State of Kuwait G550

Taxies on "delta" towards a Rwy 30 departure.
Rotates from Rwy 30. (Photos by Michael Carter)

The first G550 (cn 5248) N748GA tbr 9K-GFA destined for the State of Kuwait performed a pre-delivery test flight from Long Beach Airport (LGB/KLGB) on Friday November 20.

Aircraft Spotting and Photo Story / USA Today November 12, 2009

My recent column highlighting some of the observation decks inside some North American airports prompted many readers to send along their favorite locations for spots outside airport terminals that offer great views of aviation activity. Many suggestions came from dedicated plane spotters, aviation enthusiasts and professional photographers, but some tips came from frequent travelers who just get a thrill from getting a good close look at jets as they take off and land.

Al Mueller, a retired travel agent from Guerneville, Calif., believes that "the very best close-up observation points are no longer accessible," perhaps because many spots near airports were declared off-limits after 9/11. Still, he's discovered that Bayfront Park in Millbrae is a great place to watch planes coming and going from San Francisco International Airport.

Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport doesn't have an official viewing area, but Joel Lesser, an Internet developer from Johns Creek, Ga., shared the locations of what he believes are "the best plane spotting locations at ATL that are legal to access." In addition to heading to the recycling center or sewage treatment plant near ATL, Lesser says many folks pay the hourly parking fee ($1/hour for the first 2 hours) just so they can plane-spot from the top floors of the airport's south and north parking garages.

Garage rooftops seem to be popular viewing spots at many airports around the country, but in Washington, D.C., the hands-down favorite spot to watch airplanes is at Gravelly Point, a park area about a mile from Reagan Washington National Airport. The park is officially part of the George Washington Memorial Parkway and Jesse Reynolds of the National Park Service explains that Gravelly Point is such a big draw because one side of the park is adjacent to the northeast boundary of the airport and "planes essentially fly right over the top of your head." That's the part that thrills Troy Barbour from Fairfax Station, Va. who works as a project manager for a global defense contractor. "After the planes pass over, you can hear the whooshing sounds of the wing vortexes swirling above you."

You may not be able to get that close to the airplanes at some of the other official and unofficial viewing spots listed below, but you should be able to get close enough to snap some great pictures.

LAX

While the reopening of the official outdoor viewing area on top of the Theme Building at Los Angeles International Airport has been pushed back to at least the end of 2009, an unofficial airport viewing area at nearby Imperial Hill (officially Clutter's Park) remains open and as popular as ever. Located in the neighboring city of El Segundo, the park offers picnic tables and a great view of the southern portion of the airport. The In-N-Out Burger, at 9149 South Sepulveda Blvd., is also a popular LAX viewing spot (and while you're there you may as well sample the legendary burgers).

BWI

In addition to the observation gallery inside the terminal at Baltimore-Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport there's the outdoor Tom Dixon Aircraft Observation Area on Dorsey Road, along the airport's southern edge. The park has a playground, picnic tables, bicycle racks, and access to the 12.5 mile BWI Trail that encircles the airport.

RDU

At Raleigh-Durham International Airport's Observation Park, visitors can listen in on communications between the control tower and pilots from an elevated deck that looks out to the airport's longest runway, the new terminal and the general aviation area. Located near the air traffic control tower, about three-quarters of a mile from the terminals, the park also has a playground and a picnic area and is a popular spot for birthday parties and for people waiting to pick up arriving passengers.

GRR

Mike Lewis, a media planning supervisor in Chicago, has fond memories of the observation area alongside the main runway at the Gerald R. Ford International Airport in Grand Rapids, Mich. "It's more or less a parking lot with some picnic tables, but the proximity to the airport is great. I still try and go there any time I'm in Grand Rapids visiting family." Located about two and a half miles from the airport entrance, the observation area has portable restroom facilities, picnic tables, and air traffic control communications that can be picked up on the AM radio dial. But the real appeal? The viewing area is just 600 feet from the airport's main runway.

LAS

In Las Vegas, it's a sure bet you'll get a great view of planes taking off and landing from the Sunset Viewing Area at McCarran International Airport. It's just south of the airport, off Sunset Road, and looks out to the airport's busiest east/west runways. Here again, visitors can dial up air traffic control chatter on the radio.

AUS

At Austin-Bergstrom International Airport, the airplane viewing area is officially called the Family Viewing Area, but you don't need to have kids in tow to enjoy the one-acre spot just east of the airport entrance. Located near the 9,000-foot east runway, the observation area has picnic tables and, according to airport's website, recommended viewing hours: mornings from 6 until 11 a.m.; mid-afternoons from 1:30-3 p.m.; and in the evenings starting at around 7:30 p.m.

