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Air China and Air New Zealand move closer with proposed strategic alliance
Air China (Beijing) and Air New Zealand (Auckland) have today (November 21) signed a Statement of Intent that will pave the way for a strategic alliance on services betweenChina and New Zealand.
The proposed alliance between the two national flag carriers and Star Alliance partners would see Air China operate a new direct Beijing – Auckland service in addition to Air New Zealand's existing Shanghai – Auckland service. The alliance remains subject to regulatory approval.
Following today's signing the airlines will progress discussions with a view to reaching an agreement early next year which can then be filed for regulatory approval.
Top Copyright Photo: James Helbock/AirlinersGallery.com. Air China's Boeing 777-39L ER B-2035 (msn 38674) in the special Smiling China livery approaches the runway at Los Angeles International Airport.
Air China aircraft slide show:
Air New Zealand aircraft slide show:
Bottom Copyright Photo: Michael B. Ing/AirlinersGallery.com. Air New Zealand's Boeing 777-319 ER ZK-OKS (msn 44547) also arrives in Los Angeles.
American Airlines shifts the Edinburgh-Philadelphia route to New York JFK
American Airlines (Dallas/Fort Worth) is planning to shift US Airways' Edinburgh-Philadelphia route next summer to an Edinburgh-New York (JFK) routing according to the Scotsman city American sources. AA will operate the seasonal flight between May and September.
Copyright Photo: Karl Cornil/AirlinersGallery.com. US Airways' Boeing 757-23N N203UW (msn 30548) in American colors departs from Brussels.
American Airlines (current livery):
British Airways fits ZEUS, a volcanic ash detector, on a Boeing 747-400
British Airways (London) has issued this statement concerning its part in volcanic ash detection research:
In response to the Icelandic volcanic eruption in 2010 which caused widespread flight disruption to travellers, scientists at the Met Office and Natural Environment Research Council (NERC) have developed a prototype ash detection device, capable of detecting small amounts of ash in the atmosphere. In time, this research could aid ash forecasting and also help airlines more accurately plan their flight and engineering operations.
The device, aptly named ZEUS after the Greek God of the skies, has been fitted on a British Airways 747 and data has already been successfully downloaded from its first flight to Johannesburg and will be analysed by the Met Office. It will continue to fly on long-haul routes around the world for a year, collecting data for analysis.
ZEUS was developed after a pilot in a research aircraft noticed that static levels created by low levels of volcanic ash in the atmosphere caused his hair to stand on end. Met Office and NERC scientists seized on this phenomenon to develop and patent the device which uses measurements of static as a tool to detect ash.
An early prototype of ZEUS has been flying on the NERC/Met Office dedicated research aircraft and a Flybe Bombardier Q400 passenger aircraft since 2012, gathering background data from around Europe. This data was used to demonstrate that the ZEUS sensor can distinguish between the levels of electrostatic charge on the aircraft when flying in normal conditions and when volcanic ash is present.
The advanced ZEUS prototype will be on the British Airways aircraft for a year and will build up a picture of background electric field in normal atmospheric conditions around the globe. When information from ZEUS is downloaded and correlated with flight data – including weather conditions, speed, altitude, location – it can help scientists build a picture of volcanic ash distribution. Aircraft engineers can also use this data to schedule post-flight inspections of engines and aircraft systems.
British Airways' Captain Dean Plumb said: "We were very keen to be involved in this pioneering research which will be of great value to the aviation industry and beyond. Aircraft regularly encounter small quantities of ash in flights around the world, perfectly safely, and pilots use expert forecasts to plan their routes to avoid more dense ash clouds. ZEUS has the potential to provide a clearer picture of ash distribution and could be used to inform decision making-processes in the event of future volcanic eruptions."
Ian Lisk, Met Office Head of Natural Hazards said: "This is a very exciting development and a great result of cross-industry collaboration, including British Airways, Flybe, NERC and the Met Office. While further development is still required, we are delighted with progress with this prototype volcanic ash sensor to date and the findings we have so far received from the tests are very promising."
The Met Office is an expert in aviation forecasting, with responsibility for providing international aviation meteorological services and advice. The London Volcanic Ash Advisory Centre (VAAC), one of nine VAACs worldwide, is hosted and run by the Met Office as part of its aviation forecast operations. London VAAC provides advice on the likely dispersion of ash clouds emitted from eruptions originating in Iceland and the North East Atlantic, and this information is used by the aviation industry to help make decisions on airspace management.
Copyright Photo: SPA/AirlinersGallery.com. Boeing 747-436 G-BNLE (msn 24047) climbs away from the London (Heathrow) hub.
Kuwait Airways selects Boeing for 10 777-300 ERs
Kuwait Airways (Kuwait City) has selected Boeing (some good news for Boeing) with an intent to acquire 10 Boeing 777-300 ER aircraft.
Boeing issued this statement:
Boeing is pleased that Kuwait Airways has announced its intent to purchase 10 777-300 ER (Extended Range) airplanes worth $3.3 billion at current list prices.
"We appreciate the start of a new partnership with Kuwait Airways," said Marty Bentrott, vice president of Sales for Middle East, Russia and Central Asia, Boeing Commercial Airplanes. "Boeing looks forward to an enduring relationship with Kuwait Airways and we are excited to see that the 777-300 ER airplane, which is the preferred long-haul carrier for so many airlines around the world, will now play an important role in the airline's fleet strategy and expansion."
Copyright Photo: SPA/AirlinersGallery.com. Kuwait Airways also has 10 Airbus A350-900s on order. The airline was on the cusp of becoming an all-Airbus airline. It's Boeing 777-200 fleet (pictured) is being phased out but this new order will restore the Boeing name in Kuwait. Boeing 777-269 ER 9K-AOB (msn 28744) completes its final approach to London (Heathrow).
Kuwait Airways aircraft slide show:
Southwest Airlines' pilots file for mediation with the NMB
Southwest Airlines Pilots' Association-SWAPA (Dallas), representing the pilots of Southwest Airlines (Dallas), filed for mediation with the National Mediation Board (NMB). The union issued this statement:
In order to facilitate movement in contract negotiations, the Southwest Airlines Pilots' Association (SWAPA) today officially filed for mediation with the National Mediation Board (NMB), the federal agency that oversees contract negotiations in the airline industry. After two-plus years of negotiations both sides are currently too far apart to realistically expect an agreement outside of a mediated process.
"This is certainly not a step either side wants to take during negotiations, and certainly not a typical step in the pilot and management relationship at Southwest Airlines," said Mark Richardson, SWAPA President. "But times have certainly changed."
SWAPA has focused their negotiations on improvements in areas that address the airline's flat fleet growth, stagnant career advancement, and compensation. Over the past four years the pilots have sacrificed when asked by the Company. This facilitated Southwest reaching their financial goals, including a stated goal of 15 percent ROIC. Those goals have been accomplished, and furthered, with an announced ROIC total of 19 percent for the trailing 12 months, and a Wall Street expected 21 percent ROIC for fiscal year 2014. Southwest Airlines is on pace to enjoy almost $2.5 billion in operating profit for 2014.
"Our asks continue to be reasonable so that our highly productive pilots can enjoy marginal improvements in their schedule, pay, and especially retirement – an area where Southwest pilots lag significantly compared to our peers at other airlines," continued Richardson. "Filing for mediation is the next step in the process toward a new contract. We are trying to avoid the destructive and combative relationships that have plagued our industry."
SWAPA becomes the third Southwest Airlines labor group to request national mediation in order to finalize a new contract in this current round of negotiations.
Located in Dallas, Texas, the Southwest Airlines Pilots' Association (SWAPA) is a non-profit employee organization representing the more than 7,500 pilots of Southwest Airlines and 500 pilots of AirTran Airways. SWAPA works to provide a secure and rewarding career for Southwest pilots and their families through negotiating contracts, defending contractual rights and actively promoting professionalism and safety. For more information on the Southwest Airlines Pilots' Association, visit http://www.swapa.org.
Copyright Photo: Copyright Photo: Michael B. Ing/AirlinersGallery.com. Boeing 737-76N N7705A (msn 32744) arrives in Los Angeles.
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:
Air Canada to expand Boeing 787 operations at Vancouver
Air Canada (Montreal) has announced it will expand the introduction of Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft featuring the airline's new International Business Class and Premium Economy seating to more of its routes to Asia from Vancouver including Beijing in February and Seoul in March 2015. Air Canada recently converted its Vancouver-Shanghai route to 787 Dreamliner service, with Vancouver-Tokyo (Narita) to be converted mid-December.
More information on Air Canada Boeing 787: CLICK HERE
Air Canada's Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner aircraft feature three cabins of service offering comfortable ergonomic seating and enhanced definition intuitive touch personal entertainment screens. AirCanada's International Business Class cabin features 20 Executive Pods with 180-degree lie-flat seats in a 1-2-1 configuration guaranteeing direct aisle access. The Premium Economy cabin has 21 seats in a 2-3-2 configuration and, unique for a North American airline, Air Canada's Premium Economy seating offers more generous personal space, wider seats and greater legroom and recline as well as premium meals, complimentary bar service and priority check-in and baggage delivery at the airport. The Economy cabin has 210 slimline seats in a 3-3-3 configuration providing personal space consistent with the comfort of Air Canada's current Economy cabin.
The fuel efficient Boeing 787 Dreamliners opens up opportunities for Air Canada to serve new international destinations and convert existing routes to Dreamliner service as the airline replaces existing Boeing 767 aircraft with the new Boeing 787 fleet. AirCanada's first new route to be operated with the 787 Dreamliner was Toronto-Tokyo (Haneda) in July, followed by the conversion of the airline's Toronto-Tel Aviv route to 787 Dreamliner service in August.
Air Canada will take delivery of six Boeing 787 aircraft by the end of 2014, with all 37 aircraft scheduled to be delivered by the end of 2019. The carrier's Dreamliner fleet will consist of a total of 15 787-8 aircraft and 22 of the larger capacity 787-9 aircraft. As Air Canada takes delivery of new widebody aircraft for its mainline fleet, current Boeing 767 aircraft will be transferred to its leisure carrier subsidiary, Air Canada rouge.
Copyright Photo: Wingnut/AirlinersGallery.com. Boeing 787-8 C-GHPT (msn 35258) taxies at London (Heathrow).
