Happy New Year 2013

One of Santa's Reindeers is going home for the new year celebration.
New Year Greetings from Finland.

Isn't it just cute?! :)

Finnair video

Behind-The-Scenes: Your Bag's Journey On Delta

Delta Air Lines video on Youtube: - Behind-The-Scenes: Your Bag's Journey On Delta.

Travel Smart this Holiday Season

High-and low-tech tips for a stress-free trip for the Latin American traveler from Delta Air Lines.

Long lines might be unavoidable, but thoughtful packing and preparing can make the day of take-off as smooth as possible.  Mobile technology can also facilitate many aspects of your trip, from booking flights to tracking bags to keeping on top of your itinerary.

Download the Fly Delta app to your iPhone, Android or Windows phone which includes popular tools like checking in for flights, accessing an eBoarding pass, changing seat assignments, tracking the upgrade list, receiving alerts for updated travel information, viewing airport and aircraft details, setting a parking reminder, and tracking and paying for bags.

For a look at how Delta tracks your bags while you get ready for your holiday journey, YOU check out a video on Delta Air lines homepage. (Youtube: Behind-The-Scenes: Your Bag's Journey On Delta).

Because we know that customers sometimes have questions on the go and after their flights,
Delta provides real-time specialized customer care on Twitter in Spanish @DeltaAssist_ES and in Portuguese @DeltaAjuda.


Here are some additional tips so you have fewer things to worry about and more time to enjoy with family and friends this holiday season.

Be efficient.
·  Don’t overstuff your carry-on – remember that bags be within the 22” x 14” x 9” limit
·  Check in online or through your mobile device
·  Arrive early – at least 90 minutes before your domestic departure time, or three hours  for international flights
· Consider curbside check in to reduce time standing in line

Speed through Security.
· Have your current identification out and ready
·  Empty your pockets and take off your belt, jacket and scarf
·  Take your laptop and toiletries out of your bag
·  If you qualify, take advantage of TSA PreCheck for faster security processing – learn more here.

By following these tips, your relaxing vacation can begin before you even land.

Source: Delta Air Lines

XL Airways bankruptcy protection

XL Airways Germany files for bankruptcy protection, Worldairlinenews.com reports.
After having suspended operations for the winter season on December 14, the company has now filed for bankruptcy protection and reorganization in the local district court in Darmstadt, Germany on December 27.

Cayman Airways to Dallas/Fort Worth

Cayman Airways (Grand Cayman) will resume nonstop, year-round flights from Grand Cayman to Dallas/Fort Worth starting on April 10, 2013.
The route will operate two days a week.

The new schedule also facilitates immediate connections to Cayman Brac from Grand Cayman.
Cayman Airways operates four Boeing 737-300s and two de Havilland Canada DHC-6 Twin Otter aircraft.

Source: Worldairlinenews.com

Computer error cause delays in Finland

A computer error is causing delays for up to several hours for flights to and from Finland.
Airlines that are affected are: Finnair, Norwegian and Iceland Air.

The error has now been located, but Finnavia can not yet say how long time it is going to take to correct the error. The airlines are checking in passengers manually.

To avoid the problems you can do the Check in via Internet or at an automatic check-in counter at the airport.

Source: YLE

Merry Christmas

Singapore Airlines Upgrade B777-200ER Cabins

 
SIA Unveils $95 Million Upgrade Of B777-200ER Cabins

Singapore Airlines will be investing nearly SGD$95 million to refit ten Boeing 777-200ER aircraft with new long-haul cabin products to provide customers with additional space and comfort.

The cabin upgrade programme will provide greater product consistency across the Airline’s long-haul fleet, with Business Class seats that convert into full-flat beds and larger in-flight entertainment screen sizes for both Business Class and Economy Class. 

The first refitted B777-200ER will operate between Singapore and Amsterdam from 13 January 2013.
Upgraded B777-200ERs will be deployed to more destinations in Europe and to points in India, South Africa, Australia and New Zealand as additional aircraft are refitted.


In Business Class, the richly upholstered leather seat reclines up to 125 degrees and unfolds into a 76-inch full-flat bed.  Also featured on the Airline’s Airbus A340-500, A380 and B777-300ER fleets, the forward-facing, four-abreast 1-2-1 configuration offers all customers direct access to the aisle.
The award-winning KrisWorld in-flight entertainment system also features a 15.4-inch LCD monitor and an extensive selection of audio and video programmes.

In Economy Class, personal LCD monitors will be upgraded to 9 inches from 6.5 inches.
Seat covers, designed by Givenchy, will also feature soothing colours as well as richer and softer fabrics, similar to those found on Singapore Airlines’ A380s and B777-300ERs.

The deployment plan is as follows:

Source: Singapore Airlines

Virgin America fly New York to Palm Springs

Virgin America has launched weekly nonstop service between Palm Springs International Airport (PSP) and New York JFK. 

In December 2011 Virgin America first launched seasonal flight to the Palm Springs with a daily nonstop flight from SFO, and a daily “same plane” through flight from JFK to PSP.

Source: Worldairlinenews.com

Finnair to Xi’an nonstop from HEL

Finnair (Helsinki) will begin flying to Xi´an, China in the summer of 2013, further deepening the airline’s network of Asian destinations. Finnair will begin service to Xi´an from its hub in Helsinki with three frequencies per week starting on June 14 until the close of the summer season on October 26, 2013.

Source: Worldairlinenews.com

Norwegian to add six routes from CPH

Norwegian Air Shuttle (Norwegian.com) (Oslo) is launching six new routes from Copenhagen Kastrup Airport to Corfu, Lisbon, Liverpool, Madrid, Montpellier and Sarajevo next summer.

Norwegian is also increasing capacity to a number of existing destinations including Malaga, Nice, Palma and Faro, Worldairlinenews.com reports.

Norwegian wins award for WiFi

Norwegian wins international award for best in-flight WiFi

In September this year, Norwegian won the prestigious Passenger Choice Awards 2012 for the category “Best Inflight Connectivity and Communications”.

The airline competed against major international airlines like Virgin America, Emirates, Oman Air and Gulf Air.
The award was presented in Long Beach, California, USA on Monday 17. September.

The award proves that Norwegian’s commitment to giving its passengers free internet has been noticed far beyond Scandinavia’s borders.  Norwegian is particularly pleased since it is the passengers themselves who have named the company the best in the world in this category.

