SpiceJet posts record Rs. 559 crore loss in Q2 FY2014. Needs urgent capital infusion.

by Devesh Agarwal

Gurgaon based low fare carrier SpiceJet Ltd., continued the record of disastrous performance in the Indian airline industry when it announced a record Rs. 559 crore loss for the second quarter, ended September 30, of the fiscal year 2013~2014.

This compared to the Rs. 163.5 crore loss from the same quarter last fiscal, and a Rs. 50.5 crore profit from the first quarter of this fiscal.

On October 23, India's largest private carrier Jet Airways reported a monstrous loss of almost Rs. 1,000 crore.

The airline blamed the poor performance on the precipitous drop in the exchange of the Indian Rupee vs the US Dollar which occurred in the quarter and contributed Rs. 42 crore to losses. In a statement released late this evening, it said

“The civil aviation sector in India continues to struggle under the burden of several adversities mainly the Indian rupee that saw unprecedented weakness during the quarter,”

Poor demand due to a slowing economy saw a drop in income to Rs. 1,257.22 crore from Rs. 1,701.543 crore in the first quarter, though marginally better from Rs. 1,185.244 crore from the same quarter last fiscal. A 9% growth in number of passengers out-stripped the 17% increase in capacity measured in available seat kilometres (ASK), resulting in a 7% in average passenger yields from Rs. 4,001 to Rs. 3,711. Desperate sales at cut-throat fares have also taken their toll.

A lack of capacity discipline by virtually every Indian carrier, especially domestic leader IndiGo, and Jet Airways, continues to exasperate the soft demand situation, and we see the same indiscriminate financial indiscipline as we did in 2008.

Expenses shot up to Rs. 1,791.623 crore against Rs. 1,641.933 in the first quarter, and Rs. 1,357.305 crore from the same quarter last fiscal. Aircraft maintenance costs shot up almost 64% from Rs. 199 crore to Rs. 325 crore largely driven by Rs. 78 crores in engine maintenance expenses due to a bunching up of shop visits.

Fuel costs fell from 45% of total expenses to 39.7% but thanks to the plunge in income, increased from 43.8% to 57% of income.

Continuing losses have put the airline in a precarious financial position. It is estimated the airline requires a minimum Rs. 1,500 crore capital infusion. While the airline has announced the appointment of Sanjiv Kapoor, the former chief executive of GMG Airlines of Bangladesh, as its Chief Operating Officer, it still lacks a Chief Executive, since the departure of Neil Mills, nearly three months ago.

The silver lining for SpiceJet is that parts of the third quarter and the fourth quarter sees high air travel due to the festival season and returning Indian travel.


The supply-demand imbalance is heading for a precipice with expected the commencement of new airlines AirAsia India, and Tata-SIA.

Share your thoughts via a comment.

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Flying with children for the first time

Guest post by Patricia Hogenes

It’s time for a vacation, so the family is heading out to visit relatives. It won’t be a long plane flight, but for the kids – it will be their first time. So how can a parent prepare the children for the whole flying experience?

Make it sound fun. Above all, the experience should be described as a fun adventure. There will be a lot of new things to see, the kids will get a chance to fly – depending on how old they are, remind them of fun flying experiences like Peter Pan – make it a positive association.

Explain the airport. With the metal detectors and serious people watching the screening process, that could be a really frightening experience for children. Sit them down before the trip and let them know this is going to be something they will encounter, but emphasize the safety – this is what happens to make sure everyone will be safe on the flight. Tell them the metal detector is very safe – it will just be a minute to walk through it, and they’ll be done. Mom or Dad will go first, to show them that it is really easy.

Talk about safety. Let the kids know that when the family gets to the airport, they are not to wander off, or try to run around and see everything. The kids need to hold hands with the their parents if there is a crowd.

There will just be a lot of noise, with people moving in different directions, announcements coming over the loud speaker, and little carts zooming by. The family will have to spend some time in lines – waiting to check in luggage, going through security, so just let them know to be patient – fun is just around the corner, when they get to go on the plane!

Above all, teach your children to keep their seatbelts fastened at all times when they are seated, and remember to practice yourself what you preach to others.

On board the plane. Remind the kids that they need to be polite – they can’t just talk loud and do whatever they want – they must be well behaved. There will be smiling ladies who will bring them a soda pop – those ladies are called flight attendants, and they want to help, and the children must say "thank you".

Carry games, colouring books, tablets, video players, and other small items that will keep the kids entertained through the flight. After the family settles in, the kids will be able to use their tablets to quietly watch a video, and Finding Nemo is already loaded.

