Indian Navy's second P-8I maritime surveillance and anti-submarine aircraft arrives

by Devesh Agarwal

Manufacturer, Boeing has delivered the second P-8I long-range maritime reconnaissance and anti-submarine warfare aircraft to the Indian Navy. The first P-8I was delivered in May. The P-8I is the Indian Navy variant of the P-8A Poseidon that Boeing has developed for the U.S. Navy.

Indian Navy's second P-8I IN-320 departs for India

The two aircraft are currently stationed at INS Rajali, informally known as Arakkonam Naval Air Station, just west of Chennai. The second aircraft will begin flight trials in the coming months, while the first P-8I recently completed testing its weapons capabilities, including successfully firing a Boeing Harpoon missile at a target and dropping a torpedo.

The P-8I features open system architecture, advanced sensor and display technologies, and a worldwide base of suppliers, parts and support equipment. P-8I aircraft are built by a Boeing-led industry team that includes CFM International, Northrop Grumman, Raytheon, Spirit AeroSystems, BAE Systems and GE Aviation.

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Germania becomes new Airbus A321 operator

By BA Staff

S.A.T., the holding company of the Berlin-based German carrier Germania, has taken delivery of its first out of two A321s on order. Both aircraft are equipped with Airbus’ wing tip fuel saving devices, called Sharklets. The airline has already been operating eight A319 successfully since 2011.

The new Germania A321 will operate exclusively for Alltours, one of Germany’s biggest travel agencies. The airline has chosen a single class cabin layout for 208 passengers.

The cabin will be equipped with a state-of-the-art entertainment system, featuring video screens and in-seat audio channels. The aircraft will be powered by CFM engines.

Andreas Wobig, Germania Chief Executive Officer said:

“The delivery of our first brand-new A321 marks the beginning of a new era for Germania. With 208 seats, the aircraft capacity is one third higher than the jets we currently operate. This means that in the future, charter and scheduled flights on particularly popular routes can be operated even more economically. We are delighted with our A321s as they are especially fuel-efficient and make an important contribution to climate protection.”

John Leahy, Chief Operating Officer, Customers said:

“We are delighted that Germania has become the latest operator of the largest member of the hugely successful A320-Family. Thanks to Airbus’ unique commonality, the new A321s will fit seamlessly into Germania’s exiting fleet of Airbus A319s. The Sharklets will deliver Germania up to four percent in reduced fuel burn whilst passengers will benefit from the A320 family’s widest and most comfortable cabin.” 

Sharklets are made from light-weight composites and are 2.4 meters tall. They offer operators up to four percent fuel burn reduction on longer range sectors and provide the flexibility of either adding an additional 100 nautical miles range or increased payload capability of up to 450 kilograms.

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Boeing, Xiamen Airlines celebrate airline's 100th airplane

By BA Staff

Boeing and Xiamen Airlines celebrated the 100^th airplane to join China's only all-Boeing carrier.

Formed in 1984 as China's first joint venture between CAAC and a municipal government, Xiamen Airlines started services in 1985 with two Boeing 737-200s serving three cities. The carrier has grown into China's sixth largest carrier serving 218 domestic routes and 26 international and regional routes. With today's delivery of a Boeing 737-800, Xiamen Airlines' fleet now consists of 100 airplanes – 17 737-700s, 77 737-800s and six 757-200s.

Che Shanglun, President and Chairman of Xiamen Airlines said:

"Having an all-Boeing fleet is a key component in our growth strategy and our ability to achieve 26 consecutive years of profitability. With excellent reliability, operational efficiency and range, the Boeing airplanes enable us to expand our network internationally." 

As part of Xiamen Airlines' 12^th five-year plan ending 2015, the carrier plans to grow its operational fleet to 136 airplanes, including six 787s.

Ihssane Mounir, senior vice president of Sales for Northeast Asia, Boeing Commercial Airplanes said:

"Xiamen Airlines is a valued customer of The Boeing Company and we are delighted to see the remarkable growth of Xiamen Airlines over the past 29 years. We look forward to continuing such a longstanding partnership by providing more value with our industry-leading products and services."

Boeing projects investments of nearly $800 billion in China for 5,580 new commercial airplanes to be delivered during the next 20 years. That would account for 16 percent of global demand, and reflects a requirement of nearly 200 single-aisle and over 60 twin-aisle airplanes each year on average.

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Alaska Airlines passengers can now use personal electronic devices gate to gate

By BA Staff

Passengers on Alaska Airlines flights can begin enjoying the use of their tablets, book readers, games and other personal electronic devices from gate to gate starting Saturday morning.

