Now Playing at 35,000 Feet - United Airlines Adds Free Entertainment Options Across its Fleet

United Airlines announced this week better entertainment options for customers to make their next flight fly by. United has expanded its personal device entertainment option to all aircraft with DIRECTV live streaming for purchase to provide at least one free entertainment option on all Wi-Fi equipped aircraft (which is any aircraft with more than 70 seats). Between February and April of this year, the airline installed personal device entertainment onto more than 200 aircraft that previously only offered DIRECTV. Customers can now use a personal laptop, Apple iOS device or Android device to access a library of complimentary movies and TV shows, in addition to having the opportunity to purchase DIRECTV to view live programming.

Turkish Airlines Further Upgrades Passenger Experience Onboard With Panasonic IFEC Solutions

Panasonic Avionics Corporation (Panasonic) and Turkish Airlines have today announced a major commitment for in-flight entertainment and connectivity (IFEC) solutions to be line-fit installed on 50 wide-bodied aircraft the airline has on order, and with options for a further 10.

SAS orders another A330-300

One additional aircraft to increase efficiency with lower carbon footprint

SAS selected the A330-300 to further standardise its long-haul fleet. One new A330-300 equipped with Rolls-Royce Trent 772B engines will join the Scandinavian carrier’s network in the second quarter of 2019. SAS has been an Airbus customer since 1980 with an Airbus fleet of 57 aircraft (eight A340s, eight A330s and 41 A320 Family aircraft) to date.

“We are thankful that SAS has selected the Airbus Family for the second time this week. This further commitment by SAS to the A330 demonstrates the unmatched operating economics and operational versatility of this aircraft,” said Eric Schulz, Airbus Chief Commercial Officer. “We are delighted to be continuing our long-standing partnership with SAS.”

The A330 is one of the world’s most efficient and versatile widebody aircraft with best-in-class economics making it the benchmark for the growing low-cost, long-haul operations business model worldwide. To date, the A330 Family has attracted over 1,700 orders, making it the world’s best-selling widebody aircraft in its category. More than 1,350 A330 Family aircraft are currently flying today with more than 110 operators worldwide. With an operational reliability of 99.4 percent and various product enhancements, the A330 Family is the most cost-efficient and capable widebody aircraft to date.

Profits fall by 104 million for Delta

Delta Air Lines reported its financial results for the March quarter 2018 this week which showed a massive decrease in pre-tax profit over the same period last year. 

Adjusted pre-tax income for the March 2018 quarter was $676 million, a $104 million decrease from the March 2017 quarter, as record revenues were offset by higher fuel prices and other increased costs including a $44 million impact from severe winter weather.

“The Delta people delivered a strong March quarter, and our record revenue was a direct result of the great service and operational reliability they provided for our customers. It’s an honor to recognize their hard work with $183 million toward our 2018 profit sharing,” said Ed Bastian, Delta’s chief executive officer. “We have confidence in our plan to grow earnings in 2018 through top-line growth, improving our cost trajectory, and leveraging our international partnerships.”

WestJet to offer direct route Québec City - Calgary between June and October 2018

WestJet Airlines has confirmed that it will be offering a new direct route between Québec City Jean-Lesage International Airport (YQB) and Calgary International Airport (YYC) from June 29 to October 26, 2018.

WestJet will fly direct four times a week to Calgary International Airport (YYC) from June 29 to September 8, and three flights a week thereafter until October 26, 2018.

"We are elated that WestJet has decided to offer passengers from Québec City a new direct route to Calgary thereby adding a connection to the Canadian and American west", said Gaëtan Gagné, President and CEO of Québec City Jean Lesage International Airport. "This decision aligns perfectly with our development strategy to improve accessibility to Québec City, increase the region's connections to the rest of the world, and support its economic growth, visibility and prestige", he concluded.

Norwegian to increase USA flights from Ireland and Scotland this winter as IAG prepares a take over bid

Norwegian is increasing flights from Edinburgh, Dublin and Shannon airports to the USA during the winter season. The newly added flights are designed to offer more choices for customers heading US-bound and fares start from just €129/£149. 

Europe’s third-largest low-cost airline launched a series of transatlantic routes from Edinburgh, Belfast, Dublin, Cork and Shannon last summer to the US east coast. Norwegian operates brand new Boeing 737 MAX aircraft with up to 189 seats to service the routes which serve smaller airports on the US east coast. These airports give passengers more affordable access to the New York and Boston areas in addition to tourist attractions in New England.

From 28 October, Norwegian will commence an increased winter 2018 schedule with the following added flights:

Finnair introduces 'cabin bag' only transAtlantic fare

One of Europe's leading airlines is adopting a 'low-cost' carrier mentality with the introduction of a low-cost hand baggage only fare across the Atlantic. Announced this week, Finland's flag carrier, Finnair has introduced a 'Light' economy class fare, which includes hand baggage only, on its Helsinki-New York route. 
The change is part of a joint effort by Finnair and its Atlantic Joint Business (AJB) partners, British Airways, Iberia and American Airlines, to offer more options and aligned fare types for their customers on selected North Atlantic routes.

Alaska Air Group reports March 2018 operational results

This week, Alaska Air Group Inc reported its March and year-to-date operational results on a consolidated basis for its mainline operations flown by subsidiaries Alaska Airlines Inc. (Alaska) and Virgin America Inc. (Virgin America), and for its regional flying operated by subsidiary Horizon Air Industries Inc. (Horizon) and third-party regional carriers SkyWest Airlines and Peninsula Airlines.

