Air France wins readers award.....

On December 12, 2018, Global Traveller magazine readers awarded Air France the best design prize for its La Première seat at the Global Traveller Tested Reader Survey Awards annual ceremony in Los Angeles.

This award joins the three Skytrax Awards 2018 awards and the 7 Business Traveller Cellars in the Sky Awards 2017 that Air France has received this year for the quality of its La Première service.

A seat combining comfort and design

Customers are sure to sleep soundly thanks to a comfortable seat that turns into a fully-flat bed measuring over two meters long and 77cm wide*. It has a memory foam mattress, a pillow and a large fluffy duvet. Guests enjoy a full night’s sleep in hotel-standard comfort.

In a La Première suite, the customer is free to orchestrate their trip in whichever way they see fit. Guests are free to move around the cabin or enjoy total privacy. They can make themselves at home in the sky, with a range of services at their disposal, including an individual cloakroom, storage space and a bedside lamp. If they’re travelling with someone else, the customer can invite their companion to join them at their large table, by taking a seat on an elegant and comfortable ottoman.

American Airlines Congratulates Capt. Chesley “Sully” Sullenberger

American Airlines congratulates Capt. Chesley “Sully” Sullenberger for receiving the 2018 Tony Jannus Award. Capt. Sullenberger accepted the award last night at the Tony Jannus Distinguished Aviation Society banquet in Tampa, Florida.

American Airlines Chairman and CEO Doug Parker congratulates
Capt. Chesley “Sully” Sullenberger for receiving the 2018 Tony Jannus Award.

“The entire American Airlines family congratulates Capt. Sullenberger for receiving the 2018 Tony Jannus Award,” said American’s Chairman and CEO Doug Parker. “US Airways Flight 1549 was known as the ‘Miracle on the Hudson,’ but behind that miracle was great skill and professionalism produced by years of training and experience. The quick thinking and heroic actions of Capt. Sullenberger and his crew saved the lives of the 150 passengers onboard the aircraft that cold January day nearly 10 years ago.

Hainan Airlines to launch Xi'an-Los Angeles service on December 31st

                                       

Hainan Airlines plans to launch non-stop service between Xi'an and Los Angeles on December 31st this year. It will be the first scheduled service between Xi'an and Los Angeles and the only intercontinental route between Xi'an and the United States.

The Xi'an-Los Angeles service is scheduled to take off from Xi'an at 9:10 pm every Monday and Thursday BJT, and land at Los Angeles at 18:10 pm PT after being in the air for 12 hours and 10 minutes. The new route will be serviced by a Boeing 787-8 aircraft. All seats will be fully equipped with an exclusive entertainment on-demand system and passengers will be pampered with a menu of Asian and European delicacies representative of all four seasons. The use of portable electronic devices will be permitted on board during the entire length of the journey.

Alaska Air released its November results this week.

Alaska Air Group Inc. today reported November 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.

First Embraer E190-E2 for Air Astana

                         The flag carrier of Kazakhstan, Air Astana welcomed its first Embraer E190-E2 jet at a special ceremony held today in Astana. "All of us at Air Astana are pleased to receive our first E190-E2, and we look forward to a smooth entry into service and a simple transition for our pilots. We know Embraer's E-Jets well, and have high expectations for their new generation aircraft in terms of economics, environmental impact, and levels of comfort and convenience for our customers," said Peter Foster, President of Air Astana.

Air Astana's first E190-E2 features a "snow leopard" livery, designed and hand painted by Embraer in the 'Profit Hunter' style. Air Astana's snow leopard joins the now famous Eagle, Tiger, and Shark E2s with the distinctive 'Profit Hunter' nose art. For Air Astana however, the paint scheme is designed to draw global attention to the threat of extinction faced by the wild cat. The snow leopard is an official symbol of Kazakhstan and is native to the country's southern mountain ranges.

