American Airlines to buy up to 70 CRJ900 NextGen regional jets

by Devesh Agarwal

CGI of CRJ900 NextGen in American Eagle livery.

Bombardier Aerospace of Canada and American Airlines Group Inc., of Fort Worth, Texas have signed a firm purchase agreement to acquire 30 CRJ900 NextGen aircraft along with options on an additional 40 aircraft.

Based on the list price for the CRJ900 NextGen aircraft, the firm order contract is valued at approximately US$1.42 billion and could increase to approximately US$3.38 billion if the 40 options are converted into firm orders.

American Airlines becomes the first customer to acquire the newest version of regional jet which has an improved fuel burn of four per cent with the “NextGen” package enhancements. Improvement to the aircraft’s engines and ongoing weight reduction initiatives, which include upgraded avionics, will offer a further reduction of up to 1.5 per cent.

Including the American Airlines order announced today, Bombardier has recorded firm orders for 1,812 CRJ Series aircraft, including 339 CRJ900 and CRJ900 NextGen aircraft. Worldwide, CRJ Series aircraft are in service with more than 60 airlines and more than 30 customers operate corporate variants of the aircraft.

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NTSB investigating engine failure aboard Spirit Airlines Flight 165

By BA Staff

The National Transportation Safety Board is investigating Tuesday’s engine failure on a Spirit Airlines Airbus A319, which was flying from Dallas to Atlanta.

The NTSB has an investigator on the scene at Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport inspecting and documenting the engine, an International Aero Engines (IAE) V2500, which has now been removed from the airplane.

As a result of the initial inspection, it was determined that the engine failure was contained, meaning it did not penetrate the engine casing.

The engine will be shipped to a separate facility for a detailed examination and disassembly. IAE, the Federal Aviation Administration, and Spirit Airlines are parties to the investigation.

The NTSB has also secured the flight data recorder and cockpit voice recorder from Spirit Flight 165. The recorders are being brought back to Washington, DC for readout and analysis.

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American Airlines to commence Dallas-Fort Worth to Hong Kong and to Shanghai daily services

By BA Staff

American Airlines Boeing 777-300ER.

American Airlines will launch new international services from Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW) to Hong Kong (HKG) and to Shanghai Pudong (PVG) in the summer of 2014, the first flights between the cities.

American will operate its Boeing 777-300ER (B77W) aircraft on the Hong Kong route and a Boeing 777-200ER on the Shanghai route, both with a daily frequency.

The service will be American's first-ever service into Hong Kong, and will connect two of the busiest and largest hubs of two of the original oneworld® alliance members American and Cathay Pacific.

Robert Hsueh, Chair, Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport Board of Directors explained:

"American's new flights to Hong Kong and Shanghai will begin an exciting era for DFW and are among the most significant air service development announcements in DFW Airport's history. These direct routes connect DFW to major destinations in Asia and will play a key role in further strengthening ties between our region and Asia."

Tom Horton, Chairman and CEO of American Airlines, said:

"Today's news underscores our commitment to strengthen American's global network in the most important markets around the world. This is just another example of how we're taking a fresh look at everything we do to provide what our customers value most -- from new planes, products and services, to new destinations around the world. Simply put, we're building an even stronger foundation to succeed in our pending merger with US Airways."

The new American flights to Hong Kong and Shanghai extend the most prolific period of international air service expansion in DFW Airport history.  DFW has now added 17 new international destinations to its flight portfolio over the past three years, giving the airport a total of 204 destinations, including 56 international markets and 148 domestic airports.

Fort Worth Mayor Betsy Price mentioned:

 "We've been working hard on building our international relationships, and our work continues to pay off for North Texas. Today's news is great for the Metroplex and a landmark development for the state of Texas, whose residents will have direct access to Hong Kong and Shanghai for the first time in our history. The Asian market is ripe for Texas business and tourists alike."

Dallas Mayor Mike Rawlings said:

"DFW Airport, Mayor Price and I have been advocating for more direct access to the Asian market because it's critical for businesses here and across the state. These new routes will represent more than $360 million in annual economic impact for our region and launch Dallas and Fort Worth into a new dimension of international business and cultural engagement."

