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Delta to drop four more routes from Memphis
Delta Air Lines (Atlanta) continues to dismantle the Memphis hub. According to The Commerical Appeal of Memphis, the airline will drop all service from MEM to Dallas/Fort Worth, New Orleans and Pittsburgh on January 5, 2015. The airline claims the MEM routes that are being dropped are "unprofitable" A fourth route, to Washington (Reagan National), will be dropped on April 7, 2015. 84 positions at the MEM station are being eliminated according to the report.
The routes are operated with Embraer 170/175s.
Copyright Photo: Brian McDonough/AirlinersGallery.com. Embraer ERJ 170-200LR (ERJ 175) N215JQ (msn 17000270) prepares to land in Washington (Reagan National).
Delta Air Lines aircraft slide show (current livery):
Delta to fly the Philadelphia-London Heathrow route starting on April 8, 2015
Delta Air Lines (Atlanta) and Virgin Atlantic Airways (London) will expand their partnership between the U.K. and U.S. next year with the introduction of Delta's nonstop service from London to Philadelphia.
Starting on April 8, 2015 the daily service will be Delta's eighth destination to the U.S. from Heathrow. By next summer, the partnership will offer 39 daily flights to 16 destinations across North America from the U.K..
Delta's Philadelphia service will be operated from Heathrow Terminal 4 using a Boeing 757-200 aircraft with 164 seats. Passengers travelling in the BusinessElite cabin will enjoy fully flat-bed seats and a range of dining options. Additionally, throughout the aircraft, all passengers will have access to on-demand in-flight entertainment.
To date, more than four million people have flown on the Delta-Virgin Atlantic partnership.
Copyright Photo: Jay Selman/AirlinersGallery.com. Ex-TWA/American Boeing 757-2Q8 N706TW (msn 28165) arrives in New York (JFK).
Air Wisconsin to start flying for Delta on January 5, 2015
Air Wisconsin (Appleton) has reached an agreement with Delta Air Lines to operate 26 Bombardier CRJ200s for Delta Air Lines as a new Delta Connection carrier according to Flightglobal. The first flight is expected to be launched on January 5, 2015 per ch-aviation. Delta or the Air Wisconsin Airlines Corporation has not yet made a formal announcement. The 26 CRJ200s will be transferred from Endeavor Air according to the report.
Air Wisconsin Airlines Corporation, founded in 1965, currently operates nearly 500 departures per day system-wide to 26 states and three Canadian provinces in partnership with US Airways. With service to approximately 70 cities throughout North America, Air Wisconsin carries nearly 6 million passengers per year.
The airline currently operates 71 Bombardier (Canadair) CRJ200 regional jets. The company has maintenance bases at Milwaukee, Norfolk, Philadelphia and Columbia, SC. Crews are domiciled at New York (LaGuardia), Washington (Reagan National), Philadelphia and Norfolk.
Current Route Map: CLICK HERE
Copyright Photo: Bruce Drum/AirlinersGallery.com. Air Wisconsin currently has only one customer, US Airways. It previously operated for United Airlines and AirTran Airways in the past. Air Wisconsin commenced independent stand-alone operations on August 8, 1965 but no longer operates any aircraft in its brand. Bombardier CRJ200 (CL-600-2B19) N403AW (msn 7288), in US Airways Express colors, departs from the Charlotte hub.
Air Wisconsin aircraft slide show:
It's official: Delta orders Airbus A350-900s and A330-900neos
Delta Air Lines (Atlanta) has issued this statement concerning its wide body fleet renewal decision:
Delta has chosen the Airbus A350-900 and A330-900neo to replace older generation Boeing 747 and 767 aircraft starting in 2017 and 2019, respectively.
The order for 25 state-of-the-art Airbus A350-900 aircraft and 25 advanced Airbus A330-900neo aircraft fits within Delta's existing capacity and capital expenditure plan and continues the airline's focus on making prudent, cost-effective investments in its fleet.
"Delta always approaches fleet decisions with a balance of economic efficiency, customer experience enhancements, network integration and total cost of ownership," said Nat Pieper, Delta's Vice President – Fleet Strategy and Transactions. "The A350 and A330neo support our long-haul, transoceanic strategy and join a mix of Boeing and Airbus aircraft that provide exceptional flexibility for Delta's global network as well as strong cash-on-cash returns for our shareholders."
Airbus A350-900
The long-range Airbus A350-900 will continue Delta's optimization of its Pacific network, operating primarily on long-range routes between the U.S. and Asia. The jets are expected to generate a 20 percent improvement in operating cost per seat compared to the Boeing 747-400 aircraft they will replace. Delta will take delivery of the A350 beginning in the second quarter of 2017.
The A350-900 will be powered by two fuel-efficient Rolls Royce Trent XWB engines.
Airbus A330neo (A330-900)
The widebody A330-900neo, an enhancement of Airbus' successful A330 family featuring greater aerodynamic and economic efficiency, will be deployed on medium-haul trans-Atlantic markets as well as select routes connecting the U.S. West Coast and Asia. The aircraft are scheduled to enter the Delta fleet in 2019 and will deliver a 20 percent operating cost savings per seat over the Boeing 767-300ER aircraft it will replace.
The A330neo features the Rolls Royce Trent 7000 engine which is built with similar technology to the Trent XWB on the Airbus A350.
Delta began a structured fleet renewal in 2011 with the selection of new Boeing 737-900ER aircraft along with Boeing 717s and two-class Bombardier CRJ900 regional jets, and continued it with transactions for Airbus A321 and A330 aircraft. Those aircraft are replacing inefficient older technology airplanes, generating substantial cost improvement and increased customer satisfaction. The airline continues to invest in the onboard product and amenities available to customers on its entire domestic and international fleet including installation of transoceanic satellite in-flight Wi-Fi, Delta Studio featuring a library of free streaming programming as well as more than 1,000 on-demand movies, television shows and music on large, high-definition seatback monitors, and other service improvements.
Read the analysis from Bloomberg Businessweek: CLICK HERE
Images: Airbus.
Delta Air Lines (current livery) aircraft slide show:
This won't go over well in Seattle, Delta turns to rival Airbus for new widebody aircraft
Delta Air Lines (Seattle/Tacoma) as previously reported, is building up its new and growing Seattle/Tacoma hub, the home of Boeing. The build-up at SEA is at the apparent expense of its "partner" Alaska Airlines (Seattle/Tacoma) which prides itself on being "all Boeing". Delta believes the local Seattle market is much larger than one airline and continues its build-up.
According to the local newspaper, The Seattle Times, Delta is apparently now turning to Airbus for a new round of widebody aircraft over Seattle-favorite and the hometown manufacturer Boeing. According to the report, Delta has rejected Boeing's offer of a mix of 777-300 ERs and 787-9 Dreamliners. Instead Delta will turn to rival Toulouse-based Airbus for a new order of 25 Airbus A350-900s and 25 A330-900neos. The prospective order has not yet been officially announced or confirmed by Airbus.
According to Delta, the earlier delivery slots offered by Airbus were critical in the decision. How will this play in the growing Seattle market where everyone knows someone who works for Boeing. Will this affect their booking decisions?
Delta has also delayed Northwest's previous order for 18 Boeing 787-8 Dreamliners. Clearly Airbus is the winner for its widebody needs.
Delta, to their defense, is a large Boeing 737 and 777 customer and continues to take delivery of new 737s which helps the Seattle economy.
Read the full report: CLICK HERE
As the competition heats up more in the "battle for Seattle", will Alaska play up that it is very loyal to Boeing?
Copyright Photo: Bruce Drum/AirlinersGallery.com. The large Airbus fleet came mainly from the merger with Northwest Airlines along with a lot of its management who now manage the current Delta. Former Northwest Airbus A330-323 N801NW (msn 524) taxies to the international gate at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport.
Delta Air Lines aircraft slide show:
Delta continues its Seattle/Tacoma expansion, announces 5 new routes
Delta Air Lines (Atlanta) will launch daily nonstop service next spring from Seattle-Tacoma International Airport to five new destinations in the continued expansion of its West Coast hub.
Delta's new service will include:
Five daily flights to Denver, beginning June 4*
Four daily flights to Sacramento, Calif., beginning May 4* **
Four daily flights to Boise, Idaho, beginning May 4**
One seasonal daily flight to Ketchikan, Alaska beginning May 15**
One seasonal daily flight to Sitka, Alaska beginning May 15**
*Flight operated by Delta Connection carrier Compass Airlines
**Flight operated by Delta Connection carrier SkyWest Airlines
Delta will serve the top 15 destinations in the Western U.S. with the addition of Boise, Denver and Sacramento, while Ketchikan and Sitka complete the top five destinations in Alaska. Delta will also increase its number of daily flights from Seattle/Tacoma to Anchorage, Alaska; Atlanta; Calgary, Alberta; Detroit; Los Angeles; San Francisco and Salt Lake City.
On December 20, Delta will begin service from Seattle/Tacoma to several sun and ski destinations, including Bozeman, Mont.**; Maui, Hawaii; Palm Springs, Calif.**; Phoenix**; Puerto Vallarta, Mexico; and Tucson, Ariz.*; as well as a second daily flight to Honolulu. Additionally, Delta commenced service to Calgary** and Spokane, Wash.* **, at the beginning of November.
*Flight operated by Delta Connection carrier Compass Airlines
**Flight operated by Delta Connection carrier SkyWest Airlines
Delta currently operates 80 peak-day departures to 25 destinations from Seattle and will increase to 93 peak-day departures to 32 destinations in December. By next summer, Delta will offer 120 peak-day departures to 35 destinations.
The new routes will allow customers to seamlessly connect to Delta's ten long-haul international flights from Seattle, while providing compelling travel options to cities important to local customers. Earlier this year, Delta launched international service to London-Heathrow, as well as Seoul and Hong Kong and now provides more international long-haul service from Seattle than all other airlines combined. This includes the top five destinations in Asia and three of the top four destinations in Europe. Delta is the only carrier to offer nonstop service from Seattle to Amsterdam, Hong Kong, Paris, Shanghai and Tokyo-Haneda.
Copyright Photo: Bruce Drum/AirlinersGallery.com. Compass Airlines is already operating several routes at SeaTac as a Delta Connection carrier with its Embraer 175s. ERJ 170-200LR N608CZ (msn 17000195) taxies to the runway at SEA.
Delta Air Lines (current livery):
The battle of Seattle Part 2: Bloomberg: Delta wants to add 30 gates at SEA
Delta Air Lines (Atlanta), according to this report by Bloomberg, is seeking to expand further its new international hub at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA). According to the report, the airline is seeking 30 additional gates in the long term from the airport at its growing Asian hub at SeaTac. Delta currently uses 11 gates at SEA. According to the airport, Delta wants to have 150 flights a day at SEA by 2017. This would appear to be a new expansion for its growing presence in the growing Seattle market.
Alaska Airlines also operates a large hub at SEA. The two appear to be on a collision course more as competitors than as partners.
Ironically Delta and Alaska Airlines are code share and interline partners. Can this continue with this new level of increased operations by Delta?
Read the full article: CLICK HERE
Top Copyright Photo: Bruce Drum/AirlinersGallery.com. Delta's Boeing 757-351 N582NW (msn 32981) taxies at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport.
Delta aircraft slide show (current livery):
SEA Airport Terminal Map Below: Delta is mainly located in the international South Terminal and is also using gates on Concourse B next to Southwest Airlines. "Partner" Alaska Airlines is portrayed in green mainly located in Concourses C, D and the North Satellite.
Delta to increase the New York-Athens frequencies for the next summer season
Delta Air Lines (Atlanta) is increasing its flights from New York John F. Kennedy International Airport to Athens International Airport for the 2015 summer season.
Delta will resume operations with a five-times weekly service from March 30, 2015, growing to daily on May 2, 2015. From June 2, 2015, additional flights will be added bringing the weekly total to 11. During the peak summer months, Delta will offer up to 5,900 weekly seats between Greece and the United States. All services from Athens are operated in conjunction with Delta's joint venture partners Air France-KLM and Alitalia.
Delta's Athens services are operated using Airbus A330-300 and Boeing 767-300 aircraft.
Copyright Photo: Jay Selman/AirlinersGallery.com. Airbus A330-323 N815NW (msn 817) arrives back at the John F. Kennedy International Airport hub in New York.
