Boeing Dreamliner will open direct flights between Ulaanbaatar, Berlin, Paris and the West Coast of the US for MIAT Mongolian Airlines

The Boeing Dreamliner aircraft will open direct flights between Ulaanbaatar, Berlin, Paris and the West Coast of the US when the first one arrives for the carrier soon.

The airline is looking to connect its home base in Ulaanbaatar with major European and North American cities beginning in 2021 and will lease the long-haul jet fro leading aircraft leasing firm Air Lease Corporation.

“Our vision is to become a globally recognized Mongolian national flag carrier, and we are making a significant step forward by adding the first 787-9 Dreamliner to our fleet,” said Battur Davaakhuu, President and CEO, MIAT Mongolian Airlines. “The Mongolian Dreamliner will fly our passengers direct and in unmatched comfort to their dream destinations. Today is a proud day for MIAT and for all Mongolians.”

Air New Zealand cutting Christmas flights and trialling edible coffee cups.......

Air New Zealand Boeing 787-10                                                              Photo Air New Zealand

Air New Zealand is axing nearly 100 flights over this festive season over continuing issues of the Rolls-Royce engines on its Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner aircraft.

Rolls-Royce Trent 1000 engines that power the Air New Zealand fleet are in need of more frequent maintenance and checks, which has left the carrier short of spares. Air New Zealand’s senior fleet manager 787, Captain Dave Wilson, said: “We have 14 787-9 Dreamliner aircraft in our fleet and four spare engines to power these. However, all these spare engines are with Rolls Royce offshore either undergoing service or waiting for a service slot.”

Air New Zealand Senior Manager Customer Care and Communications Doug Grant says the airline is well placed to minimise the impact on customers. "Going into the holiday season we're acutely aware how important travel is to our customers, and our schedule changes are designed to keep cancellations to a minimum. Unfortunately, around 14,000 customers will be impacted by cancellations and we thank them in advance for their understanding.”

Republic of Ghana Sign Memorandum of Understanding for Three 787-9 Dreamliner Jets

Boeing and the Republic of Ghana announced that the country intends to re-launch an airline starting with the 787-9 Dreamliner. A memorandum of understanding was signed at the Dubai Air Show for three aeroplanes, yet no firm deal was confirmed

"There is a growing demand for air travel to and from Ghana and we believe the advanced 787-9 Dreamliner gives us an efficient and flexible machine to launch a regional network and eventually serve international destinations in the future," said Joseph Kofi Adda, Honorable Minister of Aviation and Member of Parliament, Republic of Ghana. "The 787 has an excellent reputation for its operational performance, fuel efficiency and passenger experience and we are confident that we have the right partner for our new carrier."

Biman Bangladesh Airlines confirms order for two 787-9 Dreamliner

Boeing and Biman Bangladesh Airlines (Biman) confirmed at the 2019 Dubai Airshow an order for two 787 Dreamliner aircraft.  According to Boeing documents,  the order was first firmed up in October, listed in dealings as "unidentified" customer as the US manufacturer needed to save some 'good news' for the Dubai airshow, to please shareholders and show organisers.

The order complements Biman's fleet of 787-8 jets with the larger and longer-range 787-9 version of the jet that is currently under investigation for higher than expected wear and tear. Biman says the 787-9s will help modernise its fleet and further expand its international network. 

"One of our key priorities is to have a modern fleet with technologically-advanced aeroplanes that will enable us to expand our international reach," said Air Marshal Muhammad Enamul Bari, Former Chief of Air Staff, Chairman Board of Directors, Biman Bangladesh Airlines. "While we have a good domestic network, we plan to extend our international network to include more destinations in Europe, Asia and the Middle East. The 787 with its technological superiority, excellent operational performance and passenger experience will enable us to achieve that goal," he added.

New Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner for Air New Zealand

Air New Zealand has a brand new Boeing 787-9 on long term lease from AerCap Holdings this week. This is the first new 787-9 aircraft to deliver to Air New Zealand from AerCap's order book with Boeing.

"The delivery of this new Boeing 787-9 to Air New Zealand marks another milestone between our two companies, building on a 30-year history of successful cooperation," said Aengus Kelly, CEO of AerCap. "We are delighted to continue to support Air New Zealand's fleet renewal strategy and sustainable growth ambitions with the addition of this new Dreamliner, which will offer excellent operational performance and environmental efficiency, significantly reducing fuel emissions and noise levels. We wish Jeff McDowall and all the team at Air New Zealand continued success."

