Andrew Ong
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Copa Airlines orders 13 737-800s:
Boeing, Panama's Copa Airlines Announce Order for 13 737-800s
PANAMA CITY, July 16 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Boeing (NYSE: BA) and Copa Airlines today announced an order by the Panamanian airline for 13 Boeing 737-800 airplanes, plus options for an additional eight.
The order represents a mixture of option conversions and new orders and brings to 27 the number of Boeing Next-Generation 737s the airline has on order.
Boeing Commercial Airplanes President and Chief Executive Officer Scott Carson and Copa Chief Executive Officer Pedro Heilbron announced the order during a ceremony today in Panama City. Panama President Ricardo Martinelli and Rafael Barcenas, Director General of the Panama Civil Aeronautics Authority, presided over the event, with other government officials in attendance.
"Copa Airlines continues to be successful in a very challenging economic environment through the use of the latest in commercial aviation technology," Carson said during the ceremony. "With this order, Copa will be one of the early beneficiaries of Boeing's recently unveiled 737 performance improvement package."
The airplanes also will be outfitted with Boeing's signature Sky Interior. Drawing from years of research used to design the interior for the 787 Dreamliner, the 737 Boeing Sky Interior features new, 787-style sculpted sidewalls and window reveals that provide passengers with a greater connection to the flying experience.
"The Boeing 737s have been a major factor in Copa's success, providing us with operating and cost efficiencies, and enabling us to offer our passengers world-class service and an extensive route network throughout Latin America," said Pedro Heilbron, CEO of Copa Airlines. "This aircraft order reaffirms our confidence in our business model and the growth potential of Latin American aviation."
Copa was the first carrier in the Americas to incorporate blended winglets on its 737s. All of its Next-Generation 737s use the distinctive curved wing ends, which improve fuel efficiency and lift while reducing engine wear and carbon dioxide emissions. Copa also was the first in the region to order Next-Generation 737s with the Vertical Situation Display system, which provides pilots with an easy-to-understand flight-path view.
Copa operates from Tocumen International Airport, a time-saving hub on long routes between the United States, South and Central America, and the Caribbean. The airline flies four of the world's longest 737 routes from there - to Buenos Aires, Santiago, Sao Paulo and Los Angeles - thanks to the 737-800's exceptional range.
The Next-Generation 737 is the newest and most technologically advanced airplane in its class. It flies higher, faster and farther than previous models and competitors. In addition, its flight deck features the latest liquid-crystal flat-panel displays and is designed to accommodate new communications and flight-management capabilities.
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My dad was driving to LAX to drop off my aunt who was going on Air India bound for Frankfurt last month. I was in the front seat of the car. When we exited Aviation Boulevard, entrance to LAX I spotted this:
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Also, the order from MAS brought the 737 ordered past 8,000 aircraft:
The order, which brought the total number of Boeing 737s ordered past the 8,000th mark, was recently posted on the Boeing Commercial Airplanes Orders and Deliveries Web site attributed to an unidentified customer. -
The 737NG gets new carbon brakes:
Boeing Completes 737 Carbon Brakes Certification TestingNext-Generation 737 Operators Benefit from Reduced Weight, Emissions
SEATTLE, May 02, 2008 -- Boeing [NYSE:BA] recently completed certification testing of new carbon brakes designed for the Next-Generation 737 airplane family by French supplier Messier-Bugatti.
A Next-Generation 737-900ER (Extended Range) airplane is shown performing a high-speed rejected takeoff test, designed to verify that an airplane at maximum weight with greatly worn brakes can stop safely after a refused takeoff decision. Boeing will submit the test results to the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration for certification the second quarter this year. Entry into production is expected by third quarter. Boeing will offer a retrofit program for airplanes already in service.
Through a month-long test program, Boeing reached its goal to show equivalent performance between steel and carbon brakes, and verified a weight savings of 700 pounds (320 kg) compared to high-capacity steel brakes for Next-Generation 737-700/800/900ERs, and 550 pounds (250 kg) on standard-capacity steel brakes for Next-Generation 737-600/700s. Reduced weight contributes to reductions in associated fuel burn and CO2 emissions depending on airline operations.
The Messier-Bugatti carbon brakes are available as a new feature.
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News release from Delta Airlines:
Delta Air Lines, Northwest Airlines Combining To Create America's Premier Global AirlineCustomers, communities to benefit from expanded global route system, more competitive, financially secure airline
No hub closures; improved international access to benefit small communities
Merger helps offset record oil prices, creates stronger global airline to compete in Open Skies environment
Merger combines Delta’s strengths in the South, Mountain West, Northeast, Europe and Latin America with Northwest’s leading positions in the Midwest, Canada and Asia; competition will be preserved and enhanced as a result of complementary networks
Delta pilot leadership reaches agreement on post-merger contract
Employees to be provided seniority protection and equity in the new airline
World headquarters of combined airline to be in Atlanta, with executive offices in Minneapolis/St. Paul and major airline operations and employee base remaining in Minnesota
Integrated SkyTeam frequent flyer programs and partner networks enable faster integration; existing Air France, KLM joint venture partnerships strengthened
ATLANTA, Georgia and EAGAN, Minnesota – April 14, 2008 – Delta Air Lines Inc. (NYSE: DAL) and Northwest Airlines Corporation (NYSE: NWA) today announced an agreement in which the two carriers will combine in an all-stock transaction with a combined enterprise value of $17.7 billion, creating America’s premier global airline. The new airline, which will be called Delta, will provide employees with greater job security, an equity stake in the combined airline, and a more stable platform for future growth in the face of significant economic pressures from rising fuel costs and intense competition. Small communities throughout the United States will enjoy enhanced access to more destinations worldwide. Customers also will benefit from the combined carriers’ complementary route networks, which together will offer people greater choice, competitive fares and a superior travel experience to more cities than any other airline. In addition, combining Delta and Northwest will create a global U.S. flag carrier strongly positioned to compete with foreign airlines that are continuing to increase service to the United States.
Delta CEO Richard Anderson will be chief executive officer of the combined company. Delta Chairman of the Board Daniel Carp will become chairman of the new Board of Directors and Northwest Chairman Roy Bostock will become vice chairman. Ed Bastian will be president and chief financial officer. The Board of Directors will be made up of 13 members, seven of whom will come from Delta’s board, including Anderson, and five of whom will come from Northwest’s board, including Bostock and Doug Steenland, the current Northwest CEO. One director will come from the Air Line Pilots Association (ALPA).
Delta will have executive offices in Atlanta, Minneapolis/St. Paul and New York, and international executive offices in Amsterdam, Paris and Tokyo. The company’s world headquarters will be in Atlanta. Delta is committed to retaining significant jobs, operations and facilities in Minnesota.
Combined, the company and its regional partners will provide access to more than 390 destinations in 67 countries. Delta and Northwest, together, will have more than $35 billion in aggregate annual revenues, operate a mainline fleet of nearly 800 aircraft and employ approximately 75,000 people worldwide.
In an industry where the U.S. network carriers have shed more than 150,000 jobs and lost more than $29 billion since 2001, the combination of Delta and Northwest creates a company with a more resilient business model that is better able to withstand volatile fuel prices than either can on a standalone basis. Merging Delta and Northwest is the most effective way to offset higher fuel prices and improve efficiencies, increase international presence and fund long-term investment in the business.
The transaction is expected to generate more than $1 billion in annual revenue and cost synergies from more effective aircraft utilization, a more comprehensive and diversified route system and cost synergies from reduced overhead and improved operational efficiency. The company expects to incur one-time cash costs to not exceed $1 billion to integrate the two airlines. The combined company will have a stronger, more durable financial base and one of the strongest balance sheets in the industry, with expected liquidity of nearly $7 billion at closing.
Under the terms of the transaction, Northwest shareholders will receive 1.25 Delta shares for each Northwest share they own. This exchange ratio represents a premium to Northwest shareholders of 16.8 percent based on April 14 closing prices. The transaction is expected to be accretive to current Delta shareholders in year one excluding one-time costs. The merger is subject to the approval of Delta and Northwest shareholders and regulatory approvals. It is expected that the regulatory review period will be completed later this year.
