Canada's Porter Airlines flies to Melbourne........

Canadian regional airline that is based at Toronto's Billy Bishop Airport, Porter Airlines are hoping to attract more snowbirds to head south for the winter with its service to Orlando.

The airline flies down to Orlando-Melbourne International Airport nonstop with services from Toronto, Ottawa, and Windsor begin the week of 19th December and run until 13th April.  The Toronto service flies twice weekly, while the Ottawa and Windsor operates once a week each during peak periods. All three cities will have additional round-trip flights during March Spring Break.

"There is significant demand from Canadians to visit Florida throughout the winter months, and we're pleased to provide our passengers with service to the sunshine state," said Robert Deluce, president and CEO of Porter Airlines. "Continuing to offer non-stop service from Toronto, Windsor, and Ottawa means that more people can visit Florida directly from their own communities."

Orlando-Melbourne is a key gateway to Florida, located just 20 minutes from Port Canaveral – the world's second-largest cruise port. Just 30 minutes from Kennedy Space Center and less than 10 minutes from the beach. Popular entertainment venues, including theme parks, museums, and wildlife attractions are within an hour's drive.

Boeing Business Jets Delivers First BBJ MAX Airplane

US plane-makers Boeing announced today that it had delivered the first Business Jet (BBJ) has delivered the first BBJ MAX aeroplane to a customer. "We are excited to begin delivering a longer-range and more capable version of the world's most popular business jetliner," said Greg Laxton, head of Boeing Business Jets. "There has been great market interest and anticipation for the BBJ MAX and our valued customers will soon be able to see the new standard in business travel."

BBJ MAX offers customers unmatched range and comfort

Boeing unveils new BBJ MAX interior design concept

The aircraft is now scheduled to fly off to an interior finishing centre for complete luxury cabin fitting. Boeing Business Jets unveiled a new interior concept by award-winning aviation design firm SkyStyle. The concept, named Genesis by SkyStyle Co-Founders Max Pardo and Lucas Colombo, represents the company's debut in BBJ MAX design.  "From an aviation designer's perspective, the BBJ MAX is incredibly appealing because there is so much more interior space to realise one's vision," said Max Pardo. "And since the MAX flies ultra-long-distances, the owners are looking for a comfortable lounge, multi-function conference area and a large master suite to ensure the ultimate flight experience."

The BBJ MAX Genesis concept draws inspiration from nature's tranquillity, its voluminous clouds hanging over a white sand beach, smooth rolling hills and a starry night sky. "BBJ MAX interiors have always been a sharp departure from the cramped cabins of smaller business jets, and the Genesis design is yet another example of our exclusive cabin capabilities," said Laxton.

Norwegian will be presenting partner of National Basketball Association - NBA London Game 2019

Norwegian, one of the world's most popular airlines has announced this week that it has formed a partnership with the US National Basketball Association (NBA) which will see the award-winning airline be named as the presenting partner of the NBA London Game 2019. The regular-season game will feature the Washington Wizards and the New York Knicks at The O2 on Thursday, 17th January.

Washington Wizards and New York

Knicks to Meet at The O2 17th Jan 2019

S7 gets its first 737MAX

The US plane-maker Boeing, leasing company Air Lease Corp and the Russian airline S7 Airlines celebrated the delivery of the airline's first 737 MAX, via lease from ALC.  S7, operated by Globus Airlines, becomes the first Russian airline to fly the 737MAX.  

British Airways' Dreamflight takes off again......

It was chocks away again for another British Airways Dreamflight took to the skies making lifelong memories and smiles on the faces of the hundreds of children, who all have a serious illness or disability that had been welcomed onboard.

Every year Dreamflight raises funds to enable a British Airways 747 to fly almost 200 children to Florida to enjoy a fun packed ten-day trip. On the trip, they spend time at attractions including Walt Disney World, SeaWorld, Discovery Cove and Universal Studios. 

