Bluebird Nordic plans to more than treble its fleet with 25 Boeing 737-800F aircraft.

The Icelandic cargo airline Bluebird Nordic is undertaking a massive unprecedented and to say the least, highly ambitious expansion plan by announcing the plan to add 25 x Boeing 737-800s to its fleet within the next three years.

The airline currently has a small fleet of 8 Boeing 737 aircraft, comprised of one 300 and seven 400 full freighter models. The 25 new 737-800 aircraft will be a welcome addition to the existing fleet and will offer enormously increased capacity, these 737-800s can carry an additional 4 tonnes more than the current 400s, while also offering increased cargo volume with 1 extra pallet position on the aircraft's main deck. Additionally, the aircraft's advanced fuel-burn ratio and better technical reliability will position the new aircraft as a more sustainable and environmentally sensitive option for the company's cargo customers.

Siggi Agustsson, Bluebird Nordic's CEO and Managing Director, cited the growing demand for cargo transport during the present pandemic as one of the main reasons behind this exciting new development in the company's growth plan. This exciting and game-changing move – as part of the airline's existing expansion plan – will place the company ahead of the curve as a leading, highly competitive cargo operator across the entire freight transport sector. 

In the interim period while Bluebird Nordic await aircraft conversion and delivery, and as evidence of the existing synergy between companies, the aircraft will be utilised by Avion Express – the leading narrow-body ACMI charter operator and an integral part of the Avia Solutions Group of companies – for passenger flights during the busy summer season, offering extra capacity and highly competitive prices.

ATRAN Airlines to Lease Two Additional 737-800 Boeing Converted Freighters from GECAS

 

ATRAN Airlines has taken delivery of a 737-800 Boeing Converted freighter (BCF) from GE Capital Aviation Services (GECAS) and a second is slated to deliver later this month to the scheduled express cargo carrier, which is part of the Russia-based Volga-Dnepr Group.

These aircraft join the two 737-800BCF freighters ATRAN and GECAS announced in October of 2018 and which entered service in March and October of 2019, adding further capacity to ATRAN’s short- and mid-range routes linking Europe, China, Russia and the CIS.

“GECAS is delighted Volga-Dnepr have found the 737-800BCFs well suited to grow their operations and are thrilled to provide these additional freighters to ATRAN,” stated Richard Greener, GECAS’ SVP & Manager Cargo Aircraft Group.

Having delivered 34 of the converted 737-800BCF and with more than 60 on order, GECAS is the largest customer of the type for Boeing’s conversion program. Equipped with CFM56-7B engines, the narrow-body 737-800 freighter carries up to 23.5 tonnes of cargo.

CargoAir has taken delivery of its first Boeing 737-800SF freighter aircraft

The Sofia based, Bulgaria cargo airline CargoAir has taken delivery of its first Boeing 737-800SF freighter aircraft, MSN 30664 from Aeronautical Engineers, Inc. (AEI).  

The jet is the first AEI B737-800SF freighter conversion to be operated in Europe. AEI received EASA approval for the B737-800SF on May 7, 2021.

A second 737-800SF freighter will start the conversion and modification in June at Commercial Jet in Miami, Florida and will then be delivered to CargoAir. 

These twin jet freighters offer a main deck payload of up to 52,700 lbs. (23,904kg) and incorporates eleven full-height 88” x 125” container positions, plus an additional position for an AEP/AEH. The conversion also incorporates new floor beams aft of the wing box, a large 86” x 137” Main Cargo Door with a single vent door system. Additionally, the aircraft are fitted with a flexible Ancra Cargo Loading System, a rigid 9g barrier, five supernumerary seats as standard, a galley and a full lavatory.

KLM renews entire cabin interior of 14 Boeing 737-800s

KLM has started the complete renewal of the cabins of 14 Boeing 737-800 aircraft, for both Business Class and Economy Class. The refurbished aircraft, which are mainly used for European flights, offer passengers more comfort and style and consume less fuel because the renewed cabin weighs 700 kilos less. The first refurbished aircraft has already gone into service. In March 2022, the interior of the last in this series of 737-800s will be completely transformed. All activities are carried out by KLM's Engineering and Maintenance division.