Richard Anderson, Delta CEO, stated: “We said we would only enter into a consolidation transaction if it was right for all of our constituencies; Delta and Northwest are a perfect fit. Today, we’re announcing a transaction that is about addition, not subtraction, and combines end-to-end networks that open a world of opportunities for our customers and employees. We believe by partnering with our employees, including providing equity to U.S.-based employees of Delta and Northwest, this combination is off to the right start. Together, we are creating America’s leading airline – an airline that is financially secure, able to invest in our employees and our customers, and built to thrive in an increasingly competitive marketplace.”
Doug Steenland, Northwest CEO, said: “Today’s announcement is exciting for Northwest and its employees. The new carrier will offer superior route diversity across the U.S., Latin America, Europe and Asia and will be better able to overcome the industry’s boom-and-bust cycles. The airline will also be better able to match the right planes with the right routes, making transportation more efficient across our entire network. In short, combining the Northwest and Delta networks will allow the strengthened airline to realize its full global potential and invest in its future.”
Customers, communities to benefit from expanded global route system, more competitive, financially secure airline
The Delta and Northwest merger will offer customers and communities direct service between the United States and the world's major business centers. Specific benefits include:
- Customers will be able to fly to more destinations, have more schedule options and more opportunities to earn and redeem frequent flyer miles in what will become the world’s largest frequent flyer program.
- The merged airline will maintain all hubs at Atlanta, Cincinnati, Detroit, Memphis, Minneapolis/St. Paul, New York-JFK, Salt Lake City, Amsterdam and Tokyo-Narita – each of which will benefit from improved global connectivity.
- Delta customers will benefit from Northwest’s extensive service to Asian markets and Northwest’s customers will have access to Delta’s strengths across the Caribbean, Latin America, Europe, the Middle East and Africa.
- Both airlines’ customers will benefit from a strengthened SkyTeam alliance that more closely aligns the combined airline with its respective trans-Atlantic partners Air France and KLM.
Customers also will benefit from the combined carrier’s financial stability. The merger creates one of the strongest balance sheets among major U.S. airlines, permitting the combined airline to invest in its fleet and services to enhance the customer experience. For instance:
- The combination will accelerate the upgrading of existing international aircraft with lie-flat seats and personal on-demand entertainment.
- The combined company will have the opportunity to exercise options for delivery of up to 20 widebody jets between 2010 and 2013 to provide more international service than ever before.
- The combined company also will be able to improve customers’ travel experience through new products and services, including enhanced self-service tools, better bag-tracking technology, new seats and refurbished cabin interiors.
No hub closures; improved international access to benefit small communities
This combination will expand Delta’s international and domestic reach, and there will be no reductions in the number of hubs. In addition, building on both airlines’ proud, decades-long history of serving small communities, Delta will improve worldwide connections to small towns and cities across the U.S., enhancing their access to the global marketplace. Following the merger, Delta will serve more than 140 small communities in the United States – more than any other airline.
“Delta and Northwest are an excellent strategic fit, with complementary and geographically distinct route systems,” said Edward Bastian, Delta president and chief financial officer. “Together, we will have a more robust platform for profitable international growth. Combining both carriers’ international and domestic strengths, with our worldwide SkyTeam partners, we are well positioned to lead the industry and deliver value to our shareholders.”
Merger helps offset record oil prices, creates stronger global airline to compete in Open Skies environment
Record fuel prices have fundamentally changed the economics of the airline industry. Fuel is the highest single expense for Delta and Northwest, significantly eroding the financial benefits of restructuring and placing the airlines’ new found strength and stability at long-term risk. At the beginning of 2007, oil prices were approximately $55 a barrel. Now, oil prices have nearly doubled. This dramatic run-up in the price of oil makes the transaction even more compelling.
Internationally, the two carriers, along with their partners at Air France and KLM, will have a broader global network similar in scope and depth to what other foreign flag carriers already possess – and a significant presence in key business centers, with improved prospects for growing corporate business globally. This presence is essential for U.S. network carriers due to Open Skies agreements that have expanded aviation markets around the world and have created a more competitive international environment.
Merger combines Delta’s strengths in the South, Mountain West, Northeast, Europe and Latin America with Northwest’s leading positions in the Midwest, Canada and Asia; competition will be preserved and enhanced as a result of complementary networks
The Delta-Northwest combination will be pro-competitive. There is little overlap in the nonstop routes the two airlines serve, with direct competitive service on only 12 of more than 1,000 nonstop city pair routes currently flown by both airlines. In fact, the merger will create a stronger, more efficient global competitor. Discount carriers, which now carry one third of domestic passengers, and other network airlines will remain competitors in the airline’s markets.
Delta pilot leadership reaches agreement on post-merger contract
Delta also today announced that it has reached agreement with the company’s pilot leadership to extend its existing collective bargaining agreement through the end of 2012. The agreement, which is subject to pilot ratification, facilitates the realization of the revenue synergies of the combined companies once the transaction is completed. It also provides the Delta pilots a 3.5 percent equity stake in the new company and other enhancements to their current contract.
Delta will use its best efforts to reach a combined Delta-Northwest pilot agreement, including resolution of pilot seniority integration, prior to the closing of the merger.
Employees to be provided seniority protection and equity in the new airline
Frontline employees of both airlines will be provided seniority protection through a fair and equitable seniority integration process, as the airlines are combined. In addition, U.S.-based non-pilot employees of both companies will be provided a 4 percent equity stake in the new airline upon closing. The company also expects no involuntary furloughs of frontline employees as a result of this transaction and the existing pension plans for both companies’ employees will be protected. Additionally, all Delta and Northwest employees will enjoy reciprocal pass privileges on both airlines, beginning as soon as possible during the regulatory review process.
“We are pleased that the people of Delta and Northwest will participate directly in the growth and future success of the combined company,” Anderson said. “Thanks to the hard work and professionalism of the more than 75,000 Delta and Northwest employees over the last few years, our new, combined company will be positioned for a bright future as a leader in the global airline industry.”
Integrated SkyTeam frequent flyer programs and partner networks enable faster integration; existing Air France, KLM joint venture partnerships strengthened
Delta and Northwest’s complementary networks and common membership in the SkyTeam alliance will ease the integration risk that has complicated some airline mergers. The carriers participate in a joint SkyTeam frequent flyer program with common customer lounges and airline partner networks. In addition, they share a common IT platform, which has already been partially integrated through the existing alliance between Delta and Northwest. Further, the combination of Delta and Northwest will enable an accelerated joint venture integration with Air France/KLM, creating the industry’s leading alliance network.
Over the course of the regulatory process, a detailed integration plan will be created by the transition committee made up of leaders from both companies. After closing of the merger, the consolidation of overlapping corporate and administrative functions will result in some job reductions or company-paid transfers. Involuntary reductions for management and administrative employees will be minimized by normal attrition.
Advisers
Financial advisers to Delta were Greenhill & Co. and Merrill Lynch & Co. and legal advisers were Wachtell, Lipton, Rosen & Katz and Hunton & Williams, LLP. Financial advisers to Northwest were Morgan Stanley and J.P. Morgan Securities and legal advisers were Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP and O'Melveny & Myers, LLP.
Investor and Analyst Call Details
There will be a webcast for the investment community on Tuesday, April 15, at 9:00 a.m. EDT. Participants will include Richard Anderson, Delta’s CEO; Doug Steenland, Northwest’s President and CEO; and Ed Bastian, Delta’s President and CFO.
Webcast log-in is available on: www.delta.com/about_delta/investor_relations/webcasts or
A replay of the webcast will be archived for 30 days. Further information is available in the investor relations section of delta.com.
Press Conference Details and Satellite Coordinates
On Tuesday, April 15, at 10:30 a.m. EDT, Delta and Northwest will hold a joint press conference at the Intercontinental, The Barclay, New York, 111 East 48th St, New York, NY 10017.
