New Delhi is first airport terminal globally to register at UN as ‘Clean Development Mechanism’ project

By BA Staff
Terminal 3 (T3) of Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGIA), New Delhi, has become the first terminal in the world to have successfully registered with United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) as Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) project for its emission reduction initiatives.

The 'Mudras' wall at Terminal 3, New Delhi IGI airport. Photo copyright Devesh Agarwal. Used with permission.

T3 has adopted various energy efficient measures thereby reducing greenhouse gas emissions of 16,413 tons of CO2 annually into the atmosphere. These measures include energy efficient initiatives for Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC), improved roof insulation, radar sensor based escalators, and travelators and a tempered cooling system.

The project made use of the approved CDM methodology AMS II.E (Energy efficiency and fuel switching measures for buildings) for calculating the emission reduction potential. CDM is one of the flexibility mechanisms defined under Kyoto Protocol, which provides market based measures to reduce the greenhouse gas emissions.

UNFCCC is an international environmental treaty that was announced at the United Nations Conference on Environment and Development (UNCED) (informally known as the Earth Summit) in Rio de Janeiro in June 1992.

‘Energy Efficiency’ is one of the core objectives of the ‘National Action Plan on Climate Change’ of India and which T3 of IGIA has successfully addressed. The CDM project results in reduction of total energy consumption and saving in the use of fossil fuels and its associated greenhouse gas emissions.

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US Federal Aviation Administration gives Santa One a go for launch

By BA Staff

The US regulator, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) said Santa Claus, his elfin crew and the Santa One sleigh are GO for the annual round-the-world flight that will deliver presents to good boys and girls everywhere.

Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx said:

“This is my first holiday season as Secretary of Transportation, and I feel a special responsibility to make sure Santa’s flight goes off without a hitch,” 

While there were no external changes to Santa One this year, FAA inspectors put in many hours ensuring that the sleigh’s systems – and especially its crew – met all applicable regulations. The agency approved installation of a state-of-the-art Wi-Fi system so Santa’s helpers can use their Portable Electronic Devices (PEDs) to connect with the internet. Thanks to the FAA’s policy change in late October, the elves may now use their PEDs from take-off to landing to keep in touch with the North Pole.

The Jolly Old Elf himself will employ modern computer technology in the sleigh’s captain’s seat. After an evaluation period, FAA inspectors gave Santa a thumbs-up to use a tablet computer instead of paper documents to store his flight plan, chimney approach charts and Naughty-or-Nice checklist.

FAA Administrator Michael Huerta said:

“We’re helping Santa fly smarter and faster while making sure he has a safe and successful mission”

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Boeing delivers first 747-8 with performance-improved engines

By BA Staff

Boeing image

Boeing delivered the first 747-8 with performance-improved GEnx-2B engines as part of the airplane's Performance Improvement Package (PIP.)

A Cathay Pacific Airways Cargo 747-8F Freighter was the first aircraft delivered with the new PIP engines.

The engine is the first of the package's three improvements to enter service. The two other components, Flight Management Computer (FMC) software upgrades and reactivation of the horizontal tank fuel system on the passenger version, the 747-8 Intercontinental, are expected to enter service later this month and in early 2014, respectively.

The PIP engine improves the airplane's efficiency by 1.8 percent. All three PIP components can be retrofitted on the 747-8. The tail fuel reactivation is applicable only for the 747-8 Intercontinental and the FMC upgrades can also be made to existing 747-400s.

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Air Caraïbes places order for three A350-1000s and will lease a further three A350-900s from ILFC.

By BA Staff

Air Caraibes has signed a firm contract with Airbus S.A.S. for three A350-1000s, the largest member of Airbus’ new generation A350XWB Family.

The airline will also lease three new A350-900s from ILFC. The aircraft will enter into service between 2016 and 2022.

The Air Caraïbes’ A350-1000s will seat 439 passengers in three classes, and the -900 will seat 387 passengers. 

The aircraft will be operated on the airline’s routes from Paris to Guadeloupe, Martinique, Saint-Marteen, Haïti, Saint-Domingue and French Guyana which are currently flown by five A330s.

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Season's Greetings from Bangalore Aviation

Dear friends and supporters

We at Bangalore Aviation wish you very happy Seasons Greetings. May your holidays be merry, your celebrations be safe, and may the new year bring you lots of happiness, prosperity, joy, and success.

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British Airways Boeing 747 slices into house

by Devesh Agarwal

This picture by Twitter user @HarrietTolputt says it all. A British Airways 747 sliced through a brick house at Johannesburg OR Tambo airport.

