United completes Economy Plus Rollout on 757s

January 31st, 2012.

Yesterday, United Airlines announced it is now offering Economy Plus seating on all long-haul international Boeing 757-200 flights, offering economy customers the option of six inches of extra legroom. 

With the reconfiguration, the aircraft have 16 flat-bed seats in BusinessFirst, 45 seats in Economy Plus and 108 in Economy. The 757-200 reconfiguration project, which began in late November, outfits those aircraft with 1,845 Economy Plus seats.

The 41 aircraft principally operate between New York/Newark and Amsterdam, Barcelona, Belfast, Berlin, Birmingham, Copenhagen, Dublin, Edinburgh, Frankfurt, Glasgow, Hamburg, Lima, Lisbon, London, Madrid, Manchester, Oslo, Paris, Shannon, Stockholm and Stuttgart, and between Washington/Dulles and Amsterdam and Paris.

“For many years, the Boeing 757 has enabled year-round service in long-haul international markets where customer demand doesn’t support the use of larger aircraft, and has allowed us to offer multiple daily flights between larger markets,” said Jim Compton, United’s executive vice president and chief revenue officer. “Customers have long enjoyed the convenience. With Economy Plus, they now have a new choice in economy-cabin comfort as well.”

Customers with premier status in United’s MileagePlus and OnePass frequent-flyer programs may confirm complimentary seat assignments in Economy Plus, when available. Customers may purchase Economy Plus seating, when available, online at united.com and continental.com, with a reservations agent, or at the airport.

United introduced Economy Plus in 1999. Today, the company offers the extra-legroom seating on more than 400 mainline aircraft and more than 150 regional jets. When fully deployed, United will offer customers more extra-legroom economy class seats than any airline in the world.

Other Product Investments

In addition to the expansion of Economy Plus seating, United continues to invest in onboard improvements:

• United has recently modified 28 three-cabin Boeing 777-200 aircraft with new premium cabins, offering flat-bed seats and audio and video on demand, as well as larger video screens and power ports in United Economy. United plans to modify 18 more Boeing 777 aircraft in the next year. United’s 23 Boeing 747-400, 21 three-cabin B767-300, 22 two-cabin B777-200 and 41 international B757-200 aircraft are already equipped with new premium cabins.
• One Boeing 767-400 aircraft now features new premium-cabin flat-bed seats, Economy Plus seating and audio and video on demand. The airline will similarly modify 11 additional B767-400 aircraft and 14 B767-300 aircraft. When completed, United will offer more flat-bed seats than any airline in the world.
• The airline will begin expanding the overhead bins in its 152 Airbus aircraft, increasing the available carryon-bag storage space by approximately two-thirds.
• United will install satellite-enabled inflight Internet service on its aircraft beginning later in 2012.
  
  
  Text property and courtesy of: United Airlines, http://www.united.com/press/detail/0,7056,69312,00.html
  
  
  Published By: Ricardo Madrid A.
  
  

  

  United uses the 757 massively for international routes out of its gateways in Newark and Washington-Dulles.

Lufthansa achieves record punctuality at Frankfurt

January 31st, 2012.

Yesterday, Lufthansa announced that Three months after the new runway at Frankfurt Airport became operational, Lufthansa has drawn up an interim assessment. Since 21 October 2011, the on-time arrival performance rating has risen by more than 14 cent compared with the same period in the previous year, and remains constant at well above 80 per cent. For the first time for many years, Frankfurt is thus on a par with comparable international hubs such as Amsterdam, London Heathrow and Munich with which the airport is in direct competition. However, the strict ban on night flights after 11pm, which was imposed at Frankfurt just as the new runway went into operation, is proving extremely problematic – not only for freighter flights but also as regards the smooth running of passenger services. As a result, 19 flights have had to be transferred to the following day despite the fact that, in many cases, the aircraft would only been airborne for a matter of minutes after 11pm. Many passengers in transit who do not have a visa for Germany have been forced to sleep at the airport on camp beds or on bench seats. 

“The additional capacity we have gained as a result of the new Northwest Runway is immensely important for reliable flight operations at our home base, Frankfurt.  It is essential if we are to maintain our position among the world’s leading international hubs,” explains Kay Kratky, member of the Lufthansa German Airlines Board, Frankfurt & Flight Operations. “But we are also aware that the new runway has led to a redistribution of noise. As a result, some of the residents living within the noise footprint of aircraft using  the Northwest Runway are now affected. At the same time, other neighbouring communities have benefited and now experience less noise, thanks to the new approach and departure routes. With our partners – the airport operator Fraport and German Air Traffic Control (DFS) – we are working intensively on measures to reduce aircraft noise for all those affected as soon as possible.”