Image courtesy American Airlines

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Alaska Airlines Inaugurates New Flights Between Portland, Ore., and Dallas/Fort Worth

By BA Staff

Starting today, Alaska Airlines will inaugurate nonstop service between Portland, Oregon and Dallas/Fort Worth.

Joe Sprague, the airline's vice president of marketing, had this to say about the route:

"Portland-Dallas is the eighth new route we've added from the Rose City since June of last year. Our customers will not only enjoy convenient nonstop flights, but also seamless connecting opportunities throughout North America via our partner American Airlines at its hub in Dallas/Fort Worth."

The schedules for the new service are as follow:

Start Date	City Pair	Departs	Arrives	Frequency
Sept. 16	Portland - Dallas	10:15 A.M.	4:04 P.M.	Daily
Sept. 16	Dallas - Portland	5:00 P.M.	6:59 P.M.	Daily

To celebrate the new service, Alaska Airlines is offering a one-way fare of $129*. Fares must be purchased by Sept. 19, require a 14-day advance purchase, and are valid for travel from Sept. 30 through Nov. 20, 2013. 

Alaska Airlines has inaugurated service from Portland to seven other destinations since June 2012, including Atlanta, Reagan National Airport in Washington, D.C., the Hawaiian island of Kauai, Fairbanks, Alaska, Bozeman, Mont., Pasco, Wash., and Santa Barbara, Calif.

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Delta ending Seattle-Osaka

by Vinay Bhaskara

A Delta Air Lines Boeing 767-300ER - Image Credit: Delta Air Lines

As per Airline Route, Atlanta-based full service carrier Delta Air Lines is cancelling its 4 weekly services between Seattle-Tacoma and Osaka-Kansai. The flight, which was scheduled to operate throughout the IATA Winter 2013/14 season with a Boeing 767-300ER, was started in 2010 and will now end November 4th. Over the past three years, the flight has operated using a mix of Boeing 767-300ER and Airbus A330-300 aircraft. The route was served by pre-merger Northwest Airlines using a Douglas DC 10-30. But that flight was canceled in 2001.

Since its merger with Northwest Airlines in 2009, Delta has steadily grown its long haul presence in Seattle (with help from domestic code share partner Alaska Airlines). The carrier now serves six long haul destinations excluding Osaka, and will begin its seventh on 29th March 2014 with new nonstop services to London Heathrow in conjunction with equity partner Virgin Atlantic. At the time of the Northwest merger, Delta only had intercontinental service to Amsterdam, and Tokyo-Narita.

The cancellation of Seattle services marks another stage in the slow decline of long haul services from Osaka-Kansai. Today, Osaka-Kansai is down to 13 flights per week to the mainland - a daily Boeing 787 Dreamliner from San Francisco on United, thrice weekly Boeing 777-300ER to Los Angeles on Thai Airways, and thrice weekly Boeing 747-400 to New York JFK on China Airlines. Osaka-Kansai once had services from Los Angeles on United, Detroit on Northwest, and Dallas-Fort Worth on American (twice). But high airport operating costs thanks to the high construction costs at Kansai rendered much of the service unprofitable. Operating costs are no longer the main challenge. Kansai has reduced its costs sharply since opening (5% in the last year alone), and the airport has even become a favored base for Japanese low cost carriers (LCCs). However, the Kansai area as a whole has stagnated economically in the past few years, and this reduced demand has curtailed possible long haul flights. 

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American Airlines and US Airways to merge in $11 billion deal

American Airlines and US Airways officially announced their expected merger yesterday. Press release is below.

American Airlines, US Airways combined route map 

AMERICAN AIRLINES AND US AIRWAYS TO CREATE A PREMIER GLOBAL CARRIER --
THE NEW AMERICAN AIRLINES

Customers to Benefit from an Expanded Global Network and Investment in New Aircraft, Technology, Products, and Services

Combined Company to Enhance oneworld® Alliance, Offering a Seamless Global Network

Will Improve Loyalty Benefits by Expanding Member Opportunities to Earn and Redeem Miles

Combination Provides Path to Improved Compensation and Benefits with Greater Long-Term Opportunities for Employees of Both Companies

Combined Airline Expects to Maintain All Hubs and Service to All Destinations

Expected 2015 Annual Synergies of More Than $1 Billion, Creating Value for Stakeholders of
Both Companies