Comfortable, lightweight seats 

The new ergonomically designed seats for Business Class and Economy Class offer more comfort and extra legroom. The upholstery is made of mostly recycled leather. The seats are 20% lighter on average, reducing the total cabin weight by 700 kg. This saves 58 tonnes of fuel and 184 tonnes of CO2 emissions per aircraft per year. For all 14 aircraft combined, this represents annual fuel savings of 812 tonnes and a reduction of 2,576 tonnes of CO2 emissions. 

Style and convenience 

All refurbished Boeing 737-800s are equipped with Wi-Fi. To use the service passengers can purchase vouchers on KLM's free in-flight portal. Passengers always get 30 minutes of free messaging. Each seat has its own USB port for charging devices during the flight. Larger overhead bins provide more storage space on board. LED mood lighting creates a fresh or soothing atmosphere - depending on the time of day. 

Boet Kreiken, Executive Vice President Customer Experience, KLM said: "KLM wants to offer its passengers even more comfort and style on European flights, while reducing the CO2 emissions of flights. That is why KLM continues to invest in its on-board product and sustainability, so we can continue to meet our customers' expectations and emerge stronger from the crisis."

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Did an Ethiopian Airlines 737 cargo plane really land at the wrong airport?

Did an Ethiopian Airlines Boeing 737 cargo aircraft really land at the wrong airport on Sunday, or was it just a precautionary landing over a safety issue?

The jet's arrival caught many people working at the airport by surprise when it made a nice controlled landing at Copperbelt International Airport, in the city of  Ndola, which is still under final construction.  The aircraft,  a Boeing 737-800, registered ET-AYL, a new arrival to the Ethiopian fleet, which previously flew with Pegasus Airlines before being converted to a freighter aircraft.

The aircraft had been scheduled to fly into Simon Mwansa Kapwepwe Airport, the current international airport in Ndola, around 9 miles away from Copperbelt.  According to local people on the scene, once the captain had been advised he was not at Simon Mwansa Kapwepwe Airport, he taxied back around and took off without further incident.

Far from being unique,  this incident was nearly repeated by another aircraft later the same day, from the same airline.   ET-AQP, was another 737 was operating flight  ET871 scheduled to operate from the carriers home base of Ababa to Ndola. However, this time the pilot made an approach to the airport, aborting the landing before circling the airfield, before readjusting its flight plan and headed to the Simon Mwansa Kapwepwe Airport for a safe landing. 

An investigation is underway and is said to be looking at a number of different possibilities for confusion, one being pilot error, another being an inadvertent activation of the new airports navigational aids and equipment. Miscommunication between Zambian air traffic controllers and the aircraft concerned is another possibility being looked into. 

There have been no reports of any safety issues with either aircraft,  both of which have continued with normal scheduled operations. We have approached Ethiopian Airlines for a comment. 

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AEI to provide four Boeing 737-800SF freighter conversions to Aero Capital Solutions

Aeronautical Engineers, Inc. (AEI) has confirmed it has been awarded a contract to provide Aero Capital Solutions (ACS) with four Boeing 737-800SF Freighter Conversions. ACS is an Austin, Texas-based leading mid-life aircraft lessor. These AEI conversions represent the first freighters to be offered by ACS to the global air cargo market.

All the freighter conversions are to be modified by the authorized AEI Conversion Center, STAECO, located in Shandong, P.R. China. The first aircraft has already commenced modification and will be redelivered in January 2021. The remaining three freighter conversions are scheduled to be completed and delivered in Q1/Q2 2021.

Aeronautical Engineers, Inc. (AEI) has announced it redelivered the first B737-800SF Freighter Conversion to Nigeria-based Allied Air. In March of this year, Allied Air entered into an agreement with AEI to provide the company with two B737-800SF Freighter Conversions with an option for two additional conversions. The delivered freighter (MSN 36846) is the youngest 737-800 in the world converted to date. Additionally, Allied Air is the first airline in Africa to own and operate a B737-800SF on the continent.

Allied Air has recently used its existing fleet of freighter aircraft to assist the Nigerian government in distributing much needed medical supplies to help combat the COVID-19 pandemic – helping to save countless lives in the nation. Supplies transported include masks, PPE, and ventilators. Allied Air has provided this service to the Nigerian government free of charge.