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

"Our customers have long wanted to be able to read a book, listen to music or watch a movie on their electronic devices whenever they're onboard one of our flights. We're thrilled to have FAA approval giving our customers the flexibility and better onboard experience they want."

Passengers on Alaska Airlines flights operated by Horizon Air are expected to be able to use their electronic devices during all phases of their flight next week and on flights operated by SkyWest Airlines soon after, pending FAA approval.

Under FAA rules, passengers need to place their electronic devices in airplane mode. Cell phones may not be used for calls and all devices must be turned off in rare cases when instructed by crew members. Laptops and other larger devices must be stowed during takeoff and landing so they do not pose a safety hazard. Customers will be able to connect to Wi-Fi once the aircraft reaches 10,000 feet.

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Boeing partners with US Air Force to reduce supply chain costs

By BA Staff

Boeing and the U.S. Air Force Sustainment Center (AFSC) have entered into an overarching public-private partnership that will streamline supply chain contracting, saving money and speeding up execution by as much as 10 months.

The partnership – the first of its kind – allows the three Air Force logistics complexes that are under the AFSC to immediately execute implementation agreements with Boeing.

Scott Strode, vice president and general manager of Maintenance, Modifications & Upgrades for Boeing Defense, Space & Security said:

“Boeing is proud to lead the way for industry by developing a new, more efficient and affordable way to do business.”

In the past, each complex – Oklahoma City Air Logistics Complex, Ogden Air Logistics Complex and Warner Robins Air Logistics Complex – would enter into an individual partnering agreement with Boeing, a process that took 12 to 16 months to complete.

The enterprise partnering agreement now in place allows the complexes to move directly to executing the details of the agreement, allowing implementation eight to 10 months earlier.

Ken Shaw, vice president of Supply Chain Management for Boeing Defense, Space & Security said:

“The new partnering agreement will make our supply chain more agile so we can deliver maximum mission readiness to our customers.”

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Boeing delivers Ethiopian Airlines' first 777-300ER

By BA Staff

Boeing has delivered a 777-300ER (Extended Range) jet to GE Capital Aviation Services (GECAS) for lease to Ethiopian Airlines. The 777-300ER is now the largest airplane in the Ethiopian flag-carrier's fleet and will provide it with increased capacity and improved operating economics on key routes from its base in the Ethiopian capital, Addis Ababa.

Mesfin Tassew, Chief Operation Officer of Ethiopian Airlines said:

"The introduction of the B777-300 ER into our fleet is a major milestone, as it will be our biggest aircraft with a 400 seat capacity. Ethiopian B777-300 ER will give our passengers the best possible travel experience with its spacious cabin interior, high ceiling, advanced in-flight entertainment system, increased stowage capability and additional cargo uplift flexibility. The aircraft will be deployed on our long haul non-stop routes to the US and China and will give us exceptional range capability and fuel efficiency."

Van Rex Gallard, vice president of Sales for Africa, Latin America and the Caribbean, Boeing Commercial Airplanes said:

"For more than half a century, Ethiopian has been at the forefront of providing its passengers with the most innovative products.  The 777-300ER continues this tradition and represents another significant milestone in the long history between both our companies. The 777-300ER will be a key player in the continued success of Ethiopian, offering more capacity, increased flexibility and exceptional comfort on its operations worldwide."

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Alaska Airlines debuts Disney-Themed airplane in Seattle

By BA Staff

The newest themed airplane in Alaska Airlines' fleet flew into Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, featuring one of America's most beloved and rusty tow trucks.

Adorned with the familiar images of Disney-Pixar's animated Cars characters Mater, Lightning McQueen, Guido and Luigi, the colorful Boeing 737-800 named "Adventure of Disneyland Resort" celebrates Alaska's partnership with Walt Disney's original theme park.

It is the fifth Disney-themed airplane born out of the successful partnership between Seattle-based Alaska Airlines and Disneyland Resort.

Jeff Butler, Alaska Airlines' vice president of customer service-airports and cargo, and board member of Make-A-Wish Alaska and Washington said:

"Our Disney planes generate a lot of excitement among our passengers young and old wherever they fly. I can't think of a better way to celebrate our strong partnership than to launch this flying invitation to visit Disneyland Resort's newest attraction and Mater's home in Cars Land."

At a special airport event, Mater himself made a satellite appearance from Cars Land at Disney California Adventure Park, providing travelers with updates on the arrival of the plane as it neared Seattle. After the ceremony, the aircraft officially joined the Alaska fleet on a flight to Orange County, Calif., and will then fly throughout the carrier's 65-city network.