AerCap is the world's largest lessor of the Boeing 787 Dreamliner, with 117 aircraft owned, managed and on order.

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Qantas celebrates first non-stop commercial airline flight from New York to Sydney

The first non-stop commercial airline flight from New York to Sydney has landed after 19 hours 16 minutes in the air.

A total of 49 passengers and crew were on the flight, which was used to run a series of experiments to assess health and well-being onboard. Data from these experiments will be used help shape the crew rostering and customer service of Qantas’ ultra long haul flights in future – including Project Sunrise (opens in new window).

Tests ranged from monitoring pilot brain waves, melatonin levels and alertness, through to exercise classes for passengers.

Cabin lighting and in-flight meals were also adjusted in ways that are expected to help reduce jetlag, according to the medical researchers and scientists (opens in new window) who have partnered with Qantas.

Project Sunrise....Qantas mega long research flight takes off from New York heading to Sydney non-stop

The Australian airline Qantas’ first Project Sunrise research flight has taken off from New York’s John F Kennedy Airport heading to Sydney.  The flight QF7879, had just 50 passengers and crew on board departed nearly 30 minutes late and will be the first 'commercial' airline flight to fly non-stop between New York and Sydney.

The brand new Boeing 787-9 aircraft was positioned to New York after being delivered from the Boeing factory in Seattle. After the research flight is complete, it will enter normal commercial service with Qantas.

The purpose of the record-breaking flight is to conduct scientific research on passengers and crew on an ultra-long haul flight, with the aim of increasing health and wellness, minimising jetlag and identifying optimum crew rest and work periods.

MIAT Mongolian Airlines gets new Boeing 787-9 aircraft from Air Lease Corporation

Air Lease Corporation announced a long-term lease agreement with MIAT Mongolian Airlines for one new Boeing 787-9 aircraft. This aircraft, scheduled to deliver to the airline in Spring 2021 from ALC’s order book with Boeing, will be the first 787-9 to operate in Mongolia as well as the first Dreamliner in MIAT Mongolian Airlines’ fleet.

Founded in 1956, MIAT Mongolian Airlines is the leading national flag carrier of Mongolia, headquartered in Ulaanbaatar, the capital city of Mongolia. The airline operates international scheduled services in Asia and Europe from its Chinggis Khaan International Airport home base in Ulaanbaatar and handles more than half of Mongolia-bound international passenger traffic.

“ALC is honoured to announce this significant lease placement with MIAT Mongolian Airlines and be the first to introduce the airline to the Dreamliner,” said Steven F. Udvar-Házy, Executive Chairman of Air Lease Corporation. “We are proud to support the national carrier as it expands its fleet with the most technologically advanced aircraft to connect Mongolia with the rest of the world.”

Qantas going the distance..... direct flights from New York and London to Australia

Project Sunrise

The Australian airline, Qantas has just announced three very ultra-long-haul research flights to gather new data about inflight passenger and crew health and wellbeing on excessively long trips.

The flights form part of planning for Project Sunrise – Qantas’ goal to operate regular, non-stop commercial flights from the east coast of Australia (Brisbane, Sydney and Melbourne) to London and New York.

The three flights over three months will use new Boeing 787-9s and re-route their planned delivery flights. Instead of flying empty from Seattle to Australia, the aircraft will simulate two Project Sunrise routes – London and New York to Sydney.

This will represent the world’s first flight by a commercial airline direct from New York to Sydney and only the second time a commercial airline has flown direct from London to Sydney.

Each flight will have a maximum of 40 people, including crew, in order to minimise weight and give the necessary fuel range. Carbon emissions from the flights will be fully offset.

Qantas to conduct research flights between New York and London direct to Australia.

Project Sunrise

The Australian airline, Qantas has just announced three very ultra-long-haul research flights to gather new data about inflight passenger and crew health and wellbeing on excessively long trips.

The flights form part of planning for Project Sunrise – Qantas’ goal to operate regular, non-stop commercial flights from the east coast of Australia (Brisbane, Sydney and Melbourne) to London and New York.

The three flights over three months will use new Boeing 787-9s and re-route their planned delivery flights. Instead of flying empty from Seattle to Australia, the aircraft will simulate two Project Sunrise routes – London and New York to Sydney.