Boeing Wins More 737-800BCF Orders and Launches New Freighter Conversion Lines to Meet Strong Demand

Two additional freighter conversion lines are launched to meet strong demand in express traffic and e-commerce markets.

This week Boeing announced a firm order from an unidentified customer for two 737-800 Boeing Converted Freighters (BCF), as well as agreements to open additional conversion lines in Guangzhou, China, and Singapore to meet strong market demand.

Based on the popular Next-Generation 737, the 737-800BCF offers operators newer technology, lower fuel consumption and higher reliability than other standard-body freighters. Primarily used to carry express cargo on domestic or short-haul routes, the airplane is capable of carrying up to 23.9 tonnes (52,800 pounds) and flying up to 2,000 nautical miles (3,750 kilometers).

The 737-800BCF now has 134 orders and commitments.

GECAS Cargo orders more 737-800 freighters

GE Capital Aviation Services signed an agreement with Boeing converting 11 737-800 Boeing Converted Freighter (BCF) options to firm orders and adding nine additional options to the GECAS Cargo order book.

Photo GECAS

This agreement marks a repeat order by the commercial aircraft leasing and financing arm of General Electric [NYSE: GE] for the 737-800BCF, bringing their total orderbook for the type to 74 (60 firm and 14 options) since the narrowbody conversion program was announced in 2016. The 20 in this agreement are scheduled to complete conversions between 2022 and 2024.

“We are very pleased to expand our orderbook for the 737-800BCF with Boeing,” said Richard Greener, SVP and Manager, GECAS Cargo, adding “The versatility and reliability of these freighters is appealing to our air cargo customers, not to mention the greater efficiency, lower operational costs and better environmental credentials for the growing express and E commerce cargo market.”

Pegasus 737 skids off Istanbul runway

A Pegasus Airlines Boeing 737-800 registration TC-CCK operating flight  PC747 from Sharjah International Airport in the United Arabic Emirates to Istanbul Sabiha Gokcen International Airport has skidded off the runway whilst landing in heavy rain today.

The accident occurred at around 0800 local time after the plane had landed and came off the runway in the rainstorm, ending up on the grass beside the tarmac.  All passengers were able to disembark the aircraft via the emergency slides and according to official no-one was injured. 

Alaska Airlines' newest painted Pixar-themed aircraft showcases Pixar Pier at Disney California Adventure Park (along with a few well-known faces)

In collaboration with the Disneyland Resort, Alaska Airlines showcased its latest special-edition aircraft livery today that offers a whimsical tribute to Pixar Pier, a reimagined land at Disney California Adventure Park.

A trio of familiar Pixar characters span both sides of the aircraft: Woody, Buzz Lightyear and Jessie of Toy Story fame. For more added fun, one of the Aliens from the popular animated movie series can be spotted on both winglets, and even Rex the Tyrannosaurus makes a special appearance at the boarding door. The plane is named "Friendship and Beyond at Disneyland Resort."

"There's nothing better than landing happy on the way to The Happiest Place on Earth," said Natalie Bowman, Alaska Airlines' managing director of brand marketing and advertising. "The Disneyland Resort is one of our signature West Coast friendships, and we love that we can celebrate Pixar Pier by taking these iconic characters on a brand-new adventure."

CDB Aviation Delivers 737-800 to New Russian Customer NordStar Airlines

CDB Aviation, announced the placement of a Boeing 737-800 aircraft on a long-term lease to a new customer in Russia, Joint-stock company NordStar Airlines, with airport bases in Krasnoyarsk and Moscow (Domodedovo).

The 737-800 aircraft was delivered to the carrier in Ostrava, Czech Republic on July 31, and is expected to support the carrier’s expanding operations between Russian cities and the neighbouring regions within the Russian Federation and foreign countries.

Students become unwell on an American Airlines flight to Boston

 13 students hospitalised 

Officials are investigating how 13 students became ill on an American Airlines flight to from Miami to Boston on Sunday morning.  

American Airlines Flight AA1201, a Boeing 737 arrived at Boston's Logan Airport ahead of schedule at 0924 on Sunday morning and the students were said to be part of a group of around 40 passengers who were on a connecting flight when they all became ill.

