Gulfstream test flights at Long Beach

Gulfstream Aerospace here at Long Beach Airport (LGB/KLGB) has a number of new G550's that it is preparing for onward delivery to their new customers. During the past week 3 of these G550s have performed pre-delivery test flights.

 

Deer Jet G550 (c/n 5349) N949GA tbr B-8126 taxies onto Rwy 30 on March 8, 2012 as it prepares to depart at 09:02 pst. 

 Deer Jet G550 (c/n 5352) N152GA is captured on short final to Rwy 30 on February 29, 2012.

G550 (c/n 5355) N155GA returns from a test flight on March 7, 2012.

(Photos by Michael Carter)

Global Express visits Long Beach

 Taxies on "Delta" towards a Rwy 30 departure.

Global Express (c/n 9004) N617JN operated by APEX Oil Company Inc., rotates from Rwy 30 at Long Beach Airport (LGB/KLGB) at 14:42 pst bound for an unknown destination.

(Photos by Michael Carter)

New UPS 767-34AF/ER comes to Long Beach

 Short final to Rwy 30.

 Smokes the mains!

Taxies to parking.

United Parcel Service (UPS) Boeing 767-34AF/ER (37871/1020) N347UP arrived at Long Beach Airport (LGB/KLGB) from Honolulu International Airport (HNL/PHNL) operating as "UPS2968 Heavy" at 15:30 pst. This is one of the latest aircraft to join the UPS fleet having been delivered to the carrier on January 31, 2012.

(Photos by Michael Carter)

First Southwest 737-8H4 Delivered

Southwest Airlines today (March 8, 2012) took delivery of its first 737-8H4 (36980/3952) N8301J during a low key ceremony at Seattle Boeing Field (BFI/KBFI). The aircraft departed Boeing Field at 17:44 pst as "SWA8504" bound for Boeings Paine Field (PAE/KPAE) in Everett, Washington where it arrived at 18:07 pst.

During the next few weeks the aircraft will keep a busy schedule, first while at Paine Field the Row44 WiFi Hotspot will be installed. Once complete, the aircraft will fly to Dallas (DAL/KDAL) where it will be introduced to employees at a special event. Following the event the aircraft will undergo required testing and evaluations by both Southwest Mechanics and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to certify the aircraft is ready to enter service, which is scheduled for April 11, 2012.

The inaugural flight will be "SWA1717" departing Chicago Midway Airport (MDW/KMDW) at 0700 cst to Fort Lauderdale International Airport (FLL/KFLL) with a planned arrival at 1100 est.

**I will be on the flight as well, so expect a full report here on APF.**

Study commences on possible reconfiguration of Long Beach Airport

The Long Beach Airport (LGB/KLGB) is launching an extensive, $1.1 million, two-year airfield geometry study in March to start analyzing the safety, operational and financial benefits of reconfiguring the 1940s-era Daugherty Field and airport property, in conjunction with forming a “strategic plan.”

The study is expected to provide a comprehensive evaluation of the airfield geometry and alternatives to reduce risk on the airfield in response to a report by the Commercial Aviation Safety Team (CAST), a federally organized group comprised of government and aviation industry experts.

The CAST report, published in 2007, contained a review of “wrong runway landing event” threats at various airports across the country. As a result of the report, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) put out a “Call to Action” for 20 airports, including Long Beach Airport, with a high probability of an event, to take action to reduce risks. Actions include enhanced markings, recurrent pilot training and holding a runway safety meeting, according to Rachel Korkos, the airport’s senior civil engineer.

The airport, which is currently constructing a new airline passenger concourse and terminal, currently sits on 1,166 acres of land, has five runways and 10 taxiways. Airport operations include daily flights of commercial airlines and commuter aircraft, along with 300,000 general aviation operations, or GA, including corporate aviation charter jets, fixed based operators, or FBOs, small private airplanes, helicopters and flight schools.

The upcoming airfield geometry study continues discussions about reducing safety risks at the airport, Korkos said. “The geometry study will analyze the complex nature and taxiway system at LGB and make recommendations with an eye toward safety and reduction of risk,” she said.

One alternative brought forward is to shorten or close two north-south runways, known as Runways 16L-34R and 16R-34L, which airport staff said are “unlighted, in need of repair and extensive maintenance and are rarely used.” Among other alternatives are converting runways to taxiways, removing portions of runways or taxiways, installing runway guard lights and modifying pavement markings.

Although final recommendations won’t be determined until the end of the two-year study, airport staff said it is likely that airfield modifications will be recommended, which may open up some areas for development. Potential uses of the property would be analyzed by a strategic plan with a main focus on diversifying revenue streams for the airport, while keeping costs low for users, tenants and leaseholders.
“It is very important to keep the airport financially viable with a plan for the future,” said Airport Director Mario Rodriguez. “Should areas open for development, they will be analyzed for potential users to ensure the continued financial health and viability of the airport.”


The strategic plan would look at a wide range of resources regarding surrounding partners and infrastructure, along with comparisons to other airports in the region, analyzing aviation industry trends, and various other factors.

Rodriguez said keeping costs low is not only important to stay competitive in maintaining a base of commercial airlines, which generates the bulk of profits, but also for keeping costs low for the airport’s general aviation community. One of the goals to modifying the airfield, he said, is to create a “new home for general aviation.”

Airport fees impact all users, including airfield maintenance operators, which, in turn, ultimately impacts costs for the entire GA community, Rodriguez said. LGB has an economic impact that exceeds $4 billion a year, he said. “Controlling costs and finding new revenue is essential to keep the user fees competitive,” he said. “If we are able to maintain the capabilities of the airfield while reducing costs, it creates a win-win for our users.”

After initial data collection and analysis, the airport is expected to conduct necessary coordination with the FAA, stakeholders, airport user groups, tenants and the public during various meetings. Additionally, any proposal to close runways or implement airfield modifications would have to be approved by the FAA and be required to undergo an environmental impact report.

Missouri-based HNTB Corporation was awarded two separate contracts, totaling more than $1.1 million, to assist the airport in conducting the geometry study and strategic plan. The Long Beach City Council awarded the contract last December, and the city attorney’s office is currently finalizing it. The consulting company previously provided design and construction support services for the airport’s modernization program, including the air carrier ramp upgrades and the new passenger concourse and terminal project.

Funding for the study came from FAA grants received for airport capital improvements. The FAA is paying 95 percent of the cost, while the rest will be funded by airport operating funds, which the airport is hoping to cover by applying for passenger facility charges. The study and plan is expected to support 12 full-time equivalent positions.

(Sean Belk - Long Beach Business Journal)

New livery for Atlantic Airways

On February 29, 2012, Atlantic Airways British Aerospace Avro 146-RJ100 (c/n E3357) OY-RCC was captured sporting the carriers new livery at Manchester International (Ringway) (MAN/EGCC).

(Photo by Nik French)

Stewart AFB C-17A arrives at Long Beach

Stewart AFB C-17A (P-28) 95-0103 arrived at Long Beach Airport (LGB/KLGB) from Stewart AFB on February 29, 2012 at 1333 pst and parked at the MDC (Boeing) MOD Center. This is the first time a Stewart a/c has been in Long Beach. This aircraft was originally delivered to the USAF on August 29, 1996 and was based at Altus AFB.

(Photo by Michael Carter)

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)