The new runway has removed the previous bottlenecks at Frankfurt Airport, and flight operations have become more stable following the increase in capacity. For many passengers in transit, reliable quality is a decisive factor in their choice of airport. In the last three months, thanks to more stable operations, the percentage of passengers missing their connecting flight has fallen by 25 per cent compared with the previous months.

Fewer holding patterns above Frankfurt Airport – Environmental benefits of reducing CO₂emissions and fuel consumption
The environment is also benefiting from the increase in capacity at the airport. Before the new runway went into operation, holding stacks over Frankfurt and the surrounding area were a daily occurrence. Many aircraft often had to circle unnecessarily over the Rhine-Main area before they were granted landing permission. That not only caused delays but also raised CO₂ emissions and fuel consumption. Thanks to the additional capacity for arrivals and departures, airborne waiting times during the approach to Frankfurt have been reduced by two and a half hours per day at Lufthansa alone. Over the past three months, this has led to savings of about five and a half tonnes of jet fuel and 17.3 tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions per day.

Text property and courtesy of: Lufthansa, http://presse.lufthansa.com/en/news-releases/singleview/archive/2012/january/30/article/2073.html.

Published by: Ricardo Madrid A.

Lufthansa is the leading airline at Frankfurt, where it hosts its mega hub.

QantasLink expands across Queensland.

January 31st, 2012.

Today, QantasLink announced a significant boost to services throughout Queensland.

QantasLink will launch Boeing 717 services to Rockhampton and Gladstone on 15 March and Mackay on 26 March 2012 following the addition of the B717 aircraft into its fleet.

QantasLink was recently voted the world’s best regional airline by prestigious aviation journal Air Transport World.

QantasLink Executive Manager Narendra Kumar said he was very pleased to announce that QantasLink would be jetting off to three booming Queensland destinations.

“The introduction of QantasLink’s two new B717 aircraft in Queensland will deliver an increase of over 200,000 seats per year in Queensland,” Mr Kumar said.

“QantasLink’s new 115-seat B717 services will offer customers faster flight times and more seats at peak times by complementing existing aircraft on these routes.”

By mid year, the QantasLink B717 services will result in:
- 1,674 additional seats per week to Gladstone which will see QantasLink provide more than 9,100 seats per week on the route.
- 806 additional seats on QantasLink services increasing seats offered by the Qantas Group between Brisbane and Mackay to 13,884 per week (operated by both Jetstar and QantasLink).
- 598 additional seats to Rockhampton, offering over 8,400 seats per week.

QantasLink has also today announced it will introduce new Q300 and Q400 aircraft services across several key Queensland destinations including:
- Increased flights to Emerald from 76 to 84 flights per week resulting in an additional 592 seats.
- Roma will have an additional two flights per week which will offer QantasLink customers 244 extra seats.
- Four extra flights will operate to Bundaberg creating 200 more seats.

QantasLink also recently added new services and upgraded capacity between:
- Cairns and Weipa taking the number of services per week to 34.
- Upgraded two Wednesday services between Cairns and Horn Island and Townsville and Cloncurry/Mt Isa to a Q400 74 seat aircraft.
- A twice weekly service has also been added on the Townsville and Moranbah route.

QantasLink customers can book tickets on these new services from today by visiting qantas.com

Text courtesy and property of: Qantas Airways Limited, http://www.qantas.com.au/regions/dyn/au/publicaffairs/details?ArticleID=2012/jan12/5357.

Published By: Ricardo Madrid A.

QantasLink handles Qantas' regional flights.

Emirates upgrades services to Dublin

January 30th, 2012.

Today, Just three weeks after the launch of flights to Dublin, Emirates has announced a larger aircraft will be deployed on the route from 1st July.

The new passenger service, launched on 9th January, has already become one of the airline’s most successful route launches with load factors driving through 90% for many of the flights.

The daily Dubai-Dublin service is currently operated with a 237-seat Airbus A330-200, arranged in a three class configuration.

“Normally, this would provide enough capacity for the first 2-3 years of a new route operation, said Salem Obaidalla, Emirates’ Senior Vice President, Commercial Operations, Europe & Russian Federation. “However, Dublin is exceeding our expectations much faster than was predicted and we need more seats to satisfy demand.”

From July onwards, the replacement Boeing 777-300ER provides a total of 360 seats, representing an increase in capacity of 52%. The Boeing offers 310 seats in Economy Class, 42 in Business Class and 8 First Class Private Suites.

The 360-seat Boeing 777-300ER will serve Dublin from 1st July.

“A bigger aircraft means more good news for the Irish economy. We can bring extra visitors to the country and carry additional cargo,” said Mr Obaidalla. “The A330-200 can carry up to 15 tonnes of cargo in the belly hold – this figure rises to 25 tonnes with the introduction of the 777.”

