First Southwest Airlines -800 takes to the skies

Arrives at Boeing Field (BFI/KBFI) on February 23, 2012 following her first flight.

(Photo by Andrew Sieber)

The first Boeing 737-8H4 (36980/3952) N8301J destined for Southwest Airlines, departed the Boeing plant at Renton, Washington (RNT/KRNT) at 13:10 pst as "BOE601" on her first flight today. Following a 2 hr 10 min flight, the aircraft arrived at Boeing Field (BFI/KBFI) at 15:20 pst for further testing and preparation for onward delivery to the carrier.

(Michael Carter - Aero Pacific Flightlines)

Gulfstream G-IV (c/n 1321) N905LP operated by Thomas H. Lee Management Co. LLC departs Los Angeles International Airport (LAX/KLAX) on February 23, 2012 at 10:40 PST.

(Photo by Michael Carter)

Delta Airlines brings MD-90-30s back to LAX

Delta Airlines has brought the McDonnell Douglas MD-90-30 back to Los Angeles International Airport (LAX/KLAX) operating them between LAX and Minneapolis - St. Paul International Airport (MSP/KMSP). MD-90-30 ( 53553/2165) N918DH is captured climbing from Rwy 25R on a lovely SoCal morning.  

The aircraft was originally delivered to KTHY - Cyprus Turkish Airlines as TC-KTB on March 29, 1997. The aircraft later saw serivce with Turkish Airlines as TC-JHB, AMC Aviation as SU-BMS, and Hello as HB-JIB.

(Photos by  Michael Carter)

UAE 747-433M visits Los Angeles

Just of the deck (Rwy 25L).

Climbs from Rwy 25L on a gorgeous morning at LAX.

United Arab Emirates (Dubai Air Wing) 747-433M (25074/862) A6-COM departed Los Angeles International Airport (LAX/KLAX) at 10:51 PST bound for an unknown destination. The aircraft is late of Air India - VT-AIM, and Air Canada - C-GAGM.

(Photos by Michael Carter)

Beautiful sequence shots of DHL DC-8-73(F)

This gorgeous sequence of photos of Douglas DC-8-73(F) (45990/375) N807DH, were taken at San Francisco International Airport (SFO/KSFO) on Wednesday February 15, 2012 as the aircraft taxied and departed the Bay Area.

(Photos by Mike Chew)

Pakistan International Airlines gives new meaning to "Crappy Seating"

Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) adds another feather in its cap by carrying two passengers on its flight from Lahore to Karachi in the toilet due to non-availability of seats.

The captain of the national flag carriers' flight "PK303" accommodated two passengers in the plane's toilet, as all the seats on the plane were occupied.

Through introduction of its amazing new service for its valued passengers, PIA really does justice to its slogan 'Great people to fly with.'

(GEO TV News - Pakistan)

New G550 (c/n 5349) B-8126 for DeerJet

Captured February 9, 2012 under tow to the Gulfstream ramp fresh from the paint shop.

Captured rolling on "Alpha" to Rwy 30 as it prepares to depart on a customer acceptance flight on February 17, 2012.

(Photos by Michael Carter)

New C-17A (P-216) 10-0216 "McChord AFB" takes to the skies this week

Departing Long Beach Airport (LGB/KLGB) from Rwy 12 at 09:23 PST on Wednesday February 15, 2012 bound for "SHOTS."

Prepares to depart for Palmdale (PMD/KPMD) on Friday February 17, 2012.

(Photos by Michael Carter)

Good news for Boeing

Japan Airlines (JAL) has placed a firm order for 10 Boeing 787-9s and converted 10 787-8s it already had on order to -9s.

The new order and conversion bring JAL's total Dreamliners on order to 45, comprising 25 -8s and 20 -9s. It also still has 20 787 options.

"The 787-9 is a slightly larger version that can fit approximately 50 more seats than the 787-8 configured for international routes," JAL said in a statement. "Equally efficient as the 787-8 but with more seat capacity, the unit cost per seat on the 787-9 is estimated to be lower."

JAL plans to put its first 787 into service in April.

(Aaron Karp - ATWOnline News)

Alaska Air Group CEO Bill Ayer announces retirement

Alaska Air Group (AAG) has announced that chairman and CEO Bill Ayer will retire from his chief executive role, effective May 15, and Alaska Airlines (AS) president Brad Tilden will become CEO of AAG. Tilden will remain president of AS and Ayer will continue to serve as chairman of AAG's board.

Ayer said in a statement, "The time is right to implement a succession plan that's been in the works for several years and which the board and I believe will ensure that we continue to lead the industry in safety, customer service, operational and financial performance and technological innovation."

Ayer has spent three decades at AAG, including 10 years as CEO. Tilden joined AS in 1991 and was named the Air Group's CFO in 2000 and president of AS in 2008.

