Alaska Airlines orders 50 737 Max and NG aircraft

Alaska Airlines has placed a firm order for 20 Boeing 737 MAX 8s, 17 MAX 9s and thirteen 737-900ERs, the Seattle-based airline and Boeing announced today. Worth $5 billion at list prices, the contract covers the largest order in Alaska Airlines’ history and raises the carrier’s firm order count for 737s to 75. The airline also holds options on another 69 737NGs and MAXs, potentially stretching deliveries to 2024.

(Photo Alaska Airlines)

The latest contract extends Alaska’s firm delivery positions to 2022. Its commitments call for delivery of airplanes attached to existing and new orders for 737NGs to start late this month and continue through 2017. It expects delivery of the the first 737 MAX 8 in 2018, followed by the first 737 MAX 9 in 2019. Alaska now flies 120 Boeing 737s and becomes the third U.S. airline to order the MAX.

Alaska said it plans to use two-thirds of its new order to replace older airplanes over the next decade, including nearly all of its 737-400s by the end of 2017. The airline now expects to dispose of six aircraft in the fourth quarter of 2013, ending the year with 127 Boeing aircraft in the mainline fleet.

With this latest order, Boeing has now raised its total sales tally for the MAX family to 858 airplanes.

(Gregory Polek - AINonline News)

Delta Airlines announes Seattle expansion

Delta Air Lines and Alaska Airlines will expand international service and customer enhancements in Seattle, growth that benefits customers of both airlines thanks to the alliance between the two carriers.

The growth and customer enhancements include:

•Proposed new nonstop Delta service between Seattle-Tacoma International Airport and Shanghai Pu Dong International Airport, pending approval by the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT).

•Proposed new nonstop Delta service between Seattle and Haneda Airport in Tokyo, pending DOT approval.

•The deployment of Delta's flagship Boeing 747-400 jet on flights between Seattle and Narita Airport in Tokyo, featuring a fully upgraded interior with full flat-bed seats in BusinessElite, individual in-flight entertainment in every seat throughout the aircraft, expanded overhead bins and other amenities.

•Newly upgraded Boeing 767-300 aircraft on Delta's flights between Seattle and Paris, Beijing and Osaka, Japan, also offering full flat-bed seats in BusinessElite and upgraded amenities.

•Additional nonstop Delta service between Seattle and John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York.

•Upgraded BusinessElite service on all Delta Seattle-JFK flights to match the product and amenities of Delta's JFK service from Los Angeles and San Francisco.

•Sea-Tac airport improvements including a new Delta Sky Club, new power ports throughout Delta's facilities, expanded ticket counters, lobby renovations and other improvements.

•An ongoing partnership between Delta and Alaska that includes codesharing in Seattle and shared customer benefits including reciprocal lounge access and frequent flier programs.

"Delta's expansion in Seattle will link this important West Coast city even closer with key markets in Asia, boosting its economy, creating jobs and providing benefits to travelers across the Pacific Northwest region," said Richard Anderson, Delta's chief executive. "This kind of international growth is possible only because of our partnership with Alaska, and customers of both our airlines will benefit from this newly strengthened relationship."

"About 1,200 travelers connect on Alaska and Delta flights in Seattle every day," Alaska Airlines CEO Brad Tilden said. "We're very pleased to offer them a seamless flying experience, highlighted by our renowned customer service. We're also looking forward to providing travelers with new flying options to Asia on Delta that will feature significantly enhanced onboard amenities."

Expanded Asia Service

Delta today filed an application with the DOT to offer daily nonstop service between Seattle and Shanghai, effective June 17, 2013. The proposed new flight will be Delta's second route between Seattle and China, following Beijing service which began in 2010.

Delta plans to operate the Shanghai flight with 208-seat Boeing 767-300ER aircraft featuring 36 full flat-bed seats in BusinessElite, 29 seats in Economy Comfort and 143 Economy class seats. The aircraft features in-flight entertainment in every seat throughout the aircraft.