Looking at the proximity of the house, and the length of the wing that has gone in to the house, I am wondering "Why has this not happened before?" A house could not spring up overnight. Looks like the pilot took the wrong taxiway, an amateurish mistake one does not expect from the very professional and well trained pilots of British Airways.

Surely this falls in to the category, "strange but true".

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Video: Another Times of India miraculous escape? A late go-around by a large Boeing 747-400F freighter

by Devesh Agarwal

I wonder how Times of India, and other sensationalist media in India would classify this late go-around at Amsterdam Schipol airport? Another "miraculous escape"?

Keep in mind the aircraft doing these acrobatic manoeuvres is a 350 ton Boeing 747-400F freighter of AirBridge Cargo registration VP-BIK.

Approaching in extreme cross wind conditions, the pilot decides at the very last minute that landing is not comfortable and opts for a go-around. Observe how smoothly the giant aircraft is handled and taken away from the runway.



A few minutes later, the pilot comes back for a second landing and nails it.

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Can you spot the faux pas on British Airways' Boeing 747-400 fleet information website?

by Devesh Agarwal

As I type this post, I am laughing my rear-end off. Christmas week is fun and frolic and I guess British Airways is thinking of combining the holiday cheer with April Fool's Day.

See below the screen capture taken today at 18:31 (13:00 GMT) from British Airways' website offering fleet information on the Boeing 747-400.

Screen capture of British Airways website showing fleet information on their Boeing 747-400

Can you figure out the faux pas made by one of the world's oldest airlines? Share your observation via a comment?

Need a clue? Think of how to improve fuel efficiency.
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Still not sure? Looks like BA engineers have managed to get their 747s equipped with just two engines instead of the normal four.

Reminds me of the article on Kingfisher's four engined wide-body A320.

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Singapore Airlines A380 diverts to New Delhi on medical emergency

by Devesh Agarwal

Just as there are talks of permitting A380 operations in India, a Singapore Airlines Airbus A380-800 registration 9V-SKT operating flight SQ321 from London Heathrow, United Kingdom to Singapore Changi airport, with 388 passengers onboard (number of crew unknown at this time) was forced to divert to New Delhi's Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGIA), India, due to a medical emergency.

Singapore Airlines A380-800. Image copyright Devesh Agarwal. Used with permission. May not be copied or re-distributed.

The flight landed at 12:29 local (06:59Z). The ill passenger was taken to the airport hospital for check-up and treatment. The flight departed for Singapore at 14:30 (09:00Z).

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One day offer, Air France-KLM-Delta offers "almost free" fares for children this Christmas

by Devesh Agarwal

Air France-KLM and their joint venture partner Delta Air Lines have a one-day “Santa Surprise" offer for all children travelling to Europe, with their family on the three airlines.

All children up to the age of 11 years and 11 months will have to pay only 1% of the adult fare. This “Santa Offer” is valid for booking and ticketing only on 24th December 2013 for outbound travel on or before March 31, 2014. This offer is only valid for India.

To avail the offer, call the Air France - KLM sales and service center or contact your travel agent.

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A must read financial and operational analysis of IndiGo

by Devesh Agarwal

John Samuel Raja and Binoy Prabhakar of The Economic Times (ET) have done a fine forensic analysis on the financial reports of InterGlobe, the parent of IndiGo airlines.

We at Bangalore Aviation strongly recommend you read this article and compliment the authors on their fine work.

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Jet Airways to lease three A330-200s to Turkish Airlines

by Devesh Agarwal and Vinay Bhaskara

In a December 12th filing with the Borsa Istanbul stock exchange (BIST), national carrier Turkish Airlines has said it will lease three Airbus A330-200 aircraft from India's Jet Airways for a period of six years. The financial details of the proposed lease were not made available. The middle-eastern giant will lease another five A330s from Dutch lessor AerCap for a period of eight years.

Bulk of Jet's A330s sitting on the ground. Photo copyright 2012 Devesh Agarwal.

Turkish Airlines (THY) has been leasing aircraft from Jet Airways since 2008 and once again in 2013, as the Indian carrier found it difficult to fill most of its international wide-body fleet. At one point 70% of Jet's Boeing 777-300ER fleet was leased out, with four aircraft leased to Turkish Airlines and three to Thai Airways. Jet even sold one of its Boeing 777s, strangely a money spinner for most of the world's airlines, but not for Jet.

Till recently, much of Jet's A330-200 fleet was grounded at Indian airports thanks to aggressive route rationalisation by the airline. In the second quarter of this fiscal year, Jet lost a whopping Rs.123 crores, just on the costs of keeping its aircraft on the ground.