Carry a spare set of clothes and wet-wipes in your carry-on baggage. You never know when your child decides the orange juice looks better on his or her t-shirt than in the glass.

Meals. Many airlines offer special children's meals. Research with your airline and pre-order your meals at least 48 hours before your flight. If your airline does not offer a kid's meal, pack some of your children's favourite foods to keep them happy through the flight, but remember no liquids or gels will get through security.

Seating. If you are travelling with an infant below two years of age, you can request for a bassinet and seating in the very first row behind the bulkhead. Similarly, when travelling with children, many airlines will accept a special request in advance to seat all of you together. Check with your airline at the time of making your reservation.

What to expect on take-off. Don’t let the take-off be a surprise. Just explain to the kids that the airplane will roll around for a while, and then the smiling ladies will tell everyone to sit back. The plane noise will get louder, and then the kids will feel pushed back in their seats – like at the state fair on the roller coaster. After that, there will be a weightless feeling, and guess what kids, you’re flying! When a plane goes through some wind, it might feel bumpy once in a while. It is nothing to be alarmed about. Just sit back and relax, and the bumps will soon go away.

When it’s time to land. Point out to the kids that there will be a time when they can feel the plane going down – that is normal, and everything is fine. When the plane touches the ground, there will be a little squeak. Then after it rolls for a while, there will be some engine noise – that is the pilot using the engines to slow the plane – it is completely normal. When the plane slows down, it will roll for a while more, then slow down and pull up to a stop. That means the trip is over, and it’s time to go see the family.

When travelling with infants and younger children, it is important to remember that they do not know how to relieve the increasing air pressure that presses on the eardrums as the plane descends. Their natural reaction to the pain is to cry. The Eustachian Tube which connects the inner ear to the back of the throat, is the body's natural pressure regulating mechanism. It works best with a chewing action, and so carry some small pieces of a hard candy, or a device, anything the baby can chew on and relieve the pressure. In India, "Mishri" can also be used.

With a little explanation of the process, so the kids know what to expect during plane travel before it happens, their experience of flying for the first time can be positive, exciting and rewarding. When the little one says “Mommy, can we go again?” – that signals a successful flight!

While Patricia Hogenes works as a paralegal for a law office, her real loves are her three kids, and her latest travel adventure. She has been writing freelance articles 10 years, on topics as varied as law and legal matters, adolescent drug treatment, and health topics such as diabetes. She currently writes for SlackDavis.com.

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New rules to make flying easier for passengers with disabilities

By BA Staff

The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT), to ensure equal access to air transportation for all travellers, is requiring airline websites and automated airport kiosks to be accessible to passengers with disabilities.

In addition, DOT will allow airlines to choose between stowing wheelchairs in a cabin compartment on new aircraft or strapping them to a row of seats, an option that will ensure that two manual, folding wheelchairs can be transported at a time.

The new rules are part of DOT’s continuing implementation of the Air Carrier Access Act of 1986.

U.S. Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx said

“All air travelers should be treated fairly when they fly, regardless of any disabilities they may have. These new rules build on our past work in ensuring that our air transportation system is accessible for everyone, while balancing both airlines’ and passengers’ need for flexibility.”   

Under the new websites-and-kiosks rule, covered airlines will be given up to two years to make pages of their websites that contain core travel information and services accessible to persons with disabilities, and to make all of their web pages accessible within three years.

Websites are required to meet the standards for accessibility contained in the widely accepted Website Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG). The requirement applies to both U.S. and foreign airlines, with websites marketing air transportation to U.S. consumers for travel within, to, or from, the United States. 

The rule also requires ticket agents to disclose and offer web-based discount fares to customers unable to use their sites due to a disability starting within 180 days after the rule’s effective date.   Airlines are already required to provide equivalent service for consumers who are unable to use inaccessible websites. Under the new rule, airlines must also offer equivalent service to passengers with disabilities who are unable to use their websites even if the websites meet the WCAG accessibility standards.

In addition, any automated kiosks installed at U.S. airports for services -- such as printing boarding passes and baggage tags --must be accessible to passengers with disabilities until at least 25 percent of all kiosks at each airport location are accessible. Even if no new kiosks are installed, 25 percent of kiosks at each airport location must be accessible within 10 years. The standards for accessible kiosks are based on those set by the U.S. Department of Justice for ATM and fare machines in its 2010 Americans with Disabilities Act rule as well as the Section 508 standards for self-contained closed products, such as copiers.