Norwegian was also nominated in the category “Best In Region: Europe”, however, Virgin Atlantic scooped this prize.  Norwegian currently has a fleet of 46 modern Boeing 737-800 equipped with free inflight WiFi. Norwegian's total fleet has an average age of 5 years, making it one of the most modern fleets in Europe.
All the new aircraft in Norwegian's fleet will have WiFi during 2013.

Source: Norwegian

Thomson Airways Safety Video

Thomson Airways Safety Video 2009 - Aren't they just adorable, our young professional Colleagues?

Where airlines fly

Where does airlines fly?

To make the flight as fuel efficient and economical as possible, airlines want to fly the direct path between destinations. The shortest distance between two points on the surface of the earth is the so called Great Circle. A Great Circle is a circle passing through both points on the surface of the earth, and in the same time pass through the center of the earth.

By constantly calculating the change in the flight's heading (True Track) we can fly the shortest distance between two points. The Great Circle navigation becomes practical mostly over great distances.

This image from Wikipedia visualize the international flight routes.

www.flightradar.com

A rather quiet night in European airspace. You can see the aircraft cluster up around the airport hubs.

The aircraft fly along air corridors or are cleared directly to the destination.

Part of German Upper Airspace.

An example of a Rout Chart - Part of the Upper German Airspace.

United Airlines new routes

United Airlines has announced plans to launch nonstop service on several new international and domestic routes beginning in the spring of 2013.

The plans includes;
New flights to Latin America from Chicago and Washington, D.C.
New service to Canada from Denver, New York, and Washington, D.C.


United will add new domestic routes from four of its hubs:

Chicago – Daily flights between Chicago and Fairbanks, Alaska, begin on June 6, 2013, using Boeing 737-800 aircraft. Chicago is the second United hub with service to Fairbanks, following the addition of flights from Denver earlier this year.
   
Denver – Twice-daily United Express service between Denver and Santa Fe, N.M., will begin on May 1, 2013. ExpressJet will operate the flights using 50-seat Embraer ERJ 145 regional jet aircraft.
   
Los Angeles – New United Express service between the Los Angeles hub and Wichita, Kan., will begin on May 1, 2013. SkyWest Airlines will operate the daily flights using 66-seat Canadair CRJ700 regional jets. These flights are in addition to United’s existing service to Wichita from Chicago, Denver and Houston.
   
Washington-Dulles – United will add daily United Express service between Washington-Dulles and Grand Rapids, Michigan beginning on May 1, 2013. ExpressJet will operate the flights with 50-seat Embraer ERJ 145 regional jet aircraft. United currently serves Grand Rapids from hubs in Chicago, Cleveland, Denver, Houston and New York.

Source: Worldairlinenews.com

Air Canada introduces Air Canada rouge

Air Canada Rouge Boeing 767-300  - Photo: Air Canada

Air Canada introduces Air Canada rouge, its new leisure airline subsidiary, Worldairlinenews.com reports.

According to the Air Canada, the new subsidiary “marks a milestone in the transformation of Canada’s flag carrier to compete in the growing leisure travel sector. Special introductory fares are available for sale beginning today at aircanada.com and through travel agents.

Along with details of the initial destinations it will fly to beginning in July 2013, the name of Canada’s new leisure airline - Air Canada rouge - was announced following a contest launched on Facebook inviting customers, employees and travel industry professionals for their input.”

We look forward to giving them a warm welcome onboard Air Canada rouge, Canada’s affordably stylish leisure airline, says Air Canada's Michael Friisdahl, President and Chief Executive Officer of Air Canada’s Leisure Group.

Special introductory Air Canada rouge fares now on sale to: Venice, Edinburgh, Athens, Cuba, Dominican Republic, Jamaica and Costa Rica.
For its inaugural 2013 season, Air Canada rouge will introduce new routes not currently operated by Air Canada to Venice, Italy and Edinburgh, Scotland. In addition, Air Canada seasonal services from Toronto and Montreal to Athens, Greece will be flown by the leisure carrier. 

Existing Air Canada flights operated in cooperation with Air Canada Vacations to Cuba, the Dominican Republic, Jamaica and Costa Rica will be operated by Air Canada rouge effective July 2013.
Air Canada rouge will also operate non-stop flights to Athens from Montreal’s Trudeau Airport, in addition to its Toronto-Athens flights.

The Air Canada rouge fleet will initially be comprised of two Boeing 767-300 ER aircraft to operate transatlantic flights. Airbus A319 aircraft to operate North American flights.

Four aircraft will be released from Air Canada’s existing fleet to Air Canada rouge as the mainline carrier takes delivery of two new Boeing 777-300 ER aircraft in 2013, as announced October 1, 2012.

Air Canada rouge will expand to other popular holiday destinations as Air Canada starts to take delivery of new Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft in 2014. Air Canada rouge may operate up to 20 Boeing 767-300 ER aircraft and 30 Airbus A319 aircraft, for a total of 50 aircraft.

Two hundred new jobs will be created for flight attendants and pilots at Air Canada rouge. In addition to Air Canada hiring 900 employees to meet its own planned workforce requirements as part of its 2012-2013 recruitment program announced September 20, 2012.

Air Malta Gagnam Style

Air Malta Cabin Crew goes Gangnam Style in order to encourage passengers to turn off their Mobilephones.

Thanks to our colleagues at Air Malta! Great fun!

EVA Air to offer onboard WiFi from 2013

EVA Air has announced plans to provide in-flight mobile and WiFi communications aboard its brand new Boeing 777-300ER aircraft.

This new service will be made available on the new aircraft in 2014, making EVA Air the first airline in Taiwan to secure approval for its passengers to make mobile phone calls and use WiFi in-flight, Breakingtravelnews.com reports.

The seven Boeing 777-300ER aircraft ordered in May 2012, will be equipped with the latest Panasonic eX3 in-flight entertainment system and a GCS (Global Communications Suite).

It will be available to all our passengers, regardless of which cabin they book – Economy, Elite and Royal Laurel classes.

Source: Breakingtravelnews.com / EVA Air

Star Alliance gathered at Heathrow terminal 2

All Star Alliance's airlines will be concentrated to Heathrow terminal 2.
The new terminal will be ready to operate during 2014 and the airlines will move in gradually.