Air Canada aircraft slide show:
Video: Air Canada's Boeing 787:
Video: Born to fly:
QANTAS Airways' "RetroRoo" arrives in Sydney
QANTAS Airways (Sydney) released this statement about its first retrojet "RetroRoo" arriving in Sydney:
The newest addition to the QANTAS Airways fleet has touched down on Australian soil, proudly carrying a retro livery and bearing the name of trailblazing former CEO James Strong.
The design is a flashback to the livery that adorned QANTAS Boeing 747s in the 1970s and is a flying tribute to mark seven decades of the Flying Kangaroo logo, which falls this month.
QANTAS Airways CEO Alan Joyce joined past and present staff and executives, Boeing executives and other guests to welcome the aircraft after it was given a water cannon salute from Air Services Australia.
The aircraft is named after former CEO James Strong. James was instrumental in the making of the modern QANTAS, including the merger with Australian Airlines.
James Strong was QANTAS CEO from 1993 to 2001 and later served on the QANTAS Board until his death in March 2013. His wife Jeanne-Claude and son Nicholas were at the hangar to christen the aircraft.
"QANTAS aircraft are traditionally named after Australian places, with the exception of our fleet of Airbus A380s, which are named for Australian aviation pioneers. We're very proud to break with tradition to name this aircraft James Strong – another great leader of the Australian aviation industry."
The new Boeing 737-800, the 75th of the aircraft type, will begin services across the QANTAS domestic network from next week. It is the 11th new Boeing aircraft that the QANTAS Group has taken delivery of this year.
The delivery of the "retrojet" coincides with the week of QANTAS' 94th birthday, which was celebrated on Sunday November 16. The Queensland and Northern Territory Aerial Services Limited (QANTAS) was registered as a business on November 16, 1920.
Copyright Photo: Rob Finlayson/AirlinersGallery.com. Boeing 737-838 VH-XZP (msn 44577) "James Strong" (now with a bowtie) sits proudly on the Sydney ramp.
Canadian North unveils a Canadian Football League logojet for the Grey Cup
Canadian North (Calgary and Yellowknife) today (November 18) unveiled this new Canadian Football League (CFL) logojet at its Edmonton hangar for the upcoming Grey Cup Championship Game. The right side of Boeing 737-36N C-GCNO (msn 28596) carries the team logos of the Eastern teams and left side the western teams.
The airline issued this statement on November 18:
On November 18, at an exciting "reveal" ceremony, the CFL and Canadian North jointly unveiled a custom-painted Boeing 737-300 aircraft, emblazoned with the CFL logo and the logos of all nine CFL franchise teams. This eye-catching plane will be used to fly the 102nd Grey Cup Champions home from Vancouver, British Columbia on Monday, December 1 and will serve as a highly visible billboard for the CFL and its teams wherever it lands.
Canadian North is the premier charter provider for Canada's resource sector, top sport franchises and air-inclusive vacationers. The CFL and Canadian North announced a three-year partnership earlier this year that made Canadian North the official airline of the CFL.
Photos Below: Canadian North. Both sides are displayed at the unveiling event:
Video: The painting of the aircraft:
Canadian North is the official airline of the CFL.
On July 9, 2014 the airline announced it had become the official airline of the CFL:
Canadian North is proud to become the official airline of the Canadian Football League. This new three-year partnership will include flying the East and West Division Champions to the 102nd Grey Cup game in Vancouver this November.
"There is nothing more Canadian than the CFL and we are excited to be partnering with both the league and the Grey Cup," said Steve Hankirk, President of Canadian North. "We're thrilled to broaden our relationship with the CFL and believe this creates opportunities for more teams to charter with Canadian North."
Mark Cohon, Commissioner of the Canadian Football League, said: "Canadian North prides itself in contributing to the communities it serves, and that makes the airline a great fit for our league, which has a long history of doing the same."
In other news, the company is planning to expand with more charters to warmer climates in early 2015.
Top Copyright Photo: Sam Hawkins/Canadian North.
Canadian North aircraft slide show:
JustPlanes Video:
Norwegian calls on the DOT again to approve its NAI application
Norwegian Air Shuttle (Oslo) has again called on the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) to approve its pending Irish application to operate its Boeing 787s as Norwegian Air International (NAI) (Dublin). The 787s are currently operated by Norwegian subsidiary Norwegian Long Haul although the aircraft are registered in Ireland. The airline issued this statement claiming the DOT has "received strong opposition from those interests seeking to undermine competition, limit consumer choice and maintain the status quo". Here is the full statement:
Norwegian Air Shuttle CEO Bjørn Kjos, who will address a standing-room only audience on November 20 at the International Aviation Club, will reinforce the benefits Norwegian Air International (NAI) service will bring to competition in the transatlantic market, the traveling public, and the global aviation industry. Kjos will again call on the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) to once and for all approve Norwegian's application for a foreign air carrier permit that will provide American consumers lower fares and greater choice in air travel.
"Norwegian's vision is 'Everyone Should Afford to Fly,' and it is a principle we intend to bring to individuals and families seeking to travel between the United States and Europe," said Mr. Kjos. "NAI will provide the traveling public with an innovative, low-cost option that offers award-winning service to new and underserved destinations on brand-new Boeing Dreamliner aircraft. DOT approval of NAI's application is the final barrier preventing American consumers from the choice they so desperately want and deserve."
Norwegian Air International, which completed its DOT foreign air carrier permit application in February 2014, has received strong opposition from those interests seeking to undermine competition, limit consumer choice and maintain the status quo. Close to 90 percent of transatlantic air traffic is controlled by the three airline mega-alliances that are permitted to operate with immunity from U.S. antitrust laws. As a consequence, airfares have risen significantly without commensurate improvements in service, and "capacity discipline" by the alliances has severely limited growth in the number of available passenger seats while pushing U.S. airline profits to record levels.
"I believe the values of innovation, competition and the rule of law – so highly prized here in the United States – will serve to overcome the opposition NAI has received from entrenched interests," said Kjos. "I am confident that adherence to international agreements and the law will be the factors upon which DOT ultimately relies to decide this matter. I am equally confident NAI's application will be approved by DOT, albeit far overdue."
Norwegian Air International will open a market of new travelers previously unable to afford the high fares currently offered by the legacy carriers, while serving more destinations worldwide. NAI will directly contribute to President Obama's goal of generating 100 million foreign visitors to the United States by 2021. Norwegian already employs 300 American cabin crewmembers in Fort Lauderdale and New York, and currently is recruiting American pilots at its New York pilot base. Of the 300 cabin crew, for which Norwegian received more than 7,00 applications, the vast majority worked previously for U.S. airlines and chose to join Norwegian for the pay, benefits and team-spirited environment.
NAI meets all statutory and regulatory requirements to serve the United States and is entitled to DOT approval "with minimum procedural delay" under the U.S.—E.U. Air Transport Agreement. Nevertheless, a full nine months after applying to DOT, NAI continues to await a decision that will allow it to begin low-fare transatlantic service to and from the United States.
"The time is well-past due for the Department of Transportation to fulfill its legal responsibility and approve NAI's application," said Kjos.
Copyright Photo: Steve Bailey/AirlinersGallery.com. Norwegian Long Haul's Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner EI-LNG (msn 35314) with Edvard Munch, Norwegian artist, on the tail, arrives in Los Angeles.
Norwegian aircraft slide show:
Video: By sjcbenw. Description: Cockpit view of Norwegian Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner landing Runway 01R at Stockholm Arlanda (ARN).
From JustPlanes:
WestJet reaches a tentative agreement with the WestJet Pilot Association
WestJet (Calgary) has announced it has reached a tentative agreement with its more than 1,200 pilots, represented by the WestJet Pilot Association (WJPA). The agreement's highlights will be available in early December and voting will begin later in the month.
The WJPA and WestJet leadership teams began negotiations in September 2014 to develop a tentative agreement to replace the previous agreement, which has been in place since May 2009.
Copyright Photo: Michael B. Ing/AirlinersGallery.com. Boeing 737-7CT C-GWBN (msn 34155) arrives in Los Angeles.
Kenya Airways slumps to a fiscal first half loss of $116.1 million, retires its last Boeing 767-300
Kenya Airways (Nairobi) reported a fiscal first half net loss of 10.45 billion Kenyan Shillings ($116.1 million) for the six months ending on September 30, 2014.
Read the full report: CLICK HERE
In other news, Kenya Airways quietly retired its last Boeing 767-300 ER when 5Y-KYV (msn 29386) was returned to ILFC per ch-aviation.
The new Boeing 787s replaced the older 767s.
Copyright Photo: Antony J. Best/AirlinersGallery.com. Sister ship Boeing 767-36N ER 5Y-KQY (msn 30841) is seen at Heathrow Airport near London.
Kenya Airways aircraft slide show:
Oman Air takes delivery of its first Boeing 737-900 ER
Oman Air (Muscat) has taken delivery of its first Boeing 737-900 ER. The pictured Boeing 737-91M ER A40-BI (msn 40069) was handed over on November 12.
The remaining four aircraft are due to be delivered by November 2015.
Oman Air and Boeing (Chicago) on June 19, 2013 announced an order for five Boeing Next-Generation 737-900 ER airplanes at the 2013 Paris Air Show.
Copyright Photo: Joe G. Walker. Boeing 737-91M A40-BI exits the runway after a test flight at a very dark and rainy Boeing Field in Seattle.
Oman Air aircraft slide show:
Blue Air to add the Bucharest-Milan Linate route
Blue Air (Blue Air Transport Aerian S.A.) (Bucharest) will add the Bucharest-Milan (Linate) route on December 18.
According to the airline, the flights will be operated six times a week, until the end of the 2014-2015 winter season.
Copyright Photo: Ton Jochems/AirlinersGallery.com. Blue Air's Boeing 737-42C YR-BAO (msn 24813) taxies at Brussels.
QANTAS Airways and China Eastern Airlines announce a closer relationship
QANTAS Airways (Sydney) and China Eastern Airlines (Shanghai) today (November 17) announced a new joint venture, marking the start of a deeper level of commercial cooperation on flights between Australia and China.
The airlines will now submit an application for authorization to Australian and Chinese regulators. Subject to regulatory approval, it is anticipated that the joint agreement will commence in mid-2015.
The five year agreement was signed today by QANTAS Group CEO Alan Joyce and China Eastern Chairman Liu Shaoyong at Parliament House, in a ceremony attended by Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbott and President of the People's Republic of China Xi Jinping.
Under the agreement, the airlines will deliver substantial benefits for customers and support the growing trade, tourism and corporate travel links between Australia and China. It is designed to complement the QANTAS-Emirates partnership for Europe, Middle East and North Africa and the QANTAS-American Airlines partnership for the US.