Throughout all cabin classes of the 777, passengers will be able to enjoy the 1000-plus channels of the ice entertainment system, thoroughly enjoyed by travellers, especially those connecting through Dubai on longer journeys, or those with children.

Emirates’ passengers departing Dublin can conveniently connect to more than 100 destinations, such as India, Thailand and Australia, with just one stop in Dubai.
While Dublin has been Emirates’ first passenger service into Ireland, the airline has been serving the market through its air freight division for many years, transferring cargo through UK gateways, such as Manchester.

Emirates Holidays, Emirates’ tour operating arm, will feature Dublin in its 2012 A World of Choice brochure. Nine hotels and resorts – including six Dublin City hotels and three resorts outside Dublin – will be carried in the publication.

Return fares from Dubai to Dublin start from AED 2,880 in Economy, AED 14,660 in Business Class and AED 23,820 when travelling in a First Class Private Suite.

Already this year, the airline has launched new routes to Rio and Buenos Aires and will start flights to Lusaka and Harare on 1st February. Dallas will follow from 2nd February, Seattle as of 1st March, Ho Chi Minh City from 4th June and Barcelona effective 3rd July.

Current Dublin flight times:

EK 0161 leaves Dubai at 0700hrs daily and arrives in Dublin at 1130hrs. EK 0162 departs Dublin at 1255hrs and lands in Dubai at 0025hrs the next day.

Summer timings - effective 25th March 2012:

EK 0161 leaves Dubai at 0700hrs daily and arrives in Dublin at 1215hrs. EK 0162 departs Dublin at 1350hrs and lands in Dubai at 0025hrs the next day.

Text and images, property  and courtesy of: Emirates, http://www.emirates.com/english/about/news/news_detail.aspx?article=779072&offset=0

Published by: Ricardo Madrid A.

American Increases service to Latin America

January 28th, 2012.

Last January 26th, American Airlines announced changes to its spring and summer schedule that will expand the airline's presence in Brazil.  Beginning in December, American's route between Dallas/Fort Worth (DFW) and Sao Paulo (GRU) will operate with the new state-of-the-art Boeing 777-300ER, making Brazil the first market for the new aircraft.  Further emphasizing American's commitment to Latin America, the airline will increase its service between DFW and Sao Paulo beginning in June.

In 2010, American announced plans to order the Boeing 777-300ER, demonstrating a continuation of the airline's efforts to enhance its fleet and become more fuel efficient.  American is the first U.S. airline to order and take delivery of the 777-300ER.  The new aircraft is designed to enhance the customer experience and includes fully lie-flat First and Business Class seats, plus seating plans that will allow American to offer a premium product in the Main Cabin and Wi-Fi capability to keep customers connected while traveling internationally. 

American will also increase the total number of weekly flights between DFW and Sao Paulo from seven times per week to 12 times per week beginning June 14.  Also on June 14, flights from Miami to Brasilia (BSB) and to Belo Horizonte (CNF) will increase from five and three times per week, respectively, to daily.

In addition to the increased service between DFW and Sao Paulo, American will launch new service that connects its Miami hub to Manaus, Brazil beginning in June. 

"We recognize the opportunity of the Latin American market. Our increased network announcements, along with the deployment of the 777-300ER, emphasizes American's dedication to the region," said Virasb Vahidi, American's Chief Commercial Officer. "We are devoted to our global network strategy and plan to continue capitalizing on international opportunities like those announced today to strengthen our network and provide great customer service."

Manaus will be the seventh destination served by American in Brazil.  American currently offers more routes between the two countries than any other airline.  The flight will be operated on Boeing 737-800 aircraft with 160 seats, including 16 Business Class seats and 144 seats in the Main Cabin. The 737-800 interior offers several unique features, including larger overhead bins that hold more bags than standard overhead bins.  The aircraft also includes additional features such as sculpted sidewalls providing customers a feeling of spaciousness, updated window reveals making the windows appear larger and brighter, and longer-lasting LED lighting to enhance the customer experience.  The route is currently scheduled four times per week, and customers can book travel beginning Jan. 29.  Yesterday, American filed with the U.S. Department of Transportation for authority to begin daily service in this market.

From the United States, American offers more flights to more destinations in Latin America than any other carrier.

Text, source and property of: American Airlines, http://aa.mediaroom.com/index.php?s=43&item=3444

Published by: Ricardo Madrid A.

American's 777-300ER features state-of-the-art characteristics.

4. Airline: Air Canada.

4. Airline: Air Canada.

Full Name: Air Canada.
Main Hub: Pearson international Airport, Toronto, Canada.
Other Hubs:

• Calgary International Airport, Calgary, Canada.
• Montreal-Trudeau International Airport, Montreal, Canada.
• Vancouver International Airport, Vancouver, Canada.