The proposed schedule for the new route:

Effective: June 17, 2013


Aircraft: Boeing 767-300ER


Departs: Seattle at 2:45 p.m

Arrive: Shanghai at 6:20 p.m. (next day)


Effective: June 19, 2013 

Aircraft: Boeing 767-300ER

Depart: Shanghai at 12:20 p.m.

Arrive: Seattle at 8:35 a.m.

In addition, Delta filed an application this summer to begin nonstop service between Seattle and Haneda Airport in Tokyo. DOT is currently considering Delta's Seattle-Haneda application along with competing Haneda requests by other carriers. The proposed Seattle-Haneda flight would complement Delta's existing service between Seattle and Narita Airport in Tokyo.

The Haneda flight would be operated with Boeing 767-300ER aircraft, and would begin service March 31, 2013.

The proposed schedule for the new route:

Depart: Seattle at 7:35 p.m.

Arrive: Tokyo-Haneda at 10 p.m. (next day)

Effective: March 30, 2013

Aircraft: Boeing 767-300ER

Seattle at 7:35 p.m.

Tokyo-Haneda at 10 p.m. (next day)

March 30, 2013

Boeing 767-300ER

Depart: Tokyo-Haneda at 12 a.m.

Arrive: Seattle at 5 p.m.

Effective: April 1, 2013

Aircraft: Boeing 767-300ER

The proposed Shanghai and Tokyo-Haneda flights add to Delta's growing Asian gateway in Seattle. The airline also operates nonstop service to Beijing, Tokyo-Narita and Osaka, Japan.

In addition, Delta offers nonstop service to Paris and Amsterdam from Seattle. By next summer the airline will operate more than 40 daily flights to 15 destinations worldwide from Seattle.

The partnership between Delta and Alaska is a major factor in enabling Delta to operate international flights from Seattle. The new Haneda service, for example, will benefit from easy connections to 55 U.S. cities on Delta and Alaska's domestic networks.

Improved In-Flight Experience

Delta also announced it will deploy its flagship Boeing 747-400 aircraft on flights between Seattle and Tokyo-Narita.

The 376-seat aircraft features 48 full flat-bed seats in BusinessElite, 42 Economy Comfort seats and 286 economy seats, and has been retrofitted to feature significant upgrades in its onboard experience, including individual in-flight entertainment in every seat throughout the aircraft, expanded overhead bins and other amenities.

Delta will be the only U.S. passenger airline operating the iconic Boeing 747 in Seattle. Dubbed the "Queen of the Skies," the 747 is one of the world's most recognizable aircraft due to the graceful curve of its upper deck.

The aircraft will begin flying the Tokyo route on June 1, 2013.

In addition to bringing the 747 to Seattle, Delta will deploy Boeing 767-300 jets with fully upgraded interiors on flights to Paris, Beijing and Osaka, Japan, effective Oct. 28. Those aircraft feature the same in-flight amenities as the Boeing 747, including full flat-bed seats in BusinessElite, expanded overhead bin space and individual in-flight entertainment throughout the aircraft.

New York Expansion

Delta will add a fifth daily nonstop flight between Seattle and New York-JFK, effective June 1, 2013. In addition to providing convenient service and an additional option for New York-bound travelers, the flight offers another opportunity for connections to international flights via Delta's hub at JFK.

From JFK, Delta flies to more than 40 international destinations in Europe, Africa, Latin America and Asia on a seasonal and year-round basis.

In addition, Delta is upgrading its Seattle-JFK flights to offer its BusinessElite service in June 2013, matching what the airline offers on trans-continental flight from Los Angeles and San Francisco to New York. Delta's BusinessElite service provides an accelerated and streamlined trip with shorter lines, early boarding and priority baggage service, as well as comfortable seats, world-class dining, state-of-the-art entertainment and complimentary access to more than 50 Delta Sky Club locations and 150 partner lounges worldwide.

Delta's upgraded Seattle-New York service will be operated with Boeing 757-200ER and Boeing 767-300ER aircraft.

Strategic Partnership

The international expansion and customer enhancements in Seattle are driven by a strategic partnership between Delta and Alaska that benefits customers of both carriers and creates more competition and travel options for consumers in the Pacific Northwest region.