Star Alliance currently operate 21 % of the capacity at Heathrow.
The new solution will also lead to that the minimum connection time between flights will be cut in half, to 45 minutes. This open the possibility to connect to 31 % more flights in the future.

The best in air travel

The Global Travelers Magazine has published their major survey on air travel.

28,000 passengers around the world has came to the conclusion that:

# Singapore Airlines is the best airline
# Emirates is the best airline for International First Class travel
# British Airways is the best airline for Business travel
# Asiana Airlines has the most popular Cabin Crew
# Etihad Airways has the best Cabin Crew Uniform
# Alitalia has the best airline food
# The Boeing 747 is the best aircraft
# Incheon, Seoul is the best airport

The hassle of air travel

The hassle of air travel - Business travel - Is that fun?

Angry Man via Helsinki with Finnair.

AirAsia orders 100 more A320s

AirAsia, the largest low cost airline in Asia, has placed a new order with Airbus for 100 more A320 Family aircraft. The contract covers an additional 64 A320neo and 36 A320ceo aircraft for operation across the carrier’s network.

The order was announced during a visit by British Prime Minister David Cameron to the Airbus wing manufacturing facility at Broughton in the UK, where Mr Cameron witnessed the signing of documents by Tan Sri Tony Fernandes, Group Chief Executive Officer, AirAsia and Fabrice Brégier, President & CEO, Airbus.

The contract reaffirms AirAsia’s position as the largest A320 Family airline customer in the world. Altogether, the carrier has now ordered 475 single aisle aircraft from Airbus, comprising 264 A320neo and 211 A320ceo. Over 100 aircraft have already been delivered to the airline and are flying out of its bases in Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur, Jakarta, Manila and Tokyo.

AirAsia’s all-A320 fleet currently flies to some 70 destinations on a route network spanning 20 countries across Asia. In addition, affiliate AirAsia X operates widebody A330-300s on longer services from Kuala Lumpur to Northern Asia and Australia.

The A320 Family is the world’s best-selling and most modern single aisle aircraft Family. To date, more than 8,800 aircraft have been ordered and over 5,300 delivered to more than 380 customers and operators worldwide.

Source: Airbus

Starflyer takes delivery of new Airbus A320

Japan’s Starflyer received its first-ever directly-purchased aircraft, an Airbus A320, during a delivery ceremony held 12 December 2012 in Toulouse, France.

Japan’s carrier strengthens its network with 100% Airbus fleet

Starflyer, Japan’s fast-growing, value-based airline, has taken delivery of its first ever directly purchased aircraft, an Airbus A320, during a delivery ceremony in Toulouse, France.

The aircraft is the first of three A320s ordered by the company in 2011, and is powered by CFM56-5B4/P engines. It will accommodate 150 passengers in a single-class configuration. Starflyer will deploy the new aircraft to strengthen its network in Japan and to regional destinations. 

More than 5,300 A320 Family aircraft are in airline operation around the world today with over 380 customers and operators. Uniquely, the A320 Family offers a containerized cargo system, which is compatible with the world-wide standard wide-body system.

Source: Airbus

SkyWest to buy 100 Mitsubishi MRJ90

Mitsubishi Aircraft, SkyWest Airlines and ExpressJet Airlines, has signed a definitive agreement for the purchase of 100 MRJ90 aircraft and up to an additional 100 aircraft on option, Worldairlinenews.com reports.

US Airways Expands to Sao Paulo

US Airways 767-200

US Airways Expands International Network With New Sao Paulo Service

Flight to second destination in South America starts May 5.

US Airways will launch  a daily non-stop service to Sao Paulo, Brazil from its largest hub at Charlotte, N.C. beginning May 5, 2013. The new route is US Airways' second destination in South America and complements the airline's existing non-stop service to Rio de Janeiro from Charlotte.

US Airways will operate service to Brazil's largest city on Boeing 767-200 aircraft with seating for 18 in Envoy, US Airways' international business class, and 186 in the main cabin.

The Sao Paulo flight adds to US Airways' growing international operation at Charlotte Douglas International Airport. Last month, the airline announced new service to London's Heathrow Airport and earlier in the year increased its frequency of service to Frankfurt, Germany for the busy summer travel season.

New flight:
Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT) – Sao Paulo-Guarulhos International Airport (GRU)
First day of operation for Charlotte-bound flight is May 6, 2013.

About US Airways

US Airways, along with US Airways Shuttle and US Airways Express, operates nearly 3,200 flights per day and serves more than 200 communities in the U.S., Canada, Mexico, Europe, the Middle East, the Caribbean, Central and South America.

The airline employs more than 32,000 aviation professionals worldwide, operates the world's largest fleet of Airbus aircraft and is a member of the Star Alliance network, which offers its customers more than 21,500 daily flights to 1,356 airports in 193 countries.

Together with its US Airways Express partners, the airline serves approximately 80 million passengers each year and operates hubs in Charlotte, N.C., Philadelphia and Phoenix, and a focus city in Washington, D.C. at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport.
Aviation Week and Overhaul & Maintenance magazine presented US Airways with the 2012 Aviation Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) of the Year Award for demonstrating outstanding achievement and innovation in the area of technical operations.
The airline earned a 100 percent rating on the Human Rights Campaign Corporate Equality index for six consecutive years. The Corporate Equality index is a leading indicator of companies' attitudes and policies toward lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender employees and customers.

SOURCE: US Airways

Malaysia Airlines Celebrates 40 years

Malaysia Airlines’ Crew and retro livery Boeing 737-800

Malaysia Airlines today (2012.12.12) revealed one of its aircraft with the original livery it featured on 1 October 1972, to commemorate its 40 years of Malaysian Hospitality delivery to air travellers.

The Malaysia Airlines' Boeing 737-800 was re-painted in full colours of the first ever aircraft that took to the skies four decades ago.

The original livery has the logo featuring the Kelantan wau bulan or moon kite in a red circle, representing controlled flight and also a fine expression of the many mythologies associated with Malaysia. 
To complement the logo then, the national carrier sported the colours of the Jalur Gemilang on the aircraft, where red, the dominant colour was used for the two stripes across the body as in the flag.
Blue was used for the words of the airline’s name with white for the background. The stylized kite, the dominant theme, was fast recognized round the world  for achieving the dual impression of movement and modernity and most importantly identifying the Malaysian flag carrier to travellers around the world.