This will represent the world’s first flight by a commercial airline direct from New York to Sydney and only the second time a commercial airline has flown direct from London to Sydney.

Each flight will have a maximum of 40 people, including crew, in order to minimise weight and give the necessary fuel range. Carbon emissions from the flights will be fully offset.

Etihad deploy Boeing 787-9 on the Abu Dhabi - Lagos Route

Photo Etihad Airways

The Abu Dhabi based Etihad Airways as revised its scheduled to Lagos, Nigeria to be flown by one of the carriers new state-of-the-art Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner aircraft.

The airline made the change from 2nd August when the inaugural flight from Abu Dhabi EY673 took off from Abu Dhabi at 2.35am and arrived on schedule at 7.10am local time. The return EY674 departed Lagos at 8.30am and landed back just after 7pm. 

• Travellers will experience industry-leading, next-generation cabins
• Flying Nannies and Food and Beverage Managers offer innovative hospitality services in-flight
• Includes highly-acclaimed interiors featuring 28 Business Studios and 271 Economy Smart Seats

The two-class B787-9 Dreamliner features Etihad Airways’ next-generation Business and Economy cabins configured with 299 seats - 28 Business Studios and 271 Economy Smart Seats.

Qantas to deploy 787-9 Dreamliners on the Sydney - Santiago route

Qantas has announced Sydney-Santiago as the next route for its Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner, with the national carrier also adding an additional three return flights per week between the two cities.*

From late June 2020, customers travelling between Sydney and Santiago will experience the Dreamliner’s next-generation Economy, Premium Economy and Business cabins.

The additional flights – which will commence at the same time – will increase flights on the route from four per week to daily, adding more than 20,000 seats each year.

The change is part of the phased delivery of the national carrier’s six additional Dreamliners, as the more efficient aircraft gradually replace the Boeing 747 aircraft on Qantas’ international network by the end of 2020.

Qantas opens sales on Brisbane to Chicago and San Francisco

Australians can now book direct flights from Brisbane to Chicago and San Francisco for the first time, with fares available for sale from this week.

The new routes will be operated by Qantas’ Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners, offering next-generation seating and built-in jet lag reducing features, and see the national carrier grow its United States network from one to three non-stop destinations from Brisbane.

The announcement follows the US Department of Transportation’s (DOT) final approval of Qantas’ joint business with American Airlines last Friday.

San Francisco flights will begin on 9 February 2020 and operate three times per week, complementing Qantas’ existing flights from Sydney and Melbourne and offering customers the choice of double daily Dreamliner services from Australia’s east coast to the popular Californian city.

Hello Las Vegas...... KLM starts a new service

Photo Patrick Kop

KLM Royal Dutch Airlines initiated its Amsterdam-Las Vegas (LAS) route yesterday. KLM will use a Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner with a capacity of 294 seats per flight on Thursdays and Sundays. Starting 1 July, a third weekly flight will be added on Tuesdays.

The new KLM flights will expand on Air France-KLM’s transatlantic network and serve to strengthen the joint venture portfolio with Delta Air Lines.

KLM will operate its flights to Las Vegas on Thursdays and Sundays. The flights, using a Boeing 787-9, offer thirty seats in World Business Class, forty-five seats in Economy Comfort Class, and 219 seats in Economy Class. In July, we will add a third weekly flight on Tuesdays.

Air New Zealand selects Boeing 787-10 Dreamliners for future development.

The first Boeing 787-9                       Photo  Boeing

Boeing and Air New Zealand  announced this week that the kiwi airline plans to add the largest 787 Dreamliner model to its world-class fleet with a commitment to buy eight 787-10 aeroplanes valued at $2.7 billion at list prices, yet in reality according to insiders in Chicago, the true final cost to Air New Zealand is nearer $1.7 billion.  

"This is a hugely important decision for our airline. With the 787-10 offering around 15 percent more space for both customers and cargo than the 787-9, this investment creates the platform for our future strategic direction and opens up new opportunities to grow," said Air New Zealand Chief Executive Officer Christopher Luxon. "The 787-10 is longer and even more fuel efficient. However, the game changer for us has been that by working closely with Boeing, we've ensured the 787-10 will meet our network needs, including the ability to fly missions similar to our current 777-200 fleet."