Under an extensive codesharing agreement, Delta customers can access more than 50 markets beyond Seattle via Alaska's domestic hub, while Alaska customers in the Pacific Northwest have access to more than 60 domestic Delta destinations, including extensive options over Delta's Atlanta and Minneapolis-St. Paul hubs.

The two carriers review connecting flight schedules and make timing adjustments to shorten passenger connection times. And customers of both carriers enjoy reciprocal access to Delta's Sky Club and Alaska's Board Room airport lounges, as well as reciprocal frequent flier benefits.

From its Seattle hub, Alaska provides service to more than 70 cities throughout North America. Delta, meanwhile, offers international service from Seattle to five cities: Amsterdam, Paris, Tokyo, Beijing and Osaka, Japan.

More than 200,000 international passengers connected between Alaska and Delta flights during the past year.

"Our partnership combines Delta's industry-leading international network and Alaska's hub in Seattle, creating more travel choices and competition in one of the nation's most important markets," Anderson said. "It's another example of innovative thinking that exemplifies how both Delta and Alaska do business every day."

(Delta Airlines Press Release)

jetBlue A320-232 (c/n 1257) N508JL "May The Force Be With Blue" arrives at Long Beach Airport (LGB/KLGB) at 17:49 this evening sporting the carriers latest livery.

 

(Photo by Michael Carter)

U.S. Navy T-45C "Goshawk visits Long Beach

U.S. Navy T-45C "Goshawk" (c/n C011) 165090 arrives at Long Beach Airport (LGB/KLGB) at 17:15 pst.

 

(Photos by Michael Carter)

Gulfstream action at Long Beach Airport (LGB/KLGB) today

 Short final to Rwy 30.

 In the above photos, G-III (c/n 441) N214WY is captured arriving from Islip, New York (ISP/KISP) at 12:48 pst. She parked at the Gulfstream Service Center.

 Taxies on "Lima" towards a Rwy 30 departure.

The above two photos capture G-V (c/n 603) VH-CRQ as departs SoCal at 17:58 pst following a visit to the Gulfstream Service Center.

 

(Photos by Michael Carter)

 

I also added two new Gulfsream airframes to my spotting list today;

 

G-IV (G300) (c/n 1512) N958TB operated by Timber LLC

 

G550 (c/n 5398) N398GA which still sports its green ambertech finish.

Gulfstream G650's visit Long Beach on September 25, 2012

 G650 (c/n 6006) N606GD on short final to Rwy 30.

G650 (c/n 6007) N607GD holds short of Rwy 30.

 

(Photos by Michael Carter) 

Third C-17A for Qatar Air Force takes to the skies

Qatar Emiri Air Force C-17A (F-250/QA-3) N9500N tbr A7-MAC arrives back at Long Beach Airport (LGB/KLGB) on September 20, 2012 following its first pre-delivery test flight.

 

(Photos by Michael Carter) 

Charleston C-17A returns home following a stay at the MOD center in Long Beach

 Taxies on "Delta."

 Prepares to enter Rwy 30 at "Delta 3" for its departure back to Charleston AFB.

Performs a fly-by down Rwy 30 on September 20, 2012 saying thank you to the Douglas (Boeing employees) who loving upgraded this elder C-17A (P-32) 95-0107.

 

(Photos by Michael Carter)  

I know I have posted photos of this lovely jetBlue A320-232 (c/n 1280) N510JB "Out of the Blue" which sports special "DirectTV" titles before but this was just to nice to pass up as she arrived in gorgeous afternoon light today, September 20, 2012..

 

(Photo by Michael Carter)

G-IV (c/n 1322) N272TX operated by Lima Delta Company Trust arrives at Long Beach Airport (LGB/KLGB) on September 14, 2012.

 

(Photo by Michael Carter)

G550 (c/n 5383) N583GA tbr N999HZ taxies to Rwy 30 to depart on a pre-delivery test flight on September 18, 2012.

 

(Photo by Michael Carter)

G-IVSP (c/n 1452) N603KE operated by Bennie Air Inc. arrives at Long Beach Airport (LGB/KLGB) on September 20, 2012.