Festive treats pop up from Air Canada for some arrivals

It's that festive time of year again when airlines get all sort eyed and a little gooey with generosity.  Icelandic airline WOW is knocking off a whopping 50% of fares to all destinations. British Airways is filling a whole channel of festive entertainment on its in-flight systems and Canadian flag carrier, Air Canada is making traveller's homecomings memorable around the world. Reunions were a little sweeter, hugs were a little tighter and smiles were a little wider at arrival gates this holiday season thanks to surprise pop-up boutiques from Air Canada in Toronto, Vancouver, Montreal, Washington and Tokyo airports. Air Canada pilots and flight attendants offered gifts, including giant teddy bears, balloons and flowers to arriving customers on select flights. Some lucky travellers were also surprised with free tickets to help shorten the time between visits with their family and friends.

"Coming home for the holidays is an emotional and personal experience for many of us, full of the excitement and anticipation that come from reunions with loved ones," says Andy Shibata, Managing Director, Brand at Air Canada. "No matter if home is here in Canada or abroad, it's our honour to fly our Customers home for the holidays and reunite them with friends and family."

This is the latest of a larger campaign Air Canada launched last year to celebrate the feeling of "Home". Roundtrip tickets were given away to those who visited the arrival gate boutiques, and on Air Canada's social media channels where members of the community were asked to share a story of someone, they want to bring home for the holidays.

"Our hope is to spread the feeling of 'Home', where ever their home may be, to as many travellers as we can," added Shibata.    -- .

Southwest plane turns back to off load a heart

US low-cost-carrier Southwest has heart, literally. One of the airline's aircraft operating a flight from Seattle to Dallas was forced to turn back part way into the flight because a human heart had been left on board.

The airline confirmed the organ was flown to Seattle from California, where it was to be processed at a hospital to where a valve should have been recovered for future use.  However, the special package was never unloaded which wasn't noticed until the plane was almost half-way to Dallas.

The incident happened on Sunday, yet details have only just been revealed, originally in local media reports on Thursday. According to reports, passengers were said to have been surprised and shocked when the captain informed them of the special cargo and why the aircraft was turning around and heading back to Seattle. 

After the aircraft returned to Seattle and the heart was taken to a donor health centre for tissue storage and it was reported to have arrived within the six hours from harvest. 

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JetBlue lands in Big Sky Country with new flights between Bozeman and Long Beach

Bozeman Flights Bring JetBlue’s Award-Winning Service to Montana for the First Time

JetBlue announced this week the start of new service in Bozeman, Montana, with the arrival of the airline’s inaugural flight landing on schedule just before 2:30 p.m. local time. Roundtrip flights between Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport (BZN) and Long Beach Airport (LGB) will operate twice weekly on Thursdays and Sundays on a summer and winter seasonal schedule.

“JetBlue has a long and successful tradition of connecting our customers to the very best vacation destinations, and Bozeman – with its fantastic downtown and nearby outdoor attractions – adds a unique, new city to our route map,” said Andrea Lusso, director route planning. “With our growing list of one-of-a-kind destinations more customers can turn to JetBlue when looking to book their next getaway.”

Bozeman is JetBlue’s first destination in Montana and this new service expands the airline’s presence in the western U.S. JetBlue’s newest city offers a variety of attractions including bustling downtown Bozeman’s stores and restaurants, the world-class skiing of Big Sky Resort an hour drive away, and access to Yellowstone National Park – the north and the west entrances are each just 90 miles from Bozeman. Whether hiking or skiing the mountains or taking in the beauty of Big Sky Country, the land and waters surrounding Bozeman are a magnificent way to enjoy the area.

TAP Air Portugal to add a third new US. route for 2019.................Lisbon - San Francisco 5 times a week

TAP Air Portugal will fly five weekly nonstop round-trips, year-round, between San Francisco and Lisbon from June next year.  San Francisco International Airport (SFO) will become the airline’s eighth North American gateway and the only one on the west coast.  Last month TAP announced new routes to Lisbon from Chicago O’Hare and Washington-Dulles, also starting in June.