Named the ‘Retro Livery’, the aircraft was revealed at a special function at KL International Airport (KLIA) today graced by Malaysia Airlines, Chairman, Tan Sri Md Nor Yusof and Malaysia Airlines, Group CEO Encik Ahmad Jauhari Yayha as well as some distinguished guests from the aviation industry and a good number of Malaysia Airlines' staff.

The function was filled with a nostalgic atmosphere that brought out the feeling of inspiration amongst all that attended. Various staff recorded their MH stories which had elements of gratitude, hard work, satisfaction, friendship and most of all the lesson of hope against all odds.
It was evident from the staff' speeches that they valued their association with Malaysia Airlines throughout the years.

The retro livery aircraft is set to soar the skies from tomorrow, 13 December, beginning with flights to Jakarta and Bangkok, two popular Malaysia Airlines' destinations. To further enhance customer experience on-board, Malaysia Airlines has also introduced new in-flight meal presentations for flights operated by this exclusive aircraft.
The menus are designed by Malaysia Airlines' chef wearing their retro toques while looking back to identify the popular dishes of yester-years. This special menu consists of evergreen Malaysia Airlines' dishes that will not fail to tantalise the tastebuds of customers.

There will also be a special surprise for passengers on MH711 and MH782 which will be operated using this retro livery aircraft to Jakarta and Bangkok respectively on 13 December 2012 from KLIA.
Malaysia Airlines' top management members will be present at the boarding gates to greet and hand-out surprise gifts to all passengers. All this and more are to reward and appreciate customers for their continuous support towards Malaysia Airlines.

Malaysia Airlines has played a significant role in the development of the nation, Malaysia and it was for this very reason, it was formed 40 years ago.

While it has notched 65 years in aviation which is shared together with Singapore Airlines, 40 years marks an important milestone in the history of Malaysia and Malaysians.
As this calls for a definite celebration. Malaysia Airlines ushers in the New Year of 2013 in conjunction with the 40th year of its flight code ‘MH’, with its staff making a conscious commitment and resolution in each of their work areas, to come together, to be united and to be a team for a much stronger, revitalized, re-energised and sustainably profitable Malaysia Airlines.
A strong Malaysia Airlines also reflects on the strength that brings the staff together on a commitment to serve customers better and better each day.

Source: Malaysia Airlines

Brazil to build 800 Airports

Brazilian President Dilma Rousseff announced that the country would build at least 800 regional airports.

"We plan to build build 800 regional airports or more" for cities of more than 100,000 people.
"Brazil is a continent-sized country. We need more than railways. Some people in Brazil can travel only by air. We want cities of more than 100,000 inhabitants to have an airport within 60 kilometres," (40 miles) she added. "It is also a necessity for the country's growth."
Brazil, a country of 194 million people with a territory 17 times bigger than Spain. The concessions valued at a total of $14 billion will upgrade congested terminals at the three airports to handle the tens of thousands of tourists expected for the World Cup.

"Most Brazilian airports are congested. If things don't improve, they will have problems," the president of the Latin American and Caribbean Air Transport Association, Roberto Kriete, warned recently. Air transport in Brazil grew more than 120 percent in the past decade as more than 30 million people were lifted out of poverty and began to travel by air for the first time.

Source: AFP

American Airlines first Boeing 777-300 ER

Photo by American Airlines

American Airlines takes delivery of its first Boeing 777-300 ER. AA will also introduce a new livery.

American Airlines on December 11 accepted its first new Boeing 777-323 ER. American Airlines will finish painting the aircraft in a new livery.  This is the first color scheme change since the current brand was first designed and painted in 1968 and introduced fleet-wide in 1969. It is the longest surviving airline livery in the world of a major airline. The new type will be introduced on the Dallas/Fort Worth - Sao Paulo route on January 31. American has nine more aircraft to come.

American Airlines issued the following statement:

American Airlines on December 11 took delivery of its first Boeing 777-300 ER (Extended Range) aircraft, another step in its plan to create the industry’s most modern fleet. American is the first U.S. airline to order and take delivery of the Boeing 777-300 ER, which will give American’s fleet additional network flexibility, while delivering increased efficiency and better operating economics.

American’s 777-300 ER, was delivered without the traditional American livery, marks the beginning of the airline’s brand new fleet type and points toward the airline’s future.
Inside, the cabin is configured with three classes, featuring lie-flat seats in First and Business Class.

The Dallas/Fort Worth-Sao Paulo route, scheduled for January 31, 2013, will be the first to feature the newest addition to American’s fleet.  Subsequently, the aircraft is slated to fly to London Heathrow from both Dallas/Fort Worth and New York JFK.

The modern new aircraft will feature a freshly painted livery on the outside.

Upon boarding, American customers will be invited inside through a dramatic archway and ceiling treatment and mood lighting, to continue the modern experience and the look and feeling of spaciousness.
A walk-up bar in the premium cabin stocked with snacks and refreshments will be a first for any U.S. airline and adds another distinctive luxury feature to the 777-300 ER.
Entertainment options include up to 120 movies, more than 150 TV programs and more than 350 audio selections that will be offered throughout the aircraft.  Also, every seat will feature individual 110-volt AC power outlets and USB jacks for charging personal electronic devices. End of statement.

Airline Merger?

American Airlines is expected to emerge with US Airways and US Airways from Chapter 11 bankruptcy reorganization in January and a possible merger with US Airways could also be announced in January.
AA CEO Tom Horton wants a quick resolution of whether the company will merge with US Airways or emerge from Chapter 11 as a stand-alone carrier according to Reuters.

http://worldairlinenews.com/

BA Airbus A380s and Boeing 787-8 seatingplan

British Airways today unveiled seating plans for its new Airbus A380s and Boeing 787-8 Dreamliners.
British Airways will also take delivery of more Boeing 777-300 ERs, Worldairlinenews.com reports.

British Airways has announced the seating plans for its new Airbus A380 and Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft on order.

British Airways issued the following statement:

With the first of the airline’s new long-haul aircraft only six months away from delivery, British Airways has announced the cabin design and layout for its Boeing 787 and Airbus A380 aircraft.

Two hundred and fourteen customers will enjoy the comforts of the new British Airways 787 Dreamliner and the A380 will be the largest aircraft in the British Airways fleet, with 469 customers.