 

(Photos by Michael Carter)

A new Gulfstream airframe for me, G450 (c/n 4137) N936MP, ex-N175GA operated by 936MP LLC caught at John Wayne Orange County Airport (SNA/KSNA) on September 16, 2012.

 

(Photo by Michael Carter)  

Russian airspace ban hurting AeroLogic

AeroLogic (3S), a joint venture of Lufthansa (LH) Cargo and DHL Express, sees “no end in sight” to its ban from flying in Russian airspace on flights from Europe to Asian destinations due to Russia’s opposition to the European Union’s Emissions Trading Scheme (EU ETS).

In March, Russian authorities began delaying approval for traffic rights for several flight frequencies of LHC and AeroLogic via Russia due to the EU ETS.

A 3S spokesperson told ATW the ban affects several weekly flights from Europe to Hong Kong, Shanghai and Seoul, which now have to detour through Northern Asia, resulting in higher fuel costs, less maximum cargo loads, delays and a competitive disadvantage.

“We are afraid that 3S has become a game ball [in] very difficult negotiations,” the spokesperson added. “All this is not easy to accept and to compensate.”

LHC has received approval for most of its 30 weekly flights via Russia.

(Kurt Hofmann - ATWOnline News)

BBJ sets world speed record between Los Angeles and New Zealand

Boeing Business Jets set a new world record for "Speed Over a Recognized Course" when a BBJ flew non-stop from Los Angeles to Auckland, New Zealand for installation of its VIP interiors. The BBJ, a 737-700 modified for VIP use, made the 5,658 nautical mile (10,479 km) trip in 13 hours, 7 minutes and 54 seconds.

The record-setting trip was monitored by the National Aeronautic Association based in Washington, D.C. BBJ president captain Steve Taylor said the trip demonstrates the incredible range capability of the BBJ.

When we left Los Angeles with full fuel, we were 21,000 pounds below our Maximum Takeoff Weight. This means that the customer can add a full VIP interior, fill all the seats and still carry full fuel and have remarkable range - something our competitor with the same class business jet simply cannot do non-stop," said Taylor.

The airplane had 7,800 pounds of fuel remaining when it landed in Auckland Sunday evening.

The BBJ, owned by Samsung Electronics, is equipped with seven auxiliary fuel tanks, giving it the extended range capability. It also features lower cabin altitude, which differentiates it from its competitor. The option provides a 6,500-foot cabin altitude instead of the standard 8,000-foot cabin, allowing passengers to travel in greater comfort.

The airplane was flown to New Zealand for the first interior completion of a new BBJ by Altitude Aerospace Interiors, an Auckland-based company which was launched in 2008.

Boeing delivers the BBJ to the customer "green" (no interior or paint) so it can be customized to suit the specific needs and taste of the customer. The completion center of the customer's choosing installs the VIP interiors, which typically takes nine months to a year.

The BBJ is the best selling model of Boeing's business jet line with 157 sold to date.

(Boeing Business Jets Press Release)

Mitt Romney MD-83 at Orange County (SNA)

USAJet MD-83 (53022/1809) N949NS, ex Alaska Airlines N949AS is now operating for Republican U.S. Presidential candidate Mitt Romney. The aircraft is captured at John Wayne Orange County Airport (SNA/KSNA) shortly after its arrival from Los Angeles International Airport (LAX/KLAX) following a short ferry flight after dropping Romney off at LAX. This aircraft also was chartered by Irish band U2 during their 360 world tour in 2010. 

(Photos by Michael Carter)

American Airlines inks deal with SkyWest to operate 23 CRJ-200ER's to commence on November 15.

SkyWest Airlines Candair CL-600-2B19 CRJ-200ER (c/n 7786) N947SW taxies to Rwy 30 at Long Beach Airport (LGB/KLGB) on September 13, 2012.

 

(Photo by Michael Carter)

SkyWest Airlines (OO) and ExpressJet Airlines (EV) will operate 23 Bombardier CRJ200 aircraft under a four-year capacity purchase agreement for American Eagle beginning Nov. 15.