Five of the ten grounded A330-200 aircraft have been leased by Jet, though on a short term basis, to 24% stake-holder, Abu Dhabi based Etihad Airways PJSC. The deal with Turkish was expected, after a deal to sell the remaining five A330s to Kuwait Airways fell through last month.

Repeated requests to Jet Airways for comments on this story were not answered.

It is an economically sensible deal for Jet Airways. In one stroke it is addressing a major cash drain, and ensuring long term dollar denominated revenue for itself. While a sale which would have brought in one-time income which would have reduced long-term lower cost debt, a lease will give Jet a long term hedge against potential rupee devaluations and the ability to pay off its $400 million high interest rate debt. Jet is reeling under a total debt load of about $1.9 billion.

As Jet Airways continues to turn over its long haul operations to Etihad and Abu Dhabi via the Jetihad partnership, look for the carrier to continue to seek out incremental opportunities to earn rent on its under-utilised assets.

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British Airways to commence 787 service to Hyderbad in March 2014

by Devesh Agarwal

Image courtesy British Airways

Flag carrier British Airways will bring its latest aircraft, the 787-8 Dreamliner to India in the summer 2014 schedule which starts on March 30th. The aircraft has 214 seats in a three-class cabin layout with 35 business class seats, 25 economy plus, and 154 economy class seats. The aircraft features the latest cabin product of British Airways, though the economy class is the bone crunching nine-abreast seating.

Hyderabad will be the first destination in India, as the airline currently flies a daily 767-300 to the city with 189 seats in a three-class cabin layout with 24 business, 24 economy plus and 141 economy class seats.

The most rational explanation for the airline to operate the 787 to Hyderabad appears to be the similarity in size.

British Airways is also expanding routes using its new aircraft. Their A380 will begin flying between London Heathrow and Washington Dulles from September 1, 2014. The aircraft is already flying between London Heathrow and Los Angeles and Hong Kong direct, and will start services between London and Johannesburg in February 2014.

The airline's Boeing 787s will fly nonstop between London and Austin, Texas from March 3, 2014, Philadelphia, USA, from June 5 and Calgary, Canada from July 5, 2014. In addition to Hyderabad, the 787 will commence Chengdu, China as another Asian destination from May 5, 2014.

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Video: Emirates operates longest A380 flight Dubai Los Angeles

by Devesh Agarwal

The world's largest A380 operator, Dubai-based Emirates airline recently commenced flying the super-jumbo on its Dubai Los Angeles route. At 16h20m, it is the longest A380 flight. Start the week with a video showing the inaugural flight which received the water cannon salute from the rescue and fire-fighters of Los Angeles airport.

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Cathay Pacific become first Asia Pacific airline to order Boeing 777-9X

by Devesh Agarwal

Cathay Pacific Boeing 777-300ER in special livery.

Long time Boeing customer, Cathay Pacific Airways become the first Asia-Pacific airline to order the new 777-9X. The Hong Kong based carrier has placed an order for 21 of the mini-jumbo long haul aircraft valued at $7 million at list prices. The 777X program created waves in the industry last month, when it garnered a whopping 259 orders and commitments valued at over $95 billion at the Dubai air show.

Hong Kong's flag carrier operates 55 777s, including 38 777-300ERs and an all-Boeing freighter fleet that includes 13 747-8F Freighters. Like the 777-300ER, there is only the General Electric GE9X engine option for the 777-9X.

The GE9X engine for Boeing's 777X family will be in the 100,000-pound thrust class with a 10 percent improvement in fuel burn over today's GE90-115B. Key features of the new engine include, the industry’s largest front fan, composite fan case and fourth-generation composite fan blades, highest pressure ratio compressor for any large GE engine, third-generation TAPS (twin annular pre-swirl) combustor for greater efficiency and low emissions, and ceramic matrix composite (CMC) material in the combustor and turbine.

Image courtesy Cathay Pacific Airways

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Please offer your opinion on the new look of Bangalore Aviation

Dear Readers and Friends,

For the last week, Vedant has been diligently working on the new Bangalore Aviation site. It is a major work involving significant effort, since we are shifting platforms from Blogger to WordPress.

Please keep in mind, WordPress works differently than Blogger, and images are not yet fully imported. Also WP uses categories, tags and authors separates, while Blogger uses only tags. The template uses Categories for classification of stories, so we are working on this too.

The new categories are proposed in the menu. Suggestions on categories are also welcome.

Please visit www.avgeek.in to see the work in progress, and then please come back here and post your comments on what you see. Please offer your suggestions what should be changed.