The 24 Dreamliners and 12 A380s will feature the elegant cabin designs fitted on British Airways’ new Boeing 777-300 ER aircraft, which have proved hugely popular with customers.

All eight 787-8s will feature a new Club World 2:3:2 layout, the latest generation World Traveller and World Traveller Plus seats. In addition, the new A380 will also have an enhanced version of First. The exact seating plans of another 16 787-9s on order have yet to be finalized, they could have three or four-cabin configurations.
British Airways is set to be the first European airline to operate both new aircraft types, with its first Dreamliner arriving in May 2013 and A380 deliveries starting in July 2013.

The British Airways Dreamliner will have 35 seats for customers in the new Club World triple configuration of 2:3:2; 25 seats in a World Traveller Plus layout of 2:3:2; and a further 154 seats for those travelling in World Traveller, with a 3:3:3 configuration.
On the British Airways A380 there will be 14 seats in First on the main deck, with extra personal and stowage space; the Club World cabin will feature 44 seats in a 2:4:2 configuration; and there will be 199 seats in World Traveller, with a 3:4:3 layout.

The A380 upper deck will feature 53 seats in the new Club World triple configuration of 2:3:2; 55 seats in a 2:3:2 World Traveller Plus layout; and World Traveller will have 104 seats in a 2:4:2 configuration.
Both new aircraft will also feature the airline’s latest Thales inflight entertainment system, which offers customers 50 percent more movies, 200 percent more TV shows and 200 percent more audio programs and music*.

Customers will also benefit from new larger screens in all cabins and an easier to use system with shortcut buttons. They will also be able to connect personal devices, such as laptops and use the in-seat power available for the first time in all cabins.

In 2013, British Airways will take delivery of nine new longhaul aircraft. The first British Airways Dreamliner will be delivered in May 2013. A further three will arrive by the end of the year. The first A380 will be delivered in July, with additional deliveries in August and October. Two additional 777-300 ERs will arrive in September and October 2013.

British Airways will announce the routes the new aircraft will operate in Spring 2013.

* Compared with the Rockwell Collins audio video on-demand system deployed on British Airways fleet of Boeing 747s, 767 longhaul aircraft and most Boeing 777-200s.

Source: British Airways / Worldairlinenews.com

Award winning Singapore Airlines

Photo by Singapore Airlines

Singapore Airlines is the world's most awarded airline. We are both proud and humbled that customers and industry alike have recognized our commitment to service excellence, says Singapore Airlines.

During November Singapore Airlines has been awarded the following prices and awards:

2012 Business Traveller China Awards
Best Asian Airline serving China
Best Airline Business Class
Best Airline Economy Class

Travel + Leisure
2012 China Travel Awards
2012 Top 10 Airlines

Premier Traveler magazine (US)
Best Inflight Services in the World
Airline with Best First Class in the World
Airline with Best Economy Class in the World

Telegraph Travel Awards (UK)
(Daily Telegraph & Sunday Telegraph Newspapers)
Best Long Haul Airline

Source: Singapore Airlines

World’s Best Airport Restaurants 2012

Thedailymeal.com's team travelled the globe to discover which airports offered passengers the most superior food and had the best facilities and levels of service.

from an initial list of 100 contenders, they came up with a shortlist of 31. They judged Barcelona El Prat Airport's Porta Gaig, in Terminal 1, the best of all.

Best top five Airport Restaurants:

1 - Porta Gaig, Barcelona El Prat
2 - Salt Lick BBQ, Austin-Bergstrom, Texas
3 - Tortas Frontera, Chicago O'Hare
4 - Bubbles Seafood & Wine Bar, Amsterdam Schiphol
5 - Obrycki's, Baltimore-Washington International

Read top 20 list on:
www.airport-int.com - World’s Best Airport Restaurants

Code share Air Canada - South African Airways

South African Airways and Air Canada have signed a code share agreement that will make it substantially easier for customers to travel between South Africa and Canada. Customers connecting between the carriers in London will be able to book a single itinerary and make seamless connections, Breakingtravelnews.com reports.

Czech Airlines to resume long-haul services

Boeing 737-500 aircraft will be retired from the fleet by the end of March

Czech Airlines-CSA is again getting back into the long-haul business. The airline will fly with leased Airbus A330s. The first route will be to Seoul starting in June 2013.
The airline is also adding short-range flights to Florence, Nice and Perm (Russia) on March 31, 2013.
Czech Airlines is also retiring the last Boeing 737-500 at the end of the current winter schedule in March 2013.

Source: Worldairlinenews.com

CSA has issued the following statement:
After a three-year hiatus, Czech Airlines is again including its own long-haul flights in its flight schedule.

A wide-body Airbus A330 will join the airline’s fleet, enabling Czech Airlines to launch new scheduled service to Seoul, South Korea, and to initiate more intensive code-share cooperation with Korean Air in operating long-haul flights from Prague via Seoul to the East Asia, based on the model of cooperation being successfully employed with Etihad Airways.

The new agreement will also ensure better connections to Czech Airlines flights from Prague to Europe for Korean Air’s clients. In addition to Seoul, Czech Airlines will introduce new service to Perm, Nice, Munich, Zurich and Florence in the 2013 summer season.

Next June, a long-haul Airbus A330 hired on the basis of operative leasing will join the Czech Airlines fleet.
Among other flights, the aircraft will be deployed on Czech Airlines’ new scheduled long-haul service to Seoul. The flights will leave Prague every Saturday and Sunday, and Seoul every Sunday and Tuesday, supplementing the four weekly Korean Air flights. The two airlines will share codes on the route.

Seoul is not the only new destination in the Czech Airlines flight schedule in the 2013 summer season.
The airline will open regular service to Perm in Russia, as well as Nice, Munich, Zurich and Florence.
To certain destinations, it is introducing a noon flight wave, and increasing the number of flights compared to the 2012 summer season. These destinations include Berlin, Düsseldorf, Hamburg, Copenhagen, Milan, Stockholm and Warsaw.

In making a year-on-year comparison, the airline will also offer more weekly flights to Nizhny Novgorod, Rostov-on-Don and Ufa. Czech Airlines will newly add Brisbane, Singapore and Nairobi to its flight schedule, which will be operated in cooperation with Etihad Airways.

Another innovation in the summer flight schedule is a change in the model of operation to Baltic destinations.
Vilnius, Riga and Tallinn will remain in Czech Airlines’ offer, and will be operated by airBaltic on a code-share basis.