DOT’s wheelchair rule provides airlines with more flexibility because it permits airlines to transport passenger wheelchairs by strapping them across a row of seats using a strap kit that complies with applicable safety standards, in addition to stowing them in a closet or similar compartment. In 2008, DOT issued a rule prohibiting airlines from using the seat-strapping method on new aircraft as an alternative to stowing the manual wheelchair in a closet or similar compartment. In that same rule, DOT allowed the use of a seat-strapping method on existing aircraft. Based on a fuller evaluation of the costs and benefits, DOT has now revised its position to also allow the use of seat-strapping on new aircraft subject to certain conditions.   For example, if an airline chooses to use the seat-strapping method to stow a wheelchair, it must transport two wheelchairs in the cabin if requested unless stowing the second wheelchair would displace other passengers.

If an airline chooses to use a closet to stow a wheelchair, then it will still be required to stow only one wheelchair in the cabin. However, in this case it must install a sign or placard prominently on the closet indicating that a wheelchair and other assistance devices are to be stowed in this area with priority over other items brought onto the aircraft by other passengers or crew, including crew luggage.

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USDOT fines US Airways $1.2m for failure to provide wheelchair assistance

By BA Staff

The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) fined US Airways $1.2 million for failing to provide adequate wheelchair assistance to passengers in Philadelphia and Charlotte, N.C. The fine is one of the largest ever assessed by DOT in a disability case.

U.S. Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx said:

“All air travelers deserve to be treated equally and with respect, and this includes persons in wheelchairs and other passengers with disabilities. We will continue to make sure that airlines comply with our rules and treat their passengers fairly.”

Under DOT’s rules implementing the Air Carrier Access Act, airlines are required to provide free, prompt wheelchair assistance upon request to passengers with disabilities. This includes helping passengers to move between gates and make connections to other flights. 

In one of its periodic reviews of airline compliance with DOT rules, the Department’s Aviation Enforcement Office found that US Airways committed a significant number of violations of the requirements for wheelchair assistance during 2011 and 2012 at Philadelphia International Airport and Charlotte Douglas International Airport. 

As part of its review, the Enforcement Office examined approximately 300 complaints filed by passengers with the airline and DOT relating to incidents at Philadelphia and Charlotte, which covered only a sample of complaints filed over two years against US Airways for the two airports. The airline’s use of a combination of electric carts and wheelchairs to carry passengers between gates required frequent transfers and led to long delays. Some passengers missed connections because of the delays or were left unattended for long periods of time.

Of the $1.2 million fine, US Airways may use up to $500,000 for improvements in its service, to passengers with disabilities, that are beyond what DOT rules require. These include hiring managers to ensure the quality of the airline’s disability services in Philadelphia and Charlotte, creating a telephone line to assist these passengers, purchasing tablets and other equipment to monitor assistance requests, providing compensation to passengers with disability-related complaints, and programming the airline’s computers so that boarding passes identify passengers who request special services.

Now if only the DGCA comes up with similar fines for Indian carriers. Share your thoughts via a comment.
 

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EL AL selects Lufthansa Systems' BoardConnect for wireless AVOD IFE

by BA Staff

(left: Stefan Hansen, CEO Lufthansa Systems AG
and Elyezer Shkedy, CEO El Al)

EL AL Israel Airlines has selected Lufthansa Systems' wireless in-flight entertainment system BoardConnect. Using their laptops, tablet PCs or smartphones EL AL passengers will be able to access on-demand audio and video and other content.

The system will be installed on 10 Boeing 737s and two Boeing 767s.

Elyezer Shkedy, CEO of EL AL said

"BoardConnect represents a very essential asset to our overall product enhancement strategy. With BoardConnect we will be able to offer our passengers a significantly advanced travel experience", "EL AL is one of the first airlines worldwide and the first airline that provides this service from Israel to Europe and vice versa, which offer sophisticated in-flight infotainment not only on wide-body aircraft, but on 737-class aircraft as well. This gives us a significant competitive advantage."

Unlike conventional in-flight entertainment systems, BoardConnect does not require any complicated wiring for each seat. Instead, it works with a regular WLAN and depending on aircraft size needs only two to five access points in the cabin to stream a broad variety of content to every passenger’s device. It can be used with iOS, Android, Windows 8 as well as conventional Windows or Apple devices.

From the airline perspective, the system installation doesn’t need an extensive downtime like a major overhaul or a cabin refurbishment, thus saving costs and minimising roll-out times. The system has be designed for less complexity using of-the-shelve components and for high reliability and lower maintenance cost. Additionally it also lightweight, which is expected to save EL AL about 50 tons of fuel per 737 annually, when compared with embedded in-seat IFE systems.