The SFO flights will operate Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays, from June 10, departing SFO on at 4:10pm, and arriving in Lisbon at 11:25am the following morning.  Returning flights leave Lisbon at 10am, arriving into SFO at 2:40pm.  Economy fares from SFO to Lisbon start at just $380 one way, all-inclusive of taxes, or from $800 round-trip.

“We’re excited to keep adding new cities from the USA to Portugal,” said David Neeleman, founder of JetBlue Airways and a major shareholder in TAP. “Despite being a 73-year old airline, this year TAP is one of the world’s top 10 fastest growing airlines.  As Portugal has become a more popular destination, US travellers have not only found out about Portugal but also about flying TAP beyond Lisbon to our 70+ destinations across Europe and Africa.”

"We are proud that TAP Air Portugal has selected SFO for its growth plans on the United States West Coast," said Airport Director Ivar C. Satero. "We share TAP Air Portugal's passion for making air travel an enjoyable experience, and travellers in the San Francisco Bay Area can look forward to an easy and economical new way to travel to Portugal and beyond."

Air France unveils new dining area for New York JFK lounge....its not a wine up!

Air France is unveiling a completely renovated dining area in its New York-JFK lounge. Business customers can thus enjoy the Night Service offer in a brand new setting, with a more convivial and contemporary feel.

As from February 2019, this Air France lounge will also introduce a range of new attentions dedicated to its customers’ well-being.

Located in terminal 1 at the New York airport, the Air France lounge is accessible to La Première, Business and Flying Blue Platinum and Gold members.

Valletta to become a new destination for Doha based Qatar Airways.

New direct services to the Maltese capital to begin 4 June 2019

Photo Qatar Airways

Qatar Airways confirmed this week that it will introduce new direct services to the capital of Malta, Valletta, with effect of June 4th 2019, marking the airline’s first gateway to Malta and the latest addition to its rapidly-expanding European network.

The Valletta route will be served with an A320 aircraft, with daily services in summer and four-times-weekly flights in winter.

Valletta, a city with a rich historical and cultural past, offers much for visitors to explore, including some of Europe’s finest baroque architecture as well as many museums. Visitors can admire the striking views of Malta’s Grand Harbour, often described as the most beautiful in the Mediterranean, or stroll the cobbled streets of the fortified capital, lined with honey-coloured limestone buildings, fine palaces, shops and cafés.

Regional One, Completes Agreement to Lease 10 CRJ200 Aircraft to SkyWest Airlines

Photo SkyWest

SkyWest Airlines has signed a deal to lease 10 Bombardier CRJ200 aircraft from Regional One a subsidiary of Exchange Income Corporation, a diversified, acquisition-oriented company focused on opportunities in the aviation, aerospace and manufacturing sectors.

Each of these aircraft is leased to SkyWest for a minimum term of two years, with SkyWest having an option to extend the leases. The purchase of the tenth aircraft by Regional One is expected to close imminently. These ten aircraft represent approximately 5% of SkyWest's fleet of CRJ200's.

Hank Gibson, President of Regional One, stated, "We are extremely happy to further strengthen our relationship with SkyWest Airlines, one of the largest regional airlines in North America. SkyWest is a preeminent player in the global regional airline industry, so it is gratifying to be a trusted business partner with them."

Mike Pyle, EIC's CEO, added, "This transaction provides another example of Regional One's expertise and understanding of the regional airline industry and the narrow-body aircraft utilized by these regional airlines. Hank's experienced management team identified an opportunity to strategically invest in assets and quickly monetize them, achieving an excellent return on investment."

American Airlines Introduces 18 New Routes and Adds Seats to Paris and Madrid

American Airlines is opening up new options for summer travel with additional flights to more cities across the U.S. as well as two new flights to Europe. The 18 new routes start this summer and include a new destination: Glacier Park International Airport in Kalispell, Montana (FCA), with service from Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW), Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) and Chicago’s O’Hare International Airport (ORD). The airline is also returning to Canada’s Halifax Stanfield International Airport in Nova Scotia (YHZ), with service from Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) and LaGuardia Airport in New York (LGA).

