Alitalia to operate special repatriation flights

Alitalia is putting in place a number of special flights in order to facilitate the return home for thousands of compatriots. The Italian airline will also continue to fly to the countries that have ordered restrictive measures for Italian citizens and for travellers who have stayed in Europe.

A special Alitalia flight to the Maldives will take off on the evening of Monday 16 March. To respect the Maldivian entry ban for Italians, the aircraft will make a technical stop in Cairo airport in order to alternate flight crews. In fact, pilots and flight attendants have already left for Egypt and, entering into service from Cairo, they will be able to guarantee a flight to and from Male without getting off the plane, in compliance with the aeronautical regulations on flight duty period. The Boeing 777 will arrive in the Maldives, without passengers on board, at 1:15 pm local time on 17 March and return at Rome Fiumicino airport is scheduled at midnight on 18 March.

American Airlines to start new flight to London from Boston as it expands its international schedules.

The US mega-carrier American Airlines has announced plans today to expand its international flight offering. 

• Increased service from Miami (MIA) to:
    º  Lima, Peru (LIM), beginning April 7
    º  Santiago, Chile (SCL), beginning winter 2020
    º  São Paulo (GRU), beginning winter 2020
  

  • New daily service from Boston (BOS) to London Heathrow (LHR) beginning March 29

  
  

  • Extended service to key European destinations including Rome (FCO), Dublin (DUB) and Barcelona, Spain (BCN)

All new routes are subject to government approval. Flights will be available for purchase October 7th, with the exception of GRU and SCL, which will be available for purchase in December.

China Airlines agrees order for six 777 freighters

China Airlines to modernise its freighter fleet 

China Airlines has finalised its agreement with the aircraft giant Boeing on an order for six 777 Freighters which it seeks to modernise its cargo fleet with.

The deal has a list price of $2.1 billion, but a true reflection of the price is less than half that amount according to China Airlines staff and was first announced at the Paris Air Show back in June this year. 

Ethiopian Cargo starts weekly service to Bangkok and Hanoi

Photo Ethiopian

Ethiopian Cargo & Logistics Services, the Largest Cargo Operator in Africa, has announced a new weekly freighter service to Bangkok, Thailand and Hanoi, Vietnam.  

The service started on August 16th and is being operated on one of the carriers Boeing 777 aircraft, regarding the new service, Ethiopian Group CEO, Mr Tewolde GebreMariam, remarked, “Our new cargo service to Bangkok and Hanoi will supplement the daily belly hold cargo capacity on passenger aircraft and will create better connectivity for cargo transport not just between Ethiopia and Thailand and Vietnam but also to over 60 destinations we serve in Africa. The commencement of these flights makes Ethiopian the first African carrier to operate cargo flights from Bangkok, and will also create better opportunity for Thai and Vietnamese exporters to have a one-stop access to the 60 plus African destinations Ethiopian serves. The freighter flight will also link Bangkok and Hanoi to Europe, Asia, Middle East and the Americas.”

Qatar Airways finalises an order for 5 Boeing 777 freighters

Boeing and Qatar Airways finalized an order for five Boeing 777 Freighters during a ceremony at the White House on July 9.

The signing ceremony was witnessed by U.S. President Donald Trump and His Highness, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, the Emir of Qatar and included His Excellency Mr Akbar Al Baker, CEO of Qatar Airways Group and Kevin McAllister, President and CEO, Boeing Commercial Airplanes.

The purchase, worth $1.8 billion at current list prices, was first signed as a Memorandum of Understanding at the Paris Air Show in June.

Emirates to Resume Flights to Khartoum

Emirates has announced that it will resume flights to Khartoum, the capital of Sudan, from 08 July, 2019.

The daily service between Dubai and Khartoum, will once again provide both business and leisure travellers in Sudan, global connectivity through the airline’s network, particularly to destinations in the Middle East, West Asia, United States and the Far East, with one convenient flight connection at its Dubai hub. Key destinations for travellers from Sudan include Dubai and the GCC, Malaysia, China, United Kingdom and United States.