Delta to expand its customer Porsche service at LaGuardia, SeaTac and Detroit
Delta Air Lines (Atlanta) will expand its customer Porsche service to New York's LaGuardia Airport, Seattle-Tacoma International Airport and Detroit Metropolitan Airport this month. Through its pioneering partnership between a U.S. airline and automotive manufacturer, Delta and Porsche have transferred more than 35,000 high-value customers in Atlanta, Los Angeles, Minneapolis-St. Paul and New York-JFK in the last year.
The program began as a trial at Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport in 2011 and expanded to Los Angeles, New York-JFK and Minneapolis-St. Paul in 2013. During a typical day more than 100 high-value customers are transferred from gate-to-gate at Delta's largest hub in Atlanta. Transferring select SkyMiles Diamond Medallion customers with Porsche vehicles is just another way that Delta delivers exceptional customer service for its most valuable flyers while providing a unique travel experience.
There are 19 Porsche vehicles used across the Delta system to whisk customers quickly between connecting gates. Follow a behind-the-scenes video experience with 19 year Delta employee, Dawn, as she transfers three of Delta's customers at its Minneapolis-St. Paul hub:
The service cannot be requested or reserved but is provided to Diamond Medallion customers based on a number of factors including the day's flight operations, connections times between flights for customers and a member's status. Once customers are added to the priority list for the service by Delta's Elite Services team, they are greeted at the aircraft boarding door and escorted with their baggage to an awaiting vehicle and on to their connecting gate.
Copyright Photo: Delta Air Lines.
Delta honors its top 100 employees into the Chairman's Club
Delta Air Lines (Atlanta) has issued this announcement:
Delta will welcome 100 employees Thursday (October 30) into the Chairman's Club, its most prestigious corporate recognition program. Chairman's Club recognizes employees who embody the airline's values through their contributions and exceptional service to customers and their communities. Delta will honor the 2014 Chairman's Club members at its 18th annual gala at the newly renovated Delta Flight Museum in Atlanta.
"This is shaping up to be another exceptional year for Delta thanks to the hard work and dedication of our people," said Delta Chief Executive Officer Richard Anderson. "Our Chairman's Club honorees are not only the best at doing their jobs, they are the people you want to work alongside and learn from every day. We are grateful for the example they provide all of us on how to do and be the best that Delta has to offer to our customers and as coworkers."
Nearly 10,000 Delta employees were nominated for the Chairman's Club this year. The honorees were named following a rigorous review and selection process by business-unit committees made up of frontline and management employees.
This year's honorees represent 27 Delta stations in four countries and have nearly 21 years of service on average. Two of the most experienced honorees have been at Delta for 40 years. Many of the honorees are heavily involved in fundraising efforts in their communities through Delta's Force for Global Good program, which includes the Breast Cancer Research Foundation, Habitat for Humanity home builds, Relay for Life, AIDS walks in various cities and other charitable causes.
The annual Chairman's Club gala allows Delta's senior leaders to individually recognize honorees for their service. The night will begin with a walk down the red carpet to the cheers of their colleagues outside the Flight Museum. Once inside, honorees will be treated to a cocktail reception with drinks and hors d'oeuvres crafted by members of Delta's culinary team, chefs Linton Hopkins and Michelle Bernstein, who will both be on hand. Additionally, master sommelier Andrea Robinson will provide a wine tasting experience, followed by a multi-course dinner, an award ceremony and an after dinner celebration with music and dessert.
Delta to introduce the Boeing 737-900 ER on two more routes from Los Angeles
Delta Air Lines (Atlanta) on January 5, 2015 will introduce the Boeing 737-900 ER on the Los Angeles-Guadalajara route followed by Los Angeles-Phoenix on February 13, 2015 per Airline Route.
Additionally for next summer, Delta plans to use the stretched 737 on the Atlanta-Grand Cayman route weekly on Saturdays from June 8 through August 15, 2015.
Copyright Photo: Michael B. Ing/AirlinersGallery.com. Boeing 737-932 ER N811DZ (msn 31916) arrives at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX).
Delta and Virgin Atlantic this weekend add to their trans-Atlantic joint venture with two swapped flights
Delta Air Lines (Atlanta) and Virgin Atlantic Airways (London) this weekend are marking the launch of their new services between London (Heathrow) and Los Angeles and London-Heathrow and Atlanta respectively.
The new routes are the first transfer of operations between the two airlines since the launch of their joint venture earlier this year and will offer more choice and flexibility for both airlines' customers on these key routes across the Atlantic.
From Sunday, Delta will be flying nonstop from London to California for the first time with one of two daily Heathrow-Los Angeles flights previously operated by Virgin Atlantic. The route is Delta's seventh nonstop destination between London and the United States. Virgin Atlantic, meanwhile, is operating its first ever flights into the world's busiest airport, Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International, having taken over one of Delta's three daily services, and is now able to offer more than 100 additional international and domestic connections to its customers at Delta's hub airport.
Delta and Virgin Atlantic will operate their Los Angeles and Atlanta services at Heathrow Terminal 3. This co-location adds to the New York-JFK, Boston and Seattle/Tacoma joint venture flights, which already operate from Terminal 3. This provides convenient connections and a seamless customer experience for passengers of both airlines, including access to Virgin Atlantic's award winning Clubhouse for all business class passengers. Both carriers also offer full flat-bed seats with direct aisle access on all business class flights between the U.K and U.S..
Virgin Atlantic expects to fly around 160,000 passengers annually to Atlanta and beyond on its new service providing convenient connections to Delta flights across the U.S., Mexico and the Caribbean. Virgin Atlantic has recently announced plans to add a second daily seasonal flight to Atlanta in summer 2015 as part of a package of investment into North American routes that will see the total number of peak day flights operated by the joint venture at 37 from March.
Since the start of the Delta and Virgin Atlantic trans-Atlantic joint venture, 3.5 million passengers have experienced the benefits of the partnership. The two airlines also have a codeshare agreement in place, maximizing the customer appeal of the joint schedule. The partnership enables the airlines to offer more flight choices for travellers on both sides of the Atlantic by improving their travel options.
Top Copyright Photo: Delta will operate the Boeing 767-300 ER on the LHR-LAX route. Delta's Boeing 767-332 ER N16065 (msn 30199) now carries special "Andrew Young – Atlanta 's Ambassador to the World" markings by the nose saluting the diplomatic career of Atlanta native Andrew Young.
Delta Air Lines Aircraft Slide Show:
Virgin Atlantic Aircraft Slide Show:
Bottom Copyright Photo: SPA/AirlinersGallery.com. Virgin Atlantic will operate the Airbus A330-300 on the LHR-ATL route. Airbus A330-343 G-VUFO (msn 1352) climbs away from the runway at London's Heathrow Airport.
Delta to introduce the Boeing 717 on five routes from the Minneapolis/St. Paul hub
Delta Air Lines (Atlanta) continues to expand Boeing 717 operations as more aircraft are released from AirTran Airways. As previously reported, AirTran will operate its last flight on December 28.
Delta will introduce the 717 to the Minneapolis/St. Paul hub starting on January 6, 2015 with a route to Charlotte. Kansas City, Madison and Philadelphia will be added on February 13 followed by Detroit on March 2 per Airline Route.
Delta is also assigning the 717 to two new routes from the Atlanta hub to both Georgetown (December 20) and Nassau (January 12) in the Bahamas.
Copyright Photo: Brian McDonough/AirlinersGallery.com. Boeing 717-231 N929AT (msn 55075) arrives at Washington (Dulles).
Delta Air Lines reports a third quarter net profit of $357 million
Delta Air Lines (Atlanta) today reported financial results for the September 2014 fourth quarter. Key points include:
Delta's pre-tax income for the September 2014 quarter was $1.6 billion, excluding special items, an increase of $431 million over the September 2013 quarter on a similar basis. Delta's net income for the September 2014 quarter was $1.0 billion, or $1.20 per diluted share, and its operating margin was 15.8 percent, excluding special items.
On a GAAP basis including special items, Delta's pre-tax income was $579 million, operating margin was 7.5 percent and net income was $357 million, or $0.42 per diluted share.
Results include $384 million in profit sharing expense in recognition of Delta employees' contributions toward achieving the company's financial goals, which makes a year-to-date profit sharing accrual of $823 million.
Delta generated $910 million of free cash flow during the September 2014 quarter. The company used its strong cash generation in the quarter to reduce its adjusted net debt to $7.4 billion and return $325 million to shareholders through dividends and share repurchases.
Revenue Environment
Delta's operating revenue improved 7 percent, or $688 million, in the September 2014 quarter compared to the September 2013 quarter, driven by continued strength in corporate and domestic revenues. Traffic increased 3.7 percent on a 3.2 percent increase in capacity.
Passenger revenue increased 6 percent, or $522 million, compared to the prior year period. Passenger unit revenue (PRASM) increased 2.4 percent year-over-year with a 1.9 percent improvement in yield. Seat-related products and other merchandising initiatives increased revenues by nearly $50 million versus the prior year period.
Cargo revenue increased 7 percent, or $15 million, on higher freight yields and volumes.
Other revenue increased 15 percent, or $151 million, driven by joint venture, SkyMiles revenues, and third-party refinery sales.
Comparisons of revenue-related statistics are as follows:
Cost Performance
Consolidated unit cost excluding fuel expense, profit sharing and special items (CASM-Ex2), was up 0.3 percent in the September 2014 quarter on a year-over-year basis as the benefits of Delta's domestic refleeting and other cost initiatives offset the company's investments in its employees, products and operations.
Excluding special items, total operating expense in the quarter increased $320 million year-over-year driven by higher revenue- and volume-related expenses and $135 million higher profit sharing expense. These cost increases were partially offset by lower fuel expense and savings from Delta's cost initiatives.
Excluding mark-to-market adjustments,3 fuel expense declined $23 million driven by lower market prices and higher refinery profits. Delta's average fuel price was $2.90 per gallon for the September quarter, which includes $63 million in settled hedge gains. Operations at the refinery produced a $19 million profit for the September quarter, a $16 million improvement year-over-year.
Non-operating expense declined by $63 million excluding special items as a result of lower interest expense and a $23 million increased contribution associated with Delta's 49 percent ownership stake in Virgin Atlantic.
Tax expense, excluding special items, increased $629 million compared to the prior year quarter, as the company now recognizes tax expense for financial reporting purposes following the reversal of its tax valuation allowance at the end of 2013. Delta's net operating loss carryforwards of more than $13 billion largely offset cash taxes due on future earnings.
On a GAAP basis, consolidated CASM increased 12 percent and total operating expense was up $1.4 billion compared to the September 2013 quarter primarily due to special items associated with fleet restructuring and mark-to-market adjustments on fuel hedges settling in future periods. GAAP fuel expense increased $609 million on a year-over-year basis primarily driven by the hedge performance including mark-to-market adjustments. GAAP fuel cost per gallon for the quarter was $3.23. Non-operating expenses for the quarter increased by $56 million as a result of a $134 million special item for loss on extinguishment of debt resulting from Delta's debt reduction initiatives. On a GAAP basis, tax expense was $222 million in the quarter.
Cash Flow
Adjusted cash from operations during the September 2014 quarter was $1.3 billion, driven by the company's September quarter profit, partially offset by the normal seasonal decline in advance ticket sales. The company generated $910 million of free cash flow. Adjusted capital expenditures during the September 2014 quarter were $411 million, including $322 million in fleet investments. During the quarter, Delta's net debt maturities and capital leases were $301 million. On a GAAP basis, cash from operations for the September 2014 quarter was $1.4 billion and capital expenditures were $457 million.
With its strong cash generation in the September 2014 quarter, the company returned $325 million to shareholders through $75 million of cash dividends and $250 million of share repurchases. For the first nine months of 2014, the company has returned a total of $776 million to shareholders, including $176 million in quarterly dividends and $600 million in share repurchases.
Delta ended the quarter with $6.4 billion of unrestricted liquidity and adjusted net debt of $7.4 billion. The company has now achieved nearly $10 billion in net debt reduction since 2009.
December 2014 Fourth Quarter Guidance
Following are Delta's projections for the December 2014 fourth quarter:
4Q14 Forecast
Operating margin
10% – 12%
Fuel price, including taxes, settled hedges and refinery impact
$2.69 – $2.74
Consolidated unit costs – excluding fuel expense and profit sharing
(compared to 4Q13)
Up 0 – 2%
Profit sharing expense
$200 – $250 million
Non-operating expense
$175 – $200 million
System capacity (compared to 4Q13)
Up ~3%
Special Items
Delta recorded a $657 million special items charge, net of taxes, in the September 2014 quarter, including:
a $397 million charge for fleet and other items, primarily associated with the decision to accelerate the retirement of Delta's 747 fleet as part of its Pacific network restructuring;
a $215 million charge for mark-to-market adjustments on fuel hedges settling in future periods;
an $87 million charge for debt extinguishment and other items, primarily associated with Delta's debt reduction initiative; and
a $42 million gain related to a litigation settlement.