Participants will include Richard Anderson, Delta’s CEO; Doug Steenland, Northwest’s President and CEO; and Ed Bastian, Delta’s President and CFO.
The press conference will be webcast LIVE over the internet at www.newglobalairline.com. The replay of the webcast will be archived for 30 days.
The press conference will also be available LIVE via satellite through the following feed:
Feed time: 1000-1130 EDT w/15 approx. (test time from 10-10:30 AM)
Coordinates: KU-band: GAL11 / Transponder 15 / Audio 6.2 & 6.8 / Downlink frequency: 12000 (H)
B-Roll Information and Satellite Coordinates
B-roll footage with sound bites from Richard Anderson and Ed Bastian and Delta and Northwest operations will be available via satellite. To access the B-roll feed via satellite, use the coordinates below.
Monday, April 14, 2008
Feed time: 10:00 – 10:30 PM EDT
Coordinates: C-Band: AMC 03 / Transponder 03 / Audio 6.2 & 6.8 / Downlink frequency: 3760 (H)
****This story will be available on the Pathfire DMG****
Under Video News Feeds at Medialink
Story Number: 04NY08-0095
Story Slug: Delta and Northwest Create Global Airline
Tuesday April 15, 2008
Feed time: 4:00-4:30 AM EDT
Coordinates: C-Band: AMC 03 / Transponder 03 / Audio 6.2 & 6.8 / Downlink frequency 3760 (H)
Feed time: 10:00-10:30 AM EDT
Feed time: 1:00 – 1:30 PM EDT
Coordinates: C-Band: GAL 25 (formerly IA 5) / Transponder 19 / Audio 6.2 & 6.8 / Downlink frequency 4080 (V)
Feed time: 2:00-2:30 PM EDT - Includes footage of press conference
Feed time: 7:00-7:30 PM EDT
Coordinates: C-Band: AMC 03 / Transponder 05 / Audio 6.2 & 6.8 / Downlink frequency 3800 (H)
Audio News Release
An audio news release will be available for download on www.newglobalairline.com
Photography
Photographs of both companies operations and management teams is available on the news center section of www.newglobalairline.com
Contact Details:
Delta Contacts
Delta Media Relations: 404 715 2554
Delta Investor Relations: 404 715 2170
Brunswick Group: Steve Lipin / Cindy Leggett-Flynn 212 333 3810
Northwest Contacts
Northwest Media Relations: 612 726 2331
Northwest Investor Relations: 800 953 3332
Further details regarding the combination can be found at www.newglobalairline.com
About Delta Air Lines
Delta Air Lines operates service to more worldwide destinations than any airline with Delta and Delta Connection flights to 306 destinations in 58 countries. Delta has added more international capacity than any major U.S. airline during the last two years and is the leader across the Atlantic with flights to 37 trans-Atlantic markets. To Latin America and the Caribbean, Delta offers more than 517 weekly flights to 57 destinations. Delta's marketing alliances also allow customers to earn and redeem SkyMiles on nearly 16,409 flights offered by SkyTeam and other partners. Delta is a founding member of SkyTeam, a global airline alliance that provides customers with extensive worldwide destinations, flights and services. Including its SkyTeam and worldwide codeshare partners, Delta offers flights to 841 worldwide destinations in 162 countries. Customers can check in for flights, print boarding passes and check flight status at delta.com.
About Northwest Airlines
Northwest Airlines is one of the world’s largest airlines with hubs at Detroit, Minneapolis/St. Paul, Memphis, Tokyo and Amsterdam, and approximately 1,400 daily departures. Northwest is a member of SkyTeam, an airline alliance that offers customers one of the world’s most extensive global networks. Northwest and its travel partners serve more than 1,000 cities in excess of 160 countries on six continents. For more information pertaining to Northwest go to the Web site at www.nwa.com.
Forward Looking Statements
This press release includes “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the safe harbor provisions of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Words such as “expect,’ “estimate,” “project,” “budget,” “forecast,” “anticipate,” “intend,” “plan,” “may,” “will,” “could,” “should,” “believes,” “predicts,” “potential,” “continue,” and similar expressions are intended to identify such forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements include, without limitation, Delta's and Northwest’s expectations with respect to the synergies, costs and charges and capitalization, anticipated financial impacts of the merger transaction and related transactions; approval of the merger transaction and related transactions by shareholders; the satisfaction of the closing conditions to the merger transaction and related transactions; and the timing of the completion of the merger transaction and related transactions.
These forward-looking statements involve significant risks and uncertainties that could cause the actual results to differ materially from the expected results. Most of these factors are outside our control and difficult to predict. Factors that may cause such differences include, but are not limited to, the possibility that the expected synergies will not be realized, or will not be realized within the expected time period, due to, among other things, (1) the airline pricing environment; (2) competitive actions taken by other airlines; (3) general economic conditions; (4) changes in jet fuel prices; (5) actions taken or conditions imposed by the United States and foreign governments; (6) the willingness of customers to travel; (7) difficulties in integrating the operations of the two airlines; (
the impact of labor relations, and (9) fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates. Other factors include the possibility that the merger does not close, including due to the failure to receive required stockholder or regulatory approvals, or the failure of other closing conditions.Delta cautions that the foregoing list of factors is not exclusive. Additional information concerning these and other risk factors is contained in Delta’s and Northwest’s most recently filed Forms 10-K. All subsequent written and oral forward-looking statements concerning Delta, Northwest, the merger, the related transactions or other matters and attributable to Delta or Northwest or any person acting on their behalf are expressly qualified in their entirety by the cautionary statements above. Delta and Northwest do not undertake any obligation to update any forward-looking statement, whether written or oral, relating to the matters discussed in this news release.
Additional Information About the Merger and Where to Find It
In connection with the proposed merger, Delta will file with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) a Registration Statement on Form S-4 that will include a joint proxy statement of Delta and Northwest that also constitutes a prospectus of Delta. Delta and Northwest will mail the joint proxy statement/prospectus to their stockholders. Delta and Northwest urge investors and security holders to read the joint proxy statement/prospectus regarding the proposed merger when it becomes available because it will contain important information. You may obtain copies of all documents filed with the SEC regarding this transaction, free of charge, at the SEC’s website (www.sec.gov). You may also obtain these documents, free of charge, from Delta’s website (www.delta.com) under the tab “About Delta” and then under the heading “Investor Relations” and then under the item “SEC Filings.” You may also obtain these documents, free of charge, from Northwest’s website (www.nwa.com) under the tab “About Northwest” and then under the heading “Investor Relations” and then under the item “SEC Filings and Section 16 Filings.”
Delta, Northwest and their respective directors, executive officers and certain other members of management and employees may be soliciting proxies from Delta and Northwest stockholders in favor of the merger. Information regarding the persons who may, under the rules of the SEC, be deemed participants in the solicitation of Delta and Northwest stockholders in connection with the proposed merger will be set forth in the proxy statement/prospectus when it is filed with the SEC. You can find information about Delta’s executive officers and directors in its Annual Reports on Form 10-K (including any amendments thereto), Current Reports on Form 8-K and other documents that have previously been filed with the SEC since April 30, 2007 as well as in its definitive proxy statement to be filed with the SEC related to Delta’s 2008 Annual Meeting of Stockholders. You can find information about Northwest’s executive officers and directors in its Annual Reports on Form 10-K (including any amendments thereto), Current Reports on Form 8-K and other documents that have previously been filed with the SEC since May 31, 2007 as well as in its definitive proxy statement to be filed with the SEC related to Northwest’s 2008 Annual Meeting of Stockholders. You can obtain free copies of these documents from Delta and Northwest using the contact information above.
News release from Yahoo:
Delta, Northwest sign off on dealATLANTA - A person familiar with the negotiations says Delta Air Lines' and Northwest Airlines' directors have approved a deal for Delta to take over Northwest and create the world's biggest carrier.