Through the new partnership, the airlines hope to ultimately open up new routes between Australia and mainland China, such as between Brisbane and Perth to Shanghai.
A key benefit of the agreement will be the co-location of both carriers' operations in Terminal 1 at Shanghai International Airport, which will cut transit times by about an hour, open up a better range of onward connections and provide more choice for customers.
Copyright Photo: Ivan K. Nishimura/Blue Wave Group/AirlinersGallery.com. The first Boeing 737-800 to wear the new 2014 China Eastern brand is this 737-89P registered as B-5689 (msn 41512) passing through Honolulu on delivery on November 7, 2014.
QANTAS Airways introduces its first retrojet
QANTAS Airways (Sydney) has formally introduced its first retrojet in the form of its newly delivered Boeing 737-838 VH-XZP (msn 44577) painted in the retro 1971 ochre livery.
The company issued this statement and photo:
QANTAS has gone back to the future by unveiling its first ever "retro" inspired livery on one of its brand new Boeing 737 aircraft.
The eye catching design is a flying tribute to 70 years of the iconic flying kangaroo logo – a widely recognized symbol of home to millions of intrepid Australian travellers.
QANTAS Ambassador and self-confessed aviation enthusiast, John Travolta (above) was on hand to witness QANTAS and Boeing unveil the aircraft at a special hangar event in Seattle, which is timed to mark the 70th anniversary of the kangaroo logo.
QANTAS ambassador, John Travolta said the retro livery has brought back lots of memories for him.
"It's great to see a piece of QANTAS history flying in the sky today," said Mr Travolta.
"I have enjoyed many wonderful experiences with QANTAS over the years, from getting my 747 wings to having my own 707 painted in the original 1960s QANTAS livery. This is a great celebration of the brand's heritage and incredible reputation over the years.
The signature element of the 1971-1984 livery design was the ochre band around the window line of the aircraft. Ochre reflected the colors of the outback where QANTAS was established in 1920.
The winged kangaroo logo is used on the tail and was adapted from the original 1947 version designed by Gert Sellheim.
In 1984 the flying kangaroo discarded its wings, evolving to its current slender and stylized form.
The 737 will operate across all QANTAS domestic routes from November 20, acting as a flying reminder of where QANTAS has come from, as well as showing new generations of young Australians some of the history behind Australia's biggest airline.
The livery is also timed to mark the QANTAS' 94th birthday, which also falls in November.
Happy Birthday QANTAS.
Photos: QANTAS Airways.
QANTAS Airways aircraft slide show:
Kangaroo Logo evolution:
Boeing expands its contract with composite supplier Toray Industries for the 777X wings
Boeing (Chicago and Seattle) has signed a memorandum of agreement with leading composite supplier Toray Industries to expand its current contract for the Boeing 787 Dreamliner to include the 777X wings. Once finalized, the long-term contract extension will take effect in 2015 and meet Boeing's customer affordability goals through the Partnering for Success program.
The addition of the 777X to the current 787 contract represents a significant increase in the material provided to Boeing by Toray. Boeing and Toray will also collaborate to improve commercialization of composites in the aerospace market. Specific areas the companies will address include increased consistency and performance of composites across the production system and a cost structure that is more competitive with metals.
Boeing and Toray pioneered the use of prepreg composites – a combination of high-strength carbon fiber and toughened epoxy resin – in the 1970s. By 1994, assemblies including the empennage and floor beams were being produced for the 777 program, the first commercial airplane featuring structurally significant composite parts. That early success culminated in the launch of the 787 in 2004, the world's first largely composite commercial airplane.
With this agreement, Boeing will have contracts in place for more than 75 percent of the major structural material for the 777X. The wingspan of the 777X measures 71.7 meters (235.4 feet), 6.95 meters (22.8 feet) longer than the span of today's 777-300ER. Its raked wingtip and optimized span will deliver greater efficiency and significant fuel savings while being compatible with today's airport gates. The 777X wings will be manufactured at Boeing's Everett, Wash., site.
In 2013, Boeing spent more than $4 billion on goods and services in Japan. Including this agreement for the 777X composite wing, Boeing expects to purchase an additional $36 billion of goods and services locally by the end of the decade, supporting tens of thousands of aerospace jobs.
Images: Boeing.
Vietnam Airlines to bring the Boeing 787 to London Gatwick in July
Vietnam Airlines (Hanoi) is planning to launch the new Boeing 787 from both Ho Chi Minh City (twice-weekly starting on July 1, 2015) and Hanoi (three days a week starting on July 3, 2015) to London Gatwick per Airline Route.
The airline has eight Boeing 787-9s on order from Boeing with the first due for delivery next year but is expected to lease additional 787s.
The company also has 10 Airbus A350-900s on order.
Image: Boeing.
Vietnam Airlines aircraft slide show:
Kenya Airways to introduce the Boeing 787 on the London Heathrow route
Kenya Airways (Nairobi) will introduce the Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner on the daily Nairobi-London (Heathrow) route on January 19, 2015 replacing the current Boeing 777-200 ER equipment per Airline Route.
The airline is very satisfied with the operational performance of its new 787s which are achieving a dispatch reliability rate of 99.4 percent for its five Dreamliners per Boeing and the airline.
Read the full report: CLICK HERE
In other news, the airline reported its first half financial results: CLICK HERE
Copyright Photo: Royal S. King/AirlinersGallery.com. A beautiful ramp portrait of Kenya Airways' first Boeing 787-8 (5Y-KZA, msn 35510).
Boeing rolls out the first Boeing 787 for Royal Air Maroc
Royal Air Maroc (Casablanca) will soon take delivery of its first Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner. The pictured CN-RGB (msn 43817) has been rolled out of the paint shop at Boeing. Boeing has released this photo on Randy's Journal.
As previously reported, the carrier is planning to introduce the new type on January 8, 2015 between Casablanca and Paris (Orly) followed by Casablanca-New York (JFK) on February 22, 2015 according to Airline Route.
The airline will also operate the new type to Montreal (Trudeau) starting on March 29, 2015, Algiers (June 14, 2015) and Jeddah (June 14, 2015).
Copyright Photo: Boeing/Tim Stake.
Ryanair announces a new base at Bratislava
Ryanair (Dublin) has announced it will open its first Slovakian base (overall the 71st base) at Bratislava in March 2015 with two based aircraft and 16 routes including a new route to Madrid.
Copyright Photo: SM Fitzwilliams Collection/AirlinersGallery.com. Boeing 737-8AS EI-EVK (msn 40298) roars into the sky at the Dublin home base.
Ryanair aircraft slide show:
Destinations from Bratislava:
Jet Airways pilots clash in the cockpit, the Mumbai-Dubai flight is delayed by 1.5 hours
Jet Airways (Mumbai) had a Mumbai-Dubai flight delayed by one and a half hours after the flight crew got into a heated argument in the cockpit before departure. The first officer left his position in the cockpit alleging the captain "manhandled" him according to this report by Mid-Day. The flight was delayed as managers attempted to find a replacement first officer.
Read the full report: CLICK HERE
Copyright Photo: Michael B. Ing/AirlinersGallery.com. Boeing 737-85R VT-JBG (msn 35083) arrives in Singapore.
Can SpiceJet continue to grow despite the concerns of its auditors?
SpiceJet (Delhi) has reported losses in its last five quarters. According to this report by The Economic Times, the airline auditors "in their recent report have cast doubts over the ability of media baron Kalanithi Maran's budget carrier to run it as a "going concern". The auditors stated the airline's total assets are now exceeded by its total liabilities. The airline is also losing pilots at an alarming rate.
Read the full report: CLICK HERE
Copyright Photo: Nick Dean/AirlinersGallery.com. Boeing 737-8GJ WL VT-SGF (msn 36367) departs from Paine Field.
Video: Midair Holi dance by SpiceJet cabin crew:
Norwegian operates its first biofuel flight on November 11
Norwegian Air Shuttle (Norwegian.com) (Oslo) on November 11 operated its first biofuel flight. The airline issued this statement (translated from Norwegian):
Norwegian for the first time operated a flight with biofuel on November 11, 2015. Norwegian's flight DY 631 between Bergen and Oslo had nearly 50 percent biofuel in the tank. This corresponds to 40 percent less emissions than an average flight with ordinary fuel.
Norwegian's CEO Bjorn Kjos brought Norway's Climate and Environment Tine Sundtoft aboard this rare but very important flight between Bergen and Oslo. The new Norwegian Boeing 737-8JP with the registration of LN-NIF (msn 39434) was filled with sustainable fuel and let out a total of 3178 kg or 40 grams per passenger kilometer. Older aircraft with normal jet fuel emits 5786 kilograms or 74 grams per passenger kilometer on the same route.
At Norwegian, we are very keen to do all we can to make flying more environmentally friendly. Norwegian has a clear goal of reducing CO2 emissions by 30 percent per passenger during the period 2008 to 2015. The most important environmental measure is to have the new aircraft, and Norwegian's fleet is among the newest and most environmentally friendly in Europe. But the new aircraft is not enough. Sustainable biofuels is also important. This flight with biofuel from Bergen to Oslo is an important milestone in the industry's joint efforts to make sustainable biofuels available to airlines, said Norwegian's CEO Bjorn Kjos.
With the development of new technologies and the conditions that give the airlines a good incentive to invest in environmentally friendly options, like Norwegian help make aviation carbon neutral before in 2050.
Photo: Norwegian. Norwegian's Captain Georg Myhre before take-off of the historic flight.
Monarch Airlines retires its last three Boeing 757-200s
Monarch Airlines (London-Luton) as planned retired its last three Boeing 757-200s (G-DAJB, G-MONJ and G-MONK) this past week with the end of the summer season schedule.
The last flight was operated with G-MONK on a return charter flight from London (Gatwick) to
Krakow on November 12 as flights MON 9064 and MON 9065 returning late in the evening. G-MONK was then ferried from Gatwick Airport to Birmingham (BHX) for the end of lease checks.
All three of the Boeing 757s are currently at BHX awaiting their fate.
The airline is now all-Airbus ironically until those aircraft are replaced with new Boeing 737 MAX 8s.
Monarch has published this nice salute the venerable type on its Monarch blog:
Monarch has bid a sad but fond farewell to its Boeing 757s this month after years of tremendous service within the fleet. The Boeing 757 had a very interesting life within the fleet, due to it's phenomenal flexibility and wide range and payload capabilities. It has served with Monarch all over the world and has probably seen more corners of the globe than our Airbus A300 or A330 wide body aircraft.