Boeing takes new technologies out of the lab and onto ecoDemonstrator flying test bed

Boeing is launching its latest round of flight-testing to assess new technologies that could address real-world challenges for aeroplane operators and passengers — from enhancing safety and sustainability to improving the flying experience. The company is debuting a Boeing 777 that will serve as the 2019 flying test bed for 50 projects.

"This is the latest addition to our ecoDemonstrator program, where we look at how crew and passengers can have a better experience and how technologies can make flying safer, more efficient and more enjoyable," said Mike Sinnett, vice president of product strategy and future aeroplane development at Boeing Commercial Airplanes. "Using the 777 flying test bed lets us learn faster and move forward on improvements much quicker and with greater fidelity in defining their value."

Qatar Airways to take 5 Boeing 777 cargo aircraft....

Qatar Airways, one of the world's leading air cargo carriers, announced a commitment to purchase five additional 777 Freighters from Boeing. The deal has a $1.8 billion value at list prices, was unveiled at the Paris Air Show and signed in the presence of His Excellency Jassim Saif Ahmed Al-Sulaiti, Qatari Minister of Transport and Communications.

When the purchase is finalized, it will be posted to Boeing's Orders and Deliveries website.

Emirates are scheduling its game changer 777 to Male

Emirates has announced the deployment of its latest Boeing 777-300 ER aircraft fitted with the ‘Game Changer’ First Class suites on its Dubai- Malé route from 1st June 2019. The Maldivian capital will become the first destination in the South Asian region to be served on a regular basis by the new aircraft.

Passengers travelling to and from the idyllic archipelago on Emirates flights EK658 and EK659, one of three daily non-stop services* connecting Malé, with Emirates’ hub in Dubai, will be able to experience the fully-enclosed First Class private suites inspired by luxury automaker Mercedes-Benz.

“The Maldives has become an increasingly popular destination for Emirates, attracting premium travellers, honeymooners and families from around the world. Introducing the new Boeing 777 with the state-of-the-art First Class suites on this route reaffirms our longstanding commitment to Malé. It’s also a testament to our ongoing efforts to provide our travellers across the network with an unparalleled experience, demonstrating what Emirates truly means when it invites customers to Fly Better,” said Ahmed Khoory, Emirates’ Senior Vice President, West Asia & Indian Ocean.

SWISS to introduce a new Premium Economy Class

Long-haul travel options to increase for Swiss passengers from spring 2021

SWISS is to introduce a new Premium Economy Class on its long-haul aircraft fleet from spring 2021, to further strengthen its position as a premium air carrier. In a first step here, the additional travel class will be available in a 24-seat section on its Boeing 777-300ER aircraft. In the medium term, the new travel product will be extended to the entire SWISS long-haul fleet. For Economy Class travellers seeking more inflight comfort, the new product will offer a totally new air travel experience. SWISS will be investing some CHF 40 million in installing the new seating class on its Boeing 777 fleet. 

IAG place big Boeing order.

The parent company of British Airways and Iberia has confirmed it is going with Boeing for a fleet of new long-haul aircraft. 

The International Airlines Group has been unable to get sufficient discounts from European planemaker Airbus, so has gone to the US manufacturer, Boeing to fulfil the needs British Airways' fleet revival plans replacing the outgoing 747s.  The firm is ordering up to 42 777X aircraft - which is made up of 18 firm orders and 24 options.  On list prices, the order has a value of $18.6 billion, yet the real value is significantly less. Despite holding talks with Airbus, it was unlikely the group would move away from the American Boeing firm, British Airways has a fleet of over 60 777 aircraft 

Emirates to link Phnom Penh and Bangkok with daily service from Dubai

Boeing 777                            Photo  Emirates 

Emirates will link Phnom Penh (PNH) and Bangkok (BKK) with its new daily service set to launch on June 1, 2019. The service, announced this week, from Dubai to Phnom Penh, via Bangkok, will provide passengers travelling between the capital cities of Cambodia and Thailand with more flight options. Travellers from both Southeast Asian nations will also enjoy access to Emirates’ global network, with enhanced connectivity to over 150 destinations in 86 countries and territories.

