Airbus corporate foundation coordinates relief aid to the Philippines

By BA Staff

An Airbus A340-300 test flight aircraft left Lyon, France at 7:45 Nov. 15, for Cebu, Philippines with 28 logistics and emergency rescue specialists on board plus nearly 30 tonnes of water purification equipment and energy biscuits, destined for the victims of the Haiyan typhoon in the Philippines. This relief mission has been jointly organised with Action Contre la Faim (ACF). The aircraft is scheduled to arrive on Saturday morning at 7 a.m. locally.

In addition a delivery-flight of an all new A321 to Philippine Airlines is being used to send a medical team of 10 doctors and nurses as well as 11 tonnes of medical equipment and food to Tacloban via Manila, Philippines. This help has been facilitated together with the Foundation partners Philippine Airlines, Humedica e.V. and Kühne & Nagel. The flight will leave the Airbus site in Hamburg, Germany, this Friday evening and is expected to arrive at Manila Capital airport on Sunday 8:30 p.m. local time. The medical personnel and goods will then be transported by an onward flight to Tacloban.

Fabrice Brégier, Airbus President and CEO and Chairman of the Airbus Foundation said:

"The Philippines have been struck by a true human disaster and it is natural, that we look at all possibilities about how we can contribute in facilitating relief in this tragic situation quickly and efficiently. It fills me with gratitude and pride to see our teams being engaged so strongly with our Foundation Partners to work towards this common objective, and I wish to thank everybody involved."

Jean-Baptiste Lamarche, Logistics Director ACF, stated:

"This partnership is very valuable to ACF. As one of our privileged logistics partners, Airbus helps us to intervene rapidly and efficiently during emergency situations, like after the natural disasters in Haiti in 2010, and recently in the Philippines. This logistical support allows us fulfill our mission, which consists in saving lives and helping the most vulnerable."                                                                                                                           

Wolfgang Gross, Managing Director of Humedica e.V. said:

"We are very grateful for this opportunity to quickly bring further aid to Tacloban. By now we have twelve medical specialists in Tacloban who are working non-stop and urgently need further support and medical goods.”

The Airbus Corporate Foundation has completed 34 relief or goodwill flights to destinations around the globe to date and has built up a global network of airlines and relief organisations to support international humanitarian causes.

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In new strategy Etihad invests in Darwin Airlines, re-brands it Etihad Regional

by Devesh Agarwal

Etihad Airways, the national carrier of the United Arab Emirates, today announced what it calls a ‘step-change in global aviation’ with the launch of its first branded regional operation, after taking a 33.3 per cent stake in Swiss carrier Darwin Airline.

(Left to right) James Rigney, Etihad Airways’ Chief Financial Officer; Maurizio Merlo, Chief Executive Officer of Darwin Airline; James Hogan, Etihad Airways’ President and Chief Executive Officer; Emilio Martinenghi, President of Darwin Airline, celebrate the launch of Etihad Regional at the Dubai Air Show 2013.

Following completion of the minority investment, which is subject to regulatory approval, Darwin Airline will rebrand its operations as Etihad Regional and align its network to connect passengers from secondary European markets onto the main networks of Etihad Airways and its equity alliance partners in Europe, airberlin and Air Serbia.

Part of the strategy will see Etihad Airways launching daily services on June 1, 2014 from Abu Dhabi to Zurich, which will become one of Darwin Airline’s main operating hubs. The flight will depart Abu Dhabi at 2am and arrive early morning in to Zurich, enabling connections on to Regional's flights.

James Hogan, Etihad Airways’ President and Chief Executive Officer, said

“This is a step-change for Etihad Airways. With our new partner Darwin Airline, we are creating a unique approach to network development for global airlines. European travellers will now be able to connect from a far, far wider range of European towns and cities on Etihad-branded aircraft, through Abu Dhabi to our destinations worldwide. We are also linking the new Etihad Regional network into the key hubs of our equity alliance partners, bringing benefits to the customers of airberlin and Air Serbia. This is not just a great new offer for European travellers. It is also great news for Darwin Airline, which will see increased investment, greater sales and marketing opportunities, and the chance to benefit from Etihad Airways’ global network.”

Darwin Airlines Saab 2000 in current livery. Photo Devesh Agarwal

Darwin Airline is headquartered in Lugano, Switzerland, with its major hub in Geneva, to which Etihad already operates flights. Darwin currently offers scheduled flights to 21 destinations in Europe using a fleet of 10 50-seat Saab 2000 turboprop aircraft. Its flights operate under the IATA designator code 0D, which will continue past the re-branding.

After the 33% stake investment by Etihad, Darwin Airline will become he seventh member of the Etihad Airways equity airline alliance. Etihad Airways has minority shareholdings of 29% in airberlin, 40% in Air Seychelles, 19.9% in Virgin Australia and 3% in Aer Lingus. Etihad has received approval to acquire 24 per cent of India’s Jet Airways, and from January 2014, will acquire 49 per cent of Air Serbia.