Carrier plans to add eight super-efficient 787-10 aeroplanes to its growing Dreamliner family

WestJet gives Calgary more Dreamliner

Photo WestJet

      WestJet revealed its winter 787-9 Dreamliner schedule, announcing the state-of-the-art aircraft will now fly between Calgary and Maui and will operate an additional day to London (Gatwick) this winter.  

As part of the schedule release, WestJet also announced the 787-9 Dreamliner will be operating daily service between Toronto and London (Gatwick) starting October 23, 2019.

"Flying on the WestJet Dreamliner is a game changer in travel; guest feedback on the experience has been phenomenal," said Brian Znotins, WestJet Vice-President Network Planning and Alliances. "The Dreamliner was built for transoceanic routes with technology that reduces jetlag and leaves travellers feeling more refreshed upon arrival. With our custom cabins and award-winning service, guests are going to love the journey as much as the destination."

"Our guests love travelling to Hawaii, and now their trip to Maui will be even more memorable with WestJet's Dreamliner service to the island," said Bob Sartor, President and CEO, The Calgary Airport Authority. "Thank you to WestJet for another significant commitment to your Boeing 787-9 hub at YYC."

Toronto gets on board the WestJet Dreamliner to London this winter

WestJet Dreamliner to Gatwick                              Photo WestJet

The Canadian airline WestJet revealed this week that its winter 787-9 Dreamliner schedule, announcing the state-of-the-art aircraft will be operating its Toronto-London (Gatwick) route. The addition of the WestJet Dreamliner to this route gives Eastern Canada the opportunity to experience a new Business and Premium service between two large financial and tourism centres.

This daily Dreamliner service, starting October 23, 2019, upgrades WestJet's existing Toronto-London service operated on the 767. As part of the schedule update, WestJet also announced the 787-9 Dreamliner will be used to operate flights between Calgary and Maui up to four-times weekly starting October 31, 2019, and between Calgary and London four-times weekly starting October 27, 2019.

TUI 787-9 Dreamliner Gatwick landing drama report issued.

Photo paineairport.com

The UK's Air Accident Investigation Branch detailed an incident involving a TUI Boeing 787 Dreamliner at London Gatwick Airport on 6 July 2018 at 1711 in its May bulletin.

The aircraft, registration G-TUIM, a 787-9 was operating a flight from the holiday island of Tenefire back to the UK and was on approach to Runway 26L at London Gatwick Airport and the crew was configuring the aircraft for landing. After flaps 1 was selected, there was a progressive deterioration in the normal flight controls, landing gear lowering and nosewheel steering capabilities.  Initially, the slats primary fail and flaps primary fail on the Engine Indication and Crew Alerting System - EICAS - messages were displayed. There was difficulty in lowering the nose landing gear, indicating nose wheel steering fault.  

United Airlines wants to start nonstop service to Cape Town from New York

A United 787-9                   Photo United Airlines

One of the leading airlines of the United States of America, United Airlines has confirmed it has put in an application with the Department of Transportation to start a new service between New York/Newark Liberty International Airport and Cape Town International Airport. 

The global carrier wants to start a nonstop service between the two cities three times a week beginning in  December 2019.

"We are always looking at ways to expand our industry-leading international route network to offer our customers more convenient options. We're thrilled to announce the addition of Africa to our global route offering," said Patrick Quayle, United's vice president of International Network. "This new flight will provide customers with the only nonstop service between the United States and Cape Town."

United's nonstop service between New York/Newark and Cape Town will decrease the current travel time from New York to Cape Town by more than four hours and provide customers from more than 80 U.S. cities with easy one-stop access to Cape Town. If approved, United's service between New York/Newark and Cape Town will be operated with Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner aircraft featuring 48 seats in United Polaris business class, 88 seats in United Economy Plus and 116 seats in United Economy.

Air Lease Corp to supply three Boeing 787-9s to Air Premia

One of the leading aircraft lessors,  Air Lease Corporation announced long-term lease agreements with Air Premia of South Korea for three new Boeing 787-9 aircraft.  All are scheduled for delivery in 2020 in the summer through to autumn.

 “We are honoured and excited to be providing Air Premia the first three new Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners on long-term lease from ALC,” said Steven F. Udvar-Házy, Executive Chairman of Air Lease Corporation. “These new aircraft will offer advanced dimensions in comfort, service and affordability in the Korean marketplace, and will serve Air Premia’s route network efficiently with the latest technology long-range aircraft. ALC is proud of our business association with Air Premia and to contribute to the new airline’s success.”