(Linda Blachly - ATWOnline News)

Photo of the Day / Aeromexico DC-10-30 N3878P

Aeromexico DC-10-30 (47861/75) N3878P "Jose Maria Morelos" arrives at Miami International Airport (MIA/KMIA) in October 1986.

(Michael Carter Collection)

PEOPLExpress plans return to the skies

A new airline with the name of an '80s bargain airline could be taking to the skies again and flying to Pittsburgh International Airport (PIT/KPIT)  .

PEOPLExpress plans to begin operations later this year with headquarters at the Newport News/Williamsburg International Airport (PHF/KPHF) in Virginia. It will initially serve Pittsburgh (PIT/KPIT); Providence (PVD/KPVD), R.I.; Newark-Liberty International Airport (EWR/KEWR) in New Jersey and West Palm Beach (PBI/KPBI), Fla. The airline would use Boeing 737-400 twin-engine, single-aisle planes with 158 seats.

The new company holds the trademark of the former bargain-basement airline, which had at one point been the nation's fifth largest and flew from 1981 to 1987 before being absorbed by Continental Airlines in a shakeout.

The new PEOPLExpress would not have baggage or seat-assignment fees, which have become standard fare on many low-cost and legacy carriers.

"Our goal is to make flying fun again," said PEOPLExpress COO Mike Morisi in a statement.

There have been some discussions between PEOPLExpress and officials at Pittsburgh International Airport but no firm agreement, said Pittsburgh International Airport spokeswoman JoAnn Jenny.

"They're still in the early stages of putting the operation together," Jenny said.

It's so early that there have been no decisions on where in the Pittsburgh International Airport landside or airside terminal the airline would go. But there is space available.

"We would be thrilled to have PEOPLExpress come to Pittsburgh," Jenny said.

(Paul J. Gough - Pittsburgh Business Times) 

Gulfstream G-IV Crash in Africa

Sadly it is being reported that Gulfstream G-IV (c/n 1104) N2SA (ex-N700GD) operated by Lima Delta Company Trustee has crashed at Bukavu-Kavumu Airport (BKY/FZMA) in the Democratic Republic of the Congo killing both pilots and 1 passenger and seriously injuring 3 other passengers. 

The aircraft apparently was landing when it veered off the runway traveling down an embankment then breaking in two. Reports say the flaps were down and the thrust reverser's were deployed at the time of the crash. 

No further information is available at this time.

(Michael Carter - Editor Aeropacific Flight Lines)

Boeing to build eigth C-17A for the RAF

The UK is to receive another Boeing C-17 strategic transport, with the acquisition to boost the Royal Air Force's fleet of the type to eight aircraft.

Announced by prime minister David Cameron on 8 February, the £200 million ($316 million) purchase represents the potentially final addition to the UK's C-17 fleet, which plays a vital role in sustaining its "airbridge" with Afghanistan. Seven are flown by the service's 99 Sqn from its air transport super base at RAF Brize Norton, Oxfordshire.

The RAF's C-17s play a vital role in supporting UK operations in Afghanistan.
"The newest C-17 is currently being built by Boeing in the USA and is due to come off the production line next month," the UK Ministry of Defence said. "It is then expected to enter service with the RAF in July 2012."

"Boeing is delighted to hear that the UK government is ready to procure an eighth C-17 Globemaster III heavy lift aircraft to meet the nation’s growing airlift needs," said Bob Ciesla, the company's C-17 programme manager. A contract has yet to be signed for the acquisition.

In May 2011, the RAF marked the completion of its first decade of operations with the C-17, an initial four of which were flown under a lease agreement with the USA. These were subsequently purchased outright, with orders later placed for two and one aircraft respectively.

The UK operates the second-largest fleet of C-17s, behind the US Air Force, although India recently completed the process of ordering a fleet of 10 to enter use from later this decade.

(Craig Hoyle - FlightGlobel News)

Beautiful G550 departs Long Beach

G550 (c/n 5218) VQ-BGN departed Long Beach Airport (LGB/KLGB) at 16:24 pst bound for Los Angeles International Airport (LAX/KLAX).

 

(Photod by Michael Carter)

Some odds and ends this afternoon at Long Beach Airport (LGB/KLGB)

Delta Connection (Skywest Airlines) Canadair CL-600-2C10 CRJ-701 (c/n 10130) N617QX, ex Horizon Air.

Raythen A36 (c/n E-3371) N807DJ operated by Great West Produce Company Inc.

Cessna 510 Citation Mustang (c/n 510-0102) N903JP.

Rolls for take-off on Rwy 30 and rotates below.

Piaggio P-180 Avanti II (c/n 1146) N173SL.