Darwin, will continue to focus on secondary markets, and become the first airline to operate using a new sub-brand called ‘Etihad Regional’. Darwin Airline will also adopt the Etihad Guest frequent flier program.

The investment will give Etihad Airways access to regional markets in Europe, and enable a major expansion of Darwin Airline’s operations.

Darwin Airlines Saab 2000 in new Etihad Regional livery. CGI.

Darwin's fleet will be re-painted in the new ‘Etihad Regional’ livery which sees the logo displayed prominently on each side of the fuselage of the aircraft, while the rear of the plane will carry the words “Operated by Darwin Airline”, and the Darwin Airline’s present logo. The Swiss flag will be displayed on the dorsal tail fin, though the E of the Etihad logo will take prominence on the tail.

By mid-2014, Darwin Airline will add 21 new routes and 18 new destinations. Its network will then include six European gateways served by Etihad Airways – Geneva, Amsterdam, Paris, Düsseldorf, Belgrade and, commencing in June, Zurich.

Darwin Airline will be able to connect to the network of airberlin, Etihad Airways’ equity partner, through new and existing routes to Berlin, Düsseldorf and Zurich. Berlin and Düsseldorf provide excellent connections to the United States with airberlin.

Darwin Airline will also be able to connect to the network of Air Serbia, through its hub at Belgrade.
Subject to regulatory approval, Etihad Airways, airberlin and Air Serbia will codeshare on Darwin Airline routes, while Darwin Airline will codeshare on Etihad Airways, airberlin and Air Serbia flights from a range of European gateways. This will provide deeper access to Europe for the three larger carriers and significant new international connectivity and feeder traffic for Darwin Airline.

Maurizio Merlo, Chief Executive Officer of Darwin Airline, believes the Etihad Airways partnership will enable Darwin Airline to build upon its success to date and enjoy significant growth, not only by providing a larger network for customers within Europe but also greater access to Europe for travellers from around the world.

Darwin Airline’s expanded network, to be implemented in stages from April 2014, will provide significant new opportunities for travellers to fly between major regional centres in Europe and the global network of Etihad Airways, via its hub in Abu Dhabi, capital of the UAE.

• In April 2014, Darwin Airline will launch nine new routes, from Dusseldorf to Berlin, Cambridge and London City; from Berlin to Poznan and Wroclaw; from Geneva to Toulouse; from Zurich to Leipzig; and from Rome to Tirana and Zagreb.
• In May 2014, it will start flights from from Zurich to Geneva, Florence and Turin; and from Geneva to Belgrade.
• In June 2014, it will launch flights from Zurich to Linz, Graz, Verona and Lyon; and from Geneva to Bordeaux, Marseille, Nantes and Verona.

What are your thoughts on this new strategy by Etihad? Post a comment.

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Delta to add more flights on New York JFK Los Angeles route with full flat-bed seats

by Devesh Agarwal

Delta Air Lines will debut three updated Boeing 757 aircraft on the transcontinental route between New York's John F. Kennedy International Airport and Los Angeles International Airport beginning July 1, 2014.

These will be the first 757 aircraft in service to feature Delta's previously announced upgrades which will include full flat-bed seats in BusinessElite on transcon flights between New York-JFK and Los Angeles, San Francisco and Seattle. All transcon flights on these routes will feature flat-bed seats by summer 2015.

The aircraft will include 16 full flat-bed seats arranged in a 2-2 configuration in the BusinessElite cabin. Each seat is 20 inches wide – expandable up to 22 inches – with an average bed length of 76 inches. Cabin mood lighting and high definition 16-inch video monitor at each seat will further improve the onboard experience.

The addition of flat-bed seats to the 757 transcon fleet will complement Delta's existing Boeing 767 transcon flights which already feature flat-bed seats for a total of eight daily flights on the route. Customers will enjoy a gourmet three-course menu from renowned chef Michael Chiarello paired with wine from Master Sommelier Andrea Robinson's specially curated Delta Winemaker Series, Westin Heavenly In-Flight bedding, a Tumi amenity kit featuring skincare products from Malin+Goetz, a noise-reduction headset, Starbucks coffee and sparkling wine round out the BusinessElite experience.

Delta Boeing 757 BusinessElite cabin

The 757s transcontinental fleet will add an Economy Comfort class with 44 extra-legroom seats offering 35 inches of pitch and 50 percent more recline in a 3-3 configuration. This is in addition to 108 standard economy seats.

All seats in the economy cabin will feature a slim-line design for more personal space, an adjustable headrest, a nine-inch video monitor and standard 110v and USB power ports available at every seat.

Delta has been enhancing the transcon experience from nose to tail throughout 2013 with the addition of products such as complimentary Starbucks coffee and headsets for all passengers. The entire transcon fleet will feature in-flight Wi-Fi and all upgraded aircraft will offer an entertainment library of more than 1,000 on-demand options. Additionally, the 757 fleet will feature 18 channels of live satellite TV.