Enhances Recoveries for Stakeholders

AMR Stakeholders to Own 72% and US Airways Shareholders to Own 28% of
Combined Company’s Common Stock

Company to Retain Iconic, Globally Recognized American Airlines Brand

Company to Be Headquartered in Dallas-Fort Worth, with Significant Corporate and Operational Presence in Phoenix

FORT WORTH, TX, and TEMPE, AZ, February 14, 2013 – AMR Corporation (OTCQB: AAMRQ), the parent company of American Airlines, Inc., and US Airways Group, Inc. (NYSE: LCC) today announced that the boards of directors of both companies have unanimously approved a definitive merger agreement under which the companies will combine to create a premier global carrier, which will have an implied combined equity value of approximately $11 billion based on the price of US Airways’ stock as of February 13, 2013.

Operating under the American Airlines name, one of the most recognized brands in the world, the combined airline will have a robust global network and a strong financial foundation.  The merger will offer benefits to both airlines’ customers, communities, employees, investors, and creditors.  Customers will have access to more choices and increased service across the combined company’s larger worldwide network and through an enhanced oneworld® Alliance, of which American Airlines is a founding member.  With firm orders for more than 600 new mainline aircraft, the combined airline will have one of the most modern and efficient fleets in the industry, and a solid foundation for continued investment in technology, products, and services.

Thomas Horton, Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer of American Airlines, will serve as Chairman of the combined airline’s Board of Directors through its first annual meeting of shareholders, and will also serve as the combined airline’s representative to the oneworld Alliance, of which he is currently chairman, and International Air Transport Association for the same duration.  Doug Parker, Chairman and CEO of US Airways, will serve as Chief Executive Officer and a member of the Board of Directors.  Mr. Parker will assume the additional position of Chairman of the Board following the conclusion of Mr. Horton’s service.  The Board of Directors will initially be made up of twelve members.  The Board will be comprised of three American Airlines representatives, including Tom Horton, four US Airways representatives, including Doug Parker, and five AMR creditor representatives.

Under the terms of the merger agreement, US Airways stockholders will receive one share of common stock of the combined airline for each share of US Airways common stock then held.  The aggregate number of shares of common stock of the combined airline issuable to holders of US Airways equity instruments (including stockholders, holders of convertible notes, optionees and holders of restricted stock units) will represent 28% of the diluted equity of the combined airline. The remaining 72% diluted equity ownership of the combined airline will be issuable to stakeholders of AMR and its debtor subsidiaries that filed for relief under Chapter 11 (the “Debtors”), American’s labor unions, and current AMR employees.

The merger is to be effected pursuant to a plan of reorganization (the “Plan”) for the Debtors in their currently pending cases under Chapter 11 of the United States Bankruptcy Code in the United States Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of New York. The Plan is subject to confirmation and consummation in accordance with the requirements of the Bankruptcy Code.

In connection with the merger agreement, AMR has entered into a support agreement with certain unsecured creditors holding approximately $1.2 billion of prepetition unsecured claims against the Debtors.  Pursuant to the support agreement, the creditors party thereto have agreed, subject to certain conditions, to support a plan of reorganization implementing the merger and incorporating a compromise and settlement of certain intercreditor and intercompany claims issues.  Provisions of the support agreement relating to the treatment of prepetition unsecured claims against the Debtors and the treatment of existing equity interests in AMR are summarized further below.

The combined airline will offer more than 6,700 daily flights to 336 destinations in 56 countries.  The combined airline is expected to maintain all hubs currently served by American Airlines and US Airways, resulting in more travel options for customers.  Both airlines expect that the regional carriers they own – AMR Corporation’s American Eagle and US Airways’ Piedmont and PSA – will continue to operate as distinct entities, providing seamless service to the combined airline.  The company will be headquartered in Dallas-Fort Worth and will maintain a significant corporate and operational presence in Phoenix.

“Today, we are proud to launch the new American Airlines – a premier global carrier well equipped to compete and win against the best in the world,” said Tom Horton, Chairman, President, and Chief Executive Officer of American Airlines.  “Together, we will be even better positioned to deliver for all of our stakeholders, including our customers, people, investors, partners, and the many communities we serve.