Singer-songwriter Una Healy mingled and took selfies with the children before they boarded the special jet. “It is a pleasure to be part of such an inspiring event at the British Airways hangar this morning. Dreamflight does amazing work and it’s great to meet the children, hear their stores and see the excitement on their faces. I’m sure they’ll have a trip to remember.” Una Healy said.

British Airways supports the Dreamflight team each year to help give the departure a party atmosphere. An army of volunteers donned superhero outfits, including dressing up as Stormtroopers to wow the children, while the Air Cadet National Marching Band performed popular hangar-roof-raising songs. British Airways cabin crew and pilots were also at Heathrow as the children boarded the superjumbo through a magical castle.

Airbus, Delta Air Lines partner on Skywise open-data platform and predictive maintenance services

The US mega-carrier Delta has signed a multi-year contract with European aerospace giant Airbus to continue using the Skywise open-data platform and related predictive maintenance services. The airline will expand the use of the tool to its A320 and A330 fleets – comprising around 400 aircraft – to track and analyse their operations and performance data and assess failure probabilities in order to anticipate maintenance tasks.

                             

.• As a recognized leader in innovation, Delta Air Lines partnered with Airbus to enhance Skywise

• Through the agreement, an additional 400 Delta aircraft will be connected to Skywise

Delta was one of the airlines involved in the development of Skywise Predictive Maintenance by co-designing, testing and making improvement recommendations about some of its key features.

Kuwait Airways orders eight A330neo

Kuwait Airways, the national carrier of the state of Kuwait, has ordered eight brand new Airbus A330neo's from Airbus today.

The A330 has become one of the most popular widebody twinjets ever, the European manufacturer has received over 1,700 orders from 120 customers over the years and the latest versions, the A330neo was launched in 2014 and has two variants, the -800 and -900, which share 99% commonality and share the Rolls-Royce Trent 7000 engines which offer substantial savings over previous engine offerings.

  

“The A330-800 will seamlessly fit into our fleet expansion and growth plans. Its unbeatable operating economics and performance in addition to best in class passenger comfort make it a sound investment." Said Yousef Al-Jassim, Chairman Kuwait Airways, adding "We are confident that the A330-800 will support us to compete effectively on our expanding route network. Our relationship with Airbus extends beyond aircraft acquisitions and we look forward to further collaboration on technical fields.”

Christian Scherer, Airbus Chief Commercial Officer said, “We are delighted that Kuwait Airways has chosen the A330neo as a cornerstone of its future widebody fleet.  The A330-800 with its unique efficiency and versatility will support the carrier’s ambition to develop its expanding long-haul network.  The aircraft will seamlessly complement Kuwait Airways’  A320neos and A350 XWBs and deliver unbeatable operating economics, full operational commonality and unmatched passenger experience.”

The agreement was signed by Yousef Al-Jassim, Kuwait Airways Chairman and
Christian Scherer, Airbus Chief Commercial Officer,
at Airbus headquarters in Toulouse. 

Gaining strength from her daughter … and music.......American Airlines flight attendant Patricia Bustamante going pink

When Lima, Peru based Flight Attendant Patricia Bustamante, felt weak, she looked to her daughter for strength. At her own pace (and with a little help from one of her favorite songs), she kicked breast cancer to the curb. Now, she’s added nine cancer-fighter sisters to her support system. 

This is her journey......

To recognize the US Breast Cancer Awareness Month, American Airlines, its team members and its customers are going pink, with a number of ways to raise awareness and critical funds for long-time partner Susan G. Komen.

United airlines announces additional matching funds for hurricane Michael

United Airlines has reaffirmed its commitment to lifting up communities in need by announcing the matching of an additional $100,000 for those affected by Hurricane Michael while continuing to award up to 5 million bonus miles for individuals who make donations of $50 or more for hurricane and typhoon relief efforts.

American Airlines flight attendant Winnie Su tells a pink and personal battle

In recognition of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, American Airlines and its team members and customers are “going pink” this month to raise awareness and critical funds for long-time partner Susan G. Komen.