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Lion Air group receives its 100th Boeing 737 Next-Gen aircraft

by Devesh Agarwal

Traditional Indonesian dance graces the ceremony

US airframer Boeing has delivered to Lion Air a new Boeing 737-900ER, marking the delivery of the 100th Boeing 737NG to the Lion Group, Indonesia's largest airline group.

It is not surprising that the delivered aircraft was the largest in the Boeing 737 Next-Generation family. Lion Air, which was established in 1999, was also the launch customer for the 737-900ER.

In February 2012, the carrier finalised the world's largest jetliner order, at the time, for 201 737 MAXs and 29 Next-Generation 737-900ERs (extended range), worth $22.4 billion at list prices. Lion Air will also be the launch customer of the 737 MAX 9, which will be the new engine upgrade of the 737-900ER.

Lion Air mainline currently operates 67 737-900ERs and 19 737-800s. The group's other Next-Generation 737s are allocated to its full-service carrier in Indonesia, Batik Air, and to its overseas affiliates: Malindo Air in Malaysia and Thai Lion Air, a new carrier based in Bangkok.

Lion Air is engaged in a bitter rivalry with Malaysia's low cost group AirAsia headed by Tony Fernandes. Lion Air decided to launch Malindo in Malaysia, after Tony Fernandes moved to Indonesia to focus on the growth of Indonesia AirAsia. AirAsia is also in the process of launching a new carrier in India, AirAsia India.

The Lion Group's 100th airplane, a 737-900ER (Extended Range) features a special livery commemorating the delivery. Lion Air's 900s are configured in an all economy 213 seat layout.

The Lion Air Group operates an extensive route network in Indonesia and also serves international destinations. In terms of domestic, Lion mainline and subsidiary Wings Air serve 76 destinations in Indonesia, giving the group the largest domestic network in Indonesia. Lion Air mainline has 580 flights a day and Wings Air has 180 flights per day.

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Alaska Airlines starting service between Portland-Reno/Tahoe and Portland-Tucson

By BA Staff

Alaska Airlines is growing again in Portland, Ore., with new nonstop flights between the Rose City and Tucson, Ariz., starting Nov. 1, and between Portland and Reno/Tahoe, Nev., starting Nov. 8.

Joe Sprague, vice president of marketing said:

"Alaska Airlines is proud to give our customers two new destinations from our Portland hub, with daily flights to the sun and sights of Tucson, as well as to Reno—‘the biggest little city in the world' with Tahoe's world-class ski areas nearby."

To help celebrate the airline's new service to Reno/Tahoe, 1998 Olympic gold medalist Jonny Moseley will join Portland passengers for the inaugural flight. Moseley, Chief Mountain Host at Squaw Valley, one of Tahoe's premiere ski areas, recently competed on "Skating with the Stars."

Andy Wirth, CEO of Squaw Valley and Alpine Meadows, and board member of the Reno-Tahoe Airport Authority Board said:

"We've been working hard to bring new air service to the Tahoe region, and we're thrilled about the addition of the Alaska Airlines flight. With the increased access, we're thrilled to welcome new skiers and riders from the Pacific Northwest to Squaw Valley and Alpine Meadows this winter."

Summary of new service:
Start date	City pair	Departs	Arrives	Frequency
Nov. 1	Portland-Tucson	9:15 a.m.	12:05**/1:05 p.m.	Daily
Nov. 1	Tucson-Portland	12:35**/1:45 p.m.	3:30**/3:40 p.m.	Daily
** Nov. 1 and Nov. 2 flight time differs due to daylight saving time adjustment.
Start date	City pair	Departs	Arrives	Frequency
Nov. 8	Portland-Reno	11:10 a.m.	12:45 p.m.	Daily
Nov. 8	Reno-Portland	1:15 p.m.	2:50 p.m.	Daily

All times based on local time zones

Alaska Airlines' Portland-Tucson flights will be operated by SkyWest Airlines using 70-seat CRJ-700 regional jets. Portland-Reno/Tahoe flights will be flown for Alaska by Horizon Air using 76-seat Bombardier Q400s. Customers can receive free soft drinks and Starbucks coffee, A la Cart planeside baggage service, and complimentary Northwest wine and microbrews for passengers 21 years and older.