New York passengers will depart and arrive at Delta's new Terminal 4 (see video below) and at Los Angeles it is Terminal 5 which is being overhauled with a $229 million investment in progress.

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British Airways increases London Chennai frequency to six flights a week

by Devesh Agarwal

British Airways Boeing 777-200ER. Photo © Devesh Agarwal.

From October 27, flag carrier British Airways will add an additional weekly flight on the London Heathrow Chennai route, taking its weekly frequency to six.

With this flight the airline will increase its weekly flights to 48 to five cities in India, Bangalore, Chennai, Mumbai, New Delhi, and Hyderabad.

The carrier will continue to use a three class Boeing 777-200ER aircraft with Club World business class, World Traveller Plus premium economy, and World Traveller economy class cabins.

The flight schedule remains the same.

BA35 departs London Heathrow at 09:30 arrives Chennai 01:00 the next morning
BA36 departs Chennai at 04:00 arrives London Heathrow 09:35.

BA Lockheed L-1011. Photo by Michel Gilliand. Under GNU Lic.

British Airways first commenced service from London Heathrow to Chennai on November 3, 1988 with twice weekly flights via Kuwait City using a Lockheed TriStar L1011-385-1 aircraft. At that time, Terminal 4 at Heathrow airport was used. Today it is the ultra-large Terminal 5 or T5 as it is better known.

In October 1993, the flights were increased to four a week via Mumbai or Dubai using Boeing 767 and 747 aircraft. In November 1995 British Airways celebrated its 1000th flight to Chennai which at that time was a thrice weekly service via Mumbai using Boeing 747s. In the summer 1997 time-table the airline suspended its flights to the city. In October 1998 British Airways re-started twice weekly services to Chennai using the Boeing 747-400. This service was upgraded to five a week in 2008.

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Scoot to Launch Low Cost Flights Between Singapore and Hong Kong

By BA Staff

Scoot, the high density, low cost wing of Singapore Airlines, announced the launch of flights, subject to regulatory approval, from Singapore to Hong Kong, making Hong Kong the fast-growing airline’s 12th destination. Starting 15th November 2013 you’ll be able to fly Scoot to Hong Kong and tickets will go on sale from 30 September 2013 at 0900 hrs. Services will start five times weekly and ramp up to daily in December.


Campbell Wilson, CEO of Scoot, said:

Scoot is thrilled to fly between Singapore and Hong Kong, linking these two exciting and vibrant cities. Singapore travelers love Hong Kong for its distinctive cuisine and unique shopping experience. With Scoot’s low fares, you’ll have plenty of cash left in your wallet to indulge in Hong Kong’s dim sum delights. And once you’re fuelled up, you can exercise away those extra calories with a day of unbeatable shopping options. For the budget-conscious traveler, flying with Scoot is an easy choice to make. Whatever your travel plans are in Hong Kong, Scoot is delighted to be a part of it. Soak up the Scootitude flying experience the moment you step onto our aircraft and find out why flying Scoot is such a unique travel adventure. It’s time to start Scootin’ outta here to Hong Kong!

The flight schedule is below:

Singapore to Hong Kong
Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 2	Depart 0130 hrs
Hong Kong International Airport	Arrive 0525 hrs

Hong Kong to Singapore
Hong Kong International Airport	Depart 0650 hrs
Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 2	Arrive 1035 hrs

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Japan Airlines to introduce new menus and services on Japan Honolulu flights

by Devesh Agarwal

BEDD for Resort salmon with ginger-fried pork

Japan Airlines (JAL) will offer new restaurant inspired in-flight meal services on its new service from Japan to Honolulu, Hawaii, USA which starts this autumn.

In business class JAL will introduce "BEDD for Resort", a special menu crafted by Star chef Chikara Yamada.

The Japanese menu is seasonal autumn salmon with ginger-fried pork and the western menu is steak of Japanese beef fillet with special sauce périgueux.

JAL will provide menu of "Ore-no Kinaishoku for Resort" on Honolulu routes in collaboration with Ore-no French and Ore-no Italian which are popular restaurants in Japan.

Japanese beef fillet with special sauce périgueux by Chef Chikara Yamada

In economy class, the airline is working with Kazuhide Nose, Chef of Ore-no French and Toshihiro Yamaura, Chef of Ore-no Italian for a new in-flight meal service, "Ore-no Kinaishoku for Resort". The main dish is Ore-no Beef Stroganoff, designed by Chef Nose with side dishes and dessert are Ore-no Zensai, Ore-no Salad with truffle oil dressing as well as Ore-no Sweets - Tiramisu, by Chef Yamaura, will be served between September and November 2013.

Economy class meal. Ore-no Kinaishoku for Resort beef Stroganoff

Between December and February 2013, the airline will switch, offering an Italian main dish designed by Chef Yamaura, and French side dishes and dessert designed by Chef Nose

The new menus will be served in both classes on flight to Honolulu from Tokyo (Narita), Nagoya (Chubu) and Osaka (Kansai), starting from September 1, 2013.