The new service will be operated with an Emirates Boeing 777 aircraft. Flights to Phnom Penh will depart daily from Dubai International Airport (DXB) at 0845hrs local time, as EK370, and arrive in Bangkok at 1815hrs. The same flight will then depart Bangkok at 2000hrs, before arriving at Phnom Penh International Airport at 2125hrs. On the return segment, flight EK371 will depart Phnom Penh at 2320hrs and will arrive in Bangkok at 0040hrs, the following day. It will then set off to Dubai‎ at 0225hrs, arriving at 0535hrs. All times are local.

To meet growing passenger demand and facilitate seamless travel between capital cities of Cambodia and Thailand; tourism from Southeast Asian countries vital to Cambodia’s economy

Daily service between Bangkok and Phnom Penh to offer enhanced connectivity to Emirates’ global network and routes served by codeshare partners

Delta to debut first aircraft with all four seat experiences in March

Delta is giving customers

more choice

more comfort

more luxury

than ever before.

Beginning this weekend, customers booking travel on select trans-Pacific and trans-Atlantic routes will be able to choose from all four branded seat products – Delta One suites, Delta Premium Select, Delta Comfort+ and Main Cabin – for the first time on board retrofitted 777 aircraft.delta-premium-select.jpg

This move is the latest in Delta’s effort to offer a well-defined range of experiences for customers travelling for business, leisure or both. Offering all four seat experiences on one aircraft gives customers greater choice than ever before, allowing them to make more tailored plans.

Flights featuring the newly modified 777 that will be available for sale Jan. 5 include:

Route	In Service
Minneapolis/St. Paul (MSP) – Tokyo-Haneda (HND)	March 1
Atlanta (ATL) – Tokyo-Narita (NRT)	March 1
Minneapolis/St. Paul (MSP) – Paris (CDG)	March 1
Atlanta (ATL) – Paris (CDG)	March 1
Minneapolis/St. Paul (MSP) – Seoul (ICN)	April 1
Los Angeles (LAX) – Sydney (SYD)	April 5

Source Delta

Boeing to launch 777X business jet

US aviation giant Boeing's  Business Jet division announced this week that it would be launching the BBJ 777X, a new Boeing Business Jet model that can fly more than halfway around the world without stopping, farther than any business jet ever built.

"Our most exclusive customers want to travel with the best space and comfort and fly directly to their destination. The new BBJ 777X will be able to do this like no other aeroplane before it, redefining ultra-long range VIP travel," said Greg Laxton, head of Boeing Business Jets, at the bi-annual Middle East Business Aviation Association Show (MEBAA).

Turkish Airlines orders more freighters....

Turkish Airlines and US plane maker Boeing have confirmed the industry speculation regarding an order for a further three dedicated cargo aircraft from the growing Istanbul based airline. 

The airline has ordered three 777 Freighters to further enhance its long-range freighter fleet as it pursues its goal of becoming the world's largest cargo carrier. "We are excited to expand our efficient cargo fleet with the 777 Freighter. This aircraft has contributed greatly to Turkish Cargo, Turkish Airlines' successful sub-brand, becoming the fastest-growing air cargo carrier in the world. The additional aircraft will provide us more flexibility to serve even more destinations as we continue to grow our global freight network," said M. İlker Aycı, Turkish Airlines Chairman of the Board and the Executive Committee.

Turkish freight business growing by double digits;

aims to be one of the world's largest cargo carriers

More expansion at Turkish Airlines

Turkish Airlines has seen passenger growth continue to rise during the month of October, its passenger numbers were up by 5% reaching 6.5 million passengers. The carrier also saw its load factor increase, up to 83.4%. 

International load factor increased by 3% to 83.2%, while its domestic load factor reached 85.1% and it also saw a rise in international connecting traffic to another international flight, up 7%. 