Delta recorded a net $157 million special items gain in the September 2013 quarter, including:
a $285 million gain for mark-to-market adjustments on fuel hedges settling in future periods; and
a $128 million charge for facilities, fleet and other items, primarily associated with Delta's domestic fleet restructuring.
Delta will hold a conference call at 1000 am EDT today.
Copyright Photo: SPA/AirlinersGallery.com. Boeing 777-232 LR N707DN (msn 39091) departs from London (Heathrow).
Delta Air Lines (current livery):
Delta Air Lines Aircraft Slide Show (current livery):
Delta celebrates the life of founder C. E. Woolman
Delta Air Lines (Atlanta) is celebrating the life of its founder C.E. Woolman through a new video.
"Quality begins with people." – C.E. Woolman, the founder. Woolman was born 125 years ago on October 8.
Photo: Delta Air Lines archives.
Delta Air Lines (current livery):
Delta Air Lines (historic liveries):
Delta to remain at Dallas Love Field until (at least) the end of the year
Delta Air Lines (Atlanta) has won a reprieve with the City of Dallas. The airline will be able to retain Delta Connection service to the Atlanta hub from Love Field in Dallas through the end of this year according to the Dallas News.
Last week as we reported, Delta had received notice from the airport that it had to vacate the airport on October 13. The carrier had been subleasing two gates from American Airlines which go to Virgin America on this date.
Delta had been threatening to sue the airport according to the report.
Read the full report: CLICK HERE
Read the analysis by Bloomberg Businessweek: CLICK HERE
Copyright Photo: Bruce Drum/AirlinersGallery.com. The route is operated with Bombardier CRJ200s operated by ExpressJet Airlines (formerly ASA). Bombardier CRJ200 (CL-600-2B19) N848AS (msn 7339) arrives in Atlanta.
Delta retires three Boeing 747-400s
Delta Air Lines (Atlanta) as planned, retired three ex-Northwest Airlines Boeing 747-400s on September 30:
N671US (fleet number 6311) performed its last revenue flight on September 30 from Paris (CDG) to Detroit as flight DL 99. The Jumbo ferried to Marana, Arizona on September 30 as flight DL 9950 for final disposition.
The pictured N672US (6312) performed its last revenue flight also on September 30 from Amsterdam to Atlanta as flight DL 239. The aircraft was ferried to Marana on October 1.
N676US (6316) performed its last revenue flight also on September 30 from Tokyo (Narita) to Atlanta as flight DL 269. The aircraft was ferried to Marana on October 1.
This leaves 13 remaining in active service. Another 747-400 will be retired at the end of this year leaving a dozen.
Delta has 10 Airbus A330-300 aircraft on order which will augment Delta's existing fleet of 32 A330s. The first new A330-300 delivery is scheduled for spring of 2015, with three additional airplanes scheduled for that year, four in 2016, and the final two in 2017.
Delta will be the first airline to operate the enhanced 242-metric ton A330-300, which offers additional payload capacity and range. Delta will use the aircraft's versatility to optimize its Pacific and Atlantic networks.
The last Delta 747-400 is likely to be retired in 2017.
Top Copyright Photo: Michael B. Ing/AirlinersGallery.com. Boeing 747-451 N672US (msn 30267) is pictured on its final approach to Tokyo (Narita). N672US was delivered new to Northwest Airlines on July 19, 1999.
Bottom Copyright Photo: Jan Petzold/AirlinersGallery.com. Boeing 747-451 N672US departs from the Minneapolis/St. Paul hub when it was with Northwest.
Virgin Australia and Delta Air Lines to expand the codeshare agreement to three new destinations
Virgin Australia Airlines (Brisbane) and Delta Air Lines (Atlanta) have announced they will be expanding their partnership in North America, adding three new destinations as part of their codeshare agreement.
Customers of both airlines will now be able to fly from Australia to Nashville, Kansas City and Raleigh/Durham as part of the alliance's continued commitment to strengthening its footprint in the US market.
The growing alliance between the two airlines, which was launched in 2011, now offers Australians access to over 245 destinations across North and Central America.
Flights between Los Angeles and Nashville will operate daily, Los Angeles to Kansas City services will operate twice a day and 10 flights per week will be available on the Los Angeles to Raleigh/Durham route.
Virgin Australia and Delta Air Lines fly from Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane into Los Angeles allowing customers to connect onto Delta Air Lines' extensive North and Central American network.
In other news, Virgin Australia also announced that for the first time it is offering a codeshare flight with South Africa's largest carrier, South African Airways.
Virgin Australia will commence codeshare on South African Airways' daily nonstop services from Perth to Johannesburg. This follows the launch of South African Airways' codeshare on Virgin Australia's daily services from Perth to Adelaide, Brisbane, Melbourne and Sydney earlier this year.
South African Airways operates daily nonstop services between Johannesburg and Perth with Airbus A340-300s and Airbus A340-600s.
Copyright Photo: Michael B. Ing/AirlinersGallery.com. Boeing 777-3ZG ER VH-VOZ (msn 35302) arrives in Los Angeles.
Delta Air Lines honors breast cancer survivors with the annual "Breast Cancer One" flight
Delta Air Lines (Atlanta) has issued this statement about yesterday's annual "Breast Cancer One" flight:
Delta Air Lines' annual "Breast Cancer One" employee survivor flight took place yesterday (September 30), kicking off the airline's month-long campaign to generate awareness and raise money for The Breast Cancer Research Foundation. This year marked Delta's 10th annual survivor flight, which honored more than 140 employee breast cancer survivors with a trip from Atlanta to New York City.
The employee survivors, accompanied by Delta leaders and BCRF executives, traveled from Atlanta's Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport to New York City's John F. Kennedy International Airport. Survivors were celebrated and honored by Delta leaders, employees and customers during festivities at both airports including water cannon salutes and live music. In New York, survivors were treated to an overnight stay which included dinner and a meet-and-greet with some of BCRF's world-renowned researchers. Nearly 80 percent of the Delta employees involved were first-time participants.
As part of this year's initiative, Delta also hosted its first "Unsung Hero" social media contest. The airline encouraged customers who are survivors or currently battling breast cancer to share the story of the person who has provided countless hours of support during their journey. As a result, five customers and their unsung heroes were chosen to attend this year's flight.
To further raise awareness and support for breast cancer research, Delta employees will wear pink uniforms and sell pink products, including pink lemonade and pink headsets, on board and in Delta Sky Clubs during October. All proceeds from the airline's pink products will benefit BCRF.
Since 2005, Delta's support has contributed more than $7.9 million to BCRF, including last year's efforts of $1.25 million. Delta's contributions have funded the vital work of 31 different research projects over the years in the pursuit of eradicating breast cancer.
Delta's "Pink Plane"
Delta's international "pink plane," a Boeing 767-400, features BCRF's trademarked pink ribbon logo on the tail of the aircraft and adjacent to the boarding door. In 2012 the aircraft was formally dedicated to the memory of Evelyn Lauder who founded the Breast Cancer Research Foundation in 1993. The aircraft flies international routes and will raise awareness for BCRF in London, Milan, Rio De Janiero, Sao Paulo, among others and the United States this year. Delta's first pink plane was a Boeing 757 that between 2005 and 2010 flew throughout the United States, Latin America and the Caribbean to generate awareness for the cause.
Copyright Photo: Ton Jochems/AirlinersGallery.com. The "Pink Plane", namely Boeing 767-432 ER N845MH (msn 29719), taxies to the runway at Amsterdam.
The changing face of Dallas Love Field, Delta Air Lines to exit Love Field on October 12
Dallas Love Field will dramatically change on October 13 when the Wright Amendment expires. With an expanding new terminal design and a different set of airlines, the airport is evolving with new long-range routes.
Delta Air Lines (Atlanta) will end its Delta Connection operations at Dallas' Love Field on October 12. According to the Dallas News, the City of Dallas has served notice to the carrier that it can no longer accommodate the carrier after that date with gates in the new Terminal 2. Delta has served DAL since 2008 with service to Atlanta from Terminal 1. Previously Delta served Love Field when it was the only airport for Dallas. Delta currently subleases the two gates from American Airlines. Those two gates will go to Virgin America. On October 13 the Wright Amendment will expire.
According to Wikipedia, the Wright Amendment of 1979 was a federal law governing traffic at Dallas Love Field with some provisions also applying to other airfields in the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex including Fort Worth Meacham International Airport and Addison Airport. It originally limited most nonstop flights from Love Field to destinations within Texas and neighboring states. Additional states were added to the permissible area in 1997 and 2005. In 2006, the amendment was repealed but left some restrictions intact until October 13, 2014 but with an added restriction on the number of gates allowed.
Dallas Love Field is named after Moss L. Love, who while assigned to the U.S. Army 11th Cavalry, died in an airplane crash near San Diego, California on September 4, 1913, becoming the 10th fatality in U.S. army aviation history. His Wright Model C biplane crashed during practice for his Military Aviator Test. Love Field was named by the United States Army on October 19, 1917.
Read the full article: CLICK HERE
Meanwhile the City of Dallas has issued this description of its new DAL Terminal 2:
The new Love Field Airport will increase efficiency for travelers while maintaining the convenience that Love Field currently offers passengers. In the new design, the terminal will decrease in size approximately 25 percent by replacing a large amount of unused and outdated space with modern and efficient facilities. The three original concourses will be demolished and consolidated into one convenient, centrally located concourse for all airlines. In addition to the new concourse, the check-in and baggage claim areas will be redesigned. The main lobby space will be renovated but will retain the overall structure and volume of the original design. This portion of the facility is the symbolic heart of the terminal complex and a vital part of the passenger processing operation. In addition, the LFMP will more than double the amount of available airport concessions – yet another tremendous benefit for Love Field Customers.
Terminal 2 Baggage Claim.
Southwest Airlines has been operating from the new Terminal 2. Southwest Airlines previously announced that it would be adding new flights to Baltimore/Washington, Denver, Las Vegas, Orlando, Washington (Reagan) and Chicago (Midway) on October 13, 2014. Southwest also announced that on November 2, 2014, it would add new service to Atlanta, Nashville, Fort Lauderdale/Hollywood, Los Angeles, New York (LaGuardia), Phoenix, San Diego, Orange County and Tampa. On March 10, 2014, Southwest announced that in 2015, it would add new service to Boston, Oakland, Panama City Beach, Portland (Oregon), and San Jose, California.
Virgin America begins Los Angeles, San Francisco and Washington (Reagan National) service on October 13, 2014) followed by New York (LaGuardia) on October 28, 2014.
In the new Terminal 2, Southwest Airlines operates from Gates 1-10, 12, 14, 16, 18-20, On October 1, 2014 United Express will operate from Gates 15 and 17 and Virgin America will operate from Gates 11 and 13.
Read the analysis by Bloomberg Businessweek: CLICK HERE
Terminal 1 closes on October 1, 2014.
Current Terminal Map (City of Dallas)
The original Dallas Municipal Airport, Love Field (City of Dallas).
All images by the City of Dallas.
Video by Southwest Airlines of the new DAL Terminal:
Video by Southwest Airlines: A Day at Dallas Love Field:
Delta to start winter seasonal service to both Montego Bay and Nassau from Minneapolis/St. Paul
Delta Air Lines (Atlanta) will start weekly seasonal service from the airline's hub in Minneapolis/St. Paul to Montego Bay, Jamaica on starting on January 18, 2015 and Nassau in the Bahamas, starting 0n January 17, 2015. Flights will be operated on Airbus A320 aircraft with 150 seats, including 12 seats in Business Class, 18 Economy Comfort seats and 120 economy seats.
Copyright Photo: Bruce Drum/AirlinersGallery.com. Airbus A320-212 N372NW (msn 1633) arrives at the MSP hub.
Delta to suspend the Seattle/Tacoma-Tokyo Haneda route for the winter
Delta Air Lines (Atlanta) will suspend for the winter season the Seattle/Tacoma-Tokyo (Haneda) route on October 1 per Airline Route. The route will be restored on March 29, 2015.
Copyright Photo: SPA/AirlinersGallery.com. Boeing 767-332 ER N185DN (msn 27961) climbs away from London Heathrow Airport.