Kua 'Aina Hawaiian Hamburger Sandwich

On the Tokyo Haneda to Honolulu, Hawaii service JAL is offering a new breakfast menu in collaboration with KUA ‘AINA, a famous restaurant chain in Hawaii and Japan, which as been serving its famous burgers and succulent char-grilled sandwiches since 1975.

The airline is also re-timing its meal service, from after take-off to before landing for the flight departing from Tokyo (Haneda) at 23:40 from October 1, 2013, to ensure passengers have adequate time for rest.

For ladies, from October 1 onwards, the airline is providing a "womens' only" area comprising of four seats in the rear of the economy class which will be set up for make-up and nursing babies.

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New Boeing 737-800s of SpiceJet and Jet Airways delivered

by Devesh Agarwal

US airplane manufacturer Boeing has delivered to two Indian airlines, SpiceJet and Jet Airways, their newest 737-800NG aircraft.

Last Thursday, VT-SZH of SpiceJet, L/N 4573 C/N 41261 B737-86N departed Boeing Field International airport for India via Gander, Newfoundland, Canada. The aircraft has already landed in New Delhi and completing its customs and aviation paperwork formalities to enter service shortly. This aircraft is leased to SpiceJet by GECAS.

Last Friday VT-JFL of Jet Airways, L/N 4579 C/N 39061 B737-8AL, departed Boeing Field International for India via Toronto, Canada. The aircraft is en-route, currently in Shannon, Ireland. Track the flight here. This aircraft is leased to Jet Airways from Bank of China Aviation (BOC Aviation).

Boeing Customer Codes

A small trivia for your enjoyment.

The full aircraft model shows the original customer as per the records of Boeing. The last two digits are the two digit Boeing customer code and the first four digits are the model and variant.

Hence a Boeing 737-800 will be shown at B737-8xx. A Boeing 737-900ER would be shown as B737-9xxER. This will never change in the history of the aircraft.

6N is customer code for GECAS and AL is for BOC Aviation. SpiceJet's Boeing customer code is GJ and Jet Airway's is 5R. If these aircraft were bought by either airline, irrespective of a subsequent sale and lease-back agreement, the aircraft models would have been B737-8GJ and B737-85R respectively.

Air India's customer code is 37, Air India Express is HG, and the Indian Air Force is HI. Sorry, but the code for the Indian Navy is not known at present. Will try and find out.

Above photos are representative of the aircraft and airline and are copyrighted. They may not be used without permission.

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Japan Airlines revises its flights and fleet plans for financial year 2013~14

Japan Airlines Group (JAL) today announced revisions made to its flight frequency and fleet plans for the remaining of fiscal year 2013(ending March 31, 2014).

In regards to the airline's domestic network, flight frequencies on select routes will be adjusted to better meet demand as well as the changes in customer travel patterns including seasonal travel patterns in order to further maximize revenue. JAL will also strive to further improve customer convenience by expanding its domestic network.

In regards to the airline's international network, new Boeing 787-8 aircraft will be deployed onto flights between Tokyo (Narita) and Sydney as well as between Tokyo (Narita) and Bangkok to improve cost efficiency as well as to provide customers with updated products and services. In addition, the fully revamped Boeing 777-300ERs (JAL SKY SUITE 777) including the JAL SKY SUITE (named "Best Business Class Airline Seat" at SKYTRAX's 2013 World Airline Awards) will be introduced between Tokyo (Narita) and Los Angeles from November 2013 as well as between Tokyo (Narita) and Chicago from January 2014.

JAL will introduce completely revamped Boeing 767-300ERs (JAL SKY SUITE 767) between Tokyo (Narita) and Vancouver from December 2013 as well as between Tokyo (Narita) and Kuala Lumpur from January 2014.

*The following schedules are subject to government approval.

Domestic Network

Flight Frequency Changes

Route	Details	Date Effective
Haneda = Osaka (Itami)	Increase from 15 to 16 daily round-trip flights	Oct. 27, 2013 ~ Mar. 29, 2014
Haneda = Sapporo	Increase from 16 to 17 daily round-trip flights	Oct. 27, 2013 ~ Mar. 29, 2014
Haneda = Izumo	Increase from 5 to 6 daily round-trip flights	Oct. 27, 2013 ~ Mar. 29, 2014
Fukuoka = Matsuyama	Increase from 7 to 8 daily round-trip flights	Jan. 7, 2014 ~
Okinawa (Naha) = Ishigaki	Increase from 9 to 10 daily round-trip flights	Sep. 1, 2013 ~ Jan. 6, 2014 Feb. 3, 2014 ~ Mar. 29, 2014
Okinawa (Naha) = Okayama	Increase from 1 to 2 daily round-trip flights	Oct. 1, 2013 ~ Mar. 29, 2014(*)
Osaka (Itami) = Fukuoka	Decrease from 5 to 4 daily round-trip flights	Oct. 27, 2013 ~
Sapporo = Hanamaki	Decrease from 4 to 3 daily round-trip flights	Oct. 27, 2013 ~ Mar. 29, 2014
Kagoshima = Matsuyama	Decrease from 2 to 1 daily round-trip flights	Jan. 7, 2014 ~