In the 2013 summer season, only Airbus (A330, A320, A319) and ATR (ATR 72 and ATR 42) aircraft will be deployed on Czech Airlines flights. The airline will have thereby complied with one of its last restructuring tasks – the transition to a fleet of just two aircraft makes. Boeing 737-500 aircraft will be retired from the fleet by the end of the current winter season.

Source: CSA

German Airport's Strikes

A Strike at nine German airports by about 1,000 airport security workers demanding better terms disrupted air travel on Monday morning. About 1,000 of the 15,000 airport security workers took part in strikes that began between 5 am and 6 am local time and lasted until about 9 am.

The strikes affected airports in Frankfurt, Berlin, Hamburg, Hanover, Stuttgart, Dusseldorf, Bremen, Cologne/Bonn and Baden-Baden/Karlsruhe. German media reports said Cologne-Bonn had massive delays with long waits at security check-in points. The union wants fewer limited-term contracts for workers and unified working conditions at all German airports.

Source: Reuters

Alitalia fly Rome to Abu Dhabi

Alitalia, Italy’s flag carrier, has begun direct services from Rome to Abu Dhabi, the capital of the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Alitalia are operating the new flights in conjunction with codeshare partner Etihad Airways. The launch of the new direct Rome-Abu Dhabi service follows last August’s announcement that the Italian carrier would fly four weekly return Airbus A330 services between the two capitals.

Source: Breakingtravelnews.com

Snow cause problems in Germany and Denmark

The airports in Frankfurt and Berlin in Germany as well as airports in Denmark as Kastrup international and in southern Sweden are today suffering from delays and cancelled flights due to snow and bad weather.

Flybe UK offer automatic check-in

Flybe first UK airline to offer automatic check-in at point of booking.

Flybe is Europe’s largest regional airline. It will now be the first UK carrier to offer its passengers an automatic check-in option at the point of booking online.

If you are booking your ticket between 36 and 15 hours prior to departure, an electronic boarding pass will automatically be sent direct to your smart phone or e-mail. The product is being introduced initially at nine of Flybe’s largest airports namely Belfast, Birmingham, Edinburgh, Exeter, Glasgow, Jersey, London Gatwick,  Manchester and Southampton with automated e-mail check-in only, available from an additional 17 airports.

If you choose the SMS option, all you will simply need to do is tho show your phone to pass through security and board the plane, Breakingtravelnews.com reports.

World's longest aircraft

Which aircraft has got the longest over all length?

As we were talking, the question came up.
Some research gave the following result of aircraft over 70 m in length:

Antonov An-225 Mriya
Overall length: 84 m (275 ft 7 in).

Boeing 747-8I Intercontinental
Overall length: 76.25 m (250 ft 2 in).

Lockheed C-5 Galaxy
Overall length: 75.31 m (247 ft 1 in)

Airbus A340-600
Overall length: 75.30 m (247 ft 1 in).

Boeing 777-300 / -300ER
Overall length: 73.9 m (242 ft 4 in)

Airbus A350 - 1000
Overall length: 73.88 m (242.4 ft).

Airbus A380-800
Overall length: 72.73 m (238.6 ft).

747-100B / 747-200B / 747-300 / 747-400 / 747-400ER
Overall length: 70.6 m (231 ft 10 in).

First flyable Airbus A350 XWB complete

First flyable A350 XWB "MSN1" structurally complete

The Airbus A350 XWB makes its first journey ‘on wheels’.
Airbus has successfully completed the main structural assembly and system connection of A350 XWB ‘MSN1’ – the first flight-test aircraft. The aircraft is depicted here on its wheels for the very first time moving out of the main assembly hall (Station 40) at the recently inaugurated “Roger Béteille” A350 XWB Final Assembly Line in Toulouse.
It then entered the adjacent indoor ground test station (Station 30).

The assembly work performed in Station 40 included the successful electrical power-on of the aircraft's entire fuselage and wings. Soon work in Station 30 will start by testing the aircraft's hydraulic system, followed by the full electric and hydraulic power-on of the aircraft which will be completed by around the end of the year.  This will mark the start of several weeks of comprehensive functional system testing.

After the A350 XWB MSN1 exits station 30, the aircraft will go through a series of extensive production and certification / development tests, be painted and have its engines installed.
It will then be delivered to the flight-line and be readied for its first flight in mid-2013.

Source: Airbus

IATA expects 3.6 Bn passengers 2016

 IATA expects 3.6 Bn passengers annually by 2016
The International Air Transport Association has released an industry traffic forecast. It shows that airlines are expect to fly some 3.6 billion passengers in 2016. That is about 800 million more than the 2.8 billion passengers carried by airlines in 2011, according to the IATA Airline Industry Forecast 2012-2016.

IATA is expecting growing passenger numbers expanding by an average of 5.3 per cent per year between 2012 and 2016. The 28.5 per cent increase in passenger numbers over the period will see almost 500 million new passengers on domestic routes and 331 million new passengers on international flights.

"Despite the current economic uncertainty, expected demand for connectivity remains strong", said Tony Tyler, IATA director general. Globally, aviation industry supports some 57 million jobs and $2.2 trillion in economic activity. The emerging economies of Asia-Pacific, Latin America and the Middle East will see the strongest passenger growth. This will be led by China.

Passenger growth within the Asia-Pacific region is expected to add around 380 million passengers during the period. Through 2016, the United States will continue to be the largest single market for domestic passengers with 710.2 million passengers.

Source: Breaking Travel News

Air One Venice to Copenhagen

The Italian low cost airline Air One is once again going to operate flights from Venice to Copenhagen next summer, Check-in.dk reports today. The inauguration flight is going to take off at June 27 2013.

Snow cancel flights in northern Europe

Dutch KLM cancelled all of its short-haul European flights this morning due to adverse weather, and warned that delays may continue into the afternoon due to ice on the runways.

40 flights from Brussels Airport had been cancelled as of 08:00.
easyJet warned passengers its flights might be impacted and said it is taking proactive measures.

Ryanair warned of similar disruption to operations across France, Belgium, Holland and Germany and urged passengers to check the status of their flight. Air France said snowfall at Paris-Charles De Gaulle and Paris Orly stopped operations but they are back to normal.