Sharon Siskie, Disney Destinations' vice president of travel industry sales said:

"Adventure of Disneyland Resort is a great example of taking beloved, iconic Disney-Pixar characters and bringing them to life in new and unexpected ways. It's been our great privilege to be part of this collaborative effort with Alaska Airlines, and we're delighted that today's inaugural flight will create some very powerful memories for special guests from Make-A-Wish."

Joining passengers flying on Flight 500 were four Make-A-Wish children from Washington and Alaska, ages 3 to 7, and their families, who will spend the next several days at the Disneyland Resort. During their visit, they will be treated to special activities and enjoy overnight accommodations at Disney's Paradise Pier Hotel at the Resort.

Barry McConnell, president and CEO of Make-A-Wish Alaska and Washington said: 

 "Since our inception, we've granted life-affirming wishes to more than 5,300 children in Alaska and Washington and it's only because of the partnerships that we have with companies like Alaska Airlines and Disney."

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Boeing and US Army museum launch online 'Soldiers' Stories' gallery

By BA Staff

Boeing, as part of its continuing partnership with the National Museum of the United States Army, has launched the online Soldiers’ Stories video gallery, which features male and female veterans describing their experiences in service.

The videos can be found on the Army Historical Foundation’s website and on Boeing’s Tribute Page.

In addition to honouring these stories of courage, commitment and sacrifice, the videos also help raise awareness for the museum, which is scheduled to open in 2017 at Fort Belvoir in northern Virginia.

Boeing will sponsor the museum’s central gallery, which also will be called the Soldiers’ Stories Gallery.

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A detailed behind the scene insight on the making of the Jet Etihad deal

by Devesh Agarwal

The aviation enthusiast community may not have too much respect for The Economic Times newspaper when it comes to technical accuracy when reporting aviation related stories, but hats off to a great article that goes in to the depths on how the deal for a 24% stake by Etihad Airways in Jet Airways was negotiated and struck.

The article goes behind the scenes, giving insight in to the motivations, events, players, and tactics involved in the negotiations. A definitely must read.

One crucial observation, Jet Airways first met Etihad in June 2012, a full three months before the government announced the new liberalised policy of allowing foreign airlines to invest in Indian carriers. Quite clearly, Mr. Naresh Goyal's connections served him well.

Read the article here.

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As Competition Commision clears Jet-Etihad merger, it is goodbye Jet and hello Jetihad

by Devesh Agarwal

On Tuesday, beleaguered Indian carrier, Jet Airways cleared its final hurdle in its $397 million quest to sell a 24% stake to Abu Dhabi based Etihad Airways PJSC, when the Competition Commission of India (CCI), cleared the deal paving the way for the Naresh Goyal promoted Jet to receive desperately needed cash from the deal.

The Union cabinet had already cleared the deal last month on October 4, the CCI approval now means that the deal, the first since the government announced a liberalised policy allowing foreign airlines to invest in domestic carriers, can be fully operational within, as little as, the next fortnight.

Keeping public sentiment on the fear of the two airlines monopolising the India Abu Dhabi routes, the CCI has cautioned

"This approval should not be construed as immunity in any manner from subsequent proceedings before the Commission for violations of other provisions of the Act. It is incumbent upon the parties to ensure that this ex-ante approval does not lead to ex-post violation of the provision of the Act,”

This deal could not have come a moment too soon for Jet Airways, which is literally running on fumes. The airline which is reeling under a debt of almost $2 billion, desperately needs cash to retire high cost debt.

In addition to the cash from the stake sale, Etihad has purchased Jet's landing slots at Heathrow, will buy the airline's frequent flier programme JetPrivilege, and will provide/arrange for loans under soft and discounted rates, which will used by Jet Airways to retire its high cost debt.

The measure of financial need at Jet is visible in the performance of the carrier in the second quarter of this fiscal, where it posted an eye-popping loss of nearly Rs. 1,000 Crores.

Jet Airways A330-200s grounded at New Delhi IGI airport. Photo copyright Devesh Agarwal.

The operations performance analysis show an airline which is seriously lacking clarity. The international operations which were the bulk of revenue, have seen much of the airline's Airbus A330-200 fleet grounded as non-profitable routes were withdrawn or curtailed. In the second quarter alone, the airline lost over Rs. 123 Crore ($205 million), or the cost of one new wide-body,  just keeping the aircraft grounded.

