aviation-themed activities related to science, geography, math, writing, and other core subjects.
N400WN
Southwest is committed to bringing America’s future leaders unique learning opportunities by committing resources and time to inspire students and help them define, articulate, and plan for future success. Students who were in classrooms which adopted Southwest Pilots have gone on to pursue careers in aviation, including:
Southwest First Officer Joe, who joined the Southwest Family in 2022. His fifth-grade classroom adopted a Southwest Pilot and completed the Adopt-A-Pilot curriculum in 2009.
Southwest Destination 225° Program Cadet Jett. His longtime Adopt-A-Pilot mentor of more than ten years, Captain Nancy, inspired him to pursue aviation.
High school students, Josh and Philip. They are continuing their mentorship with Southwest Pilots Wendy and Nancy to pursue pathways into professional pilot careers.
Fifth-grade students attend Adopt-A-Pilot 25th Anniversary celebration in Dallas.
Continuing its commitment to bring resources to support education and student development, Southwest announced a $10,000 donation to Ethridge Elementary School in The Colony, Texas. The school intends to use the funds to procure necessary supplies and equipment for science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education. Fifth-grade students at Ethridge Elementary School adopted a Southwest Pilot for the 2022-2023 school year and attended the unveiling event.
Boeing has been forced to delay some MAX deliveries due to a problem with a sub-contractor.
According to Reuters, the installation of two fittings that join the aft fuselage made by Spirit AeroSystems to vertical fin must now be inspected before the aircraft can be handed over to the customer.
Boeing and Spirit will have to perform inspections of the affected MAX 7, MAX 8 and MAX 8200 aircraft.
According to The Seattle Times, Boeing 737 MAX deliveries “will be substantially slowed due to a new defect in a part from supplier Spirit AeroSystems.
The defect will require rework on finished MAXs not yet delivered as well as those currently on the assembly line.”