Source: Breakingtravelnews.com

The Nederlands, Belgium, Germany and Norhtern France had it's share of the snowfall.
Over 100 flights were cancelled in Amsterdam due to the snow, and in Brussels about 10 flights were cancelled today. At Stockholm Arlanda Airport, snow is still causing flights to be cancelled.

Boeing 787 suffer fuel line problems

Airlines flying Boeing 787 Dreamliners need to inspect the planes to prevent engine failures or fires because of a manufacturing fault in the fuel line, a U.S. regulator said Wednesday.

Improperly assembled parts in Boeing's newest jet could cause the planes to run out of fuel, experience "engine power loss or shutdown, or leaks on hot engine parts that could lead to a fire," the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration said in issuing a formal rule requiring U.S. carriers to inspect the fuel systems, Reuters reports. Boeing had issued a notice on November 11 alerting other early 787 customers.

All Nippon Airways is currently Boeing's biggest 787 operator, owning 16 of the 38 jets delivered to buyers so far.  All but one of the planes delivered so far were made at Boeing's factory in Everett, Washington, rather than its plant in North Charleston, South Carolina.

The fuel leaks were caused by improper assembly of the couplings at the Boeing factories, the FAA said.
"These conditions, if not corrected, could result in fuel leaks, which could lead to fuel exhaustion, engine power loss or shutdown, or leaks on hot engine parts that could lead to a fire," the FAA said.

Boeing said that despite that there were "multiple layers of systems to ensure none of those things happen".

The safety order, known as an airworthiness directive, requires operators to inspect for correctly installed lockwires on the engine fuel line couplings within seven days of its publication.
Within 21 days, operators must inspect the couplings to verify they have been assembled correctly.

Airlines will watch closely to ensure aircraft are ready and that corrective measures are taken, given the cost of canceled flights.

Source: Reuters

Snow-clearing at Arlanda Airport

The Snow team at Stockholm Arlanda Airport are among the best teams in the world to clear snow of a runway. It takes only a few minutes for the well orchestrated team to clear snow of the 3301 meter long and 45 m wide runway. Arlanda Airport has got 3 runways.

Original description:
In less than ten minutes, Volvo's specially-built articulated haulers clear the runways at Stockholm's Arlanda Airport, which never has had to close (until during a few hours this morning, 2012.12.05) because of the snow. Video by Stockholm Arlanda Airport. Uploaded by VolvoGroupVideos on Jan 4, 2011.

Snow chaos in London

Flight delays are expected from London's Stansted and Luton airports on Wednesday after runways were closed due to snowfall and freezing conditions.

London's third largest airport, Stansted, closed its only runway for around three hours on Wednesday to clear about an inch of snow which fell overnight in southern England.
Around 40 flights were cancelled with many more likely to be delayed.

Ryanair, the largest airline at Stansted, said it expects to resume flights from the airport at around 1000 GMT but that the majority of its services from Stansted on Wednesday could be delayed.
Single runway Stansted, which is predominantly a low-cost leisure and holiday airport, moves around 18 million passengers a year.

Smaller Luton airport, was forced to close its only runway for an hour on Wednesday.

Aberdeen airport in Scotland also closed briefly on Wednesday but London's Heathrow, Gatwick and City airports said they were operating as usual.

Source: uk.reuters.com

Snow chaos in Stockholm 2012.12.05

Snow chaos in Stockholm 2012.12.05 Time: 09.19 Z

Once again a snow blizzard has hit Stockholm. At Arlanda international airport, only one runway is held open for departing flights after 10.00 CET today, and many flights has been cancelled.
The arrivals and departure page at Swedavia homepage was over loaded by all the traffic.

For alternate traffic information, please visit www.flightstats.com

In total, 60 000 travelers are expected to be struck by delays and cancelled flights at Stockholm Arlanda Airport today.

Low visibility, heavy snow fall and strong winds in combination with slippery runways, taxiways and aprons cause the problems. The problems that are expected to continue all day. Tonight, the winds are expected to weaken.

Updated: 2012.12.05 time: 13.09 CET / 12.09 Z

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Arlanda Airport has been going at 10 % capacity during the afternoon and evening, operating with only one runway open. Normally the airport would have had about 60 000 passengers today.
The strong winds polish the runway with snow, making the surface very slippery.
One aircraft was hit by a deicing truck, and the flight was cancelled due to the damages.

The hard wind is probably going to subside sometime after midnight later tonight, and hopefully the situation is going to be better tomorrow morning.
Over 1/2 meter of snow has descended over Stockholm during the last 24 hours.
Another 30 cm of snow expected to fall tomorrow. As soon as the wind subsides the airport is counting on being back to normal. A situation like this is rather unusual, and happen about once every ten years.

Updated: 2012.12.05 Time: 19.45 CET / 18.40 Z

British Airways Boeing 747 at DFW Airport

British Airways Boeing 747 at DFW Airport - Time laps Turn Around

An Airline passenger's nightmare

When we are traveling as passengers we don't want to feel stressed or uncomfortable, but not all flights goes as smoothly as we hope that they would. Here are some examples of experiences that we don't want to have.

You arrive in time at the airport. But, where to check in?
The check in desks has not opened yet and you don't have a clue were you should go.
After a long wait, at last the check in opens and suddenly you end up at the end of a long line of people. Where did they come from?

Of course, the line next to you goes much quicker. It must be the Murphy's law for check in lines!

At the front of  the line that you are patiently waiting in, there is a family with a myriad of children that is checking. O boy do they have a lot of luggage!

And yes, they are over weight! And yes, they do not want to pay extra! And yes, they have no money! And yes, the debit card is not working. And yes, they are opening the bags to remove the heavy stuff! And yes, they haven't marked their luggage yet. And yes, they have to do that now!

Finally you get to the check in counter. You get your boarding card.
The next hurdle is the security. Of course there is a long line to wait in before you get through.

Finally you get to the gate. But guess what? There are a lot of people there already!

As your seat is located at the back of the plane, you would like to board first... but no!

All the passengers with the seat on row number 1 to 10 has to make the way in first, just so that they can make sure to block the isle for all the other passengers!

Finally, it is time for boarding... We hope...
If only the gate agent that is handling the boarding can get the computer to work...
Just a minute, I have to check!...
After a long wait you finally reach the door of the plane.

As you board the plane you are greeted by a flight attendant that stares at you, looking at you as if you are personally to be blamed for the outbreak of the plague. All you get is a: - huummf..!