The airline was expecting to lease a couple of aircraft to Etihad, but could not do so due to "various reasons". Can we attribute this lack of clarity to the transition in operational control from Jet to Etihad?

Etihad is extracting its pound of flesh for its money. While both Jet and Etihad may publicly say otherwise, there is a clear re-alignment and re-organisation of operational strategy and divestiture of control to Etihad. Senior executives have resigned, including the CEO Nikos Kardassis, and Vice President Network Planning K.G. Vishwanath.

Recently the Business Standard reported that Rajeev Nambiar, sales head of Etihad, is likely to replace Sonu Kripalani, Jet’s vice-president (Sales). We had Bangalore Aviation had earlier reported the expected departure of Jet's Chief Commercial Officer, Sudheer Raghavan. The Business Standard report confirms our report saying

In another move Willy Boulter, Etihad’s vice-president (commercial and network planning), is likely to take over as Jet’s chief commercial officer, replacing Sudheer Raghavan. Sources say Raghavan is leaving the organisation, as his powers and responsibilities are being curtailed.

The commercial cooperation agreement (CCA) between the two airlines places enormous burden on Jet, requiring it to re-route its profitable and short-haul direct India-Dubai and India Sharjah routes via Abu Dhabi. One has to ask, why would someone replace a two or three hour direct flight with a four to five hour one-stop one? The CCA further goes to require Jet to re-route most of its international destinations via Abh Dhabi, with the exception of London, South-East Asia, and Australia-New Zealand.

Reports are of Jet mounting flights to Newark, Toronto, and Chicago via Abu Dhabi. Agreement aside, Abu Dhabi Chicago is almost 7,300 miles just 50 miles less than New Delhi New York, a route, that the Jet Airways Boeing 777-300ER was not flying non-stop due to its ultra-heavy first class suites. Is Jet going to modify its cabins to achieve Etihad's dreams?

The agreement will also require Jet to dilute its scissor hub at Brussels, not operate flights in competition to Etihad, with the reverse not being true, not operate and discontinue existing bilateral relations and code-shares with other airlines which may be in competition to Etihad.

In another Business Standard report

According to the terms of the CCA-a copy of which has been reviewed by Business Standard-Jet would have to route its services from India to Sharjah and Dubai through Abu Dhabi as soon as it becomes economically viable.

In what may additionally water down Jet's operations out of its hub in Brussels (Belgium), the Indian airline would have to develop Abu Dhabi as an exclusive hub for flights to North America, South America, Africa and the United Arab Emirates ('exclusive territories'). Canada too would be included in the list of "exclusive territories" once relevant amendments are made to bilateral air-services agreements to permit Jet to fly to Toronto via Abu Dhabi. Jet currently flies to New York and Toronto via its hub in Brussels.

The agreement, however, says exceptions can be made to allow Jet to mount non-stop operations between India and destinations in the 'exclusive territories' if Etihad agrees that it would be economically viable to do so. A Jet spokesperson, while declining to share details of specific plans, says, "As the Jet and Etihad alliance is being examined by the concerned regulatory authorities and their consequent approvals are awaited, it would be inappropriate for Jet to respond at this stage."

The CCA also restrains the Indian carrier from entering into code-share arrangements with third-party airlines, the impact of which may result in Abu Dhabi being bypassed as a hub for traffic to and from the exclusive territories.

According to the terms of the CCA, Jet would have to exit existing joint ventures or code-share arrangements with other airlines which can adversely impact business prospects of the alliance it has forged with Etihad. Jet can form code-share arrangements with third parties to destinations within exclusive territories not served by Etihad or its affiliates - but only till such time as they do not commence operations on these routes.

The two airlines have set up a coordination committee to "study" and implement "better cooperation" between themselves.

Quite clearly, it is goodbye Jet Airways and welcome to Jetihad Airways.

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New Boeing B-52 upgrade to increase smart weapons capacity by half

By BA Staff

B-52H. Photo courtesy US Air Force

Boeing will continue to increase the B-52 bomber’s effectiveness and versatility under a new U.S. Air Force contract that calls for the aircraft’s smart weapons capacity to expand by 50 percent.

Under the $24.6 million agreement, Boeing will develop a modification to existing weapon launchers so the aircraft can carry smart weapons in the bomb bay, allowing aircrews to use the B-52’s entire weapons capacity.

 Scot Oathout, B-52 program director said:

“When you combine that ability with the extremely long flying time of the B-52, you have an efficient and versatile weapon system that is very valuable to warfighters on the ground. This weapons capacity expansion joins the CONECT program, a comprehensive communication upgrade currently being installed on the aircraft, to give the warfighter even more flexibility.”

