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

by Devesh Agarwal

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

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

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

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

Delta Boeing 757 BusinessElite cabin

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

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

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

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

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Alaska Airlines offers double frequent flier miles from Seattle

By BA Staff

Alaska Airlines is offering members of its Mileage Plan™ frequent flyer programme, double miles on nonstop flights between Seattle and five Californian cities and Las Vegas, till May 31, 2014.

Alaska customers can earn double miles on all flights between Seattle and Los Angeles, San Francisco, Oakland, San Jose, Santa Rosa and Las Vegas. The double miles will also count toward status in the airline's MVP and MVP Gold elite-level programs.

Caroline Boren, Alaska Airlines' managing director of loyalty marketing and customer advocacy said:

"With 62 flights a day between California and Seattle, earning miles and elite status in our award-winning Mileage Plan is easier and faster with Alaska Airlines than any other carrier."

The threshold for Alaska Airlines' Mileage Plan members to earn MVP status is only 20,000 miles — 5,000 fewer miles than most other airline frequent flier programs.

Two roundtrip flights between Seattle and Los Angeles would earn enough miles with the double miles offer to qualify for a one-way intra-state award ticket, which requires only 7,500 miles. Double miles are valid on all revenue fare categories on Alaska Airlines

Sample double miles earned: 

Seattle-Los Angeles	1,908 miles roundtrip	3,816 with double miles
Seattle-Las Vegas	1,732 miles roundtrip	3,464 with double miles
Seattle-San Jose	1,392 miles roundtrip	2,784 with double miles
Seattle-San Francisco	1,356 miles roundtrip	2,712 with double miles
Seattle-Oakland	1,342 miles roundtrip	2,684 with double miles
Seattle-Santa Rosa	1,236 miles roundtrip	2,472 with double miles

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Etihad Airways to commence Los Angeles flights using Air India 777-200LRs?

by Devesh Agarwal

Etihad Airways Boeing 777-300ER

Etihad Airways, the national airline of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), today announced the launch of direct non stop flights between its home base of Abu Dhabi (AUH) to Los Angeles, California, USA (LAX), from June 1, 2014, subject to regulatory approvals.

The announcement goes on to say,

Etihad will deploy a three class ultra-long haul (ULH) Boeing 777-200LR on the Los Angeles route. The aircraft will be configured to carry 237 guests, with 8 Diamond First Class suites, 40 Pearl Business Class flatbed seats, and 189 Coral Economy Class seats.

This is interesting since the airline does not have any 777-200LR's in its fleet, nor does it have any on order with airframer Boeing. It appears that Etihad will commence the Los Angeles services using 777-200LR (77L) aircraft it is expected to buy from national carrier Air India which has been trying to sell five of its 77Ls for some time now, without success

The purchase of the 77Ls could be a quid-pro-quo on the part of the UAE government for the recent approval of the 400% increase in seat allocation between India and Abu Dhabi under the bilateral air services agreement (BASA) and approval of the 24% stake purchase by Etihad in Jet Airways.

The Air India 77Ls are configured in an eight first class (non-suite), 35 business class and 195 economy class cabin, and this will imply that Etihad re-configure and upgrade the cabin to its specifications after completing the purchase.

When compared to fellow UAE carrier Emirates' 77L configuration of 8/42/216 seats, it appears that Etihad will opt for a more comfortable nine-abreast economy class configuration.

Schedule

Flight EY171 will depart daily from Abu Dhabi at 08:45 and arrive in Los Angeles at 14:15 the same day. The return flight, EY170, will the depart Los Angeles at 16:15 and arrive in Abu Dhabi at 19:35 the following day. The timings are designed to provide onward connectivity to the Indian sub-continent.

Los Angeles will be the airline's fourth destination in the United States, joining Chicago, New York and Washington D.C, all of which see a daily non stop from Abu Dhabi.

Etihad Airways will extend its code-share partnership, in place since September 2009, with American Airlines on the Los Angeles flights. Etihad markets its EY code on American flights through its current gateways of Chicago, New York and Washington DC to more than 70 US cities. American places its AA code on all Etihad Airways flights between the US and UAE.

Visit the Etihad for more details.

What are your thoughts? Share them via a comment.

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PHOTOS: Star Alliance opens new lounge at Los Angeles International Airport

by BA Staff

The new joint Star Alliance lounge at the Tom Bradley International Terminal (TBIT) at Los Angeles International Airport opened its doors on 25th September. The new lounge, designed by global architectural firm Gensler, has more than 18,000 square feet of floor space, and an open air terrace offering panoramic views of the airport's northern runway looking towards the Hollywood Hills. In addition to the terrace, the lounge also offers a bar area, a library space, a den, a study, a media room, and eight shower rooms.