The students affected complained of stomach upsets and sickness and were taken to Massachusetts General Hospital for evaluation and treatment. The Boston Emergency Medical Services said "This morning at approximately 9:20am, Boston EMS responded to Logan Airport with multiple units. A total of 13 patients were transported to MGH, all for symptoms that were minor in nature."

Massachusetts Port Authority Spokesperson, Samantha Decker confirmed the incident but didn't have any details of how the passengers became ill but said the symptoms were rather mild. According to American Airlines, there were no other reports of illness among passengers or crew of the flight. 

(Photos American Airlines)

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Four new routes from budget carrier Norwegian as Milk takes to the air

Norwegian Expansion

It's been a busy weekend for the budget carrier Norwegian, which is continuing to expand with new routes, whilst it also cuts costs and attempts to become a leaner operation to head back in to profits.

The airline started non-stop services between Europe and three new North American airports over the weekend. 

Dublin - John C. Munro Hamilton International Airport (4 times a week)

London - Miami  (moved from Fort Lauderdale - daily service)

London - San Francisco  (moved from Oakland - five times a week)

Rome - Boston   (4 times a week)

Dublin set to get new flight to Hamilton, Canada with budget carrier Norwegian

Photo Simon Wright

The budget carrier Norwegian is about to start its first-ever route between Europe and Canada, starting this Sunday, 31st March. The airline will be starting a brand new service from Dublin to Hamilton's John C. Munro International Airport (YHM). Norwegian had planned the route to be operated on new Boeing 737 Max 8 aircraft, however, because of the grounding of that type of 737, the airline will now start the route with an ETOPS enabled 737-800 aircraft. The service will fly on a Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday. 

Hamilton International Airport is conveniently located in the Greater Toronto area with good road links to some major tourist attractions such as Niagara Falls and the beautiful Niagara village.  WestJet's own budget carrier, Swoop also operates a number of flights from the airport, there are also flights with WestJet, AirTransat and Air Canada from the airport. 

Qantas 737 suffers decompression incident at 25,000 feet

A Boeing 737-838 of Australian airline Qantas operating a flight from Adelaide to Canberra had to make an emergency landing at Melbourne on Tuesday morning following a decompression that saw oxygen masks deploy.

Flight QF706 had departed from Adelaide normally around 0610 in the morning and the first part of the flight had been uneventful.  The aircraft was at approximately 25,000 feet when a loud bang was heard by passengers at the back of the aircraft, oxygen masks deployed automatically and the crew carried out a rapid and controlled descent to 10,000 feet.

At the lower altitude, passengers were able to breathe normally and the crew instructed them to remove their masks. The crew then made an expedited arrival into Melbourne and passengers transferred to other flights.

Caribbean Airlines agree leasing deal for four Boeing 737 MAX 8 Aircraft

Caribbean Airlines 737-800          Photo Caribbean Airlines

Caribbean Airlines is getting long leases on four new Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft it has been announced this week. The airline will start to get these new aircraft starting in the fourth quarter of 2019 through 2020.

The deal was struck with global leasing specialist Air Lease Corporation, with whom the carrier already leases two Boeing 737-800 aircraft.  “Caribbean Airlines is delighted to introduce the Boeing 737 MAX 8 to our fleet with ALC,” said Garvin Medera, Chief Executive Officer of Caribbean Airlines. “The 737 MAX 8 will play an integral role in our success going forward as we continue to increase our competitiveness and high-quality customer service throughout the Caribbean and North and South America.”

“ALC is extremely pleased to announce this lease placement for four new Boeing aircraft with Caribbean Airlines and be the first to introduce the 737 MAX 8 to the airline this year,” said Steven F. Udvar-Házy, Executive Chairman of Air Lease Corporation. “The capabilities of the 737 MAX 8 will improve operational efficiency and contribute to Caribbean Airlines’ long-term success as the flag carrier of Trinidad and Tobago.”

Norwegian launches new Premium Wi-Fi on European flights

Norwegian introduces new Premium

Wi-Fi service to Boeing 737-800 fleet

Norwegian is continuing to enhance the passenger experience by commencing the rollout of new and improved inflight Wi-Fi connectivity onboard the airline’s Boeing 737-800 fleet.