Delta to bring back nonstop seasonal service to Liberia, Costa Rica, will expand flights to Punta Cana
Delta Air Lines (Atlanta) will bring back its nonstop seasonal service connecting Liberia, Costa Rica with Los Angeles and the airline's hubs in Minneapolis/St. Paul and New York-JFK. Additionally, seasonal service between San Jose and Minneapolis/St. Paul will be reinstated.
Delta continues its expansion in Costa Rica, operating 40 weekly services during the peak season and connecting the cities of San Jose and Liberia with key destinations in the United States.
In other news, Delta will expand its service to Punta Cana in the Dominican Republic during the high demand season, including flights from Atlanta, Cincinnati, Detroit, Minneapolis/St. Paul and New York-JFK.
Flights will be operated using Airbus A320 and Airbus A319 aircraft and will complement existing Delta service to this luxury Caribbean destination.
Copyright Photo: Ken Petersen/AirlinersGallery.com. Airbus A319-114 N322NB (msn 1434) takes off from New York's LaGuardia Airport.
Delta Air Lines to introduce Airbus' new pivoting overhead carry-on stowage bins for its new Airbus A321s
Airbus (Toulouse) has announced the following cabin enhancement option for the Airbus A320 Family aircraft. Delta Air Lines (Atlanta) will be the first customer.
Airbus will introduce its new pivoting overhead stowage option for the A320 Family aircraft beginning in the first quarter of 2016 with the delivery of the first of 45 brand new A321 aircraft for Delta Air Lines. In 2013, Delta placed an order for 30 new A321s and added a further 15 in 2014.
The new pivoting bins from Airbus, which are also available for retrofit, take full advantage of the A320's wide fuselage cross section to offer the most overhead stowage volume of any single-aisle airliner per passenger. Aesthetically, they embody a modern curved appearance which incorporates Airbus' most up-to-date design branding – as exemplified in the cabin of the new A350 XWB airliner.
Addressing today's passenger expectations for more carry-on baggage, not only do these new overhead bins offer 10 percent increased volume over current A320 bins, but the efficient A320 cross-section also allows increased capacity for up to 60 percent more luggage in practice. For example, each section now efficiently accommodates eight TP22-enhanced* roller bags. Alternatively, the same section can also hold four TP24s** (the largest type of carry-on roller bag).
* TP22 'enhanced' roller bags measure 22x 14.5 x 9 inches – i.e. half an inch higher than 'FAA' standard bags.
** TP24 roller bags, measuring 24 x 14.5 x 11 inches
Copyright Photo: Airbus.
Video: Delta's latest TV commercial:
Delta to restore Los Angeles-Dallas/Fort Worth flights on November 3 via Compass Airlines
Delta Air Lines (Atlanta) has confirmed it will launch twice-daily nonstop service from Los Angeles to San Antonio, Texas, beginning on April 7, 2015 as previously reported. The San Antonio service complements Delta's daily service from Los Angeles to Dallas/Fort Worth, which relaunches on November 3, and the addition of a third daily flight between Los Angeles and Austin, Texas, beginning on November 2. All flights are operated by Delta Connection carrier Compass Airlines (Minneapolis/St. Paul).
With the addition of San Antonio and Dallas/Fort Worth service, Delta customers will have access to nine daily departures to three destinations between Los Angeles and Texas, including:
Four daily flights to Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport
Three daily flights to Austin-Bergstrom International Airport
Two daily flights to San Antonio International Airport
In the last year, Delta has significantly expanded its network from LAX, adding service to Austin; Boise, Idaho; and San Salvador, El Salvador; increasing the number of flights from destinations it already serves; and expanding to year-round service in Boston. Delta will also launch service from LA to Monterrey, Mexico, in November. Last fall, Delta expanded its service from Los Angeles to San Francisco with the launch of its hourly, nonstop Delta Shuttle product. In October, Delta will launch international service from LAX to London-Heathrow as part of its joint venture partnership with Virgin Atlantic Airways. Service to Austin, Boise, Monterrey and San Francisco is operated by Delta Connection carriers Compass Airlines and SkyWest Airlines.
Delta has also made significant enhancements to its Los Angeles service both on the ground and in the air in the past few years. Travelers through Los Angeles will enjoy the benefits of the $229 million expansion and enhancement of Terminal 5 at LAX. The current project will double the size of the ticketing lobby and screening checkpoints and open an exclusive Sky Priority lobby and checkpoint. It also will include renovations to the Delta Sky Club and new baggage carousels. The project is scheduled to take place in several phases, with the west lobby to be completed in November.
Delta currently operates 140 peak-day departures to 47 destinations from LAX, and every flight offers BusinessElite/First Class and Economy Comfort seating. Nearly every domestic flight features Wi-Fi service, and Delta now offers customers free entertainment from every seat out of LA through its new Delta Studio product.
Copyright Photo: Wingnut/AirlinersGallery.com. In this unusual view, Compass Airlines' Embraer ERJ 170-200LR (ERJ 175) N620CZ (msn 17000214) taxies at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX).
Delta Air Lines announces new routes, employees will build additional homes for Habitat for Humanity
Delta Air Lines (Atlanta) will launch daily nonstop service between Manchester International Airport and New York John F. Kennedy International Airport from June 2, 2015 as it increases its network between the U.K. and North America. The airline will also begin flying its first nonstop service between London-Heathrow and Newark Liberty International Airport effective March 29, 2015. Both routes will be operated in conjunction with joint venture partner Virgin Atlantic Airways (London).
Delta's new Newark operation is part of a network update by Virgin Atlantic where Delta will operate one of Virgin's two Newark services while Virgin Atlantic will start its first daily nonstop Manchester to Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport service.
Delta has operated services from Manchester since June 1991 when its maiden flight departed from Atlanta. Virgin Atlantic, meanwhile, has served the market since 1996 and also operates services to Orlando and Las Vegas from Manchester.
The updated joint venture network from London-Heathrow brings the daily number of services to the New York area to 10. Eight of these flights will operate to JFK and two to Newark.
Additionally Delta will launch a new Los Angeles-San Antonio, Texas route in April 2015. This new route will be operated by Compass Airlines.
In other news, Delta Air Lines employees from across the country will build or renovate affordable single family homes with Habitat for Humanity. This year's fall builds will take place in six cities, including Delta's hubs in Atlanta, Detroit, Minneapolis/St. Paul, New York City and Seattle as well as in Los Angeles, a key international gateway for the airline. More than 2,300 Delta employees will participate in the projects, which began on September 8 and continue through October 17.
During the two-and-a-half-month long project, Delta will celebrate its 200th build with Habitat for Humanity. This milestone will be commemorated with the Seattle build, which will be partially funded through proceeds from Delta's in-flight recycling program. This is the sixth home Delta has funded by recycling aluminum cans, plastic bottles and other materials from flights. More than 1 million pounds of material were recycled in 2013, and more than 8.5 million pounds have been recycled since the start of the program in 2007.
Through local and national support, Delta employees have helped build or rehab 199 Habitat homes in 11 countries around the world. Habitat is one of Delta's core community partners in its Force for Global Good, a program that encourages employees to make a difference in the communities where they live, work and serve.
Copyright Photo: Antony J. Best/AirlinersGallery.com. Boeing 767-332 ER N171DZ (msn 29690) in the special "Habitat for Humanity – Force for Global Good" livery, departs from London's Gatwick Airport in the past.
Virgin Atlantic to drop Cape Town, Mumbai, Tokyo Narita and Vancouver
Virgin Atlantic Airways (London) is closely aligning its network with Delta Air Lines (Atlanta), discontinuing four destinations which will free up aircraft for more promising routes or adding to profitable existing routes. The carrier will drop all service to Cape Town (April 27, 2015), Mumbai (February 1, 2015), Tokyo Narita (February 1, 2015) and Vancouver (October 11, 2014). The company issued this statement outlining this major revamp of its system:
Virgin Atlantic has identified opportunities for investment into its trans-Atlantic schedule as it looks to maximize the benefits of its joint venture partnership with Delta Air Lines.
We are outlining a program of network changes that will significantly increase our presence in the key UK – US travel market, whilst we continue to fly to major strategic destinations in the rest of the world and retain a relevant global presence.
The proposed changes include:
A new daily service from London Heathrow to Detroit offering new connections across North and Central USA such as Cincinnati, New Orleans, Memphis and Indianapolis*
A fifth daily service from London Heathrow to New York, JFK
An additional daily service from London Heathrow to Los Angeles
An additional daily service during the summer season from London Heathrow to Atlanta
An additional summer seasonal service from London Heathrow to San Francisco flying five times a week
An additional daily service during the winter season from London Heathrow to Miami
A transfer of operations with joint venture partner Delta Air Lines that will see Virgin Atlantic fly a daily service between Manchester and Atlanta and Delta fly one of Virgin Atlantic's existing London Heathrow to Newark services**.
Across the joint venture, Virgin Atlantic and Delta Air Lines will now offer ten daily services from London to the New York area.
In addition, Delta Air Lines will launch a new daily service between Manchester and New York JFK in Summer 2015.
In order to maximize these opportunities, further proposed changes will include:
A withdrawal of operations to Tokyo Narita with the final flight from London to Narita on January 31, 2015 and the final flight from Tokyo Narita to London on February 1, 2015.
A withdrawal of operations to Mumbai with the final flight from London to Mumbai on January 31, 2015 and the final flight from Mumbai to London on February 1, 2015.
The summer seasonal service from London Heathrow to Vancouver will not return after this season's flying program is completed on October 11, 2014.
The winter seasonal service to Cape Town will operate as planned in winter 2014/15 but will not be renewed the following winter. The final flight from London to Cape Town will be on April 26, 2015 and the final flight from Cape Town to London on April 27, 2015.
Craig Kreeger, Chief Executive at Virgin Atlantic said:
"Our ambition is to be profitable for the long term, earn competitive returns, and invest those into providing the very best experience for our customers on the routes they most want to fly."
"Trans-Atlantic flying has always been at the heart of our network and our most financially successful region. This announcement allows us to play to our strengths and focus our network on routes between the UK and US, as well as other critical global destinations that are most important to our customers."
"We are confident that with this strengthened network, our new aircraft and our welcoming people delivering unrivalled service, we have all the right ingredients to achieve long-term success."
Customer investment
Among the plans the airline has set out is a commitment to investing in customer experience. A major program of work is already underway that will see £300m invested by the end of 2018, on the ground and in the air.
The imminent arrival of Virgin Atlantic's first Boeing 787-9 will continue a fleet modernization program of over £2bn that will give it one of the youngest fleets in the world.
Virgin Atlantic would like to thank its customers and staff in Tokyo, Cape Town, Mumbai and Vancouver for their loyalty and commitment to our services.
In the future if Heathrow gains its long overdue expansion, Virgin Atlantic would love to re-enter Tokyo, Cape Town, Mumbai and Vancouver.
Copyright Photo: Ton Jochems/AirlinersGallery.com. As part of this master plan, the Boeing 747-400 fleet will slowly being reduced. Boeing 747-443 G-VROY (msn 32340) lands in Las Vegas.
Virgin Atlantic Aircraft Slide Show: CLICK HERE
The Lockheed C-130 Hercules is still going strong at 60
The Lockheed Martin C-130 Hercules reaches another major milestone on August 23 marking the 60th anniversary of its first flight at Burbank, California, in 1954.
The company has issued this statement:
To honor this historic C-130 anniversary, Lockheed Martin invites members of the worldwide Hercules community to share their C-130 memories, experiences, photos and videos. From Aug. 18 through Sept. 30, stories can be shared through Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Flickr, LinkedIn, Google+ and YouTube. Stories will be collected on a Lockheed Martin-sponsored website and shared with page viewers. To ensure stories are included on this site, the hashtag "#herc60″ must be included within each post. Submissions also can be emailed to firstname.lastname@example.com and they will be manually posted on the anniversary site.
In addition, special videos, photos and features saluting the C-130 will be posted daily to Lockheed Martin's corporate webpage, Code One Magazine, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Flickr, LinkedIn, Google+ and YouTube accounts throughout the week of Aug. 18-23.
Since its debut, the C-130 Hercules has exhibited a combination of rugged tenacity, unmatched flexibility and continuous innovation that continue to make it the global airlifter choice. The C-130 has the longest, continuous military aircraft production run in history and is one of the top three longest, continuous aircraft production lines of any type.
The aircraft is widely considered as the world's most proven workhorse. To date, more than 2,500 C-130s have been ordered and/or delivered to 63 nations. The C-130 operates out of 70 countries and has been produced in more than 70 variants. All of the C-130's production models have been built at the Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Marietta facility.