“The combination of American and US Airways brings together two highly complementary networks with access to the best destinations around the globe and gives us a strong platform to provide our customers the most connected, comfortable travel experience available.  The operational and financial strength of the combined airline is expected to enable continued investment in new products and technologies and will create exciting new opportunities for our people, even as we deliver strong cash flow and sustainable profitability.

“Over the past year, the American team stood tall as we established a rock solid foundation for long-term success through an efficient and effective restructuring.  As part of this process, after months of exhaustive analysis and a thorough review of all alternatives, we concluded that this merger is the best outcome for our company, delivering not only the greatest value for our financial stakeholders, but also positioning us well for sustainable success over the long term.

“This merger provides enhanced potential for full recovery for our creditors.  In addition, I am pleased that we were able to obtain the support of a sizable portion of our unsecured creditors for a plan that provides a recovery of at least a 3.5% aggregate ownership stake in the combined airline for our shareholders.  It is unusual in Chapter 11 cases – and unprecedented in recent airline restructurings – for shareholders to receive meaningful recoveries.  I look forward to working closely with Doug Parker, whom I have known as a friend for more than 25 years, and with the leadership teams of both companies to assure a smooth integration and the creation of a new industry leader.”

Doug Parker, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of US Airways, said, “Today marks an exciting new chapter for American Airlines and US Airways.  American Airlines is one of the world’s most iconic brands.  The combined airline will have the scale, breadth and capabilities to compete more effectively and profitably in the global marketplace.  Our combined network will provide a significantly more attractive offering to customers, ensuring that we are always able to take them where they want to travel, when they want to go.”

Parker continued, “Today’s announcement is possible only because of the important work carried out over the past year by Tom Horton and the American team.  No one cares more about the long-term success of American Airlines and its people than Tom.  Through a successful restructuring and this merger, Tom and the American team have established an excellent foundation for the new American Airlines to become a premier global airline.  I am grateful for all that Tom has done to ensure that American is in the best position possible for future success and am delighted he has agreed to remain on board to assist with the transition.

“I am particularly pleased for the employees of both US Airways and American.  This merger will create a stronger company, with the path to improved compensation and benefits and greater long-term opportunities for all our employees.  We are grateful to have the support of both companies’ unions and thank them and their leaders for their hard work and vision.  We look forward to a bright future for our employees and enhanced service and choice for our customers.  With today’s announcement, we start becoming one team and one new airline.”

More Choices, Increased Service, and an Enhanced Travel Experience for Customers

The transaction will combine American Airlines’ and US Airways’ complementary flight networks, increasing efficiency and providing more options for customers.  The result for consumers is a highly competitive alternative to other global carriers.  Importantly, the combined worldwide network will offer superior breadth of schedule to high value travelers.

The combined airline is expected to:

• Provide the most service across the East Coast and Central regions of the U.S., including the East Coast shuttle, enhancing the combined carrier’s competitive position
• Expand its presence and further strengthen the network in the Western U.S.
• Bolster American’s industry-leading position in Latin America and the Caribbean
• Enhance connectivity within the oneworld Alliance – including joint businesses with British Airways and Iberia across the Atlantic and with Japan Airlines and Qantas across the Pacific – creating more options for travel and benefits both domestically and internationally
• Serve 21 destinations in Europe and the Middle East
• Maintain current hubs of both American Airlines and US Airways, resulting in more choices for customers
• Improve traffic flows through the existing hubs of both carriers
• Expand service from those hubs to offer increased service to existing markets and service to new cities
• Provide an industry-leading travel experience through innovative initiatives intended to increase comfort and connectivity for all customers
• Improve valuable loyalty program benefits through expanded opportunities to earn and redeem miles across the combined network

In addition, American Airlines’ landmark agreements with Airbus and Boeing, designed to transform the American Airlines fleet over the next four years, will solidify the combined airline’s fleet plan into the next decade.  The combined airline is planning to take delivery of more than 600 new aircraft, including 517 narrowbody aircraft and 90 widebody international aircraft, most of which will be equipped with advanced in-seat inflight entertainment systems offering thousands of hours of programming, inflight Wi-Fi offering connectivity throughout the world, and “Main Cabin Extra” seating with 4-6 inches of additional legroom in the Main Cabin.  The combined carrier’s fleet will also feature fully lie-flat, all-aisle access premium seating on American’s new Boeing 777-300ER aircraft and Airbus 321 Transcontinental deliveries slated for later this year. Similar to US Airways’ Airbus A330 international Envoy service, American will also retrofit existing 777-200 and 767-300 aircraft to include fully lie-flat premium seating in an effort to provide a consistent experience for customers flying on the combined carrier.