Winnie Su, a Dallas/Fort Worth-based Envoy Flight Attendant, is all too familiar with breast cancer. She loves her job, and her calm, positive demeanour is well known among customers and her colleagues. But when Winnie went from not knowing she had breast cancer to a stage 2B diagnosis overnight, she was shocked. Hear Winnie share her story of who helped her make it through to the other side of breast cancer in the video below...

Alaska Air Group reports its September 2018 operational results

Alaska Air Group today reported September and year-to-date operational results on a consolidated basis for its mainline operations operated by subsidiary Alaska Airlines Inc. and for its regional flying operated by subsidiary Horizon Air Industries Inc. 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. Results for Alaska and Virgin America have been combined into a single mainline operation.

SpiceJet get first Boeing 737 Max 8

Photo Craig Larson photo

One of India's leading airlines, SpiceJet recieved its first Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft from the US manufacturer on Friday, October 12th October   The new arrival to the SpiceJet fleet is the first of up to 205 examples of the 737 MAX family the carrier has ordered from Boeing.

SpiceJet will be using the aircraft to both standardise its fleet as well as expand its global route network, "We are excited to take delivery of our very first 737 MAX 8," SpiceJet Chairman and Managing Director Ajay Singh said, adding, "The induction of our first MAX is a huge milestone in SpiceJet's journey. These new aeroplanes will enable us to open new routes while reducing fuel and engineering costs, as well as emissions.  The 737 MAX will dramatically reduce noise pollution and greenhouse gas emissions. Passengers will benefit from a large number of premium seats and, for the first time in India, broadband internet on board."

"India is a fast-growing market for commercial aeroplanes and services," said Ihssane Mounir, senior vice president of Commercial Sales & Marketing for The Boeing Company. "The 737 MAX for SpiceJet is the perfect aeroplane for this market and it will become a key ingredient for long-term success, especially as oil prices continue to put pressure on airlines."

The new aircraft are arriving at a pivotal time in the Indian commercial aviation industry, back on June 20th the Indian Government confirmed it had failed to find a buyer for its stake in debt-ridden national carrier Air India. While Etihad Airways backed rival Jet Airways has been struggling to pay wages on time to staff as costs and fuel prices soar. 

Virgin Australia customers will be able to use voice check-in from next week

Virgin Australia has announced earlier this week that it will become the first airline outside North America to launch voice check-in through Amazon Alexa, allowing passengers to check-in to their flight with the power of their voice.

From next week, passengers who have linked their Velocity membership to Alexa can say, “Alexa, ask Virgin Australia to check me in” enabling a seamless start to their journey with Virgin Australia. Guests will then be sent their boarding passes to a nominated mobile number.

Ryanair Launches New Liverpool Route To Corfu

Earlier this week the massive European low-fare-high-fee carrier, Ryanair, announced it was launching a new route from Liverpool to the Greek paradise of Corfu.

The budget carrier is starting the route in June next year and will operate it twice each week, “Ryanair is pleased to announce a new Liverpool route to Corfu commencing in June, which will operate twice weekly as part of our Summer 2019 schedule. Customers in the North West region can now book flights to the Greek sunshine as far out as October 2019, with our full schedule launching soon." Ryanair’s Robin Kiely said.

Liverpool John Lennon Airport’s Director of Aviation Development, Paul Winfield said: “Liverpool Airport is delighted to welcome this latest new route with Ryanair. This new route will allow passengers from across the North West to travel to Corfu from Liverpool, the Faster, Easier, Friendlier Airport in the North West.”.

Double win for Etihad Airways Engineering at the Aviation Business Awards

Etihad Airways Engineering, the largest commercial aircraft maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) services provider in the Middle East, have just received two prestigious honours at the Aviation Business Awards 2018 held in Dubai on Tuesday 9 October. 

The ‘Unsung Hero of the Year’ and ‘Engineering Innovation of the Year’ awards recognise the company’s achievements in the past 12 months, by a panel of aviation industry experts.

The Technical Sales and Customer Service team at Etihad Airways Engineering was awarded the ‘Unsung Hero of the Year’ award which recognised the multi-cultural team for playing a key role in enabling the UAE’s vision to become a global aerospace hub.