"In its first six decades, the C-130 shaped aviation history, redefined industry standards and exhibited flexibility that other aircraft have yet to match," said George Shultz, Lockheed Martin vice president and general manager, C-130 Programs. "The C-130 remains the world's most proven airlifter because of its ability to adapt, remain relevant and deliver results no matter the mission. As we celebrate the Hercules, we want to thank the people who designed, and now build, deliver, fly, maintain and sustain it. It's their contributions that have kept the global C-130 fleet flying and will continue to do so for decades to come."
The Hercules has been everywhere and is known for its ability to tackle any mission, anywhere, at any time. Aircrews have flown it to both poles, landed or airdropped military supplies to combat hot spots and performed countless relief operations around the globe. From the highest air strips in the Himalayas to landing on an aircraft carrier in the middle of the ocean, the C-130 regularly – and proudly – defies expectations.
Headquartered in Bethesda, Maryland, Lockheed Martin is a global security and aerospace company that employs approximately 113,000 people worldwide and is principally engaged in the research, design, development, manufacture, integration and sustainment of advanced technology systems, products and services. The Corporation's net sales for 2013 were $45.4 billion.
Copyright Photo: Bruce Drum/AirlinersGallery.com. The C-130 is mainly a military transport aircraft. However several airlines have operated the civilian version. Of course the civilian version, the current Lockheed 382G (L-100-30), remains a viable and tough airline transport to this day in many remote parts of the world. Even passenger carriers like Delta Air Lines have operated the Hercules on dedicated cargo routes. An earlier model, the pictured Lockheed 382E-6C Hercules (L-100-20) N9259R (msn 4176), is seen at the Atlanta base on October 3, 1969. This aircraft was delivered on October 14, 1966. Delta replaced its Curtiss C-46 freighters with this newer turboprop freighter. The dedicated freighter service was short-lived.
Delta to move its Boston Delta Shuttle flights to Terminal C at LaGuardia Airport
Delta Air Lines (Atlanta) will move New York operations of its Delta Shuttle between Boston-Logan International Airport and New York's LaGuardia Airport from the Marine Air Terminal to Terminal C beginning on November 2.
Boston Shuttle customers will enjoy new departure and arrival facilities at LaGuardia in Terminal C as well as upgraded service to Boeing 717 aircraft. The move is part of Delta's strategy of adding bigger aircraft on more routes.
In 2012, Delta completed renovations to Terminal C as part of its $160 million investment to modernize and connect Terminals C and D at LaGuardia and opened a new 7,600 square foot Delta Sky Club featuring a full wall of windows with runway views. Customers will also have access to Delta's five new restaurants with menus led by celebrity chefs, an expansive food hall and fresh markets.
Weekday flights depart near the top of the hour from 6 a.m. through 8 p.m. and will be operated by Delta using Boeing 717 aircraft which accommodates 110 passengers including 12 First Class seats in a two by two configuration, 15 Economy Comfort and 83 economy seats in a two by three configuration. Boston-based customers will now be able connect through Delta's LaGuardia hub for access to 64 additional cities.
Delta Shuttle service began on its Boston to New York and Washington, D.C. to New York routes on September 1, 1991 after Delta completed the purchase of the Pan Am Shuttle. For nearly a quarter century the Delta Shuttle has been a core part of its New York operations. In June 2010, Delta added New York to Chicago-O'Hare service to the Shuttle operation.
Customers flying the Delta Shuttle between New York-LaGuardia and Boston will enjoy:
Convenient, top of the hour schedule for Delta Shuttle customers including 15 weekday departures
Check-in as close as 15 minutes prior to departure without bags or 30 with checked bags
Dedicated check-in counters exclusively for Shuttle customers
Expedited security screening with nearby access to TSA Pre-Check lanes for eligible passengers
Dedicated gates – located near the Delta Sky Club in LaGuardia's Terminal C – with access to complimentary coffee and newspapers for all customers including The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, USA Today, Financial Times and power at the gate
Advanced seat selection on all Delta Shuttle flights and complimentary access to Economy Comfort seats for SkyMiles Gold, Platinum and Diamond Medallion members at the time of booking
Two classes of service with complimentary upgrades for SkyMiles Medallion members when available.
Complimentary onboard snacks including bagels in the morning before 10:30 a.m. or gourmet nut mix for flights after 10:30 a.m.
Complimentary beverages in-flight including craft beer and wine in all classes of service
Cocktails available for purchase in economy
Access to in-flight Wi-Fi on all Shuttle flights
Access to power from every seat on the Boeing 717 aircraft
The November 2014 schedule between New York–LaGuardia and Boston is below.
Delta Shuttle flights between New York and Chicago-O'Hare International Airport or Washington Reagan-National Airport will continue to operate from LaGuardia's Marine Air Terminal operated by Delta Connection partner, Shuttle America using Embraer E175 aircraft.
Copyright Photo: Brian McDonough/AirlinersGallery.com. Ex-AirTran Airways Boeing 717-2BD N995AT (msn 55139), now with Delta, arrives at Washington (Dulles).
Delta continues to drop routes from Memphis
Delta Air Lines (Atlanta) is continuing to drop routes from the former Northwest Airlines hub at Memphis, TN. The carrier will drop its MEM routes to both Austin and Denver in September according to The Daily News in Memphis. For MEM passengers, Delta will continue to funnel traffic to its large Atlanta hub.
Read the full article: CLICK HERE
Copyright Photo: Ken Petersen/AirlinersGallery.com. Airbus A319-114 N346NB (msn 1796) taxies to the runway at Memphis International Airport (MEM).
Delta to resume the Salt Lake City-Mexico City route on December 20
Delta Air Lines (Atlanta) will resume the Salt Lake City-Mexico City route on December 20. Airbus A319 equipment will connect Delta's SLC hub with its partner AeroMexico's MEX hub with daily service according to Airline Route.
Delta dropped this route in September 2012.
Copyright Photo: Jay Selman/AirlinersGallery.com. Airbus A319-114 N319NB (msn 1346) prepares to touch down in New York (JFK).
Delta to drop the Tokyo Narita-Hong Kong route on October 26
Delta Air Lines (Atlanta) is planning to drop the Tokyo (Narita)-Hong Kong route on October 26. The airline is realigning its Pacific network per Airline Route. The route is served with Boeing 767-300 ERs.
In addition, Delta is also dropping the Nagoya-Manila route on October 26.
Copyright Photo: Michael B. Ing/AirlinersGallery.com. Boeing 767-332 ER N169DZ (msn 29689) climbs away from the runway at Narita International Airport (NRT) near Tokyo.
Delta Air Lines (current livery):
Delta to start phasing out its Boeing 747-400s
Delta Air Lines (Atlanta) currently operates 16 ex-Northwest Airlines Boeing 747-400s. According to FrequentBusinessTraveler.com citing a memo to its pilots, Delta will retire three aircraft by the end of September and another by the end of this year leaving 12 in the fleet.
Delta was originally a Boeing 747-100 operator and became a 747 operator again with the Northwest Airlines merger.
Read the full report: CLICK HERE
Copyright Photo: Boeing 747-451 N671US (msn 26477) taxies to the gate at Los Angeles International Airport.
Delta announces free entertainment options on all domestic aircraft
Delta Air Lines (Atlanta) today announced it will begin offering free entertainment options on all of its domestic aircraft and two-cabin regional jets beginning on August 1.
According to the airline;
"The move is the most far-reaching effort by an airline to provide hit movies, popular television shows, music and video games for free. With the introduction of Delta Studio and the airline's investments to update the interiors of its aircraft, Delta is setting the standard for customers when it comes to free entertainment across more than 1,000 aircraft."
All Delta customers, in every class of service on flights longer than one and a half hours, will have access to a selection of free entertainment options, either at their seat or through their laptops, mobile and tablet devices. Free entertainment options are available on flights with seat-back entertainment systems or on demand video streaming onboard Delta's Wi-Fi-equipped aircraft.
"Through the introduction of Delta Studio our customers have yet another reason to choose Delta and a different travel experience," said Tim Mapes, senior vice president – Marketing. "Delta continues to be driven by customer feedback which has consistently placed the desire to be entertained at the top of the list of ways to improve our customers' time in the air."
Delta customers seated in BusinessElite, First Class and Economy Comfort will have free, unrestricted access to in-flight entertainment on all international flights worldwide. Customers traveling in economy on all international flights will also have access to free content. Delta completed installation of seat-back entertainment systems on its international fleet in 2013.
Customers traveling on domestic flights in BusinessElite, First Class and Economy Comfort will have free access to all in-flight entertainment. Domestic economy customers will have access to free content which includes all of Delta's live satellite TV channels, music selections and game options through seat-back entertainment systems as well as movie or TV selections such as 'The Hunger Games: Catching Fire' or 'Frozen' on seat-back systems in August as well as streaming content through in-flight Wi-Fi.
Additional premium content will be available for purchase in economy including the latest movie titles such as 'Need for Speed' or 'Rio 2,' HBO and SHOWTIME programming as well as on-demand TV shows like 'About a Boy' or 'The Middle.' Delta's full entertainment line-up for the month of August is available in Sky magazine.
Seat-back In-flight Entertainment
Delta offers 18 channels of live satellite TV on select aircraft and up to 250 movies, hundreds of TV shows, 2,300 songs and a selection of games on aircraft with seat-back entertainment systems. Delta is the only U.S. carrier to offer personal, on-demand entertainment at every seat on all long-haul international flights.
Delta has 140 domestic aircraft with seat-back entertainment systems installed and recently announced that it will be updating more of its domestic narrowbody aircraft through 2016. These fleet interior modifications will add seat-back entertainment to 56 Boeing 757-200, 43 Boeing 737-800s and 57 Airbus A319 aircraft. Additionally, more than 100 new Airbus and Boeing aircraft are already scheduled to be delivered with seat-back entertainment through 2018.
In-flight streaming through onboard Wi-Fi
Customers traveling on any domestic Delta or Delta Connection two-cabin aircraft equipped with Wi-Fi will be able to stream free movies and TV options directly to their mobile devices while in flight by using Gogo's video player app. The Fly Delta app will include an integrated player for iOS devices. Customers who have downloaded the app before their flight can easily access streamed content from Delta aircraft for playback while in-flight.
With more than 900 domestic and international aircraft equipped with in-flight Wi-Fi, Delta operates the world's largest fleet of internet connected aircraft available to more than 400,000 customers on more than 4,000 flights daily. Delta's in-flight connectivity continues to expand with the installation of the service on its international fleet. All Boeing 777, 767, 747, Airbus A330 and trans-oceanic Boeing 757 aircraft are scheduled for completion by the end of 2015, bringing the total number of Wi-Fi connected aircraft in Delta's fleet to more than 1,000.
Artist Spotlight and Billboard Partnership
In June, Delta also launched its new music discovery platform for popular and emerging artists called Delta Artist Spotlight. The monthly program kicked off with newcomer Sam Smith and his debut album, 'In The Lonely Hour' by introducing his music to millions of passengers through overhead music during boarding and deplaning as well as offering custom content selections for aircraft equipped with seat-back entertainment systems. July featured Scottish electronic band Chvrches and Canadian-born songstress Kiezsa will be highlighted in the month of August.
Delta launched an industry-first partnership with Billboard in July to provide new ergonomically designed earbuds on flights more than 250 miles that feature seat-back and overhead entertainment. As one of the world's most influential music brands, Billboard brings a new level of expertise to the redesigned earbuds resulting in better sound quality and improved comfort. The earbuds are complimentary for all customers traveling on all international flights as well as flights between New York and Los Angeles, San Francisco or Seattle/Tacoma. Customers seated in domestic economy or Economy Comfort can purchase the earbuds for $2.
Copyright Photos: Delta Air Lines.
Delta to launch the Salt Lake City-Amsterdam route on May 1
Delta Air Lines (Atlanta) will launch a new international route from its Salt Lake City hub to KLM's Amsterdam hub on May 1. The new route will be operated five days a week using Boeing 767-300 aircraft according to Airline Route. It will become daily service on May 17.
Copyright Photo: Michael B. Ing/AirlinersGallery.com. Boeing 767-3P6 ER N156DL (msn 25354) arrives at Tokyo (Narita).
Delta to introduce Seattle/Tacoma-Puerto Vallarta flights on December 20
Delta Air Lines (Atlanta) is adding another new route from its growing Seattle/Tacoma hub. SEA-Puerto Vallarta, Mexico service will be initiated on December 20 with Boeing 737-800s. The route will be operated on a weekly basis (three days a week during the Christmas-New Year holidays) per Airline Route.