The world’s largest airline is also increasing summer service from DFW to two popular European cities next summer: Paris and Madrid.

More domestic flights from hubs

“With 18 new routes, we are committed to providing the most choices for our customers across the U.S. and a chance to see the world,” said Vasu Raja, Vice President of Network and Schedule Planning for American. "Service to Kalispell, for example, offers an exciting destination for our customers to experience. It also introduces new opportunities for local Kalispell customers to connect across American’s vast network through LAX, ORD and DFW.”

At the same time, the company is investing to provide a more consistent experience across regional and mainline fleets. American’s dual-class regional aircraft are equipped with first class seats, Wi-Fi and free wireless entertainment, and work has already begun to provide access to power at every seat.

Boeing Delivers the 787th 787 Dreamliner

Boeing today delivered the 787th 787 Dreamliner to come off the production line, marking a special milestone for the super-efficient aeroplane the fastest-selling twin-aisle jet in history.

Since its first delivery in September, 2011, the 787 family has flown nearly 300 million passengers on more than 1.5 million flights around the world, including more than 210 new nonstop routes made possible by the aeroplane's superior fuel efficiency and range.

"Reaching this milestone delivery is a testament to our amazing Boeing team who build the world's most capable and reliable airplanes," said Kevin McAllister, president & chief executive officer for Boeing Commercial Aeroplanes. "This delivery also reflects the special capabilities of the 787 Dreamliner. The growing fleet continues to deliver unmatched efficiency, open new routes, and provide an exceptional passenger experience."

AerCap, world's largest aeroplane lessor, adds to its growing 787 portfolio

Special milestone aeroplane to be operated by China Southern Airlines

Turkish Airlines reports 81.4% load factor in November and plans new routes from Antalya

Turkish Airlines, who has recently announced its passenger and cargo traffic results for November 2018, reached 81.4% Load Factor in that month. On top of the strong base effect of the last year, growth in the number of passengers, revenue per kilometre and load factor, is an important indicator of the continued growing interest in Turkey and Turkish Airlines in the last quarter of the year as well. 

According to the November 2018 Traffic Results;

The passenger growth trend continued in November, thus total number of passengers carried went up by 4% -compared to the same month of 2017- reaching 5.5 million passengers, and Load Factor went up to 81.4%.
In November 2018, Total Load Factor improved by 2 points -compared to the same period of 2017-, while international Load Factor increased by 3 points to 81%, domestic Load Factor reached to 84%.
International-to-international transfer passengers (transit passengers) went up by approximately 8%, while the number of international passengers -excluding international-to-international transfer passengers (transit passengers)- went up by 13%.
In November, cargo/mail volume continued the double digit growth trend and increased by 25%, compared to the same period of 2017. Main contributors to this growth in cargo/mail volume, are N. America with 45%, Africa with 32%, Far East with 23% and Europe with 21% increase.
In November, Africa, N. America, Far East and Middle East showed load factor growth of 5 points, 5 points, 3 points and 2 points respectively.

West Wind Aviation remembers on December 13th, and focuses on continuous safety improvements

Marking a year since the loss of its flight 280 in Fond Du Lac Saskatchewan, West Wind Aviation recognizes those who gave freely of themselves, putting aside their personal wellbeing, to help the survivors of the downed flight. Thanks to the quick response and actions of everyday people, no one perished that night, one, however, would later succumb to his injuries.

"Most importantly, our thoughts and prayers continue to be with everyone affected by ill-fated West Wind flight 280," said West Wind's new Chief Executive Officer, Michael Rodyniuk who took over the company three months ago. "We are especially saddened by the loss of Arson Fern Jr., a passenger who passed away in hospital two weeks after the accident." 