Boeing will produce three prototype launchers for test and evaluation. Initial capability is expected in March 2016, and potential follow-on efforts could add additional weapons and allow a mixed load of different types of weapons. Following the upgrade’s first phase, the B-52s will be able to carry 24 500-pound Joint Direct Attack Munitions (JDAM) or 20 2,000-pound JDAMs. Later phases will add the Joint Air-to-Surface Standoff Missile (JASSM) and its extended range variant (JASSM-ER), as well as the Miniature Air Launched Decoy (MALD) and its jammer variant (MALD/J).

The bomb bay upgrade will also enable the B-52 to carry weapons internally only, increasing fuel efficiency in flight. The modernization work will use parts from existing Air Force rotary launchers re-purposed for conventional missions, as well as hardware and software already developed for the wing pylons.

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Second Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner ZB002 completes successful first flight

By BA Staff

The second Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner completed a successful 4-hour, 18-minute first flight. 

The airplane, known as ZB002, departed Paine Field in Everett, Washington State, USA, at 8:06 and landed at 12:24 local time at Seattle's Boeing Field.

As the only 787-9 test airplane to be fitted with elements of the passenger interior, ZB002 will test systems such as the environmental control system in addition to avionics and other aspects of airplane performance. Boeing has conducted a series of ground tests on the second 787-9 since its completion in late September.

With manufacturing of the 787-9 flight-test fleet complete, the first production 787-9 in final assembly and 137 flight-test hours to date, 787-9 development is on track. 787-10 development also is progressing as planned.

First delivery of the 787-9 to launch customer Air New Zealand is set for mid-2014. Twenty-six customers have ordered 396 787-9s, accounting for 40 percent of all 787 orders.

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Alaska Air group approves quarterly cash dividend of 20 cents per share

By BA Staff

The board of directors of Alaska Air Group has approved a quarterly cash dividend of 20 cents per share to all shareholders of record as of Nov. 19. The dividend will be paid on Dec. 4.

Air Group paid a quarterly dividend of 20 cents per share in August, the first time since 1992 that the company had paid a dividend. The dividends are financed from operating cash flow and existing cash on hand.

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Boeing names Ted Colbert Chief Information Officer

By BA Staff

Boeing has named Ted Colbert chief information officer and vice president of the company's Information Technology organization. Colbert, who was formerly vice president of the Boeing Information Technology Infrastructure organization, replaces Kim Hammonds, who is leaving the company.

Colbert, 39, will report to John Tracy, Boeing chief technology officer and senior vice president of Engineering, Operations & Technology. He will lead the Information Technology organization and be responsible for all IT strategy, systems, infrastructure, architecture, process and people across the Boeing enterprise.

Tracy said:

"Ted's extensive background in Information Technology strategy and his years of successful leadership will ensure the continuity and successful implementation of the strategies we have put in place to achieve the critically important objectives of supporting and protecting our global operations with the most capable, reliable and secure IT systems in the world. We appreciate the job Kim Hammonds has done in positioning the IT organization for leadership, and we're confident that Ted will take our team to new levels of performance for our customers and our employees."

In his previous role, Colbert was responsible for developing and maintaining IT solutions comprising networks, computing, servers, storage, collaboration and infrastructure across Boeing. He has also served as vice president of IT Business Systems, where he was responsible for developing and maintaining the computing application systems that support Boeing Finance, Human Resources, Corporate Offices and the company's internal systems.

Colbert joined Boeing in 2009 as a director of the Enterprise Network Services organization. Before joining Boeing, he was a senior vice president of Enterprise Architecture at Citigroup. He also spent 11 years with Ford Motor Company's Information Technology organization.

Colbert completed the Dual Degree Engineering Program at Georgia Tech and Morehouse College in Atlanta, with degrees in Industrial and Systems Engineering and Interdisciplinary Science.

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FAA issues final rule on pilot training

By BA Staff

The United States Department of Transportation’s Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) issued a final rule on the training of commercial air carrier pilots.  

The final rule stems in part from the crash of Colgan Air 3407 in February 2009 near Buffalo, NY, and addresses a Congressional mandate in the Airline Safety and Federal Aviation Administration Extension Act of 2010 to ensure enhanced pilot training. This rule is one of several rulemakings required by the Act, including the requirements to prevent pilot fatigue that were finalized in December 2011, and the increased qualification requirements for first officers who fly U.S. passenger and cargo planes that were issued  in July 2013.
The final rule requires:

• ground and flight training that enables pilots to prevent and recover from aircraft stalls and upsets.  These new training standards will impact future simulator standards as well;
• air carriers to use data to track remedial training for pilots with performance deficiencies, such as failing a proficiency check or unsatisfactory performance during flight training;
• training for more effective pilot monitoring;
• enhanced runway safety procedures; and
• expanded crosswind training, including training for wind gusts.