Customers can continue to book travel and track and manage flights and frequent flyer activity through AA.com or USAirways.com, and will continue to enjoy all benefits and rewards of the AAdvantage and Dividend Miles frequent flyer programs.  At this time, there are no changes to the frequent flyer programs of either airline as a result of the merger agreement.  All miles in both programs will continue to be honored.  Upon merger approval, additional information will be provided to customers of both frequent flyer programs on any future program updates, including account consolidation or benefit alignment.

Employees to Benefit from Greater Long-Term Opportunities

Employees of the combined airline will benefit from being part of a company with a more competitive and stable financial foundation, which will create greater opportunities over the long term.  Each carrier’s employees will receive reciprocal travel privileges as quickly as possible.  The merger will also provide the path to improved compensation and benefits for employees.

“Together we will combine the proud histories of both airlines and create one team that recognizes the contributions of all employees to our airlines’ great customer service and financial success.  Our future has never looked brighter thanks to the outstanding people of both American Airlines and US Airways,” concluded Parker.

As previously announced, the unions representing American Airlines pilots, flight attendants and ground employees, as well as the union representing US Airways pilots, have agreed to terms for improved collective bargaining agreements effective upon the closing of the merger. In addition, the union representing US Airways flight attendants has reached a tentative agreement that includes support for the merger. The American Airlines unions representing pilots and flight attendants are working with their US Airways counterparts to determine representation and single agreement protocols.

Superior Value for Stakeholders

American Airlines stakeholders and US Airways shareholders are expected to benefit from the significant upside potential of the new combined airline, which is expected to have approximately $40 billion in revenues based upon the combination of each company’s projected 2013 performance.  The combination is expected to deliver enhanced value to American Airlines stakeholders and is projected to be significantly accretive to EPS for US Airways shareholders in 2014.

The transaction is expected to generate more than $1 billion in annual net synergies in 2015, including $900 million in network revenue synergies, resulting predominantly from increased passenger traffic, taking advantage of the combined carrier’s improved schedule and connectivity, an improved mix of high-yield business, and the redeployment of the combined fleet to better match capacity to customer demand.  Estimated cost synergies of approximately $150 million are net of the impact of the new labor combined contracts at American Airlines and US Airways.  The companies expect one-time transition costs for the merger of approximately $1.2 billion, spread over the next three years.

The abovementioned provisions of the support agreement relating to the treatment of prepetition unsecured claims against the Debtors and existing equity interests in AMR under a plan are summarized as follows:

• Holders of existing AMR equity interests will receive an aggregate initial distribution of 3.5% of the common stock of the combined airline on the effective date of the plan, with the potential to receive additional shares if the value of common stock received by holders of prepetition unsecured claims would satisfy their claims in full;
• So-called “double dip” creditors (i.e., holders of prepetition unsecured claims as to which both AMR and American Airlines are obligors, either directly or indirectly) will receive shares of mandatorily convertible preferred stock equal to the full amount of their claims.  These shares will convert into common stock of the combined airline at 30 day intervals during the 120 day period following the effective date of the plan, based on a formula tied to the market price of the common stock of the combined airline;
• So-called “single dip” creditors (i.e., holders of prepetition unsecured claims that are not guaranteed) will receive a combination of shares of the same class of mandatorily convertible preferred stock as the “double dip” creditors will receive and shares of common stock of the combined airline;  and
• American Airlines’ labor unions and other employees will receive an aggregate of 23.6% of the common stock of the combined airline ultimately distributed to holders of prepetition unsecured claims against the Debtors.

The support agreement can be terminated in certain instances, including the failure of the Debtors to achieve certain milestones toward confirmation and consummation of the plan.

Clear Roadmap to Completion

The merger is conditioned on the approval by the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of New York, regulatory approvals, approval by US Airways shareholders, other customary closing conditions, and confirmation and consummation of the Plan.  The combination is expected to be completed in the third quarter of 2013.  During the period between the signing and closing of the transaction, a transition-planning team comprised of leaders from both companies will develop a carefully constructed integration plan to help assure a smooth and sustainable transition.