(*) Flight frequency will be back to 1 daily round-trip flight during the following period:

Oct. 15,20,21,27,28,30; Nov. 8~10,26,28; Dec. 1,3,5,7,8,10 ~12; Jan. 17~25,27~31; Feb. 1,2,4

International Network

Boeing 787-8 will be introduced onto the following routes

Boeing 787-8 configured with the JAL SHELL FLAT NEO in Business Class will be introduced between Tokyo (Narita) and Sydney as well as between Tokyo (Narita) and Bangkok.

Route	Aircraft Type	Date Effective	Remarks
Narita = Sydney	787-8	Dec. 1, 2013 ~	JL771/JL772(JL772 from Dec. 2, 2013)
Narita = Bangkok		Dec. 2, 2013 ~	JL707/JL718, 4 among 7 weekly round-trip flights (JL718 from Dec.3, 2013)

*The type of aircraft might be changed due to the delivery schedule of Boeing 787-8.

Other aircraft type changes

JAL also aims to further improve the quality of its products and services offered on other routes, on all 3 daily round-trip flights operated between Tokyo (Haneda/Narita) and Bangkok, an improved JAL Business Class will be offered including the JAL SHELL FLAT SEAT installed on Boeing 777-200ERs, and JAL SHELL FLAT NEO installed on Boeing 787-8s.

Route	Aircraft Type/Date Effective	In-flight Service	Remarks
Haneda = Bangkok	From 767-300ER to 777-200ER /Dec. 1, 2013 ~	Business Class: JAL SHELL FLAT SEAT	JL33/JL34*1
Narita = Bangkok*2	From 767-300ER to777-200ER,787-8*3 /Dec. 1, 2013~	Business Class: JAL SHELL FLAT SEAT(777-200ER) JAL SHELL FLAT NEO(787-8)	From Narita to Bangkok: JL717/Daily/777-200ER JL707/Mo,Tu,Th,Sa/787-8 JL707/We,Fr,Su/777-200ER From Bangkok to Narita: JL718/Mo,Th,Sa/777-200ER JL718/Tu,We,Fr,Su/787-8 JL708/Daily/777-200ER

*1 Premium Economy service will be provided on JL33/JL34 from Dec. 1, 2013.

*2 Among 14 weekly round-trip flights, 10 round-trip flights will be operated with Boeing 777-200ER, 4 round-trip flights will be operated with Boeing 787-8. Premium Economy service will be provided on flights with Boeing 777-200ER.

*3 The type of aircraft might be changed due to the delivery schedule of Boeing 787-8.

Flight frequency changes

Flight frequency will temporarily decrease in response to the passenger demand

Route	Details	Date Effective	Remarks
Narita = Beijing	Decrease from 14 to 7 weekly round-trip flights	Nov. 25 ~ Dec. 8, 2013	JL863/JL864 decreased

Improving the quality of products and services on Europe, North America and Southern Asia routes

JAL is now gradually introducing fully revamped cabin which are both spacious and functional on its Boeing 777-300ERs (JAL SKY SUITE 777) on Europe and North America routes. Additionally, the airline will introduce fully revamped Boeing 767-300ERs (JAL SKY SUITE 767) on middle and long-haul routes.  

                       

1.       Expansion of
JAL SKY SUITE 777                         

JAL SKY SUITE 777 is now available daily between Tokyo (Narita) and New York, London as well as Paris. Moreover, the new configuration will be introduced on routes between Tokyo (Narita) and Los Angeles as well as between Tokyo (Narita) and Chicago.

Route	Aircraft Type	In-flight Service	Date Effective	Remarks
Narita = Los Angeles	777-300ER	JAL SKY SUITE 777 (*1) First Class: NEW JAL SUITE Business Class: JAL SKY SUITE Premium Economy: JAL SKY PREMIUM Economy: JAL SKY WIDER	Nov. 2013 ~	(*2)
Narita = Chicago			Jan. 2014 ~

(*1) For more details on JAL SKY SUITE 777, please visit http://www.jal.co.jp/en/newsky/ss7/

(*2) The actual operating date will be introduced on JAL homepage when it has been decided. 

2.       Introduction of JAL SKY SUITE 767                       

JAL SKY WIDER, which is now being installed onto all Boeing 777-300ERs will also be installed on Boeing 767-300ERs. Highlights of the JAL Economy Class seat include increased pitch and a slim style seatback design resulting in approximately 10 cm (Max.) more legroom than the present seat pitch. In JAL Business Class, a new 180-degree fully reclining JAL SKY SUITE II seat will be installed, which was designed specifically for this aircraft type. In addition, each seat in the 1-2-1 configuration provides unobstructed aisle access for an undisturbed flight allowing maximum personal enjoyment and a soothing rest.