Focus Cities:

• Edmonton International Airport, Edmonton, Canada.
• Halifax Stanfield International Airport, Halifax, Canada.
• Ottawa Macdonald-Cartier International Airport, Ottawa, Canada.
• Winnipeg James Armstrong Richardson International Airport, Winnipeg, Canada.

Frequent-Flyer Program: Aeroplan.

Alliance: Star Alliance.

Fleet: 205.

Headquarters: Montreal, Canada.

Airline-Net Rating: Extremely Profitable - Very Profitable - Profitable - Barely Profitable - Not Profitable - Huge Loss Maker.

Copa Airlines announces services to 4 Destinations

January 28th, 2012.

Last January 25th, Copa Airlines announced that it will begin non-stop service in June 2012 from Panama to four new destinations: Recife, Brazil; Liberia, (Guanacaste), Costa Rica; Las Vegas, Nevada and the island of Curacao.

Passengers who depart or connect to these new flights through Copa's Hub of the Americas at Tocumen International Airport will have access to a network of 63 destinations in 29 countries in North, Central and South America, and the Caribbean.

As part of the airline's strategic plan, Copa will add 10 new Boeing 737-800s Next Generation aircraft this year, for a total of 83 aircraft equipped with cutting-edge technology.

Copa announced the new destinations at a press conference in Panama during the reveal of its new corporate campaign and a recap of the airline's 2011 achievements.  Last year, the airline transported 8.8 million passengers and experienced a growth in capacity of a 20% over 2010.

"Our sustained growth in the past few years has reinforced our position as the leading Latin American provider of passenger and cargo services and made an impact on the business and tourism development of Panama and Latin America," said Copa Airlines CEO, Pedro Heilbron. "We have opened doors to important key markets in the region with connectivity to 59 cities in the Americas."

Copa's achievements have been possible because "of our talented personnel, as we point out in our corporate campaign," Heilbron added. "We will continue to strengthen our leadership position by offering the best service, flight frequencies and destinations for our passengers." Heilbron said that Copa Airlines will continue to add routes as well as enhance schedules and connections in 2012, and expects to transport 10 million passengers and to experience a 20 % increase in capacity .

This growth will have a positive impact on the local economy.  Copa expects to generate more than 626 new positions in 2012 and have more than 7,900 employees system wide by year's end.

The airline also will reinforce its position as a world-class Panamanian company when it joins Star Alliance, the largest global airline alliance, in April 2012. As a result, Copa expects to increase codeshare agreements with additional airlines, especially in Asia and Europe.  In addition, Copa will reaffirm its alliance with Continental Airlines (now United) and its award-winning frequent-flyer program: MileagePlus.

New service:

• Recife, Brazil: Starting on June 23, 2012, Copa will offer four-times-weekly service to Recife, capital of the state of Pernambuco in the northern part of Brazil. The new route will be Copa's first in the northern region of Brazil and its seventh Brazilian destination.
• Liberia, (Guanacaste) Costa Rica: Earn This twice-weekly flight will increase travel options through the Hub of the Americas to the attractive province of Guanacaste, in Costa Rica, beginning June 24, 2012. Copa's flight will provide the first jet service to this major tourist area from Latin America and will be Copa's second destination in Costa Rica.
• Las Vegas, Nev.: As part of its growing North American route system, Copa Airlines will offer four-times-weekly flights to Las Vegas, a major business, convention and tourism destination. The new flight, to begin June 27, 2012, will offer the first direct connecting service from Las Vegas to Central and South America. Las Vegas will be Copa's seventh U.S. destination.
• Curacao: Copa will operate flights to this major tourist destination four times a week starting June 10, 2012. Curacao is Copa's 13^th destination in the Caribbean.

Text, property and taken from: Copa Airlines, http://www.copaair.com/sites/co/en/noticias/Pages/consolida-posicion-region.aspx

A Copa Airlines 737-800 Seen during Take-Off.

Edited By: Ricardo Madrid A.

Boeing and Norwegian Announce Order for 100 737 Max, 22 NextGen 737s

January 26th, 2012.

Yesterday, Boeing  and Norwegian have announced a firm order for 100 fuel-efficient 737 MAX airplanes and 22 Next-Generation 737-800s. The total order is valued at $11.4 billion at list prices and represents the largest-ever Boeing order from a European airline.

Oslo-based Norwegian is the first European carrier to finalize an order for the 737 MAX. The order supports Norwegian's plans to build on the success provided by its fleet of Next-Generation 737-800s for its rapidly expanding operations.

"Norwegian has become one of the largest 737 operators in Europe and has been a valued Boeing partner since the airline was established," said Aldo Basile, Boeing Commercial Airplanes vice president Sales, Europe. "Since it began operating in 2002, Norwegian has achieved tremendous success with its low-cost model, providing significant value to both its passengers and shareholders."