Tax Benefit Preservation Plan

In conjunction with execution of the Merger Agreement, US Airways also announced today that its Board of Directors has adopted a tax benefit preservation plan designed to help preserve the value of the net operating losses and other deferred tax benefits of US Airways and the combined enterprise resulting from the merger with AMR.  The tax benefit preservation plan, which is effective immediately and will remain in place no longer than the closing of the merger, is designed to reduce the likelihood that changes in the US Airways investor base would limit the future use of the tax benefits by US Airways or the combined enterprise, which would significantly impair the value of the benefits to all shareholders.

As part of the plan, the US Airways Board of Directors has declared a dividend of one common stock purchase right, which are referred to as “rights,” for each outstanding share of US Airways common stock.  The rights will be exercisable if a person or group, without the approval of the US Airways board or other permitted exception, acquires beneficial ownership of 4.9% or more of US Airways’ outstanding common stock.  The rights also will be exercisable if a person or group that already beneficially owns 4.9% or more of the common stock of US Airways, without board approval or other permitted exception, acquires additional shares (other than as a result of a dividend or a stock split).  If the rights become exercisable, all holders of rights, other than the person or group triggering the rights, will be entitled to purchase US Airways common stock at a 50% discount.  Rights held by the person or group triggering the rights will become void and will not be exercisable.  The rights will expire immediately upon the occurrence of certain events, including the closing of the merger or the termination of the merger agreement.  In addition, the certificate of incorporation of the combined company will contain limitations on certain acquisitions and dispositions of shares effective from and after the closing of the merger, also with the objective of preserving the value of net operating losses and other deferred tax benefits.

US Airways shareholders with ownership positions near or above the 4.9% threshold specified in the tax preservation plan are urged to review its terms carefully.  Further details about the plan will be contained in a Form 8-K to be filed today by US Airways with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

Website

Additional information about the benefits of the transaction is available at a new joint website launched by the airlines at www.newAmericanarriving.com. Customers are also invited to learn more at www.aa.com/arriving and www.usairways.com/arriving.

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Video: American Airlines unveils new livery and branding. Go behind the scenes.

Dallas Fort Worth based American Airlines has unveiled a new livery and branding. In these two videos you can see a CGI simulation of the new livery on the airline's flagship Boeing 777-300ER.

Also go behind the scenes in a video on how the new branding and logos were created.




Share your thoughts via a comment.

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American Airlines adds new Latin American routes, moves closer to LATAM

by Vinay Bhaskara

Yesterday, Dallas Fort Worth based American Airlines announced an expansion of its Latin American network, saying that it would launch services between its largest hub at Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport and Bogota, Colombia, as well as a likely triangular routing between its largest Latin American gateway at Miami and the Brazilian cities of Porto Alegre and Curitiba. Both services are projected to begin in "late 2013."

The move marks American's latest round of long haul expansion in Dallas after it announced service from Dallas - Fort Worth to Lima, Peru and Seoul, South Korea earlier this year and recently took delivery of its first Boeing 777-300ER. Following its entrance into Ch.11 bankruptcy protection in late 2011, American had temporarily slowed down international growth. But that pattern appears to have shifted, and both of these additions make a lot of sense.

Dallas-Bogota allows American to connect with Oneworld partner LAN Colombia (via the newly signed code share agreement) and serve a growing local market, while the burgeoning economic and cultural ties between Miami and Brazil with robust leisure and business traffic alike will make the second route a winner (Porto Alegre is the one of the largest Brazilian cities without service to Miami).

Additionally, they launched two new code shares in the region; the aforementioned LAN Colombia deal and another agreement with Brazilian carrier TAM. "American's new partnerships with TAM and LAN Colombia further strengthen our longstanding relationship with LATAM Airlines Group, Latin America's largest and most premier airline group," said Virasb Vahidi, American's Chief Commercial Officer.

After LAN and TAM merged late last year to create Latin America's largest airline, it was rumored that the merged carrier would gravitate towards the Oneworld alliance (TAM was previously a member of Star Alliance), and the new code share agreement only firms that suspicion. The deal will expand American's already massive Brazilian footprint and give Oneworld customers more seamless connections throughout the Americas.