 

(Photos by Michael Carter)

I Took a quick trip out to Victorville (VCV/KVCV) this morning and captured the following images.

It is sad to think, that the two United 767-222s below were born side-by-side on the production line at Everett and are now dying side-by-side at Victorville.  

United 767-222 (21874/42) N613UA.

United 767-222 (21875/43) N614UA.

United 747-222 (28716/1124) N198UA.

Delta Airlines 767-332/ER (24800/313) N173DN.

(Photos by Michael Carter)

Alaska Airlines announces new non-stop service between Seattle - Philadelphia and Seattle - Fort Lauderdale

Alaska Airlines announced today it will launch new daily nonstop service between Seattle and Philadelphia, starting June 11, and between Seattle and Fort Lauderdale, Fla., beginning July 16, 2012.

"Philadelphia is one of the largest cities we don't currently serve from Seattle while Fort Lauderdale is a popular departure point for cruise ship passengers," said Joe Sprague, Alaska Airlines' vice president of marketing. "We're excited to be bringing our award-winning customer service to the 'City of Brotherly Love' and 'The Venice of America.' "

New Daily Service begins on June 11, 2012

Seattle-Philadelphia
 Departs: 8:35am 

Arrives: 4:55pm

Philadelphia-Seattle

Departs: 5:55pm

Arrives: 9:10pm
New Daily Service Begins July 16 / 17, 2012

Seattle-Fort Lauderdale
Departs: 10:10pm
Arrives: 6:55am
Fort Lauderdale-Seattle

Departs: 8:10am
Arrives: 11:25am
All times based on local time zones

With the introduction of Seattle-Fort Lauderdale service, Alaska Airlines will discontinue flights to Miami, a city the carrier has served from its Seattle hub since 2002.

"Miami and Fort Lauderdale airports are about 27 miles apart, so changing the airport we serve should have little effect on our customers," Sprague said. "By redirecting our flight to the lower-cost Fort Lauderdale airport, we can serve the same geographic area and continue to offer our customers low fares."

To celebrate the new market announcements, Alaska Airlines is offering introductory fares starting from $190* each way between Seattle and Philadelphia, and starting from $170* each way between Seattle and Fort Lauderdale. Both fares include all government taxes and fees. Tickets must be purchased by Feb. 13 and can be used for travel through July 11 for Philadelphia and by Aug. 29, 2012, for Fort Lauderdale. Visit www.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 also can earn double miles on the carrier's nonstop flights between Seattle and Philadelphia through Aug. 6 and between Seattle and Fort Lauderdale through Sept. 11, 2012. To qualify, customers must first register at www.alaskaair.com.

The flights will be operated on Boeing 737-800 aircraft, accommodating 16 passengers in first class and 141 in the main cabin. All flights will offer Alaska's Northern Bites meal service, which allows passengers in the main cabin to purchase a hot meal for $6 or a cheese and fruit platter for $7. The flights also will offer Alaska's digEplayer inflight entertainment system, a handheld video-on-demand device featuring first-run movies, television programs and other entertainment options. The digEplayers are complimentary in first class and available for $14 in the main cabin.

(Press Release - Alaska Airlines)

Nice G550 at SFO

G550 (c/n 5253) PR-OGX, ex-N523GA is captured resting in the afternoon sun at San Francisco International Airport (SFO/KSFO) on February 5, 2012.

 

(Photo by Mark Durbin) 

Gulfstream action at LAX

G-IV (c/n 1184) N583AJ is captured on short final to Rwy 25L at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX/KLAX) on February 4, 2012.

U.S. Army C-37 (c/n 5034) 04-1778 climbs from Rwy 25L at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX/KLAX) on February 4, 2012.

(Photos by Michael Carter)

LAN 767-319/ER (370800/984) CC-CXI departs LAX from Rwy 25R on February 4, 2012.

Saudi Aramco Aviation 767-2AX/ER (33685/903) N767A climbs from Rwy 25L at LAX on February 4, 2012.

(Photos by Michael Carter)

Another type of "LAX Heavy"

I captured this lovely flying machine today while on the beach waiting for the Singapore A380 departure.

(Photo by Michael Carter)

I added Singapore A380-841 (c/n 51) 9V-SKK to my collection today as she departed from Rwy 24L at 14:38 pst. I only need another 5 Singapore A380s to have spotted and photographed the carriers entire A380 fleet.

(Photo by Michael Carter)

A "Surgical Strike" at LAX today

I was a bit late arriving at LAX this morning, and as I was transistioning onto the I-105 bound for the famous "Imperial Hill" I noticed that the Korean Air A380 was taxiing towards a Rwy 25L departure.