"This is a historic day for Norwegian – we have secured our fleet renewal for years to come and are very pleased with the agreement with Boeing," said Norwegian's CEO Bjorn Kjos. "Boeing has played a major part in our strategy to develop a cost efficient and environmentally friendly operation with high customer satisfaction. We are very happy to continue our valuable cooperation and we are proud to be the first 737 MAX customer in Europe."

"The 737 MAX will deliver fuel savings better than any competing single-aisle airplane on the market," said Basile. "We're really pleased to provide this great performance to Norwegian. Improved financial performance and improved environmental performance go hand-in-hand as fuel burn is lowered."

The 737 MAX is the new-engine variant of the world's best-selling airplane and builds on the strengths of today's Next-Generation 737. The airplane will be powered by CFM International LEAP-1B engines which will reduce fuel burn and CO2 emissions by an additional 10-12 percent over today's most fuel-efficient single-aisle airplane. The 737 MAX will have the lowest operating costs in the single-aisle segment with a 7 percent advantage per seat over tomorrow's competition.

This order continues the momentum for the 737 MAX. With the Norwegian order, the 737 MAX has orders and commitments for more than 1,000 airplanes from 15 customers and the Next-Generation 737 family has orders for more than 6,300 airplanes.

Norwegian currently operates a fleet of 62 airplanes: 48 Next-Generation 737-800s and 14 737-300s. Including today's announcement, Norwegian has 184 unfilled orders for Boeing airplanes including: 100 737 MAX airplanes, 78 Next-Generation 737-800s and six 787 Dreamliners from Boeing and leasing company partners.

Norwegian also announced a commitment for 100 A320 NEO's, but this is still to be finalized.

Norwegian Air Shuttle operates the Boeing Sky Interior.

Source and property of: The Boeing Company, official statement.

Published by: Ricardo Madrid A.

Brussels Airlines debuts with brand-new Business and Economy Class seats

January 26th, 2012.

Last January 10th, Brussels Airlines announced that Flying to New York or one of the numerous African destinations on the Brussels Airlines network will become more comfortable than ever. The airline invests 30 million euro this year in comfortable flatbed seats in Business Class, generous seating comfort in Economy Class, trendy design and revolutionary entertainment technology. Thanks to this new quality product Brussels Airlines reinforces its position as the reference airline offering the highest levels of quality.

The passenger cabins of the seven Brussels Airlines Airbus A330 aircraft will undergo a genuine makeover in 2012, focused on design, innovation, comfort and the highest levels of quality. “We're introducing this superior in-flight product based on the newest technology and based on the feedback of thousands of passengers creates high expectations and ambitions”, says co-CEO Bernard Gustin.

Business Class

Brussels Airlines Business Class passengers will soon enjoy a new trendy premium seat that can be turned into a real ‘flatbed’(180° flat position) of nearly two meters in the blink of an eye. But there’s more. The flat bed is equipped with a pneumatic cushion which allows the passenger to choose between a “soft” or a “hard” seat, according to preference, and whereby the body weight is never pressed against the seat. Brussels Airlines is one of the first airlines in the world to introduce this “Pneumatic Cushion” technology in an even more advanced version.

The flat bed also offers relaxing massage possibilities and LED mood lighting, plenty of storage for shoes or reading material and warm, contemporary colours complete the superior comfort. The seat belts carry an airbag. Thanks to the ingenious cabin configuration not less than 24 of the 30 seats have direct aisle access. 10 of the 30 Business Class passengers have no adjacent seat and all seats guarantee lots of privacy.

Economy Class

Passengers flying in Economy Class will soon travel in a stylish, ergonomic seat designed by Italian designers offering more legroom and seat comfort. Passengers will surely appreciate the 83 cm legroom that will allow them to relax even more during their flight. The headrest is adjustable in height and in width. The individual touch screen, equipped with USB port, measures not less than 22, 6 cm.

Revolutionary inflight entertainment system

The new RAVE in-flight entertainment technology, of which Brussels Airlines is amongst the launch customers, is undoubtedlyrevolutionary. Both in Business and in Economy Class the RAVE programme will be available in six different languages. The individual Business Class screen is not less than 38, 9 cm (15,3") with navigation through modern tablet style ”touch and scroll”. The on demand entertainment system, that is wirelessly connected to every individual screen (and therefore more reliable than traditional centrally-driven systems) contains over 100 hours of movies and documentaries, news programmes, games, audio and e-reading material. Passengers can even connect their own iPad or other devices to the screen in Business Class. No one will get bored on board our intercontinental flights.