Copyright Photo: Michael B. Ing/AirlinersGallery.com. Boeing 737-832 N390DA (msn 30536) climbs away from the runway at Los Angeles International Airport.
Delta Air Lines (current):
Delta reports second quarter net income of $889 million
Delta Air Lines (Atlanta) today reported financial results for the second quarter (June quarter). Key points include:
Delta's pre-tax income for the June 2014 quarter was $1.4 billion, excluding special items1, an increase of $593 million over the June 2013 quarter on a similar basis. Delta's net income for the June 2014 quarter was $889 million, or $1.04 per diluted share, and its operating margin was 15.1 percent, excluding special items.
On a GAAP basis which includes special items, Delta's pre-tax income was $1.3 billion, operating margin was 14.9 percent and net income was $801 million, or $0.94 per diluted share.
Results include $340 million in profit sharing expense in recognition of Delta employees' contributions toward achieving the company's financial goals.
Delta generated over $2 billion of operating cash flow and $1.5 billion of free cash flow during the June 2014 quarter. As of mid-July, the company has used its strong cash generation in 2014 to reduce its adjusted net debt below $8 billion, contribute more than $900 million of funding to its defined benefit pension plans, and return $550 million to shareholders through dividends and share repurchases.
"Delta's performance this quarter, with 9 percent top line growth, more than 4 points of margin expansion and $1.5 billion of free cash flow, shows the financial strength and resilience of our company. We expect our September quarter performance will be even stronger, as we expand our operating margins to 15-17% and further improve our profitability," said Delta chief executive officer Richard Anderson. "All credit goes to Delta people worldwide who not only produced this record financial performance, but also continue to lead the industry in operational reliability and customer satisfaction."
Revenue Environment
Delta's operating revenue improved 9 percent, or $914 million, in the June 2014 quarter compared to the June 2013 quarter, driven by continued strength in corporate and domestic revenues. Traffic increased 5.0 percent on a 3.2 percent increase in capacity.
Passenger revenue increased 9 percent, or $772 million, compared to the prior year period. Passenger unit revenue (PRASM) increased 5.7 percent year-over-year with a 3.8 percent improvement in yield. Seat-related products and other merchandising initiatives increased revenues by $45 million versus the prior year period.
Cargo revenue decreased 1 percent, or $2 million, as lower freight yields were partially offset by higher volumes.
Other revenue increased 15 percent, or $144 million, driven by higher joint venture and SkyMiles revenues.
Cost Performance
Consolidated unit cost excluding fuel expense, profit sharing and special items (CASM-Ex2), was flat in the June 2014 quarter on a year-over-year basis as the benefits of Delta's domestic refleeting and other cost initiatives offset the company's investments in its employees, products and operations. GAAP consolidated CASM decreased 0.4 percent.
Total operating expense in the quarter increased $249 million year-over-year driven by higher revenue- and volume-related expenses and $222 million higher profit sharing expense. These cost increases were partially offset by lower fuel expense and savings from Delta's cost initiatives.
Fuel expense declined $168 million driven by hedge benefits, refinery profits and prior year mark to market adjustments that offset higher market fuel prices and higher consumption. Delta's average fuel price was $2.93 per gallon for the June quarter, which includes $99 million in settled hedge gains. Operations at the refinery produced a $13 million profit for the June quarter, a $64 million improvement year-over-year.
Excluding special items, non-operating expense declined by $58 million as a result of lower interest expense, lower foreign exchange impact, and a $7 million gain associated with Delta's 49 percent ownership stake in Virgin Atlantic. Including a $111 million special item for loss on extinguishment of debt resulting from Delta's debt reduction initiatives, non-operating expense for the quarter increased by $53 million.
Tax expense increased $496 million compared to the prior year quarter, as the company now recognizes tax expense for financial reporting purposes following the reversal of its tax valuation allowance at the end of 2013.
"With our domestic refleeting continuing and our cost initiatives taking hold, we have been able to keep our non-fuel unit cost growth below 2 percent for each of the last four quarters," said Paul Jacobson,
Delta's chief financial officer. "Not only are these initiatives driving our current performance, but they are also building a foundation for sustaining this performance into the future."
Cash Flow
Cash from operations during the June 2014 quarter was $2.1 billion, driven by the company's June quarter profit and the normal seasonal increase in advance ticket sales, which were partially offset by $300 million in contributions to the defined benefit pension plan. The company generated $1.5 billion of free cash flow.
Capital expenditures during the June 2014 quarter were $520 million, including $343 million in fleet investments. During the quarter, Delta's net debt maturities and capital leases were $851 million.
With its strong cash generation year to date, the company has returned $550 million to shareholders as of mid-July. Through its $0.06 per share quarterly dividend, the company paid $101 million to shareholders. In addition, the company repurchased 12.4 million shares at an average price of $36.33 for a total of $450 million. These repurchases represent $200 million under the May 2014 $2 billion authorization, in addition to completing the May 2013 $500 million authorization.
Delta ended the quarter with $6.0 billion of unrestricted liquidity and adjusted net debt of $7.9 billion. The company has now achieved more than $9 billion in net debt reduction since 2009.
Jacobson continued, "By taking a balanced approach to capital deployment, Delta has been able to invest more than $1 billion in our fleet and other products, while also reducing our debt to its lowest level in twenty years, contributing over $900 million to our pension plans, and returning $550 million to shareholders so far this year."
Company Highlights
Delta has a strong commitment to its employees, customers and the communities it serves. Key accomplishments in the June 2014 quarter include:
Recognizing the achievements of Delta employees toward meeting the company's financial and operational goals with $476 million of incentives so far this year, including accruing $439 million in employee profit sharing and paying $37 million in Shared Rewards;
Improving its global network with new service connecting Delta's hubs in New York and Seattle/Tacoma with the key business destinations of London-Heathrow, Zurich, Rome, Hong Kong and Seoul;
Announcing an order for 15 Airbus A321 aircraft, adding to the 30 aircraft of this type already on order. These economically efficient, proven-technology aircraft will provide an improved customer experience as they replace similar, less-efficient domestic aircraft that are being retired as part of the Delta's domestic fleet restructuring;
Completing modifications on its international widebody fleet, making Delta the only U.S. carrier to offer full flat-bed seats with direct aisle access in BusinessElite and personal, on-demand entertainment at every seat on all long-haul international flights; and
Celebrating the grand opening of the new Delta Flight Museum, which coincided with the 85th anniversary of Delta's first passenger service. The museum is housed in the airline's two original maintenance hangars with exhibits that chronicle more than eight decades of Delta history and the growth and development of commercial aviation.
Special Items
Delta recorded a net $88 million special items charge in the June 2014 quarter, including:
a $69 million charge for debt extinguishment associated with Delta's debt reduction initiative; and
a $20 million charge associated with Delta's domestic fleet restructuring.
Delta recorded a net $159 million special items charge in the June 2013 quarter, including:
a $125 million mark-to-market adjustment on fuel hedges settling in future periods; and
a $34 million charge for facilities, fleet and other items, primarily associated with Delta's domestic fleet restructuring.
Copyright Photo: Jay Selman/AirlinersGallery.com. Boeing 757-2Q8 N709TW (msn 28168) arrives in New York (JFK) with a special tribute to retired New York Yankees pitcher Mariano Rivera "42".
Delta suspends its flights to Israel due to the on-going violence
Delta Air Lines (Atlanta) today suspended all flights to Tel Aviv, Israel due to nearby rocket attacks according to CNN. Today's flight DL 469 from New York (JFK) diverted to Paris (Charles de Gualle).
The suspension is for 24 hours.
The suspension of service to Israel comes after the State Department issued this statement:
The U.S. Department of State warns U.S. citizens of the risks of traveling to Israel, the West Bank and Gaza due to ongoing hostilities. The Department of State recommends that U.S. citizens consider the deferral of non-essential travel to Israel and the West Bank and reaffirms the longstanding strong warning to U.S. citizens against any travel to the Gaza Strip. This Travel Warning replaces the Travel Warning issued on February 3, 2014.
The security environment remains complex in Israel, the West Bank, and Gaza, and U.S. citizens need to be aware of the risks of travel to these areas because of the current conflict between Hamas and Israel.
The Department of State continues its longstanding strong warning to U.S. citizens against travel to the Gaza Strip; U.S. government employees are not allowed to conduct official or personal travel there. Please see the section below on the situation in the Gaza Strip. Because of the security situation, the U.S. Embassy in Tel Aviv and its annexes are currently operating at reduced staffing and the Consular Section of the Embassy is providing only emergency consular services. The U.S. Consulate General in Jerusalem is currently maintaining normal operations, including consular services.
Long-range rockets launched from Gaza since July 8, 2014 have reached many locations in Israel – including Tel Aviv, cities farther north, and throughout the south of the country. Some rockets have reached Jerusalem and parts of the West Bank, including Bethlehem and Hebron. While many rockets have been intercepted by the Iron Dome missile defense system, there have been impacts that have caused damage and injury. In light of the ongoing rocket attacks, U.S. citizen visitors to and U.S. citizen residents of Israel and the West Bank should familiarize themselves with the location of the nearest bomb shelter or other hardened site, if available. Visitors should seek information on shelters from hotel staff or building managers. Consult city municipality websites, such as those for Jerusalem and Tel Aviv, for lists of public bomb shelters and other emergency preparedness information. Visitors should follow the instructions of the Home Front Command on proper procedures in the event of rocket attacks.
Travelers should avoid areas of Israel in the vicinity of the Gaza Strip due to the real risks presented by small arms fire, anti-tank weapons, rockets, and mortars, as attacks from Gaza can come with little or no warning. Both Embassy and Consulate General personnel are currently not permitted to travel south of greater Tel Aviv without prior approval. On July 17, 2014 Israel announced the commencement of ground operations in Gaza. Visitors to these areas should remain aware of their surroundings and should take note of announcements and guidance provided by the Home Front Command.
Ben Gurion Airport is currently open and commercial flights are operating normally, although delays and cancellations can occur. Travelers should check with their airline prior to their planned travel to verify the flight schedule. U.S. citizens seeking to depart Israel or the West Bank are responsible for making their own travel arrangements.
We are not evacuating U.S. citizens out of Israel. U.S. government-facilitated evacuations occur only when no safe commercial alternatives exist. Evacuation assistance is provided on a cost-recovery basis, which means the traveler must reimburse the U.S. government for travel costs. The lack of a valid U.S. passport may hinder U.S. citizens' ability to depart the country and may slow the U.S. Embassy or
Consulate General's ability to provide assistance.
U.S. citizens who do travel to or remain in Israel, the West Bank and Gaza should take into consideration the rules governing travel by U.S. government employees:
U.S. government personnel are not permitted to conduct official or personal travel to the Gaza Strip;
U.S. government personnel are restricted from conducting personal travel to most parts of the West Bank; travel for official business is done with special security arrangements coordinated by the U.S.
Consulate General in Jerusalem;
Currently, because of the security situation, U.S. government personnel are not permitted to travel south of greater Tel Aviv without prior approval;
U.S. government personnel must notify Embassy Tel Aviv's Regional Security Officer before traveling in the areas of the Golan Heights and are prohibited from traveling east of Rt. 98 in the Golan Heights;
U.S. government personnel are not permitted to use public buses anywhere in Israel or the West Bank due to past attacks on public transportation.
Major Metropolitan Areas in Israel
Personal safety conditions in major metropolitan areas, including Tel Aviv and Haifa and their surrounding regions, are comparable to or better than those in other major global cities. Please see below for specific information regarding Jerusalem. Visitors should observe appropriate personal security practices to reduce their vulnerability to crime, particularly late at night or in isolated or economically depressed areas, including in the countryside. Visitors are advised to avoid large gatherings or demonstrations and keep current with local news, which is available through numerous English language sources.
The Government of Israel has had a long-standing policy of issuing gas masks to its citizens and, starting in 2010, it began issuing replacement masks. It stopped this distribution process in early 2014 in response to regional events. Visitors and foreign residents in Israel are not issued masks and must individually procure them, if desired. The U.S. Embassy and Consulate General do not provide gas masks for persons who are not U.S. government employees or their dependents. For further emergency preparedness guidance, please visit the website of the Government of Israel's Home Front Command, which provides information on how to choose a secure space in a home or apartment, as well as a list of the types of protective kits (gas masks) issued by the Government of Israel to its citizens.