I knew that I would not make the "Imperial Hill" in time so I decided to perform a "Surgical Strike" at the old "Imperial Parking Lot" which we have been banished from since 9-11.  I made the lot in plenty of time and parked along side the fence as I did in the old days. As I exited my truck the KAL A380 was turning onto Rwy 25L. I grabbed my 7D and made my way to the top of my Dodge Ram 2500 "Megacab" as to clear the top of the fence. As she started to roll I was keeping an eye out for the LAX Airport Police hoping they would not nab me before I could shoot this lovely lady and my luck held as I was rewarded with the gorgeous shots above of Korean Air A380-861 (c/n 59) HL7613.

(Photos by Michael Carter)   

India finally signs deal with Boeing for 10 C-17As

Boeing has finalised a contract to sell 10 C-17 airlifters to the Indian air force, but a key decision looms for the future of the strategic transport.

The $1.78 billion contract awarded to Boeing on 2 February completes a three-year negotiation process, but it was not immediately clear if it was the full amount. During US President Barack Obama's visit to India in late 2010, the White House said the value of the 10-aircraft deal was $4.1 billion.

The C-17 is generally priced at around $250 million per aircraft, including four Pratt & Whitney F117 engines.

The US Air Force has stopped buying C-17s after ordering 223 aircraft, with the final 10 added by Congress in the fiscal year 2010 budget and ordered only recently.

As the C-17 programme came to rely on foreign orders, Boeing reduced the production rate to 10 aircraft per year without increasing the unit price. The company is still marketing the aircraft to new countries. The C-17, for example, made an appearance at the Seoul air show in South Korea in October 2011. Existing customers, such as the Royal Australian Air Force, have also expressed interest in buying more.

However, Boeing must decide by May whether to order a new batch of long-lead parts, or begin the slow process of shutting down the C-17's supply chain. The parts will be purchased by the manufacturer, with no guarantee that new orders will be placed.

Senator Claire McCaskill, meanwhile, has asked the US Federal Aviation Administration to accelerate the process of certifying a civilian version, reviving the BC-17 concept previously rejected by the commercial freighter industry.

(Stephen Trimble - Flight International)

Photo of the Day / Zantop DC-8-54F/JT N8042U

Zantop DC-8-54F/JT (45676/197) N8042U taxies to Rwy 25L at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX/KLAX) for departure in February 1997. The aircraft was originaly delivered to United Airlines on January 30, 1964.

(Photo by Michael Carter)

Swiflite Aircraft Corporation G550 (c/n 5072) N528M arrived at Long Beach Airport (LGB/KLGB) from William P. Hobby Airport (HOU/KHOU) at 1643 PST and parked on the Gulfstream ramp.

(Photo by Michael Carter)

New G550 arrives in Long Beach

New G550 (c/n 5364) N764GA arrived at Long Beach Airport (LGB/KLGB) from Savannah - Hilton Head International Airport (SAV/KSAV) as "GLF18" at 0912 PST on February 3, 2012. The aircraft is seen resting in the afternoon sun later in the day following its arrival. 

(Photo by Michael Carter)

Photo of the Day / Hughes Aircraft DC-10-10 N910SF

Hughes Aircraft DC-10-10 (46524/65) N910SF "Sweet Judy" is captured on short final to Rwy 25L in March 1999. The aircraft was originally delivered to American Airlines as N124AA on November 17, 1972.

(Photo by Michael Carter)

Gulfstream action today

G-V (c/n 688) N543H is captured on short final to Rwy 30 at Long Beach Airport (LGB/KLGB) on February 2, 2012.

G450 (c/n 4015) N117WR operated by Whiskey Romeo LLC is seen on short final to Rwy 25L at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX/KLAX) on February 2, 2012.

(Photos by Michael Carter)

Photo of the Day / Cathay Pacific 747-467 "Same Team, Same Dream"

Taxies to Rwy 25R for departure.

Cathay Pacific 747-467 (24955/877) B-HOX rotates from Rwy 25R at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX/KLAX) in January 2001 sporting the carriers "Same Team, Same Dream" livery.

(Photos by Michael Carter)

Dallas Stars arrive in Long Beach

Swift Flight 767-277 (22694/32) N767MW is captured arriving at Long Beach Airport (LGB/KLGB) on January 31, 2012 as it arrives from Dallas - Love Field (DAL/KDAL) bringing in the Dallas Stars who are playing the Anahiem Ducks tonight (February 1, 2012) at the Pond. This aircraft is late of Ansett Australia Airlines, VH-RMF.

(Photos by Michael Carter)

G-IVSP (c/n 1364) N711SK rolls for take-off on Rwy 30 at Long Beach Airport (LGB/KLGB) on January 31, 2012 bound for Van Nuys Airport (VNY/KVNY) at 15:28 pst.

(Photo by Michael Carter)