The lounge has space for around 400 passengers, including an exclusive area for passengers traveling in First Class. Access is provided for passengers traveling in Business or First Class, or for passengers with Star Alliance Gold frequent flyer status. The following are pictures of the new lounge:

Image Credit: Star Alliance

Image Credit: Star Alliance

Image Credit: Star Alliance

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Emirates announces new service to Boston

by Vinay Bhaskara

Image Credit: Devesh Agarwal ~ Bangalore Aviation

Middle Eastern carrier Emirates has continued its rapid expansion into the North American market by announcing the commencement of daily nonstop services between its global hub at Dubai and Boston to commence from 10th March, 2014. The new flights will be served using Emirates' Boeing 777-200LR aircraft, seating 266 passengers in a three class configuration (8F / 42J / 216Y). Flight schedules for the new route are as follow:

Route	Depart	Arrive	Frequency
DXB-BOS	0945	1515	Daily
BOS-DXB	2255	1910	Daily

Boston becomes Emirates' eighth US destination after New York JFK, Dallas-Fort Worth, Seattle-Tacoma, Washington Dulles, Houston, Los Angeles, and San Francisco. The airline has announced a plan to more than double the number of routes it serves in the United States over the next three to five years to 15 routes. In October, they will launch a third daily service to New York JFK via Milan's Malpensa International Airport.

As with many of Emirates' North American services, the new route will draw heavily on origin and destination traffic to and from the Indian subcontinent. Nearly 200 daily passengers traveled between Boston and India in each direction in 2011, much of it high-yielding business traffic in the information technology (IT) sector). And for Emirates, India represents nearly 12% of its network traffic.

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Virgin America Reports August Traffic

By BA Staff

Image Credit: Virgin America

San Francisco-based Virgin America reported its preliminary operational results for August and August year-to-date. Virgin America’s August 2013 traffic (revenue passenger miles) decreased 5.1 percent on capacity (measured in available seat miles) that was 5 percent lower than in August 2012.

Load factor was 82.2 percent, which is unchanged from the same month a year prior. The number of onboard passengers fell 1.9 percent compared with August 2012. Virgin America estimates August 2013 passenger revenue per available seat mile (PRASM) to have increased by between 8 and 9 percent, compared with the same month in 2012.

	August				August Year to Date
	2013	2012	Change		2013	2012	Change
Revenue Passenger Miles (000)	913,612	962,133	5.1%		6,666,197	6,712,749	0.7%
Available Seat Miles (000)	1,110,443	1,168,567	5.0%		8,206,745	8,363,432	1.9%
Passenger Load Factor	82.2%	82.3%	0.1		81.2%	80.3%	1.0
Onboard Passengers (000)	590	601	1.9%		4,259	4,202	1.4%

Virgin America also announced the resumption of its seasonal flights between New York JFK and Palm Springs, which are offered every Saturday as the only nonstop flight between the New York City area and Palm Springs. 

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American Airline's new transcontinental A321s feature full lie flat seats in premium classes

by BA Staff

Dallas-Fort Worth based American Airlines will soon become the first airline to utilise an Airbus A321 aircraft outfitted with a three-class cabin, including full lie-flat seats in business and first class when it receives Sharklets equipped A321ceo (current engine option) jetliners later this year

American Airlines new Airbus A321, first class. Image courtesy Airbus S.A.S.

In addition to the upgraded seat offerings in first and business class, passengers throughout the cabin will experience full Wi-Fi connectivity, as well as in-flight entertainment (IFE), 110v universal AC power outlets and USB jacks at every seat. For the first time on an A321, the interior also contains four full-service galleys.

American Airlines new Airbus A321, business class. Image courtesy Airbus S.A.S.

American Airlines plans to begin operations in early 2014 with this new aircraft, starting with the 2,500-mile route between New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) and Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), and later adding additional service on the nearly 2,600 mile JFK to San Francisco International Airport (SFO) route.

American Airlines new Airbus A321, economy class. Image courtesy Airbus S.A.S.

Earlier in July this year, American Airlines took delivery of its first A320 Family aircraft – a Sharklet equipped A319 – as part of the carrier’s fleet renewal plan.