The person, who spoke on condition of anonymity because an official announcement was expected later Monday, said the boards of both companies gave the deal the go-ahead.
The announcement will come a year after the two carriers emerged from Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection. Both carriers are losing money again but are in much better shape than the four much-smaller airlines that have filed for bankruptcy or gone out of business in recent weeks.
The deal will need antitrust approval, and integrating the work forces of fully unionized Northwest and Delta, where pilots are currently the only major unionized work group, will be tricky.
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The Boeing 767-300(BCF) takes its first flight:
First 767-300 Boeing Converted Freighter Takes FlightArrives in Seattle for flight test, certification activities
SEATTLE, April 11, 2008 -- Boeing [NYSE:BA] and ANA celebrated the inaugural flight of the first 767-300 Boeing Converted Freighter this week, as well as completion of the airplane's journey to Seattle on the airplane's second flight. The home city of Boeing Commercial Airplanes will be the base for the 767-300BCF's flight test and certification activities that will take place over the next few months.
After a first flight of just more than three hours April 9, the airplane departed for Seattle April 10, from the ST Aviation Services Co. (SASCO) facility at Paya Lebar airport in Singapore, where the conversion from a passenger jet to a freighter took place. The 50-tonne-capacity freighter flew nonstop to Seattle, completing the 14-hour, 51-minute flight at 10:13 a.m., the same day but 15 time zones away.
Boeing Flight Operations pilots stationed in Seattle will conduct the flight test program. Delivery and certification of the freighter are expected in June.
The airplane is painted in the livery of Japan-based ANA, the launch customer for the 767-300BCF, and the livery of ALLEX, a joint venture between ANA, Nippon Express and Kintestsu World Express.
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News release from Airbus:
Aer Lingus orders Airbus A350-900s and more A330-300s11 April 2008
Aer Lingus, Ireland's national carrier, has become the latest airline to place a firm order for the all-new A350 XWB. In its biggest ever acquisition for long-haul aircraft, the Irish airline has received shareholder approval to purchase six A350-900s, along with six additional A330-300s, confirming its earlier placed contract. This latest contract brings total firm orders for the A350 XWB to 362 from 22 customers.
Aer Lingus' new A350-900s will be deployed on the airline's growing long haul network to the United States and on other new long-range routes that are being considered for the future. The additional six new A330-300s will replace some of its earlier A330s, and will provide further growth opportunities in the short term until the first of the A350-900s are delivered. Both the A350-900s and the A330-300s will be in a two-class configuration, featuring Aer Lingus' new premier class product. The aircraft will join Aer Lingus' all Airbus fleet, currently comprising 32 A320 Family aircraft and nine A330s.
"The A350-900 fits well into our ambitious plans to expand existing routes and to open up new ones from our hub in Dublin. The new aircraft will fit in seamlessly with our all-Airbus fleet," said Aer Lingus Chief Executive Dermot Mannion.
"We are absolutely delighted Aer Lingus has chosen the A350-900 to modernise and expand their Airbus fleet. It will not only bring Aer Lingus unbeatable operating costs, but also offer their customers the cutting edge in passenger comfort. The winning economics of the A330 Family is also further demonstrated by this commitment for more A330-300s" said John Leahy, Chief Operating Officer, Customers.
The A350 XWB (Xtra Wide-Body) Family is Airbus' response to widespread market demand for a series of highly efficient medium-capacity long-range wide-body aircraft. With a range of up to 8,300 nm / 15,400 km, it is available in three basic passenger versions: the A350-800 accommodating 270 passengers, the A350-900 seating 314, and the A350-1000 for 350 passengers. The A350 has the widest fuselage in its category, offering unprecedented levels of comfort, the lowest operating costs and lowest seat mile cost of any aircraft in this market segment. Powered by two new generation Rolls Royce Trent XWB engines delivering each up to 92,000 lbs of thrust, the A350 XWB Family is designed to confront the challenges of high fuel prices, rising passenger expectations, and environmental concerns.
With a true wide-body fuselage allowing very high comfort standards, the A330-300 is able to accommodate seat and class configurations to suit the diverse customer requirements. It has a range of up to 5,650 nm / 10,500 km with a full passenger load. Highly efficient and optimized for the medium - to extended range market, the A330-300 offers the best balance between range and cost. The A330-300 remains the most economic means of flying 300 or so passengers on medium range routes in true long haul comfort.
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American Airlines cancels 570 flights for Friday:
American Cancels 570 Flights For FridayAmerican Airlines CEO: "I Take Full Responsibility"
American Airlines said Thursday it expects a massive round of flight cancellations to extend into Saturday, but added that all the grounded aircraft were expected to be back in the air by Saturday night.
The Texas-based airline said it canceled 922 flights Thursday to fix faulty wiring in hundreds of jets and would cancel another 570 flights on Friday.
This week, Federal Aviation Administration inspectors, who have been conducting stepped-up surveys of compliance with safety rules called airworthiness directives, said 15 of 19 American jets they examined flunked. That left the airline no choice but to ground all 300 of its MD-80s, the most common jet in its 655-plane fleet.
"We have obviously failed to complete the airworthiness directive to the precise standards that the FAA requires, and I take full responsibility for that," said Gerard Arpey, American's chairman and chief executive.
"We apologize for the inconvenience this has caused our customers," Arpey said. "American will do whatever it takes to assist those affected by these flight changes and our employees are working hard to ensure that we remain their choice for air travel. This includes compensating those inconvenienced customers who stayed overnight in a location away from their final destination."
The airline also advised customers who had to stay overnight to go to its Web site to get information about compensation.
Counting Friday's cancellations, American has scrubbed more than 3,000 flights since Tuesday. It said 100 of its 300 MD-80s had been inspected and were back in service as of Thursday morning. The airline said it expected an estimated 130 MD-80s to be in service by Thursday evening.
It said all of its MD-80s were expected to be in service by Saturday night.
It was estimated that more than one in three American Airlines flights have been canceled over the last three days. On Wednesday, American canceled more than 1,000 flights, nearly half its schedule. On Tuesday it canceled about 460 MD-80 flights.
It's the second wave of cancellations at American over the wiring. At issue is how the cords used to secure bundles of wires for the auxiliary hydraulic systems are spaced and lined up.
The FAA has tightened inspections of planes at all U.S. carriers since the agency came under fire for letting Southwest Airlines fly planes that had missed safety inspections. American and Delta Air Lines both canceled flights in late March to perform wiring-related inspections and repairs.
Other carriers flying MD-80s have followed American's example.
Midwest Airlines grounded 13 airplanes Thursday to reinspect a wiring harness, while Alaska Airlines said it canceled 14 flights Wednesday to conduct wiring inspections on its nine MD-80s.
Midwest Airlines voluntarily canceled all of its flights involving the Boeing MD-80 aircraft on Thursday to make sure the wiring component is in compliance with a recent Federal Aviation Administration directive.
A Delta Air Lines spokeswoman said the airline was likely to ground "a handful of flights" Thursday as well.
News release from American Airlines:
Update: American Airlines Cancels Approximately 570 Flights On Friday As MD-80 Aircraft Inspections ContinueFORT WORTH , Texas – American Airlines has canceled approximately 570 flights on Friday, April 11, as it works to complete the inspections of its MD-80 fleet. The airline continues efforts to re-accommodate customers affected by this week’s activity.
As of Thursday afternoon, 132 MD-80 aircraft were returned to service. Inspections will continue overnight, with approximately 170 MD-80s expected to be available for service on Friday morning.
These inspections were conducted to ensure compliance with a Federal Aviation Administration directive related to the bundling of wires in the wheel well of the MD-80 aircraft. American Airlines apologizes for any inconvenience this activity has created for our customers.
On Thursday American Airlines canceled over 930 flights related to the MD-80 inspections. That follows the cancellation of 1,094 flights on Wednesday and 460 canceled flights on Tuesday.