As word got out in the press and via social media that Monarch's Boeing 757s were retiring, we received lots of interesting questions about the aircraft from you. In response, we'd like to share some of the beloved aircraft's wonderful history and key stats with you. We've turned to passionate Boeing 757 enthusiast Toby Hiller, Monarch's Senior Economic Planning Analyst, for his expertise.
Can you tell us a bit more about the history of the Boeing 757 fleet?
Between November 1993 and November 2014, Monarch's Boeing 757 fleet operated planned flights to 439 airports in 128 countries and territories worldwide, including glamorous destinations such as New York, Rio de Janeiro, Cape Town, Bangkok, Tokyo, Singapore and Sydney! The furthest airport from Luton that the aircraft served was Auckland, New Zealand.
How many passenger seats/capacity does a Boeing 757 have?
With extra legroom seats the aircraft has 229 seats; without the extra legroom seats it has 235 seats. Interestingly, if the capacity is set up in a VIP "Captain's Choice" configuration (which we operated on special charter flights – see below) then there is 92 business class seats and 12 economy seats.
Is there a fixed amount of staff needed for a Boeing 757?
The amount of crew needed for a Boeing 757 flight is subject to the length of the flight. A standard Monarch ZB short haul flight has 2 pilots (a captain and first officer) and 6 cabin crew serving our customers but this could change to 3 pilots and 8 cabin crew on long-range flights. It is interesting to know that VIP flights are subject to charterer requirements and on VIP flights an engineer would also travel.
How many toilets does a Monarch Boeing 757 have?
There are 2 toilets located at the front of the aircraft, 2 more at "door 3" which is further down the plane, so there are 4 in total.
How many galleys are there?
There are 2. There is a galley at the front of the aircraft and 1 at the rear. On VIP flights, a chef's station could also be added to prepare fresh meals for customers.
What is the maximum take-off weight of the Boeing 757 aircraft?
Maximum take-off weight (MTOW): 113,398 kg
Top Copyright Photo: Antony J. Best/AirlinersGallery.com (all others by Monarch). One of the most colorful liveries worn by a Monarch 757 is the pictured Boeing 757-2T7 G-MONJ (msn 24104) that wore the the second version of the special "Hedkandi" color scheme.
Monarch Airlines aircraft slide show:
Video: A full flight on board G-DAJB from London (Gatwick) to Faro:
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.
KLM introduces a new cabin interior and entertainment system for its Boeing 777-200 fleet
KLM Royal Dutch Airlines (Amsterdam) has made this announcement concerning the upgrading of its Boeing 777-200 fleet:
Previously, the World Business Class cabins aboard KLM's Boeing 747-400 fleet were renovated. The Boeing 777-200 is now up for a full metamorphosis. In addition to the new World Business Class interior, designer Hella Jongerius has now also designed a new Economy Class interior.
The new Economy Class seats offer travellers more legroom and a whole new inflight entertainment system, featuring a larger 9-inch, HD-quality touchscreen, interactive 3D cards and a 'seat chat' app that allows travellers to communicate with passengers who are seated elsewhere in the cabin.
The renovation of all 15 Boeing 777-200s will be completed by the end of 2015.
The Boeing 777-300 fleet and other aircraft will then be renovated. In addition, two new 777-300s, featuring the new interior and inflight entertainment system, will join the KLM fleet in 2015.
KLM's total Boeing 777 fleet with then consist of 25 aircraft.
More legroom and more comfort in Economy Class The smart design of the new Economy Class seats creates extra legroom, thus ensuring greater comfort.
In addition, the ergonomically optimised headrests offer improved neck support. Specially designed cushions as well as durable, high-density materials and a power outlet add to passenger comfort and control.
And last but not least: the new inflight entertainment system offers access to more than 150 movies and 200 TV shows in many languages, including many local movies. Another key improvement is that the new seats are the lightest in their class. Less weight means lower fuel consumption and, hence, lower CO2 emissions. The introduction of the new inflight entertainment system in both Business and Economy Class offers enough diversion for a trip around the globe and beyond – together with travel companions, in the company of fellow passengers or individually.
Luxurious personal space in World Business Class Together with the introduction of the new Economy Class, KLM has introduced a new World Business Class interior aboard its Boeing 777 fleet. Naturally, the standard matches that of the new World Business Class interior introduced aboard the Boeing 747 fleet. The design revolves around the new full-flat seat. The positioning of the new seats in the cabin and various other smart design elements ensure maximum privacy while sleeping or working. The pallet of warm colors – that differ per seat – and plenty of storage space ensure greater comfort and more personal space for passengers. In combination with the bigger soft cushions and luxurious new blankets, all this ensures a warm and friendly atmosphere in the new World Business Class.
The 16-inch screen, operated with a touchscreen handset, adds to the luxurious Business Class experience. Furthermore, passengers have a dual-screen option that allows them to watch a movie and simultaneously play a game or chat. KLM is proud that it can now also offer its customers the superb new Business and Economy Class aboard its 777-200 fleet.
Copyright Photo: Michael B. Ing/AirlinersGallery.com. Boeing 777-206 ER PH-BQB (msn 33712) prepares to land in Bangkok.
UPS pilots picket the UPS investor conference
The Independent Pilots Association, representing the pilots of UPS-United Parcel Service (UPS Airlines) (Atlanta and Louisville) provided an informational picket line yesterday (November 13) at the 2014 UPS Investor Conference. The union issued this statement:
The UPS pilots, represented by the Independent Pilots Association, conducted an information picket at the 2014 UPS Investor Conference held at the Grand Hyatt New York.
"We conducted this picket to inform the investment community that UPS has neglected its airline operations by failing to finalize the pilot contract," said IPA President, Captain Robert Travis. "We prefer to reach a negotiated agreement with UPS, but with our talks now entering a fourth year, we question whether UPS is equally committed to a resolution."
"UPS pilots have reaffirmed our intention to fly this Christmas by not seeking a release from the National Mediation Board. This holiday season, we remain committed to safe and reliable delivery," said Travis. Under the Railway Labor Act a request for release, if granted by the NMB, could lead to a 30-day countdown to a strike, or lockout.
The IPA invites the investment community to learn more about its dispute with UPS at http://www.ipapilot.org. "Investors will want to stay informed. As UPS pilot labor talks continue, we will keep you apprised of developments" said Travis.
UPS and IPA have been following the Railway Labor Act process for the last 39 months; direct negotiations for 29 months and mediated talks for the past 10 months. Direct negotiations began in September 2011 and continued through January 2014. In early 2014, UPS and IPA jointly requested federal mediation. The National Mediation Board docketed the case in February 2014 and assigned a staff mediator to oversee further negotiations. The parties have been in mediated talks since February 2014.
The Independent Pilots Association represents the 2,600 pilots who fly globally for United Parcel Service.
Copyright Photo: Michael B. Ing/AirlinersGallery.com. Boeing 747-4R7F N582UP (msn 29053) lands in beautiful Anchorage, Alaska.
Gol's third quarter net loss widens to $95.2 million
Gol Linhas Aéreas Inteligentes S.A. (Gol Transportes Aereos) (Sao Paulo) reported a third quarter net of BRL 245.1 million ($95.2 million), a notable larger loss than BRL 197 ($76.5 million).
The company issued this full CEO report:
Operating income (EBIT) registered R$ 152 million in 3Q14, R$ 115 million up over 3Q13, with an operating margin (EBIT) of 6.2%, up by 4.5 percentage points. The last twelve months (LTM) EBIT totaled R$ 497 million, with an operating margin of 4.9%.
Net revenue reached R$ 2.5 billion, 10% up over the 3Q13, of which R$ 2.2 billion refers to passenger revenues. Net revenue from cargo and others totaled R$ 272 million, increasing its share from 8% in 3Q13 to 11% of the total revenue. Net revenue LTM stood at R$ 10 billion, a new record, with international revenue accounting for 11% of total revenues, reaching R$ 1.1 billion.
EBITDAR totaled R$ 463 million, 24% up on 3Q13. The EBITDAR LTM came to a record registering R$ 1.9 billion, reducing the financial leverage ratio (adjusted gross debt/EBITDAR) by 4.6 points, from 10.9x in 3Q13, to 6.3x in 3Q14.
Total load factor increased by 8 percentage points to 77.5% in the quarter. This increase more than compensates the 2% decline in yield. As a result, RASK and PRASK increased by 13% and 9% over 3Q13, respectively.
Total CASK grew 7% over 3Q13, while CASK ex-fuel increased by 10%. As RASK moved up 3 percentage points above the CASK ex-fuel, GOL maintained its margin expansion in the quarter reflecting its focus on controlling the manageable costs and increasing revenue.
GOL continued its liability management initiatives in the quarter, which aims to optimize the amortization schedule and reduce the Company's cost of debt. GOL concluded two senior notes tender offer, totaling US$ 411 million, besides the new issuance of US$ 325 million in bonds due to 2022, at a rate of 8.875%. Its subsidiary Smiles S.A. also concluded a R$ 600 million debenture issuance to finance part of its capital reduction.
In the 3Q14, we recorded operating income (EBIT) of R$ 152 million, an expansion of R$ 115 million when compared to the same period last year, while the EBIT margin moved up 4.5 percentage points registering 6.2%. This was the seventh consecutive quarterly improvement in this indicator, reflecting the continuity and consistent delivery on our results.
Net revenue in the last 12 months totaled R$ 10 billion, a new record, even in a scenario of soft economic growth. GOL's demand for seats (RPK) grew by 8.3% year over year in the first nine months, representing 53% of the industry's growth, which reflects the greater attractiveness of our products and services. Domestic supply, however, fell by 2.9%, demonstrating the rationalization strategy that the Company took in place since April 2012. From January to September, 2014, we were the market leader in terms of passengers boarded in the domestic market, reaching the record mark of 27.5 million.
In order to offer greater connectivity, we launched during this quarter two new regional destinations on the domestic market, Carajás and Altamira (Pará), as well as new international flights to Santiago (Chile) from Guarulhos (São Paulo), Miami from Campinas, and to Punta Cana from Guarulhos (São Paulo), Confins (Minas Gerais) and Brasília. In this way, we are the Brazilian airline with the greater supply to the Caribbean, with 78 weekly flights.