(Photo Transportation Safety Board of Canada)

The ATR-42 airliner lifted off Fond Du Lac airport on the night of December 13, 2017, just after 6PM.  The Canadian Transportation Safety Board is continuing their investigation into what happened next, causing the aircraft to crash just seconds after takeoff. 

West Wind recognized the "heroes" whose efforts it says saved lives.  Among them, Flight Attendant Jenny Tait, the Canadian Rangers, able passengers, family members, the community of Fond Du Lac, a passenger physician who while injured on board the downed aircraft immediately cared for those seriously injured, the Chief and Council of Fond Du Lac First Nation and many more who simply prefer not to be named.

China will be the largest air travel market by 2020!

Air travel demand in China remains high and the country is expected to become the world's largest air travel market by 2020, according to Beroe Inc., a procurement intelligence firm.

The firm thinks many air carriers are now modernising their fleet to incorporate more fuel-efficient aircraft. It also says that traditional car hire companies are facing strict competition from ride-sharing and cheap taxi app-type firms such as Uber and Lyft. The environment will play an important part on business development and many large companies are deploying travel and expense management software to manage and audit expenses related to travel and entertainment. Mobile technology has had a significant impact on the global corporate travel industry, fueled by an increased smartphone adoption and internet penetration. 

Gosh, what wonderful insight! 

Almost time to get out those awful Christmas sweaters.........

In celebration of National Ugly Holiday Sweater Day, Alaska Airlines guests who wear their festive holiday sweaters to the airport on Friday, Dec. 21 can board their flight early. The one-day promotion will be celebrated by flyers and employees alike across Alaska's 116-city network and includes all Alaska and Horizon Air flights. Festive holiday-themed boarding music and free holiday movies will play all month to help get guests into the holiday spirit.

"This time of year, we consider ourselves the 'merrier carrier,' so we love going above and beyond to help our guests embrace the fun, festive side of flying during the holidays. Whether you're heading home to celebrate tradition or jetting off to a sunny destination to escape the cold, we recognize your journey begins with us, and we're happy to make your travels even brighter any way we can," said Natalie Bowman, managing director of marketing and advertising at Alaska Airlines.

JetBlue issues November traffic report

American budget carrier, JetBlue Airways reported its preliminary traffic results for November 2018 earlier this week which showed a 9.7% increase in traffic with capacity up 10.6%.

JetBlue, New York's hometown airline saw its load factor drop ever so slightly to 83.5% for the month, while 99.3% of its flights continued as scheduled, with 71.2% arrived on time or within 14 minutes.

More woes for Avianca Brazil as aircraft are repossessed but could hope be just around the corner.

Avianca Brasil, one of the largest airlines in Brazil filed for bankruptcy protection earlier this week claiming its operations had been threatened by a number of possible aircraft repossessions.

The airline says that any aircraft repossessions would hamper its ability to continuing to operate flights and therefore saves itself from certain collapse. In papers Avianca Brasil filed it states some leasing companies were seeking to regain possession of around 30% of the Airbus fleet the carrier flies. Such a reduction in the number of aircraft could affect the carries ability to fly more than 77,000 passengers in December.

However, aircraft are starting to go, Aviation Capital Group announced n Wednesday 12th that it had terminated the leases for, and has initiated legal action to repossess, eight Airbus A320-200s and one A319-100 aircraft currently in the possession of Avianca Brazil. Asia’s largest listed aircraft lessor, BOC Aviation also confirmed on Wednesday it had repossessed two Airbus A320 aeroplanes. planes. Another aircraft leasing firm, Air Castle, is appealing to the courts for 11 aircraft back from the carrier. The aircraft are still under Avianca Brasil's control, for now, its asked the courts to ensure it can keep them flying, but leasing companies are fighting hard to take them back. 

It is understood that a rescue may be on the cards at this late stage from the carriers main backers, Avianca Holdings SA owners, the Efromovich family, were in negotiations with various fund managers for a rapid implementation of extra finance to rescue the airline. However, no details of which funds, how much and when any such deals would come to fruition has been disclosed at this stage.