Route	Aircraft Type	In-flight Service	Date Effective	Remarks
Narita = Vancouver	767-300ER	JAL SKY SUITE 767 (*1) Business Class: JAL SKY SUITE II Economy: JAL SKY WIDER	Dec. 2013 ~	(*2)
Narita = Kuala Lumpur			Jan. 2014 ~

(*1)  For more details on JAL SKY SUITE 767, please visit http://www.jal.co.jp/en/newsky/ss6/

(*2)  The actual operating date will be introduced on JAL homepage when it has been decided.

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Qatar Airways bringing its 787 Dreamliner to Bangalore and New Delhi

AirlineRoute is reporting

As per 10AUG13 GDS timetable/inventory display, QATAR Airways plans to operate Boeing 787 aircraft on flights to Bangalore and Delhi, during the month of September 2013. Planned operation as follow.

Doha – Bangalore 01SEP13 – 29SEP13 1 daily (BLR departure 02SEP13 – 30SEP13)
QR226 DOH 2020 – 0310+1 BLR 788 Daily
QR227 BLR 0440 – 0625 DOH 788 Daily

Doha – Delhi 01SEP13 – 29SEP13 QR232/233 1 daily (DEL departure 02SEP13 – 30SEP13)
QR232 DOH 2100 – 0325+1 DEL 788 Daily
QR233 DEL 0450 – 0630 DOH 788 Daily

Pity we plane spotters will not be able to photograph this bird at night.

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Air India resuming service to Birmingham

National carrier Air India Ltd has announced it is set to launch four weekly direct flights between Birmingham and New Delhi from August 1.

The route will be operated the new Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, with a configuration of 18 business class and 238 economy class seats.

The flight will operate on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays.

It will depart from Delhi at 13:30 and arrive in Birmingham at 18:00 hours. The flight will leave Birmingham at 21:30 hours and arrive in Delhi at 10:05 the next morning.

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Malaysia Airlines warns of possible flight disruptions due to haze

by Devesh Agarwal

Malaysia Airlines is advising its passengers on the possible closure of airports, and disruptions of flights with little advance notice, due to the current haze situation which has deteriorated in parts of Malaysia over the last few days.

Specific stations under close watch for possible closure or interruptions are airline's main hubs in west and east Malaysia i.e. Kuala Lumpur International Airport and Kota Kinabalu International Airport, Kuantan’s Sultan Ahmad Shah Airport, Kota Baru’s Sultan Ismail Petra Airport, Kuala Terengganu’s Sultan Mahmud Airport, Kuala Lumpur International Airport and Kota Kinabalu International Airport.

Malaysia Airlines has formed a haze secretariat to monitor the situation on an hourly basis and provide updates three times daily.

Passengers are encouraged to check the status of their flights with Malaysia Airlines at www.malaysiaairlines.com or within Malaysia call toll free 1 300 88 3000 prior to leaving for the airport and for updates.

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Indian Air Force's first C-17 en-route to India

by Devesh Agarwal

India's first Boeing C-17 Globemaster III transport airlift aircraft, CB-8001, is en-route to India after completing its almost six month long flight test program at Edwards Air Force Base in Palmdale, California, USA, which began following the aircraft's delivery to the Indian Air Force (IAF) on January 22. Boeing is expected to deliver four more C-17s to the IAF this year and the balance five in 2014.

Curiously, while the C-17 a global distance airlifter, the delivery flight which took off Tuesday night India time, will stop at many places along the way and arrive at its base, Air Force Station, Hindon, outside the capital New Delhi only on Monday June 17th.

The arrival of the first C-17 is almost two years to the date, after the original $4+ billion procurement deal for 10 aircraft was signed in June 2011. With the 10 aircraft, the Indian Air Force will be the largest operator in the world after the US Air Force. Boeing has delivered 254 C-17s, including 222 to the U.S. Air Force and a total of 32 C-17s to Australia, Canada, India, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, the United Kingdom and the 12-member Strategic Airlift Capability initiative of NATO and Partnership for Peace nations.

India is expected to sign a follow-on order for more C-17's shortly.

Boeing will support the IAF C-17 fleet through the Globemaster III Integrated Sustainment Program (GISP) Performance-Based Logistics contract. The GISP "virtual fleet" arrangement ensures mission readiness by providing C-17 customers access to an extensive support network for worldwide parts availability and economies of scale.

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Qatar Airways commences services to Chicago

by Devesh Agarwal

Qatar Airways’ commenced its thrice-weekly passenger services between Doha and Chiacgo, The Windy City. Chicago will become the 126th destination for the middle east carrier, and its fourth US gateway after New York JFK, Washington Dulles, and Houston George Bush Intercontinental.