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Alaska Airlines starts service between Seattle and Colorado Springs and Seattle and Omaha

By BA Staff

Alaska Airlines is inaugurating daily service between Seattle and Colorado Springs, Colo., starting Nov. 1, and between Seattle and Omaha, Nebraska, starting Nov. 7. The flight schedule is shown below:

Summary of new service:
Start date	City pair	Departs	Arrives	Frequency
Nov. 1	Seattle-Colorado Springs	6:20 p.m.	9:55 p.m.	Daily
Nov. 2	Colorado Springs-Seattle	8:00 a.m.	9:55 a.m.	Daily
Start date	City pair	Departs	Arrives	Frequency
Nov. 7	Seattle-Omaha	10:40 a.m.	3:45 p.m.	Daily
Nov. 7	Omaha-Seattle	4:15 p.m.	5:45 p.m.	Daily

Joe Sprague, Alaska Airlines' vice president of marketing said:

"We're thrilled to give our customers in the Pacific Northwest even more great places to fly. In addition to our new flights from Seattle to Colorado Springs and Omaha, we're also starting new flights this month from Portland, Oregon, to Tucson, Arizona, and Reno, Nevada. No one offers more nonstop flights from the Pacific Northwest than Alaska Airlines."

To celebrate the new flights, Alaska Airlines is offering one-way fares starting from $99 between Seattle and Colorado Springs and $159 between Seattle and Omaha. Tickets must be purchased by Nov. 3 for travel through Feb. 28, 2014.

Flights will be operated by SkyWest Airlines using 70-seat CRJ-700 regional jets. Customers can receive soft drinks and Starbucks coffee, A la Cart planeside baggage service, and complimentary Northwest wine and microbrews for passengers 21 years and older.

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Boeing to increase 737 production rate in 2017

By BA Staff

Courtesy of Wikipedia

Boeing announced that production on the 737 program will increase to 47 airplanes per month in 2017, the highest rate ever for the best-selling airliner in history.

Once implemented, the 737 program will build more than 560 airplanes per year, and will have increased output by nearly 50 percent since 2010.

Beverly Wyse, vice president and general manager, 737 Program, Boeing Commercial Airplanes said:

"We're taking this step to make sure our airplanes get into the hands of our customers when they need them. Our employees and our suppliers have successfully increased the production rate to unmatched levels over the last three years. This increase will lay a solid foundation as we bridge into production on the 737 MAX."

Boeing currently produces 38 airplanes per month from its Renton, Wash., factory and will increase the rate to 42 per month in the first half of 2014. First delivery of the 737 MAX is on track for third quarter of 2017.

The rate increase announced is not expected to have a significant impact on 2013 financial results.

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Finnair celebrates its 90th anniversary

By BA Staff

Finnair celebrated its 90th anniversary on Friday, 1 November 2013.

 The world’s fifth-oldest airline still in operation, Finnair was established in 1923.

Today, Finnair specialises in flights between Europe and Asia, offering direct connections from Helsinki to over 60 European destinations and 13 Asian destinations.

Over eight million passengers per year fly on Finnair’s all-Airbus fleet.

CEO Pekka Vauramo says:

“We build on a legacy of building better connections between Europe and Asia and our vision of doubling our Asian revenue by 2020."

Finnair celebrated its 90 years of flying in various ways. As one of the special events to mark its jubilee year, Finnair distributed a special Finnair-themed edition of the Donald Duck comic book to all passengers on long-haul flights on Friday, 1 November. Finnair also commissioned a special batch of posters by Finnish graphic designer Erik Bruun to celebrate its 90th anniversary.

As part of the jubilee year, Finnair renewed its service concept and now uses tableware and textiles designed by Marimekko for Finnair on all flights in both Business and Economy Class. (See video below)



In addition, Finnair launched cooperation with two renowned Finnish chefs, Pekka Terävä and Tomi Björck, in September. (See video below)



The entertainment systems of Finnair’s aircraft have also been upgraded, nearly doubling the selection of entertainment on long-haul flights with 72 films and over 150 television programmes available in both Business and Economy class.

Finnair is harmonising its fleet and became the first airline to take delivery of the new Airbus 321 Sharklet aircraft in September. Finnair is also installing new, fully reclining seats in most of its long-haul fleet from January 2014 onwards. See fleet video below.



In spring 2014, Finnair will open a new Premium Lounge at Helsinki Airport. The Premium Lounge will be located next to the existing Finnair Lounge between gates 36 and 37 in the non-Schengen area and will complement its services. As part of the renewal, a sauna and private showers will be opened between the lounges, and a new tax free shop will be opened in front of the existing Finnair Lounge.