Another new technology is the ‘Niceview’ flight information programme (developed by Lufthansa Technik), offering a three-dimensional view from various camera perspectives (aircraft, cockpit, cabin, ...) on which passengers can follow the exact course of the aircraft. A window seat is not necessary anymore to have a (virtual but very realistic) view on the area surrounding the aircraft. The system also offers information on connecting flights.

A new dimension

Brussels Airlines invests close to 30 million euro in its long haul fleet. Also the lavatories and galleys will be completely refurbished. “A large investment that gives a new dimension to the term “passenger comfort”, says Brussels Airlines co-CEO Bernard Gustin. “Customers boarding a Brussels Airlines long haul aircraft will have the feeling they are entering a brand new aircraft. If we compare this level of comfort to the product of other airlines on transatlantic flights or routes to and from Africa, we can conclude that we will become a real precursor and trendsetter of quality in terms of seats, relax possibilities, leg room and entertainment technology.

The refurbishing of the long haul fleet is at the same time a “green” investment. Thanks to the use of modern materials, the weight per aircraft decreases and consequently also the fuel usage and CO2 emissions.”

The first renewed aircraft will be operational as from spring 2012. Lufthansa Technik will perform the refurbishing. The new scheduled services to New York will be operated with the new in-flight product and the upgrade will be gradually available on the African network in 2012.

Text courtesy and property of: Brussels Airlines,  http://corporate.brusselsairlines.com/en_be/corp/news/press-releases/Default.aspx.

Published by: Ricardo Madrid A.

Brussels Airlines' long-haul flights are operated with the A330.

Air China to use 777-300ER to LAX

January 25th, 2012.

Last January 12th, Dr. Zhihang Chi, Air China’s Vice President & General Manager for North America, officially announced today the deployment of one of Air China’s B777-300 ERs on the Los Angeles-Beijing route effective February 1, 2012.

As the largest long-range twin-engine jetliner, the B777-300ER is cleaner, greener and more fuel-efficient. It also brings twin-engine efficiency and reliability to the long-range market.

“With its numerous performance enhancements in the range and payload capabilities, the B777-300ER is the perfect aircraft for the Los Angeles-Beijing route. The upgrade enhances Air China’s advantage in the highly competitive Los Angeles market,” Dr. Chi stated.

On September 1, 2011, Air China doubled its daily flight between Los Angeles and Beijing, the first time in the company’s history that the capacity is increased in a daily fashion to an international point. The new state-of-the-art B777-300ER will debut on the night flight, CA 984/CA983, between LAX and Beijing. Air China is the only airline that provides nonstop service between these two cities.

Passengers of Air China will be treated to a host of onboard amenities. The environment-friendly B777-300ER delivers better fuel performance and is much quieter than other aircraft. Its sculpted side walls, ceiling and overhead carry-on compartments create a feeling of openness and space. The aircraft cabin is configured with 8 Forbidden Pavilion First Class luxury suites, 41 fully-flat Capital Pavilion Business Class seats and 259 Economy Class seats. The enhanced entertainment system features generous monitor screens at 23 inches in Ffirst Cclass , 15 inches in Business Class and 9 inches in Economy Class. In addition, there is a wide range of audio and video on demand (AVOD) programs and a 3D Airshow. Personal power outlets are available in all three cabins.

Designed to ensure maximum passenger comfort, the interior of Air China’s B777-300ER features ten mood lighting variations in the Forbidden and Capital Pavilions, each timed to complement the various phases of a flight—from boarding through meal service, sleeping and pre-arrival. The ambient lighting recreates the sunset, night and sunrise to reflect the various services associated with each phase and creates a totally relaxing environment. The Air Over fridge-typed galley preserves the freshness of the inflight meals, ensuring Air China’s passengers top quality food throughout the duration of the flight. Additionally, wardrobe lockers, central bars, espresso, wine coolers, and a box for small items are available in premium cabins.

“The current day flight between Los Angeles and Beijing (CA 988/CA 987) will be upgraded to the B777-300ER in June 2012. Later this year and in early 2013, our New York and San Francisco routes are expected to be upgraded to the same aircraft as well,” Dr. Chi said.

Text courtesy and property of: Air China International, http://www.airchina.us/en/aboutus/airchinanews/2012/20120120.html

Published By: Ricardo Madrid A.

Air China's 777-300ER seen landing

Qatar Airways resumes flights to Tripoli

January 24th, 2012.

Yesterday, Qatar Airways announced it will resume flights to the Libyan capital Tripoli from February 2.

Qatar Airways Resumes Flights To Tripoli

The airline will reintroduce scheduled services between Doha and Tripoli after suspending operations last year due to the political situation. The carrier had been flying to Tripoli for nine years.

Initially, the re-launched route will be served three-times-a-week, via Alexandria, with plans to increase capacity at a later date.