The airline has also recently announced an increase to its Istanbul – Hurghada (HRG) – Istanbul service, from 31st March next year the route will be increased from 7 to 10 flights per week. 

FLT NBR	START	END	DAYS	DEP		ARR
TK 702	1.04.2019	27.10.2019	1234567	IST	01:05	2:55	HRG
TK 703	31.03.2019	26.10.2019	1234567	HRG	03:50	7:45	IST
TK 1429	31.03.2019	25.10.2019	.2..5.7	IST	20:50	22:35	HRG
TK 1430	1.04.2019	26.10.2019	1.3..6.	HRG	01:25	5:15	IST

All times are in LMT

The carrier is also increasing its schedules on the Istanbul – Sharm El Sheikh (SSH) – Istanbul route. This is also being increased from 7 to 10 flights each week, starting 1st April next year. 

Ethiopian Airlines gets 8th Boeing 777 Freighter...

Early this month, the freight division of Africa's leading airline, Ethiopian, has taken delivery of its 8th Boeing 777 freighter aircraft to add to its growing cargo fleet.

Arriving at its home base of Bole International Airport, the aircraft was welcomed by Ethiopian Group CEO, Mr Tewolde GebreMariam who said, “We are very delighted to welcome our 8th Boeing 777 freighter aircraft. The new aircraft will help us bolster our leading role in cargo operation in Africa and beyond, further expanding our commendable contribution in boosting the continent’s airfreight export/import traffic as laid out in our Vision 2025.

As the largest cargo operator in Africa, we are currently serving over 44 international dedicated Freighter destinations in Africa, the Gulf, Middle East, Asia, the Americas and Europe, augmenting the export of perishable farm products from the continent of Africa and the import of high-value industrial goods. With more freighters on order, we are set to consolidate our role in availing much-needed airfreight service within Africa and beyond, further catalysing the continent’s economic growth.” 

Etihad Airways unveils its new 'Economy Space' extra legroom seats

The national airline of the United Arab Emirates, Etihad Airways is retrofitting its long-haul fleet including the Airbus A380 aeroplanes with a new 'Economy Space' seats designed to provide more choice to its customers on longer flights and enhance its economy product.

By December 2018, Etihad Airways will have retrofitted its 10 Airbus A380s with the Economy Space seats, in addition to modifying those big superjumbo double-decker aircraft, Etihad Airways will have also added additional Economy Space seats to 12 Boeing 777s and 21 Boeing 787 Dreamliners by the end of 2019, increasing the total number of extra legroom seats by 560%.

Team UK heads off for Invictus Games in Sydney

The 2018 Invictus Games are about to get underway in Sydney, Australia and the UK's British Airways gave the nations 2018 squad, a heroes’ send-off at Heathrow ahead of their 10,558-mile flight down under.

The Invictus games were set up by His Royal Highness Prince Harry in 2014 and is a parasport event especially for wounded, injured or sick armed forces personnel and their associated veterans.  Some of the disciplines taking place at the games in addition to athletics are archery, rowing, powerlifting, cycling, swimming and wheelchair basketball.

This year, Team UK comprises of 72 wounded, injured and sick serving military personnel and veterans who were photographed in front of a specially detailed British Airways Boeing 777.  The jet proudly displays a Good Luck message to the team and conveyed the team to Australia for the games which run from 20th - 25th October. 

The worlds first Boeing 777-200 is now a museum piece

On Tuesday, US plane manufacturer Boeing and Hong Kong-based Cathay Pacific announced they were donating the first-ever Boeing 777 aeroplane to the Pima Air & Space Museum in Arizona, which is one of the world’s largest facilities devoted to celebrating aerospace and aviation.

The iconic aircraft registered B-HNL flew from Cathay Pacific’s Hong Kong home to Tucson, Arizona on 18th September and now will be displayed permanently at the museum alongside more than 350 other notable aircraft.

Boeing first flew the 777-200 aircraft on 12th June 1994, it continued as a test aircraft for several years before it joined the Cathay Pacific fleet in 2000 operating across the airlines its global network.