Finnair has received international recognition in its anniversary year: Finnair became the first airline to be selected in the Leadership Index of the global Carbon Disclosure Project on carbon dioxide emissions. Finnair is also the only Nordic airline to be awarded four stars by Skytrax, and it has been named Northern Europe’s Best Airline at the World Airline Awards for the last four years. In addition, it was recently named Best European Airline at the annual TTG Travel Awards. Finnair is a member of oneworld alliance, which is formed by the world’s leading airlines.

See more videos from Finnair celebrating various aspects of their 90 years in aviation.

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Alaska Airlines renews IOSA registration, completes IATA safety audit

By BA Staff

Alaska Airlines announced it successfully completed the International Air Transport Association's (IATA) Operational Safety Audit (IOSA) and has been renewed on the IOSA Registry. The airline has been on the registry since 2006.

Brad Tilden, Alaska Airlines CEO said:

"Ensuring the safety of our customers and employees is core to our responsibility. Meeting this internationally recognized benchmark is one of many ways we maintain our unwavering commitment to safety."

The IOSA Registry is a key element of IATA's efforts to promote global airline operational safety. To achieve IOSA registration, Alaska Airlines satisfied more than 900 standards in eight operational areas, including flight operations, operational control, flight dispatch, aircraft engineering and maintenance, cabin operations, aircraft ground handling, cargo operations and operational security.

Tom Nunn, Alaska Airlines' vice president of safety said:"The IOSA audit is a comprehensive assessment that validates the safety, quality and operating standards in place at Alaska Airlines."

The IOSA program contributes to improved aviation safety worldwide by establishing a universally accepted set of safety audit standards. Preparing for and completing IOSA registration is a condition of membership in IATA, which represents more than 94 percent of international airline passenger traffic.

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Boeing VP Jean Chamberlin receives lifetime achievement award from women in aerospace

By BA Staff

Jean Chamberlin, Boeing Defense, Space & Security (BDS) vice president of Program Management, has been honoured by Women in Aerospace for her “outstanding career and lifelong commitment to furthering the advancement of women’s opportunities in aerospace.”

Chamberlin said as she accepted the group’s 2013 Lifetime Achievement Award on Oct. 29:

“This speaks to the power of diversity as Boeing’s calling card to the world. Our success is defined by the respect and value we have for different perspectives and everyone’s contributions. Throughout my career, I have witnessed diversity fuel the innovation that drives us to do what others dream.”

Women in Aerospace annually recognizes women who have made significant contributions to the aerospace community.

Dennis Muilenburg, BDS president and CEO said:

“We are incredibly proud of Jean as she is honored by Women in Aerospace for her many contributions to our industry that span her entire career. As one of aerospace’s great leaders today, Jean is both a true champion of diversity and an inspiring role model throughout our company and our industry.”

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Photos: British Airways decks additional flights to Chennai and Hyderabad in traditional icons

By BA Staff

British Airways added some very nice traditional ethnic touches to the first flights of their additional services to Chennai and Hyderabad. Enjoy the photos courtesty BA.

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Chef Linton Hopkins winner of "Cabin Pressure Cook-Off," new Delta chef

By BA Staff

Delta Air Lines and FOOD & WINE managzine announced that Chef Linton Hopkins is the winner of the "The Cabin Pressure Cook-Off," a culinary competition to find the next Delta chef.

Chef Hopkins will join the Delta culinary team to consult on BusinessElite menus for flights between Atlanta and Europe beginning in February.

Joanne Smith, Delta's senior vice president — In-Flight Service said:

"FOOD & WINE's Best New Chefs are some of the hardest working, most talented in the business, and we knew this competition would ultimately deliver delectable food to our customers. Chef Hopkins is a perfect addition to the Delta culinary team, which is already filled with some of the most well-known and respected names in the culinary business."

Chef Hopkins, of Restaurant Eugene and Holeman & Finch Public House in Atlanta, competed against three former FOOD & Wine Best New Chefs winners in a video series launched earlier this month, coinciding with the 25th anniversary of FOOD & WINE's Best New Chefs awards.

Chef Hopkins said:

"I am humbled and thankful to have won this opportunity to represent the values of excellence and quality which define both Delta and FOOD & WINE. I am looking forward to getting in to the kitchen with the Delta team to come up with menus that reflect both who I am as chef and the foods of our region."

Chef Hopkins' inflight menus will be reflective of the menus in his Atlanta restaurants, which are filled with artisan foods of the American South. Chef Hopkins' BusinessElite menus will feature bread from his H&F Bread Co. and source many ingredients from local suppliers including Belle chevre, regional cheeses from Blackberry Farm, Carolina Gold rice and grits, local charcuterie and pork, mountain trout, seasonal fruits and vegetables, Sweet Grass dairy and Wild American Shrimp. 