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Emirates to begin flights to Seattle; Dallas-Fort Worth

by Vinay Bhaskara

Emirates, the world's fastest growing airline, announced today an expansion of its North American network. Beginning February 2nd, 2012, Emirates will serve Dallas-Fort worth once daily nonstop from Dubai. On March 1st, 2012, they will also add daily flights to Seattle-Tacoma.

Emirates flights to Dallas will be served with 266 seat Boeing 777-200LR aircraft. The aircraft are configured with 8 first class seats, 42 business class seats, and 216 economy class seats. The economy class seats are configured in 10-abreast seating (10 seats per row) with seat pitch of 32 inches and seat width of 17 inches. Flight schedules for Dallas-Fort Worth are as follows:

EK221 ~ DXB 0245 - DFW 0905 ~ Daily 777-200LR
EK222 ~ DFW 1150 - DXB 1220 (+1) ~ Daily 777-200LR

Emirates 777-200

Meanwhile, the flights to Seattle-Tacoma will be served by 360 seat Boeing 777-300ER aircraft with 8 first class seats, 42 business class seats, and 310 seats in economy class. Economy class seating is 10-abreast with identical seat pitch and seat width of 32 inches and 17 inches respectively. The flight schedules for Seattle-Tacoma are as follows

EK229 ~ DXB 0950 - SEA 1310 ~ Daily 777-300ER
EK230 ~ SEA 1710 - DXB 1940 (+1) ~ Daily 777-300ER

Emirates Boeing 777-300ER

Business class for both aircraft features fully lie-flat seats, with full private suites available to first class passengers. Both routes will also feature Emirates' ICE seat-back entertainment system for passengers of all classes.

Furthermore, Emirates will be enhancing its passenger experience at one of its existing US gateways in San Francisco with a new Emirates Lounge. According to the carrier:

Located in the International Terminal's Boarding Area "A," the new Emirates Lounge will be a two-level haven for First and Business class passengers comprised of more than 9,500 square feet.... All Emirates Lounges feature a business centre with individual work stations and complimentary broadband and wireless LAN access. Emirates Airport Services staff manage the lounge at all times, while on-site chefs ensure passengers have a wide selection of food and beverages round-the-clock featuring both hot and cold dishes. The dining area also offers a full bar service, including champagne.

Dallas-Fort Worth and Seattle-Tacoma become the 5th and 6th destinations for Emirates in North America. The carrier already serves New York (JFK), Los Angeles, Houston, and San Francisco in the United States. Furthermore, it plans to add a 7th US destination in 2012 (location undisclosed as of now). It is surprising to some however, that Emirates chose to expand in Dallas-Fort Worth and Seattle-Tacoma, given that Chicago, Washington-DC, and even to an extent Boston are all larger markets. However, Chicago is served from the Middle East by rival carriers Qatar Airways and Etihad Airways, and Qatar serves Washington DC as well.

The links between Boeing and Emirates are certainly a driving factor behind the new route to Seattle. Emirates is the world's largest operator of Boeing 777 aircraft. According to statistics from the Brookings Institution, there were roughly US $1.7 billion worth of exports from the Seattle area to the UAE, primarily Boeing aircraft. The combination of aerospace links with the Asia-Pacific region, and tech links (think Microsoft etc.) with much of the world provide a solid base of business traffic for the route.

Meanwhile Dallas-Fort Worth has large general business links with Asia and Africa. But even larger is the VFR (visiting family and relatives) travel market. The Dallas-Fort Worth area has one of the largest Asian populations in the US (and was once home to one of Bangalore Aviation's co-authors), and other carriers (such as Korean Air) have found a niche serving this large leisure market.

Both markets have large links with India as well, and Emirates quickly becomes the most convenient option to the majority of Indian destinations from Seattle and Dallas. US Census data from 2010 indicates that the Dallas Fort Worth MSA has a non-resident Indian (NRI) population of 100,386, while Seattle-Tacoma's MSA is home to 52,652 NRIs. Both flights are timed to connect into Emirates' various banks of Indian flights.

However, Emirates' 10-abreast seating in economy class is notoriously uncomfortable with just 17 inches of seat width. Meanwhile, other options for travel to India such as Singapore Airlines, Qatar Airways, Jet Airways, and even Air India offer 9-abreast seating on their 777s, with a much more comfortable 18.5-19 inches of seat width.