But that is only the beginning!
The plane is fully booked and you are already late for departure. The isle is crowded and you cant get to your seat. Here is a list of other fun stuff that you may encounter.

Enjoy the flight, ha ha....

# You are assigned to a seat that you don't want.
# You are asked to change seat.
# The flight is over booked and you have to take the next flight.
# There is a ticket check after boarding.
# There is a Baggage check after boarding.
# There is yet another flight delay due to technical problems.
# A passenger is missing and you have to wait, and you miss your slot time.
# There is no room for your hand luggage near you.
# You have to sit on the tarmac and wait in the heat for a long time.

# Someone on the previous flight has puked on the plane leaving a nasty smell.
# You get a seat that is wet and soaked in urine.
# The seat that you are in is dry, but as you heat it up with your body it smells of urine.
# The seat that you are in is broken.
# The back seat of your seat reclines by your weight as you lean back.
# Condensed water is running down on you from above.
# The fresh air intake can't be shut and it's blowing you in your face.

Time for take off
# The taxi way or runway that you take off from is extremely bumpy.

At last you are air borne
# Turbulence that goes on and on.
# Severe turbulence.
# Someone spills coffee or tea over you.
# The door behind you is whistling loudly due to an air leakage. 


Other passengers can also be extremely annoying.

# The person in the seat behind you jumping up time and time again, going to the lavatory.
# Every time the person stands up grabbing the back of your seat pulling it backwards.
# The person sitting inside you wants to get up time and time again.
# Someone sitting close to you sneezing and coughing.
# A child sitting in the row behind you, kicking the back of your seat.
# A child is screaming all the time.
# A constant cue of people standing next to you in the isle waiting to go to the lavatory.
# An oversize passenger sitting next to you, pushing over into your seat.
# The passenger next to you smells bad.
# The passenger next to you talks constantly and you are not interested.
# The passenger in front of you is reclining the seat back right in your face.
# The person next to the window pulls the blind down so you can't look out.
# A passenger is getting drunk and unruly.
# A passenger that is scared of flying becomes unruly or annoying.
# The passenger / child in the row behind you vomits.

Time for landing

# You have to wait before landing due to traffic.
# You circle in a racetrack in a holding position for half an hour.
# Missed approach, try again!
# There is a bumpy landing.
# You have to wait before you get to the gate.

Finally you make your way of the plane over heaps of old newspapers, paper napkins and cups and beakers.

Nice, in the gate at last!

Now, you are in the a desperate need of going to a certain restroom, but where the **** is it?
How do they hide the restroom so well? There it is!
Oh, no! Another long cue!!! You feel the tears in your eyes.

As you finally get to the over and hot crowded baggage reclaim area, you end up behind a wall of people.
Everyone seems to have to stand next to the belt!
You have to push your way through the crowd to get a chance to have a glimpse of the belt.
Waiting again! Finally the belt gets started.

Then, what happens?

# Your baggage is missing.
# Your baggage has been destroyed.
# The airline representative blame you for the broken baggage.

What a trip!

But, after all, you survived the flight, so don't complain!

Better luck next time!

MONTENEGRO Airlines - EMBRAER 195

MONTENEGRO Airlines - EMBRAER 195 - By Embraer

JAL began non-stop to San Diego

Japan Airlines (JAL) began the first non-stop service between San Diego and Asia today, taking advantage of the performance of the Boeing 787 Dreamliner to operate the 4,829-nm flights to Tokyo (Narita) from Lindbergh Field's short, 9,400-foot (2,865-meter) runway.

The new service departs four days per week (Sunday, Monday, Wednesday, Friday), with daily service to commence on 1 March 2013.

San Diego is JAL's second 787 route to the United States, following service to Boston which begain on 22 April 2012.

Source: Great Circle Mapper

www.gcmap.com

Etihad to fly more flights to India

Etihad Airways, the national airline of the United Arab Emirates, is substantially increasing and upgrading flights to key cities in the Indian subcontinent, Breakingtravelnews reports.

Starting from January 1, 2013 flights to the southern Indian city of Kozhikode will more than double, increasing from three to seven a week.

The Sri Lankan capital of Colombo will also be serviced by daily flights when services increase from four to seven per week starting from January 2, 2013.
These increases will coincide with the re-introduction of the Pearl Business class product on both routes.

The services will be operated by Airbus A320 aircraft fitted with 16 Pearl Business Class seats.
Additional key Etihad destinations, including Jeddah, Johannesburg, Lagos, Milan and Toronto, will be connected to Kozhikode while Geneva, Munich and Astana will be connected to Colombo.

In addition to Kozhikode, the airline offers 56 flights per week connecting Abu Dhabi directly to eight key cities in India, namely Bengaluru, Chennai, Hyderabad, Kochi, Mumbai, New Delhi, Thiruvananthapuram and most recently, Ahmedabad.

Tour the 737 Boeing Sky Interior

Tour the 737 Boeing Sky Interior by Boeing.

Iberia is facing new strikes

Iberia is facing new strikes by its ground and cabin crews.
The unions have called for a 24- hour strike on December 14 and the five days of walkouts from December 17 to December 21 during the Christmas rush.

The unions are protesting the jobs cuts. Iberia is bleeding, and IAG and Iberia earlier this month announced that it will cut 4,500 jobs.

The strike will disrupt the holiday travel season to protest against massive job cuts.

Source: Reuters

Shenzhen Airlines join the Star Alliance

Shenzhen Airlines (Shenzhen) yesterday joined the Star Alliance network.

Shenzhen Airlines is China’s fifth largest carrier and strengthens the Star Alliance presence in China and across Asia. In December 2007 the Alliance added China’s Flag carrier Air China to the network, Worldairlinenews.com reports.

As a Star Alliance member, Shenzhen Airlines offers its customers access to a global network, along with seamless travel and enhanced frequent flyer benefits.

The airline adds some 400 daily flights to 70 destinations to the Star Alliance network. Among these are five new destinations in China: Juzhou (Zhejiang Province), Linyi, Qinhuangdao, Shijiazhuang, and Zhoushan.

As part of seamless travel customer promise, Shenzhen Airlines offers through check-in for passengers connecting to and from other Star Alliance member airlines flights.
On a global basis, the 27 Star Alliance member carriers now offer more than 21,900 daily flights to 1,329 destinations in 194 countries.