Tim Mapes, Delta's senior vice president - Marketing said:

"Through collaborations like this, we find innovative approaches to deliver a unique onboard experience for our customers. Our partnership with the culinary experts at FOOD & WINE magazine has been a perfect pairing."

Delta and FOOD & WINE devised three challenges for the chefs: transforming their signature dish into an in-flight appetizer; devising an entree that would withstand the onboard meal requirements of being cooked, chilled, and then, reheated; and making a variety of signature desserts.

Chef Hopkins was victorious in all three challenges and will join Michelle Bernstein, Michael Chiarello, Danny Meyer's Union Square Hospitality Group and Master Sommelier Andrea Robinson as part of Delta's culinary team.


Earlier this year, Miami-based chef Michelle Bernstein's menus were launched on flights to Latin America, including a special menu for flights to Mexico City. California-based chef Michael Chiarello continues to develop menus for Delta's transcontinental BusinessElite service between New York-JFK and Los Angeles, San Francisco and Seattle. Those menus are paired with California-grown wines selected by Master Sommelier Andrea Robinson as part of the Delta Winemaker Series. Additionally, Chef Chiarello designed new menus with an Asian flair for Delta's West Coast flights to Japan.

This September, Delta launched a new West Coast Delta Shuttle service with hourly flights between Los Angeles and San Francisco which will include snacks from California-based Lyfe Kitchen.

In February, express meals from Blue Smoke — a part of Danny Meyer's Union Square Hospitality Group — will debut in BusinessElite on Delta's three daily flights between New York's John F. Kennedy International Airport and London-Heathrow.

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Boeing continues to Improve 737 MAX performance

By BA Staff

The Boeing 737 MAX program continues to make steady development progress since reaching Firm Configuration on the 737 MAX 8 in July.

Engineers have completed an assessment of the airplane's performance confirming an additional 1% fuel-efficiency improvement over the 13% already promised to customers.

Keith Leverkuhn, vice president and general manager, 737 MAX program, Boeing Commercial Airplanes said:

"Program and airplane performance just continues to improve. We have been very disciplined in our approach and continue to realize more benefit for our customers as we retire risk on the program and get further into development. This recent fuel-efficiency gain will widen the performance gap in the single-aisle market, reinforcing the 737 MAX's position as the value leader."

The 737 MAX will feature several new systems that will improve the management of maintenance information. For example, some Built-In Test Equipment (BITE) information will be brought into the flight deck. Today, maintenance technicians access this fault data in the forward electronic equipment bay of the airplane. By bringing this data up to the flight deck, maintenance issues can be resolved faster.

The MAX also will include an enhanced onboard network system comprised of a digital flight data acquisition unit (eDFDAU) and network file server (NFS). These systems will provide a centralized data collection system with more storage capacity, doubling the maintenance data available during flight. The system will be capable of connecting the airplane in flight to airplane operations on the ground enabling airlines to better prepare for potential dispatch issues.

Michael Teal, chief project engineer, 737 MAX said:

"We are enhancing the capability of the 737 MAX to meet the future needs of a digital world. Recognizing that the Next-Generation 737 is already the most reliable single-aisle airplane with 99.7 percent of flights departing on time, we are being very deliberate about any changes we make to the airplane systems on the 737 MAX to make the airplane even easier to operate and maintain. Through careful testing and selective application on the Next-Generation 737 before MAX enters service, we can ensure these systems are ready to enhance the management of our customers' fleets." 

Some of these systems such as the eDFDAU and NFS are under development for initial delivery on the Next-Generation 737 prior to the 737 MAX. Many of these systems were tested during the 737 ecoDemonstrator program last year, showing the value they will provide to airlines operating the 737 MAX.

Engineers continue to make progress on the detailed design of the airplane. Recently the team completed the Firm Systems Definition, which defines the hardware locations for the systems on the airplane.

Leverkuhn said:

"Throughout the design process we'll continue to look for opportunities to improve operational performance, schedule and cost for our customers. We are on track for first delivery of the 737 MAX in the third quarter of 2017."

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US August passenger airline employment down 2.2 percent

By BA Staff

U.S. scheduled passenger airlines employed 380,328 workers in August 2013, down 2.2% from a year earlier, as per the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Bureau of Transportation Statistics (BTS) reports. August was the 12th consecutive month that full-time equivalent (FTE) employment for U.S. scheduled passenger carriers was below that of the same month of the previous year.