The new template is fully responsive, and should work well with tablets and mobile phones too.

Thanks in advance for your time, support and effort.

Devesh Agarwal

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Photos: First flight of Asiana Airlines' first A380

by Devesh Agarwal

Korea's Asiana Airlines’ first A380 has successfully completed its maiden flight. The A380 flew from Airbus’ facilities in Toulouse, France to the aircraft manufacturer’s site in Hamburg, Germany, where it will undergo painting and cabin furnishing.

Asiana Airlines will become the twelfth operator of the A380 when it takes delivery of its first aircraft in the second quarter of 2014. The airline has firm orders for six A380s and will operate the aircraft on its primary routes from Seoul to the United States.

Below are two high resolution photos from Airbus which you can right click and download.

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AirAsia X orders 25 additional A330-300

by Devesh Agarwal

AirAsia X, the long haul, low fare airline affiliate of the AirAsia Group has placed an order for 25 more A330-300s with European airframer Airbus.

The order is valued at US$ 6 billion at list prices. This order increases AirAsia X’s total orders to 57 A330-300s, which are scheduled to be completed by 2019. Fifty-one direct on Airbus and six to be leased from the International Lease Finance Corporation (ILFC).

(L-R) John Leahy, Chief Operating  Officer, Customers, Airbus, Fabrice Brégier, Chief Executive Officer, Airbus, Kiran Rao, EVP Sales, Strategy and Marketing, Airbus, Tan Sri Tony Fernandes, Co-Founder and Director of AirAsia X, Jerome Causse, Sales Manager, Airbus and Azran Osman- Rani, Chief Executive Officer of AirAsia X. AirAsia X image.

AirAsia X will start taking delivery of its newly-ordered A330-300s in 2015. It is expected to be deployed on the carrier's Asia-Pacific network. However, the new order includes the latest extended range versions of the A330-300, providing the carrier with the ability to offer non-stop service to destinations in Europe or one-stop service to the US.

AirAsia X currently operates 15 A330-300s on services linking its Kuala Lumpur base to 18 destinations in Asia, Australia and Saudi Arabia. In addition to A330s, the carrier also has 10 A350-XWB aircraft on order for future delivery. The AirAsia Group is one of Airbus’s largest airline customers in the world. In total, it has ordered 536 Airbus aircraft including 475 A320 Family single aisle aircraft for AirAsia’s short haul operations based out of Kuala Lumpur, Bangkok, Jakarta and Manila, plus the 51 A330s and 10 A350 XWBs for AirAsia X.

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Jet Airways' new services to middle-east via Abu Dhabi scissor hub

by Devesh Agarwal

From January 15, 2014, Jet Airways is adding two new daily flights to Dammam, Saudi Arabia. A non-stop from Kochi, and from Chennai with a stop in Abu Dhabi. Jet is also re-timing its existing Kochi Abu Dhabi Kuwait flight to offer passengers an evening connection to Dammam on the Chennai Abu Dhabi Dammam flight.

All flights will be operated by Boeing 737-800s in a two class configuration either 16 seats in business and 138 in economy or 8 seats in business and 162 in economy.

9W 570 will depart Kochi at 06:20 arrive Dammam at 09:20.
9W 569 will depart Dammam at 10:20 arrive Kochi at 17:20.
9W 526 will depart Chennai at 20:15 arrive Abu Dhabi at 23:25. Depart Abu Dhabi 01:45 the next morning arrive Dammam at 02:10.
9W 525 will depart Dammam at 06:50 arrive Abu Dhabi at 09:15. Depart at Abu Dhabi at 10:45 arrive Chennai 16:15.

Using Abu Dhabi as a scissor hub, Jet Airways is rescheduling 9W 576, its evening Kochi Kuwait City flight via Abu Dhabi, to synchronise with the Chennai Abu Dhabi Dammam flight. This should give Chennai passengers a connection to Kuwait City should Jet Airways so choose and Kochi passengers connection to Dammam.

Map courtesy GCMap.com.

9W 576 will depart Kochi at 20:40 arrive Abu Dhabi at 23:30. Depart Abu Dhabi at 01:45 the next morning arriving Kuwait City at 02:55.
9W 575 will depart Kuwait City at 06:35 arrive Abu Dhabi at 09:15. Depart Abu Dhabi at 10:40 arrive Kochi at 16:00

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Video: Interglobe's new A320 flight simulator training centre near New Delhi

by Devesh Agarwal

Late last month we reported on the Interglobe-CAE joint venture simulator training centre near New Delhi. Here is a video promotion of the same facility.


With a hat-tip to @neelammathews

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