Gaza Vicinity
The Department of State recommends against travel to areas of Israel in the vicinity of the Gaza Strip. Travelers should be aware of the risks presented by the current military conflict between Hamas and Israel. On July 17, 2014 Israel announced the commencement of ground operations in Gaza. Travelers in the regions immediately bordering Gaza may encounter small arms fire, anti-tank weapons, rockets, and mortars launched from inside Gaza toward Israeli cities and towns. These attacks can come with little or no warning. Visitors to these areas should remain aware of their surroundings and of the location of bomb shelters and should take note of announcements and guidance provided by the Home Front Command.
Travelers should also be aware of the heightened state of alert maintained by Israeli authorities along Israel's border with Egypt. There have been cross-border incidents from Egypt, including rocket attacks and ground incursions, such as an attack that took place in August 2013 and one on January 20, 2014. Rockets were fired from Sinai in the direction of Eilat on July 15, 2014.
Northern Israel
Rocket attacks into Israel from Lebanon have occurred without warning along the Israeli-Lebanese border. Tensions have increased along portions of the Disengagement Zone with Syria in the Golan Heights as a result of the internal conflict occurring in Syria. Sporadic gunfire has occurred along the border region. There have been several incidents of mortar shells and light arms fire impacting on the Israeli-controlled side of the zone as a result of spillover from the fighting in Syria. Travelers should be aware that cross-border gunfire can occur without warning. Furthermore, there are active land mines in areas of the Golan Heights, so visitors should walk only on established roads or trails. The Syrian conflict is sporadic and unpredictable. U.S. government personnel must notify the Embassy's Regional Security Office in advance if they plan to visit the Golan Heights and are prohibited from traveling east of Rt. 98 in the Golan Heights.
U.S. citizens should be aware of the possibility of isolated street protests, particularly within the Old City and areas around Salah Ed-Din Street, Damascus Gate, Silwan, and the Sheikh Jarrah neighborhood. Travelers should exercise caution at religious sites on Fridays and on holy days, including during Ramadan. U.S. government employees are prohibited from entering the Old City on Fridays during the month of Ramadan due to congestion and security-related access restrictions.
U.S. government employees are prohibited from transiting Independence Park in central Jerusalem during the hours of darkness due to reports of criminal activity.
The Consulate General notes that recent demonstrations and clashes in several East Jerusalem areas, such as Shufat, Beit Hanina, Mt. of Olives, As Suwaneh, Abu Deis, Silwan, Shuafat Refugee Camp, inside the Old City (near Lions Gate), Issawiyeh, and Tsur Baher appear to have diminished, although the possibility exists of renewed clashes in the same areas during evenings. We note that the clashes and demonstrations have not been anti-American in nature. The Israel National Police (INP) continues to have a heavy presence in many of the neighborhoods that have had clashes and may restrict vehicular traffic to some of these neighborhoods without notice. We advise citizens not to enter any neighborhoods restricted by the INP and to avoid any locations that have active clashes ongoing.
The Shufat neighborhood of Jerusalem remains off-limits for official U.S. personnel and their families at night until further notice. The Old City of Jerusalem is also off-limits every day after dark for official U.S. personnel and their families until further notice. Official U.S. personnel are restricted from the Old City of Jerusalem at all times on Fridays during Ramadan. The Friday restriction is part of our standard policy, due to overall congestion and large crowds, and is not related to recent events.
The West Bank
The Department of State urges U.S. citizens to exercise caution when traveling to the West Bank. Demonstrations and violent incidents can occur without warning, and vehicles are regularly targeted by rocks, Molotov cocktails, and gunfire on West Bank roads. U.S citizens have been killed in such attacks. There have also been an increasing number of violent incidents involving Israeli settlers and Palestinian villagers in the corridor stretching from Ramallah to Nablus, including attacks by Israeli settlers on Palestinian villages in which U.S. citizens have suffered injury or property damage, and attacks by Palestinians on settlements. U.S. citizens can be caught in the middle of potentially dangerous situations, and some U.S. citizens involved in political demonstrations in the West Bank have sustained serious injuries. The Department of State recommends that U.S. citizens, for their own safety, avoid all demonstrations. During periods of unrest, the Israeli Government may restrict access to the West Bank, and some areas may be placed under curfew. All persons in areas under curfew should remain indoors to avoid arrest or injury. Security conditions in the West Bank may hinder the ability of consular staff to offer timely assistance to U.S. citizens.
Personal travel in the West Bank by U.S. government personnel and their families is permitted to the towns of Bethlehem and Jericho and on Routes 1, 443, and 90. Personal travel is also permitted to Qumran off Route 90 by the Dead Sea, as are stops at roadside facilities along Routes 1 and 90. All other personal travel by U.S. government personnel in the West Bank is prohibited. U.S. government personnel routinely travel to the West Bank for official business, but do so with special security arrangements.
The Gaza Strip
The Department of State strongly urges U.S. citizens to avoid all travel to the Gaza Strip, which is under the control of Hamas, a foreign terrorist organization. U.S. citizens in Gaza are advised to depart immediately. The security environment within Gaza, including its border with Egypt and its seacoast, is dangerous and volatile. Exchanges of fire between the Israel Defense Forces and militant groups in Gaza take place regularly, and civilians have been caught in the crossfire in the past. Although the Rafah crossing between Gaza and Egypt normally allows for some passenger travel, prior coordination with local authorities — which could take days or weeks to process — is generally required, and crossing points may be closed for days or weeks. Travelers who enter the Gaza Strip through the Rafah crossing must also exit through the Rafah crossing, and those entering the Gaza Strip may not be able to depart at a time of their choosing. Many U.S. citizens have been unable to exit Gaza or faced lengthy delays in doing so. Furthermore, the schedule and requirements for exiting through the Rafah crossing are unpredictable and can involve significant expense. Because U.S. citizen employees of the U.S. government are not allowed to enter the Gaza Strip or have contact with Hamas, the ability of consular staff to offer timely assistance to U.S. citizens, including assistance departing Gaza, is extremely limited.
Entry/Exit Difficulties
Some U.S. citizens holding Israeli nationality, possessing a Palestinian identity card, or who are of Arab or Muslim origin have experienced significant difficulties in entering or exiting Israel or the West Bank. U.S. citizens planning to travel to Israel, the West Bank, or Gaza should consult the detailed information concerning entry and exit difficulties in the Country Specific Information.
Contact the Consular Section of the U.S. Embassy for information and assistance in Israel, the Golan Heights, and ports of entry at Ben Gurion Airport, Haifa Port, the northern (Jordan River/Sheikh Hussein) and southern (Arava) border crossings connecting Israel and Jordan, and the border crossings between Israel and Egypt. An embassy officer can be contacted at (972) (3) 519-7575 from Monday through Friday during working hours. The after-hours emergency number is (972) (3) 519-7551.
Contact the Consular Section of the U.S. Consulate General in Jerusalem for information and assistance in Jerusalem, the West Bank, the Gaza Strip, and the Allenby/King Hussein Bridge crossing between the West Bank and Jordan, at (972) (2) 630-4000 from Monday through Friday during working hours. The after-hours emergency number is (972) (2) 622-7250.
Copyright Photo: Michael B. Ing/AirlinersGallery.com. Boeing 747-451 N663US (msn 23818) prepares to land in Tokyo (Narita).
Delta to drop Monrovia, Liberia on September 1
Delta Air Lines (Atlanta) is dropping the Monrovia, Liberia extension on the New York (JFK)-Accra route on September 1. The extended route operates three days a week with Boeing 767-300 ER equipment per Airline Route. New York (JFK)-Accra service will continue.
Copyright Photo: Ken Petersen/AirlinersGallery.com. Boeing 767-332 ER N192DN (msn 28449) departs from John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) in New York.
Delta reduces Caracas service to one flight a week
Delta Air Lines (Atlanta) effective August 1 will reduced its service on the Atlanta-Caracas route to one flight a week per Airline Route. This move follows the actions of American Airlines. Both carriers are reducing services to CCS due to the Venezuelan government's attempt to disallow the transfer of funds out of Venezuela.
Copyright Photo: Jay Selman/AirlinersGallery.com. The route will now be operated with smaller Boeing 737-700s. Boeing 737-732 N309DE (msn 29634) arrives at the New York (JFK) hub.
Delta to fly weekly seasonal New York JFK-St. Lucia flights next winter
Delta Air Lines (Atlanta) will fly weekly New York (JFK)-St. Lucia flights from December 20, 2014 through April 4, 2015. The winter seasonal flights will be operated with Boeing 737-800s according to Airline Route.
Copyright Photo: Jay Selman/AirlinersGallery.com. Boeing 737-832 N378DA (msn 30265) arrives in New York (JFK).
Delta announces new winter seasonal flights to Barbados
Delta Air Lines (Atlanta) has announced new nonstop service this winter to the Caribbean island of Barbados. Delta will add new nonstop flights beginning on December 4, 2014, twice weekly between Grantley Adams International Airport in Bridgetown and both New York's John F. Kennedy International Airport, and Atlanta's Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport.
Flights will operate Thursdays and Saturdays, and two flights will start simultaneously, one from New York into Barbados and then onto Atlanta; and then a second one originating in Atlanta, traveling to Barbados and on to New York.
The two Boeing 737-800s have a seating capacity of 160, consisting of 16 business class seats, 18 economy comfort seats and 126 economy seats on each flight.
Barbados is one of 97 international locations on Delta's growing route map, and one of the more than 225 destinations throughout the Americas.
Copyright Photo: Michael B. Ing/AirlinersGallery.com. Boeing 737-832 N3763D (msn 29629) departs from Los Angeles.
Chart: Delta's current fleet:
Delta celebrates 85 years of flying passengers
Delta Air Lines (Atlanta) yesterday (June 17) celebrated the grand opening of the new Delta Flight Museum, a 68,000 square-foot facility located at the airline's world headquarters in Atlanta. The museum traces Delta's history and the development of commercial aviation. The grand opening event marked Delta's 85th anniversary of passenger service, dating back to its first passenger flight from Dallas to Jackson, Mississippi, on June 17, 1929.
The museum, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, is housed in the airline's two original maintenance hangars dating from the 1940s. After a significant renovation to the historic buildings funded by the Delta Air Lines Foundation and other sponsors, the museum is now open to the general public. The museum was designated a Historic Aerospace Site in 2011.
The museum contains displays and exhibits filled with hundreds of artifacts, many of which have never been on public display. They chronicle more than eight decades of Delta history and the growth and development of commercial aviation. The museum houses a permanent collection of five historic aircraft, including a Travel Air 6B Sedan similar to the one that operated Delta's first passenger flight in 1929 (above), and The Spirit of Delta, a Boeing 767 purchased for the company by employees in 1982. Also on display is a DC-3, Ship 41 (below), that flew for Delta and was restored by Delta employees and volunteers.
Copyright Photo: Brian McDonough/AirlinersGallery.com. Douglas DC-3-357 NC28341 (msn 3278) arrives at Baltimore/Washington when it was flying.
The museum features a 117-seat theater and a 30-seat conference room located inside the fuselage of an L-1011 TriStar aircraft. Also on display is the cockpit of a Convair 880 jet. Additionally, visitors can have the ultimate aviation experience and pilot a Boeing 737-200 full-motion simulator, the only one open to the public in the U.S., formerly used to train Delta pilots.
A tour of the museum starts with Delta's beginnings as a crop-dusting operation in the rural South and takes visitors through the early propeller era of passenger service and into the jet age.
A special exhibit honors Delta's founder and first CEO, C.E. Woolman. The display includes a portrait of Woolman along with quotes and personal items.
Visitors have the opportunity to explore the museum at their own pace through a self-guided tour, though guided tours are available as well. Special interactive features, including a pilot pre-flight checklist for a Boeing 767 as well as a scavenger hunt, engage children touring the museum. There is also a retail store with hundreds of Delta- and aviation-related items for sale, including aircraft models, clothing and accessories.
The hangar space also serves as a unique public and private rental venue to host meetings, conferences and other events with state-of-the-art audio and video capability and full catering services that can accommodate a seated dinner for as many as 1,200.
Major sponsors of the Delta Flight Museum include the Delta Air Lines Foundation, American Express, Airbus, the New York Yankees, ST Aerospace and Aero BridgeWorks. The full list of sponsors is available at the museum's website.
More information, including hours of operation, admission fees, event rentals, simulator fees and directions, is available on the museum's website at deltamuseum.org.
Copyright Photos: Delta Air Lines.
Delta Air Lines (current livery and aircraft):
Delta launches nonstop Seattle/Tacoma-Hong Kong flights, calls SEA a "hub" for the first time
Delta Air Lines (Atlanta) issued this statement about its new Hong Kong service and its new "Seattle hub":
Delta Air Lines yesterday (June 16) launched nonstop service from Seattle-Tacoma International Airport to Hong Kong. The new market is Delta's latest addition in the buildup of its Seattle hub and its fifth new international destination from Seattle/Tacoma in the last year.