FLL

At the Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport you'll find the Ron Gardner Aircraft Observation Area on the west side of the airport, on the opposite side of the airfield from the terminals. Many people watch aircraft activity here from their air-conditioned cars, but if you roll down the windows you'll get to hear the communications between the pilots and the air traffic control tower from speakers installed at the site.

DFW

In 2008, Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport relocated its popular Founders Plaza observation point to a new and larger spot on the northwest quadrant of the sprawling airport grounds. The new location offers some spectacular views of aircraft traffic on the airport's west side and provides amenities that include picnic tables, telescopes, canopies and covered seating, display panels with historic information, parking for tour buses, and speakers broadcasting air traffic control communications.

Did we miss your local airport or favorite plane spotting spot?

There are loads of great airport viewing spots around the country and you'll find many of those official and unofficial locations listed in informal but information-packed "Spotting Guides" on the Web. Many of these sites are put together by individuals and clubs and offer detailed maps and directions, tips about parking, security and nearby amenities, and even helpful advice on what time to show up and what lens to use in order to take snap the best photos of the planes that will roar by.

(Harriet Baskas - USA Today / MSNBC.com)

Large Southwest Airlines Stock Purchase

This past week, private equity firm Blackstone Group, run by co-founder Stephen Schwarzman, bought a $7.8 million stake in Southwest Airlines Co. with the purchase of 809,700 shares.

First Flight of Boeing 787 by End of Year

With the clock ticking toward a December 31 deadline, Boeing executives said Friday the company is on schedule for the first test flight of its long-delayed and highly anticipated 787 Dreamliner.

Speaking on the sidelines of a groundbreaking in North Charleston, South Carolina, for Boeing's second 787 final assembly site, two local Boeing executives said first flight is in sight.

"Our plan is to fly by the end of the year and to deliver by the end of next year," said Marco Cavazzoni, general manager of final assembly and delivery at Boeing Charleston.

Tim Coyle, vice president of the Charleston site, agreed, saying that once static tests on the plane were complete, the 787 would be poised for its first test flight within weeks.

The 787 is two years behind its original schedule, due to a series of production setbacks and a strike last year. The company has said it would fly the plane in the fourth quarter of 2009 but has not set a date. Some speculation now centers on December 22.

Boeing delayed a scheduled test flight earlier this year to reinforce a side-of-body section. The company said last week that it has made the repair on the first plane.

The 787 boasts a revolutionary composite design that weighs less and is more fuel efficient that traditional aircraft. Boeing has 840 orders on its books, according to company data.

Boeing last month selected South Carolina as the site of its second 787 final assembly plant as it plans to increase production of the plane away from its traditional base in the Seattle area.

Boeing intends to finish construction of the assembly site by mid-2011 and complete three planes per month, Coyle said.

Boeing already owns a plant in Charleston that makes parts of the 787 fuselage. Boeing has said the Puget Sound area will remain the headquarters of its commercial planes.

The move to South Carolina, which had been expected for some time, is a blow for the Puget Sound economy, where Boeing is the major employer, labor leaders have said. But it is a major economic boon to South Carolina, where the jobless rate was 12.1 percent in October.

Boeing said the new assembly site would create about 1,000 direct manufacturing and flight line positions at Boeing Charleston. The company said that over time it would add several thousand jobs to the region by creating management, engineering and other support positions.

(Reuters - Airwise News)

(Alaska Airlines)

Alaska Airlines and Apolo Ohno unveiled a specially themed Boeing 737-800 adorned with a larger-than-life image of the celebrated speed skater and "Dancing With The Stars" winner. The unique design features the Seattle native on the aircraft's fuselage and invites travelers to "Follow Apolo" at www.followapolo.com as he pursues winter gold in Vancouver, British Columbia.

"Apolo is one of the most decorated Olympians in history, and we're thrilled to support him on his road to Vancouver," said Brad Tilden, Alaska's president. "The ‘Follow Apolo' jet will fly across our route system to build excitement for this great American athlete."

On www.followapolo.com, fans can track Ohno's quest to become the most decorated winter athlete in U.S. history, view behind-the-scenes training videos, sign up to receive e-mail updates from Ohno, and send questions to his blog.

"It's an honor to be featured alongside Alaska's trademark Eskimo and have the support of my hometown airline for the most important race of my life," said Ohno, after seeing the plane for the first time.