Norwegian, named Europe’s Best Low-Cost Airline by SkyTrax, was the first airline to offer passengers free in-flight Wi-Fi on all European flights in 2011. The airline became the first to introduce live television over the skies of Europe in 2015 and in 2018 it took delivery of its first Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner equipped with inflight Wi-Fi. Norwegian became the first low-cost airline to offer customers free Wi-Fi for the full duration of intercontinental flights.

Short-haul passengers to receive high-speed Wi-Fi

fast enough to stream video content

Rollout to be completed on 113 Boeing 737-800 

aircraft by mid-February 2019

Norwegian has launched an upgraded Wi-Fi experience on its Boeing 737-800 aircraft as part of improving the customer experience. Norwegian operates Boeing 737-800 aircraft on intra-European routes, routes connecting Europe with North Africa, Middle East and on flights between the USA and French Caribbean.

Norwegian will gradually roll out the new Premium Wi-Fi service across its Boeing 737-800 fleet and expects to complete the rollout in mid- February 2019. 

Malaysia Airlines Reinstates Flights to Kochi

Malaysia Airlines today announced its return to Kochi with its inaugural flight on 31 March 2019.

The airline will be flying daily Kochi via MH108, serviced by the B737-800, which will depart Kuala Lumpur at 10.40pm and arrive Kochi at 12.01am the following day. The return flight, MH109 will depart Kochi at 1am and will arrive Kuala Lumpur at 7.50am the same day.

Malaysia Airlines Group Chief Executive Officer, Captain Izham Ismail said, “Due to increasing demand, we are happy to announce our return on the daily Kuala Lumpur-Kochi route. India has always been an important market and therefore, reinstating Kochi makes business sense. We also have recently increased capacity on the Kuala Lumpur-Mumbai route by swapping one of the B737-800 aircraft to the widebody A330-300 as this shows our commitment to the India market.”

Malaysia Airlines will be having a special promotion in conjunction with its inaugural flight, for travel from 31 March 2019 until 31 August 2019. From now until 20 January 2019, customers can look forward to fly from as low as RM299 all-in return on Economy Class to Kochi and from as low as RM899 all-in return on Business Class.

These special fares include 30kg baggage allowance on Economy Class or 40kg baggage allowance on Business class, complimentary meals and inflight entertainment.     -- -

(Images Malaysian Airlines)

United Airlines announces large international route expansion from San Francisco

Photo United Airlines

United Airlines announced this week its largest ever international network expansion from its hub at San Francisco International Airport. The airline confirmed it will offer Bay Area customers nonstop year-round service to Toronto and Melbourne, Australia and seasonal service to New Delhi. United also announced it will begin a second daily flight between San Francisco and Seoul, South Korea. All routes subject to government approvals. In addition to the new routes, in 2019, United will begin new year-round nonstop service between San Francisco and Auckland, New Zealand, Tahiti, French Polynesia and Amsterdam.

"This route expansion solidifies United's position at San Francisco as the gateway airline serving destinations across the Pacific, the continental United States, as well as to Europe and beyond," said Oscar Munoz, United's CEO. "It serves as a fitting capstone to all our efforts that made 2018 a breakthrough year for United, from delivering strong financial performance to currently leading in on-time departures for the second year in a row."

"San Francisco continues to be a cultural and economic hub for the world," said U.S. Senator Dianne Feinstein. "These new routes will expand international travel to and from San Francisco International Airport, helping us forge stronger connections between our city and other major destinations around the globe."

Since 2013, United Airlines has added 12 new international destinations from San Francisco. With these new flights, United will serve 29 international destinations from San Francisco, including eight cities in Europe, India, and the Middle East, seven in North America, and 14 in Asia and Oceania. United, the largest airline at San Francisco International Airport, operates more than 300 daily flights.

Photo United Airlines

"This is great news for all of our customers and employees in the Bay Area, and a sign that United is deeply committed to growing San Francisco and adding unique and exciting destinations across the globe," said Janet Lamkin, United's President of California.

United has been a Bay Area company for 90 years and employs 14,000 people in the region, including 2,500 industrial jobs at its maintenance base, which recently celebrated its 70th anniversary of operation. United continues to invest in the airport, this year opening the 28,000-square foot Polaris lounge near Gate G92 in International Terminal G.