The Doha Chicago route is being operated with a Boeing 777-300ER aircraft in a two-class configuration of 293 seats in Economy Class and 42 in Business Class.

Flight QR991 arrived to a warm welcome at a grand airport ceremony attended by a number of dignitaries, including Qatar’s Ambassador to the United States of America His Excellency Mr. Mohamad Bin Abdulla Al-Rumaihi, Qatar Airways Chief Executive Officer Akbar Al Baker and airport officials.

Current schedule

QR991 departs Doha 08:00, arrives Chicago 14:30 Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays
QR992 departs Chicago 20:55 Tue, Thu, Sat, arrives Doha 18:25 the following day

The service will move to a daily schedule from June 15th with no change in flight timings.

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IndiGo launches new domestic and international flights

IndiGo cabin crew.Photo courtesy IndiGo.

With the addition of its 64th new Airbus A320, India largest domestic carrier, IndiGo, has launched eight new flights on its domestic network.

• The fifth daily and direct flight between Delhi and Chennai,
• The second daily and direct flight between Delhi and Kochi
• The fourth daily and direct flight between Mumbai and Chennai
• The fourth daily and direct flight between Mumbai and Kolkata

On the international front, IndiGo launched

• The first daily and direct flight between Thiruvananthapuram and Dubai, 
• The second daily and direct flight between Mumbai and Dubai,
• Shifted its Delhi Singapore flight to Chennai Singapore.

This takes IndiGo's flight tally to 399 flights to 33 destinations

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AirAsia X to increase services from Kuala Lumpur to Melbourne, Taipei and Chengdu

AirAsiaX the long distance arm of Malaysian low cost carrier AirAsia will increase its frequencies from its Kuala Lumpur hub to Melbourne, Australia, Taipei, Taiwan, and Chengdu, China from next year.

Melbourne services will see frequencies increase from the current daily flights to nine flights weekly by May 1, 2013 and to twelve flights weekly by July 1.

Taipei will go from daily flights to ten weekly flights from May 1, and double daily from July 1.

Chengdu will go from the current five flights weekly to six flights weekly by May 1, and daily flights by July 1.

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Photos: Air India receives first Charleston built Boeing 787 Dreamliner VT-ANI

Last week Boeing delivered to Air India, the carrier's third 787 Dreamliner. ZA237, LN 46, registered VT-ANI. This the first aircraft built at the new Boeing assembly line in Charleston, and the first outside the venerable Everett factory near Seattle.

Courtesy Boeing, some special photos of the delivery ceremony.

Boeing India President Dinesh Keskar and Air India Representatives cut the ribbon

While VT-ANI was the third Dreamliner delivered to Air India, the carrier released a photo of this aircraft, instead of the first aircraft that was delivered.

Do you know the registration number and line number of the first Dreamliner delivered to Air India? Post your answer via a comment.

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AirAsia shifts Bangkok operations from Suvarnabhumi to Don Mueang airports

In a move that will lose it international passengers arriving in to Thailand, AirAsia, has shifted its operations at Bangkok from Suvarnabhumi International Airport to the old Don Mueang International Airport today.

AirAsia’s Group Chief Executive Officer, Tony Fernandes commented

“I am extremely happy with our move to Don Mueang International Airport, which is probably Thailand’s biggest and first low cost airport. Operating out of low cost airports has always been something that we have been fighting long and hard for.” “Less congestion and shorter taxi time will result in less fuel consumption and less delays.”

Photo: AirAsia

Mr. Tassapon Bijleveld, CEO of Thai AirAsia, revealed that on the night of 30 September, AirAsia began transferring its fleet of 22 Airbus A320s from Suvarnabhumi International Airport to Don Mueang International Airport over a period of eight hours; starting from 20:00 up to 04:00. All other equipment, including baggage carts and passenger steps were transferred within 24 hours.

AirAsia is hoping to benefit from a less congested terminal at the new airport, as well as its proximity to central Bangkok. While this will give the carrier an edge for Bangkok based passengers, it will lose a lucrative market of international passengers who arrive and depart at Suvarnabhumi airport and transit to and from the many cities within Thailand and other ASEAN destinations.

AirAsia flights with flight codes FD, AK and QZ will operate over 160 flights per day from Don Mueang, to over 77 destinations across Thailand, Asia and Australia. AirAsia is expecting to carry eight million passengers in 2012 to and from Bangkok.

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Share your view: Strikers manhandle fellow employees at Kingfisher Airlines disrupting flights across the network

Our topic of this week comes thanks to the financial troubles at Kingfisher Airlines.

The flights of the financially ailing carrier have been disrupted across its India network due to striking engineers.

As per media reports, striking employees, after hearing that some employees received salaries, manhandled fellow employees, beat up a management executive, held passengers hostage aboard a flight for over three and half hours by refusing to connect aero-bridges or ladders to the arriving aircraft.