Qatar Airways currently flies to Libya’s north eastern Mediterranean port city of Benghazi with four flights each week, direct from Doha.

Qatar Airways Chief Executive Officer Akbar Al Baker said reviving the Tripoli flights, now that the political situation had eased, was a welcome boost to the airline’s operations helping meet demand to and from the Libyan capital.

“Libya is an important market for us and it was unfortunate that unfolding events there had affected operations on safety grounds of all airlines flying to the country,” he said.

“We are delighted to be going back to Tripoli shortly and provide and help revive the much-needed air transport system in the country after the difficulties of the past few months.”

Qatar Airways will operate the Tripoli route with an Airbus A320 in a two-class configuration, offering 12 seats in First Class and 132 in Economy.

Aside from Tripoli, Benghazi is a major economic centre and a key destination for trade and exports with Libya’s second largest city home to many industries, including oil refining, food processing, cement production and tuna fishing.

Qatar Airways, one of the world’s fastest growing airlines, will expand its award-winning Five Star services to nine destinations during 2012 – Baku (Azerbaijan) from February 1; Tbilisi (Georgia) from February 1; Kigali (Rwanda) from March 21; Zagreb (Croatia) from May 9; Perth (Australia) from July 3; Gassim (Saudi Arabia), Helsinki (Finland), Mombasa (Kenya) and Zanzibar (Tanzania).

The DOHA – TRIPOLI schedules, with effect from 2 February 2012 are:-
Mondays, Thursdays and Fridays
Depart Doha	QR510 at 0705 hrs, arrive Tripoli at 1400 hrs via Alexandria
Depart Tripoli	QR511 at 1500 hrs, arrive Doha at 2210 hrs via Alexandria

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Source, image and text courtesy and property of: Qatar Airways, http://www.qatarairways.com/global/en/press-release.page?pr_id=pressrelease_pressrelease_20120123.

Edited By: Ricardo Madrid A.

Delta is Most Tech-friendly airline in the U.S.

January 23rd, 2012.

Last January 19th, Delta Air Lines was named top tech friendly U.S. Airline by PC World magazine, for its airport recharging stations, in-flight Wi-Fi on more domestic flights than any other carrier and smartphone apps with innovative features including baggage tracking and airport check-in. The publication also highlighted Delta's 24-hour customer service via Twitter from @DeltaAssist, as well as the ability to book tickets directly from Facebook.

"We're providing customers with technology tools to keep them connected during their travel experience on the ground and in the air," said Bob Kupbens, Delta's vice president – eCommerce. "When you literally have the tools in the palm of your hand to track your bag at 30,000 feet or check the status of your connecting flight, it helps eliminate the stress of travel and puts customers in control."

Delta's tech-friendly offerings are part of the airline's previously announced plan to invest more than $2 billion in enhanced global products, services and airport facilities through 2013.

Installation of branded recharging stations in Delta's top 19 airports, including all of its domestic hubs, was complete in 2010. Wi-Fi is available on all of Delta's domestic mainline aircraft, and installation on all of its two-class regional jets will be complete by the end of March 2012. When completed, customers will have access to in-flight Wi-Fi on more than 800 aircraft flying 3,000 daily domestic flights every day.

The popular Fly Delta app was launched on the iPhone in the fall of 2010. BlackBerry, Android and Windows versions followed soon after.  The apps provide eBoarding check-in options in 79 cities worldwide, the ability to track and pay for bags, alerts for updated travel information, airport and aircraft details, and a parking reminder.

Delta's Ticket Counter allows Facebook users to book travel or check-in for their upcoming flight using a dedicated "tab" atfacebook.com/delta without navigating to delta.com. Innovative tools like the Delta Away We Go app lets customers share and plan their travel with family and friends. Delta has continued to expand its social interaction with customers on twitter.com/delta,blog.delta.com and also provides real-time travel assistance at twitter.com/deltaassist in English andtwitter.com/deltaassist_ES in Spanish.

Source and courtesy of: Delta Air Lines, http://news.delta.com/index.php?s=43&item=1525.

Delta's app is available free of charge at the APP Store.

Emirates increases service to Iraq

January 23rd, 2012.

Last January 18th, In an initiative to support developing Iraqi business segments, Emirates has announced a 75 per-cent additional capacity increase between Dubai and Baghdad, growing its services to seven flights per week. 

Starting from 2nd February 2012, EK941 will depart daily from Dubai at 07:55am touching down at Baghdad International Airport at 09:40am the same day. At 11:35am, return flight EK942 will depart Baghdad arriving in Dubai at 14:55pm the same day.

Emirates will increase existing capacity to Baghdad by 75% per week starting from 2nd Feb 2012.