A team of Seattle-area youth speed skaters aspiring to follow in Ohno's path accompanied the athlete onboard the aircraft as it was unveiled at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport. The skaters are members of Pattison's Team Extreme and train at Pattison's West Skating Center in Federal Way, Wash., where Ohno trained as a teen.

A native of the Seattle area, Ohno began his speed-skating career at age 14 in Seattle and Vancouver. He went on to become the youngest skater to win a World Cup event title in December 1999. Ohno has since won 11 national champion, 18 world champion and five Olympic medals.

(Alaska Airlines - Press Release)

Horizon Unveils "Comfortably Cleaner" Q400

(Photo Horizon Airlines)

Horizon Air's newest Bombardier Q400, entering service this week, is sporting an eye-catching "Comfortably Greener" livery that spotlights the aircraft's lower environmental impact compared to similar-size jets.

Horizon's 76-seat Q400 uses 30 to 40 percent less fuel and produces 30 to 40 percent less carbon emissions than comparable jet aircraft.

"At Horizon Air and its sister airline, Alaska Airlines, we're dedicated to reducing our impact on the environment," said Dan Russo, Horizon vice president of marketing and communications. "One major way we're doing that is by flying highly fuel-efficient aircraft."

The new Q400 is the first of two with the "Comfortably Greener" livery. The second will arrive in December.

In 2007, Horizon announced its intention to transition to a single fleet of Q400s, in large part because of the aircraft's greater fuel efficiency. Horizon is currently hoping to achieve a single-type fleet by the end of 2013. Presently, the airline operates 39 Q400s and 18 CRJ-700 regional jets.

Specifics: the Q400's environmental advantages

The Q400 aircraft exceeds not only current environmental standards but also anticipated ones related to carbon dioxide (CO2), hydrocarbon, nitrous oxide and smoke emissions. All are well below the levels mandated by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO).

For example, on a 500-nm or 575.4-mile trip, the Q400 aircraft emits 30 percent fewer emissions and rates among the lowest CO2-emitting aircraft on a per seat basis. Looked at another way, each Q400 aircraft produces 3,000 fewer tons of CO2 every year. Reductions are even higher on longer flights – up to 40 percent.

The Q400 is also known for producing less noise, a characteristic appreciated by the communities it flies over (in fact, the "Q" stands for "quiet"). The exterior noise level of the Q400 is 10 EPNdB (Exterior Perceived Noise in Decibels) lower than that of 70- to 80-seat jets.

Access photos of ‘Comfortably Greener' aircraft

Photos of the Comfortably Greener Q400 are available on the Image Gallery page of the Horizon Air Newsroom. Additionally, media are welcome to schedule their own photo or video shoot of the aircraft by contacting Horizon at 206-392-0296.

Horizon and Alaska's environmental commitment

Horizon's new "Comfortably Greener" aircraft is only one representation of the environmental commitment the airline shares with Alaska Airlines.

This summer Alaska Airlines began testing next-generation flight procedures at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (Sea-Tac) that will allow the airline and Horizon to reduce their environmental impact during airport approaches. Dubbed "Greener Skies," the project in cooperation with the Port of Seattle, The Boeing Company and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is focused on using satellite-based flight guidance technology pioneered by Alaska Airlines to descend more efficiently and reduce aircraft fuel consumption, emissions and noise in the Puget Sound region. The airline is seeking FAA approval for the procedures, which could ultimately be used by all properly equipped carriers at Sea-Tac.

New U.S. Investers for Virgin America

Virgin America Inc., the low-fare airline backed by U.K. billionaire Richard Branson, expects an ownership shift of more than 10 percent under its plan to add new U.S. investors, Chief Executive Officer David Cush said.

A change of that size requires completion of the review under way by the U.S. Transportation Department, Cush said in an interview yesterday as Virgin America began service to Fort Lauderdale, Florida. He wouldn’t detail the new lineup beyond saying that existing investors are “staying on.”

“I’m sticking with what I’ve said, that we’ll have these new investors by the end of the year,” Cush said.

Broader U.S. ownership may deflect claims by Alaska Air Group Inc. that Virgin America is violating laws capping foreign ownership of airlines at 25 percent. Virgin America has said its ownership structure hasn’t changed since it began flying in August 2007.

Branson’s Virgin Group Ltd. supplied 25 percent of the initial $177 million in startup funds for Burlingame, California-based Virgin America, along with a $53 million loan. The rest of the airline is owned by management, Black Canyon Capital in Los Angeles and New York-based Cyrus Capital Partners, Virgin America has said. It hasn’t given a breakdown.