On Jan. 11, 2018, Alaska and Virgin America consolidated their operations onto a Single Operating Certificate (SOC). Results for Alaska and Virgin America have been combined into a single mainline operation.

Experience summer in Mont Tremblant

A hidden paradise, a hikers heaven are just two ways to describe arguably eastern North America's best ski resort, in summer! Nestled in Québec’s Laurentian Mountains, Mont-Tremblant exudes a wonderful natural beauty that captures the heart and soul from the second you arrive.

SkyWest, Inc. Reports Combined March 2018 Traffic for SkyWest Airlines and ExpressJet Airlines

Earlier this week, SkyWest, Inc reported 153,600 block hours in March 2018, compared to 161,900 block hours in March 2017, a decrease of 8,300 or 5.1%.  The net decrease was consistent with SkyWest's fleet transition plan to improve the mix of aircraft in its fleet by adding new E175 aircraft while reducing its 50-seat jets.  

The year-over-year net change was primarily driven by approximately 6,500 additional block hours from its E175 aircraft and a decrease of approximately 14,800 block hours from its other aircraft types.   

United's March Performance

United Airlines reported its March 2018 operational results this week which showed modest increases over the same period last year. 


This year its consolidated traffic (revenue passenger miles) increased 6.5 percent and consolidated capacity (available seat miles) increased 3.8 percent versus March 2017. UAL's March 2018 consolidated load factor increased 2.2 points compared to March 2017.

Is Airbus getting ready to pull out of the UK?

The Airbus CEO has given his most unambiguous warning yet that Airbus could pull out of the UK completely over the next few years as a result of Brexit.

Speaking in the Finacial Times, Tom Enders threatened the UK with the ominous warning that "Britain must realise that future investments are not a given.". It's his most outspoken attack on Brexit and most unveiled warning to the UK government and the UK staff of Airbus that the future is far from certain.  Airbus currently employs around 15,000 in the UK, mainly producing the wings for all the various Airbus commercial aircraft, spread over 25 sights and according to Enders, supports 117,000 jobs in total.

Emirates ready to confirm options for 16 A380's

Emirates indicated today that is ready to commit to purchasing 16 Airbus A380 double-decked jets, that had previously been logged as options from the European manufacturer. 

Emirates placed a provisional order for 20 of the superjumbos in January, which it has since finalised, with an option for 16 more.

“We will exercise them sooner rather than later,” Emirates President Tim Clark told reporters in Hamburg earlier today. He also said the carrier was still evaluating what power-plants it wanted to use on its new A380s, which are scheduled for delivered from 2020. “There’s nothing wrong with Rolls-Royce, but having Engine Alliance come back in again could make life interesting,” Clark said.

Mandarin Airlines adds a Global Maintenance Agreement to its partnership with ATR

ATR and Mandarin Airlines, a regional subsidiary of Taiwan’s flag carrier China Airlines, have signed a Global Maintenance Agreement (GMA). This comprehensive support package covers the repair, overhaul and pooling services of Line Replaceable Units, along with a door-to-door service through which ATR is providing transportation of spares to the airline’s facilities.  

 

This GMA covers the entire ATR fleet of the Taiwanese carrier, consisting of nine ATR 72-600s. World’s leading turboprop manufacturer ATR hereby reaches a key milestone of more than 300 in-service aircraft under GMAs. Through ATR’s flagship maintenance offer, Mandarin Airlines will benefit from an a la carte pay-by-the-hour maintenance package, with a high level of flexibility that makes it possible to meet a wide range of specific needs, depending on the operator’s local resources, fleet and expected operations.

Los Angeles - Josh and Jay in LA

What is the first thing that comes to your mind when someone mentions the city called Los Angeles?  Is it perhaps those giant white letters spelling out 'Hollywood' jumping in front of your mind's eye?  If you're a sports fan, then maybe the mere mention of LA directs your mind towards the Lakers or The Rams. The home of Universal? Where the 'Oscars' come from? 

Yes sure, it is the move making capital of the world and maybe all the stars that never were are parking cars and pumping gas, or more likely waiting tables!  And, as Josh and Jay found out, there is a whole lot more to LA than making movies.

Los Angeles is a wonderfully vibrant city with so much on offer to while away the hours, days, weeks and even months. Of course, it has some interesting theatres, both mainstream and fringe, it also boasts a whole host of other cultural highlights, including the vast art collections at the J. Paul Getty Center and the Los Angeles County Museum of Art.

Oh and don't forget the rather funky looking Broad (It kinda looks like a giant white cheesegrater) which has a world-class collection of contemporary works of art.  The Hammer Museum isn't a house of horror, its a house of brilliant brush strokes with works by Monet, Van Gogh, Rembrandt and Sargent. They also host lectures, symposia, readings and musical performances. The Natural History Musem of Los Angeles is also worth popping along to, especially if you got little ones to keep occupied. 

Now as you would expect for this movie town, they have a museum dedicated to the business they call show. It is located on North Highland Avenue and guess what it is called? Rather unsurprisingly Hollywood Museum and you'll find such a vast collection of movie memorabilia that the inner movie buff in you will be sated for life. Josh felt spooked by the dungeon of doom while I just fancied a nice drop of Chianti with a nibble of liver with some fava beans! 

Another fun place to be, at least Josh thinks so, is Universal's CityWalk at Universal City which has live music, movies, IMAX and 19 screen movie house, some 30 shops and 30 places to fill your tummy. It can get rather busy, so if the peace and quiet is your thing, then you'll probably want to avoid coming here on Friday, Saturday or Sunday! However, of you're young or young at heart then this place gets swinging in the evening.