Customers who were scheduled on a flight that was canceled may request a full refund or apply the value of their ticket toward future travel on American Airlines. Additionally, customers scheduled to travel on any MD-80 flight April 8-13, even if their flight has not been canceled, may rebook without a change fee to any AA flight with availability in the same cabin as long as their travel begins by April 17.
Customers who were inconvenienced with overnight stays should go to AA.com where a link has been established to request information about compensation. Customers also are encouraged to continue to check AA.com or to contact their travel agents for flight status information.
News release from Yahoo:
American cancels 570 flights FridayFORT WORTH, Texas - The cancellation of thousands of flights this week will cost American Airlines tens of millions of dollars, the company's chief executive said Thursday, but he said the nation's largest carrier can withstand the losses.
American said it canceled another 570 flights Friday and disruptions will continue through Saturday as it continues to check electrical wiring in all 300 of its MD-80 aircraft.
CEO Gerard Arpey said he took full responsibility for the airline's failure to comply with a federal safety rule designed to prevent electrical fires in the planes.
American scratched more than 900 flights Thursday, the third straight day of major cancellations, while its mechanics worked overtime to check the aircraft and comply with the rule. The company said all its MD-80s would be back in service by Saturday night.
Arpey said neither the airline's mechanics nor the Federal Aviation Administration were to blame for the more than 3,000 canceled flights so far this week.
The airline canceled more than 400 flights for the same reason two weeks ago. But the repairs done then didn't meet FAA standards, resulting in this week's debacle.
On Wednesday, Arpey's top lieutenant suggested that American had fallen victim to a suddenly more aggressive FAA. The agency has been under fire since disclosures last month of its lax enforcement of safety rules at Southwest Airlines Co.
In measured tones, Arpey said Thursday that the FAA "obviously is under their own set of scrutiny and pressure right now," but was only doing its job of "holding airlines to exacting standards."
Arpey said it was too early for the airline to estimate the cost of the cancellations. AMR is running a tab for meals, hotel rooms and $500 travel vouchers for stranded passenger and it lost revenue when it booked people on other airlines. On the other hand, it has saved what it would have spent for fuel on those 2,500 flights.
"I think it will be in the tens of millions of dollars," Arpey said of the final cost. But he said the airline had built up enough cash and paid down debt to deal with the loss. He said the carrier has business-interruption insurance, but he doubted that it would cover the cancellation-related losses.
American got some good news on Wall Street. Shares of parent AMR Corp., which fell 11 percent the day before, rose 70 cents, or 7.6 percent, to $9.87 Thursday.
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News release from American Airlines:
Update: American Airlines Cancels Over 900 Flights On Thursday; MD-80 Aircraft Inspections ContinueFORT WORTH , Texas – American Airlines has canceled more than 900 flights on Thursday as it works to complete the inspections of its MD-80 fleet. The airline is also working to re-accommodate customers affected by this week’s activity.
As of Wednesday afternoon,
* 179 MD-80 aircraft were completely inspected
* 60 of the 179 MD-80s were returned to service
* 119 of the 179 MD-80s were still undergoing work
* 121 MD-80s remain to be inspected
These inspections were conducted to ensure compliance with a Federal Aviation Administration directive related to the bundling of wires in the wheel well of the MD-80 aircraft. American Airlines apologizes for any inconvenience this activity has created for our customers.
On Wednesday, American officially canceled 1,094 flights, in addition to the 460 canceled on Tuesday.
Customers who were scheduled on a flight that was cancelled may request a full refund or apply the value of their ticket toward future travel on American Airlines. Additionally, customers scheduled to travel on any MD-80 flight April 8-11, even if their flight has not been cancelled, may rebook without a change fee to any AA flight with availability in the same cabin as long as their travel begins by April 17.
Customers who were inconvenienced with overnight stays should go to AA.com where a link has been established to request information about compensation. Customers also are encouraged to continue to check AA.com or to contact their travel agents for flight status information.
News release from Yahoo:
American cancels 900 more flightsDALLAS - American Airlines canceled more than 900 flights Thursday to fix faulty wiring in hundreds of jets, marking the third straight day of mass groundings as company executives offered profuse apologies and travel vouchers to calm angry customers.
American, the nation's largest carrier, has now scrubbed more than 2,400 flights since Tuesday, when federal regulators warned that nearly half its planes could violate a safety regulation designed to prevent fires.
That's more than one in three flights canceled over the last three days.
Daniel Garton, an executive vice president of American, said cancellations could extend into Friday.
A return to normal operations depends on how quickly mechanics can inspect and fix the wire bundles. Airline spokesman Tim Wagner said late Wednesday afternoon that 60 planes had been cleared to fly, 119 were being worked on, and 121 planes had not yet been inspected.
The fallout could be seen at airport ticket counters, where frustrated customers bickered with American employees, and on the stock market, where shares of American's parent company tumbled more than 11 percent Wednesday.
American estimates that more than 100 passengers would have been on each of those canceled flights. That means a quarter-million people have been inconvenienced this week.
Airline executives said they thought they had fixed the wiring two weeks ago, when they canceled more than 400 flights to inspect and in some cases fix the shielding around the wires in their MD-80 aircraft.
But this week, Federal Aviation Administration inspectors, who have been conducting stepped-up surveys of airline compliance with safety rules called airworthiness directives, said 15 of 19 American jets they examined flunked. That left the airline no choice but to ground all 300 of its MD-80s, the most common jet in American's 655-plane fleet.
"We have obviously failed to complete the airworthiness directive to the precise standards that the FAA requires, and I take full responsibility for that," Gerard Arpey, American's chairman and chief executive, said at an industry event in California.
Back at American's headquarters in Fort Worth, Garton apologized for the snafu and vowed the airline would fix the problem this time.
"We simply cannot put our customers through this again," he said.
Garton added that for American, "this certainly couldn't have come at a worse time." The airline faces record fuel prices and fear of a recession, and analysts forecast that its parent, AMR Corp., lost more than $300 million in the first three months of the year.
American declined to say how much it would spend on $500 travel vouchers and hotel rooms for stranded travelers and overtime for mechanics, or how much revenue it would lose by putting some displaced customers on other airlines. But Garton said it would be "significant."
Perhaps worried about that cost, investors on Wednesday sent AMR shares down $1.15 to $9.17.
American's problem — and Alaska Airlines' cancellation of 14 flights Wednesday to inspect its nine MD-80s — stems from an FAA order in 2006 covering the bundling of wires in the backup power system for the fuel pump of the MD-80. The FAA says improperly bundled wires could rub, leading to an electrical short or even fire.
American officials said the safety of their planes was never jeopardized, and the FAA said no serious incidents have been blamed on poorly bundled wires.
Some passengers took a jaundiced view toward American's promise to fix the problems.
Kathy Neer of Santa Fe, N.M., was caught up in both waves of cancellations to and from a vacation in Paris. She and her husband were stranded in Dallas on Tuesday on the final leg of their journey home. American gave the Neers a voucher for a hotel room and seats on another flight home Wednesday.
"They say our flight is leaving at 3:55 p.m., but do you think we trust them?" Neer said. "After being burned twice, we're a little skeptical."
News release from NBC 4 Los Angeles:
900 American Airlines Flights CanceledWiring On MD-80s To Be Inspected
More travel headaches could be ahead for American Airlines customers. The carrier canceled more than 900 additional flights on Wednesday to inspect and fix faulty wiring in hundreds of its jets. And flights could also be canceled Friday.
On Wednesday, American canceled more than 1,000 flights, nearly half its schedule, to fix faulty wiring on MD-80 jetliners that could cause a short-circuit or even a fire and explosion. The cancellations disrupted business trips and vacations for tens of thousands of travelers.
The airline said a return to normal operations depends on how quickly mechanics can inspect and fix the wiring. As of late Wednesday afternoon, a spokesman said 60 planes had been cleared to fly, and more than 200 were being worked on or hadn't been inspected yet.
At least 208 flights were canceled Wednesday at the carrier's Dallas-Fort Worth hub, American spokesman Tim Wagner said.