The regional jets, scheduled to be placed in service prior to the end of the first quarter 2013, will be sourced from SkyWest’s existing fleet; 11 will be flown by EV and 12 will be flown by OO.

OO said it anticipates the aircraft will mostly operate out of Los Angeles and Dallas/Fort Worth airports. The 23 aircraft were previously operated on behalf of Delta Air Lines.

Additional terms were not disclosed but the airline holding company said it would be compensated “in similar fashion to existing capacity purchase agreements” with its other major partners.

OO operates as United Express, Delta Connection and US Airways Express and operates flights for Alaska Airlines. EV operates as United Express and Delta Connection.

(Christine Boynton - ATWOnline News)

Scandinavian Airlines continues sell-off of MD-82/-87 fleet

Scandinavian Airlines (SAS) announced it has signed an agreement to sell four MD-82/87 aircraft, with options for 19 MD-82s and 10 spare engines. The purchaser also has an option on a further 19 MD-82s and 10 spare engines from SAS, according to a company statement. SAS declined to name the buyer.

If the option is exercised, SAS said this will complete the phase-out of its MD-80 aircraft fleet.

The first MD-80 aircraft in this sale was delivered Tuesday; the remaining three aircraft will be delivered in the 2012 fourth quarter.

The aircraft and the engines covered by the option will be delivered on a gradual basis from first quarter of 2013 to the first quarter of 2015, if the option is exercised, SAS said in a statement.

(Linda Blachly - ATWOnline News)

Want to invest in an Indian airline? Now you can!

The Indian government on Friday amended its foreign direct investment (FDI) rules, allowing foreign airlines to buy up to 49% equity in Indian carriers. The move is expected to provide a lifeline for debt-laden carriers and open up fresh sources of funding.

The decision was part of several new measures announced by prime minister Manmohan Singh’s administration, which has been under fire in recent months for wavering over policy change.

Indian carriers have been going through financially troubled times over the past three years. Looking for fresh capital, three airlines—Kingfisher (IT), SpiceJet (SG) and Go Air—have lobbied for the rule change, which would allow them to bring in strategic partners. Foreign airlines can now invest in Indian carriers operating scheduled and non-scheduled services. However, the Indian government must grant investment approval and there are restrictions, including a rule that at least two-third of directors at an Indian carrier must be Indian citizens.

It is still not clear which airlines would be interested in investing in India. Several international carriers—including Singapore Airlines and Lufthansa—have unsuccessfully tried to enter the Indian market in the past. Local analysts say Gulf carriers could be the first ones to move in, as India has been a longtime source market for them to carry passengers to Europe and the US. Most carriers face a capacity crunch and must keep pushing the government for rights to fly more. A stake in an Indian carrier may change this, as well as allow them access to dozens of more cities.

The decision to allow foreign airlines as investors may have come too late for IT chairman and liquor baron Vijay Mallya. His airline has curtailed operations by almost 70% and has heavy debts.
 
Tweeting his approval of the move, Mallya said, “Bold decisions taken by government. Fantastic to restore confidence and kick start economic growth opportunities.”

SG CEO Neil Mills has said the airline was negotiating with Arab carriers for a stake sale. The stock price of both airlines was up at the Bombay Stock Exchange Friday.

(Cuckoo Paul - ATWOnline News)

Air Cargo Germany set to aquire 2 747400ERF's

Frankfurt-based Air Cargo Germany (ACG) will add two Boeing 747-400ERF aircraft to its fleet of four 747-400SFs next month.

The two aircraft will be transferred from AirBridgeCargo, the scheduled operating unit of Volga-Dnepr Group, which holds 49% in ACG.

CEO Michael Bock said the company will use the new aircraft to develop additional markets, which could include nonstop routes to Mexico and the Far East.

Next year, ACG will return the four 747-400SFs to lessor Martinair and will consider replacing them with either four newer 747-400Fs or 747-400ERFs.

The carrier also announced it will add three weekly Hahn-Beijing flights by the upcoming winter schedule.

(Kurt Hofmann - ATWOnline News)