Regardless, kudos to Emirates for expanding its business further in the US. There are a total of 10-15 destinations in the US that can support Emirates service, and as more aircraft arrive in the coming months, expect them to further expand their US services.

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DFW Airport unveils memorial for Delta flight 191

I still remember it as vividly as any recent memory. 25 years ago today, August 2, 1985, it was just after 6pm in the evening and like most residents of the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex, I was just sitting down to dinner and watching the prime-time evening news.

At 18:05 (00:05+1 Z) a six year old Delta Airlines Lockheed L-1011-385-1 TriStar registration N726DA performing flight 191 from Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport to Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport was on a routine final approach to runway 17L, under the command of Captain Edward "Ted" Conners, with First Officer Rudolph Price and Second Officer Nick Nassick (yes, these were the days of three cockpit crew).

In a mere 38 seconds the plane crashed killing 135 people -- 8 of 11 crew, 126 of the 152 passengers and one person William Hodge Mayberry while he was driving on Highway 114.

View a video animation here.
Download the full NTSB report here.

Along with the world, I watched with horror at the events unfolding, and those few survivors being taken to Parkland Memorial Hospital with its world famous burns unit, in down-town Dallas.

I was a recently arrived student at the University of Texas at Arlington, and did not have any transportation to travel those 35 miles to Dallas. With a lack of public transportation, I sat, in mute frustration, unable to respond to requests for blood donation.

It was an evening etched, nay burned, in to my memory.

25 years on, the scars on the fields north of runway 17L are erased, but memories remain; and most importantly, flights today are safer, all thanks to lessons learnt on that soggy darkened and thunderous evening.

In 30 minutes time at 0930 (1530Z), the Dallas-Fort Worth International airport will unveil a memorial to those involved in the horror 25 years ago -- those who died, those who survived and those who rescued. The memorial is located at Founders Plaza, which, Bangalore Aviation readers will recall, is also one of the best locations in the world for plane spotting.

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Image: Smokin' Touchdown - British Airways Boeing 777-200ER G-RAES at DFW airport

This smokin' touchdown is from Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport. British Airways G-RAES touches down on to runway 18R after braving 30 knot gusting cross winds, which made it difficult for me to hold the camera and telephoto lens stable. Thank god for Nikon's VR feature.

Click on the image for a larger view

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One of the best plane spotting locations in the world - Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW) airport

May 22nd and I was back in my home town of Arlington, Texas, host to the next NFL Superbowl. Sure enough I was soon at DFW airport, home to one of the best spotting locations in world -- Founder's Plaza at the Dallas-Fort Worth International airport.

Built by the airport operators, in cooperation and with funding from all the airlines, civic bodies, and friends of the airport, the history of Founder's Plaza is worth reading.

View DFW Founder's Plaza in a larger map
From a spotters perspective it is pure heaven.

The plaza is a 10,000+ sq. ft. facility with many amenities.

Canopies and benches for families to sit and observe the planes arriving and departing on the western two runways.

Chilled water fountains to give you thirst relief.

Binoculars for close-up views.

And best of all -- a very cooperative and understanding law enforcement who patrol the plaza but do not disturb anyone, unless they are making a fool of themselves or in to some mischief.

The plaza is built on a flattened hillock which is ABOVE the fence line for un-obstructed views and photographs. Do observe how the hillock is levelled down and a boundary is provided before the fence to prevent any unauthorised access.

The plaza even has a live feed of the DFW air traffic control tower radio transmissions so visitors can hear while they watch.

With each passing day and with each visitor, the plaza helps the airport strengthen and deepen its relations not just with the business community, but with individual community members.

The plaza is located on Texan Trail just off North Airfield Drive. It can also be accessed from Hwy 114 or Hwy 121. Refer to the map.

The Aviation Photographers of India has received a very high degree of cooperation from the operators of the Bengaluru International Airport, who have erected the first even plane spotter platform in

India. I do hope the new airport owners especially Mr. Sanjay Reddy read this article and during the next phase of expansion, consider making a similar plaza at Bangalore. It will be the pride of Indian spotting.

Pictures are copyright of Bangalore Aviation and all rights are reserved. Click on the images for large view.

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