Delta customers and employees will commemorated the event along with representatives from the Port of Seattle, Visit Seattle, the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office, and the Hong Kong Association of Washington with a gate event prior to the departure of the first flight. The event will include a ceremonial ribbon cutting and water cannon salute.
With the launch of Hong Kong service, Delta customers now have nonstop access to nine long-haul international destinations from Seattle – more than all other airlines combined – including the top five destinations in Asia and three of the top four destinations in Europe. Delta is the only carrier to offer nonstop service from Seattle/Tacoma to Amsterdam, Hong Kong, Paris, Shanghai and Tokyo-Haneda. Delta is also the only carrier to offer full flat-bed seats with direct aisle access in BusinessElite on every long-haul international flight from Seattle/Tacoma along with Economy Comfort seating and entertainment on demand in every seat throughout the aircraft.
"With the addition of the Hong Kong flight, Delta now offers our customers more than 2,500 daily seats to the top business markets in Asia and Europe from our Seattle hub," said Mike Medeiros, Delta's vice president – Seattle. "As we continue growing in the community, we remain committed to consistently providing the award-winning experience that we're known for both in the U.S. and around the globe."
Delta has also significantly expanded its operation in Seattle/Tacoma over the last year to support its international service and offer customers in the previously underserved market more choices. In total, Delta has increased its peak-day departures by more than 30 percent since a year ago and by December will offer 95 peak-day departures to 33 destinations, making it Seattle's fastest-growing airline.
In February, Delta launched a double miles promotion for Seattle-based SkyMiles members. Customers who book and fly Delta or Delta Connection-marketed and -operated flights from Seattle by Dec. 31, 2014, will be awarded double miles and double Medallion Qualification Miles on the nonstop segment departing from or arriving into Seattle. Registration is required.
Delta currently operates 76 peak-day departures to 25 destinations from Seattle, and every flight offers BusinessElite/First Class and Economy Comfort seating as well as Wi-Fi service on all domestic aircraft. Delta also introduced international Wi-Fi on its Boeing 747-400 fleet earlier this year and will complete installation of Wi-Fi service on its entire long-haul international fleet by the end of 2015. The airline has also invested $15 million in its facilities at Sea-Tac, including its Delta Sky Club and recently completed lobby renovations, Sky Priority services, new gate area power recharging stations, expanded ticket counters and enhancements to the international arrivals area.
In other news, Delta will start nonstop Los Angeles-Mazatlan daily service on December 20 with Boeing 737-800s.
Copyright Photo: Michael B. Ing/AirlinersGallery.com. Delta also introduced international Wi-Fi on its Boeing 747-400 fleet earlier this year .
Delta today launches full flat-bed seats in BusinessElite on all flights between New York-JFK and Los Angeles
Delta Air Lines (Atlanta) following on the start of JetBlue Airways' trans-con Airbus A321 Mint service, today launches a significant upgrade to its service between New York's John F. Kennedy International Airport and Los Angeles International Airport with the introduction of three Boeing 757-200 aircraft featuring full flat-bed seats in the BusinessElite cabin. These aircraft join Delta's existing international 767-300 ERs serving the New York-Los Angeles route, which connects the two largest U.S. commercial centers eight times daily with the seats, amenities and service that travelers expect from a global airline.
All flights between New York-JFK and Los Angeles, San Francisco and Seattle/Tacoma will feature flat-bed seats on Boeing 757 and 767 aircraft by the summer of 2015.
Trans-continental 767 aircraft
The 767 transcontinental product features updated interiors including 26 full flat-bed BusinessElite seats with direct aisle access at every seat in a 1-2-1 configuration. The 21-inch-wide seats offer an average bed length of 79 inches and feature a 10.6-inch video monitor. The 767s are configured with 29 Economy Comfort seats featuring 35 inches of pitch and up to 50 percent more recline. Each of the 171 seats in the economy cabin features a 9-inch video monitor and USB power. Standard 110v power is available in the BusinessElite cabin and Economy Comfort section.
Trans-continental 757 aircraft
The 757 trans-continental aircraft includes 16 full flat-bed seats arranged in a 2-2 configuration in the BusinessElite cabin. Each seat is 20 inches wide and is expandable up to 22 inches with an average bed length of 76 inches. Cabin mood lighting and a high-definition, 16-inch video monitor at each seat further enhance the onboard experience. The updated 757 trans-continental aircraft includes changes to the economy cabin with 44 extra-legroom Economy Comfort seats which offer 35 inches of pitch and up to 50 percent more recline in a 3-by-3 configuration in addition to 108 standard economy seats.
Above: The Boeing 757-200 trans-con BusinessElite cabin:
Trans-continental BusinessElite
In addition to the 757 and 767 trans-continental full flat-bed seat updates, customers will enjoy a gourmet three-course lunch and dinner menu from renowned chef Michael Chiarello paired with wine from Master Sommelier Andrea Robinson's specially curated Delta Winemaker Series. Additional touches like Westin Heavenly In-Flight bedding, a Tumi amenity kit featuring skincare products from Malin+Goetz, a noise-reduction headset and sparkling wine round out the BusinessElite experience.
Above: The Boeing 757-200 trans-con Economy class.
Trans-continental Economy Comfort and economy
Earlier this month, Delta announced upgrades to Economy Comfort including complimentary pillows and blankets on all its transcontinental flights between JFK and LAX, SFO, and SEA. Economy Comfort customers also receive a Delta sleep kit, including eye shades and ear plugs, complimentary Luvo snack wraps, a bottle of water and Luvo frozen yogurt bars (on flights departing prior to 9:00 PM).
From New York-JFK to Los Angeles, all seats in the economy cabin feature next generation seat design for more personal space, an adjustable headrest, a nine-inch seatback video monitor and standard 110v and USB power ports available from each seat. Delta has been enhancing the transcon experience from nose to tail since 2013 with the addition of products such as complimentary Starbucks coffee and headsets for all customers. The New York to Los Angeles transcontinental fleet features in-flight Wi-Fi and an entertainment library of more than 1,000 on-demand options including movies, TV shows, music and games.
In other news, Delta Air Lines announced today (June 16) is partnering with the Carbon War Room, a nonprofit founded by Sir Richard Branson, in an effort to accelerate low-carbon jet fuel production worldwide. This is part of the global carrier's commitment to environmental accountability, transparency and carbon emission reduction.
Delta and Carbon War Room agree that the development of a secure, sustainable, renewable fuels supply will strengthen the airline industry's access to high-quality jet fuel, reduce price volatility and the industry's overall carbon footprint and meet the needs of increasingly climate-conscious customers.
Additionally, access to a competitively-priced renewable jet fuel will be advantageous in meeting future regulatory requirements to reduce emissions from the burning of petroleum-based jet fuel.
Additionally, Delta is reducing its carbon footprint through initiatives such as improving the efficiency of our fleet, partnerships in air traffic management, airport and facility green practices and a robust recycling program in the air and on the ground. The airline also has successfully verified its complete greenhouse gas emissions inventory under The Climate Registry and has been named to the Dow Jones Sustainability North American Index three years in a row.
Since 2009, Delta has supported the greenhouse gas emissions goals of IATA and Airlines for America, including improving average annual fuel efficiency by 1.5 percent through 2020, stabilizing emissions with carbon-neutral growth from 2020 and reducing net emissions 50 percent by 2050, relative to 2005.
Top Copyright Photo: Michael B. Ing/AirlinersGallery.com (all others by Delta). Boeing 757-232 N617DL (msn 22907) climbs away from the runway at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX).
Video: Gateway to Football:
Delta to offer Los Angeles-Monterrey, Mexico Embraer 175 service
Delta Air Lines (Atlanta) starting on November 2 will offer daily nonstop Los Angeles-Monterrey, Mexico Delta Connection Embraer 175 jet service according to Airline Route.
Copyright Photo: Michael B. Ing/AirlinersGallery.com. Subsidiary Compass Airlines' Embraer ERJ 170-200LR (ERJ 175) N610CZ (msn 17000198) departs from Los Angeles International Airport (LAX).
Video: According to Delta: "Hop on the Delta Shuttle® between Los Angeles (LAX) and San Francisco at your convenience—flights depart all day long and are available with First Class and Economy Comfort™ seating options.
You'll enjoy complimentary LUVO™ snacks, Sierra Nevada Brewing Co. craft beer, wine, spirits, Starbucks® coffee, exclusive check-in, priority security and more.*
*A portion of travel for some itineraries may be on the Delta Connection® carrier Compass Airlines dba Delta Shuttle."
Delta to restore Atlanta-Ottawa flights on December 20
Delta Air Lines (Atlanta) will restore Delta Connection service between its Atlanta hub and Ottawa, Canada on December 20, 2014. During the Christmas-New Year holiday period it will operate daily with Bombardier CRJ900 aircraft and then to weekly flights according to Airline Route.
Copyright Photo: Fernandez Imaging/AirlinersGallery.com. Bombardier CRJ900 (CL-600-2D24) N176PQ (msn 15176) lands at Houston (Hobby).
Delta to operate seasonal San Diego-Los Cabos flights
Delta Air Lines (Atlanta) will operate a seasonal Mexican route from San Diego to Los Cabos in the Baja Peninsula from December 20, 2014 through April 6, 2015. The route will be operated with Airbus A319 aircraft per Airline Route.
Copyright Photo: Michael B. Ing/AirlinersGallery.com. Airbus A319-114 N301NB (msn 1058) climbs away from the runway at Los Angeles International Airport.
Delta upgrades Economy Comfort on all trans-continental flights from New York-JFK to Los Angeles, San Francisco and Seattle/Tacoma
Delta Air Lines (Atlanta) issued this announcement today concerning its upgraded Economy Comfort:
Delta Air Lines customers will begin receiving upgraded amenities in Economy Comfort including complimentary pillows, blankets and food options on all flights from New York's John F. Kennedy International Airport to Los Angeles International Airport, San Francisco International Airport and Seattle-Tacoma International Airport beginning on June 4.
Customers on Delta's trans-continental routes will continue to receive priority boarding, seats with more legroom, plus free beer, wine and spirits when they purchase Economy Comfort starting at $99 per flight segment.
Economy Comfort customers will receive a complimentary pre-set pillow and blanket on their seat while they board the aircraft. After boarding, Economy Comfort customers will be offered a Delta sleep kit, including eye shades and ear plugs, as added amenities. During flight, Economy Comfort customers will enjoy complimentary Luvo snack wraps and a full-size bottle of water for all flights and Luvo frozen yogurt bars as a mid-flight snack on most flights except those flights leaving the West Coast after 9 p.m.
As previously announced, by mid-June, Delta will also operate three newly refurbished Boeing 757-200 aircraft (above) with full flat-bed seats in the BusinessElite cabin. The addition of these aircraft to Delta's existing 767 aircraft will offer customers full access to flat-bed seats in BusinessElite on all flights between New York-JFK and Los Angeles International Airport. As additional Boeing 757-200 aircraft are refurbished in the coming months, all trans-continental flights between New York-JFK and Los Angeles, San Francisco and Seattle/Tacoma will feature full flat-bed seats in BusinessElite by summer 2015.
Top Copyright Photo (all others by Delta): Michael B. Ing/AirlinersGallery.com. Boeing 757-212 N751AT (msn 23125) departs from Los Angeles International Airport.
Delta and Garuda Indonesia to codeshare
Delta Air Lines (Atlanta) and Garuda Indonesia (Jakarta) announced a new codesharing agreement to place the Garuda code on Delta operated flights from Tokyo (Haneda) International Airport to Los Angeles International Airport and Seattle-Tacoma International Airport. The flights will be conveniently timed to connect Garuda Indonesia's flights between Jakarta and Tokyo-Haneda, offering both airlines' customers one-stop travel between Indonesia and the U.S.
The codeshare flights are pending final government approvals and are targeted to be available for purchase in July 2014.
The Delta codeshare flights will be operated with Boeing 767-300 ER aircraft.
Garuda Indonesia will operate its Airbus A330-300 for the Jakarta – Tokyo Haneda route.
Top Copyright Photo: Michael B. Ing/AirlinersGallery.com. Boeing 767-332 ER N194DN (msn 28451) departs from Los Angeles International Airport.
Bottom Copyright Photo: Tony Storck/AirlinersGallery.com. Airbus A330-341 PK-GPE (msn 148) taxies at Baltimore/Washington.