A statement issued by Prakash Mirpuri, Vice President-Corporate Communications, Kingfisher Airlines Limited, said

A section of employees of Kingfisher Airlines has not been reporting to work over the last fortnight and over the past 2 days, they have been threatening and even manhandling the other employees who are reporting to work as usual. We are anticipating disruptions and/or delays of flights across our network on October 1, 2012 as it is likely that a section of employees of Kingfisher Airlines may not report to work due to such threats. With a view to mitigating the impact of these anticipated disruptions, we are proactively cancelling several flights across our network for October 1, 2012.

As per the Press Trust of India, pilots from Mumbai have joined the striking engineers, adding to the disruptions. Mirpuri went on to say

We are monitoring the situation and continue to engage with this section of employees to see reason as such action is not only detrimental to the company but directly impacts the travelling public and it will be our endeavour to resolve the situation and restore normal operations at the earliest.

Unfortunately, it appears that non-payment of salaries have frayed the patience of the employees to breaking point. This does not appear to be a one or two wildcat strike. This is serious and appears long term.

The attack on an executive is a milder shade of one of the worst and recent industrial unrest in India, at Maruti's Manesar plant, which resulted in death, as is the holding of passengers hostage.

The country's civil aviation regulator the DGCA has indicated it will review the situation.

The platitudes offered by Mirpuri, though genuine, may not be enough to placate irate customers

We deeply regret any inconvenience that may be caused to our valued guests on account of this unprecedented action by a small section of employees and we are doing our best to minimise the impact of these anticipated disruptions.

Your thoughts please? What should Kingfisher Airlines now do? Share your thoughts via a comment.

Please remember, our DISQUS comment system also allows you to share your comments via Twitter and Facebook too. In case you want the airline to hear your comment via Twitter (we cannot guarantee they will read them), use their tag @flykingfisher in the start of your comment and share via Twitter. You can also tag the Chairman of the airline, @TheVijayMallya.

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Jet Airways to commence Bangalore Munich flights. On the path to Star?

According the Munich airport website (screen shot at the end of this article), Jet Airways will be commencing daily flights between Bangalore and Munich from March 14, 2013.

The schedule announced is

9W154 departs Bangalore 04:05 arrives Munich 08:35
9W153 departs Munich 12:00 arrives Bangalore 02:40 the next morning

While aircraft type is not yet known, it is almost certain that Jet will use its Airbus A330-200.

At Munich airport this flight will operate from Terminal 2 which is 40% owned by German carrier Deutsche Lufthansa, and used exclusively by Lufthansa, Lufthansa partner airlines, and Star Alliance members.

Jet would be relying on traffic from many German companies which based in southern Germany and have a strong presence in Bangalore. Notably Siemens and Robert Bosch which are head-quartered in Munich and Gerlingen, near Stuttgart, about 250km west of Munich.

If Jet's reported partnership with Lufthansa fructifies, Jet will be able to offer connections to many destinations in Europe, but not the United States, as the Lufthansa Munich US flights operate much later in the day leaving a long connection time, and would also arrive to late to connect to the return Jet flight to Bangalore.

This would help Lufthansa increase capacity from Bangalore but yet protect the strong, IT driven, North American traffic for itself via Frankfurt.

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Jet Airways withdraws Chennai Brussels flight

India's Jet Airways has suspended its Chennai Brussels daily flight with effect from November 15, 2012. This flight used to be operated by an Airbus A330-200.

Confirming Bangalore Aviation's query a Jet Airways spokesperson said

In view of the current global economic scenario, including the ongoing Eurozone Crisis, Jet Airways has announced a redeployment of assets on its existing route network. As part of the airline's ongoing network rationalisation, Jet Airways will temporarily suspend its existing operations on the Chennai-Brussels sector, effective Nov 15, 2012.

Jet Airways will ensure that all guests booked on the Chennai-Brussels flight will be offered alternative flights to Brussels/New York (Newark)/Toronto, either on Jet Airways or that of its partner airlines along with through check-in facilities.

This is the second suspension of Jet Airways from its scissors hub at Brussels. Earlier this year Jet Airways withdrew its Brussels New York JFK service ahead of commencement on this route of its partner, some would say now competitor, Brussels Airlines.

Picture courtesy gcmap.com

This withdrawal now leaves Jet Airways with only four flights at Brussels. Mumbai and Delhi to/from India; Toronto and Newark to/from North America. Jet will offer its Chennai passengers a connection to Brussels and North America via its Mumbai and Delhi gateways.

The spokesperson went on the confirm our views

Jet Airways' operations from Mumbai and Delhi to Brussels and onwards to New York (Newark) and Toronto will continue to operate as scheduled.

The Mumbai Brussels flight is currently operated with a Boeing 777-300ER and Airbus A330-200 mix, while the Delhi Brussels is serviced with an A330-200. We expect Jet will upgrade one or both of these services to the A330-300 it expects to induct very soon, to cater to the additional Chennai demand.

Editors Note: We have reproduced the Jet Airways comment as is. We clarify Newark is not in New York.

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