The strategy of increasing our international presence has been further reinforced by the expansion of our alliances. This has also strengthened revenue in other currencies, which accounted for 11% of our total revenue in the last 12 months. We implemented a two-way codeshare partnership with Aerolineas Argentinas, allowing us to sell its tickets on our website. We will shortly begin offering the same facility for AirFrance-KLM flights.
In order to ensure an even better flying experience, we extended our GOL+ Conforto seating to our entire domestic route network, with an even greater reclining angle and even more distance between seats. Currently, 94% of our fleet is configured as GOL+ and, by the end of the year, 100% of our fleet will have this configuration. In the third quarter, we also launched an exclusive service in Brazil, our express bag drop service at Congonhas airport. With this new service, the customers can complete one more check-in stage at the self-service totems, labeling and weighing their own baggage, as well as paying for any excess. This is one more simple and intelligent innovation providing our passengers with even greater control and visibility throughout the entire process, since the ticket purchase to the flight.
These new facilities have strengthened our capacity to ensure an even better flying experience for leisure passengers, and to be more attractive to the corporate client. Even in the midst of a challenging economic scenario in Brazil, resulting in reduced demand from corporate customers, GOL was the airline company leader in tickets issued for the corporate segment, according to Abracorp (Brazilian Travel Agents' Association).
Continuing with our measures to strength our balance sheet, we concluded two senior notes tender offers totaling US$ 411 million. Also, we concluded a senior notes issuance this quarter, totaling US$ 325 million at 8.875% p.a. due on 2022. These actions aim to optimize the debt profile, avoiding major amortization pressure in the next three years and reduce the financial cost. We closed the quarter with R$ 2.7 billion in cash position, equivalent to 27% of revenue in the last 12 months, which is essential to pass through periods of high market volatility. The financial leverage ratio (adjusted gross debt/EBITDAR) stood at 6.3x, 4.6 points down on 3Q13.
I would like to thank our customers for their loyalty, our Team of Eagles for their commitment and investors for their confidence posted on the Company. We celebrated on September 8, 2014 in the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) the 10-year listing of GOL, in which we reiterated our commitment to the transparency and communication with our shareholders, which reinforces our vision of being the best company to fly with, work for and invest in.
Paulo Sérgio Kakinoff
CEO of GOL Linhas Aéreas Inteligentes S.A.
Copyright Photo: Marcelo F. De Biasi/AirlinersGallery.com. Gol's Boeing 737-7Q8 PR-GIL (msn 30635) approaches the runway at Sao Paulo (Guarulhos).
Gol aircraft slide show:
Alaska Airlines is coming to Washington's Dulles International Airport
Alaska Airlines (Seattle/Tacoma) on March 11, 2015 will begin daily nonstop service to Dulles International Airport from its SeaTac hub.
With the launch of Alaska's Dulles flight next spring, Alaska customers will have nonstop access to all three D.C.-area airports from Seattle/Tacoma, including Reagan National Airport and Baltimore-Washington International Airport – more flights than any other carrier.
Copyright Photo: Michael B. Ing/AirlinersGallery.com. Boeing 737-890 N592AS (msn 35190) with Aviation Partners Boeing Split Scimitar Winglets arrives in Anchorage.
American Airlines management and Allied Pilots Association search for agreement on a new contract
American Airlines (Dallas/Fort Worth) has offered its pilots, represented by the Allied Pilots Association, a reported "industry leading contract" according to Terry Maxon of the Dallas News. The two negotiation groups are facing a deadline of Saturday to resolve their outstanding issues with a new tentative agreement. The two parties started talking on July 8. The new contract would not impact the pilots of American Eagle-branded operations.
Read the full article: CLICK HERE
However despite this optimism, the union's president issued this statement:
Since I forwarded management's initial joint collective bargaining agreement economic proposals to you yesterday, the feedback we have received on the proposals has been overwhelmingly negative. No disagreement here. Management's initial proposals are seriously lacking on various fronts.
After reading the letter from American Airlines President Scott Kirby yesterday morning addressed to the APA board of directors, your APA leadership expected something a lot different from what we received. Mr. Kirby noted that issues regarding Scope bring with them "a lot of history and skepticism," and he's right. The contrast between Mr. Kirby's letter and the proposals that followed will only add to that baggage. While there was no call for an increase from 76 seats to 81 seats on commuter aircraft, management instead simply shifted their aim with a Scope proposal to add five seats to the medium-sized (up to 70 seats) regional jets. Moving this limitation would be well outside the industry standard. When compared to the industry standard, what management has proposed would dramatically increase the number of 70-seat commuter aircraft and related capacity flown by regional affiliates.
In addition, management does not appear to be interested in providing our pilots with a compensation package comparable to industry leader Delta Air Lines. While initially proposed pay rates are fractionally higher than Delta's current pilot pay rates, there's little adjustment for the absence of profit-sharing, which this year will equal 15 percent of annual earnings for Delta pilots. This means that American Airlines pilots' compensation would continue to trail industry leader Delta by a significant margin. Meanwhile, our airline is producing its best-ever financial results, with forecasts of industry-leading profits and margins going forward. What's wrong with this picture?
Delta's CEO recently addressed the importance of a "positive employee culture" and "rewarding employees with pay for performance through profit sharing," adding that it "drives revenue growth and better financial returns." American Airlines management evidently believes otherwise. With the exception of Spirit Airlines, American Airlines is the only other airline that does not provide profit-sharing to its pilots.
Management's initial proposals would have American Airlines pilots remaining under bankruptcy-era work rules and likewise do not address length-of-service credit and numerous other important quality-of-life issues that we have raised in bargaining. Additionally, their initial proposals fail to recognize that Delta pilots are on the cusp of negotiating a new contract that will likely lead to pay rate increases that will surpass management's proposed pay rates in quick fashion.
During a recent conference, Mr. Kirby stated that better labor relations "lead to better financial results and better customer service." Management's initial proposals are inconsistent with that virtuous cycle and with the positive employee culture that has made this merger so successful thus far.
Where do we go from here? The APA board of directors convened at 1 p.m. today (November 12) to discuss management's proposals and determine our next steps. The APA Negotiating Committee, Scope Committee, Industry Analysis Committee and director of economic and financial analysis addressed the board this afternoon.
Our goal remains a negotiated agreement reached at the bargaining table. Management's latest proposals have made attaining our goal more challenging.
Copyright Photo: Brian McDonough/AirlinersGallery.com. Boeing 737-823 N964AN (msn 30093) completes its final approach to the runway at Washington Reagan National Airport (DCA).
American Airlines (current livery) aircraft slide show:
FLY Leasing to sell eight Boeing 757 aircraft
United Airlines to restore the Denver-Miami route
United Airlines (Chicago) will restore the Denver-Miami route on December 19 per Airline Route.
Copyright Photo: TMK Photography/AirlinersGallery.com. Boeing 737-724 N21723 (msn 28790) taxies at Toronto (Pearson).
Kam Air to transition to an all-Airbus A320 fleet
Kam Air (Kabul, Afghanistan) has announced it will retire and change its Boeing fleet to an all-Airbus A320 fleet. The airline posted this short statement:
Kam Air plans to introduce a fleet of all Airbus A320 aircraft only to replace its existing Boeing fleet.The project to be completed in 6 months.
Top Copyright Photo: Paul Denton/AirlinersGallery.com (all others by Kam Air). Boeing 747-281F 4L-TZS (msn 24576) is pictured at Sharjah wearing a 2012 livery.
Kam Air current fleet:
Route Map:
Video TV commercial (in Afghan):
Turkish Airlines reports a record profit for the first nine months of 2014
Turkish Airlines (Istanbul) recorded a record net profit for the first nine months of 2014. The airline also recorded a net profit of $164.8 million in the third quarter and a net profit of $682.7 million for the first nine months of 2014.
The company issued this financial statement:
Turkish Airlines' first nine months 2014 consolidated financial statements were reported to Borsa Istanbul. Compared to the same period of 2013, sales revenue increased by 33 percent (15 percent in USD terms) reaching 18,4 billion TRY.
Turkish Airlines recorded 1 billion 154 million TRY operating profit in the third quarter of 2014, implying a 38 percent increase compared to the same period of 2013 and completed the first nine months of 2014 with 1 billion 467 million TRY operating profit.
Net profit stood at 1 billion 373 million TRY for the third quarter and 1 billion 545 million TRY (increasing 87 percent) for the first nine months of 2014.
During the first nine months of 2014, 41.4 million passengers were carried impliying a 14% increase in passenger traffic. Available seat kilometers (ASK) and revenue passenger kilometers (RPK) increased by 17%, resulting a stable load factor of 79.7%.
Number of international to international transfer passengers increased by 23 percent reaching a 43 percent share within total international passengers.
Being one of the fastest-growing air cargo brands in the world, Turkish Cargo also witnessed a 20 percent tonnage growth and carried 491 thousand tonnes of cargo in the first nine months of 2014. Turkish Cargo was named "Overall Carrier Of The Year" and "Combination Carrier of the Year" at the Payload Asia Awards 2014.
As of today, Turkish Airlines has scheduled flights to 45 domestic and 219 international destinations in 261 cities and 264 airports in 108 countries worldwide.
Being one of the youngest in Europe Turkish Airlines fleet consists of 260 aircraft comprising of 198 narrow body, 53 wide body and 9 cargo aircraft.
Copyright Photo: Boeing 777-35R ER VT-JEM (msn 35162) of Turkish Airlines taxies at London's Heathrow Airport.
LAN Airline to introduce the Boeing 787 on the Santiago-Sydney route
LAN Airlines (Santiago) will introduce the 247-seat Boeing 787 on the long trans-Pacific Santiago-Sydney route on April 18, 2015 replacing its older Airbus A340-300s.
Copyright Photo: Daniel Gorun/AirlinersGallery.com. Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner CC-BBF (msn 38476) arrives back at Everett (Paine Field) after a test flight.
Pobeda is granted an AOC, will start operations on December 1 to six cities
Aeroflot Russian Airlines (Moscow) has announced Russia's Federal Aviation Agency has granted Pobeda, the low-cost carrier subsidiary of Aeroflot Group, an operator's certificate and air transportation licence.
According to the carrier, "under Russian legislation the award of this documentation means that Pobeda is able to launch ticket sales from today, November 11."
The carrier will fly daily flight from Moscow to Volgograd, Samara, Ekaterinburg, Perm, Tyumen and Belgorod. Pobeda will make its maiden flight on 1 December 1 from terminal A of Vnukovo international airport in Moscow.