In addition, FAA Administrator Michael Huerta is inviting the nation’s commercial aviation safety leaders to Washington, D.C. on November 21, to discuss additional voluntary steps that can be taken to further boost safety during airline operations, including pilot training.

U.S. Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx said:

“Today’s rule is a significant advancement for aviation safety and U.S. pilot training. One of my first meetings as Transportation Secretary was with the Colgan Flight 3407 families, and today, I am proud to announce that with their help, the FAA has now added improved pilot training to its many other efforts to strengthen aviation safety.”

FAA Administrator Michael Huerta said:

"This pivotal rule will give our nation’s pilots the most advanced training available. While the rule marks a major step toward addressing the greatest known risk areas in pilot training, I’m also calling on the commercial aviation industry to continue to move forward with voluntary initiatives to make air carrier training programs as robust as possible.”

The FAA proposed to revise the training rules for pilots in 2009, one month prior to the Colgan Flight 3407 accident. The FAA issued a supplemental proposal on May 20, 2011, to address many of the NTSB’s recommendations resulting from the accident, and incorporate congressional mandates for stick pusher, stall recovery and remedial training.  A stick pusher is a safety system that applies downward elevator pressure to prevent an airplane from exceeding a predetermined angle of attack in order to avoid, identify, or assist in the recovery of a stall.

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Emirates group first half fiscal 2014 net profits up 4%. Airline net profit up 2% to $475 million

by Devesh Agarwal

Emirates A380. Photo copyright Devesh Agarwal.

The Emirates Group, the aviation holding company of the Al Maktoum family which rules Dubai, and the parent of Emirates airline, announced its first half (April to September) results of the fiscal year 2014 (ending March 31, 2014) today.

Group

The Emirates Group revenues reached AED 42.3 billion (US$ 11.5 billion) for the first six months of its current fiscal year ending September 30, 2013, up 13% from AED 37.5 billion (US$ 10.2 billion) at 30 September 2012.

Net profit for the Group rose to AED 2.2 billion (US$ 600 million) an increase of 4% over the last year’s results.

The Group’s cash position on 30 September 2013 came down to AED 18.2 billion (US$ 4.9 billion), from AED 27.0 billion (US$ 7.3 billion) six months earlier. This is after a AED 1.8 billion bond repayment which matured in July 2013, a AED 367 million first instalment payment on a USD one billion Sukuk (Islamic equivalent of bonds), and a AED 7 billion injection back into the business to fund new aircraft, engines, spares and other projects across the Group.

His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman and Chief Executive, Emirates Airline and Group said

“The global business environment continues to be challenging. We have stayed agile even as we grow, and this ability to adapt and act quickly has been key to our success. Our investments in the infrastructure of both Emirates and dnata continue to pay off,”

Group employee numbers increased 11.7% to over 75,800 from six months earlier.

Emirates airline

Capacity measured in Available Seat Kilometres (ASK), grew 16.9% on the addition of ten aircraft – six A380s, three 777s and one 777 freighter in the reported six month. 15 more new aircraft scheduled to be delivered to the airline before March 31, 2014, the end of the current fiscal year FY2014.

Passenger traffic carried measured in Revenue Passenger Kilometres (RPK) was up 16.1% with a load factor averaging 79.2% down from last year’s 79.7%. In number, Emirates carried 21.5 million passengers in the six months, since 1 April 2013, up 15% from the same period last year.

Cargo volumes increased 5.2% but the airline has not released the actual performance nomrally measured in FTK (Freight Ton Kilometre) or capacity in ATK (Available Ton Kilometre) .

Emirates airline's revenue, including other operating income, for the six months was AED 39.8 billion (US$ 10.8 billion) up 12% from last year's first half revenue of AED 35.4 billion (US$ 9.6 billion) to return a 2% increase in net profit of AED 1.7 billion (US$ 475 million).

Fuel prices constituted 39% of the airline's expenditures. The Union and state governments of India would be well advised to observe the disadvantage they put Indian carriers to, thanks to their greedy excessive taxation regime which makes fuel between 45%~50% of expenditure.

