New jet service for Canadian North

Starting June 2nd, as part of its ongoing commitment to service Canada's North, the regional carrier, Canadian North will be offering a twice-weekly jet service Montreal-Kuujjuaq-Iqaluit. The airline will be using its Boeing 737-700 which is joining the company as part of its national fleet renewal strategy. The new jet offers a higher level of comfort and convenience with spacious seats, larger overhead bins, and in-seat power USB outlets.

The airline will also be offering complimentary food and beverage service on the route to help passengers enjoy the best of Canadian North’s hospitality when travelling between Montreal and Iqaluit in less than 4 hours!

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WestJet and Aero Design Labs set out to reduce emissions and increase fuel efficiency of Boeing 737-700 aircraft

The Canadian airline WestJet has announced this week, a new partnership with Aero Design Labs to modify the airline's 737-700 NG aircraft for greater reduced emissions and improved fuel efficiency.  The move comes as the carrier wants to reduce its environmental footprint and it hopes the modifications will reduce overall fuel burn through drag reduction and lead to long-term cost savings and reduced carbon emissions on the 737-700 aircraft.

"With one of North America's youngest and most efficient fleets, WestJet continues to make significant investments to make air travel more sustainable," said Diederik Pen, WestJet Chief Operating Officer. "Through our innovative partnership with Aero Design Labs, we are currently testing a first-of-its kind product designed to reduce fuel burn and improve the efficiency and longevity of our 737-700s."

The Aero Design Labs team created the Aerodynamic Drag Reduction System (ADRS 1) for the Boeing 737-700 fleet. WestJet was a key partner in the installation, certification and validation of the product. The airline and Aero Design Labs worked together to gather data and findings which drove additional modifications and feedback on the technology, which will be added to the aircraft once approved and validated by Transport Canada for commercial use.

"We are delighted that WestJet as the largest 737NG operator in Canada chose to partner with ADL as the launch customer on the 737-700 using our ADRS1 Kit that we have developed for the 737NG family. WestJet clearly shares our enthusiasm and conviction toward reducing carbon emissions. This starts the journey today towards WestJet's commitment to net-zero carbon emissions by 2050." Said Chris Jones, Chief Commercial Officer at Aero Design Labs.

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50th Anniversary of Southwest Airlines and Walt Disney World Resort celebrated with special aircraft livery and tons of giveaways!

The leading U.S. budget carrier Southwest Airlines has joined Walt Disney World Resort with a special co-branded commemorative aircraft honouring 50 years of connecting people with memories and magic, as each company celebrates their 50th anniversaries in 2021. 

The Boeing 737-700 features 50th-anniversary logos of both Southwest Airlines and Walt Disney World Resort and is emblazoned with a unique EARidescent treatment created by Walt Disney World Resort especially for its milestone celebration. 

"For 50 years, Southwest has connected our Customers to the people and places that matter most. Whether a Customer is flying to visit relatives in another state, close a business deal with a client, or experience a family vacation, we are honoured to be a part of those moments," said Brandy King, Director of Public Relations at Southwest Airlines. "Celebrating 50 years of making memories during our shared milestone anniversary is at the heart of this magical collaboration with the Walt Disney World Resort."

"As Walt Disney World Resort kicks off The World's Most Magical Celebration commemorating our 50th anniversary, we are thrilled to bring even more magic to guests' vacations and to the sky with the help of our friends at Southwest," said Claire Bilby, Senior Vice President of Disney Destinations. "Both Walt Disney World Resort and Southwest Airlines share an incredible 50-year legacy of creating exceptional vacation experiences and treasured memories for guests."

ATSG Subsidiary PEMCO Delivers Second Boeing 737-700 FlexCombi

The second Boeing 737-700 FlexCombi™ arrived in Bahrain on August 29, 2021. (Photo: Business Wire)

Air Transport Services Group, Inc subsidiary PEMCO Conversions has delivered a second Passenger-to-FlexCombi™ converted aircraft to Bahrain-based Chisholm Enterprises, an internationally recognized provider of tailored aviation and business solutions in the Middle East. Chisholm subsidiary Texel Air, a non-scheduled cargo airline, will operate the Boeing 737-700FC (FlexCombi™) from Bahrain International Airport.

“We have shared a very successful history with PEMCO Conversions,” said John Chisholm, chairman and owner of Chisholm Enterprises, “having received and deployed the first B737-700 FlexCombi™ in August 2020, as well as four previous B737-300 converted freighters.”

The PEMCO B737-700FC currently offers three configurations: a 24-seat cabin plus a 2,640-cubic-foot cargo hold for up to 30,000 pounds of payload in six pallet positions; a 12-seat cabin plus a 3,005-cubic-foot cargo hold for up to 35,000 pounds of payload in seven pallet positions; or full-freighter mode consisting of a 3,370-cubic-foot cargo hold for up to 40,000 pounds of payload in eight pallet positions. The available positions will accommodate 88-inch by 125-inch or 88-inch by 108-inch pallets, with the eighth position accommodating a slightly reduced height pallet in full cargo mode.