The new airline's fleet will comprise new narrow-body Boeing 737-800 aircraft, which can carry up to 189 passengers. As new aircraft join the fleet, flight frequency will increase and Pobeda will launch connections to new destinations.
Image: Aeroflot.
Southwest Airlines files to serve the Orange County-Puerto Vallarta route
Southwest Airlines (Dallas) has filed its application with the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) to provide daily, nonstop service between John Wayne Airport, Orange County (SNA) and Lic. Gustavo Diaz Ordaz International Airport (PVR) in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, beginning June 7, 2015, subject to approvals from relevant governmental agencies.
In addition, Kelly announced the Company's plans to add Saturday service between Baltimore/Washington International Airport and San Jose del Cabo/Los Cabos, Mexico, beginning on June 13, 2015, subject to approvals from relevant governmental agencies.
Additionally the airline will start daily Kansas City-New York (LaGuardia) flights on April 8, 2015.
Copyright Photo: Michael B. Ing/AirlinersGallery.com. Boeing 737-8H4 N8645A (msn 36907) with the Split Scimitar Winglets arrives in Los Angeles.
QANTAS Airways will retire its last Boeing 767 on December 27, awaits the delivery of its new 1970 Boeing 737-800 retro jet
QANTAS Airways (Sydney) is awaiting delivery of its new Boeing 737-838 VH-XZP (msn 44577) which has been painted in a retro livery. The 1970 retro livery will be formally unveiled on November 16. VH-XZP is the company's 75th Boeing 737-800. The 737 is scheduled to depart from the Seattle area on November 17 on delivery and will arrive on November 19 in Australia.
In other news, QANTAS has unveiled a new brand advertising campaign, based on a concept of what the national carrier has been doing for almost 100 years – bringing people home.
QANTAS celebrates its 94th year of operation this month. In the same month, QANTAS will also celebrate the 70th year of the QANTAS kangaroo logo.
The 'Feels Like Home' series tells the real stories of five QANTAS passengers and their journey home to Australia being welcomed at the airport by loved ones.
Filmed in London, Santiago, Los Angeles, Hong Kong, the Pilbara and Sydney, the series features QANTAS employees as well as customers and rolled out from Sunday November 9.
QANTAS Group CEO Alan Joyce said the campaign was designed to celebrate the unique place Qantas has in the lives of many Australians.
Finally, QANTAS Airways will operate its last Boeing 767-300 flight on December 27, 2014 from Melbourne as flight QF 452 per Airline Route.
Copyright Photo: Keith Burton/AirlinersGallery.com. Boeing 767-338 ER VH-OGQ (msn 28154) climbs away from the Sydney hub.
Video: As mentioned above, QANTAS is phasing out its aging Boeing 767-300s. Follow one 767 to Victorville, California for storage and final disposition:
Air Mandalay to lease Boeing Next-Generation 737 aircraft
Air Mandalay Limited (Yangon) and Boeing (Chicago and Seattle) have signed a memorandum of collaboration in support of working together toward Air Mandalay's fleet renewal efforts. H.E. U Nyan Htun Aung, Minister of Transport of Myanmar and the U.S. Ambassador to the Republic of the Union of Myanmar, Derek J. Mitchell witnessed the signing.
Boeing will assist Air Mandalay with its efforts to procure Next-Generation 737 airplanes through leasing channels in support of Air Mandalay's expansion plan.
The two parties commented:
"This memorandum is an important step in our growth strategy," said Dato' Adam Htoon, principal of Air Mandalay. "Due to the growth of tourism and business investment in Myanmar, air transportation has become an increasingly important contributor to both the nation's economic growth and its infrastructure development. The country is looking to position itself as a major tourism destination capable of handling an increasing number of foreign visitors. The 737s will provide us with capabilities to support this critical national growth strategy."
"We look forward to supporting Air Mandalay on its fleet expansion strategy, setting the foundation for a long and successful partnership between Air Mandalay and Boeing," said Skip Boyce, president, Boeing Southeast Asia. "The Next-Generation 737 aircraft will provide Air Mandalay with market-leading efficiency, reliability and passenger comfort, allowing the airline to continue to prosper and grow in the region."
Air Mandalay Limited is a private joint venture company that was incorporated on October 6, 1994 to operate as Myanmar's first privately owned airline and support the country's tourism industry. The airline, based in Yangon, has since established itself as a carrier of high standards with a wide domestic network and one regional link to Chiang Mai in northern Thailand. It operates to all of Myanmar's main tourist destinations and commercial hubs. The airline also offers air charter services to destinations both within the country and regionally.
Air Mandalay currently operates ATR 42 and ATR 72 aircraft.
Copyright Photo: Richard Vandervord/AirlinersGallery.com. Air Mandalay ATR 72-212 XY-AIR (msn 467) arrives at the Yangon hub.
Air Mandalay aircraft slide show:
Video: Flying on the ATR 72. Air Mandalay's ATR 72-212 XY-AIR is taped operating into Heho Airport and landing on runway 18 from Mandalay International Airport as flight 6T 402 bound for Yangon. Situated at the edge of the mountainous Shan state at an elevation of 3,888 feet, the airport is the gateway to the picturesque Inle Lake. Videoed from Seat 5D.
Current Route Map:
American Airlines Group's flight attendants reject the latest contract offer
American Airlines (Dallas/Fort Worth) and US Airways (Phoenix) (American Airlines) flight attendants have rejected the latest tentative contract offer by a slim 16 vote margin – 8,196 against the proposal and 8,180 for the new contract. The flight attendants are represented by the Association of Professional Flight Attendants.
Read the full report by CBS News: CLICK HERE
Copyright Photo: Jay Selman/AirlinersGallery.com. US Airways' Boeing 757-2B7 N939UW (msn 27303) now in full American colors taxies at the Charlotte hub.
American Airlines (current livery) aircraft slide show:
SMBC Aviation Capital orders 80 Boeing 737 MAX 8s
Boeing (Chicago and Seattle) and SMBC Aviation Capital (Dublin) have announced an order for 80 737 MAX 8s, valued at more than $8.5 billion at list prices. This is the largest single order for 737 MAXs from a leasing company and will help SMBC Aviation Capital grow its portfolio of high-demand, fuel-efficient airplanes.
With this agreement SMBC Aviation Capital becomes the 50th 737 MAX customer and grows the program's order book to more than 2,400 airplanes.
"It is 10 years since our business placed its first order with Boeing and we have enjoyed a decade of successful partnership since then," said Peter Barrett, CEO, SMBC Aviation Capital. "The 737 MAX 8 is one of the most fuel efficient and versatile aircraft available and today's announcement shows our ongoing commitment to the new generation of the popular 737 family, as well as our appetite to keep broadening and deepening our platform in order to service our customers' requirements. Following this order and given the clear commitment of our shareholders and the strength of the global aircraft leasing sector, we remain very confident in our ability to continue to deliver long-term growth."
SMBC Aviation Capital is the world's third largest aircraft lessor, with a modern fleet of over 370 owned and managed aircraft valued at more than $10.5 billion. The business's strategy is to own and lease liquid, investor-friendly aircraft assets with continuous trading through the industry cycle to maximise profitability and manage risk. The business has sold more than 240 commercial aircraft valued at over $7.5 billion.
SMBC Aviation Capital has 95 airline customers and over 40 investors in more than 40 countries around the world. It is headquartered in Dublin and has offices in, Tokyo, Shanghai, Beijing, Hong Kong, Singapore, New York, Amsterdam, Toulouse and Seattle.
SMBC Aviation Capital has 180 Boeing airplanes in its portfolio and has 95 airline customers in more than 40 countries.
ImageS: Boeing.
Boeing donates 787-8 N787BX (ZA003) to the Museum of Flight
Boeing (Chicago and Seattle) and its employees on November 8 joined the Puget Sound community in celebrating the donation of one of the original 787-8 Dreamliner (N787BX, msn 40692) flight test airplanes to the Museum of Flight in Seattle.
The Dreamliner Boeing donated to the museum is known as ZA003 (N787BX), the third 787-8 produced. The airplane has a unique past, first as part of the 787 flight test and certification program and later circumnavigating the globe several times in 2011 and 2012 during the Dream Tour, which introduced the 787 to more than 68,000 visitors in 23 countries.
"This revolutionary airplane caps the museum's collection of historic commercial airplanes, beginning with our 1932 Boeing 247, which was the first all-metal, modern airliner," said Doug King, president and CEO, Museum of Flight. "It was followed by our 1969 prototype 747, the first jumbo jet, and now with the first composite airliner, the 787. It's an incredible addition to our comprehensive display."
The celebration at the Museum of Flight included several Boeing employees whose work over the years played a role in the design, build and test of the 787 Dreamliner. Each person disembarked the airplane and presented a special artifact tied to the history of the airplane to museum docents and students from local high schools.
The artifacts given by employees ranged from a commemorative cachet carried aboard the 787′s first flight, to early artist renderings of the 7E7. Those artifacts will now be housed at the Museum of Flight.
ZA003 is the first of three flight test 787-8s Boeing plans to share with museums around the world, the aviation community and future generations of employees and airplane enthusiasts.
About The Museum of Flight:
The independent, non-profit Museum of Flight is one of the largest air and space museums in the world, attracting more than 500,000 visitors annually. The Museum's collection includes more than 160 historically significant air- and spacecraft, the original manufacturing facility of The Boeing Company, and the world's only full-scale NASA Space Shuttle Trainer. The Museum's aviation and space library and archives are the largest on the West Coast. More than 130,000 individuals are served annually by the Museum's on-site and outreach educational programs. The Museum of Flight is accredited by the American Association of Museums, and is an Affiliate of the Smithsonian Institution.
The Museum of Flight is located at 9404 E. Marginal Way S., Seattle, Exit 158 off Interstate 5 on Boeing Field halfway between downtown Seattle and Sea-Tac Airport. The Museum is open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Top Copyright Photo: Ariel Shocron/AirlinersGallery.com. N787BX stopped at Madrid on its Dream Tour.
Bottom Copyright Photo: Boeing. Boeing 787-8 N787BX is pictured at its new home at Boeing Field.
Air Canada and Air China sign a MOU for a revenue sharing joint venture
Air Canada (Montreal) and Air China Limited (Beijing) today (November 8) announced that the airlines have concluded a memorandum of understanding (MOU) setting out the main principles for a comprehensive revenue sharing joint venture providing for an enhanced partnership on routes between Canada and China which will stimulate traffic growth between the two countries.