Cush, 49, said Virgin America probably will add service to two new cities in 2010, including five or six flights a day to Chicago by May as gates become available, he said. The other city may come in the second half and be “somewhere where you can’t see the ocean” in the middle of the country, he said.

Under study are flights beyond the U.S. by 2011, likely to Toronto, Vancouver or Mexico, Cush said.

Branson’s Broadside

Branson joined Cush yesterday in Fort Lauderdale, where he renewed his criticism of American Airlines’ proposal for an antitrust agreement with British Airways Plc. Such an arrangement would be “two-faced” after AMR Corp.’s American objected to similar plans by other airlines, Branson said.

Regulators’ approval of a trans-Atlantic alliance for American and British Airways would be “madness,” said Branson, 59.

Branson’s Virgin Atlantic Airways Ltd., which competes with American and British Airways, said last week that American CEO Gerard Arpey should be investigated by U.S. regulators after being “hypocritical” in his recent comments about aviation market dominance.

Virgin Atlantic has been lashing out at Arpey’s assertion that Delta Air Lines Inc. would find it difficult to win antitrust immunity for an alliance with Japan Airlines Corp., the Tokyo-based carrier that’s now in a marketing group with American.

(Mary Jane Credeur - Bloomberg.com)

Air Austral Orders Two Airbus A380 Aircraft

Air Austral is planning the first regular flights for more than 800 passengers after buying a budget version of the Airbus A380, the world's largest airliner, with economy seating throughout.

Reunion-based Air Austral confirmed an order for two superjumbos at the Dubai Air Show and said it would operate them between Paris and the French overseas department from 2014.

The deal will put the A380 into service as the industry's largest people carrier and comes 80 years after the first wood and canvas plane touched down on the Indian Ocean island after making the 9,300 kilometer (5,800 mile) trip from Paris in 10 days.

The A380 entered service in 2007 and is designed to seat 525 people in ordinary three-class seating or 853 people when its two floors of cabins are filled with economy seats -- giving it 8 times more capacity than Airbus's smallest model, the A318.

So far, buyers of the plane have focused on luring premium passengers with facilities from beds and showers in first class to a stand-up bar, with total seating of around 500 people.

Air Austral said its low-cost version would seat 840 people.

"We are convinced that airplanes with good priced tickets will help explode traffic figures," founder and president Gerard Etheve said after announcing the deal Tuesday.

The economy end of the airline market has performed relatively better during the financial crisis, but revenues everywhere have been battered by recession this year.

The budget version of the A380 aims at tapping growth in China, India and demand from airlines flying aging Boeing 747s on high-density routes in markets such as Japan, where rival Boeing dominates air travel.

Boeing's 747-400D, a version of the jumbo jet built for the Japanese domestic market, carries up to 660 people in one class.

Etheve said the airline he founded in 1975 had paid less than the USD$660 million list price for two Airbus A380s.

The aircraft was tested for the ability to evacuate over 800 people in cabin emergency tests before entering service.

Air Austral's planes will be powered by engines from the Engine Alliance, a joint venture between General Electric and Pratt & Whitney.

The A380 deal includes options for a further two A380s to either serve future Caribbean routes or more flights to La Reunion.

(Airwise News - Reuters)

Allegiant Air to Buy 2 MD-83 Aircraft

On November 10, 2009, Allegiant Air, LLC, a wholly owned operating subsidiary of Allegiant Travel Company, entered into a contract to purchase two MD83 aircraft for cash. The purchase is expected to close in January 2010 and the Company expects to place these aircraft into service before the end of first quarter 2010.

(Yahoo - Finance)

C-17A Delivered to Charleston AFB

Boeing delivered a new C-17A (F-213/P-191) 08-8191 to Charleston Air Force Base this morning. The aircraft departed Long Beach Airport (LGB/KLGB) at approximately 08:15 bound for it's new home.

jetBlue and Lufthansa Commence Codeshare Flights

JetBlue Airways and Lufthansa launched codeshare operations yesterday at New York JFK and Boston. Passengers originating in 13 JetBlue destinations currently have access to transatlantic flights on LH out of JFK and BOS, with more cities set to come online next year, the airlines said.

(ATWOnline News)

Republic Moves Frontier Heavy Maintenance to Milwaukee

Republic Airway Holdings, wooed by some $27 million in tax credits offered by the state of Wisconsin, will pack up and move its heavy maintenance and some administrative jobs from Denver to Milwaukee.