Emirates launched new routes to Haneda and Stockholm, bringing the total count of new routes launched in the past 12 months to seven including Adelaide, Lyon, Phuket, Warsaw and Algiers. The airline now flies to 137 destinations in 77 countries, up from 126 cities last year in 74 countries. Additional new routes to be added in the remaining part of the fiscal year include Kabul, Kiev, Taipei and Boston.

The airline also celebrated the five year operating anniversary, of its A380 super-jumbo. Emirates' A380s have carried 18 million passengers since its first flight on August 1, 2008 from Dubai to New York.

dnata airport services and infrastructure

dnata (formerly Dubai National Air Transport Association) now operates in 38 countries with revenues including other operating income of AED 3.7 billion (US$ 1 billion), 18% higher compared to AED 3.2 billion (US$ 864 million) last year. Overall profit for dnata rose strongly by 13% to AED 458 million (US$ 125 million).

dnata’s airport operations was the largest contributor to revenues with AED 1.4 billion (US$ 375 million), a 16% increase from last year's first half revenues of AED 1.2 billion (US$ 324 million). The number of aircraft handled by dnata rose 9%, to 141,845

dnata’s in-flight catering operation, which operates the world's largest flight kitchen, in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, recorded strong growth thanks to its acquisition of Servair in Italy in June 2013. Revenues were up 39% to AED 891 million (US$ 243 million). 22.4 million meals were uplifted for the first half of the fiscal year, up a massive 81% from last year.

Revenue from dnata’s Travel Services operation contributed AED 303 million (US$ 83 million), up 16% from the same period last year.

dnata’s cargo handling division grew revenues 4% to AED 546 million (US$ 149 million) on account of increased tonnage mainly for dnata’s UK operation and in Switzerland which rose in total by 2% to 809,236 tonnes.

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US airfares down 3.6% in second quarter 2013

By BA Staff

The average domestic air fare decreased to $378 in the second quarter of 2013, down 3.6 percent from the average fare of $392 in the second quarter of 2012, measured in constant 2013 dollars, the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Bureau of Transportation Statistics (BTS) reported.

Huntsville, Ala., had the highest average fare, $547, while Atlantic City, N.J., had the lowest, $159.

BTS, a part of the Research and Innovative Technology Administration (RITA), reports average fares based on domestic itinerary fares. Itinerary fares consist of round-trip fares unless the customer does not purchase a return trip. In that case, the one-way fare is included. Fares are based on the total ticket value which consists of the price charged by the airlines plus any additional taxes and fees levied by an outside entity at the time of purchase. Fares include only the price paid at the time of the ticket purchase and do not include other fees, such as baggage fees, paid at the airport or on-board the aircraft. Averages do not include frequent-flyer or “zero fares” or abnormally high reported fares.

The second-quarter 2013 fare was down 18.4 percent in constant 2013 dollars from the average fare of $463 in 1999, which was the highest average fare of any second quarter, adjusted for inflation. The 18.4 percent decline took place while there was an increase in overall consumer prices of 40.5 percent. In the 18 years since BTS began collecting air fare records in 1995, inflation-adjusted fares declined 16.9 percent compared to a 53.1 percent increase in overall consumer prices.

U.S. passenger airlines collected 70.6 percent of their total revenue from passenger fares during the second quarter of 2013, down from 1990, the earliest year for which airlines’ revenues and expenses are available, when 87.6 percent of airline revenue was received from fares.

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Delta adds new services to Seattle-Tacoma

By BA Staff

Delta 737NG. Boeing photo.

Delta Air Lines will add new daily non-stop flights to Seattle-Tacoma International Airport from San Diego International Airport and Portland International Airport as well as an additional flight from Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport, beginning next year. The new service will provide customers with convenient connections to the airline's growing international network from Seattle.

Delta's new and expanded Seattle service includes:

• Four new daily nonstop flights from San Diego beginning June 2, 2014.
• Four new daily nonstop flights from Portland, Ore. beginning Sept. 2, 2014.
• One summer seasonal flight from Anchorage, Alaska beginning June 5, 2014 in addition to returning seasonal service which begins on May 23, 2014.

In addition, Delta is adding double Medallion Qualification Miles to its recently announced Seattle double miles campaign. SkyMiles members now have the opportunity to earn double miles and double Medallion Qualification Miles for Seattle service between Anchorage, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Portland, San Diego and San Francisco on all Delta-marketed and Delta or Delta Connection-operated flights through Oct. 31, 2014

Mike Medeiros, Delta's vice president – Seattle said:

"We have continued to strategically add service from key markets in an effort to support passenger demand for our expanding international destinations. Delta's most recent additions will provide our customers with one-stop access to and from several of the top international and domestic destinations via our growing global gateway in Seattle."