“Since launching flights to the Iraqi capital three months ago our operations have gone from strength to strength, on both the passenger and cargo side. There is a significant demand for travel in and out of Baghdad and this new daily service offers a significant boost to this strategically important route for Emirates,” Ahmed Khoory, Emirates’ Senior Vice President, Gulf, Middle East and Iran said.

Emirates’ additional flights are a key element in supporting Iraq’s rebuilding efforts. In particular the UAE has a significant interest in promoting trade and investment with Iraq, as highlighted by the latest trade figures released by the Iraqi Embassy.

The extra flights will increase existing capacity by 75% per week in both directions, making it easier for both business and leisure travellers in Baghdad to connect to Emirates’ network of global destinations. Popular destinations will include; the GCC, Levant, India, China, US and the UK via Dubai.

The service will continue to be operated by an Airbus 330-200 in a three class configuration, offering 12 seats in First Class, 42 seats in Business Class and 183 seats in Economy Class.

In addition to Baghdad’s flight, Emirates currently operates a four weekly service to Basra in Iraq and has offices located in both Basra and Baghdad.

Emirates’ first flight to Baghdad landed on November 13th 2011. 

Text and images source and courtesy of: Emirates Airline, http://www.emirates.com/english/about/news/news_detail.aspx?article=773431&offset=0

Edition by: Ricardo Madrid A.

Alaska expands in San Diego

January 19th, 2012.

Yesterday, Alaska Airlines announced it is adding daily nonstop service from San Diego to Monterey and Santa Rosa and twice daily service to Fresno. The new flights to Monterey and Fresno will begin June 4, 2012, while service from San Diego to Santa Rosa starts June 5. Alaska Airlines will also commence twice-daily service between Reno/Tahoe and San Jose (CA).


"We're thrilled to bring Alaska's low fares and award-winning customer service to beautiful Monterey," said Joe Sprague, Alaska Airlines' vice president of marketing. "Alaska Airlines has proudly served California for more than 30 years and we're pleased to continue to grow our presence in the Golden State."

Summary of new service: 

San Diego-Fresno flights:
Start Date	City Pair	Departs	Arrives	Frequency
June 4	San Diego-Fresno	9:15 a.m.	10:50 a.m.	Daily
June 4	San Diego-Fresno	8:45 p.m.	10:20 p.m.	Daily
June 4	Fresno-San Diego	7:15 a.m.	8:42 a.m.	Daily
June 4	Fresno-San Diego	6:45 p.m.	8:12 p.m.	Daily
San Diego-Monterey flights:
Start Date	City Pair	Departs	Arrives	Frequency
June 4	San Diego-Monterey	6:55 p.m.	8:37 p.m.	Daily
June 5	Monterey-San Diego	7:30 a.m.	9:12 a.m.	Daily
San Diego-Santa Rosa flights:
Start Date	City Pair	Departs	Arrives	Frequency
June 5	San Diego-Santa Rosa	9:45 a.m.	11:50 a.m.	Daily
June 4	Santa Rosa-San Diego	4:25 p.m.	6:22 p.m.	Daily
San Jose-Reno flights:
Start Date	City Pair	Departs	Arrives	Frequency
June 5	Reno-San Jose	6 a.m.	7:08 a.m.	Daily
June 4	Reno-San Jose	2:15 p.m.	3:23 p.m.	Daily
June 4	San Jose-Reno	11:55 a.m.	1 p.m.	Daily
June 4	San Jose-Reno	10:20 p.m.	11:25 p.m.	Daily
To celebrate Alaska’s new service, the carrier is offering $59* fares on flights from San Diego to Fresno and Monterey; and $69* fares on flights between San Diego and Santa Rosa, and between San Jose and Reno. Tickets must be purchased by Jan. 25 and can be used for travel from June 5 through July 18, 2012. Visitwww.alaskaair.com. to purchase a ticket or call 1-800-ALASKAAIR (1-800-252-7522 or TTY/TDD line 1-800-392-0228). Members of Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan can also earn double miles on the new nonstop flights between June 4 and July 31, 2012. To qualify, customers must first register at www.alaskaair.com. The new routes will be operated for Alaska by Horizon Air using 76-seat Bombardier Q400s. Travelers will enjoy Horizon’s award-winning onboard service, which includes complimentary Starbucks coffee, soft drinks, and (for passengers 21 and older) wines and microbrews. To support the new Santa Rosa-San Diego route, Alaska Airlines will discontinue service between Santa Rosa and Las Vegas on June 3, 2012. However, the airline is adding a third flight between Santa Rosa and Los Angeles, which will operate four days a week through Aug. 25, 2012.

Source: Alaska Airlines, http://splash.alaskasworld.com/Newsroom/ASNews/ASstories/AS_20120118_045431.asp
By: Ricardo Madrid A.

The routes will be operated by Horizon Air Q400s.