The job transfers will include 220 from Frontier Airlines' DEN maintenance base and 120 positions from its Las Cruces, N.M., call center. About 250-300 Republic flight crew members also will be based in Milwaukee, a company spokesperson told ATWOnline yesterday. "We don't have an exact number or breakdown of what those new positions might be. This process will take into next year to complete," the spokesperson said.

Republic said the move from Denver will preserve more than 700 jobs in Milwaukee and eventually will add up to as many as 800. It also will help further operation consolidation following Republic's acquisition of Frontier and Midwest Airlines. "Our expansion in Milwaukee sends an important message to our current and future frequent flyers and to the local and state communities about our dedication to remain Milwaukee's hometown airline," Republic President and CEO Bryan Bedford said. Midwest will expand its schedule out of MKE with flights to Raleigh-Durham starting April 1 and to San Francisco on April 19.

When Republic's acquisition of Frontier was finalized in October, Bedford told ATW, "Frontier Airlines has no place to go and we're not leaving Denver. There is nothing that would cause Frontier to capitulate." At the same time, he acknowledged that he was seeking concessions from DEN, through either rent adjustments or tax breaks, to offset what he considered the high price of doing business in Colorado.

The Denver Business Journal reported last month that the city and state offered a package of tax credits and financial incentives to Republic but that they would apply only if it increased the base of 4,000 Frontier workers. At that time, government officials expressed concern that 900 maintenance, customer relations and headquarters positions could be relocated.

(Sandra Arnoult - ATWOnline News)

United Airlines Suspends Alledged Drunk Pilot

United Airlines has suspended a pilot who was arrested in London on suspicion that he was about to fly a Boeing 767 with 124 passengers while drunk, the airline said Tuesday.

The incident occurred on Monday before flight UA949, which was bound for Chicago and would have carried 124 passengers and 11 crew. The passengers were accommodated on other flights.

The 51-year-old pilot, whose name was not released, was arrested at London's Heathrow Airport and freed on bail pending the results of alcohol tests, London Metropolitan Police spokesman Simon Fisher said.

Fisher declined to give further information.

United said the pilot has been suspended.

"Safety is our highest priority and the pilot has been removed from service while we are cooperating with authorities and conducting a full investigation," UAL spokeswoman Megan McCarthy said.

"United's alcohol policy is among the strictest in the industry, and we have no tolerance for violation of this well-established policy," she said.

In another incident involving airline safety recently, the pilots of a Northwest Airlines jet became distracted and overshot Minneapolis-St. Airport by 150 miles (240 km) last month.

(Reuters)

ANA Anounces Long-Haul Service Enhancements

ANA yesterday unveiled a series of long-haul service enhancements dubbed Inspiration of Japan that will be available beginning next February on 777-300ERs flying from Tokyo Narita to North America and Europe. First class will feature 1-2-1 seating with privacy partitions, 23-in. LCD screens, new decor and bedding, "refined" a la carte menus and touchscreen ordering starting in April. ANA's first class lounge at NRT will be upgraded in February and passengers will have access to a single check-in point (personal, luggage and security) by fall. Cabin upgrades will be available from Feb. 20 on flights to New York JFK and to Frankfurt and London Heathrow by the March 31 end of the fiscal year. Other routes will come online afterward.

The upgraded business cabin will feature staggered 1-2-1 seating, 17-in. LCD screens, lie-flat seats with aisle access and on-demand a la carte catering. Both premium cabins will feature warm-water bidets. New premium economy seats will have 42 in. pitch and will be arranged in a 2-4-2 configuration. They will feature large, movable dividers, 12-in. screens and noise-canceling headphones. Economy seating will be 2-4-3. Seats will have 34 in. pitch with 10.6-in. monitors. Power outlets, USB ports and new bedding will be available across both economy classes.

(ATWOnline News)

Special New AirTran Liveries make Aircraft Spotting Fun Again!

Airtran 717-231 (55058/5017) N936AT, ex TWA N401TW, now wears the colors of the Indianapolis Colts and is captured departing Atlanta-Hartsfield International Airport (ATL/KATL).

AirTran 717-2BD (55009/5010) N946AT sports the livery of the Baltimore Ravens.

AirTran 717-2BD (55043/5131) N891AT looks spectacular in the livery of the Atlanta Falcons.

AirTran 717-231 (55077/5038) N927AT, ex TWA N2410W sports "Mark on AirTran" titles.

AirTran 717-231 (55069/5019) N935AT, ex TWA N402TW displays special "Orlando Makes Me Smile" markings.

(All Photos by Christopher Weyer)