The two airlines continued:
The joint venture will generate additional service and pricing benefits for consumers travelling between the two countries as well as provide for enhanced cooperation between the two carriers in the areas of sales, marketing and airport operations. The announcement was made in Beijing during an official visit to China by Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper, prior to a meeting of Asia-Pacific Economic Co-operation (APEC) member nations.
Subject to Air Canada and Air China making the necessary filings, obtaining competition and other regulatory approvals and finalizing documentation, the joint venture is expected to come into effect by the end of 2015.
Currently, Air China offers its customers codeshare flights operated by Air Canada between Vancouver and six Canadian cities (Edmonton, Calgary, Winnipeg, Toronto, Ottawa and Montreal) and Air Canada offers its customers codeshare flights operated by Air China between Beijing and six cities in China (Guangzhou, Chongqing, Chengdu, Shenyang, Wuhan and Xi'an).
Air Canada operates up to a total of 28 flights per week between Canada and China, from Toronto and Vancouver to and from Beijing and Shanghai. Air China operates up to 11 flights per week between Beijing and Vancouver.
Top Copyright Photo: SPA/AirlinersGallery.com. Air Canada's Boeing 777-333 ER C-FIVS (msn 35784) climbs away from London (Heathrow).
Bottom Copyright Photo: Boeing 777-39L B-2037 (msn 38677) of Air China taxies to the gate at Los Angeles International Airport.
SpiceJet's flight to Delhi hits a buffalo on takeoff at Surat, crew aborts the Boeing 737-800 takeoff
SpiceJet's (Delhi) flight SG 622 carrying 146 passengers and crew members from Surat to Delhi was forced to abort its its takeoff last night (November 6) after the Boeing 737-800 hit a stray buffalo on the runway. There were not injuries but the aircraft's engine (above) sustained some damage. The airline has suspended operations at Surat International Airport in rural India "indefinitely". The aircraft was grounded and an alternate aircraft flew the passengers to Delhi as intended.
The airline stated everyone on board was safe on its Twitter page but stated "stray animals (are) a growing menace in some airports".
DGCA has ordered an investigation.
Read the full story from the BBC: CLICK HERE
Twitter photo by Adnan Ashraf.
SpiceJet aircraft slide show:
Current route map for routes from Delhi:
News report video:
SAS today operates a biofuel (cooking oil) flight from Stockholm
Scandinavian Airlines-SAS (Stockholm) issued this statement today:
SAS today (November 7) flew from Stockholm (Arlanda) to Östersund (flight SK 2064) with a 10 % blend in of a certified JET A1 based on re-used cooking oil. The fuel was distributed and delivered by Statoil Aviation and SkyNRG. The flight was also supported by Swedavia.
The synthetic JET A1 as well as the blended JET A1 is certified according to ASTM D7566 and D1655. This flight was not only the first of its kind for SAS but also the first flight from Arlanda Airport.
SAS has worked for over ten years to accelerate the commercialization of renewable fuels. Renewable fuels are crucial on the journey towards a more sustainable aviation. This type of flight proof that solutions exist and focus on creating conditions for this to become a reality on a large scale is essential.
During next week a flight is planned from Trondheim to Oslo in Norway on a 48% blend in of certified synthetic JET A1.
Copyright Photo: Stefan Sjogren/AirlinersGallery.com. The biofuel flight was operated with a Boeing 737-600. Boeing 737-683 SE-DNX (msn 28304) arrives at Stockholm (Arlanda).
Jet Airways adds new frequencies to Doha, Colombo and Bangkok
Jet Airways (Mumbai) meanwhile is adding additional frequencies from Mumbai to Far East and the gulf region. These additional frequencies are being introduced from Mumbai to Doha, to Colombo and to Bangkok.
The company is adding a second frequency from Mumbai to Doha. Jet Airways flight 9W 560 will depart Mumbai at 0120 and arrive Doha at 0245 (local time). The return flight 9W 559 will depart Doha at 0345 (LT) and arrive into Mumbai at 0930, providing connectivity to key domestic destinations. The introduction of this flight complements the flight from Mumbai to Doha. This flight provides enhanced connectivity from Mumbai to Doha and beyond to destinations in Gulf with direct and codeshare flights.
Doha is currently linked with one flight each from Mumbai, Delhi and Kochi. The new flight on this high demand route will not only cater to the growing Indian expatriates but also boost tourism and trade between the two cities and will help in bringing in traffic to and from the Middle East.
With these new enhanced flights, Jet Airways will achieve the landmark milestone of becoming India's first private airline to operate over 40 daily flights to multiple destinations in the Gulf. This includes daily departures to Abu Dhabi, Bahrain, Dubai, Doha, Kuwait, Sharjah, Muscat, Jeddah, Dammam and Riyadh, thus, making the airline the largest operator between India and the Gulf.
Due to popular demand, Jet Airways has added a second direct flight from Mumbai to Colombo. Jet Airways flight 9W 252 will depart Mumbai at 1805 and arrive into Colombo at 2035 (local time). The return flight 9W 251 will depart Colombo at 2135 (LT) and arrive Mumbai at 0015, providing onward connections to Dubai and Abu Dhabi in the Gulf, Bangkok, Singapore and Hong Kong in the Far East and to North America via Brussels and London Heathrow with direct and codeshare flights.
In addition, Jet Airways has introduced a third daily nonstop service from its international gateway in Mumbai to Bangkok. The new afternoon service will provide seamless connectivity to guests from the airlines domestic network. This would make Jet Airways' the only Indian carrier to operate three flights a day from Mumbai to Bangkok's International Suvarnabhumi Airport as well as providing on ward connections to Ho Chi Minh from Bangkok.
This new flight from Mumbai to Bangkok, offers a convenient afternoon service, flight 9W 060 which will depart Mumbai at 1255 (LT) and arrive at Bangkok at 1835 (LT). On return, flight 9W 061 which departs Bangkok at 0855 (LT) and arrives into Mumbai at 1155 (LT) daily. Jet Airways guests from Mumbai will now have the option of connecting to Ho Chi Minh city and to several destinations of their choice in ASEAN Region while they transit over Bangkok. This new flight is conveniently timed to connect guests travelling from Jet Airways domestic network to Bangkok and beyond to ASEAN points.
Copyright Photo: TMK Photography/AirlinersGallery.com. The pictured Boeing 737-8AL VT-JFT (msn 39066) was delivered on June 4, 2014 and passed through Toronto (Pearson) on its delivery routing.
Air Canada rouge to take over the Toronto-Lima route on May 1, 2015
Air Canada rouge (Toronto-Pearson) will take over the Toronto (Pearson)-Lima route on May 1, 2015 from mainline Air Canada where it will operate three weekly flights per Airline Route.
Top Copyright Photo: James Helbock/AirlinersGallery.com (all others by Air Canada rouge). Boeing 767-33A ER C-GHPN (msn 33424) arrives in Las Vegas.
Air Canada rouge aircraft slide show:
FlySafair continues to expand operations in South Africa
FlySafair (Johannesburg and Cape Town) commenced low-fare scheduled operations on October 16, 2014 between Cape Town and Johannesburg, followed swiftly by the launch of the Cape Town to Port Elizabeth route last week. The new subsidiary will start the Cape Town to George route next week on November 13.
From December 3, FlySafair will launch its second base at Johannesburg O.R. Tambo airport, allowing passengers to fly from Johannesburg to George and Port Elizabeth.
Although a new entrant into the commercial market, the airline is backed by nearly 50 years of aviation experience from its holding company, Safair.
Copyright Photo: FlySafair.
Expanding Route Map:
Video: The launch of the new carrier:
Atlas Air Worldwide Holdings reports adjusted net income of $27.4 million for the third quarter
Atlas Air Worldwide Holdings, Inc. (Atlas Air and Polar Air Cargo) (New York) has issued this financial statement for the third quarter:
Atlas Air Worldwide Holdings, Inc. announced adjusted net income attributable to common stockholders of $27.4 million, or $1.09 per diluted share, for the three months ended September 30, 2014, compared with $28.6 million, or $1.13 per diluted share, for the three months ended September 30, 2013.
On a reported basis, net income attributable to common stockholders in the third quarter of 2014 totaled $27.6 million, or $1.10 per diluted share, compared with $23.7 million, or $0.94 per diluted share, in the year-ago quarter.
AAWH recently placed three incremental Boeing 747 freighters, a 747-8F and two 747-400Fs, into ACMI service for the benefit of DHL Express and Etihad Cargo, the fast-growing freight division of Etihad Airways. The placements increase the number of our aircraft in ACMI to 22 from 19.
In addition, AAWH recently announced the expansion of our 767 CMI service in North America for DHL Express. This expansion covers four incremental 767-200 freighter aircraft owned by DHL that we expect to begin flying during the first quarter of 2015.
Adjusted earnings in the third quarter of 2014 excluded a tax adjustment of $0.1 million, or $0.01 per diluted share, related to the company's Global Supply Systems Limited subsidiary. Adjusted earnings in the third quarter of 2013 excluded an after-tax loss of $4.5 million, or $0.18 per diluted share, on the early extinguishment of debt, and a loss of $0.3 million, or $0.01 per diluted share, on the disposal of aircraft.
Third-Quarter Results
Profitability in our ACMI business during the third quarter reflected an increase in 747-8F revenue and an increase in CMI flying, offset by an increase in maintenance expense on our -8F aircraft and lower 747-400 flying by certain ACMI customers.
In Dry Leasing, revenue and profitability grew following the addition of three 777F aircraft in January 2014 and two in July 2013, which raised our 777F fleet count to six. Each of these aircraft are leased to customers on a long-term basis.
Results in AMC Charter benefited from an increase in block hours and aircraft utilization, partially offset by a decrease in revenue per block hour due to a reduction of the average "pegged" fuel price set by the AMC. Stronger than expected demand for cargo flying and incremental passenger flying as a result of former competitors exiting the AMC Charter market drove contribution growth in the third quarter.
Profitability in Commercial Charter primarily reflected an increase in volumes and improvement in aircraft utilization compared with the third quarter of 2013. Charter operations during the quarter benefited from the broad-based uptick in demand, partially offset by additional travel and ground handling expenses from flying to high-cost locations.
Reported earnings for the period included an effective income tax rate of 29.1%, reflecting the ongoing beneficial impact of lower taxes for certain foreign subsidiaries in our Dry Leasing business.