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LAN Peru to eliminate Lima - San Francisco

by BA Staff

Image Credit: JetDriver

South American oneworld member LAN Peru has announced that it is eliminating nonstop service between its hub at Lima, Peru and San Francisco effective 1st April, 2014. LAN inaugurated services to San Francisco just four years ago in 2010.

LATAM Airlines S.A., the parent company of LAN Peru, will continue to serve the California market via 14 flights per week between Lima and Los Angles, as well daily flights between Los Angeles and Santiago. All flights to Los Angeles are served with the carrier’s new fleet of Boeing 787-8 Dreamliners seating 247 passengers in a 2-class configuration (30J / 217Y).

The suspension is not entirely shocking, given that San Francisco is a stronghold for rival Star Alliance, and the California-South America is a notoriously low-yielding market. LAN sent out the following email notifying passengers of the cancellation

LAN Peru, an affiliate of LATAM Airlines Group S.A. (LAN Airlines), announces today that after nearly four years the airline will suspend operations out of San Francisco International Airport effective April 1, 2014. The last flight departing San Francisco to Lima will be on March 29, 2014.

Passengers can still travel to South America with the ease and convenience of oneworld® and partner airlines that offer connecting service to LAN Airlines and its affiliate's gateways of Los Angeles, Miami, New York and Orlando.

LAN Airlines and its affiliates, including LAN Peru will increase flights to 14 frequencies per week between Los Angeles and Lima onboard modern Boeing 787 aircraft. This, along with new and existing code share agreements with oneworld® and airline partners will continue to offer passengers options for easy connections from the West Coast to South America.
Passengers who have already purchased tickets for travel on LAN Peru from San Francisco International Airport for travel after April 1, 2014, may call their preferred travel agency or LAN customer service at 1-866-I-FLY-LAN (1-866-435-9526) to update their travel arrangements.

Best Regards,
LATAM Airlines Group S.A.

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British Airways long haul network changes: Summer 2014

by BA Staff

London based full service carrier British Airways has already begun to announce changes to its long haul network for the Summer 2014 season. Bangalore Aviation has prepared a summary of those changes below.

London Heathrow

• Accra - 10x weekly service introduced for Winter 2013/14 continues and sees capacity increase from daily Boeing 777 + thrice weekly Boeing 767 to daily 747-400 plus thrice weekly 767.
• Austin - NEW nonstop route to be served 5x weekly with Boeing 787 Dreamliner beginning 3rd March 2014, and up-gauged to daily from 4th May. 
• Entebbe - Service increases from 3x weekly to 4x weekly
• Jeddah - Upgraded from 3-class 767 to 4-class 777
• Johannesburg - Frequency decreased from 17x weekly in Summer 2013 to 14x weekly in Summer 2014: 8x weekly 747-400, 6x Airbus A380
• Los Angeles - Capacity decreased from 3x daily 747-400 to 2x daily A380
• Seattle - Frequency increased from 10x weekly introduced for Winter 2013/14 to 12x weekly: now daily 777 plus 5x weekly 747-400
• Tel Aviv- One of 3x daily flights up-gauged from 3-class Airbus A321 to 4-class 777

London Gatwick

• Antigua - Punta Cana - Increases from 2x weekly to 3x weekly 777
• Kingston - Increases from 3x weekly to 4x weekly
• Orlando - Increases from 10x weekly to 13x weekly
• St. Lucia - Increases from 6x weekly to 7x weekly

All changes are Summer 2014 vs. Summer 2013 unless otherwise noted

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Maps: Potential United Boeing 787 operations for 2014

by Vinay Bhaskara

Image Credit: United Airlines

With the announcement of thrice weekly San Francisco - Chengdu to commence in June 2014, Chicago-based full service carrier United Airlines has the planned the following long haul routes for its fleet of Boeing 787-8 Dreamliners in 2014.

San Francisco - Chengdu --> 3x weekly
San Francisco - Osaka Kansai --> Daily
Seattle - Tokyo Narita --> Daily
Denver - Tokyo Narita --> Daily
Los Angeles - Tokyo Narita --> Daily
Los Angeles - Shanghai Pudong --> Daily
Houston - Lagos --> 5x weekly

Now in order to properly rotate aircraft from the 787-8's current base at Houston, it would also make sense for United to operate daily Houston-Denver and Houston-San Francisco flights domestically using the 787. Such an operation would fully utilize United's planned fleet of 11 Boeing 787-8s with frame utilization as follows:

1 frame - San Francisco - Chengdu
1 frame - Seattle - Tokyo Narita
1 frame - San Francisco - Osaka Kansai
3 frames - Los Angeles - Tokyo Narita and Los Angeles - Shanghai Pudong (a Houston flight can be added here as well to improve utilization)
2 frames - Houston - Denver and Denver - Tokyo Narita
2 frames - Houston - San Francisco and Houston Lagos
1 frame - Spare

The 787 will be primarily used as a trans-Pacific aircraft in 2014, with six of seven long haul routes focused on Trans-Pacific flights; all from the Western United States. The maps below outline the planned (and proposed domestic) 787 routes for United in 2014. It appears that the 787 has already begun to fulfill its promised role of expanding US-Asia air links as the 767 did on trans-Atlantic flights.

Trans-Pacific

Other

Maps generated by the Great Circle Mapper - copyright © Karl L. Swartz.

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

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

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

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

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

*The following schedules are subject to government approval.

Domestic Network

Flight Frequency Changes

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

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

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

International Network

Boeing 787-8 will be introduced onto the following routes

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

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

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

Other aircraft type changes

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

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

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

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

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

Flight frequency changes

Flight frequency will temporarily decrease in response to the passenger demand

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

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

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

                       

1.       Expansion of
JAL SKY SUITE 777                         

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

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

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

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

2.       Introduction of JAL SKY SUITE 767                       

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

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

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

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

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Spirit Airlines announces new routes out of Minneapolis

by Vinay Bhaskara

Miramar, Florida based LCC Spirit Airlines has announced 4 new nonstop routes out of Minneapolis St. Paul International Airport. Beginning November 7th, the low cost carrier will have daily non-stops from Minneapolis St. Paul to Tampa, Orlando, Phoenix, and Los Angeles, complementing existing flights from Chicago O'Hare, Dallas Fort Worth, Las Vegas, Fort Myers, Fort Lauderdale, and Denver. Flight schedules for the new flights can be seen below.

NK 135 MSP-MCO D: 0750 A: 1205
NK 250 MCO-MSP D: 1255 A: 1525

NK 427 MSP-TPA  D: 1500 A: 1910
NK 428 TPA-MSP  D: 1955 A: 2020

NK 323 MSP-LAX  D: 1615 A: 1815
NK 424 TPA-MSP  D: 0805 A: 1325

NK 345 MSP-PHX  D: 0925 A: 1150
NK 424 PHX-MSP  D: 1510 A: 1915

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PHOTOS: British Airways rolls out first painted A380

by Vinay Bhaskara

The first fully painted Airbus A380 for British Airways was rolled out of Airbus' paint shop in Hamburg this past weekend. The first of 12 A380s for British Airways is scheduled to be delivered in July, and is outfitted with 469 seats. British Airways will introduce the aircraft on shorter training flights before introducing it on long haul services to Hong Kong and Los Angeles in October & November.

images courtesy of British Airways and Flightglobal

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Video: JetBlue launches first A320 retro-fitted with 'Sharklets'

by Devesh Agarwal

United States low cost carrier JetBlue has retrofitted the first Airbus A320 worldwide (N821JB), with the new fuel saving wing-tip 'Sharklet' devices. The carrier was able to carry out the retrofit quickly since the aircraft wing had already been modified to accommodate the increased weights of 'Sharklets'.

JetBlue will deploy this and other 'Sharklet' fitted A320 aircraft on their trans-continental US routes; between New York JFK and Oakland and San Francisco, and between Boston and Los Angeles, Oakland and San Francisco. About 1% of these flights have to make technical refuelling stops, mostly in Las Vegas or Salt Lake City, when there are excessive headwinds. The carrier hopes to eliminate almost all these stops with the aid of the new fuel saving winglets.

Sharklets reduce wing-tip vortexes reducing drag

'Sharklets' are to the Airbus A320 family, what the AVP Blended Winglets are to the Boeing 737NG (-700, -800, 900ER) family.

The 'Sharklet' devices help conserve fuel thus giving the airline option of an additional 100 nautical miles range or increased payload capability of up to 454 kgs. (1,000 pounds).

At present Airbus is still delivering some A320 family aircraft with the old wing-tip fence winglets.

From 2014 onwards, the airframer has indicated, from 2014 onwards, it expects only 'Sharklet' fitted aircraft to be delivered.

This is a time-lapse video of the retrofit.



Images and video, courtesy JetBlue. For more pictures click here.