American is the nation's largest carrier.
On Tuesday, American canceled about 460 MD-80 flights.
"We apologize for the inconvenience this has caused our customers," said Gerard Arpey, chairman and CEO of American Airlines. "American will do whatever it takes to assist those affected by these flight changes and our employees are working hard to ensure that we remain their choice for air travel. This includes compensating those inconvenienced customers who stayed overnight in a location away from their final destination."
It's the second wave of cancellations at American over the wiring.
More than a third of the Texas-based airline's 2,300 daily flights use that aircraft, mostly out of Dallas and Chicago.
Hundreds of flights were canceled Tuesday and the airline is not sure how many more will be disrupted.
The Federal Aviation Administration is still not happy with wiring work that caused delays two weeks ago.
At issue is how the cords used to secure bundles of wires for the auxiliary hydraulic systems are spaced and lined up.
"We regret and apologize that we are once again causing inconvenience to our customers, but we will continue to work in good faith until we satisfy all of the technical issues related to this airworthiness directive," Arpey said in a news release.
Wagner said an FAA inspector checked several planes Monday and found that some of the work performed last month didn't meet the agency's standards.
The FAA has tightened inspections of planes at all U.S. carriers since the agency came under fire for letting Southwest Airlines fly planes that had missed safety inspections. American and Delta Air Lines both canceled flights in late March to perform wiring-related inspections and repairs.
American Airlines said it will try to arrange other flights for travelers.
It said it will also foot the bill for meals, hotels and ground transportation because, as a spokesman said, the delays were within the airline's control, not weather-related.
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What happened?Here are two reasons
: -Jet fuel prices are skyrocketing here in the US
-Also, Aloha blames unfair competition from competitors, like Hawaiian Airlines and American Airlines.
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ATA filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy and ceased operations today:
ATA AIRLINES DISCONTINUES ALL OPERATIONSAfter filing for Chapter 11 on April 2, 2008 in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court in Indianapolis, IN, ATA Airlines has discontinued all operations and cancelled all current and future flights. Following the loss of a key contract for our military charter business, it became impossible for ATA to continue operations. Unfortunately, we were not in a position to provide our customers or others with advance notice.
We apologize for the disruption caused by the sudden shutdown of ATA and regret the impact on passengers, employees, suppliers, and other parties. ATA customers should seek alternative arrangements for current and future travel. A list of other airlines serving ATA’s destinations is available here.
ATA customers who purchased tickets using a credit card should contact their credit card company or travel agency directly for information about how to obtain a refund for unused tickets.
ATA currently is unable to provide refunds to customers who purchased tickets directly from ATA with cash or a check. These customers may be able to obtain a full or partial refund for their unused tickets by submitting a claim in ATA’s Chapter 11 proceedings. Information about submitting a claim will be available at the following website: http://www.bmcgroup.com/ataairlines.
Aloha Airlines stopped its passenger service on March 31, 2008 and now only operates cargo flights:
ALOHA AIRLINES TO SHUT DOWN PASSENGER OPERATIONS AFTER MARCH 31, 2008, ENDING A 61-YEAR TRADITION OF SERVICE TO HAWAIIHONOLULU – Aloha Airlines announced today that it will be shutting down its inter-island and transpacific passenger flight operations. Aloha’s last day of operations will be Monday, March 31, 2008. On that day, Aloha will operate its schedule with the exception of flights from Hawaii to the West Coast and flights from Orange County to Reno and Sacramento, and Oakland to Las Vegas. Code-share partner United Airlines and other airlines are prepared to assist and accommodate Aloha’s passengers who have been inconvenienced.
For more information on United’s accommodation options, contact United at 1-800-UNITED1 or www.united.com. Passengers who do not wish to be re-accommodated by another airline should contact their travel agent or credit card company to request a refund. Effective immediately, Aloha will stop selling tickets for travel beyond March 31, 2008.
The shutdown of Aloha’s passenger operations will affect about 1,900 employees. Aloha also announced that its air cargo and aviation services units will continue to operate as usual while the U.S. Bankruptcy Court seeks bids from potential buyers. On March 27, 2008, Saltchuk Resources, Inc., announced its intention to buy Aloha’s air cargo business.
“This is an incredibly dark day for Hawaii,” said David A. Banmiller, Aloha’s president and chief executive officer. “Despite the groundswell of support from the community and our elected officials, we simply ran out of time to find a qualified buyer or secure continued financing for our passenger business. We had no choice but to take this action.
“We deeply regret the impact this will have on our dedicated employees who have made Aloha one of the best operating airlines in the country. “Aloha Airlines was founded in 1946 to give Hawaii’s people a choice in inter-island air transportation.
Unfortunately, unfair competition has succeeded in driving us out of business, bringing to an end a 61-year-old company with a proud legacy of serving millions of travelers in the true spirit of Aloha. ”We realize that this comes as a devastating disappointment to our frequent flyers and our loyal business partners who have supported this company for many, many years.
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News release from LAWA:
VIRGIN BLUE SET FOR TAKE-OFF TO LOS ANGELESOPEN SKIES AGREEMENT BRINGS COMPETITION TO ROUTES FROM DOWN UNDER, ECONOMIC BOOST TO SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA
(Los Angeles, California – March 31, 2008) Mayor Antonio R. Villaraigosa announced today that Virgin Blue International Airlines will launch non-stop service between Australia and Los Angeles later this year under a new open-skies agreement, continuing a trend among international carriers that are choosing Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) as their West Coast gateway and adding to the billions of dollars in economic activity generated in Southern California by overseas flights. Virgin Blue Airlines, through its long-haul international carrier, V Australia, will use the first of its 10 weekly allotments to launch non-stop service from Australia to Los Angeles in December, operating between Sydney and LAX.
U.S. Secretary of Transportation Mary Peters and Australia’s Ambassador to the U.S. Dennis Richardson were to sign the historic open-skies agreement at a ceremony attended by Australian Prime Minister Kevin Mudd in Washington, D.C., following announcements of the new air service in Sydney and Los Angeles. The open-skies agreement was announced in February.
"I am thrilled that such an innovative airline offering value and high-quality service to passengers has chosen Los Angeles as its front door to the U.S.,” Mayor Villaraigosa said. “It is a privilege to benefit so quickly from the open-skies agreement lifting market restrictions and allowing more air travel choices between both countries.”
Speaking upon his arrival from Sydney, where the new air service was announced earlier in the day, Virgin Blue Airlines Group Chief Executive Officer and Co-Founder Brett Godfrey praised the open-skies agreement and said that with the initiation of the Australia-Los Angeles routes, air passengers will be able to travel around the world on Virgin brand airlines.
“The Australia-U.S. Open Skies agreement is a great achievement and a significant change after almost twenty years of restrictive bi-laterals,” said Godfrey. “The agreement and the approvals granted underline the commitment of both governments to extensively liberalize Australia-U.S. air services -- a decision we strongly endorse and one which will bring significant benefits to both countries.
“At Virgin Blue, we are particularly proud of the contributing role we have played as a catalyst for the establishment of the agreement. It will enable us to bring long awaited, genuine competition to the trans-Pacific market,” Godfrey said.
The Virgin Blue chief executive added, “Eight years ago we launched Virgin Blue, the first Virgin airline in Australian skies with just two planes and 200 staff. Today, we fly 15 million passengers a year to over 30 destinations in Australia, New Zealand and the South Pacific island countries. We believe we have proven our ability through Virgin Blue to stimulate change and innovation to the benefit of air travelers, tourism and the economy, and V Australia will again be a catalyst for change, this time in the arena of international aviation.
“V Australia is a brand new long-haul international airline for Australia, focused first on the U.S. through our chosen gateway of Los Angeles and bringing a brand new style of service to the trans-Pacific route. It’s tremendously exciting and opens a whole new range of possibilities for travelers and for tourism and trade development between our countries,” Godfrey said.
The V Australia service will increase seat capacity between the U.S. and Australia by 16 percent, which Mayor Villaraigosa said would continue to stimulate new service and provide further benefits to passengers.