Delta's new service from San Diego and Portland will be operated by Delta Connection carrier SkyWest Airlines using 76-seat, two-class CRJ-900s. The additional Anchorage-Seattle seasonal service will be operated with a Boeing 737-800. Each aircraft is equipped with First Class and Economy Comfort seating as well as onboard Wi-Fi.

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Boeing delivers Air Europa’s 25th next-generation 737-800

By BA Staff

Boeing Air Europa celebrated the Spanish carrier's 25^th direct delivery of a Next-Generation 737-800.

Air Europa showcased the latest addition to its fleet at a special event at its base on the Spanish island of Mallorca.

Juan Jose Hidalgo, president of Globalia, the parent company of Air Europa said:

"Today is a very important day for Air Europa, since the arrival of a new aircraft is always a cause of joy. Our wager on Boeing has been unmistakable since the beginning and today I can assure that without a doubt, at Air Europa we placed a good bet depositing our trust in the American manufacturer. Thanks to the effectiveness of Boeing aircraft we have been able to reduce expenses, always keeping the environment in mind, resulting in an increase for 2013 not only in the number of flights, but also of customers, making us the leading Spanish airline.

The 737-800 forms the backbone of Air Europa's short and medium-haul fleet with the Spanish carrier set to take delivery of another nine aircraft.

In 2012, the Mallorca-based operator was the first in Spain to introduce the Boeing Sky Interior to its Next-Generation 737 fleet, Air Europa is also the Spanish launch customer for the revolutionary 787 Dreamliner, with eight currently on order.

Todd Nelp, vice president of European Sales, Boeing Commercial Airplanes said:

"Air Europa has long been at the forefront of Spanish aviation, offering its passengers an ever increasing range of destinations, while maintaining the highest levels of reliability, safety and customer service. The Next-Generation 737 has been an outstanding airplane for Air Europa and we are confident that it, along with the 787 Dreamliner, will play a significant role in the airline's continued success."

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Qatar Airways increases China presence with flights to Hangzhou

By BA Staff


Qatar Airways announced it will begin flights to Hangzhou, China beginning 20 December 2013. The non-stop service from Doha to Hangzhou, the capital city of Zhejiang Province, will fly four-times-weekly.

Qatar Airways Chief Executive Officer Akbar Al Baker said:

“This year we celebrate 10 years of flying to China. The addition of our seventh route in China will provide additional connectivity for business and leisure travellers connecting from Asia, the Middle East and GCC countries. Just two months after the launch of the Chengdu service, we are able to offer our passengers even more options for flying into China with the addition of Hangzhou.”

An Airbus A330 will be operated on the Doha – Hangzhou route. The aircraft will feature 260 seats with 24 seats in Business Class and 236 seats in Economy. Selected aircrafts will feature seatback TV screens.


Qatar Airways began operations to China in 2003 with the launch non-stop flights to Shanghai, with the airline further expanding its portfolio over the past decade with the addition of Beijing, Guangzhou, Hong Kong, Chongqing and Chengdu.

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Alaska Airlines inaugurates new service between Boise, Idaho, and San Diego

By BA Staff

Alaska Airlines began daily service between Boise, Idaho, and San Diego, from this month, as the carrier celebrates 30 years of service to Boise Airport. To celebrate the new flights, Alaska is offering one-way fares starting from $99* between Boise and San Diego.

Joe Sprague, vice president of marketing said:

"Alaska Airlines offers more flights from Boise than any other airline—a total of 19 peak daily departures to six different cities. With the addition of San Diego, our Boise customers can visit two sun-filled destinations. They can enjoy San Diego as well as easy connections on Alaska Airlines flights to Los Cabos, Mexico."

Boise Airport Director Rebecca Hupp said:

"We are very excited that Alaska Airlines is adding nonstop service from Boise to San Diego. Alaska is a valued airline partner in the Boise region with strong passenger loyalty and broad community support. We're pleased that they continue to expand service and be successful here. With increased frequencies to both Portland and Seattle and the new nonstop to San Diego, Alaska Airlines offers convenient, high-quality travel options for Boise travelers."

Summary of new service:
Start date	City pair	Departs	Arrives	Frequency
Nov. 1	Boise-San Diego	10:30 a.m.	11:40 a.m.	Daily
Nov. 1	San Diego-Boise	5:35 p.m.	8:45 p.m.	Daily

All times based on local time zones

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