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

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

American Airlines, US Airways combined route map 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Enhances Recoveries for Stakeholders

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

Company to Retain Iconic, Globally Recognized American Airlines Brand

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The combined airline is expected to:

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

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

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

Employees to Benefit from Greater Long-Term Opportunities

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

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

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

Superior Value for Stakeholders

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

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

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

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

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

Clear Roadmap to Completion

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

Tax Benefit Preservation Plan

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

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

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

Website

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

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Video: Leo Messi joins Kobe Bryant as global brand ambassador for Turkish Airlines

By Devesh Agarwal and Vinay Bhaskara

Flag carrier Turkish Airlines has signed international soccer superstar Lionel Andrés "Leo" Messi, of La Liga club, FC Barcelona FC Barcelona as a Global Brand Ambassador. Messi joins NBA superstar Kobe Bryant of the Los Angeles Lakers basketball team, and professional tennis player Caroline Wozniacki, who have been brand ambassadors for the airline since 2011 and 2010 respectively.

In September, Messi shot a "Fly With The Best" TV commercial for the airline with Kobe Bryant in which the duo competes to win the attention of a young boy.


Recently Turkish Airlines added the 200th aircraft to its fleet, and now flies to 92 countries, more than any other airline in the world.

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BREAKING NEWS: Lufthansa upgrades Bangalore and Delhi service to Boeing 747-8i this year

German flag carrier Deutsche Lufthansa AG has confirmed the news story first broken by Bangalore Aviation yesterday, that it will operate its newest aircraft the Boeing 747-8 Intercontinental to Bangalore and New Delhi soon.

The airline which took delivery of its first 747-8i just yesterday said it will commence services with flights between Frankfurt and Washington Dulles on June 1, 2012.

The next four destinations to be commenced are between Frankfurt and New Delhi, Bangalore, Chicago and Los Angeles. The airline is expecting to commence these routes within the current Summer 2012 schedule which remains in force till end October. The exact dates for commencement of operations have still to be finalised, and depend on how soon airframer Boeing makes delivery of the next four aircraft.

It appears that Lufthansa will commence its 747-8i flights to India, ahead of announced 747-8i services to Chicago and Los Angeles. The release from the airline says

New Delhi, Bengaluru, Chicago and Los Angeles will be added successively during the summer schedule with the arrival of four additional aircraft scheduled to join the Lufthansa fleet in 2012

Bringing its latest aircraft to India affirms the strong commitment of the airline to the Indian market, its second largest after the United States.

The 747-8i features Lufthansa's new swanky Business Class product (see video and photos here), and has high ceilings, mood lighting, larger overhead storage bins, and other improvements inspired by the new generation Boeing 787 Dreamliner.

Lufthansa's Boeing 747-8i retains the same three class configuration, but with almost ten per cent more seats than the current generation Boeing 747-400 358 vs. 322. It has the same eight seats in first class, 92 in business compared to the current 80, and 258 economy class compared to the current 234.

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Lufthansa takes delivery of first Boeing 747-8i. Expected to be deployed to India ahead of Chicago and Los Angeles

Launch customer and German flag carrier Deutsche Lufthansa AG has taken delivery of the first Boeing 747-8 Intercontinental (747-8i or 748i), the latest variant of probably the most recognised airplane in the world.

Lufthansa is getting the airplane which is registered D-ABYA ready for its delivery flight to Frankfurt on May 1. Boeing will host a celebration with senior executives from both companies that day while Lufthansa will host a special celebration when the airplane arrives in Frankfurt on May 2.

An informed source has indicated, that is almost certain, that Lufthansa will deploy the 748i to India, ahead of an announced deployment to Chicago and Los Angeles.

India is the second largest market for the carrier, after the US, and with India's civil aviation ministry refusing to act on the airline's long standing requests to operate the Airbus A380 superjumbo to Delhi, Lufthansa desperately needs the 747-8i to rejuvenate its Boeing 747-400 cabins which are a generation behind the competing Gulf majors. Similarly, Lufthansa is expected to upgrade the Bangalore route to the 748i in order to continue its leadership of the lucrative IT traffic with California, especially San Francisco.

The 747-8i called "The Queen of the skies" uses improvements inspired by those originally developed for the Boeing 787 Dreamliner. These include a new curved, upswept interior architecture giving passengers a greater feeling of space, increased space for cabin baggage and other personal belongings. The aircraft features Lufthansa's new business class. (See photos and video here).

The 748i is powered with GE Aviation's GEnx-2B engines which offer significantly reduced noise and fuel consumption levels.

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