The V Australia flights are expected to generate an annual economic impact of up to $872 million to Southern California, and sustain as many as 4,340 jobs with total wages of $218 million, based on the findings of a recent economic analysis of overseas flights at LAX by the Los Angeles County Economic Development Corporation (LAEDC).
V Australia will operate Boeing 777-300ER aircraft on the trans-Pacific route, which Mayor Villaraigosa said will be welcomed by LAX neighbors because it is “one of the most fuel efficient and green commercial aircraft available.” V Australia will take delivery of its first 777-300ER in September and it will be the first and only carrier to operate the aircraft between Australia and the U.S.
V Australia is the ninth air carrier to begin or announce new international service to LAX in the past year, continuing a trend toward increased international air travel at LAX, which had consistently lost market share since 2000, and solidifying LAX’s position as the leading Asia Pacific gateway in the U.S.
In total, the nine carriers are adding 126 arrivals and departures per week at LAX, with an estimated annual economic impact of more than $5.6 billion. Overall, the new service will sustain 28,000 jobs paying cumulative wages of $1.4 billion.
Other new or recently announced international service at LAX includes:
* Air France - seven round-trips per week to London, which began March 30 under the recent open-skies agreement between the U.S. and European Union;
* Alitalia - five round-trips per week to Rome beginning in June;
* British Airways - seven additional round-trips per week to London, which began in April 2007;
* Emirates Airline - seven round-trips per week to Dubai beginning Sept. 1;
* EVA Air - three additional round-trips per week to Taipei via Osaka which began March 30;
* Korean Air - three round-trips per week to São Paulo, Brazil, beginning June 2;
* United Airlines - seven round-trips per week to Frankfurt, which began last December;
* United Airlines - seven round-trips per week to Hong Kong, which began last October; and
* Air China - seven additional round-trips per week to Beijing beginning in Summer 2009.
According to the LAEDC study released last year, one average daily, round-trip, transoceanic flight of wide-body aircraft from LAX generated $623 million in annual economic output, and sustained 3,120 direct and indirect jobs in Southern California and $156 million in wages.
In 2006, international overseas flights at LAX, including airport operations, visitor spending, and cargo services, generated more than $82 billion in total annual economic output in Southern California. They sustained 362,700 direct and indirect jobs with more than $19 billion in wages.
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It's a bit a late since the news was posted on LAWA's website, but any way here it is:
EMIRATES CHOOSES LOS ANGELES AS NEW WEST COAST GATEWAYDUBAI-BASED AIRLINE WILL BEGIN NONSTOP SERVICE TO LAX ON SEPT. 1, 2008
(Los Angeles, California – March 13, 2008) Mayor Antonio R. Villaraigosa today announced that Emirates Airline has selected Los Angeles as its new West Coast gateway and will begin daily nonstop service between Los AngelesInternationalAirport (LAX) and Dubai on Sept. 1, 2008.
“I am pleased that Emirates has chosen LAX as its U.S. West Coast gateway and I look forward to the start of service between LAX and Dubai later this year,” Mayor Villaraigosa said. “The route opens a new destination for business and leisure travelers in the Gulf region, a part of the world not previously served from Los Angeles. It will also enable travelers to reach every region of the world nonstop from LAX.”
HH Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al-Maktoum, Chairman and Chief Executive, Emirates Airline and Group said, “L.A. represents Emirates' commitment to the American market. We have evaluated the U.S. for expansion opportunities and have carefully examined our existing services in Houston and New York -- both of which have been very successful. We look forward to recreating this success by connecting L.A. to Dubai and beyond.”
Emirates will serve the LAX-Dubai route with Boeing 777-200LR aircraft, the longest range commercial airplane in the world. It is also cleaner and quieter than similar aircraft, according to manufacturer Boeing Commercial Airplanes. It also is 21 percent more fuel efficient and produces fewer emissions.
The Emirates’ B-777-200LR will accommodate 266 travelers in eight private, first-class suites, 42 lie-flat business class seats and 216 economy class seats. The interior is equipped with the airline's award-winning ice Digital Widescreen product (information, communication, entertainment) now boasting over 1,000 channels of entertainment in all classes and nearly 1,700 hours of video and audio entertainment. It also offers the ability to send and receive e-mail and text messages from the personal in-seat entertainment systems.
Beginning Sept. 1, Emirates flight 216 will depart daily from LAX at 4:45 p.m., arriving Dubai at 7:40 p.m. the following day. Return flight 215 will depart daily from Dubai at 8:20 a.m., arriving at LAX at 1:55 p.m. the same day.
The Dubai service was aggressively pursued by many U.S. airports during the past six to 12 months and Mayor Villaraigosa said the selection of LAX is a reflection of the extensive modernization efforts underway at the world’s fifth busiest airport, and his initiative to re-establish LAX as one of the world’s great international gateway airports.
“Gaining new and increased international service at LAX and LA/Ontario International is a top priority for my Administration because of the added benefits to air travelers and the substantial contribution wide-body flights make to the Southern California economy,” Mayor Villaraigosa said.
A 2007 study by the Los Angeles Economic Development Corporation found that one average daily, round-trip, transoceanic flight of wide-body aircraft from LAX generated $623.5 million in annual economic output, sustained 3,120 direct and indirect jobs in Southern California, and produced $156 million in wages each year.
Emirates Airline, which currently serves 99 destinations in 62 countries, is the seventh carrier in recent months to begin or announce new international service to Los Angeles. It was also the first airline in the world to place an order for the Airbus A380, the world’s largest airliner. LAX hosted two test flights of A380 aircraft last year, successfully completed compatibility testing of its ground operations and terminal facilities, and is expected to host 12 daily A380 flights by 2012 -- more than any other airport in North America.
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SQ 1 daily too (am I right?)Actually,SQ operates 3 daily flight (now only 2 as of Oct 2008):
-SQ12 (SIN-NRT-LAX)
-SQ38 (SIN-LAX)
-SQ28 (SIN-TPE-LAX)
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There goes SQ27 (LAX-TPE-SIN) and SQ28 (SIN-TPE-LAX)
I guess no more SIA 777s are coming to LAX as of Oct 2008 -
I prefer Heliconia because blue is my favorite color
Hibiscus are red,Heliconia are blue,
MAS is sweet,
Their FA too.
Nice one!
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Shut it down, F22 sucks anyway... it's better to own Su-27, Su 30, Su bla bla bla... it performs better way better, who needs those stealthHow do you know?
F22 has advanced stealth technology that protects it from SAMs (Surface-To-Air Missiles) and has cool Sidewinder missiles
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From KCAL 9 Los Angeles:
American Airlines plane makes emergency landing at Glasgow airportGLASGOW, Scotland (AP) An American Airlines plane flying from London to Los Angeles made an emergency landing in Glasgow on Monday after a warning light incorrectly indicated there might be a fire in the hold, a spokesman said.
None of the 191 passengers or 14 crew members on board the Boeing 777 was hurt, American Airlines spokesman Richard Hedges said.
He said the plane landed in Glasgow around 1330 GMT after a light in the cockpit lit up.
Passengers left the plane while the cargo hold was emptied and inspected. The flight was scheduled to resume later Monday, Hedges said.
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A B-2 Spirit bomber, based at Whiteman Air Force Base in Missouri, crashed in Guam:
B-2 stealth bomber crashes on GuamHAGATNA, Guam - A B-2 stealth bomber crashed at an air base on Guam but both pilots ejected safely and were in good condition, the Air Force said.
Thick black smoke could be seen billowing from the wreckage at Andersen Air Force Base, said Geanne Ward, a resident in the northern village of Yigo who was on the base visiting her husband.
Ward said she didn't witness the crash but noticed a rising plume of smoke behind the base's air control tower.
She said crowds began to gather as emergency vehicles arrived Saturday morning local time.
"Everybody was on their cell phones, and the first thing everyone wanted to know was did the pilots make it out in time," she said.