Scheduled passenger airline categories include network, low-cost, regional and other airlines. 

The decline in FTEs may be due, in part, to two factors.  First, American Airlines, the industry’s third largest employer, filed for bankruptcy in November 2011 and reduced FTEs by 7.2% year-to-year. Second, network carriers have experienced increased fuel costs and have reduced contracts with the regional airlines that operate less fuel-efficient regional jets.  Regional airline employment is down 5.1 percent year-to-year.

The five network airlines that collectively employ two-thirds of the scheduled passenger airline FTEs reported 2.5% fewer FTEs in August 2013 than in August 2012, the 13th consecutive month with a decline from the same month of the previous year. Delta Air Lines reduced FTEs by 4.2%, and American Airlines 7.2%. United Airlines increased 0.2% FTEs, US Airways increased FTEs by 2.8% and Alaska Airlines by 3.1% from the same month a year earlier. Network airlines operate a significant portion of flights using at least one hub where connections are made for flights to down-line destinations or spoke cities.

Of the six low-cost carriers, half i.e. Spirit Airlines, Allegiant Airlines and JetBlue Airways - reported an increase in FTEs while the other half, Frontier Airlines, Southwest Airlines and Virgin America, reported a decline. Low-cost airlines operate under a low-cost business model, with infrastructure and aircraft operating costs below the overall industry average.

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dnata selects Amadeus' flight management solution

By BA Staff

Amadeus, announced that dnata, part of the Emirates group of Dubai and one of the world’s largest combined air services providers, will implement Amadeus' Altéa Departure Control’s Flight Management solution in their centralised load control offices (CLC) in Dubai.

The airport ground handler, is now present in 75 airports in 38 countries. The deal spans all Emirates and flydubai domestic and international flights and over 100 other dnata customer airlines using the system.

Under the agreement, Amadeus will provide dnata, which offers ground handling, cargo, travel and flight catering services, with a fully automated solution for managing the weight and balance of all flights it handles from its CLC in Dubai.

This solution is a new generation load control platform designed to enable ground handlers to ensure efficient flight departures and optimise the weight and balance process of all handled flights. It improves the productivity of load controllers, and enables greater precision in the forecast and analysis of passenger and cargo load. The system automatically defines optimal load distribution, thereby optimising fuel requirements for airlines and increasing uplift capacity of aircraft.

Jon Conway, Divisional Senior Vice President, Airport Operations, dnata, said:

“Amadeus’ in-depth experience, vast reach and high level of development will help us gain greater efficiencies through the full automation of our weight and balance system. Furthermore, Altéa Departure Control’s Flight Management enables us to provide our airline customers with significant fuel savings. The system’s community and SaaS elements also allow for greater collaboration with our customers. Altea DCS FM is already showing high performance in a centralised load control (CLC) environment, increasing productivity.”

John Jarrell, Head of Airport IT, Amadeus, commented:

“We are extremely pleased to continue our airport journey having signed the world’s fourth largest ground handler. Amadeus is proud to be part of dnata’s successful growth strategy today and into the future. We are certain this will only be the beginning of a fruitful relationship as we work closer together with this important customer to offer further enhancements in ground handling. This agreement enables us to strengthen our foothold globally, alongside our 50 ground handlers currently using our solutions today.” 

Francois Weissert, SVP & Chief Technology Advisor Middle East and Asia, Amadeus, stated:

“We are very happy to add an important ground handler like dnata to our growing list of customers in the Middle-East region, where we already have agreements in Egypt, Qatar, Bahrain and Kuwait. Amadeus believes in the potential of this region, which has established itself as a global air travel hub over the last few years. Since the creation of our regional head office in Dubai, we continue to invest in this strategic area, growing hand in hand with our customers and the regional travel industry.”

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Air India to launch 787 on Mumbai - London Heathrow

by BA Staff

National carrier Air India is bringing the Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner to its services between its secondary hub at Mumbai and London Heathrow International Airport from 30th March, 2014. Schedules for the flight are as follow

AI131 ~ BOM - LHR ~ D: 0630 A: 1130 ~ 788 ~ Daily

AI130 ~ LHR - BOM ~ D: 1315 A: 0305+1 ~ 788 ~ Daily

Additionally, Bangalore Aviation's sources tell us that new nonstop services between Air India's largest international hub at Delhi and Moscow will soon be loaded into the global distribution system (GDS). Air India already has won approval to launch Delhi-Moscow from the Indian government. 

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