Nine-Month Results
For the nine months ended September 30, 2014, adjusted net income attributable to common stockholders totaled $54.7 million, or $2.17 per diluted share, compared with $54.9 million, or $2.13 per diluted share, for the nine months ended September 30, 2013.
On a reported basis, nine-month 2014 net income attributable to common stockholders totaled $65.1 million, or $2.59 per diluted share, compared with $63.9 million, or $2.48 per diluted share, in the first nine months of 2013.
Cash and Short-Term Investments
At September 30, 2014, our cash, cash equivalents, short-term investments and restricted cash totaled $287.7 million, compared with $339.2 million at December 31, 2013.
The change in position reflected cash provided by operating and financing activities offset by cash used for investing activities.
Net cash used for investing activities during the first nine months of 2014 primarily related to the purchase of three 777F aircraft for our Dry Leasing business.
Net cash provided by financing activities primarily reflected proceeds from the issuance of debt in connection with the acquisitions of these aircraft. Those proceeds were partially offset by payments on debt obligations and debt issuance costs.
Share Repurchases
During the third quarter, we repurchased 458,937 shares of our common stock for $15.0 million, or 1.8% of our outstanding common stock at June 30, 2014.
Future repurchases under our remaining $45.0 million authority may be made at our discretion, and the actual timing, form and amount will depend on company and market conditions.
Airfreight volumes continue to improve, and recent industry reports suggest that airfreight demand will grow by several percentage points in 2014 – outpacing supply and driving the first real growth since 2010. We are seeing a general increase in demand across all regions, with the greatest growth in the transpacific market. An increase in online shopping and several new high-tech product launches during peak season also continue to favor airfreight.
As a result, AAWH anticipates adjusted and reported fully diluted earnings per share of approximately $1.33 to $1.43 in the fourth quarter. AAWH is also raising its full-year 2014 adjusted earnings outlook to approximately $3.50 to $3.60 per diluted share, and our reported earnings outlook to approximately $3.92 to $4.02.
For the full year, the company expects to fly approximately 160,000 block hours, with more than 70% in ACMI, approximately 10% in AMC Charter, and the balance in Commercial Charter. The Dry Leasing segment should show dramatic growth compared with 2013. While our share of military flying, mainly in passenger service, has increased due to our ability to capitalize on additional flying opportunities and a reduction in the number of carriers serving the market, we expect an overall decline in military demand in the fourth quarter of 2014 compared with 2013.
The company also expects aircraft maintenance expense to total approximately $190 to $195 million in 2014, primarily due to performing several conditions-based engine overhauls for our 747-400 fleet during the fourth quarter. Depreciation this year is anticipated to total approximately $120 million, and core capital expenditures are expected to total about $30 to $35 million, mainly for spare parts for our expanded fleet.
Copyright Photo: The relationship with DHL continues to expand. Polar Air Cargo's Boeing 747-47UF N416MC (msn 32838) taxies at Los Angeles.


text: 928 FXUS62 KTAE 151545 AFDTAE AREA FORECAST DISCUSSION NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE TALLAHASSEE FL 1045 AM EST Sat Nov 15 2014 .Near Term [Through Today]... Current fcst is well on track, and after a clear and cold start, a mostly sunny and cool afternoon is in store for the Tri-State region. Just made a few tweaks to increase sky cover over the water, as there is still plenty of instability CU developing with the cold air advection. High temps will generally range from the upper 50s to the lower 60s, with a few outliers possible well to the north and well to the SE. && .Prev Discussion [557 AM EST]... .Short Term [Tonight Through Monday]... For tonight, temperatures will be warmer than last night as the airmass continues to modify and low level flow starts to veer as the ridge of high pressure slides eastward. Overnight lows are expected to range mainly from the upper 30s across the far northern areas to upper 40s across the southeast big bend. For Sunday, we will just start to feel the affects of the next system as a strong trough digs west of the area, although most of the rain should hold off until the overnight hours into Monday. There is a low chance of a few showers making it into the western portion of the forecast area by late in the afternoon. Temperatures and dewpoints will continue to rebound as the flow continues to veer the southeast. For Sunday night and Monday, this is when the main action will occur. Both the GFS and Euro still agree on a strong cold front moving through on Monday. Both models develop a wave of low pressure along the front over the central Gulf coast and track it northeastward through the southeast states. There are still some timing differences with the 00z Euro around 6 hours slower than the GFS. Wind fields will strengthen considerably ahead of the front with 0-1 km shear around 30 knots and 0-6 km shear around 50 knots expected. In addition, both models forecast mid 60s dewpoints to be pulled northward ahead of the front. As a result, it looks like there will be enough SBCAPE to support a risk of isolated strong to severe storms across the area. The best estimate on timing for the greatest severe weather threat at this time is from a few hours before daybreak on Monday through the late morning hours. .Long Term [Monday Night Through Saturday]... Behind the strong cold front on Monday, another very cold and dry airmass will move in with a widespread freeze likely on Tuesday night and again on Wednesday night. In fact, some areas could reach local hard freeze conditions (below 26 for at least 2 hours) on Tuesday night and come close again on Wednesday night. Highs will likely range from the mid to upper 40s across the north to the mid 50s across the southeast big bend both days. These temperatures are a solid 20 degree or more below average for this time of year. A gradual moderation is expected for the end of the week. .Aviation... [Through 12Z Sunday] As high pressure slides eastward, winds will shift to the east, bringing moisture in from the Atlantic coast. VFR conditions are expected to prevail through 03Z Sunday, but overnight MVFR cigs are expected to move in from east to west across VLD, ABY, and TLH. Light winds overnight will become east- northeast at 5 to 10 after sunrise Saturday, becoming light again after sunset. .Marine... Winds and seas will diminish through today before increasing again Sunday ahead of an approaching cold front. The onshore winds Sunday and Sunday night will become offshore Monday afternoon with advisory conditions developing behind the front. The strong offshore winds will continue through Tuesday night before diminishing on Wednesday. .Fire Weather... Increasing moisture ahead of our next cold front will keep red flag criteria away until mid-next week. On Tuesday and Wednesday, a much drier, colder air mass will be in place and red flag conditions may be possible. .Hydrology... Dry conditions will persist through most of the day on Sunday before rain moves into the area Sunday night and Monday. Rainfall amounts of 1 to 2 inches will be possible with this frontal passage. This may cause some minor rises on area rivers and streams. However, with base flows at low levels, no flooding is expected. && .Preliminary Point Temps/PoPs... Tallahassee 63 44 72 58 70 / 0 10 10 30 80 Panama City 61 48 69 62 69 / 0 10 10 50 80 Dothan 58 39 68 56 63 / 0 10 20 70 80 Albany 59 39 68 55 66 / 0 10 10 50 80 Valdosta 61 44 71 56 71 / 0 10 10 30 80 Cross City 66 49 75 58 75 / 0 10 10 10 70 Apalachicola 62 49 69 63 73 / 0 10 10 40 80 && .TAE Watches/Warnings/Advisories... FL...None. GA...None. AL...None. GM...None. && $$ NEAR TERM...GOULD SHORT TERM...DVD LONG TERM...DVD AVIATION...MOORE MARINE...DVD FIRE WEATHER...MOORE HYDROLOGY...DVD/MCDERMOTT

subset: commoncrawl


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5 Top #Introvert Traits We Can Be #Grateful About
Have you noticed in the stores we've jumped right from Halloween to Christmas holidays? What's missing in this picture? This year there is little decoration and still little sign of turkey and all the stuffing. But doesn't that have the potential for us to be all the more grateful? That's what I love about Thanksgiving.[Continue Reading…]
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Antihemophilic FactorCoagulation Factor VIIaRecombinant
Austrian vaccine maker Intercell AG has initiated a Phase I trial of its vaccine candidate IC47 to prevent…
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Chatting with GamesIndustry.biz, developer Media Molecule (the creative geniuses behind the PS3 exclusive and overly charming Little Big Planet) admits that Sackboy and friends won't be gracing the Xbox 360 anytime soon, because it wouldn't be technically possible.
"We couldn't have made it on the Xbox 360 and the reason for that is actually because we designed it around the PS3's strengths" says the Media Molecule folks, explaining that they built Little Big Planet around the PS3's architecture, Blu-ray disc capacity and that "having a hard drive on every unit makes a difference." But they aren't entirely anti-360, admitting that the console is an "incredibly capable machine" that, theoretically, could be home to LBP, "but it'd be a different game." Ouch! And all along we were under the impression that LBP could eventually release to the Xbox Live Arcade way under the 150MB Arcade limit. We guess we were wrong ... ZING!
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It just sounds like Texas in here!
An Acre of Dancin' and Glancin' at Thousand Oaks & Nacogdoches in San Antonio.
Over 25,000 square feet continue to be enjoyed by young and old alike – as country music and a patented race track dance floor transcend all age groups in appeal.
Customer surveys pinpoint the following when responding to the question: what do you like about us? Atmosphere, music, dance floor, friendly staff, age group of guests and our favorite and 2nd highest answer – "Everything!"[Read more]
Weekly Events
Dec 4 - Thom Shepherd and the Texas Beer Pong Tour
Win your way to play in a $65,000 Beer Pong Tournament in Las Vegas. Plus music from Thom Shepherd! Thom Shepherd is an Austin, Texas-based singer/songwriter. After years of living in Nashville,
Dec 5 - Pajama Party Theme Night
$2.75 Bar Drinks, $3 Longnecks & $4.75 almost anything else 9PM - CLOSE No cover with theme outfit - all night
Dec 19 - December Birthday Bash
Celebrating a Birthday this month? Book a Happy Hour Birthday Bash, sponsored by Cowboy's Alamo City Harley Davidson. Book a party to receive: No Cover for the entire party (21+) FREE! Buffet, champagne, and
Holiday Hours
- Thanksgiving Eve Wed, Nov. 26th – Doors @ 7pm
- Thanksgiving Day Thurs, Nov. 27th – CLOSED
- Christmas Eve Wed, Dec. 24th – Doors @ 8pm
- Christmas Day Thurs, Dec. 25th – CLOSED
- New Year's Eve Wed, Dec. 31st – Doors @ 8pm
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Midnight Rodeo San Antonio
12260 Nacogdoches Rd.
San Antonio, TX 78217
Promo/Happy Hour: 210-655-0040
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Our venue is available Monday and Tuesday for events. Wednesday thru Sunday is party time at the Rodeo!
- WED 8:00pm – 2:00am
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Kelly Cordes – 10:40 AM Password
What's the Listen and Win Password Kelly gave out?
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