A board of officers will investigate the accident.
Each B-2 bomber costs about $1.2 billion to build. All 21 stealth bombers are based at Whiteman Air Force Base in Missouri but the Air Force has been rotating several of them through Guam since 2004, along with B-1 and B-52 bombers.
The rotations are designed to boost the U.S. security presence in the Asia-Pacific region while other U.S. forces diverted to fight in the Middle East.
The accident occurred 11 days after a Navy plane crashed into the ocean about 20 miles northeast of Guam's Ritidian Point. Four aircrew members ejected from the EA-6B Prowler electronic warfare aircraft and were rescued by helicopter.
Guam is a U.S. territory 3,700 miles southwest of Hawaii.
Woah, each B-2 cost about USD$1.2 billion!
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Check this out, Garuda Indonesia orders four 777-300(ER) at the Singapore Air Show!
Boeing, Garuda Indonesia Announce 777 OrderSINGAPORE, Feb. 19, 2008 -- The Boeing Company [NYSE: BA] and Jakarta-based Garuda Indonesia today announced at the Singapore Air Show that the airline has ordered four 777-300ER (Extended Range) airplanes. The order is valued at more than $1 billion at current list prices.
Additionally, Garuda confirmed a previous unidentified order for seven Next-Generation 737-800s placed in 2007, and announced that it has converted 18 of its existing 737-700s on order to 737-800s and six 777-200ERs on order to 777-300ERs.
"We are extremely pleased with the support provided by Boeing to restructure previous purchase commitments," said Emirsyah Satar, president-director and chief executive officer of Garuda Indonesia. "This will enable Garuda to strategically implement its fleet renewal and expansion plan to meet the demands of a changing marketplace."
Garuda originally placed an order for six 777-200ERs in 1996 and 18 737-700s in 1999, which were recorded on Boeing's order books. With today's announcement, Garuda's total order now stands at 25 737-800s and 10 777-300ERs jetliners. Additionally, the airline acquired purchase rights for an additional 25 737-800s and 10 777-300ERs.
"The Next-Generation 737-800 and 777-300ER's dependability, low operating cost and passenger comfort will provide unmatched value and reliability for our passengers and enhance the position of Garuda as the full-service airline of Indonesia," Satar said.
Garuda's 737s will be fitted with Blended Winglets, which will improve fuel efficiency, increase range, and reduce CO2 emissions and takeoff noise.
"The digitally designed Next-Generation 737-800 and 777-300ER are the most technologically advanced airplane families for the single- and twin-aisle market flying today," said Dinesh Keskar, vice president, Sales, Boeing Commercial Airplanes. "We are honored that Garuda has selected Boeing jetliners to support its strategic modernization plan and we welcome this occasion to strengthen our long-time partnership with Garuda and our commitment to Indonesia's aviation industry."
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Aircraft: A380-841, A340-541, B777-200(LR), B777-300(ER), B737NG
Airline: Malaysia Airlines, Singapore Airlines, AirAsia, Southwest Airlines, United Airlines
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Found this at MSNBC.com:
American Airlines to test anti-missile systemMove latest phase in testing technologies to protect commercial jets
DALLAS - Up to three American Airlines jets carrying passengers will be outfitted with anti-missile technology this spring in the latest phase of testing technology to protect commercial planes from attack.
An American Airlines spokesman said Friday that the test will determine how well the anti-missile system holds up under the rigors of flight.
The first Boeing 767-200 will be equipped in April or later, said the airline spokesman, Tim Wagner. American operates that Boeing model mostly between New York and San Francisco and Los Angeles.
American said it is "not in favor" of putting anti-missile systems on commercial planes but agreed to take part in the tests to understand technologies that might be available in the future.
The technology is intended to stop a missile attack by detecting heat given off from the rocket, then firing a laser beam that jams the missile's guidance system.
The device on the belly of the Boeing 767-200 aircraft will be operational but won't be tested on regular flights, Wagner said. The use of a signal to mimic a missile attack has already been tested in the air, Wagner said.
American, the largest U.S. carrier, has been working with defense contractor BAE Systems PLC on the project for a couple years. In 2006, BAE installed its hardware on a Boeing 767 that wasn't used to fly paying passengers.
About a year ago, reporters were invited to American's maintenance base in Fort Worth to see a jet outfitted with the laser-jamming device on its belly.
"We are now entering the next phase," Wagner said, which is "to see how the system holds up on an aircraft in real-time conditions — weather, continuous takeoffs and landings, etc. — and to test its maintenance reliability."
Wagner said American is also collecting more information on how the laser-jamming device affects fuel consumption.
Congress has approved funding for anti-missile research partly out of fear that terrorists armed with shoulder-fired weapons could hit jetliners as they take off and land. U.K.-based BAE won a contract from the Homeland Security Department to test its technology.
Fort Worth-based American, a unit of AMR Corp., has said anti-missile defense is best handled by stopping terrorists from getting missiles that could shoot down commercial jets and by improving security around airports.
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774 ABC-DEFG-HJKDo you mean the 744?
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British Airways buys 24 787s
:Boeing and British Airways Finalize Contract for 24 787 Dreamliners787 Program reaches 787th order milestone with British Airways order
SEATTLE, Dec. 27, 2007 -- Boeing [NYSE: BA] and London-based British Airways have finalized an order for eight Boeing 787-8s and 16 787-9s, raising the total number of 787s ordered worldwide from 766 to 790 and taking the 787 order book past the 787th mark. The order is valued at $4.4 billion at list prices. British Airways also placed options for 18 787s and purchase rights for an additional 10.
Willie Walsh, British Airways' chief executive, said, "The 787 is a fantastic aircraft and will be a welcome addition to our fleet. It will provide major environmental improvements in terms of global emissions, local air quality and noise.
"With lower operating costs and the range to fly to all our destinations, it will give us more flexibility when planning our route network and we are confident that our customers will enjoy flying on the aircraft," Walsh said.
British Airways first announced its selection of the 787 Dreamliner as a key element of its long-haul fleet renewal last September. The carrier also announced in September that it will power its 787s with the Rolls-Royce Trent 1000.
"This order is a vote of confidence from one of the world's leading global network carriers in the 787's unprecedented performance," said Marlin Dailey, vice president of Sales for Europe, Russia and Central Asia, Boeing Commercial Airplanes. "No other airplane in its category offers British Airways the superior efficiency, economics and passenger comfort while also fitting so easily into its medium- and long-haul twin-aisle fleet."
"Reaching the 787th order is significant for the program, and it's great that we get to celebrate it with British Airways. Their leadership in the industry validates our momentum in the marketplace," said Patrick Shanahan, vice president and general manager, 787 Program.
The 787 will help British Airways meet aggressive environmental performance targets. It will reduce CO2 emissions and has a noise footprint that is more than 60 percent smaller than those of today's similarly sized airplanes.
Common elements between the 787 and British Airways' 777 flight deck will allow for 777 pilots to train for 787 certification in only five days.
The 787 also offers more cargo-revenue capacity than the 767 and similarly sized airplanes.
With 790 orders in three years, the 787 remains the most successful airplane launch in aviation history.
Boeing developed the 787 for the mid-sized jetliner market, estimated at 3,500 aircraft over the next 20 years. The 787 will be more than 50 percent advanced carbon composites which allow the largest windows in the industry, higher cabin humidity and a lower cabin altitude that reduces the fatigue often experienced by passengers.
High-efficiency engines combined with a lighter airframe and improved aerodynamics mean the 787 will produce seat-mile costs normally associated with much larger aircraft.
Evergreen Aviation's 747 "supertanker" makes retardant air drops on California wildfires
in General Aviation
Posted · Edited by Andrew Ong · Report reply
Yay!!!! Bring in the 747 Supertanker!
We needed it really badly because that 100,000+ acre Station Fire is causing too much trouble here in L.A.
The DC-10 Tanker and the numerous helicopters and aircraft, especially the two "Super Scoopers" aircraft that came from Canada are not enough to fight the blaze.